Welcome. This was originally "Summer Nights to Autumn Days: Part Two" and is a sequel to "Those Summer Nights" (Originally: Summer Loving); but if you can't be bothered reading the prequels:

- Shikamaru and Temari met at a resort over summer break. He was working there and she was a guest, and they had a brief summer fling while they were there

- Neji and Gaara were both guests at the same resort and bonded over the fact that they were pretending to be fun-loving (which they weren't); Neji ended up losing his virginity to Gaara; acknowledging that they might never see each other again.

THIS IS A RE-UPLOAD. Just saying. It was deleted before, and I'd really like it to NOT be deleted again. If you have a major problem with it, then pay attention to the warnings and/or message me so I can alter it. :)

WARNING: Contains YAOI and will contain LEMONS.

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

There was a frustrated knock on the bathroom door for the third time in the last fifteen minutes. Temari ignored it again from where she was sitting on the edge of the bath, not really knowing how to react.

"Temari, Kankuro's leaving now," Gaara's flat voice called to her, "He says he'll call later; and I have work in an hour." Again, Temari didn't respond, and her youngest brother's voice gained a slightly worried tone, "Temari, are you okay in there?"

"I'm fine," she assured him; her voice sounding hoarse as she momentarily snapped out of her stupor to stare at the bathroom door and count back the weeks. Really, she didn't know why she was counting; there was only one possibility, "I'm just not feeling too good." Even as she spoke, she could feel her stomach heaving again and slid off the edge of the bath to hang her head; trying to choke down the nausea.

Once the newest wave of nausea had passed, she managed to get to her feet and open the door for Gaara to be able to use the bathroom. He gave her a strange look as she passed but said nothing as she dragged her feet down the corridor to her bedroom.

When she was safe within the confines of her own room, she flopped down on her big bed and curled up into the foetal position.

How did this even happen? Well, that was an easy one; she knew exactly how this sort of thing happened. Why it happened was something that she had to wrack her brains to think about. Finally remembering that she was Temari Sabaku; a strong, independent woman who didn't sulk or mope, she sat up again, taking a deep breath and getting ready to sort out her thoughts.

"Temari?" Gaara's voice sounded dangerous and gradually approaching, "…Would you mind telling me why there are four positive pregnancy tests in the bin?" The blonde looked up to see her little brother leaning against the door frame of her room with a raised eyebrow.

"…Probably because I'm pregnant," she retorted back sharply, and then a frown crossed her face. Gaara went and sat down on the bed beside his sister, having absolutely no idea what to say or do. She knew that he was completely clueless, but appreciated the proximity, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Are you…how do you feel?" Gaara asked awkwardly.

"Strange," Temari replied honestly, "I…I don't feel anything, really. I just…I have to decide what I'm going to do." After a moment of silence, she added, "I'll keep it."

"Are you sure; that's a pretty big decision…" her brother reminded her.

" –It could be a living, breathing human being, Gaara," Temari snapped hotly, "I can't just…kill it!" The redhead looked amused for a moment.

"…This does explain why you've been a lot grouchier than normal," he admitted, and she glared at him, "Sorry. Will you be okay?"

"Definitely," she assured him, standing up and brushing out the creases in her dress, "There are so many single mothers out there these days; why can't I do it?"

"…You really are jumping into this too fast," Gaara tried to tell her, but when Temari's mind was made up, it was made up. Already she had beautiful images flashing through her mind of her proving to society that a child doesn't need both parents to grow up strong and well-rounded. Her brother knew exactly what was going on in his sister's mind and sighed heavily.

That was just typical Temari; tackling a challenge head on. She'd think of a way to get through it, yes, but she could be so prone to losing sight of how big a deal it really was. Intelligent though his sister was; it was nothing compared to her pride –in herself and her abilities. Motherhood –he shuddered at the thought of tough Temari raising a child –was just something new for her to conquer.

Maybe the shock that a small infant was growing inside her and was going to be dependant on her and only her for the next 18 years hadn't settled in yet. And though Gaara knew that he and Kankuro would be there for her…

"…Are you going to try and find the father?" he felt had to be asked. Temari cringed at his question and he figured she had spent some of her good hour in the bathroom puzzling over this dilemma.

"I…I'll deal with that when the time comes," she replied as vaguely as she could, and this answer did not reassure her brother about how prepared Temari was compared to how she thought she was. With a sigh, Gaara departed the room to change into a new outfit for his first day at work.

As soon as he was gone, Temari was at her desk with a pencil, noting the amount of time until she was due at her own work. There were lists to be prepared –plans to be made; appointments; items; books to be read. There was so much to do.

