Moonlight brought back memories for Shikamaru, from their first battle to now. He stepped closer to Temari. "Maybe * I didn't want to hurt you. *"
His words hit her hard. Temari looked down, cheeks red. "That's a tricky answer."
"It's late," Shikamaru said, looking around. "Want to find a quiet place to talk? Just us."
They walked to a sand dune, stars shining above. Night animals called softly in the distance.
"I've seen you change," Shikamaru said. "From a girl who cared about winning to a strong leader."
"Complimenting me?" Temari teased, eyes watery. "But you beat me back then."
"That was before," Shikamaru said seriously. "Now, you're more than wins or losses. Tonight's fight? I needed you."
A breeze moved Temari's hair. She faced him, eyes locked. "What about Tsunade's secret mission? What's your plan?"
Shikamaru laughed. * She knows me too well. * "I wasn't sure about it," he said.
"Why not?"
"Because * I don't want to mess this up. * I care about you, not just Tsunade's orders."
Under the stars, they got closer. Temari felt his warmth, heart racing. His lips were so near.
"Sometimes," she whispered, "guys make things hard. Some feelings are easy, but you hold back."
Shikamaru grinned. "So you think we..."
Temari stood on her toes and kissed him. Time stopped. The wind blew sand, and stars glowed, leaving just them.
They pulled apart, foreheads touching, breathing together. "Clear enough?" Temari asked, face red.
"Way better than I thought," Shikamaru said, touching her hair.
"What's next?" Temari asked, biting her lip.
"Forget politics tonight," Shikamaru said, arm around her waist. "I just want you."
He kissed her again, deeper. Temari shut her eyes, years of waiting fading away. They lay on the warm sand, holding each other under the stars.
"From now on," Shikamaru promised, "we face everything together. With you, it's never too hard."
Temari snuggled close, smiling. "That's my Shikamaru. Always there."
The night grew darker, desert stars brighter. Worries disappeared, leaving only their sweet moment.
The next morning, the Sand Village square was busy. Villagers put up tents, and colorful flags waved. The party celebrated last night's win and welcomed Shikamaru's team.
"These decorations look great," Shikamaru said, watching the workers.
"Our best workers made them," Temari said, her hair swaying in the breeze. "Just for you."
By afternoon, the party started. Leaf and Sand ninjas mixed, laughing loudly. On a stage, Sand dancers spun, their skirts twirling, bells ringing.
"Try this, Lord Shikamaru," a server said, holding out Sand treats: sandthorn juice and lamb sticks.
Shikamaru took a bite. "Really good."
Nearby, Gaara talked with elders. He waved Shikamaru over. "Last night went well," Gaara said. "You two worked great together."
"Just doing our jobs," Shikamaru said humbly.
Temari came with drinks. "What's the talk about?"
"Building stronger ties between our villages," Gaara said, taking a cup. "Especially for surprises like last night."
"That gives me an idea," Shikamaru said quietly. "We could make a warning system, using Sand's wind chakra and Leaf's sensing skills."
"Smart plan," Gaara said. "Talk it over with Temari."
Temari's face turned pink. "Gaara, that's..."
"What's the problem?" Gaara teased. "You two get along. It's a great chance to work together."
At night, bonfires burned bright. Villagers danced around them, drums beating. Shikamaru watched Temari dance in the crowd, her face red from wine. The summer heat and drinks made her antsy.
"It's hot," she mumbled, undoing her outer clothes. Her black mesh shirt hugged her body, catching nearby ninjas' eyes.
Shikamaru frowned. * She's bad with alcohol. * He knew Temari got crazy when drunk, doing wild things.
"Time to rest," he said, standing.
"No! I'm not done," Temari whined, wobbling.
Shikamaru sighed and used Shadow Imitation Jutsu, steering her to her room. She tripped, giggling. "So dull... I want more wine..."
In her room, Temari got wilder, rolling on the bed, then singing to the moon at the window.
"Hide and seek!" she laughed, hiding behind a screen.
Shikamaru breathed deep, fighting his growing desire. The alcohol made it hard to stay calm, and Temari's playfulness excited him.
"Stop it," he growled. "Go to sleep."
"No way!" Temari peeked out, sticking out her tongue. "Catch me!"
Out of patience, Shikamaru used Shadow Binding Jutsu. Dark shadows wrapped Temari, pinning her to the bed.
"Let me go!" she wiggled, but the shadows held tighter.
"Be good," Shikamaru whispered in her ear.
The mix of alcohol and desire heated the room. Moonlight glowed on the bed, dreamy and soft. Temari's struggles slowed, her breathing fast.
"Shikamaru... are you drunk?" she asked, voice shaky but curious.
"Not drunk," he said, voice low. "I'm wide awake. * I've wanted this forever. *"
His fingers slid over her chest, brushing the mesh shirt. The rough fabric teased her skin, making her shake.
"Don't," she whispered, but her body leaned into his touch.
Shikamaru grinned, then tore the mesh shirt open, showing her breasts.
The ripping sound echoed in the quiet night. The black mesh split, baring Temari's pale skin. The cool air made her shiver, waking her up a bit. She tried to cover herself, but Shikamaru's shadow jutsu held her, leaving her exposed.
"Pretty, isn't it?" Shikamaru said, staring at her in the moonlight. Her body glowed softly. "The desert's jewel still shines without fancy clothes."
"You jerk... sneaky Leaf fox..." Temari said, teeth clenched, eyes teary.
Shikamaru leaned close, nibbling her ear. "A fox now? Where was that before?"
"Ugh... let me go..."
"No chance," he said, kissing her neck, leaving red marks. "I'm not letting this go."
His lips stayed on her collarbone, then moved down. In the moonlight, he saw her skin prickle with nerves.
"Don't... kiss there..." Temari gasped, her voice soft and wanting.
Shikamaru didn't listen, his tongue moving lower. When he kissed her nipple, her body jerked.
"Real sensitive," he teased, kissing harder while his hand squeezed her other breast.
"Ah... stop... too much..." Temari tilted her head back, her neck curving.
Shikamaru stopped, looking at her red, swollen nipples shaking as she breathed. His throat tightened, want growing stronger.
"This is what I always wanted," he said softly, kissing her nipple again, nipping it lightly.
"Ugh... easy..." Temari twisted, trying to pull away from the strong feeling, but the shadows kept her still.