Keep thinking
Temari was sitting alone at the table, slowly sipping her drink, waiting for Shikamaru to return. He was disappearing constantly. Maybe he had enough of diplomacy in the office, so actual polite conversations bored him. She couldn't blame him; the wedding receptions should be a party, with loads of alcohol and dancing, not a political meeting with too many too serious people talking about money shortage, necessary alliances and potential threats to peace.
Most wedding receptions, as one Temari would attend in only six weeks from now, didn't include honoured guests or dress code. Everybody would be stunning, but there wouldn't be obligated lavender or red detail.
Colours of Uchiha and Hyuuga clan selected Temari's lavender dress in advance, same like Ino's red one. Unfortunately, clothes picking couldn't go without a small fight since both of them preferred lavender. Of course Temari had more time to look for formal wardrobe and she was the first one who bought the dress leaving Ino no choice but to wear something red. She wasn't mad for long only because she somehow fit into a dress one size smaller than usual, about what she bragged to Temari while they were on their way to the main hall. No wonder all eyes were on her while she was present; everything on her seemed bigger than it already was.
Temari's joke about not letting Shikamaru to dance with a stunning blonde was just a joke, only now both Shikamaru and Ino were missing. They probably weren't at the same place, since the wedding needed much space for way too many guests. Temari could have gone looking for them, only she didn't know where to start. Garden? Storage? Booze-free room for minors? Room with cosy sofas for elders?
Luckily, alcohol was delicious, as expected for one of the most expensive weddings ever, so Temari was having a great time with her bottle and her glass.
Dance floor was too much for her to try dancing, but she learned a lot about people's relations only from a way they were holding their hands while moving to the music. It was obvious; happily married couples were dancing completely different from young lovers; cousins were polite, but the funniest to watch were professionals who were trying to relax. The best example were Tsunade and Kakashi; he was being polite and she was showing too much enthusiasm. They lasted for two semi-fast songs and Temari was grateful Gaara wasn't making small talk while doing turns and complicated dance steps; that might give him ideas to suggest it to Temari and she was perfectly fine, even now while she was alone.
The last time she spoke to Shikamaru was when Tenten was looking for Chouji. Then her boyfriend disappeared and came back only to interrupt Hinata and Itachi. Not so long after that Sakura needed bride's opinion about something, then Naruto bugged her and ran away when he had seen Sasuke.
None of it made much sense and Temari was more than glad to see Shikamaru who could help her understand unnecessary happenings.
''As you can see, Tenten found Chouji,'' he said flatly, sitting next to her.
That was true; they were one of the obviously fresh couples on the dance floor. He was a gentleman, but now he knew he was allowed to check out his partner's dress. And Ino really knew how to pick one, so Shikamaru's best friend was slightly red, not making too much eye contact with his dancing partner. And Tenten didn't mind; after all, she was the one dressed in a way that was craving for attention.
''And did you find Ino?'' Temari asked pointedly.
''How did you-''
''I didn't see her date or her lover, and you dared to bother Itachi-san,'' Temari smirked.
''You are getting good at this. Too bad you are too strong to be in charge of tactics.''
The tone of Shikamaru's voice was plain, but that was a compliment.
''We won't see Ino dancing tonight?''
''I don't think so.''
One of Temari's new close girl friends couldn't get enough of dancing. Hinata concluded very soon people wouldn't disturb her if she was busy, so she's been spending time dancing with her husband.
''They are lovely, aren't they?''
Many gazes were following the newly weds and Shikamaru's question was almost rhetorical.
''They are. And I actually doubted if they would be.''
Though Temari certainly wasn't the only one who had thought wrong, it bothered her. Was she really that cynical and full of prejudice, to question pure and sincere love? Or she met too many hypocritical people, who made her that way?
''I saw you writing something before,'' Shikamaru said accusingly. ''Is it related to your return back home?''
''It's not,'' she replied sharply.
That made Shikamaru shrug, as if he was glad about the answer, ignoring how rudely she responded.
''Actually, it was another mistake,'' Temari explained, sighing. ''I wrote a short speech in case neither of Hokage was ready to give one.''
''You had a back-up plan for Hinata's wedding,'' Shikamaru concluded.
''Since I almost caused a cancellation, I wanted for the wedding to go flawlessly.''
