Quality Time
"Tmari," 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. 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."
Shikamaru leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. Temari's soft lips met his in a tender, reconciling kiss. Recently intimacy 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.
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 still in need for touch. They haven't done it since the incident and both were needing a release. Their physical union then had been anything but tender; it was 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. He kissed her forehead gently. All that mattered was the woman beside him.
Slowly, he let himself drift into sleep, comforted by Temari's presence.
Sunrise Reverie
The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Shikamaru stirred from his sleep, feeling the warmth of Temari's body pressed against his. A sense of peace and contentment washed over him as he registered the sensation of her soft, familiar curves nestled against him.
With careful movements to avoid waking her, he began to trace gentle patterns over her skin. His fingertips explored the smooth expanse of her back, the delicate curve of her shoulders, and the tapering of her waist. Each touch was an attempt to memorize the feel of her again, to imprint the sensations deeply into his mind.
He marveled at the softness of her skin, the fullness of her form. His hands sought the contours of her breasts, relishing the familiar weight and shape that fit perfectly in his palms. Temari's legs were entangled with his, her thigh slipping over his own, and he couldn't help but smile at how natural and intimate their closeness felt.
Shikamaru's thoughts wandered back to the early days, to a time when he could only dream of moments like this. As a teen, he had secretly harbored fantasies about Temari. She had always been the hottest girl in his mind, a mixture of strength and beauty that left him bewitched. The idea of being able to freely explore and touch her had seemed an impossible dream back then.
He remembered the first time he had dared to navigate her body beyond the boundaries of friendship. They had met during an alliance gathering, and the connection between them had been electric. He had been tentative at first, unsure and amazed that she would even allow him such intimacy.
The memory was vivid, etched in his mind with the clarity of a pivotal moment. Her skin had felt like silk under his hands, and he had reveled in the discovery that she was even more beautiful than he had imagined. Her body was the epitome of femininity, her breasts and hips perfect in their proportions, every curve a testament to her allure. He had been in awe, completely entranced by the reality of her physical form, which far surpassed his wildest imaginings.
Since then, he had enjoyed the privilege of exploring and loving every inch of Temari's body, always marveling at the bond they shared. And now, in the quiet intimacy of the morning, he felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the love and connection that had grown between them over the years.
As he continued to caress her, Temari stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She smiled up at him, a warmth in her gaze that matched the affection he felt.
"Good morning," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep.
"Good morning," he replied, his voice soft but filled with the weight of unspoken emotions. "I was just thinking about how lucky I am."
Temari's smile widened slightly as she nestled closer. "Lucky, huh? Why's that?"
"Because I get to wake up next to you," he said, his fingers tracing the line of her jaw. "Because I get to touch you, hold you, and be with you. You've always been the most incredible woman to me, Temari. I've loved every inch of you, from the very first day I dared to dream about you."
She reached up, her fingers grazing his cheek. "And I've always loved you for being you, Shikamaru. For seeing me, for loving me the way you do."
He leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, feeling the warmth and love between them reignite with renewed intensity. This was their time, these precious days without distractions, to rekindle what had been hurriedly kept alive amidst the chaos of their lives.
Breaking the kiss, he began to explore her body once more, his touch reverent and deliberate. This was more than just physical connection; it was an affirmation of their bond, the celebration of their love and shared history.
As the sun continued to rise, casting its warm glow over them, Shikamaru and Temari reveled in their renewed closeness, prepared to spend these next few days rediscovering the depths of their relationship, savoring every moment.