She watched him walk away; making no move to stop him.

She pondered his words, and realized that again he had been able to read her like an open book. Sure she could pursue Shikamaru as a rebound, as a last resort that someone would or could find her acceptable. But that's not what she wanted; she wanted to see Shikamaru for who he is, and know that she actually likes him because of that reason.

Time was ticking by; and anxious revelation in the midst of her scattered thoughts.

Hinata was still playing in the water with the boys; Naruto and Kiba playing chicken with two of Naruto's clones. Kurenai was setting the outdoor table, whilst Kakashi finished on the grill; she noticed Shino sitting close to Kakashi in companionable silence. But Shikamaru was nowhere to be seen; only a tell-tale trail of footprints down the beach told of his adventure.

She bit her lip, warring with herself over whether or not to go after him. She needed to know that her heart was no longer Sasuke's; that she was over that man. Sure she had declared it when Shikamaru had asked but that was only half out of pride. And said man surely knew that.

He hadn't given her an explanation yet about how she confused him; and he read her so easily. How on earth was that possible? Shikamaru was impossible to confuse.

Maybe, just maybe, she made him feel things that he wasn't sure of? The very thought sent shivers down her spine, for he was surely doing the same to her with every little glance…

It was then that she found her resolve. Shikamaru made her feel; made her see herself in a different light. With him; she was beautiful, smart, funny… she was amazing. She was herself.

Shikamaru was worth pursuing. He was worth risking her broken heart for.

And with that, she leapt to her feet and started after the shadow nin. Soon however, she found walking wasn't nearly fast enough. She applied chakra to her feet immediately and sprinted down the beach, letting her instincts guide her as she closed her eyes in utter exasperation.

So many things could go wrong in this situation.

She shook her head fiercely, this was NOT Sasuke. To Shikamaru; her words bore the value of gold. He hung on her every expression, his calculating eyes always shining with amusement, always watching intently, and always listening.

"OUF."

A pile of limbs, a swift pain running through her body as she collided with something noticeably hard… and very warm.

"Ne, Sakura… what on earth are you doing running full speed down the beach with your eyes closed?" A gruff, amused voice chuckled in her ear.

She knew who it was beneath her now, even before she opened her eyes in shock. She was straddling his lap, he was leaning back on his hands for support, and his face was inches from hers. She blushed a deep red, but made no move to pull away.

"I-I… umm…" She couldn't believe herself, she sounded like HINATA for kami sake.

Shikamaru cocked an eyebrow and stared at her, a handsome smirk adorning his features.

She shook her head, her will steeling as she drew a deep breath. She stared straight inter his beautiful amber eyes.

"Did you really mean what you said?" She asked rather quickly, averting her gaze as her cheeks heated up once again.

A soft touch made her tense in shock. Fingers trailed across her cheek, pushing a lock f hair back off her face. She lifted her eyes to attentively, unsure of what he was doing. To her surprise, he wore a look she had never seen on him before. His deep eyes were gentle, encouraging, and oh so soft… His lips were parted, his body melted yet firm against hers.

"I meant every word I said to you, silly woman." He whispered.

His eyes sparked with something she had never seen before, not even with Sasuke. Shikamaru's eyes darkened and she gasped as she read the yearning and lust woven in them.

Hi arm snaked around her waist, his other hand cupped her cheek. He held her to him in a tight embrace; and she never felt more at peace.

"You are beautiful to me Haruno Sakura, not just on the outside either. Your soul shines through your tough façade, making me contemplate whether or not you're truly human; you're more an angel than anything Sakura. Your power is not used to kill, to vanquish. It's used to heal, to protect if necessary; so unlike a shinobi. I would be a fool, a damn fool, if I didn't notice just how amazing you are. And you've been a fool, to believe a man like that could or would ever take notice; no man could realize your worth better than I can." His whisper fell on her ear alike drops of soothing rain on a scorching day, easing away her anxieties easily.

The way his lips caressed her name made her heart skip a beat. And she felt her lips part on their own accord. Those words sang to her soul.

"I want to know, the woman behind those beautiful eyes. I want to know the woman that heals the sick, and loves the unkind. Will you let me know her, Sakura-chan?" His voice was so deep; husky and full on meaning.

She melted, the residual tension leaving her body immediately. Everything he said was washing away her insecurities. She nodded, and suddenly found herself crushed against him. He tucked her head beneath his chin, and held her to his broad chest. She could hear the rapid beat of his heart, and wondered if it was truly her that made it pound that way,

Her body fit so perfectly into his. She sighed in contentment and let her palms go slack against his pecs. Shikamaru was so… big. His arms encased her tiny form so easily. He smelt so good, of smoke and rain… the musky, masculine sent made her head swim.

"I could sleep out here all night, if it meant I could hold you like this forever." He said, his voice lulling her toward unconsciousness.

She vaguely felt him pick her up, and sit back down, probably against a tree so he could lean against something.

As she felt the temperature drop, she peeked her eyes open. The sun was setting; shots of ruby and deep pinks shot across the horizon, leaving her breathless once again. Deep oranges, yellows and a light green painted the higher parts of the sky, melting into dark blue. It was beautiful. It was perfect.

"Go to sleep Sakura, I'll wake you when we have to leave."

With the knowledge that someone who truly cares was holding her, she let herself fall into the darkness. She snuggled deeper into Shikamaru's chest, and felt him chuckle. Her mind went hazy… and black.

SO SORRY for the non updating thing and all… its been a busy busy couple of weeks people. Anyways, don't I wish I had a man like Shikamaru?! UGH. ShikaSaku heating up :] Thanks for the reviews and I hope you all keep reading. MUCH LOVE.