Temari scribbled a speech while waiting for the ceremony to start; she didn't know somebody had seen it. She was too concerned neither of Hokage would prepare something decent to say about Hinata and Itachi, so she thought ahead.
''Don't forget your role in all of it; because you doubted Hinata's decision, today nobody doubts what was the real reason behind this marriage.''
Temari couldn't help but smile.
''You always know what to say.''
''I don't, it's the way it is,'' he said simply.
Temari didn't want to imagine what kind of wedding this would have been if Sakura hadn't agreed to be the maid of honour, if Ino hadn't accepted to spend her free time on giving tips to her and Hinata, and if Hinata hadn't been brave enough to confess her fears and desires to the most important person in her life from this moment on.
Two heirs, happily in love probably disappointed all people who were thinking they were born to make their families proud, not to enjoy and experience all the good things in life.
If they hadn't been heirs, maybe they would have been making out in the corner, like teenagers they never had a chance to be. Maybe they would have gotten drunk and had an embarrassing argument in public. Maybe the groom's father would have ignored the fact Naruto was future Hokage and yelled at him for almost ruining the ceremony. Maybe it wouldn't have been so hard to wait for an official ending!
''What is it?'' Shikamaru asked.
''Nothing,'' Temari chuckled.
Only because Itachi and Hinata were supposed to be as much as formal as they could be, it didn't mean the guests had to behave that way too, especially if they were Hinata's close friends who knew she was a romantic soul!
''We should make this reception less formal! A bit warmer, not so serious and boring!''
''If people are dancing, it's not boring.''
''They dance so they could stop talking to annoying people!''
''I guess. Where are you going?''
''I need the maid of honour, she is an insider!'' Temari explained quickly and left to find Sakura.
Of course she was almost as busy as Hinata.
''Sakura, I need a moment!''
''Not now, Temari! I have to get the cake!''
''Even better! I will help you and explain on our way!''
''Shikamaru doesn't look glad you left him alone.''
''I was without him the entire night! He will do just fine.''
''What did you think of?'' Sakura asked when they reached the storage.
''We will seize a chance while everybody are preoccupied with the cake,'' Temari explained.
''I don't understand.''
''You don't have to, just do as I say!''
It was quite late and foreign guests already left the reception. They were old anyway and unimportant for Temari's plan. People who stayed were the ones who truly wanted to enjoy the party and there was nothing better than to make it even more personal, despite its importance for the entire village and country.
''That many people?'' Sakura asked in between her yelling at the staff to be careful with the cake.
''I don't see why not. I will prepare everything and it will be easier for you to be the one in charge.''
''Okay,'' Sakura smiled. ''Your plans are always the best!''
Temari didn't have to be a genius to see the real reason behind Sakura's cooperation-short speech would get her more appreciation from Uchiha Mikoto, but Temari didn't care, as long as Hinata would like it too.
The time for cake was perfect because there was no one dancing and it was quiet, more or less. Just like Temari instructed her, Sakura handed over pieces of paper to chosen guests and ordered to wait for orders.
Everybody was sitting, waiting, and Sakura was shaking anyway when she stood up from her chair to make an announcement. Luckily for her, Sasuke wasn't trying to impress anybody, so he stood up too.
''It's fine,'' Temari heard him say. ''You can't be worse than Naruto.''
That made Sakura chuckle and Sasuke raised his glass to start a wedding toast.
''Dear friends, family, elders, drunks, children, whoever is still here, there is never enough speeches when it comes to politics and it's time for you to hear ours.''
Fugaku frowned slightly, probably because Sasuke spoke too casually, but his wife had the most blissful smile Temari has ever seen. The most surprised people in the room were Hinata and Itachi, and Temari was trying hard not to smile. Or chuckle. Or do anything that would give her away.
''Where are you going, Hokage-sama?'' Sakura asked when Kakashi stood up.
''To find Tsunade-sama.''
''It's not that kind of speech,'' Sasuke rolled his eyes.
''We will leave you out this time, Hokage-sama, you had your opportunity today anyway,'' Sakura added.
''Fair enough,'' Kakashi sighed and sat back on his seat.
Now was the time for Temari to get up.
''We prepared something different. There won't be embarrassing anecdotes or too much praising. You will get the picture soon enough.''