But though Temari put on a brave face, in the very back of her mind she knew she was clueless. She had to keep herself busy; keep her mind focused, otherwise she might just remember that she was completely, utterly unprepared for a baby. Only her inner self knew that behind the organisation, the pride and the fantasy, there hid panic, despair and helplessness. And Temari Sabaku never showed weakness.

So for now, she handled shock the same way she always did; refusing to let it sink in. The only problem was that Gaara could see right through it and wondered if Temari was headed for disaster.

It had only been a month of university, so Gaara was surprised to discover that his design supervisor had suggested him for a first-year internship at none other than Hyuuga Design; one of the leaders in design all over the world. Though they were renowned mostly for their clothing lines (none of which Gaara would ever wear), they also had branches in interior design, architecture, marketing and the gaming industry.

Now, Gaara had dabbled in all of these areas but apparently his skills were enough for Hyuuga to see his potential. They had sent him a letter telling him that they were offering him a position, and everyone said he would've been downright career-suicidal to refuse it. So of course, he had accepted it.

Now that he was actually standing in a pristine silver elevator with four people in pantsuits while he was in a black band tee and red skinny jeans; he felt for the first time that he was very much out of his depth.

He'd been greeted at reception by a receptionist who looked like she had wanted to send him to a disinfection shower. When he had less than politely informed her that he was the new intern, she had looked a little disgusted and sent him to the fifth floor.

Of course, that had meant that he had to spend five floors in an elevator with people that were not only taller than him but were dressed impeccably; tie clips and all. When they had looked down their noses at him, he had just right on glared back.

Fifth floor was filled with large office-like cubicles with large glass windows that looked out into the aisles. He could see that they were all uniquely decorated and that each one had a large planning desk –well lit. The other employees were working hard; drawing, sketching –a few were making presentations.

He was pointed to a large office at the end of one of the wings of the floor, with a smaller, empty cubicle right next door, which he assumed was going to be his. The big black office chair was turned away from the door, so he knocked twice before letting himself in.

"…I'm the new –" The word 'intern' died on Gaara's lips as the chair spun around mid-sentence to reveal a rather familiar face. The man hadn't seen him yet; too busy writing notes from the phone call he was in the middle of. The redhead's eyes widened considerably as he waited to be addressed.

" –Sorry about that," the man replied with a heavy sigh, finally looking up, "You must be…" The words died in his throat.

There was silence in the office for a long moment as both young men recognised each other but didn't need to say so. Gaara had found himself looking into the pale silver eyes of none other than Neji; a guy he could've sworn he left as a memory back in summer.

"…You work for Hyuuga Design?" Gaara found himself asking; knowing that he was dumbly stating the obvious. An amused smile played at Neji's lips.

"…All summer, you never thought to ask my last name, Gaara?" he raised an eyebrow, rising from his chair and holding out a hand, "Neji Hyuuga." Gaara took the proffered hand while trying to hide his astonishment. Neji was the mysterious son of Hizashi Hyuuga; one of the three heirs to the largest corporation this side of the time zone? They both sat; Neji still looking slightly amused.

"I never thought…" he began to say.

"Hinata is the eldest daughter of my uncle, Hiashi, who founded this company," Neji remarked in explanation, "We and Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, have been enigmas hidden from the tabloids for years until recently, when Hinata turned eighteen and she and I were named as the new faces of Hyuuga Design…I would have thought you would have heard."

"I don't keep up with the tabloids," Gaara deadpanned.

"Of course you don't," the brunette commented in that same, stiff, formal voice as he eyed Gaara's choice of clothing, "In any case, Hinata wished to spend her last free summer vacation as a normal teenage girl, so we put on false faces and went to the Suna Resort. The tabloids are aware of our personalities though not our names, so we merely changed what would make us recognisable."

The redhead had never heard Neji speak for so long.

"…I must say I am surprised to see you here, of all people," he finally said, after another long silence, his eyes softening, "Aren't you a little young?"

"Just turned eighteen," Gaara replied flatly, "First year of university."

"Don't misunderstand me," the brunette assured him, "…I'm glad to see you again." Gaara was glad to see Neji again but didn't say so; he was here for a job and knew that if he screwed up here, he would be hard pressed to be finding a job later in life. He couldn't allow their previous personal relationship to get in the way. Neji seemed to understand this by his silence and stood from his chair; gesturing for the new intern to follow.

"This will be your office," he informed him, showing him to the cubicle next to his office, "You will report to me, and I understand that you will be working here after classes each day?" The redhead nodded silently. "You are permitted to complete your coursework here, provided that any projects assigned to you by this company are still handed in by the deadline." Gaara placed his bag down at his huge desk and nodded appreciatively.

