Quality Time
The sun cast its golden glow over Konoha as Shikamaru sat in the quietude of their garden. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, providing a serene backdrop to his restless thoughts. His mind still lingered on his last conversation with Temari, her question reverberating in his skull: "Are you happy living with me and Shikadai?"
The simplicity of the question had shaken him, unraveling a facade he had carefully constructed. He always thought of Temari as confident and assured, never doubting his love for her. The realization that she had insecurities, that she needed reassurance, left him feeling disoriented and self-critical.
Their home bore the subtle signs of Shikadai's teenage presence; the scattered shogi board and pieces on the porch were proof of their growing son's interests and maturity. Shikamaru stared at the pieces for a moment before finally deciding to confront what was bothering him. He had to talk to her, make her understand how deeply he valued her.
Rising to his feet, he made his way inside. Temari was in the kitchen, preparing a meal with the practiced ease of someone who had settled into the rhythm of a busy household. Shikamaru's heart clenched at the sight, and he wondered how he had neglected to see all the love she poured into such simple acts.
"Temari," he called softly, breaking the trance of his own thoughts. She looked up, her eyes searching his face for a moment before offering a small, tentative smile. "Can we talk?"
She nodded, setting aside her work. They moved to the living room, taking seats where Shikadai's shogi board lay as a silent testament to their life together. Shikamaru gestured for Temari to sit, joining her on the couch.
"I've been thinking about what you asked me," he began, his voice steady but earnest. "About whether I'm happy living with you and Shikadai."
Temari's eyes shimmered with a vulnerability he hadn't seen before, urging him forward, lending strength to his words.
"I know I'm not around as much as I'd like to be," he continued. "The work... it pulls me away, and I fear that I'm missing out on so much. But Temari, despite all of it, you're what makes this life worthwhile."
She looked away for a moment, the silence heavy. "Sometimes, I worry... that I'm not enough. That Shikadai and I aren't enough to make up for all the time you're away."
Shikamaru reached out and took her hands, anchoring himself to the woman who had stormed into his life and reshaped it. "You're more than enough. I don't know if I've ever properly told you, but I'm so thankful for everything you do. For the way you support me, wait for me, take care of Shikadai... and for how you take care of me, even when I'm too blind to see it."
Temari's breath caught, and she met his gaze, tears threatening to spill. "Shikamaru..."
"You're an extraordinary woman, Temari. Strong, beautiful, and... way beyond what I think I deserve. There are times when I feel the weight of this life pressing down, and I think I don't measure up. But then, I see you. And I remember why I keep pushing forward. Because even in my weakest moments, your strength is a beacon."
Shikamaru felt a lump in his throat, his own insecurities bubbling to the surface. "I don't know how to say it without sounding like an idiot, but... I love you. More than words can express, more than I thought possible. And sometimes, I'm terrified because I don't feel worthy of you."
With a soft, determined squeeze of his hand, Temari stopped him. "Shikamaru, you're everything to me and Shikadai. I see the sacrifices you make, the burden you carry for Konoha. I know it's not easy, and it takes a toll on you. But never doubt how grateful I am... how much I love you for it. For being there for us, for being the incredible man that you are."
In the quiet that ensued, their unspoken words settled between them. Shikamaru leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers, feeling the calm after a stormy revelation.
Temari's soft lips met his in a tender, reconciling kiss. In that pocket of tranquility, they found each other again, bridging the gap that had formed. Though they had been intimate before, it had often been hurried, always careful not to wake Shikadai, never truly savoring the moment.
But now, in the deepening twilight of their home, they completely surrendered to each other's touch. It was not just an act of love, but of genuine appreciation, of an unspoken promise renewed. For the first time in a long while, they took the time to truly care for each other, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, connected, unhurried.
In the quiet aftermath, wrapped in each other's embrace, Shikamaru whispered to Temari, "We'll make it work. Together. Always."
And in the silence, Temari's soft, grateful smile was all the answer he needed.
* Rekindling the Flame*
Shikamaru lay in the quiet aftermath, Temari's lithe form nestled against him, her breathing slowly evening out as she clung to him. As he gently caressed the curves of her body, he allowed himself to marvel at her beauty, a privilege he realized he'd been neglecting for far too long. His fingertips traced the contour of her shoulders, the dip of her waist, and the subtle strength in her thighs. Each touch reminded him of a time when he had taken moments to simply appreciate her, to savor the closeness they shared.
Lately, their intimacy had often been rushed—they'd been careful not to wake Shikadai, hurried by their responsibilities, and devoid of the slow, tender exploration that had once defined their love-making. But tonight was different. He wanted it to be different. Shikadai was away on a mission for the next three days, and Shikamaru realized he had the rare chance to truly reconnect with Temari, to rekindle the passion and affection they both deserved.
His mind drifted back to the last time they were together intimately, after the anniversary incident. They had been feeling neglected and hurt, but sill in need for release and touch. They haven't been done it since the incident and both were having an itch. Their physical union then had been anything but tender; it was mechanical, rough, and raw—more like a fight than an act of love. It had been a release of pent-up frustration rather than a genuine expression of their feelings for each other.
Shikamaru's brow furrowed slightly at the memory, at how disconnected he had felt even in such proximity to her. He hadn't held her close, hadn't kissed her with the depth of love he felt, and he certainly hadn't taken the time to savor the bond they shared. It was something he wanted to change, something he needed to change.
"Temari," he whispered, his voice a soft rumble in the stillness.
She hummed in response, her eyes fluttering open to meet his. Shikamaru's breath hitched at the trust and love he saw reflected in her gaze.
"I want to spend these next few days with you," he said, his hand gently cupping her face. "Really spend them with you. Exploring each other like we used to. I want to remember how it feels to be close to you, how it looks, everything."
A warm smile spread across Temari's lips, her eyes softening even further. "I'd like that, Shikamaru. Very much."
He felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over him. The promise of the next few days held a kind of hope that their recent hurried encounters had lacked. He kissed her forehead gently, a silent pledge to honor the intimacy they were about to rekindle.
As they lay there, intertwined, Shikamaru's mind quieted, the weight of their past tensions lifting. All that mattered was the woman beside him and the love that would guide them through the days to come. He knew this would be more than just physical reconnection; it was a reaffirmation of their bond, an immersion in the emotional depth they shared.
Slowly, he let himself drift into sleep, comforted by Temari's presence. Tomorrow, they would begin anew, savoring every moment, rediscovering each other in ways that transcended the physical. And Shikamaru was determined to show Temari just how much she meant to him.