DISCLAIMER: I have no part in the creation that is Naruto .:sigh:.
A/N: It's on time!!
Temari – August 23rd
The main hall of the Kazekage palace glittered with the light from a thousand candles, whose flames were reflected in the sparkling finery of the room's occupants. All of Suna and at least half of Konoha had turned up for Temari's eighteenth birthday, because after all, the eldest child of the previous Kazekage and the sister of the current Kazekage was practically Suna royalty.
Temari, however, did not see herself that way, and was finding it hard to keep up with the lush ball and the presents that had been thrust upon her. The blonde viewed herself as a hard-working Kunoichi (of recently acquired Jonin rank) and as carer for her two idiotic brothers - who never seemed quite able to keep themselves out of trouble – not the desert princess all these people seemed to picture her as.
Temari drifted out onto the balcony of one of the Kazekage palace's upper floors, her golden threaded Kimono, purposefully too long at the back, trailed behind her, stirring up dust motes and grains of sand as she went. Sighing, the eighteen year old set down her drink on the railings and looked down on the bejewelled crowds below. The light from the candles created dark blocks of shadow on her guest's faces, and Temari found that they ended up looking slightly demonic.
Well she thought most of them are politicians. She wrinkled her nose and laughed softly.
"Something funny?" The lazy voice of Nara Shikamaru enquired from behind her.
"I was just thinking how much my guests look like demons" she told him, without turning around.
"Well" Shikamaru sauntered over and stood next to her, propping himself up on the rails "they are politicians"
"My thoughts exactly" she agreed and they stood in silence for a few moments.
"Happy birthday" he muttered after a while
"Thank you"
"Though I don't see why you'd want to make such a fuss about it" he added, thinking aloud
"I didn't" Temari replied, also unaware of what she was saying
"So how did this" he paused here and waved a hand at the party below "end up happening?"
"Gaara wanted to return a favour – I organised his birthday party –"
Shikamaru snorted "yeah, Lee and Naruto wouldn't stop arguing about who had the best time for a month" Temari smiled, pleased
"And Kankuro agreed to Gaara's idea to get revenge"
"Revenge?"
"For using up all his make-up on his birthday" the Nara genius raised an eyebrow "It was for his own good" Temari protested
"Why not just say no?"
"Have you ever tried saying no to Gaara? He may have improved sincxe you last saw him, but he still has his moments. And if I'd said no to Kankuro, it would have made him twice as enthusiastic" she sighed heavily and Shikamaru threw an arm around her shoulders, squeezing her for a moment "you're lucky you're an only child"
"Huh. I may not have any brothers or sisters, but I've got team mates and they're just as troublesome" he said echoing Temari's sigh
"Yeah you've got that blonde . ."
"Ino. But she's not the worst. Once Chouji thinks party, he makes the connection to party food – after that he's unstoppable."
The two of them smiled happily.
"I complain" Temari began "but . . ."
"You appreciate it?"
"Yeah. Their presents aren't half bad!" she joked
"I got you a present" Shikamaru declared in great surprise, as though he himself had only just realised. "here" from a fold in his formal Yukata he drew an ancient-looking ebony-inlaid box.
Carefully, Temari took it from him and lifted the lid. With a small gasp she removed the Nara ivory fan from its resting place and opened it gently. It was a light sandy coloured cloth sewn with russet dragon spurting golden flames. She turned and held it up to the light from the doorway, watching it glimmer softly. "apparently it'll match your hair"
"Apparently according to who?"
" My mother. And Ino."
"They were right"
Shikamaru shivered "don't say such a troublesome thing to their faces though"
"I've heard" she said, slightly more seriously "that deer ivory is the Nara clan's equivalent of diamonds" Shikamaru nodded, waiting for her to make a connection "and that it's often used in engagement presents"
"So . . ?"
"So is this a Nara ivory fan, or is this a Nara ivory engagement fan?"
Shikamaru smirked "Which would you rather?" he asked infuriatingly.
Temari raised her eyebrows in question, but all she got in response was a lazy smile. Well if he's going to be like that. She carefully folded the fan back up and laid it in its box, tucking the ebony chunk of wood into her obi. She then took a step back and placed her hands on her hips, eyeing up the genius who was still leaning against the rails.
"Troublesome woman" he heard her mutter and, smiling a little, she stepped forwards again, capturing the lazy-ass in a kiss.
"That answer your question?"
Shikamaru nodded, somewhat dazed by his (his elder woman's, his Temari's) fiancée's acceptance.
"But why the rush?" she asked suddenly "after all I may be of age, but you're still only fifteen"
Shikamaru shrugged nonchalantly "Well you're important aren't you?" he said, as though stating the obvious. Any over-achieving shinobi would be after you for your political connections at the very least. Add to that the fact that you're smart and good-looking . . .he added to himself"Let's just say it would be far too troublesome for me to wait another three years"
Though he was three years younger than her, Shikamaru was also an inch, or so taller – he definitely had potential. "I suppose this means I'll be waiting here for you for three years then, while you're running about Konoha?"
"Maybe . . ."
"Maybe?" Temari was confused. Shikamaru pointed to the doorway where Gaara stood, silhouetted in the bright light shining from behind him.
"I've assigned you to be Chunnin exams liason for the coming event in Konoha" he said in his quiet voice, arms folded tightly "A job Nara has also been assigned too. So you'll be seeing each other quite often"
Temari looked between the two of them in amazement. Though Gaara scowled and Shikamaru smirked, she could tell from both their faces that they had planned this. The boy was thorough.
"Temari! It's time for your birthday speech – oh, hey everyone . . ." Kankuro had also made his appearance on the balcony.
"Of course" she turned back to Shikamaru coughing pointedly at Kankuro and Gaara who – had not disappeared – over her shoulder, causing the elder of the two to nod and nudge the younger back down to the party hall.
"So I suppose I'll see you later then?"
"I suppose so" with a great deal of effort Shikamaru smiled at his fiancée.
"But just in case –" she stopped and leant forwards to kiss him, not expecting the warm arms that encircled her and the surprisingly muscled body against which she was pressed "– keep this until next time" she breathed, and it was her turn to be dazed as Shikamaru reluctantly released her that she might make her speech.
Temari sauntered into the hallway to signal for someone to take a swing at the huge gong in the hallway. At the sound of the sharp metallic clanging, the guests stopped their own conversations and turned to look up at the balcony. She cleared her throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen." She began "tonight I have only three words that need to be said" she paused and the crowd waited with baited breath. "Best. Birthday. Ever." She declared, eyes shinign with joy and not one of the guests could restrain themselves from appreciating her words; though whether in surprise, amusement or general drunkenness, no one could tell – and no one cared.
Leading the cheers was her inebriated brother Kankuro, the applause was taken care of by the almost-smiling Gaara and – a shining spot in the crowd – only Shikamaru set his own pace, stopping his applause to smile up at her, completely enamoured.
Yes she thought, moving down to join her now positively angelic guests best birthday ever.
OWARI!
I would like to take this opportunity to say I, personally
Am not a fan of early marriages but for the purposes of
This story it works, ne? And if you're a shinobi, live life
While you've got it right!?
Reviews appreciated – kisses! x x x