Outside, the sun rose. A new day began. "Sleep, it's morning," Shikamaru said, tucking Temari in and kissing her forehead. The first rays of sunlight slipped through the curtains, highlighting the love marks on her body.
"Mmm…" Temari curled up in his arms, eyelids heavy. She was exhausted, worn out from their wild night.
Watching her peaceful face, Shikamaru felt a deep satisfaction. * This proud Sand princess is finally all mine. * From now on, in bed and in life, she belonged to him.
"Sneaky man…" Temari mumbled in her sleep.
Shikamaru smiled, pulling her closer. To others, he might still be the lazy Nara genius who complained about everything. But Temari knew the real him: strong and commanding.
"Have a good dream," he whispered, closing his eyes. There were things to handle, like explaining their absence last night to the Sand Village. But he believed it was worth it. With Temari in his life, even bothersome tasks felt lighter.
The morning sun grew brighter, marking the start of a new day. For Shikamaru and Temari, it was the beginning of a new life together.
At dusk, Temari woke slowly. Her body ached, reminding her of last night's passion. Shikamaru was gone, but his warmth lingered on the bed.
"Last night was too much…" She touched the marks on her skin, blushing. * This Leaf guy is wilder than I thought. In bed, he's a beast. *
As she daydreamed, the door opened. Shikamaru walked in with a tray of food, grinning when he saw her awake. "Finally up? I thought you'd sleep till night."
"You…" Temari glared. "This is your fault!"
"What?" He set the tray down and sat on the bed. "Not happy with last night?"
"Who's talking about that!" she snapped, embarrassed. "I'm the Sand's…"
"Desert rose?" Shikamaru cut in. "Who was moaning so sweetly last night?"
"You shameless jerk!" She threw a pillow at him, but he caught it easily.
"Stop it and eat," Shikamaru said, placing the tray on her lap. "You must be starving."
Looking at the steaming food, Temari's anger faded. She hadn't eaten since last night. "Thanks…" she said quietly, digging in.
"No problem," Shikamaru said, smoothing her messy blonde hair. "You'll get more of this service later."
"What's that mean?" she asked.
"When you come to the Leaf," he said with a sly grin. "I can't wait to teach you more lessons."
"Pervert!" Temari blushed but felt her heart flutter.
"After eating, we need to see your brother," Shikamaru said, still smirking.
Temari sighed and started dressing. When she picked up her torn mesh shirt, she frowned. "Guess I'll wear my spare clothes," she muttered.
"Need help?" Shikamaru asked, pretending to care.
"No! I can do it," Temari said, face red. "Get out."
"Fine, I'll wait outside," he said, adjusting his clothes. At the door, he added, "Don't push yourself. If you're sore, tell me."
"Bossy," she said, but her tone was sweet.
Shikamaru closed the door and leaned against the hallway wall. Hearing her rustle inside, he smiled, picturing her clumsily dressing.
About fifteen minutes later, Temari stepped out, looking normal but walking stiffly. "Let's go," she said, acting casual.
"Need a hand?" Shikamaru teased, offering his arm.
"No way!" She pushed him but stumbled. Shikamaru caught her by the waist. "Told you," he said.
"Shut up…" Temari buried her face in his shoulder. "This is your fault."
"After we see your brother, want me to 'fix' you up?" he asked.
"Don't you dare!" She glared but softened. "Focus on Gaara. If he notices anything, we're in trouble."
"Don't worry, I've got this," Shikamaru said, getting serious. "Let's go, the Kazekage's waiting."
They walked to the Kazekage's office, looking calm but buzzing inside. Shikamaru replayed last night's heat, while Temari prayed Gaara wouldn't spot anything odd.
On the way, Temari slowed her steps, trying to walk normally. Shikamaru watched her, giving worried glances.
"Sis!" a familiar voice called. Gaara and Kankurō stood outside the office building.
Temari forced a smile but winced when she bowed, her soreness flaring. "You okay, sis?" Gaara asked, noticing.
"Just tired from training," she lied, avoiding Shikamaru's teasing look.
"Let's go in to see the Kazekage," Kankurō suggested.
They entered the building and reached the top-floor office. The room was simple but grand, with a view of the bustling Sand Village.
At the office door, Temari took a deep breath, fixing her appearance. Despite her efforts, her flushed cheeks and tired eyes showed through.
"Sis," Gaara's voice came from inside. "Come in."
"Sharp as ever…" Shikamaru muttered.
They stepped in. Gaara sat at his desk, reading files. He looked up, his eyes lingering on Temari.
"Last night…" Gaara started, then stopped, realizing he'd said too much.
"Nothing big," Temari said with a forced smile, trying to seem normal. "Just talked with Shikamaru about our villages' alliance."
Gaara's sharp eyes flicked between them. He noticed Temari's stiff walk and faint red marks at her collar. As Kazekage, he missed nothing.
"I see," he said calmly. "What's today's meeting about?"
"Adjusting border trade rules," Shikamaru said. "Merchants say the process is too slow and want it simpler."
The talk turned to business, but Gaara kept watching. When Shikamaru leaned close, Temari's ears reddened, and she looked away.
As they discussed borders, a Sand ninja rushed in. "Kazekage, a letter for Shikamaru from the Leaf," he said, handing over a sealed note. "It's urgent, about the Five Village Summit."
"Five Village Summit?" Gaara raised an eyebrow. "What's the Cloud Village up to?"
Shikamaru read the letter, frowning. The Cloud Village wanted a sudden high-level meeting. With tensions high, the Raikage's request felt strange.
"Looks like I need to head back to the Leaf," Shikamaru said, folding the letter. "Gaara, we'll finish this later."
"No problem," Gaara said, glancing at Temari. "Temari can go with you as the Sand's diplomat."
"Huh?" Temari blinked.
"Don't want to?" Gaara asked, eyes narrowing. "Didn't the Leaf invite you for a visit?"
"Of course I'll go…" Temari said, fixing her expression. "I just don't want to bother Shikamaru."
"Bother?" Shikamaru smiled. "Having the Sand's prettiest ninja with me is an honor."
His words made them both awkward. Shikamaru knew it might stir jealousy, and Temari blushed, thinking of last night.
"It's settled," Gaara said, standing. "Be careful. Send any important news back."