Shikamaru

I knew I was in trouble, again. I knew I shouldn't have done what I did, but at that moment it seemed I stopped thinking and the only thing I needed to do was to touch her. Everywhere. I blame her skirt, it was too short today and… well, yeah.

I came back home, secretly sniffing my fingers on the way back and shivering inside every time. Every normal guy would do that and does that, I am sure, because that smell was sexy, it made me want more, made me want to do some kinky things to her. I could not stop thinking about it. However judging from her reaction today, that was not going to happen too soon.

Temari is so difficult to manage I have actually no idea how to get closer to her. If I'd try to hug her gently, most likely I'd be shoved away instantly and if I started being nice to her, she'd just be confused and taken aback. So the only way I know is to kiss her – then she forgets her temper, at least for a second, and that is worth it. But then again, I need to find a way to break her walls.

This evening we were invited over to Sakura's place. She was making some sushi and suggested to watch a movie or two. I had a serious doubt whether Temari wanted to go there with me but I decided not to disturb her until then, I felt that might complicate things even more. Later that day when I started getting ready, I noticed a huge dark bruise on my breastbone. I sighed, and my chest bones and muscles hurt. I guess I deserved it. I went down the stairs and knocked at her door, but there was no answer. I listened closely, but heard no sound, so I figured she left early. Perhaps I was right about her not wanting my company any more.

I went straight to Sakura's flat. She was still living with her parents but they were gone somewhere to visit someone, so she had the place to herself until Friday afternoon. I chatted with my friends, the usual bunch was here, and popped a beer with Choji, when she came out of one of the rooms with Ten Ten, who was giggling girlishy, while Temari only had a sly smile on her lips. She looked as stunning as ever and today she wore a blouse with quite deep cleavage. I sighed silently. She glimpsed at me shortly and her expression changed into sulky. She ignored me for the rest of the evening, even though I tried to talk to her at least twice.

- Hey, Shikamaru. – Choji came to me with know-it-all eyes. – Just apologize and leave her be, she'll come back to being normal, if you left her alone. – He tapped me on the shoulder.

I was simply speechless. I wasn't really surprised he noticed – he always notices what's up with me – neither about the tip. He knew about women more than I did, somehow. So I followed his advice and left her be, ate some sushi, watched a movie, chatted with Choji and other guys, and I even managed to have a decent conversation with Ino before I left. Others stayed for another movie, Temari included. I glimpsed at her before leaving but she didn't even notice me anymore.

I came back to my house and slid a note under her door with a single word - "sorry". Nothing happened on Friday and there was no news on Saturday. I kept living my life and doing the usual stuff but I would be lying if I told that I wasn't thinking about her all the time. So when I went to visit Asa and she asked why didn't Temari come, I decided to ask Kurenai for an advice, making her second person to know about us.

Her first reaction was a sincere, magnificent laughter. I thought it will last forever and I just sat there, my face brightly flushed, silently waiting for her to calm down.

- I'm sorry Shikamaru, but that was very unexpected. Congratulations though, I think you two would be good together, considering your parents…

- Please don't say that… - I rolled my eyes, not enjoying the fact that the two of us remind of my parents to everyone.

- Okay, sorry again! – She smiled, a little amused. – You have to make her feel safe, talk to her, listen to her, understand her, or at least try to do that. She needs to know she can trust you and tell you things she wouldn't tell anyone else. If you only come to her to kiss her, she will think you want to use her. – I felt a blush creeping up my face again. She sure understands a lot without me even telling that much.

- But the problem is, I have no idea how to make her feel safe and how to make her want to talk to me. She's kind of difficult to handle… - I frowned, feeling helpless.

- Maybe you should ask your dad for the advice? – Kurenai offered, trying to hide a smile.

- Yeah, I think that time is coming… - we ended up laughing.