Shikamaru

I felt like finally our walls are falling apart, like we are getting one step closer to each other. I hugged Temari close to my chest, enjoying the warmth – both physical and emotional. I smiled to myself silently, feeling happy and relaxed, glad that she's not fighting any more, hoping she won't fight in the future. However, our games were not finished yet, they just started.

I gently lifted her chin up and gazed into her deep eyes that now had a warm, soft look. I could get used to this look. I bent down slowly, still looking into her eyes, as if asking for a permission, and I got it – she closed her eyes and extended her neck a little, waiting for a kiss. But my lips didn't touch hers, I softly kissed her on the cheek and let her go, buttoning up my shirt and getting ready to leave. I hid my smirk as I saw her confused, pouting look – I won't let her figure out this game too easily.

- Are you leaving? – she asked with a strange voice.

- I guess I am, unless you want me to stay.

With my words her face became an amazing picture of inside struggles. I knew she wanted me to stay, but she was too proud to admit that. She wanted my affection, but would never let me think she needed that. So I admired her fight with herself over the next words she will have to say, and I admit I had no idea what she will decide, when she retorted:

- Do as you wish. – And she turned around and walked towards the kitchen, but not before I caught a glimpse of something unfamiliar (offence/sadness/pain) in her eyes. Her principles won the fight this time but not without a price.

She stood at the kitchen counter, pouring some tea in the cup. I came closer and glued myself to her, throwing my hands around her petite shoulders and burying my face into her fluffy blond hair.

- I wish you'd poured me some tea too; then put me on your sofa, snuggle in my arms and we could both pretend to watch a movie.

Temari I knew would kick me in my nuts and laugh at me till the end of my days for such an offer. The new Temari, which I realized was someone I knew only partly, tried to hide her smile. She was so sweet I was surprised myself.

- Only if we watch a horror movie and afterwards you'll bake me some pancakes so I don't have to cook tomorrow.

Now I smiled like some idiot.

- Deal.