Fated

Temari walked out from Shikamaru’s car and was greeted by a beautiful sunset, she was mesmerized by the beauty of it. It was incomparable and nothing like any sunsets in Suna. Suddenly, Shikamaru asked her a question that made her turn around.

“………Can you tell me why did you ask me to be your fake boyfriend?”

She forgot to tell him the reason and probably this is the best time to say it. There’s no reason for her to hide it and she was planning to tell him in the first place anyways but Temari actually forgot. She smiled at him but her eyes were starting to moisten and a tint of red appeared on her nose and the corner of her eyes. She pulled her lips in and turn her gaze anywhere other than him. The memory of her with Shira started to invade her mind.

“Because of Matsuri” she chuckled as her voice became low and husky “I heard you rejected her and she got heartbroken. Then I planned an act of revenge on her…..using you”

“Wait? Why would you do that?” Shikamaru was surprised about her revelation and thought it was unexpected “What did Matsuri has done to you?”

“Sorry I wasn’t able to tell you at first. I know you’re going to decline it if you found out the real reason behind it”

Shikamaru walked towards her spot with darkened gaze and grabbed her shoulder, making sure that her eyes focused on him “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you doing this revenge on her Temari?” He wanted to know the real reason behind it because guilt starts emerging inside of him.

“Matsuri……Matsu” Temari’s tears started to fall down her cheeks, she wiped them before continuing her speech “I love her like a sister, she’s my best friend, and…..I just found out that she and my boyfriend just cheated on me” both hands were now covering her eyes. Temari couldn’t hold it back anymore, she starts crying and whining in front of Shikamaru.

Shikamaru loosened his grip and a cold sensation just touched his nape “I’m sorry, I didn’t know” His eyes traveled to her face, he cannot bear seeing her in this state and his mind wished there was something he could do just to calm her.

Temari burst out crying, all of the emotions that she hides for the past week just arose inside her. Maybe she needs this, maybe she doesn’t need to pretend that she’s okay when she’s not. Her eyes were filled with tears and all she could see is a blur. Her throat released sorrowful whines and stuttering words.

Suddenly, she felt his hand slide to her waist and pulled her closer. Shikamaru buried her head in his chest while sliding his hand to her back, comforting her. They were in that position a little longer, until she finished pouring all her emotions out. Temari felt much better after she cried, her hand wiped the last tear on her cheeks while still leaning into his chest. She was thankful to him for the comfort he gave that day.

Shikamaru was surprised after seeing her vulnerable side, he feels sorry about what happened to her and Matsuri. What she acted that day was all valid and it all makes sense to him now. Seeing this side of her just created a new memory in him. His heart felt a pain hearing her cry and his soul couldn’t handle of all it.

“Let’s go inside, so you could rest” He whispered to her ear and grabbed her hand and they both walked towards the resort’s hotel.

When they reached the reception area, they both saw Kakashi, Kiba, Naruto, Neji, and Sai having a conversation.

“Oh, there you are. Shikamaru, Temari, come here please” Kakashi said while waving at them

They both walked toward them still holding each other’s hands.

“Why? Is there a problem?” Shikamaru asked

“Not really….uhm” Kakashi hands the key to their room “Here”

Shikamaru grabbed the key, he looked at Kakashi still waiting for another key because it was supposed to be two keys for the two of them.

“Where’s the other key?” He asked

“There’s no other key. You will share one room, this resort is kind of fully booked right now and we have limited rooms to avail. Neji and Kiba suggest that the couples should share a room instead to solve this problem”

“No, wait! We requested two separate rooms” Temari shrieked

“We really wanted to avail separate rooms for the couples believe me but the resort is fully booked right now. Don’t worry if we find another vacant room, we will give it to you but for now, we only have this” Kakashi explained.

Shikamaru scratched the back of his neck and mumbled what a drag under his breath. He gazed at his friends who are now looking suspicious of him “It’s alright, we will share a room tonight” Shikamaru pulled Temari to the elevator door, away from the reception area.

“Get off me! Why did you agree!?” Temari whispered but with an angry tone

“Just go with it. They might suspect our fake relationship if we keep on pushing to have separate rooms”

The elevator door opened and they both went inside. Temari couldn’t decline it since she has no choice but to share a room with him. They reached their room; it was posh and elegant. There’s a bathroom, a study table, a wardrobe, a couch, and one king-size bed.

“There’s no fucking way I’m gonna share bed with you,” she said while crossing her arms

 “Well, that looks like it”

“What hell do you mean that looks like it!?”

“No, I’m not going to sacrifice my back by sleeping on the couch tonight!” Shikamaru immediately jumped in the bed, marking his side.

Temari immediately grabbed his arms pulling him away from the bed “Get out of there! You’re sleeping on the couch!”

Shikamaru resists her pulling, whatever it takes he will sleep on the bed and not on the couch. He grabbed her arm in return and pulled her beside him, Temari stumbled and Shikamaru had the chance to pin her in the bed.

“We are going to share this bed whether you like it or not!” He loosens his grip and slightly moved away his face from hers “I’m not going to do anything if that's what concerns you, I don’t bite”

“As if! That’s not what I’m thinking!”

“Then why are you too firm about not sharing the bed? Are you scared you might break your rule number five?” Shikamaru sarcastically said to her

“Excuse me! Are you hearing yourself? Even if you stripped in front of me here, I will not break rule number five!”

“Yeah right!” He rolled his eyes and stand up from their spot “I’m going use the bath first”

Temari lay in bed and closed her swollen eyes. She realized all the pain in her heart just washed a little, she feels good after crying because it helped to ease both her physical and emotional pain. She starts thinking about her relationship with Shira.

Did I control you that much?

I think we are really not that compatible. You probably just stayed because I asked you to.

But you still cheated you asshole.

Matsuri is probably the right person for you, I can see it now.

Temari slowly reached her acceptance phase and her heart realized that she also has faults in their relationship. Seeing the truth before marrying him is a blessing in disguise. She stands up from the bed and starts walking Infront of the balcony, the gust of wind on her face calmed her. Suddenly she heard Shikamaru walking out of the bathroom, finally, she will be able to use the bathroom.

Her eyes widened at what she just saw. Shikamaru came out from the bathroom with his hair down and wearing only a towel but what surprises her the most was the scars on his body like he did some Kenjutsu sparring before. She couldn’t help but stare with an open mouth, curious about where he got those scars. Temari could feel the warm sensation crawling from her neck up to her face.

Shikamaru reached his clothes into his bag when he saw Temari staring at him “What?”

“Uhm, nothing….I didn’t know you have a lot of scars” She was startled and didn’t notice that she was staring at him a little too long. She must admit that it was sexy, Temari has a thing for boys with battle scars. That is probably why he liked Shira before.

“Oh yeah. These?” He said while putting on his shirt “I actually didn’t know where I got them, it’s weird don’t ask me. Except for these two, I actually got them” He points to the big scar on his rib and thigh.

Temari didn’t answer but just looked at it. Suddenly, someone knocked on their door. Shikamaru opened it and find Neji standing outside.

“Hi, we will be having a bonfire I’ll be seeing you two later. There’s food, booze, and dancing so I hope you will have fun there” Neji said

“Of course! We will go there later but we need to unpack first. Thanks for the invite Neji” Shikamaru said

“Sure thing Shikamaru, bye for now. I need to invite the next door” Neji left after he said that

Temari walked towards him after chilling on the balcony “What is it?”

“The team will be having a bonfire later. Uhm, we usually eat, drink, and dance in every bonfire session”

“Well, that sounds fun”

They both start unpacking their stuff and prepare themselves to join the bonfire session.