Chapter 14: The Proposal

Shikamaru had been pondering the perfect way to propose to Temari again. Their relationship had already traveled so many tumultuous paths, and he wanted this moment to encapsulate the depth of his love and commitment. One evening, as they sat together on the porch of their beloved Nara compound, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the forest and their wandering deer, he knew it was the right time.

He knelt before her, taking out a small, well-worn box that held her old engagement ring—the cherished Nara family heirloom. His hands trembled slightly as he opened it, revealing the ring that had once symbolized their eternal bond.

"Temari, I gave this ring to you years ago, and I never wanted to see it on anyone else's hand but yours," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "deep down, I knew it belonged to you. Will you honor me by becoming my wife again?"

Temari's eyes filled with tears of joy as she looked at the ring, the memories of their past flooding back. She nodded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Yes, Shikamaru. I'll marry you again. But… I want it to be just the two of us and a witness, nobody else. Not even our families."

Shikamaru felt an overwhelming rush of happiness. "That's perfect, Temari. Absolutely perfect."

Though they were yet to marry, Shikamaru couldn't help but share the news with their friends and comrades. "We're engaged again," he told them with pride. And while there were some raised eyebrows at the lack of a public ceremony, they all understood and respected their decision.

--

The mornings at the Nara compound took on a serene and lovely routine. Temari would wake up very early to feed the deer, a task she had taken to with joy. The sight of the graceful creatures wandering freely through the forest resonated deeply with her, and it became her tranquil time before the day began. However, the chill of the early morning often left her shivering by the time she returned to their warm bed.

Shikamaru had developed a habit that made these moments even more precious. When Temari climbed back into bed, cold from her morning chores, he would gently undress her, pulling her naked form against his. It was their intimate ritual. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand always on her nipple, feeling for when they softened and lost their cold-induced hardness.

Once she was warm, Shikamaru's touch would change from comforting to arousing. Even in her sleep, Temari would respond to his affectionate caresses. Her body stirred to life as his gentle, persistent touches drew her out of slumber and into a state of desire. He took delight in knowing exactly how to incite her arousal, turning the chill of the morning into a simmering heat of passion.

He cherished these quiet, intimate moments, where the outside world faded away, leaving just the two of them bound in love and desire. Shikamaru couldn't help but marvel at how profoundly his life had transformed. The woman he had always loved was once again his, and every element of their existence together brimmed with an unparalleled happiness.

Their plans for a quiet, private wedding were underway, and every day felt like a gift. As they lay entwined in the mornings, the future felt full of promise. Temari was his sanctuary, his source of joy and strength, and he intended to cherish every moment with her.

All around them, the Nara compound buzzed softly with the sounds of life—deer rustling in the leaves, the whispering wind, and the tranquil pulse of the forest. And in the center of it, Shikamaru and Temari found their bliss.

With her by his side, Shikamaru knew there was nothing they couldn't face together. Their love had weathered many storms, and now they stood poised to create a future filled with happiness and devotion. The days ahead were as bright and promising as the mornings that began with her in his arms, and he was filled with a profound gratitude for every single one.

Unwinding the Past

The day had taken an unexpected turn when Shikamaru and Temari visited the village office to finalize the details for their upcoming wedding. They had anticipated nothing more than filling out some forms and perhaps receiving a congratulations from the clerk. Instead, they were told that, given this was their second marriage to each other, they would be required to attend therapy sessions before their union could be officially recognized.

That evening, as they lay in bed, the weight of the day's news hung in the air. Temari nestled close to Shikamaru, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "So, therapy sessions," she began, a hint of worry in her voice. "Do you think it's really necessary?"

Shikamaru, however, wasn't terribly focused on the discussion. He was too enraptured by the feel of Temari's skin under his fingertips, the soft rise and fall of her breath. He leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on her shoulder before shifting his attention to her breasts, taking one nipple into his mouth. The sensation elicited a soft moan from Temari, momentarily distracting her from the conversation.

"I'm being serious, Shikamaru," she murmured, though her hands found their way to his hair, holding him close. "This therapy might bring up some old wounds, and we need to be prepared for that."

Shikamaru paused, lifting his head to meet her gaze. His eyes were filled with a mix of tenderness and determination. "I know, Temari. But our bond is stronger than anything therapy can throw at us. Whatever comes up, we'll face it together. I'll fight for us until the end."

His reassurance seemed to calm her fears, and she smiled, relaxing further into his embrace. "You always know what to say."

He resumed his ministrations, his hands and mouth exploring her body with a detailed, loving focus. Every touch was deliberate, every kiss a promise. Her soft moans and sighs filled the room, a symphony of their shared passion.

Shikamaru reveled in the way her body responded to him, each gasp and shiver a testament to their deep connection. He couldn't get enough of her, the way she moved under his touch, the sound of his name on her lips as he brought her to the edge again and again.

Their lovemaking was both a comfort and a renewal—a celebration of the love that had endured so much and an affirmation of the joy they found in each other. As they reached the heights of their passion, the world outside their sanctuary faded away, leaving only the two of them in a bubble of pure bliss.

Later, as they lay entwined in each other's arms, Shikamaru felt a deep sense of contentment. "We'll get through the therapy," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear. "And we'll come out stronger on the other side. I promise you that."

Temari nodded sleepily, her head tucked under his chin. "I believe you, Shikamaru. And no matter what happens, I'm glad I have you."

They fell into a peaceful slumber, the warmth of their love wrapping around them like a protective cocoon. The challenges ahead felt less daunting with the strength of their bond as a shield.