seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Angola
seen from Canada
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from Mexico
seen from India
seen from Poland
seen from Singapore
seen from China
Shikamaru calls Temari "princess" only on two occasions:
1. When he's irritated by her and wants to annoy her back.
2. When they're having sex.
(imagine Temari’s leaning forward against the wall, Shikamaru’s tugging her hair and pounding her doggy style from the back, calling and referring to her as “princess” repeatedly)
(and it turns her on like crazy, coz he likes to be all submissive and enslaved to her at first, before completely overpowering and dominating her)
Ok, I should stop. 🫠
Homecoming
Happy Temari week! Thank you to everyone at @heartofthesand for hosting! I’m excited to help celebrate our queen. Enjoy this small introspection!
Prompt: Reunion
Summary: There’s nothing in the world like being home.
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Homecoming
The area was a natural phenomenon out in the barren desert. A small oasis of green trees and plants with a pond in the middle of miles of sand. It was the perfect place for the previous Kazekage and his wife to have their final rest.
“Hello mother, father. I’m sorry that I haven’t had a chance to visit in so long.” Temari placed a few gifts at the headstones. Various flowers and treats before settling down. Her fingers traced over the names etched in stone. Willing herself to imagine their spirits there with her.
“I’m getting married tomorrow.” She took a deep breath. Calming herself, centering her thoughts.
“I just wanted to have a moment to talk to you. I pray that you are both at peace. Please know that you raised three wonderful children. I wish that you could be here to see it. Gaara is so strong now. Not just physically but mentally and spiritually. He has grown in all this time. He found peace along the path you set him on. Suna is prospering under his watchful eye.” She took a moment to remember the frightening monster that her brother once was. Now he was so much more. A dependable leader, brother, and friend.
“Kankuro, well Kankuro is the same.” She grinned thinking about the puppet master. “He may joke, and he annoys me on a good day but I think that in some ways, he is stronger than all of us. Please don’t ever let him know I said that.” Kankuro had always been the annoying younger brother. In many ways though, he was her best friend.
“As for myself. I’ve held onto a lot of anger for so long now. Mother, I hated that you left us. You left me. You weren’t there to protect us. I had to learn about love, the world, and my place in it without you. I wish you could be here to help me. To teach me how to be a good wife. I’m terrified about having my own child.” She brushed away those sorrowful tears.
“I wanted to hate you forever father. I carried so much anger and resentment for what you put me and my brothers through. I hated what you did to Garra. How you taught us to treat him. I allowed how I felt about you to fuel me. Now I think that I have a better understanding. I’m not angry anymore. I want you to both know that I forgave you a long time ago. Perhaps you don’t need my forgiveness but I needed it for myself.”
“Father, you raised me to be fearless and selfless. To give everything that I am to Suna. I have done all that I could but it is time to move on. I will still continue to love and support my home but I have a different mission now. I would do anything for the Sand and my brothers but I can’t give up my heart. I’m sorry to leave Suna but it’s in good hands.” She choked back a sob as the realization began to sink in that she was leaving.
“Shikamaru makes me so happy. I didn’t know that I could feel this way. That I was even allowed to. I’ve never known a love like this and I don’t think that I ever will again in this lifetime. I can be myself with him. I can be messy, cruel, soft, and vulnerable and it doesn’t scare him away. Even if it probably should. He makes me feel safe and I haven’t felt that way in so long. Shikamaru is my home now and I have to be with him. Marriage, being a wife, and having a husband. These were never things that I wanted. But I want these things with him. In all honesty, I think that he needs me more than Suna does.”
A soft smile crossed her face as she thought about the pineapple haired ninja. “It’s silly huh, the famed Princess of Suna marrying a foreigner with no title or station. The Council gave us a hell of a time. I pray that you are not rolling in your graves. But please believe that he is the only person for me. There is no one in Suna or across the great nations that I could imagine loving more. I know that he will love and care for me in the way that I deserve. I pray that we can be just as happy as I believe that you two were.”
