He escaped to the bathroom, relieved and frustrated at the same time.
She had been cuddling him. She hadn't just asked to be held this time. She had held him.
It would have been so easy to have turned and kissed her then.
But he didn't want to rush things. He didn't want it to happen like that.
He wanted...what exactly?
He sighed to himself.
Why did he have to be such a dreamer and schemer, always needing to have things be perfect before acting?
Because besides Temari, perfection didn't exist.
To be honest, he wasn't sure why she was so affectionate and touchy all of a sudden.
He didn't dare believe something could happen.
Why me? Despite all my nagging, all my laziness, all my complains, could she really be interested in me?
Tonight, he thought. Tonight's the night. After dinner. I'll tell her.
She watched as he left the room. Was he running away from me?
Did I read his signs wrong?
Was he just a really nice guy after all?
Or does he think that I'm not pretty enough?
Or is he just as scared as I am?
Oh, my poor Shikamaru, I hope that is it. Because I don't care anymore.
When I put my cheek against yours, it felt so right and I thought that I was finally going to get to kiss you.
But I got scared and let you get away again.
Never again.
Tonight. After dinner.
Tonight's the night.