Temari couldn't help it this time; people were making hilarious faces seeing Naruto stand up, then Gaara, Hanabi, Chouji, Tenten, Lee and Kiba, and she just had to sit down again to not laugh too much. Yes, it was a nervous laugh because Temari wanted it to be perfect and too many people could ruin that wish.
''Sakura, you may start,'' Sasuke said to his terrified fiancée.
It didn't matter they were standing next to one another, people were staring at Sakura because she was unimportant until today.
Hinata smiled encouragingly, as if she wanted to say she would fix everything if Sakura messed up. It worked; Sakura spoke calmly, but with emotion, the way Temari wanted her to speak.
''I never thanked you for picking me to be your maid of honour. Because you chose me, I got to know you better, also your husband, his brother, my friends and myself. I was afraid I will fail you because I didn't want to fail anybody, especially not our mother-in-law.''
''Future mother-in-law,'' Sasuke added and everybody laughed.
''Right,'' Sakura said, a bit red. ''So this is only the beginning of my thanks because you, as fresh Uchiha, have so much to teach me!''
Sakura bowed briefly to Hinata, and the bride felt obligated to stand up and do the same. With that, they both sat down.
Temari sighed with a relief. First one went fine.
At first, Temari wrote something for Sasuke only so Itachi wouldn't feel neglected, but the groom's brother was much more relaxed. And it was a great thing!
''I have been jealous of you ever since I remember,'' Sasuke said while laughing. ''Today I wasn't, my dear brother, because you wasted an entire day to prove you will be a fine heir and, let's be honest, everybody knew that already! And you had to keep your hands off of Hinata. I won't reveal for how long, only point out it wasn't easy.''
''Sasuke,'' Itachi smiled nervously.
''I am also pretty sure you will work hard to change unnecessary rules that include too traditional behaviour. For my sake, as soon as possible.''
Mostly confused faces were staring at Sasuke, who was chuckling, same like Sakura. Hinata also got the joke and Itachi didn't want to reveal more, remaining serious.
Next one in line was Chouji, because he couldn't wait to eat the cake, and he had to sit down to do that.
''I never got the chance to try Hinata-chan's cuisine, but others say I would have never lost weight if she had been my wife. So I wish for the newly weds to have a lot of delectable meals together! And to invite me if they have leftovers.''
That was literally sweet because Chouji raised a spoon with a cake to show to everybody. Tenten smiled cutely at her dancing partner and then looked at Hinata.
''If I had known the question about your crush would result in marrying the guy, I would have asked you much sooner!''
Remembering that time, Hinata laughed, just like Kiba who had an additional sentence meant for her husband.
''Only because Hinata doesn't blush when we talk about you, it doesn't mean she doesn't love you, Uchiha Itachi. She matured and she isn't ashamed of her feelings when you obviously feel the same.''
That wasn't funny, but adorable, and the audience sighed dreamily.
Lee tactfully waited for a complete silence to say his part, dedicated equally to the bride and the groom.
''Nobody took me seriously when I stated girls are cute and adorable and can charm any guy! As you can see, Uchiha-san wasn't resistant either!''
Although Itachi didn't blush or smile or react in any way, everybody agreed Hinata was irresistible.
The next in line gave Temari a headache, but she knew Hanabi wanted attention. She sighed theatrically before commencing.
''I will understand someday how important this wedding was. Until then I will be envious- Who wrote this?''
''That wasn't enthusiastic as we all hoped it would be,'' Gaara said, but nobody dared to make Hiashi more angry by laughing.
Hanabi, her cheeks crimson, sat down, and Gaara got ready to say his part.
''I already said something, it was at the wrong place at the wrong time and I wish it never happened. I needed another chance to officially express my honest admiration. Not everyone is aware of mixed blessing the great title brought you. Only I can do is hope I will be as lucky as you are.''
''That wasn't enthusiastic either,'' Naruto mocked and Gaara glared daggers at his friend.
Blond jinchuuriki cleared his throat although it was evident he was reading, holding the paper before him.
''I never planned to say anything, not during the ceremony or now. ''
Temari was the only one who chuckled because she knew that wasn't written; it was only Naruto's touch in a simple task.
''When I was in Konoha last time, Hinata wasn't engaged, but single! I am afraid to leave again because when I get back, all of my classmates will be married if they follow Hinata's example!''
