I watched IU's MV before reading the story last night and it didn't quite resonate me at first. Not really my style even though I love IU. I revisited the song this morning with a new perspective on it. This chapter was able to help me appreciate it. IU's playful smile as she sang of the gloomy alley hits me in a different way now. It's the same smile I pictured on Temari when she first approached him at the party as she looked past him. :)

Thank you for this. I love the pacing of this story and all the lusty surprises. I'm personally a huge fan of a smoker/drinker Shikamaru even though I'm not a smoker myself. I think it's a crucial part of his identity (in my mind at least). It adds some kind classic and dramatic flair that sets the overall mood/vibe for him to me.

This volume has really gotten me through the dull life of quarantine lately and sometimes I hate gushing over something so much because fangirling/boying can be kind of cringy for me... but I think you deserve to know that! Sorry for spamming your inbox, I've just been flipping through the different stories a few days at a time. Heh.

So happy for You updated! Thank You!

I read this chapter twice. My gosh, the entire story was dripping with so much tension. This is probably my favorite piece. Ever.

I love your descriptions. The way Temari finds reasurrence in the way Shikamaru holds her. This one was a difficult one for me to read, not because of your writing, but because of the theme. It makes me empathize with Temari so much but the resolution was so sweet and her inner thoughts holds so much richness narratively speaking.

Thanks for taking the time to write this.

I feel like everyone who grew up with Naruto are a little bit older now. I can’t really get into high school scene and finding a mature ShikaTema fic like this is such a gem. I didn’t think I’d like the divorce chapter as I always prefer a happy ending, but that story read like a Sex and the City scene and I love it. I admire your writing so much. You paint the imagery so well and I cling on to every single word. I hope to see more updates from you.

Too bad Shikamaru didn’t see the condoms. He would definitely try to make a connection between her weird attitude, Shiho, and the box, ha! Temari’s subtle jealous side nicely written.

Im so glad you are back, I have read all of your stories and you are my favourite writer on this platform. My favourite story of yours is "Paper Moon" and chapter 11 was similar to it so thats why I really loved it. I hope you will continue updating this, and I cant wait to read more of your works. Your talent continues to amaze me more and more every time.

Omg that was so amazing! I legit couldn’t stop reading! It was so good I can’t even! Your one heck of a talented writer! My fingers are crossed you write more!

This one is amazing! I couldn't stop reading until the very end. Too many feelings... but really one of the best ever. I like to think that now they have their happy ending, after all those years. Thank you, really, for sharing this, it was very meaningful to me, it's like I now have a closure. Hope you write something else if you are inspired.

So goood! They're both idiots, I see.

Although we only have Temari's perspective, I am more angry with Shikamaru than with her. He at least had Choji -and obviously Ino and how many other people - meddling in his life, telling him that he was crazy about her (even his girlfriends knewn/told him), a little in love with her, that he just should have invited her out. (Just aks her Shikamaru! You want her in your bed, silly -Ino).

Anyway this was a delicious slow burn. I'll imagine them living happy together until death.

Ugh. I love your fic si much.

Take care!

I loved that this chapter is so long! And I'm glad you are back!

This part, I feel it: 'never felt as strongly about anyone as she did about him (even if it only ever was the possibility of him)'. That's me hahahaha

Thank you for the updated, this was angst and lovely.

OOFT. that ending. and just in reaction to the whole story...painfully slow in the best possible way. feels good to read something by you again, i’ve always loved your writing. was itching for you to update this volumewhat a rewarding wait (although i was practically on the floor agonised for shikamaru to finally admit he loves her in the same measure). in that same vein, i’d love to see you tackle more shikamaru POV bc tem’s ones are so strong and make up such a fantastic part of this collection. if you need any beta help, i’m all ears. take care and thank you for another stunning piece of writing!

DX happy to see your work again ㅠㅜ
I really like it ㅠㅜ
I hope you stay safe and well!

Oh my god! I missed you! I've always loved how you write ShikaTema. Chapter 11 hits me right in the feels! Amazing~ Stay Safe!

So happy to see you back with another chapter! Ugh~ these two boneheads gets me so frustrated. Which makes it so good, every one is rooting for them and yet they're their only obstacles. I really love the way you write their chemistry. It's so good, gets me every time though when we're left off right at their beginnings.