#shikatem

Promised

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Temari took a deep breath waiting for her fiancé.

It was still such a foreign concept. She should have been anticipating this day. Arranged marriages were just what their family had done for generations. Marriages were business arrangements solely done to garner more wealth and influence. It had been the case for her parents. The respect and love had come eventually. Still, as much as she knew that it was going to happen she wasn’t prepared for reality. 

After the deals were made and contracts were signed her father was strangely vague about who her betrothed was. He just assured her that he was from a good family and this was the best scenario for her and their family.  She wasn’t allowed to be a part of any of the proceedings. Her father and brothers were her representatives. Temari just accepted her fate and hoped that her family had done their best for her.  Her father was a lot of things and being a shrewd and calculated businessman was one of them. She wasn’t going to be married off to a family that wasn’t worthy of her.  In the end, whoever she did marry had to be enough in the eyes of her father and that was a tall order. 

Temari took another deep breath before sipping her tea. Her…fiancé had asked that their first meeting occur at his home without any chaperones. It was a bit unorthodox but her father had agreed and so she’d made her way from Suna to Konoha. She’d been there so many times that she could name all the roads and buildings they passed.  She pushed aside certain memories that the scenery attempted to invoke. When at one time this place had been like a second home it was now just haunting scenes from her past.  She’d avoided returning there for years now but her destiny couldn’t be put off any longer.  They drove past the city to a beautiful neighborhood with large homes and the grandest one of them all was the one they’d pulled up to.

She was quickly ushered inside and everyone that she met welcomed her kindly. Excited at her presence there. There was something oddly familiar and comforting about this place even though she was sure she’d never been there. Upon coming to the room she was asked to wait in she was surprised to see a table filled with her favorite tea and snacks. Her future husband had done his research. 

Temari tried to relax in the gorgeous room. It had a wonderful view of the gardens.  Warm and inviting it was easy to pretend she was in a different place instead of her fiancés home. Now her home. 

At least her cage would be a beautiful one. 

When she heard the door open her breath caught. The air in the room had shifted. This was it. 

He took the chair across from her to sit and silently stare. 

Temari’s eyes widened as she tried to maintain her composure.  This was a turn of events. Once Temari got her wits about she spoke,  “I can’t say I’m not surprised.”

The arrogant yet handsome grin that crossed his face sent a bolt of electricity through her. Years later he still affected her like no one else. 

“You shouldn’t be.”

He leaned forward placing his chin on steepled fingers to bring them closer together.  He seemed annoyed by the space between them.  Temari wondered if from this distance he could hear how loudly her heart was beating. 

She leaned further away from him.  “You’re right.  Given our families' shared histories I should have figured that my father would want to make our alliance stronger.  What better way than a marriage?”  

The Naras were one of the most powerful and prolific political families across the five nations.  Her family had been there from their early ascent into power.  Providing money and clout.  The Naras in turn ensured that her family had exclusive control over the production and distribution of military arms and weapons.  A marriage between their two families would only tighten the stranglehold and influence that they had in Suna, Konoha, and across the other nations. The press would have a field day once news of their engagement broke.

Shikamaru noticeably clenched and unclenched his fist. “Do you believe that this is about something as frivolous as money, power, and political influence?  I could give a fuck about all of that Temari. I have all of that. All I care about is you.”

Temari was sure her gasp of shock was audible.  It had been years since they’d seen one another face to face.  She only knew what the rest of the world did. He’d made a name for himself while expanding the Nara name and influence.  The Genius Nara.  He was known far and wide for his political skill and was on his way to being second in command for the Konoha government. How he was doing personally was only garnered through information from his mother. Also, from shamefully stalking a rarely used social media account.  It hurt that after having become so close it was nothing but silence for years. As far as she knew the person sitting across from her was a stranger.  

No, her fiancé.

Nara Shikamaru had grown up. He was finally taller than her with lean muscles encased by a well-fitting expensive suit. His hair was still in that familiar style but it suited him well. Where at one time he’d been awkward and lanky he now sat in front of her confident and handsome.  

Despite knowing very little about his current life she did know that Shikamaru was considered one of the most eligible bachelors. Handsome, rich, powerful, and from a storied family.  He would be quite the catch.   Despite his status, he was never seen with another woman. No one had ever been found to be associated with him. Women would kill for the chance to be in her position but it seemed like all he wanted was her. 

Shikamaru stared at her deeply.  Those eyes she’d known so well set on her sure and steady.  His heavy gaze left her speechless. 

“You sealed your fate that night you kissed me. From that second you were mine.”

Temari carefully considered his suggestion. Shikamaru was a shrewd strategist. He only entered into situations in which he knew he could win.  That all too smug look of self confidence across his lips was annoying but distracting all the same.  

They’d played countless games of Shogi and not once had he proposed a bet.  She knew him too well.  He had something up his sleeve.     

Temari leaned into his space, her face coming closer to his. 

