Chapter 11

I do not own Naruto.

Naruto and Hinata arrived in Konoha to find only Temari and Shikamaru waiting for them. Naruto was surprised that Sasuke and Sakura didn't even show up to greet them. On second thought Naruto did ask the Leaf Village not to give him a huge greeting. It was hard, because the elders of the village wanted the whole village to celebrate the arrival of the Grand Master. Fortunately, Tsunade was able to convince them that Naruto would feel uncomfortable with a huge crowd and that he was on an important mission that didn't need attention drawn to it. Naruto was just disappointed that Sasuke and Sakura weren't with him right now.

"Well well I never thought I would see the day when you and Hinata would be the strongest ninjas in the world. You two look good."

"Thanks Shikamaru."

"Don't mention it. So you guys want to get something to eat before we meet with the others? We have more then enough time. Everyone else is off doing missions anyway."

"Is that why Sasuke and Sakura weren't here to meet us?"

"Yes that's pretty much it."

"So you and Temari are the only ones not doing missions?"

"I'm on leave from doing missions and Shikamaru is too lazy."

"Oh yea that makes sense, I'm just surprised you had the strength to do this mission."

"Just for that you have to pay for lunch….Grand Master."

"That's ok I can afford it."

Naruto pulls out a bag filled with gold, silver, diamonds, and jewels.

"Wow it would take me and Shikamaru years to earn half that!"

"Well Demon Bane Guardians can make this much with one mission. The missions are the most dangerous in the world and the training to become one could kill you, but there are some perks."

"You got that money from a mission then?"

"Actually, since I'm Grand Master this is just my pocket money. Hinata carries the same amount with her as well."

"So you could fix it so that Shikamaru and I could make that kind of money."

"I'll get to that later right now I want ramen."

"Naruto that is not a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Ever since people found out that the Grand Master's favorite restraint is Ichiraku'sthe place has been packed. People come from all around to eat there. I'm afraid that the only way for you to get any ramen without being mobbed is to order it."

"Then let's order some."

"But I want to eat in a restaurant."

"I want to eat in a restraint as well."

"I see there is no arguing with you two, so what restraint did you two have in mind?"

"Tamari always wants me to take her to the Toad's Head, but I can never afford it."

"It's also booked for months in advance, but I'm sure there is a table for the Grand Master and his guests."

"You want me to take you to that snooty restaurant and buy you an expensive meal?"

"Naruto we've had a long journey and it would be nice to eat somewhere comfortable. Besides it would be nice to treat our friends to something they don't get to have normally. Maybe we can get a table in the back where it is quiet. "

"Ok Hinata you make a good point I guess I can eat anywhere, I am hungry enough."

The four of them walked into the Toad's Head and sure enough they were able to get a table right away. The owner wanted to give them the best table in the restaurant, but Naruto insisted on something more private. After the meal Temari and Hinata excused themselves to go to the restroom. When they walked through the restroom door Temari walked over to the mirror and began applying rouge.

"Your so lucky Hinata, you have such a perfect face you never need to wear make up."

"Well I don't think you need to wear any ether, do you wear it because Shikamaru asks you to?"

"No he doesn't care if I wear any at all. I just wear it sometimes because I want to look more beautiful for him; it's really just something to make me feel better."

"Why is that?"

"Well when we first started dating he was never really that interested in me and one day after I had already left Konoha to go back home he just shows up. He looked like hell and he had tears in his eyes. He walks up to me and gives me the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. He then asked me to marry him. At first I was really freaked out, but then I looked him right in the face and I felt this overwhelming feeling that he really did love me. When I said yes he put his arms around me and gave me the best kiss I've ever had. Ever since then he has been really good to me and sometimes I feel bad that I can't be as good to him."

"I don't think he would want you to feel bad Temari."

Back at the table Naruto and Shikamaru got talking to each other.

"So I see that you're still a Chuunin. That's too bad you could easily be a Jounin."

"Well I just don't feel like going through the hassle, although I do go on Jounin level missions with Temari if I feel she will be in a lot of danger."

"About that, what is with you and Temari? I was shocked to find out you two got married. I thought you said she was more trouble then she was worth."

"She was, but now I think she is worth anything even (Shikamaru sighs and shudders) pushing my body passed its limits and (He sighs and shudders again) applying myself.

"So what happened to change your mind?"

"I don't know. When we were dating I just didn't care one way or another if our relationship worked or not. One day Temari left to go back home to the Sand Village and I knew I wasn't going to see her for months and I just didn't care. I felt she was too beautiful for me anyway. Then one morning I woke up and the first thing I did was vomit. I just woke up and started throwing up and when I finally stopped I got this feeling like I was never going to be happy again. I felt like hell. This was the worst feeling I've ever felt in my life. I just remember wanting to be with Temari. I went out and bought the most expensive ring I could afford. Then I trekked for three days and nights with no food or sleep until I caught up with her. I asked her to marry me and she said yes. When I held her the feeling I felt then and there was unsurpassed by any feeling I've ever felt. I love her Naruto and as long as I'm with her I will be content with my life."

"Would you do anything for her?"

"Yes I wouldn't even think about it."

Hinata and Temari arrived back at the table a little while later.

"Naruto where is Shikamaru?"

"I gave him some money and sent him to pay for the meal he'll be back in a few minutes. Temari, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"When Shikamaru holds you in his sleep does he weep?"

"What!?"

"I did not mean that as an insult. I'm just asking if you notice him crying in his sleep some nights."

"Yes he does sometimes, but why do you ask?

"My uncle told me about this. Shikamaru's soul mate must be dead."

"What!?"

"When someone's soul mate dies before they have ever met, the person goes through a horrible depression until they find someone to project all the love they would've felt for their soul mate on. This is called a shadow soul mate."

Tears started to bead up in Temari's eyes.

"You mean Shikamaru doesn't really love me!"

"Of course he loves you he loves you with all his heart. It's just that now that his soul mate is gone you have to be the one he showers his everlasting affection on. He will love you even after death and they will be real feelings. All you have to do is be with him and he will do whatever it takes to make you blissfully content."

"Is it the same love that you and Hinata have for each other?"

"Yes the very same."

"Now I feel worse than ever, because I can never show that I love him as much as he loves me."

"Don't worry about it Temari. You're doing so much for Shikamaru just by being with him. I'm sure you can make him very happy by doing your absolute best. Just remember that there are some things a shadow soul mate just won't do because they are still mourning for his or her first soul mate."

"Like what?"

"He doesn't like to celebrate your Anniversary does he?"

"No he doesn't. Will he ever?"

"Yes someday he will. You just have to give him time."

"Ok Naruto I'm sure Shikamaru and I will be fine."

Shikamaru finally comes back and sits down.

"Well I paid for everything so if there is nothing else for us to do here then I think we should make our way to where we were going to meet everybody."

Temari puts her arms around Shikamaru and kisses him.

"What was that for?"

"Because I'm very thankful to be your wife."

He leans over and whispers in her ear.

"I'll be indebted to you forever for letting me be your husband."

He gives her a small kiss that felt so good to Temari that it made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Naruto and Shikamaru left the restaurant with their wives clinging to their arms, thinking to themselves of how blessed they have both been.

End of Chapter.