#naraclan

#naraclanweek25

Day 5 - Any AU (?)

Sixth!

Just a little mini-serie of ShikaTema, cause why not? Took me forever though. It kinda bothers me that I missed to color the line art by the bangs, but I still like it!

Chapter 6:  The Performance 

Welcome back, my wonderful readers!  We’re racing towards the end of this story!  Thank you for stopping by!  I'll be happy if this helps take your mind off of the world for a little bit.  Enjoy the chapter :D 

Summary:  They've danced around their feelings for long enough now. 

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“Step 2, ugh this is the worst one yet.” Shikamaru waited with bated breath worried. 

“It’s a dinner followed by a dance.” 

He just stared for a moment waiting for more information.“Oh, that’s it?”

“Yup. This is where we need your mom and some Naras. The dinner is supposed to consist of food half from Suna and half traditional Konoha dishes.”  He nodded knowing that his mom would love to have a whole kitchen staff to boss around. 

He just shrugged.  “Doesn’t seem too bad.”

“I have to perform a dance.” 

Never in his life did he expect the cruelest kunoichi of their generation to make such a statement. Thus he couldn’t help the bubble of laughter. 

“Shut up! It’s not that funny!”

“Yes, actually it is.” He couldn’t imagine his murderous warrior prancing around on a stage. 

Temari just rolled her eyes annoyed, but her lips quirked into a smile at his laugh. He didn’t laugh often and she wished that he could do so much more. 

“Anyways, it’s a traditional dance girls are taught from a young age. It’s a way for Suna to share part of its culture with my suitor and his family.” 

“Do I have to do anything?”

“No, you just get to sit there and watch it like it’s the most incredible thing that you’ve ever seen.”

“I'm sure it will be.” He teased her and he should have expected her tackling him to the floor. 

Despite her best efforts, he continued to laugh amused while she half-heartedly pounded at his chest. That is until she fell into a fit of laughter herself. She wasn’t sure whether she was happy, tired or overwhelmed but it felt good. If Shikamaru never laughed she sure as hell didn’t but like so many other things he brought that joy out of her. 

Once the laughing spell had passed they laid there on the floor in warm familiarity her head tucked into his neck. 

“You think I can do this?”  She asked, feeling a little insecure. War, battles, missions were easy, but there was a kind of vulnerability inherent in all these rituals. This wasn’t the kind of attention she wanted. 

He kissed her forehead affectionately, his arm tightening around her.  “I know you can.” 

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Shikamaru’s arm was wrapped casually around Temari while they laughed and joked along with their friends and clansmen.  It felt similar to some of the time that she’d spend in Konoha, carefree nights that would turn into mornings.  

All-day long Shikamaru had been affectionate, holding hands, kisses lingering on her head.  At first, she assumed that it was just to perpetuate the lie, but it seemed all the more sincere and he was seeking out those moments.  Whatever his reasoning she fell into it the comfort and warmth the safety of his arms gave her.  Even now she leaned into his chest as they enjoyed the company of friends and family.  

The dinner was more enjoyable than she expected.  She loved the food from Suna and enjoyed it being paired with the food from Konoha.  She’d spent many family dinners with the Naras and when she was home she’d often crave Yoshino’s home-cooked meals.  She could tell that her brothers and everyone else that had been invited were enjoying it as well. Yoshino had worked the kitchen to the bone wanting to make sure it was all perfect and their hard work paid off. The food was delicious and there were few things that she enjoyed more than feeding the people she cared about. 

Temari didn’t take for granted that they were able to eat a meal together like this.  People from different villages, clans, and places breaking bread together. Years ago this would not have been possible.  Years ago Shikamaru had been her enemy. How times had changed. 

Shikamaru’s hand was curved tightly around Temari’s waist.   His fingers lightly brushed over patches of exposed skin and he could feel goosebumps where their skin touched. He knew that he needed to talk to her about the feelings that he’d finally begun to accept, but his heart had been broken in so many ways. If she was to reject his feelings this was one heartbreak he wouldn’t survive. 

“Do you have to get ready soon?” He whispered over to her his fingers easily threading through her hair. Temari nodded solemnly knowing that her performance would be up soon. 

Shikamaru tapped the pendant of her necklace with a soft grin. A wordless and sweet reminder.

“I’m excited to see it.”

“Why? Do you want to see me embarrass myself?”

