Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I will never own Naruto.

"Temari, stop lagging behind. We need to get going."
"But he'll show up. I know he will. We just have to wait a few more minutes." Temari protested.
"Temari, we don't have time. We've already spent three more days here than we should have." Gaara sighed.
She frowned, not wanting to leave Konoha quite yet. It was peaceful here and besides, she hadn't seen Shikamaru since the night they fell asleep in the street. Needless to say, she had been disappointed, especially since he had promised they would get together again. None of his friends knew where he was. His blonde teammate hadn't seen him in any of his favorite places or even at the hospital. "Maybe he's not interested in me after all."
The Sand ninja had just passed through the gate when they heard someone calling. Temari's spirit lifted immediately and she whirled around. "Shikamaru!" She held out a paper with her address on it and he took it.
"Hey. Sorry I haven't been around lately, but I was elected to teach academy students." He shrugged, indicating the children behind him. "It's troublesome, but whatever."
A cute girl with light brown hair in two pigtails clapped her hands together. She looked admiringly up at Temari. "When I'm older, I want to be a great kunoichi just like you!"
Temari couldn't help but smile. The girl was adorable. She wondered briefly what it would be like to have a daughter with Shikamaru. She nearly blushed and quickly banished the thought from her mind. "That's an honor. Thank you."
"Thanks for everything." Kankuro spoke up. "Bye."
Temari turned and took a few steps, then paused. She glanced over her shoulder at Shikamaru. "If there's any more trouble, just call us and we'll come to help. Is that all right with you, Mr. Crybaby?" She smirked.
The shadow ninja just grinned. "Women talk too much. That's why they're all..." He trailed off.
Temari's eyes sparkled. He didn't have that lazy look on his face. Instead, she thought she recognized a few traces of interest. She refrained from kissing him. For one thing, there were kids around. She didn't want to be a bad example. For another, her brothers were there. She did not want Kankuro to become protective again.
So she walked off, lifting a hand over her head before disappearing from view. She felt Shikamaru's gaze on her the whole time.
They traipsed on in silence until Kankuro opened his mouth. "So, Temari, what exactly did you and shadow boy do a few nights ago?" He grinned.
Temari groaned in exasperation. "Nothing, Kankuro! We did absolutely nothing! Can't you get it through your thick skull already?!" She tapped his forehead. "Nope. It's as hard as a rock."
Kankuro scowled. "Shut up. I know that you like him."
"Wh-what makes you say that?" She sputtered. "I don't like him."
"Don't bother denying it. I can see it in your eyes."
"Will you two please stop arguing?" Gaara sighed.
Temari exchanged glances with Kankuro. "Yeah, sure."
"I can't believe it. Gaara asked us to be quiet instead of threatening us to be quiet. I don't think I can get used to this. But then again, it will be nice to talk to Gaara without fearing for my life."
She slowed her pace and, observing her brothers, smiled. They were talking and Gaara was even allowing Kankuro to joke around a little. She was even more amazed when a small smile crept across the red-head's face.
"Maybe life will become normal now. Maybe I won't have to be so worried all the time." But even as she thought that, she knew that there would still be difficult times ahead. But now she knew she wasn't alone. She knew that there was someone who would pick her up and carry her when things got rough.
Temari smiled to herself. "Thank you, Shikamaru. You've given me hope and courage to face the future."

Sorry it's so short, but I couldn't think of anything else to add...