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Temari stood in front of the mirror; looking regal in white trumpet, delicate backless off-the-shoulder gown, with the soft floral embroidery on it; which fit perfectly on the curves of her body. Not too flashy for a royal gown but definitely would make the guests jaw drop.
“You look gorgeous, Temari.” Ino expressed, her eyes glinting.
“Thank you, Ino. You know I wouldn’t look this…” she trailed, gesturing to herself. “...beautiful without your help.”
“No, you’re already stunning even without the makeup. I just put on a little, but it seems so natural. I don’t think it would matter to Shikamaru even if you wear one or not.”
She turned, smiling back at her friend. “You think so?”
Ino handed her the bouquet of lavender and yellow gerberas she personally picked and arranged. It was a blessing to have Ino as her friend and bridesmaid. Wedding preparations flowed smoothly. A lot easier, having someone whose ideas align with her. They would have been a mess in distress if Ino did not lend a hand.
To say, if it was Chuunin exam preparation, battle strategies, or union meetings - she would excel; her confidence would skyrocket. However, a social gathering? Wedding to say, is not on the list she’s confident of.
“Shikamaru would marry you even in the outskirts of Suna.”
Temari chuckled at her remark. She could imagine the face the council will make if they will really be wed in the outskirts of Suna. A lot of meetings had been held to cater the request of Suna and Konoha. Finally, they had come to an agreement. The most discussed topic was where the wedding will take place. It was decided by the groom and the bride that it will happen in Suna, as Temari wished. It was no easy feat since the two live in different nations. Nonetheless, they made a conclusion with careful consideration.
“I just can’t believe this day has come.” She beamed. “Who would have thought that I’d end up with him? That I’d end up with a Leaf.”
The first time they met, it was an ambush on the Leaf. An evil scheme devised by Orochimaru to launch a full-scale attack. She, along with her brothers, and all of Suna have been tricked by him. Feeling of regret and guilt flooded her when she came to understand what happened; to her father, to her brother, to Suna, to the innocent village - Konoha.
Destruction. Suffering. Pain.
For the weeks and months that followed, Suna tried to make amends with Konoha. Rescue missions and joint missions filled their request. Coming back and forth from the Sand to the Leaf.
Until she became the Suna’s Ambassador. Working closely with Konoha, especially to a certain shadow user who never missed to make her burst of emotion she never thought capable of having. She was neither soft nor gentle, yet she feels one when he’s around. She did not need caring because she’s the expert on that. However, Shikamaru cares more than she would like to admit. Shikamaru gives more than she would like to accept.
Shikamaru is Konoha.
Gentle. Soft. Lenient.
Temari is Suna.
Rough. Tough. Harsh.
A total opposite. But the differences fit; somehow it made sense. Just like how nature changes each Season; it makes sense. They make sense.
Her Summer, which was usually hot and dry, began to feel warm and vibrant.
Never experienced Autumn, and when she did, it enveloped her with comfort and safety.
The cold breeze of Winter and the fall of snow made her shiver with excitement.
Spring brought happiness and love she hadn’t experienced before.
And as the Seasons changed, situations progressed; gradually. The one once she thought was an enemy became an ally. Became a friend. Became a confidante.
Temari smiled. Her heart filled with nostalgia as she recalled how things unfold from that fateful day.
Bond. Comfort. Love.
“Everyone.” Her musings were cut short by the sound of Ino’s voice.
“What?”
“Listen, Temari. Before you two even realize your feelings, we - or the least I say, me - have seen it.”
The Wind user listened intently to her friend’s next words.
“Maybe you don’t know or maybe you didn’t realize since it feels so natural to the both of you. But have you seen how Shikamaru looks at you with so much admiration and pride as you lead hundreds, thousands of shinobis? Those pair of eyes that see only you in a crowd.”
She can say the same with her. The way she feels proud of Shikamaru and how her eyes would wander in the multitude of people just to get a glimpse of him, even just for a second.
“How his lips crack into a smile whenever he sees you. The laughs he gives so freely in your presence. The myriad of words he speaks at any moment as long as you're around.”
Would one tell her she’s copying him? Because no matter where or what they were doing, the laugh willingly escapes from her mouth.
“How he would wake up early in the morning knowing you’d be coming to town. The times he walks swiftly to match your pace instead of how he leisurely does. And how he would linger a little longer in front of the gates when you went back to Suna.”
It was a surprise; a confession.
She didn’t know Shikamaru remains at the gate whenever she makes her way to Suna. A lot of times she was tempted to look back, to see if Shikamaru was still there. But she never did. Because she was afraid. Afraid to see that he wasn’t there. Scared that if he was there, she'd run back to him instead of going back to Suna.
“Maybe you did not see the change because you were not around when he was a kid. But you helped him to be someone I did not know he was capable of becoming. He was lazy, unmotivated, and unwilling. No matter how many times we encourage him to do better, it just passes from one ear to another. He was content on what he has, on where he was, on who he is. The only thing that captured his interest was shogi.”
Ino’s face softened. Her next words wrapped Temari in a warm embrace. “Until you came.”
“We know Shikamaru achieved it all on his own, but you were there. It might sound exaggerated, however, you were the one who kept him grounded. Thank you, Temari, for being there for him. And thank you for loving him even if he’s unbearable sometimes.” The two laughed at the blonde’s last comment, ignoring the pool of water filling their eyes.
“Hey, ladies.” A voice echoed from the door.
Kankuro and Gaara stood tall and firm looking dashing in their black suits. Quite a change from the Sand siblings of the battlefield.
“Sorry for interrupting.” Gaara entered, with a bit of worry on his face.
“Hey.” Temari answered, blinking away the tears. “We’re both good, don’t worry.”
“Don’t cry, Tem. It will ruin your makeup. You wouldn’t want to scare your husband with smudges of mascara on you.” Kankuro teased, with the underlying affection Temari recognized.
“Shut up.” She laughed genuinely while his brother grinned at her.
“I think it's family time.” Ino said, back at her enthusiastic self. “So if you don’t mind, I’ll excuse myself.”
“Thank you, Ino. For everything.” She hugged her, squeezing lightly.
She was over the moon.
Her conversation with Ino brought so much emotion. Temari’s relationship with Shikamaru was a rocky start; with the Council, with their status, with their lives.
Temari belongs to Suna. Her life was molded in the grains of desert sand, the gusty wind and the blazing sun. The barren land being her refuge.
All her life, she was convinced Suna was the safest place.
Until he came.
And that’s when she believed, a person can be a safe place too; her sanctuary.