"Any materials you require can be accessed from the supply cupboard beside the elevator," Neji added; his manner having increased in its formality, "Feel free to decorate as you desire; provided it is in good taste, and your first assignment is in the envelope on the top left drawer of your desk." This was apparently the signal for Gaara to retrieve this envelope. "Someone will be around later this morning to equip you with an ID badge and a login for the company computer system."

"Thank you," Gaara found it was appropriate to say, "…And thank you for this opportunity." He managed a small (and what he hoped was a grateful-looking) smile, to which Neji just smirked a little.

" –And if you were wondering; there is unlimited coffee in the staff lounge," he added. "If you are unsure of anything, do not hesitate to ask. Also; I have seen a little of your work. It is astounding, and I believe that you will be an asset to this company in your time here."

The redhead couldn't get over how good the Hyuuga was at exit lines. In fact, as Neji left the office, Gaara couldn't help but notice how smooth he was; he suited that grey suit and pinstripe shirt like it had been made for him.

The new face of Hyuuga Design. He couldn't believe it. The guy he had slept with –heck, taken the virginity of –on summer vacation was an heir to billions; an heir to a billion dollar corporation that specialised in everything Gaara had ever wanted to be. He looked down at what he had thought was an acceptable outfit for an intern and found that he just couldn't imagine himself in a fancy suit like the one Neji was wearing; and hell, the guy was only just a year older than him!

With a heavy sigh and the feeling of excitement rising in his gut, he opened up the envelope and discovered to his delight that it was an interior decorating proposal for a major hotel chain. Only a small smirk to himself showed his elation at the project as he denied to himself in the back of his mind that he was secretly excited to see Neji again.

What he didn't notice as he began his drafting, was that silver eyes had glanced his way; secretly equally excited to see him too.

Temari smiled gratefully at her fellow waitress that had just fetched an aspirin and some water for her. She downed the painkiller and thankfully washed it down with the fluid.

"Are you okay, Temari?" Hana Inuzuka inquired, hands on her hips and a concerned look on her face, "You keep getting these headaches at work; is everything okay?"

" –Just a bit of a head cold," the blonde lied with a small smile, "It'll pass." Yeah, maybe in nine months, she added in the back of her mind as she took another gulp, "Anyway; how's your brother and his superstar girlfriend?"

"He's loving it," Hana snorted, folding her arms and rolling her eyes, "Hinata's too fucking good for him; that mutt of a brother of mine doesn't deserve her in the slightest; she's a sweetheart."

"I can't believe she's an heiress," Temari sighed, "Who would've thought Kiba would end date someone so well off?"

"She clearly likes him –why, I don't even know," Hana sniffed, "I mean, it's not like his personal hygiene is stellar or anything; and I got the looks in the family." She sighed, "Oh but what I wouldn't give for an hour alone with that stunning cousin of hers…"

"Who?" Temari raised an eyebrow.

" –Neji Hyuuga," Hana replied, as if shocked that Temari hadn't heard of this, "Haven't you been listening, Tem? I mean, their official photos only came out recently but…" Hana continued to rattle on for a moment as Temari frowned, running that name through her head before she arrived at the memory and chuckled.

"I don't know if you'd get much out of him in an hour…" she remarked knowingly, which froze Hana in her tracks, "…You know how I met your brother on summer vacation –he was friends with Gaara? Well…my little brother got a bit of loving...and it was with Hinata's cousin Neji." Hana's eyes bulged as her mouth fell open in astonishment.

"God, Tem! Why didn't you mention this before?" she exploded.

" –Gaara isn't exactly open about his sex life," Temari scoffed, "Besides, they pretty much broke off all contact when we came home; we didn't expect Neji to be a billionaire!"

"Hate to be a bother, ladies," a voice interrupted their conversation suddenly, "But remember how the two of you actually work here?"

"Yes Anko," the two of them sighed, rolling their eyes and straightening their aprons, flipping a coin for who had to go on dishes duty since it was quiet. Temari won and headed out to start taking orders.

She wandered over to the only new customer in the café and not even putting up pretences of a cheerful voice, inquired, "What'll it be?"

"…Troublesome…" came the sighed response and her eyes widened as she looked down at the table; recognising that ponytail and pierced ears anywhere.

"…Shikamaru?" she inquired in a shocked voice and he looked up with that slightly bored, irritated expression that she had both hated and loved. He looked confused for a moment, and then his eyes widened in recognition before he was suddenly hit incredibly harshly on the top of his head by Temari's notebook.

