She gasped as she opened her eyes, immediately she reached for her phone.
Her sudden movements woke Shikamaru, who would normally still be asleep, but like her he barely got any good sleep.
Temari let out a sigh of relief, as she sat up on the bed.
Shikamaru followed her, encircling his arm around her shoulder. Temari leaned against him, blinking as she sighed again softly.
"We can talk about it if you want." Shikamaru said softly, sitting perfectly still as he said that. "Or we can just keep quiet and sit here."
"It still seems pretty surreal," she said. "If everything goes according to plan, then…"
Shikamaru gave her a gentle pat on the back. "I'm sure Gaara will update us on anything."
Shikamaru's phone vibrated, the couple turned their heads simultaneously as he reached over with his free hand and picked it up.
A text message from Neji.
Done. Hiashi arrested. Let me know when the Suna side is done too.
After a quick glance, Temari immediately reached over to her phone.
No news yet.
Little did she know, it was happening.
The brunette man sat quietly at the dining table, as the officers stood and hovered above him.
"Mr Rasa Sabuku," their leader held a warrant in his hand as Rasa looked up. "You are under arrest for bribery and fraud," his voice was ice cold.
Gaara took a glance at his father, who looked oddly calm. The older man stood up and straightened his shirt, fastening his cufflinks.
"Well played," he said, not looking at his son. "Feels good doesn't it? Plunging a knife into your father's back."
Gaara looked at him coldly. "Officers, may I have a moment with my father?"
The leader nodded and moved his team towards the entrance of the dining room, just out of Gaara's sight.
"Tell me son," Rasa glared at his son as Gaara stood up. "How long have you been plotting this?"
"Much longer than you thought," Gaara looked at his father coldly. "You asked me whether it feels good to stab you in the back - to be honest, father, I feel nothing."
He walked up to his father, and stared into his eyes with his cold, jade-coloured eyes.
"Whatever feeling I had, we had," he paused as his father's eyes widened. "They died when you suffocated me, way back in time."
Rasa smirked and looked at him. "Look at you, whining about feelings - you are soft, son, you always were."
Gaara blinked. "Your words won't hurt me, not anymore."
The younger man turned around and walked towards the dining room entrance, just as he was about to leave, he turned his head one last time.
"While you are in there father, perhaps you would want to rethink how you, how we got here today." He blinked at his father, who, despite his utter defeat, kept his condescending smile on his face. "You've dug your own grave, and you don't even recognise it even when you're standing in it."
Gaara nodded to the officers on his way out, and turned to the stairs towards his own room.
Fishing his phone out of his pocket, Gaara quickly sent a message to his sister.
As his finger pressed sent, he wondered for a moment how she would react.
It's done.
Temari took a deep breath as the number of the digital display dropped.
Shikamaru held her hand and smiled at her. "Don't worry, we've rehearsed this - you'll be fine."
Temari smiled back. "Sorry you've to go through this with me."
"Well, it's a drag but I kind of signed up for a lifetime when I asked you to marry me," Temari's eyes widened as Shikamaru shrugged. "I know, I know, you haven't said yes yet."
Temari shook her head with a smile. "Thank you."
Shikamaru felt a warm fuzzy feeling inside of him; he gave his girlfriend a gentle squeeze on his hand.
The elevator door opened in front of them, Temari could already see the blinding flashlight.
The security guards separated the sea of reporters before them, she turned around and smiled at Shikamaru.
He smiled back as he blinked, and gently, he let her go.
Tenten was about to step in but Temari shook her head at her, smiling.
"Miss Temari! Miss Temari," the reporters fell to silent as Temari raised her palm and reached a podium that was set up with a row of microphones in front of her.
"I will answer your questions one by one," she pointed at one of them. "The man in the white shirt, please."
"Is it true that your father was arrested by the Suna authorities in connection to the Hyuga bribery case?"