He sighed, she was still so stubborn.  “Of course not. I know it’s out of your comfort zone but I’m proud of you and I know it will go well. Tem, it means a lot to me that you’d do this. I’ve enjoyed being here and learning about Suna and your traditions.”  He was so damn sincere and it was making her hesitancy wane. 

Her hand went to cup his cheek warmth and affection in her eyes. “Okay, this is for you.” 

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Temari paced back and forth behind the curtain trying to calm herself down.   

“Stop it!  You’re making me nervous!”  Ino scolded her pausing her movements.  

“Sorry, I just can't believe that I’m being forced to do this.” 

Ino just stared at her confused.  “For as long as I’ve known you no one has ever been able to make you do anything you didn’t want to. It’s okay to enjoy it.  I know that the rituals might seem a little outdated but you’re an actual princess living out a fairy tale.”

“You don’t think that it’s stupid?”

“No, I don’t think so, it’s kind of nice actually.”

“Why?”

“You’re welcoming Shikamaru into your village and culture.  There’s something sweet and timeless about it.  When Sai and I get married and he becomes a Yamanaka there are certain steps to it.  It’s not as elaborate but I’m excited about it.  When my mom married my dad she had to go through it so in a lot of ways going through these rituals honors his memory and everyone else that has come before us.”  Temari had never thought about it that way.

“As Kunoichi, we have a lot of different expectations placed on us.  We’re expected to be strong warriors, but also to carry on bloodlines by bringing new life to the village and caring for our families. There’s so much to live up to but in some ways, I think that we’re lucky because we found partners that would never force us to be just one thing.  I know in some ways it might feel like you’re losing your freedom but maybe in this case you’re actually gaining something.   Shikamaru can be a lot of things but he’s always been your biggest supporter.  He’d never force you to do anything or be anything you didn’t want.”

Temari couldn’t help but smile. She was right.  She was lucky to find someone that supported her goals in life, that never tried to change her. “Thank you Ino, and thank you for doing this for me.”  While she remained in Konoha she had enlisted Ino to help her. She needed a few women to dance along with her and the blonde jumped at the opportunity. Temari thought that it would be a nice way to integrate his life into their traditions. 

Ino just waved off her appreciation, throwing an arm around her. “Shikamaru is my brother so that makes you my sister.  We’re family now.  We’ve gotta stick together.”

A sister, it was a concept that she’d never considered but she couldn't help but like the idea.  Over the years she’d grown to appreciate and respect the blonde.  She was a strong, fearless and capable kunoichi that cared greatly for the people in her life.  Temari was thankful that she was counted amongst them.  This would only make it all the more difficult when they revealed the truth about their “relationship.”  Everyone in his life had welcomed her with open arms and she was terrified of disappointing them all. 

Ino began preparing the other girls while Temari peered from behind the curtain to where Shikamaru was sitting with her brothers, his mom and Choji. That was her family out there. The stability, sense of home and belonging she’d always wanted was there with them.  She was fearless, a storm and she was tired of being some kind of pawn. The council may have forced her hand, but she had still chosen Shikamaru and she knew that in all situations, times and places she’d always choose him.  In a twisted way, she was thankful for what they had done and caused her to realize. 

Why couldn’t they be together? What was the harm in making this relationship real? Was it so far-fetched for them to be a couple when everyone around them seemed to believe that they belonged together?  She was tired of hiding behind duty, and tradition. For blaming everyone else for what was happening. She needed to be honest with him because she finally felt like she was being honest with herself. He was only going to be in Suna for a few more days. She was working with borrowed time. 

For now, she tried to put those thoughts aside playing in her head the dance steps when Gaara and Kankuro appeared. Garra was set to introduce her but they both looked like there was something more to be said. 

“Come on Temari, let's have a moment before you go out there.”   They walked out of the large room into a private study.

They both stared at her for a moment. She’d been dressed in traditional Suna fashion, bright embroidered fabric, make-up done and adorned in priceless jewels.  Even now her costume was elaborately made with brilliant colored cloths. She very much looked like a princess. 

“Temari, are you sure about this.  You can still back out.  We will deal with the Council.  We know that you don’t like this kind of attention.” They wanted one last chance to intervene before she made a spectacle of herself unnecessarily. 

Temari knew that her brothers were still worried about her but as she reflected on the last few days and really the last few years she knew what she wanted.  Why she just “let” this happen the way that it did. 

