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“How you doing, man?” Shikamaru lifted up his eyes from the rubik’s cube he's been playing to look at a familiar face.
A black-tie suit and tuxedo, cufflinks, and black-patent shoes; quite a difference from the usual black-hooded outfit the welcomed guest wears.
“I hope you’re not getting cold feet right now. You might end up being cold instead.” His teasing personality showed from the grin on his face.
“I would have been a little scared if you had your puppets with you, Kankuro.” Shikamaru retorted, putting down the rubik’s cube he’s been playing for the 88th time today.
The 3D puzzle was a ‘present’ Ino gifted him to calm his nerves. He had mentioned that he was a tad bit nervous. Though, who wouldn’t be. When he has been eagerly waiting for today. Excitement, happiness, and gratitude mixing all over.
Shikamaru gestured at the seat. Kankuro, his fiancè’s brother, shook his hand before sitting opposite to him.
“I wouldn’t scare the man of the day. You’re safe from my puppets,” a sudden pause, “for now.”
“You have a weird way of comforting people, but either way, I appreciate it. I guess.”
If someone would have said to his 12-year old self that he would be joking around Kankuro, he wouldn’t have believed it. Kidding with the Sand siblings was out of the picture.
However, look at them now.
Standing tall and firm, looking dashing in a black suit, waiting for the union of two souls.
“Where’s Gaara?” Shikamaru queried.
Few years back, no one would be convinced that Konoha and Suna would have an alliance; with the contrasting opinion and power from the previous leaders. But this generation made the difference. And that huge leap made this all possible.
“Talking to some delegates, but he’ll be here in a while.” He reached for the puzzle cube, twisting without much thought. “Don’t worry, he still approves of this marriage.”
Shikamaru observed him carefully, sensing something was off with his brother-in-law. His aura was unlike his usual self.
Though, it might be the wedding ceremony taking on him. “All good, Kankuro?”
“Nahh. Just some things I want out of my brain.”
“Is this the point where I get threatened or something if I don’t become a good husband to your sister?” Shikamaru quip, trying to lighten the mood.
Kankuro chuckled, easing a little the tension on his body. Realizing Shikamaru had read on him, he mentally slapped himself. He should be the one making him comfortable, not the other way around.
“I don’t like thinking too much - unlike you. I have to tell you or my head’s gonna explode if I think more. And there’s no other day I’m going to talk about this unless today anyway. So you better listen, ‘cause there’s no repeating it.”
There were a lot of things going on in Kankuro's head since the announcement of the wedding. Words he doesn’t know how to converse, feelings he doesn’t know how to convey.
“Shoot. I’m all ears.” The groom replied.
A couple minutes of silence had passed but Kankuro hadn't spoken a word yet. Shikamaru wasn’t an impatient person and there’s no point in forcing his brother-in-law into talking if he doesn’t want to.
Kankuro put down the rubik’s cube, completing the second layer.
“Thank you.” Were the first two words Kankuro said. It wasn’t out of the blue, but still surprised Shikamaru.
“Thank you for loving Temari, even if she was much different from your people.”
A raised eyebrow from Shikamaru made him continue. “You know what I mean, Leafs are gentle. Compassionate. Delicate. While us, from the Wind, are from the rough side. Extreme. Stern.”
It was a true comparison between the two villages. But getting to know Suna, Shikamaru understood what it took to be the strong land they are now.
“Temari isn’t hard to love.” Shikamaru countered. “She might be tough on the outside, but she embodies a soft side on the inside.”
“And that’s something a few people know, few people see. Because my sister never wants to show any ‘weakness’ that might be used against her. Apparently, it’s not because she’s protecting herself. It’s more on her protecting us -her family- the village.”
Shikamaru agreed on that note. Temari is the strongest when she’s protecting her people.
“Another thing I want to thank you, Shikamaru,” Kankuro added, “thank you for making Temari feel seen.”
“Seen in the way she can be a kid around you. A playful little girl she wasn’t allowed to when we were younger. She’s so busy being the strong, independent, eldest sibling, trying to protect her siblings from killing each other. The role model at a young age, too much expectation from his father.”
Shikamaru’s heart ached from the thought of little Temari losing her childhood, forced to be an adult at a young age.
“Seen in the way she can be the charming, blushy teenager with the genuine compliments you shower her. That her laughs, her passion, her style, her words, isn’t constricted with what was expected of a Princess.”
Shikamaru couldn’t imagine his life without Temari and her smile that cleared all his doubts and the looming darkness.
“Seen in the way that her feelings are valid. For paying attention to the little things. That her hobbies and interests make her who she is. That it does not hinder her from being the greatest Kunoichi, just like what the council says.”
Shikamaru always has and always sees Temari as the greatest Kunoichi; with the wit, skills, and talent she possessed.
“Seen in the way she can be lost at times. That even if life leads to a different path, there will always be you who will be with her until the end. For sharing each other’s joy and sorrow.”
“Most of her life, she’s been the eldest sibling, Kazekage’s kin, the village’s Princess, Wind Mistress. But with you, she’s Temari.”
Shikamaru was left speechless. Overwhelmed on the impact of his presence to his partner’s life.
“Thank you for letting her show up completely as herself.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Shikamaru confessed.
“You don’t have to say anything. I just want to thank you for being genuine and loving to my sister. And we don’t hold a grudge against you for taking Temari. Because her leaving Suna is not just choosing a man. It was choosing you, her peace, her love, more than anything else.”
“Just promise me one thing, Shikamaru. Don’t you ever hurt Temari’s feelings.”
“I promise, Kankuro.” He pledged solemnly.
Kankuro nodded, seeing Shikamaru’s sincerity. “So yeah,” He stood up, making his way out the door. “I’ll leave you for a while. Just gotta use the restroom. Also, you see, I’ve talked too much earlier, so don’t expect me to speak at the reception. Got it?”
“Yeah, got it. Loud and clear.” Shikamaru knew Kankuro wasn’t going to use the toilet, though he understood why.
“Thanks, brother.”
Kankuro waved his hand before closing the door.
There were a lot of things to ponder from earlier conversation. From the beginning of his relationship, he had felt that he was the one receiving much more from her. But, it can be the other way around. Or, it’s just that there’s no ‘more’ or ‘less’ in loving someone. It can be that way. A different perspective, a different story. Plenty of viewpoints from the bond they made.
She can be the ‘more’, he can be the ‘less’. Some day, he can be the ‘more’ and she can be the ‘less’.
But one thing is for sure.
His love for her would be like the trees of Konoha.
Continual. Unchanging. Everlasting.
His Evergreen.