Ahh, I know I know it took so long to update. I moved and started work and it's just been crazy. But the final chapter is finally here, so I hope you all enjoy!

Shikamaru woke up and had a few seconds of peace before he remembered he had to leave. The peace shattered and he sighed. Soon he'd be back in Konoha, continuing to learn how to advise the future Hokage. Just the thought of dealing with Naruto practically 24/7 was enough to make him groan.

Said groan stirred Temari from her slumber. She turned over in bed to look at him and let out a huge, unflattering yawn.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hey," she said, sleepy. She snuggled back into her pillow and closed her eyes again. "What time is it?"

Shikamaru checked the nearest clock. "Almost six in the morning. Early."

"Hnnn," Temari was almost asleep again.

Not wanting to wake her, Shikamaru tried to slip out of bed as discreetly as possible. It didn't work.

"Where are you going?" She whined, eyes opening again.

"I have to get ready to go. Kakashi expects me back in a couple days. He was nice enough to let me come here so the least I can do is get back on time."

She sat up, a little crease appearing between her eyes as she frowned. "Since when do you care about punctuality?"

Shikamaru stripped off his pajama shirt and slid on a regular one. "Since I started caring about my future career."

"Hmph," Temari stood up and ruffled her hair. "will you at least stay for breakfast, or are you that excited to get rid of me?"

"Of course," Shikamaru said, walking over to her and embracing her at the waist. "Don't be mad at me just because I have to go."

Temari still didn't look happy, but she wrapped her arms around his neck anyways. "Fine."

He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. "What's for breakfast, dear?" he asked mockingly.

"Very funny," she said, breaking the embrace, "I don't know, let's go look."

"Alright, let me just pack my stuff up." He gathered his stuff while Temari went to the bathroom to relieve herself and change out of her pajamas. When they were both done they headed downstairs and made some breakfast.

"So," Shikamaru asked as they ate at her kitchen table, "anything exciting going on with work?"

Temari shrugged, "I'll have some catching up to do after this last week, but nothing too fun. The world has been kinda boring since the war ended."

Shikamaru smirked, "I for one have been enjoying the peace."

"Peace is fine," Temari protested, "but I'd just like to be able to blow away some idiots every now and then, y'know? Just to blow off some steam."

"I guess," Shikamaru said noncommittally, finishing up the last of his breakfast. He stood up and put his dishes in the sink.

"I'll walk you to the gates," Temari said quickly.

"You sure? You don't have to," Shikamaru told her, glancing outside. Even in the early morning, the sun beat down harshly. "It already looks troublesomely hot outside."

"You did it to me a hundred times in Konoha," was her dismissive response. "Besides, I want to."

"Fine," Shikamaru hoisted his bag onto his back and took a little look around her apartment. He said a mental goodbye to the cozy place and opened the front door, stepping out into the hot, crowded alleyway. Temari closed it behind him and the two joined hands.

The walk to the front gate was short. Too short, in Shikamaru's totally unbiased opinion.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," Temari said bitterly.

"Not for too long," Shikamaru promised. "I'm gonna try and get back here soon, I promise."

"Yeah, maybe...I'll talk to Gaara too, maybe get another ambassador mission to Konoha or something."

Shikamaru smirked at her, "Isn't ambassador a little below your qualifications?"

Temari shot him a grin and elbowed him lightly in the ribs. "I think for you I can take the humble duty, crybaby."

Shikamaru reached out and grabbed her around the waist. "Good." he said quietly, "I'll miss you."

Temari quickly looked around the very public front gate, but the only people around were guards who very pointedly weren't looking at them.

He leaned in and kissed her, but she pulled away quickly, crimson. "We're in public," she whisper-shouted. "People will see."

"Good, let them." Shikamaru said, "Let them all see that you're mine. That way no one will try and funny business while I'm gone."

Temari broke the embrace with a hearty cackle. "As if I'd let them," Temari boasted, "and that goes double for the bimbos in Konoha. I don't want to have to beat anyone bloody next time I come to visit."

Shikamaru waved her off, "yeah yeah, troublesome woman. Whatever."

They were silent for a moment before both broke out in a light chuckle.

"Safe travels, Shikamaru," she told him with a confident smile.

"Thanks Temari, see ya around," He told her, turning around. He walked the first thirty yards before breaking into a sprint. Soon he was out of sight, and Temari let her smile drop.

She was going to miss that lazy jerk.

The trip back to Konoha was unremarkable. He made it in two days and was currently waiting to see Kakashi to give his 'report' on the 'mission'.