She stood up with one last longing glance, feeling the wind kick up around her. “Thank you both. Watch over all of us. I will be back before I leave to reintroduce Shikamaru to you as my husband. When our child is born he will know his grandparents. I love you both.”
She made the trek out of the hidden area, the desert sun drying her tears. Her steps were light as her heart was now unburdened.
Shikamaru turned hearing her return and opened his arms out wide to her. She settled into his chest a kind of peace and love radiating from her. Knowing that this is where she belonged. He was her home.
He pressed soft kisses into her hair. “How was the reunion?”
“Good.” Shikamaru was thankful that she could have some peace.
“Ready to be married to me?” He asked with a grin.
She glanced up at him with an excited gleam in her eyes. Eager for this next chapter in life.
“Absolutely.”
*
**
Temari finally got called a princess! Hell yeah! Also I bet Shikamaru is thinking "well fuck you too." It's cute that the sand loves their princess so much! I mean who wouldn't!😂❤
Polystar, or Princess Temari. Uses a light and dark of two different colors, and the stars get interwoven simultaneously from the center out; in the second picture the placement the light and dark bands was reversed. Was finally able to sell them by adding pink and lavender dangling jewels to them and constantly referring to them as ‘The Princess Balls’ until some parents bought them for their little princesses. The one with the pink ground is actually stitched over a previous design that I hated; so I removed the stitching and re-cycled the ball. Some of the last ones I did in 6-strand floss since I was still building up my collection of #5 perle cotton threads at the time.
Stolen
Chapter 1: The Kiss
Hello my deers! I hope that you’re not tired of me! Lol I’ve been wanting to push myself as a writer so this a small departure from my usual fluffy fics. The fluff and romance is still there. I do hope that you enjoy what I have for you!
Summary: It was her wedding day. For most people that would be a joyous celebration. In Temari’s case, she was a dethroned Princess forced to marry the man that slaughtered her brothers and took over her homeland. The day was set. The bride, the groom, and the man that would inevitably steal her heart.
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Temari glanced at her reflection in the dingy mirror. Her once piercing teal eyes were clouded over with a kind of grief that the pounds of makeup couldn’t hide. The crown on her head felt heavy along with the elaborate wedding robes she wore. As a child, she never envisioned her wedding day, but if she had this certainly wasn’t it.
A dethroned princess set to marry the man that had killed her brothers and claimed her homeland. This marriage was the last step in securing his place as the Kazekage.
The coup d’etat had caught them by surprise. After Gaara had been installed as the Kazekage they knew that dissent had remained but she and her brothers could have never conceived this. The few people loyal to their side had been slaughtered in the streets. Despite how valiantly they fought her brothers fell as well. She squeezed her eyes shut as the memory replayed in her mind.
She fought as long as she could but was not a match for the cruel military he’d amassed. She was willing to die alongside her countrymen and for her home but in a cruel twist of fate their “leader” had taken an interest in her. Claiming that he’d done all of this for her. She’d become his sort of sick obsession. He decreed that they were to be married. He claimed it was the way to legitimately take the throne of Kazekage. To show himself the true leader of Suna. It was just another cruel show of power. To prove that he’d destroyed any and all traces of their lineage and authority.
At first, he tried to “woo” her with gifts and sweet words. Promises of a beautiful future together. She rebuffed any and all attempts each time sending him into a spiraling rage.
Each day she tried to escape. Whether that was dead or alive, it didn’t matter. But he was nothing if not smart. He ensured that she was without a weapon and under constant surveillance. Every time she tried to leave they’d beat her within almost an inch of her life. Shadowy figures that did all they could to break her spirit along with her body. Despite how broken and bruised they left her she refused to completely give in. Once she was healed enough she would try again the next day. She was born a warrior and refused to go down without a fight. She would only leave this Earth on her terms.
Even now on the day of her wedding. The day that she would truly be left with nothing. She refused to cry. As cruel as their taunts were and as broken her body was she refused to let them see her sorrow. She didn’t know if tears were possible in the desert.