“Is that right?”  She breathed her voice dropping to a whisper. 

“Just a friendly wager.”  He certainly knew how to get and keep her attention. 

Temari worried her bottom lip, an action that didn’t go unnoticed by him.   She contemplated the potential consequences.  

“Sure, I’ll gladly take your money. When I win, 10,000 Ryo.”  Shikamaru could sense the underpinnings of nerves in her response. 

He didn’t balk at the amount and simply nodded. “Fair.”  She was surprised at how easily he agreed to the stakes. 

Temari’s eyes sparkled with excitement.  This afternoon had certainly taken an interesting turn. “And you Mr. Nara, what could the great Shikamaru possibly want from me?” 

He took a moment to contemplate the question but the look in his eyes changed to one of mischief.  This got Temari’s interest. 

“Anything I want?”

Temari knew that he was presenting her with a challenge. And damn if she wasn’t curious.  He’d never be cruel or ask her to do anything embarrassing. What was the worst that could happen? 

“Anything.”  She replied, sealing her fate. 

“Well I’m not interested in money.  There are very few things that I actually need…”  She paused waiting for his response.    

“So if I win I get a kiss.” 

He might as well have shouted his response.  

Temari’s eyes widened at the wager wondering if this was some sort of odd joke but his expression hadn’t changed.  Could this be some sort of strange strategy?  A way to distract her?

“My kisses are worth far more than 10,000 Ryo.”

He grinned at her response.  Troublesome.  

“Then double it or choose any amount you wish. This is your game right? What’s the likelihood of me winning anyway?” 

He was baiting her, she knew this.  But she agreed.  

“Fine Nara, you have yourself a deal.  Don’t be upset when I walk out of here with all your money.” 

“We’ll see Princess.” 

That damn nickname.  There were only specific times that he dare use it with her.  He must be really confident.

Temari dealt the cards with sheer determination on her face.  Winning money and taking him down a notch would do wonders.  

But so would a kiss.  

She shook those thoughts away and focused on their game.  

They were silent as the cards were traded back and forth.  Neither one backed down, strong, stubborn competitors to the end. Even Temari had to admit that she was impressed at how easily he seemed to pick up the game.  Not that she’d ever admit as much.  

 They were evenly matched till the final hand.

“Last hand Princess, if I get this one I win.”  He looked far too pleased with himself.    

“We’ll see.”  Temari watched as Shikamaru studied his hand, his expression revealing nothing.  But his doe-like eyes were determined and sure.  And it caused her to smile.  

Temari glanced at her own cards schooling her appearance.  She’d somehow gotten the best hand possible.  No other arrangement of cards could beat it.  

“I win,”  Shikamaru announced and placed his cards face up. 

Temari studied his final hand.  They were certainly high cards, a winning set if she herself was not holding the hand that would win.   

A beat of silence passed before she spoke.  

“You sure did.”  Temari replied, settling her cards face down back into the pile.

“You’re not mad?”  Shikamaru was surprised by her calm response. 

Temari tried to look unaffected.  “Can’t win them all.”  She shrugged, gathering the cards together. 

She glanced up at him her eyes steady and clear.  “A deal is a deal Nara.”

Temari took a deep breath before shutting her eyes and felt him come closer.  His calloused hand gently cupped her cheek before rubbing his thumb against her lips.  She attempted to calm her rapid heartbeat, hoping that he hadn't noticed how her breath quickened.  

It was finally happening.  

“I can’t.”  Temari’s eyes shot open hearing his resigned sign.  She stared at him disappointed and confused.  

“I want you to kiss me because you want to kiss me. Not because of some stupid bet.”  Shikamaru confessed refusing to look at her. 

“Oh.” 

He looked saddened and apologetic. “I’m sorry Tem, this was a dumb mistake.  I’ll head out.” 

Before he could leave Temari reached over the discarded cards and grabbed ahold of his vest bringing him forward.  Taking the situation into her hands 

“Trust me, I want to kiss you,”  Temari admitted honestly.  She could have easily won, taken his money and ended the night.  That wasn’t what she actually wanted. 

Before Shikamaru could understand what was happening her lips were on his. Gathering his wits he pushed aside the game to pull her into his lap. His arms found their home around her waist. 

New and delightful, kissing Temari was unlike anything he’d ever felt before.  It was something that he hoped he’d experience time and time again.  All he wanted to do was live in this moment. 

When they separated with his arms still around her Shikamaru gazed at her curiously.  He could have never anticipated this.  

“Next time you want a kiss, just ask.”  She teased him with a grin.   

That was a relief. He'd rather not wager his entire life’s savings. But for a kiss from her it just might be worth it. 

“No promises.”  He smiled at her sweetly, before he pulled her into another heartstopping kiss. 

Temari had never admitted defeat before.  Never thrown a fight or accepted a loss.  This time though, wrapped in his arms, with soft kisses pressed against her lips she never felt more like a winner. 

Next time though, she was taking him for all he had. 

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