"I am not sure," said Temari, her emerald eyes aching slightly from all of the flashing lights. "I have just as much information as the general public." Temari smiled briefly. "Lady in the purple blouse, please."
"Are you worried that you will be investigated as part of the case?"
"Not at all," said Temari, shaking her head. "In fact, I haven't been affiliated with Mr Sabuku for quite some time now." She pointed at another reporter.
"What is the next step in your plan?'
"I'll live my life without any disturbance," she smiled and said. "Of course I will let you know should the need arises." Temari blinked. "One last question."
"A bit more personal, Temari," the man asked. "Did your father give his blessings to your upcoming marriage with Shikamaru?"
Temari paused for a second; she turned around and looked at Shikamaru.
He gave her a reassuring nod - it was all she needed.
Funny how when those in power start to fall, more and more will appear out of nowhere and push you deeper into the abyss.
More and more people - previous employees, business partners all filed testimony with the police against Hiashi and Rasa, it was nearly certain that the two would not stand a chance in court.
Temari sighed softly as she peeled her eyes away from the television. Tenten smiled at her with a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Are you feeling ok?"
"Yeah," Temari blinked. "I knew this was coming."
"You meant the plea deal?"
"Yes." Temari said. "My father is a businessman, he knew that this was the best deal he could get - twenty years with a possibility for parole." She sniggered softly. "I wasn't surprised but it still felt quite surreal."
Tenten looked at her friend - Temari's face was much more relieved yet something was still bothering her. "You don't look that alright though."
The blonde woman smiled at her manager. "He's my father after all, in another world we might still have a loving family, all of us together."
As she plunged deep in thought, It almost felt like she was in a trance when she saw her younger self sitting in the living room of her home in Suna, with Kankuro and Gaara by her side, her father watching them quietly at a corner while the three of them gathered around …
"Temari! Your phone is ringing!" She snapped out of her trance as Tenten handed her phone over.
She smiled as she glanced at the screen. "Hello?"
"Busy?"
"Yeah, I just finished work." She smiled. "What's up?"
"I have a surprise for you," his voice always seemed to calm her down and gave her the reassurance she need.
She glanced at Tenten briefly with a smile. "Wow, I don't think it's our anniversary or any special day."
She could hear him suck his teeth. "You know I don't bother with stuff like that."
"I do, which is why I'm … quite excited?"
"Heh," he smiled. "I'm on my way to pick you up. See you."
"Alright." She put her phone down before turning towards Tenten. "You spy."
"If it makes you happy, it doesn't hurt to let Shikamaru-san know you schedule right?"
Temari stretched her arms as she walked out of her trailer, she saw him leaning against his car, waving at her as she walked towards him.
Opening the door for her, he entered the car after her.
"How's work today at the office?"
"Good," he replied. "New product is launching soon, after that, we'll have more time."
"We?"
Shikamaru smiled as he started the engine.
Temari arched an eyebrow as her boyfriend left her hanging in the air, she said nothing as they drove away.
It was truly a surprise as Temari found herself at the lobby of the Konoha hotel - as Shikamaru walked towards the reception, she patiently waited for him.
"What is it?" She asked anxiously as he returned to her side.
"You'll see." He held her hand in his, as Temari anxiously glanced around.
They waited for a while, she felt Shikarmaru's hand releasing hers, before he turned around and stood in front of her. "Close your eyes."
Temari arched an eyebrow before doing as he told her. The darkness evolved into different faded shades of colour as she waited, her heart burning with anxiety - the suspense was too much for her to bear, especially at such a sensitive time.
"Open your eyes." Her eyes slowly adjusted to the light as she did, her emerald eyes widened as she found herself staring at a face that was familiar, someone who she had not seen in a very long time. Before she could say anything, she found herself encircled by a familiar warmth, a warmth that she had not seen for a very long time.
"Temari." The voice sent chills down her spine - she had not heard this voice in years.
"Mom," she whispered softly as she wrapped her arms around the other person.