She just shook her head. “No, I’m okay.  To be honest, I want this.  I want Shikamaru as my suitor, to really have him become part of our family one day.  It’s real to me now, all of it, as silly as it might be. If these rituals are what it takes then I’m all for it. ”  They both just smiled at her neither one surprised by the revelation.  It was nice to see her look determined and ready to take her life back in her hands. 

“Does he know this?”

“No, I wanted to get through this first.  I won’t ask for permission but I’d like your support?”  It had just been the three of them for so long now she was bringing someone else into the fold. 

Garra placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.  “You are our sister. We will always support you. If Shikamaru is who you want then he's good enough for us.”

“Hey if he’s crazy enough to take you on for the rest of his life and become a part of this family he’s pretty damn brave.” Kankuro teased her trying to keep the emotion out of his voice. Temari was his big sister and best friend, he was happy that she’d found someone worthy of her that would love and take care of her the way that she deserved.

She just hugged them both thankful that despite it all, through life, tragedy, and war she still had her baby brothers.  

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The room fell silent as Gaara stood at the center to address the guests. 

“Shikamaru, it has been a great honor for us to have you and your family here in Suna. Now more than ever it’s important to show not only our familiar bonds but to strengthen the ones that we share with those miles away from us. You have shown us that love can cross the driest deserts to the deepest forests.  My people, the time for mourning and sadness has passed. We must look towards the desert sunrise to a new day. One filled with joy and laughter, of singing and dancing. And so it is an honor for me to present to you the crowned jewel of Suna, our Princess Temari.” 

The crowd watched enthralled as the women appeared on stage in gorgeous and elaborate costumes with fans in their hands.  Shikamaru’s eyes were glued on Temari’s form as she moved gracefully with the music.  She was incredible and he couldn’t understand her hesitance. She was a natural as her body moved fluidly through each step her hands waving the fans in elaborate gestures. He watched in a daze as each long and lean limb moved with intention through the air, his eyes following each line and curve. Her face was set in that familiar look of pure determination. She was there to prove herself capable and better than anyone could have ever expected. He didn’t doubt that the room was stunned by the level of precision and grace present. 

“She’s beautiful.”  He vaguely heard his mom remarked. Her eyes opened in wonder and pride. 

Temari while she complained and resisted this whole process had demonstrated the dignity and strength of her bloodline. She was truly Suna’s princess and he hoped she'd be his queen. 

Once the performance concluded the crowd erupted in loud cheers.  Shikamaru made his way towards Temari, pulling her into his arms.  Overwhelmed by love and emotion he couldn’t help but place a sweet, warm kiss against her lips.  He was not the least bit ashamed of being affectionate towards her in front of all these people. 

“You were amazing Tem.”  She just blushed embarrassed by the attention and impromptu kiss. 

Once the cheers had died down they faced their guests hand in hand.  As part of this event, he was supposed to make a statement to Suna.  Initially, he’d been nervous never being one for public speeches, preferring his work to be behind the scenes. After what he’d seen Temari do he no longer had that hesitation. 

“Thank you, Lord Gaara, the wonderful citizens of Suna and my Princess Temari for welcoming us to your village and home. Sunagakure is a strong, proud and wonderful country that we have been fortunate to learn more about. I am humbled by the kindness and friendship that we have been shown.”  Shikamaru looked down at the girl holding onto him so tightly.  “Temari, my love.  Thank you for choosing me.  I will spend the rest of our days together proving that I’m worthy of you.”  

Everyone was completely floored by the sincere love present between them. Their relationship represented a new chapter in Suna’s story, one that proved that the world had changed.   

The rest of the evening's festivities consisted of more food, drinks, and celebration.  The Konohagakure delegation would be leaving soon so it was an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company for a little while more. 

Shikamaru remained by Temari’s side for the rest of the night, not wanting to be more than a few feet away at any given moment.  Ever so often she’d reach up to place a chaste kiss against his lips and it made them both breathless with anticipation for when they could finally be alone.

They were finally going to have this conversation that was years in the making.

 The Arrangement:

Chapter 1:  The Set-Up

Chapter 2: The Proposition

Chapter 3: The Participants

Chapter 4:  The Declaration

Chapter 5: The Fear

Chapter 6: The Performance 

Important Notes:

Temari’s dance was inspired by traditional Japanese dances.  They are really pretty so look them up! 

There are maybe 3 more chapters to this story then it will be all done. 

Ino and Temari would totally get along and be good friends! 

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