Guests found Naruto's comment as a funny one only it could have become true easily. Lee was in a steady relationship, Kiba was still around Hanabi and didn't seem as if he was about to give up on her, Chouji and Tenten were sitting next to one another, Sasuke and Sakura were engaged and of course Shikamaru was too lazy to say a word if he wasn't obligated to do so.
''I certainly won't,'' quiet, but clear complaint was heard.
''Shino, is that you? How can you say that?'' Naruto lectured. ''I didn't recognize you now, when you are all dressed up!''
And that was more than enough for two bride's maids to know; Naruto's compliment got Shino two girls who were interested in his younger years at the Academy with future Hokage, but Shino didn't mind. The only single guy left was Neji, but he was too proud to say anything about his romantic plans. Every former Naruto's classmate was smirking, looking around to see if Naruto's prophecy might come true if they all found significant others by now. And at that moment, everybody noticed the obvious.
''Where is Ino?''
''Hospital emergency,'' Shikamaru said, not bothering to get up. ''She had a patient she had to take care of promptly.''
''She definitely works too much,'' Tenten concluded.
''Anyway, Ino isn't here, so Sakura, can you read her part?'' Temari suggested.
Sakura glimpsed at another small paper in her hands and frowned slightly.
''No way! I am not saying this aloud!''
''I want to hear it!'' Hinata insisted.
''Then you read it!'' Sakura said and slipped the small paper in Hinata's hand.
The bride took a moment to read it and it wouldn't have been a big deal if everybody hadn't been watching. All that attention and Temari's dirty mind, which thought of a perfect advice that would have easily come out from Ino's mouth if she had been here, made Hinata completely red.
Itachi, like a real gentleman, decided to help out his shy wife with this complicated task and planned to read a few words. That was until he saw what was written.
''Yamanaka would say this?'' he asked Temari and she nodded.
''Also while sober,'' Temari added.
''Never mind,'' Itachi said and burnt the small paper in his hand. ''Anyone else?''
Temari should have known neither Hinata or Itachi were ready to share their private life with too many people. And she only paraphrased Ino's words about practice that could make everything perfect, especially conjugal duties the heirs apparently liked so much they were almost late for their own wedding.
''You didn't say anything, Temari-san.''
Temari took a deep breath and then stood up.
''How can you say that, Uchiha Hinata? Because I told you so much, you are wearing your hair that way. I said everything I wanted, I only have a little advice for your husband.''
It was nothing extreme, of course; Temari didn't know him well enough, but she had one simple request.
''So Uchiha Itachi, never forget how you fell in love with this woman, not somebody different. Let her stay the way she is, because she is perfect. But you know that already, you wouldn't have married her otherwise.''
The groom nodded to agree with an honoured guest from Suna. He also held Hinata's hand the entire time, as if he wanted to assure her he would hate if she changed. And then he chuckled to himself and invited Hinata to stand up with him! After every person present did the same out of courtesy, no sound could be heard except Itachi's deep, but cheerful voice.
''Your friends don't know me at all because they think I have chosen you.''
He looked pointedly at all of people who said something then turned to see Hinata.
''Would it be wrong to tell them the real story?''
''It wouldn't,'' she smiled shyly.
''Nobody knows that this perfect woman chose me,'' he said, smiling, ''not once, not twice, but three times. Two times in private, and once in public; you all witnessed that third time, earlier today. You will count only that time, but the first two were also important to me, meaning she didn't regret her choice.''
''You told them the bottom line only!'' Hinata scolded her husband playfully. ''It was actually this way!''
For only a second, Itachi really thought Hinata would retell detailed story. Then she smiled cutely at all guests who were expecting explanation.
''I was literally shocked when the first time happened, and the second time occurred only because Itachi couldn't believe I accepted!''
Itachi was slightly uncomfortable anyway, not knowing Hinata had more to say, dedicated to him only.
''You were doubting yourself for no reason at all,'' she said softly. ''I would choose you as many times you would ask me!''
Those who didn't know the happy couple had envious, sugary smiles on their ugly faces. Then they were ones honestly glad and the ones who hoped they would find their special someone soon enough.
It was a perfect moment for a slow love song and romantically involved couples couldn't miss it! Temari was smirking, very proud of this moment she managed to arrange.