Her knees caved in as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face; her mother followed as she did, her sobbing incessant.
"Let's talk upstairs," Shikamaru leaned down next to the crying mother and daughter. He noticed a few glances from those walking by, it is fine - the Konoha Hotel has seen its fair share of emotional breakdowns, besides, paparazzis are strictly forbidden within the premises of the hotel.
He escorted the two women back to the hotel room he booked and gently ushered the two women into the room.
Shutting the door behind him, he stood outside of the room and decided to wait patiently.
"Mum," Temari was in disbelief, she looked at her mother - a blonde woman slightly taller than her and well into mid-life; she stared back at her with her dark blue eyes that were drowning in happiness.
"I...Temari, I…" The older woman stroked the curves of her face, her other hand holding onto her arm firmly. "I am so sorry Temari."
Temari bit her lip as her mother retracted her hands and covered her own face. "I shouldn't have left you with that monster."
"I...I am sorry, I wasn't thinking this through when I divorced your father - I, I just wanted to get out of there."
"I understand, mum," Temari said, she took her mother's hand in her own. "I...I didn't understand at first, I was too young at the time but I knew now."
Karura looked sadly into her daughter's eyes - those eyes that witnessed her husband's abuse towards her, those eyes that saw her mother disappearing from their lives … god knows how much more hurt has the owner of those eyes been through.
"Temari," her mother touched her face, it was as if a warm current flowed from her. "Forgive me, for…"
"You don't have to apologize for anything, mum." Temari smiled at her. "I might not have the happiest childhood but I love my life right now."
Karura paused for a brief moment, the look in her eyes gently and loving. "I'm happy for you Temari."
Temari turned and looked at her mother, who pointed her head towards the door. "You've found someone who cares for you."
"You wouldn't believe it - after I left your father, I changed my name and moved to Iwa, I picked up my dreams to draw again and had my own gallery, imagine my shock when that young man knocked on my door," Karura laughed softly. "He really wants you to be happy."
Temari blushed and looked away. "Mum," she muttered softly.
Karura laughed again. "We shouldn't keep him waiting for too long."
She held her daughter's hand as they walked towards the door.
Shikamaru jolted a little bit as the door opened behind his back. "Hey," he smiled at the two women.
"I hope you're hungry," he said. "I've reserved a table at the restaurant just a few blocks past, Gaara and Kankuro will also be there."
"You've invited them all the way…"
"They're in town to make a statement regarding your father and Hiashi, might as well." Shikamaru shrugged as if it was not a big deal; that was until he saw Temari's face, tears clinging at the rim of her emerald eyes as she smiled so brightly it lit up the room.
She held his hand gently as her brothers shared warm embraces with their mother; as Shikamaru watched the siblings together with their mother, it was almost the happiest he had ever seen her.
That night, Temari wrapped her arms around Shikamaru as they lie together in bed, her head rest comfortably against the curve of his neck.
"Thank you, Shikamaru."
"Don't mention it." Before he was able to mutter another word, she sat up, causing him to turn around. Before he could react, she pressed her lips against his, the touch sparked an exchange as he held her by the waist and she rested her weight upon his figure, their tongues entwined before they broke the contact with the two of them gently panting for breath.
"I…" Temari blushed a bit. "I don't know where to start."
"Women are so troublesome," He laughed softly as he pulled her into his arms; Temari leaned against his shoulder and sighed softly.
"You know how all these mean a lot to me," she said softly, not sure if he could hear her. "Thank you."
Shikamaru gently patted the back of her head. "Time for some long-awaited good sleep."
It has been a few months since that day, almost every day, Temari paid attention to the news for any further updates.
And today was that day.
"Breaking news - the High Court of Konoha has handed down an unprecedented joint judgment with the Supreme Court of Suna on the case of collusion and corruption between the disgraced tycoons Hyuga Hiashi and Sabuku no Rasa," Temari froze as the news played on the television.