“Princess Temari.” She stood up with one last glance. A farewell to who she was at one time unable to avoid her destiny for any longer.
The hall was filled with people from Suna and beyond. Some familiar faces that she believed at one time to be her friends and allies. Her fiancé stood at the altar. The familiar cruel smile etched across his face. The same one that he wore when he callously murdered the people closest to her.
She swallowed back the bile that appeared in her throat pushing her shoulders back. Her head was held high refusing to shrink under the evil gazes sent her way. She was the last of the Sand Siblings. The last of the family line that had ruled Suna since it’s beginning. He had taken everything from her but her pride still remained. She was meant to survive. Despite what they believed she was still Suna’s Princess. She would find a way.
Temari took his clammy claw in her hand. She was sure that to the crowd watching they were the picture of wedded bliss as the minister began. She wondered if those who came from far away knew what was actually happening. If they even cared at all.
The voice droned on as she imagined a much different life. Perhaps a wedding where she was a willing participant. Her brothers would be there supporting her looking on with joy. She would be surrounded by her friends and people that loved her. Her handsome fiancé promising to love her for all their lives. What a beautiful life she could have had.
As the officiant moved into the vows confusion erupted all around her. Shouts rang while weapons whirled through the air as bodies dropped. In the chaos, her ears focused on one voice above all the rest. Soothing and smoky it directed the hidden shinobis.
She glanced down seeing that next to her, her fiancé was paralyzed, wrapped in shadows forced to watch his stolen empire fall.
“You’re not who I was expecting at all.” That one distinct voice addressed her.
Temari’s eyes met dark ones staring at her with a sort of softness and amusement. His lips were curved into a smirk and it was the kindest look that she’d received in months. His hair was pulled to the top of his head while his hands formed the symbols needed to keep up his jutsu. She peered at him confused recognizing a familiar symbol.
“You’re from the Leaf?”
“Yes.”
This only drew more questions and confusion. “Why are you here? Who are you?”
“I’m a friend, Princess.” He assured her while the chaos continued around them. And she believed him. Her last glimmer of hope was attached to this unknown ninja from the Leaf.
“I will fucking kill you!” She heard her betrothed threaten.
“Shut up, We’re talking.” The unnamed shinobi demanded. The shadows wrapped around his throat tighter.
“Here, this might convince you.” Surprising her he handed her a familiar metal item. Her hands lifted to her mouth in shock tears emerging in her eyes.
“Your brothers are alive and they’re waiting for you.” Her fingers traced over the familiar item. It was a secret between her siblings. They each had a piece of the puzzle that when they all came together formed the symbol of the Kazekage family. It was something that they had with them since they were children. Even now she had hers carefully hidden on her.
They were alive.
“We need to get out of here but first, let’s deal with your dear fiancé. I assume you have no attachments to him so you’d have no objections to killing him.” Temari’s eyes gleamed seeing the man that had made her life a living hell for months on his knees begging and pleading for his life. Even as they beat her she never once looked as pathetic as he did.
She grinned cruelly before turning to the Leaf Shinobi.
“What’s your name?”
“Shikamaru Nara.”
“Nice to meet you. Is your jutsu solid?”
“He’s not getting away. I have shinobi covering this building so no one will be able to get inside either.”
“Good.” Before he could ask any more questions she pulled him into a deep kiss. Her hands ran up through his hair pulling him flush against her body. Shikamaru was frozen in surprise before a hand rubbed up and down her spine falling into the kiss. It felt like being hit by electricity. A blissful moment in time among dead bodies and carnage.
They vaguely recognized repressed screams and desperate attempts to be freed.
“Shikamaru…” Temari breathed against his lips her arms wrapped around his neck
“Yes, Princess?”
“Please do the honors.”
Temari held tightly onto Shikamaru as the shadows tightened. She watched the life fade from her fiancé’s eyes. The darkness that was drowning her going along with it. When his body hit the ground the invisible chain around her neck fell too and she could breathe again.