''Thank you so much, Sakura-chan!'' the groom's mother managed to squeal before her husband dragged her away, so Sasuke could apologize for his mother's behaviour by leading Sakura on the dance floor.
''I know it was you, Temari-san!'' Hinata whispered excitedly while passing by. ''I will thank you later, I promise!''
Temari only smiled humbly, watching overjoyed Hinata floating while dancing. Temari wasn't a huge fan of weddings, but this one wasn't so bad. Maybe because Hinata was the bride and she was dedicated to guests, to her husband and to her close friends at the same time. She deserved this, to have a wedding of her dreams to mark the beginning of her whole new life with a man she loved so much.
Temari was lost in thought, so she didn't pay attention to people around her and she was more than surprised when two strong arms around her waist were pulling her towards the dance floor! Before she could hit the drunk guest, she recognized her boyfriend.
''Wow! Slow down!'' she ordered. ''Where are we going?''
''To dance, of course,'' he explained.
''I don't dance,'' she laughed ironically.
''You will turn me down?''
She would have in any other moment, only now it didn't seem appropriate. The band was playing nicely, people dancing were interested in their partners only, especially Hinata and Sakura; for them nobody existed except Uchiha brothers, all other couples should look up to them because there was nobody closer to them than their bride and bride-to-be. Neither Kazekage or Hokage's successor couldn't stop staring at them, both being desperate and hopeless.
''I didn't get a reply,'' Shikamaru reminded his indecisive girlfriend.
He made her hesitating about the answer and that encouraged him to bow slightly to invite her to join him.
''Fine,'' she chuckled.
How bad could it be? Nobody would look at them anyway, Temari was comforting herself because this was the first time she wasn't the one leading and steps weren't the same like ones she had learnt.
''Just relax. Why are so tense?''
She didn't reply, too concentrated to move their feet in unison.
''Everything is over and nobody will notice if you make the wrong step.''
Temari knew it was unnecessary to worry. People left were either drunk or deeply in love to look at other couples dancing. Or both maybe. And she was dancing with her long-term boyfriend, she didn't have to impress him, he knew she didn't know to dance. And yet he wished to dance with her only.
''This is the first time we dance,'' he whispered, holding her very close.
It felt completely different to dance with a man. His hands were somehow more secure, holding her tightly and more intimately. Just like every other couple of lovers, they were close in a way only lovers should be.
''It's the first time for many couples,'' she responded.
''It is, only we are not like them.''
''We are not?''
''I think we are not and that is a good thing. We don't care about other people's opinion or worry about irrelevant expectations. We are the perfect team, don't you think?''
She smiled faintly instead of answering.
''We agree on what is important and we can work out in any situation because we know each other. Like now, you are letting me lead because you trust me.''
Again she didn't have a reply. All she was thinking of was how they didn't spend much time together today. This was the first time in a whole day they were together for real, by themselves, while dancing.
Like Hinata.
Like Sakura.
Like married couples or the ones they were about to get married.
And neither Hinata or Sakura danced with somebody else, same like Temari! And everything Shikamaru had said until now was related to them only, as a romantic couple; them making a team, and their trust and-
No, this was not happening!
''No!'' she yelled. ''The answer is no!''
Everybody in the hall was now staring at a hysterical blonde in the middle of the dance floor, and the most confused person was her date.
''What are you doing?'' Shikamaru asked carefully.
''Answering you question!'' she snapped.
''But I didn't ask anything,'' he said calmly.
Great. She answered the question he didn't ask and everyone was watching her as if she was a drunk lunatic.
''Let's get some fresh air, shall we?'' Shikamaru suggested, noticing Temari's discomfort.
He led her outdoors, to have some peace in the garden. It was chilly and not many people were there, and Temari could be red in private.
She tried to calm down, but she couldn't. She yelled for no reason during perfectly nice dance, in the middle of the crowded room! That wasn't diplomatic at all.
Shikamaru offered her to sit in one of the tall chairs meant for parties held outdoors, but she preferred standing up at the moment. And staring at the ground, not making the eye contact with the person who would request an explanation any moment now. The only good thing was he knew her well and simply stood next to her, not pressuring the answers and giving her time.
''What's with that yelling all of a sudden?'' he asked simply. ''That didn't seem like you.''
''Sorry,'' she muttered.