"Turn up the volume," Tenten obliged as Temari turned and locked her eyes onto the screen.
"Given the scale of the criminal scheme and the degree of involvement of the two men, the joint courts, giving due consideration with the guilty plea, sentenced both men to twenty years imprisonment, the first ten years with no possibility of parole."
Temari sighed softly and looked up at the mirror.
"Twenty," she muttered to herself. "Twenty."
That's almost as long as she had been on this earth, she thought to herself.
"Temari?" She snapped out of her trance.
"Shikamaru said he'll come pick you up after today's shoot."
Temari nodded with a smile.
The shoot ended early so she was more surprised to see him, already waiting at the side of his trailer.
"You're early."
"I took the day off, figured I'd do that." He opened his door for her, not before eyeing her with a smile.
White blouse, figure-hugging jeans and sleek black heels - just like the time she first had a conversation with him.
"You're wearing the same shirt we met outside the Konoha Hotel," Temari smiled at him.
"Good eye," he replied before starting the engine.
The couple remained silent for a few minutes as Shikamaru cut through lanes and they hit the highway.
"Where're we going?"
"Somewhere," he said. "Where we can talk."
Temari smiled and looked out of the window as the trees and cars flew by.
She rolled down the window as she felt a fresh gust of wind rushing into the car, mixed with the salty smell of seawater.
"Fishing aren't we?" Temari smiled as she stepped off the car. The Nara's seaside house brought up some fond memories between them as he closed the car's door behind her.
He caught up to her and took her hand as they walked inside, he took her to the balcony on the second floor, the sun shone softly as it slowly descended towards the west, beginning to paint the blue sky in a hue of coral.
"What a day," Temari clutched the rails of the balcony, Shikamaru went to her side and did the same.
"I know." He said with a soft laugh. "What a troublesome ride - but at least you've gotten some peace."
"Right." Temari smiled. "You know, my mother called me last night."
"Oh," he said. "Did she go today?"
"No, she doesn't want to see my father's face ever again." Temari laughed softly. "I wonder, Shikamaru, will that ever happen to us?"
"Never," he said sharply, almost snapped at her. Temari arched an eyebrow with surprise. "Not if I have a say."
Temari laughed. "I'm joking."
"But I'm serious." Shikamaru turned and looked at her sternly. "I'll never hurt you."
Temari blushed and grinned at him. "I know."
He took her hand in his without saying a word.
"You know what?" Shikamaru smiled softly. "I thought about what I'd do today."
"And?"
"I thought, it'd be nice for the two of us to be here, just talk, and…"
Temari arched an eyebrow. "Actually, Shikamaru."
He paused, arching an eyebrow in surprise. "Yeah?"
"I've a question for you." Temari grinned mischievously. "What's your proposal for our wedding plan?"
"What?" Shikamaru gasped in surprise, laughing with widened brown eyes. "But…"
"Don't you remember?" Temari fished around her pocket and placed something into his palm.
He looked down - it was the ring he proposed to her with at the airport.
"Aren't you going to help me put it on?" Temari held out her hand.
"But you haven't…" Temari knocked him on the head and frowned at him with a smile.
"Stupid," she held out her hand with the widest grin and smiling emerald eyes sparkling in the orange sunlight. "I already did."
Shikamaru grinned and knelt down, he held the ring and slid it gently onto her ring finger.
"Troublesome."
"There's no turning back now, I've said yes."
"I know." He stood back up and held her by the waist. "I wouldn't exchange it for the world."
The couple's lips locked them into a passionate exchange, as Temari's diamond engagement ring basked in the sunlight.
They have had their ups and downs, but at this time, this place, this moment - it was their moment, embraced by nature's own warm fading limelight.
Author's note:
Hello all, it has been a while ... I am not sure whether I should end the story right here, or should I write another chapter
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this! I'm finally on holiday and can write! Thanks for your love and patience as always.
V.S.V xoxo