I got back into Naruto recently after re-reading the manga after about 5 years or so (long time, I know!), but this is my first attempt at writing anything for the fandom so hopefully it's turned out OK. I'm not sure what it is that appeals to my about the whole Shikamaru/Temari kind-of-relationship thing, but it spawned a plot-bunny so I went with it! It's crazily short and the title's not exactly imaginative, but meh...hope you like it anyways.
Reviews and concrit always very much appreciated!
Disclaimer: Not mine, obviously. But probably not yours either. Unless you're Masashi Kishimoto, in which case, hi!
Proposal.
Temari had never believed in tact. Sugar-coating things just led to confusion and then more problems. No, practicality, bluntness even, was the way forward.
So it was that when Shikamaru returned home to their apartment that night, she barely waited for him to get in through the door before announcing her news.
"Shikamaru, I'm pregnant."
He froze, stooped as he went to set down his pack. She could only see his face in profile, but it was enough to see how his eyes widened slightly and how there was a flash of something across his features before he continued putting down his bag and straightened. Of course, as he turned to where she stood in the doorway to the living room, he had all emotions well hidden under that neutral mask he wore so well.
"How troublesome." he said, sounding for all the world as though he was bored, even though she could see him struggling to keep back a smirk. "Guess I'd better ask you to marry me then."
She gave him a crooked grin and answered wryly, "Guess I'd better say yes."
He snorted ever so slightly in something like amusement and opened a pocket on his flak jacket. From within he drew out a small black velvet box that he threw to her- she caught it easily- with the words, "Just as well I bought this the other week then."
Temari cracked the box open ever so slightly to peer inside. The ring was simple, gold and set with a flat diamond so she could wear it under her battle gloves. Still smirking, she snapped the box shut again and slipped it into her pocket. "I guess it'll do."
Shikamaru shrugged, then stretched and yawned. "S'pose I'll have to go see the Fifth about a marriage license tomorrow. What a drag."
Without another word, he went to walk past her into the living room, catching her hand as he did so and squeezing her fingers ever so gently. She looked over her shoulder at him and grinned. He glanced back at her and smiled.