''If you didn't want to dance that badly, you should have said so. Calmly.''
''It wasn't dancing. It was everything.''
''Everything?'' he repeated. ''What exactly upset you?''
''The way you talked and-''
''Did I say something wrong? Something you don't agree with?''
''No, but I was thinking you were going somewhere with that.''
Temari was still staring at the ground, but she knew Shikamaru wouldn't answer until she looked at him. And so she did, slowly and sheepishly.
''Where would I go?'' he asked a bit more serious than before.
''I don't know,'' she shrugged.
''Yes, you do, when you screamed a negative answer.''
He didn't deflect his gaze to the ground. He actually looked away! And crossed his arms!
''Come on, you can't be mad because I answered a question you didn't ask in the first place!''
He snorted to more of her yelling.
''Watch me.''
He wasn't mad; he was hurt. Any man would be. She just rejected him! And caused a scene.
''I know, it's a yes-no question, but there is so much more behind it.''
''Like what?''
His tone wasn't cheerful, but at least he glimpsed at her.
Love was wonderful and everything, but she was thinking about more practical issues.
''Where would we live?'' she asked seriously.
''This way is fine with me,'' he shrugged.
''And kids?'' she asked warily.
''What about them?'' he asked flatly. ''We don't have any yet.''
''True, but where will we live after-''
''We can buy a bigger place once we decide we need it,'' now he turned to her. ''And we never talked about having children.''
Only because it was never a subject of their conversations, it didn't mean it didn't cross Temari's mind.
''I think it would be a shame if you weren't a father,'' she said simply. ''You never shout, you are reasonable and you always explain everything in the simplest way.''
To those honest compliments, Shikamaru had the same response.
''And you are strong and beautiful and you will be strict enough while raising kids. The way you recognized Hinata's problem makes you a perfect mother for a girl. And with me, you proved more than once your patience has limits, but our boy would get used to it.''
''You want a boy and a girl?''
''I do. Is something wrong with that?''
''It's unusual you thought that far ahead.''
''We are not teenagers any more,'' he shrugged. ''Especially you are not.''
''Did you just call me old?'' she hissed.
''I didn't,'' he laughed. ''What I want to say is that you are mature enough to be a great mother.''
She sighed, but wasn't mad.
''I really don't care if it will be a boy or a girl, as long as I have the chance to be the mother.''
''You will, don't worry,'' he assured her. ''We will discuss whether or not you will be a full-time mom once you become my wife.''
''Someday,'' she stressed.
''Someday,'' he repeated.
It was awkwardly silent, with both of them staring more at the ground than at one another. Until Temari had another brilliant idea, to ask unimaginable!
''Now what? Are we engaged?''
''We are not,'' he shrugged.
She almost believed him; she should have known better when her boyfriend was using a shadow as his signature technique. He stared at her in amusement, while she was helpless, letting the invisible hands put a ring on her finger.
''Now we are,'' he said simply and she was in control of her arms again.
She sighed, then chuckled, which made him chuckle too, and she was relieved he wasn't mad any more. Was that a smile on his face?
''Wait a minute!'' she ordered.
''What is it?'' he asked warily.
''I didn't say yes!''
''I didn't hear no either, but let's do it this way. I suppose you need some time to make up your mind. There are only two final options. You can give the ring back to me and I will take the hint. If I see it on your finger, we will have a small, intimate wedding. Eventually.''
She smiled fondly.
''Perfect!''
That was all Temari said before a light peck and her return back inside. The bride was still in the middle of the room.
''Can I borrow her for a minute?'' Temari asked the groom.
''If you promise you will return her,'' Itachi said.
''She will come to you, don't worry.''
Naturally, Hinata was surprised again.
''What's wrong, Temari-san? Why did you yell before?''
''We will talk about that some other time. Can I get one of my ribbons back?''
''Sure.''
Hinata turned around so Temari could untie the last ribbon.
''Did someone say something bad about your loose hair?'' Hinata asked when Temari was done.
''It's not for my hair.''
''Oh. Are you sure everything's fine?''
''I am,'' Temari smiled. ''Go back to dancing, you deserve it.''
On her way out, Temari heard first impression on Hinata's newest hairstyle.
''Why did Temari-san take your ribbon?''
''It's hers.''
''Didn't you say she gifted them to you?''