"That, is for not calling, you jackass!" she snapped huffily and unprofessionally, storming back off to the kitchen and demanding that Hana trade the dishes with her. Shikamaru groaned, rubbing the back of his head and after receiving a sympathetic look from a few nearby men, headed up to the register, where he could see Temari angrily throwing dishes into the sink.

" –Temari, I'm sorry," he called out, only to find his way blocked by an aggressive looking brunette woman.

"So you're Temari's lazy summer sweetheart that went and didn't call?" she commented in a sweet but distinctly dangerous tone, "Shikamaru, was it?"

"Yeah," Shikamaru replied with a sigh, "Look, will you tell her that I was going to call her…but I lost her number!"

" –You hear that Tem?" Hana hollered, "…Lost your number."

"I heard you, Hana," Temari snapped back. Shikamaru groaned.

" –Temari, please; I was going to call; but since I lost your number…I remembered you said you worked at The Examiner's Café so I came to find you," he sighed as an explanation. Temari stopped beating up the dishes to pause.

"Why now?" she inquired suspiciously.

"…My family's just finished moving to the city," he replied, rolling his eyes. Temari suddenly appeared at the register again, still looking suspicious, "…And I thought that maybe you would still consider going to dinner with me." He had that stupid half-smile on again.

"…I suppose I owe you that much for hitting you with my book," she remarked indifferently and he just shrugged, "Where are we going?"

"You tell me," Shikamaru smirked, "I'll pick you up from here when your shift finishes and we'll go someplace." Temari glared at him for just assuming her night was free –it was –but he didn't have to go assuming it.

"Her shift finishes at five," Hana called out with a cheeky smirk as he turned and left the café with a dismissive wave back at them, "Ooh, Temari; you didn't say how sexy he was…" Temari tipped her head sideways to check out how much Shikamaru really did suit the slightly baggy jeans and the brown shirt over a plain black tee shirt. He made casual look good.

And then, as they were both quite obviously checking him out, he turned and looked at them; winking before leaving; the two women blushing.

"How old is he?" Hana inquired, making purring noises.

"Nineteen," Temari replied.

"You cradle-snatcher, you," her friend giggled.

"Shut up, he's like ten months younger than me; so what?" the blonde snapped crossly, "Go do the dishes!"

It was nine-o'clock, and Temari set down the tray of tea she had prepared for her and Shikamaru, having invited him in after a lovely dinner –that he had paid for. She'd had a good time; politely declining alcohol and coffee, and though she had to admit that she had enjoyed being back in his company, there was still something bothering her in the back of her mind.

She sipped her tea and lay back against him as he held out an arm for her to curl up against. The TV was on but quiet.

"Something's on your mind," he sighed, having decided that she wasn't going to broach the subject. She bit her lip uncomfortably and that was all he needed to confirm it.

"…You're pregnant…aren't you?"

The way he said it; so casual –Temari couldn't help but sit up and stare at him in disbelief. Then again; he was a reputed genius; maybe she should've given him a bit more credit.

" –You've been calling in sick in the mornings," he explained, "I know because I've tried coming in to see you a few times. You kept turning down drinks and rubbing your stomach. That, and you kind of have a pregnant look about you."

"Are you saying I look fat?" she snapped, her eyes narrowing.

"Nothing like that!" he assured her, "…Troublesome…You're keeping it?" She nodded. There was silence for another moment as Temari was unable to look him in the eye, "…It's mine, isn't it?" She nodded again; even slower this time, and he brought his hands to his face to press to his lips as he exhaled slowly; eyes closed.

"Troublesome," he repeated finally, sitting back in the couch and wrapping an arm around Temari; exhaling again.

"You're not running?" she inquired flatly, "…Not that I'd expect you to run anywhere." He gave her a withering look.

"This is one responsibility I won't run from," he assured her, gifting her with another half-smile, "I'll be here; if you want me to be. I like you, Temari –despite myself –" She glared. "…And I couldn't ask you to do this alone."

"You're not going to try to convince me to get rid of it?" she frowned.

"…It's your choice," Shikamaru simply shrugged in response. What he didn't say to Temari was that he'd seen the fear flickering in the backs of her eyes throughout dinner –fear of what; rejection, the unknown, or what she was soon to be going through –he didn't know. It was with a touch of relief that he saw that fear diminish with his offer of assistance.

And what neither of them said, but both knew; was that one was just as petrified as the other.

I love Shikamaru and Temari. I love how strong Temari is. I love her and Shikamaru. He's a good dude. And as for Gaara working for Neji...how's that going to turn out? Can they just throw away what they had over summer?

Welcome to the second sequel to "Those Summer Nights"

Hope you like.

xx K