Shizune popped her head out of the Hokage's office, startling the daydreaming boy. "The Hokage is ready to see you now, Shikamaru," she said kindly, opening the door wider for him.

Shikamaru yet out a loud yawn and stood up. He sauntered into the office, where Kakashi was waiting for him.

"Hello Shikamaru," Kakashi said. "How was the return trip?"

"Uneventful," Shikamaru told him. "The mission was a success though."

"Glad to here it," Kakashi nodded. There was silence for a few seconds. "Anyways, considering this whole mission was practically a farce, there's no real reason to go any further. You're free to go." he nodded his head towards the door.

However, Shikamaru did not move. He stood rooted to the spot, thinking of what to say.

Kakashi understood pretty quickly. "Oh ho, so the mission really was a success, huh?"

"What do you mean?" Shikamaru asked.

"I may not have the Sharingan anymore, but you're too easy to read." Kakashi teased, leaning back in his chair and gracing the Jonin with a scrutinizing look. "You want to get back with Temari together as soon as possible, yes?"

Shikamaru fought the blush creeping up his neck. It was a losing battle. "Was I really that obvious?" he muttered, annoyed.

"Well, you see I am quite the romantic myself. I pick up on these things," Kakshi said coyly, picking up a copy of Icha Icha Paradise taped to the underside of his desk. "Now, I suspected this might happen. Do you want to hear my plan?"

Shikamaru bit his tongue to keep from blurting out "Yes please!" too desperately. Instead he took a deep breath and said with as much nonchalance as possible, "Yeah, sure."

"We're in need of representitves from each nation to oversee the founding of the new government. There will be a year in each nation, with Konoha being the first. I can see if Temari is willing to be the Sunan representative."

Shikamaru's heart skipped a beat. "A whole year? That might be more than I can handle."

Kakashi laughed, but Shikamaru was only half kidding.

"I'll put in the request then," Kakashi told him. "Now, if that's all..." he looked around the piles of paper work that surrounded him. "I'll have you take care of all this." His eyes twinkled, "welcome back to Konoha."

Shikamaru sighed, but his smile ruined it.

"By the way, the mission starts in two weeks," Kakashi added.

Shikamaru shook his head. "It can't come soon enough," he admitted.

Kakashi stood up and walked over to Shikamaru. He slapped him on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you Shikamaru, I wish you both the best. Just make sure it doesn't distract you from your work."

"Of course not," He assured the Hokage. "I'll be fine. So will she."

"I'm glad," Kakashi told him, turning to the door. "Now, while you sort this out, I'm going to go have myself a nice nap. Ciao!" He practically ran out the door.

Shikamaru watched his Hokage cape flutter behind him as he sped down the hall way. He turned and looked at the stacks of paperwork around him.

The future was difficult and full of hard work, but as long as he had Temari and his friends with him, he felt he could tackle anything as long as he gave it his best.

For the first time in a long time, Shikamaru smiled as he worked.

Fin.

Bonus scene:

Temari lounged on her bed, brooding. Stupid Shikamaru. Who was he to make her feel this sad just because he wasn't around. It pissed her off and made her want to ugly cry at the same time.

There was a knock on her door. Not in the mood for company, she ignored it. She heard the door open a few seconds later and sighed, knowing that Gaara had an impatience for waiting. "I'm up here," she snapped, "but make it quick!"

She heard soft footsteps coming up the stairs. Gaara stepped into her room, as solemn as ever.

"Big sister, there has been word from Konoha." Gaara stated, getting right to the point as usual.

Temari hid her interest well. "Oh, what do they want?"

"You." Gaara leaned against the door frame, a wry smile threatening to appear along the corners of his mouth. "For a long-term Sunan Representative position."

Temari shot out of bed. "What? You're kidding."

"I rarely kid." Gaara said flatly. "It begins in two weeks. Do you want it?"

"Yes." Temari said quickly.

Gaara turned to leave. "I figured as much. Enjoy yourself, Temari. You've earned this happiness."

Temari smiled softly as Gaara began walking down the stairs. "Thanks, Gaara."

A few minutes later, when she was sure Gaara was gone, she flopped back on her bed and let out a little squeak of happiness she wouldn't dare let out in the presence of anyone else.

Finally, for the first time in her life, she was at peace with her past, happy with her present and excited for the future.

And that's the end of the story! I'm SO sorry for the delay. Moving back home has really put a damper on my muse, but I wanted to finish this story! I had so much fun writing this, I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! I might have one final story to post for Naruto, so stay tuned!

Ciao,

~Knifez.