She breathed in Shikamaru’s comforting scent of pine trees and smoke before resting her face against his neck. He held her silently feeling her warm tears against his skin. They needed to get out of there but she needed his comfort more. The feeling of her warm lips was still present on his own. Instinctively he pressed a soft kiss against her temple.
“I’m here Princess. The shadows won’t hurt you anymore.” Her arms clutched tighter around him as she finally allowed herself a brief moment to fall apart. Trusting that he’d hold her together.
She took a step back trying to regain her composure and ignore the fact that she missed his comfort and warmth. Never once had she cried so openly.
Her shoulders sagged as the weight of what had just occurred in mere minutes set in. She imagined that the day that his life was taken she would erupt into a joyous dance. Right now seeing the devastation all around her rained down the enormity of the situation.
“What now?”
Shikamaru took her hand in his squeezing it tightly. Wanting her to see him as a lifeline to clutch onto for now. “I’m taking you to the Leaf where we’ll meet up with your brothers. We’re going to have to fight our way out of here so this might help.”
He pulled out a scroll and from it, a familiar weapon came. The weight of her tessen in her hand was like embracing an old friend.
She opened it up wide and the wind around her began to swirl. Shikamaru just gazed at her in awe. When he’d first seen her she looked like a broken porcelain doll. Now she was the vision of ferocity. The famed Princess of Suna and the mistress of the wind.
“Ready Princess?” He asked with that now comforting smirk.
She nodded with a grin. She was ready. For a new life, new chances and new possibilities. Her eyes blazed with renewed determination.
“Let’s go.”
*
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Thanks for reading loves! I have so many WIPs but sometimes there are stories that grab a hold of you and won’t let you go till you write them. This is one of them. I was originally going to keep it to myself but I wanted to share it and hope that you enjoy it as well.
It won’t be too long, I have a general idea where I want it to go.
I do have the next chapter pretty much done. I won’t hold it hostage for too long. So chapter two will be out soon. I’ve got a bunch of smutty one-shots in the works too for my Lemonade series. This story will probably have at least one chapter with some fun stuff too.
Thanks for reading and giving the story a chance. I appreciate you reading and any kudos/comments!
Love you all!
The Arrangement
Chapter 8: The Challenge
Hello my darling readers! This chapter took me so long but it’s finally here! I hope that you enjoy it!
Summary: The final ritual.
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Flashback
“The last one, fuck.” Shikamaru just stared, Temari looked a little rattled.
“You have to take on Garra.”
His eyes widened. “What the hell? What do you mean I have to take on Garra.”
“You have to beat him in a challenge.”
“You realize that this is the Kazekage, former Jinchuriki that literally has no weaknesses and I have shadows?”
“You don’t have to physically fight him, you get to choose the type of challenge. Normally you would have to challenge my father but thankfully that’s not the case so Garra it is.”
“You’re acting like he’s that much better of an option.”
“Trust me, he is.”
Shikamaru looked unconvinced. “Is there anything that guarantees that I get out of this alive?”
Temari just rolled her eyes. “Stop being dramatic. You issue the challenge, win, then this whole thing is over. The council gets what it wanted no one is the wiser. Then we go back to our regular lives. Everyone wins.” And yet the idea of life without him again felt so painful.
Her face took on a contemplative quality. “Believe me, if there was a way that I could challenge Garra myself for my freedom, I would, but unfortunately this is the only way.”
Shikamaru paused his complaints. Her statement brought him back to Earth, reminding him of what was actually important. He knew how much it must upset her to have to rely on him to get out of this situation. He needed to do this for her and when all was said and done, together they’d find a better way.
Temari could tell that he was wracking his brain for a solution and it made her smile. Her genius strategist. As much as he might complain she could rely on him when it mattered. They’d get through this.
She placed her hand over his that formed a circle. “Hey, you’re a lot stronger than you think. Kazekage or not I always told you that you could have become the Hokage if you really wanted to. The whole purpose is to show that the man I chose isn’t weak. He can stand side by side with the Kazekage. You can do this.”