''That's a long story. I will tell you some other time.''
It would be the longest and the most awkward conversation of their life, but Temari had a feeling it would only strengthen their bond. After all, ribbons were meant to tie something, not necessarily hair.
''Where did you go? You got me worried for a moment,'' Shikamaru admitted, when she returned to him.
''Idiot,'' she laughed, waving with the ring that was now hanging on two linked ribbons.
''What is that?''
''Well,'' she put the unusual necklace around her neck, ''there is no need to tell anybody until we make the final decision.''
''Okay...''
''I will wear the ring this way. First, it won't get in my way during everyday duty and second, nobody who isn't our friend will ask nosy questions.''
To let her know he liked the idea, he embraced her casually around the waist. She used that opportunity to play with his tied hair.
''You think too much sometimes,'' he said quietly.
''Oh really?'' she pouted playfully. ''For how long did you plan this?''
He laughed in a way she knew the answer already.
''It's been awhile.''
Of course it was. He must have thought it through to be certain. He has never done anything impulsively. He didn't ask her because of the heat of the moment or because someone else thought it was the right thing to do. And she was so stupid to react the way she had! If she hadn't thought he was the one, she wouldn't have lived with him in the first place! She panicked because it sounded so formal. And final.
''I'm sorry I ruined that for you.''
He rolled his eyes, but wasn't mad.
''I didn't want it to be a cliché, but I was waiting for the right moment. I knew about this vacation and took some time to buy the ring, only while I was waiting, I got a little suspicious about new friends you have made.''
Great. So she could have been engaged for weeks if there hadn't been for this wedding!
''Then when you explained it all and started to retell me everything, it didn't seem appropriate to me to go down on my knee in between our wild and constant sex. After the final lesson or whatever you called it, when you kissed both Hinata and Ino, I couldn't propose to you, not because I changed my mind, but because that girls' experience meant you would like to share private life with them. Sharing it with Hinata would have put her down, because of her doubts and strange relationship, and Ino, well, she wouldn't have been jealous, but she could use a break from the wedding talks, buying the wedding dress and helping you. Tonight really wasn't the night, but look at you! The moment your brother asks for your diplomacy service, you will go back home. Asking you when you get back would seem as if I wanted to tie you down and determine your professional career. Or worse, you would think I missed you and did it impulsively.''
''So tonight was out of the question?''
''Yeah. I only couldn't wait any more. What did you think? That I pictured you in white and wished to see you wearing the same, so I asked you?''
''Not really.''
''Since we are living together, it was complicated to think of the right timing. If I had taken you out for a dinner, you would have guessed right away.''
''That would be a nice change since I hate cooking,'' she chuckled.
''It's not my fault you want to go out with girls,'' he said pointedly.
''Only because I know you wait for me at home!'' she pecked him teasingly.
''Of course I have to wait for you! I couldn't risk to let you be at home alone and find the ring! I was hiding it around the house for weeks!''
''Weeks? Does that mean the ring was ready at the time you thought I was having an affair?''
''Yeah.''
Every time she would think of that nonsense, she would laugh. Tonight wasn't an exception.
''And what would you have done if I have had an affair?''
He didn't answer, probably because that question was a bit allusive.
''I am not having an affair, I didn't have one nor I will, in the future! You don't have to worry!''
''That doesn't mean you will love me forever,'' he said quietly.
And who would she love instead of him, the smartest man alive who was overthinking every single detail about proposing to her?
''Anyway, I am not in the rush with the ceremony itself, but if you change your mind at some point, let me know. Also when you think of the date. Or your maid of honour or whatever.''
''Suddenly you don't care any more?''
''I have done my part and that was letting you know I want you to become my wife. Now it's your turn to decide how would you like it to happen because I don't care about the guests, speech, flowers or cake. You are the most important part of my wedding day.''
''That sounded like a proposal to me.''
''It did?''
''Uh-huh,'' she smiled seductively.
The best way to seal the deal was a kiss. Or two. Or more.
''Want to go back and dance?'' she asked softly, ready to do whatever her perfect fiancé wanted.
''Actually, I planned the activity meant for two. Only not in a crowded room.''
''Works fine with me!''
Temari happily took Shikamaru's hand on their way out of the garden. It was too dark and not warm enough for whatever he intended for them to do while alone at last.