She could see the stress leave his body her vote of confidence encouraging his resolve. “Thanks, Tem, it means a lot for you to say that.”
He paused reflecting on all the things that they’d have to do, it was a lot but it wasn't impossible and it was important.
“We can do this Temari, you believe in me and I have faith in you. We’ll get through this because you and I are great partners, we always have been.”
Temari nodded agreeing to the sentiment. They had always been much more successful working together. Her fate was in his hands and despite all that was at stake, she trusted him to come through for her.
End Flashback
“Man the food here is amazing! We’ve gotta come back when you’re not busy doing all this.” Chouji was surprised to see Shikamaru scrutinizing a Shogi board in front of him this late at night. He was probably overthinking again. Chouji took the seat across from him pouring a drink for both of them.
“Nervous about tomorrow?” Chouji asked, moving a piece. He never enjoyed playing but would indulge Shikamaru from time to time.
Shikamaru shrugged. “A little.”
Now that he and Temari admitted how they felt there was more at stake. He couldn’t let anything stand between them being together.
Chouji just waved off his concerns. “Don’t be, no one can beat you. This is your game.”
“I guess...” There were no guarantees and it would be foolish to assume he’d win easily. Neither of them was quite sure what would happen if he wasn’t able to defeat Gaara. He could only imagine that The Council would attempt to invalidate their relationship somehow. Then they would most definitely arrange another relationship for her.
“Hey, you and Temari are two of the smartest people I know. Whether you win tomorrow or not I know that if you want to be together nothing will stop you. You'll figure out a way, you always do.” There was sheer confidence in those familiar eyes.
“Thanks, Chouji, for everything.”
“We’ve all had a good time being here. It was kind of nice seeing you take on this role. As your best friend who has seen this relationship grow and heard all the complaints turn into something different, I’m happy for you and Temari. You’re good for each other, she makes you really happy. You both deserve that.” Chouji appreciated Temari’s presence in their life. Shikamaru had been through a lot and his best friend deserved to have a partner that would love and encourage him.
Shikamaru smiled at his friend, thankful for his support and friendship over the years.
They both toasted their cups tossing back a drink. “Here’s to growing up.”
*
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“Ready for this?” Temari asked, placing an encouraging kiss on his cheek.
Shikamaru smiled with a nod pulling her into his arms, taking a moment to breathe her in. Trying to assure them both that it would all be okay.
He took a deep breath and nodded. “I think so.”
Temari’s hands reached up to cradle his face between her palms. Confidence and pride shining in her teal eyes. “Whatever happens in there it’s you and I in the end.”
Shikamaru met Garra at the center of a training room the academy students would use. The spectators all watched from above. Temari was seated between Kankurou and Yoshino, Chouji and Ino behind her. They could all tell that she was nervous and tried to be as supportive as possible.
Yoshino patted Temari’s hand affectionately. “Don’t fret my child, if he’s anything like his father, he won’t let anything stand in his way.”
Temari leaned into her, appreciating the reassurance. “Thank you, mother.”
They stared as Gaara turned to address Shikamaru.
“Nara Shikamaru, you have come this far but we will not simply give our Princess to you. You must prove yourself strong and capable, a man that is deserving of her. And so I ask you, what challenge have you brought today.”
Unwilling to shrink under the pressure Shikamaru stood there tall and confident. “I present to you a challenge that tests your critical thinking, strategy, and intellect. Qualities that are necessary for a worthy partner. Lord Gaara, I humbly request a Shogi match.”
Gaara just nodded, not at all surprised. “Your request has been granted.”
*
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“You are better than I expected. I assumed your responsibilities as Kazekage would have prevented you from being able to play.” Shikamaru couldn’t help but compliment him.
“After you taught Temari she’d demand that Kankuro and I play with her to practice so that she could beat you one day. Our moves were constantly scrutinized compared to yours.”
Shikamaru just chuckled, of course, she did.
“Besides, after she concocted this whole plan I guessed that this was the route that you were going to go. So I planned ahead.” He was quite shrewd.
“I know that this didn’t start off real but I’m thankful that it worked out the way that it did. That you both figured out what you mean to each other.”
Shikamaru appreciated the opportunity that they had to talk to one another. “It’s been an experience. I’ve know Temari for a while now but I got to see a different side of her and Suna. I feel like I’m getting so much more out of this.”
“Take care of her for us okay?” Shikamaru looked up at him surprised by the request.
“Always.”
“Princess or not she hasn’t had the easiest life, I’m sure that you know that. You make her happy. She feels safe with you. That means a lot. She’s sacrificed so much for us and Suna. If she hadn’t met you she probably would have sacrificed her happiness as well. You’re the one selfish thing that she demanded for herself. As the Kazekage, but more importantly as her brother, thank you. I know that she can be difficult, but I know that the two of you will be very happy.”
Shikamaru didn’t have siblings growing up. The closest comparison would be his relationship with Ino and Choji. He could only begin to imagine the bond that Temari shared with her brothers, especially considering all that they’d been through. It was an honor to be welcomed into that fold.
“Can you do me a favor though?”
“Sure, anything.”
“I know that you’re so many moves ahead of me. Can you prolong the game a little longer? It wouldn’t look too good if the Kazekage loses so easily.” Garra requested with a grin. He knew that Shikamaru had him beat from the beginning but it wouldn’t do well to just have admitted defeat.
Shikamaru nodded with a smile. Garra played just like Temari did and unfortunately for him, he had multiple strategies to counter her moves.
“Not a problem. It will be a little funny to see everyone stress about it.”
*
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“Why is this taking so long? When we play he can’t wait to show me up. Now all of a sudden he doesn’t know what to do?” Temari complained aloud. She didn’t even think that it was a possibility that Garra could beat him. What would happen if that was the case?
“Tem calm down, I know you want to ride off into the sunset with your prince but it’s kind of exciting considering it’s just a Shogi match and not a fight to the death.” She just glared in response forcing Kankuro to scoot away from her.
She looked down at where Shikamaru and Gaara were seated, annoyed, and worried. She couldn’t see the Shogi board from where they were. Shikamaru should have had Garra beat by now.
The two males in question could feel her intense glare.
Shikamaru feared meeting her gaze. “We should probably finish this up or she might actually come down here.”
“You’re right. She must really love you to be this worried.” Shikamaru blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
They went back and forth a few more times before Shikamaru made his final move ending the game they both stood bowing respectfully to the other signaling the end.
“Nara Shikamaru you proved yourself a worthy opponent and have won this challenge.”
They were both surprised by the cheers that erupted. It seems that everyone was rooting for this outcome. Temari collapsed into her chair relieved, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. They did it. It had all managed to work out. She wanted to run down there but now came the last step, their presentation to Suna.
*
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Temari looked up, seeing the door open revealing Shikamaru. She ran up towards him, meeting him for a kiss. After this, he was wholly and completely hers, and the world would know it too.
“How do I look?” She smiled her hands tracing over his shoulders to adjust his coat. He’d been given a set of Suna clothing to wear for their formal presentation to the village. Long fitted buttoned dark green coat with intricate gold embroidery along the seams, a swath of gold fabric hung over his shoulder. Together in her own gold silk dress with elaborate beading and jeweled crown they looked like quite a royal couple. This wasn’t how either of them were used to dressing but it was nice for just a little bit.
“You look very handsome.” There was no snark or follow up, just a genuine compliment to which he couldn’t help but kiss her.
“I love you Tem.”
Even now the statement left her breathless. Her arms wrapped tighter around him trying to take in the moment. This crazy plan of hers had worked out in such a wonderful and unexpected way.
“I love you too Shikamaru.”
* **
Gaara stood at the balcony looking over a sea of people who were waiting with eager anticipation. He was happy to see and feel the enthusiasm and joy that had been absent from his people for so long.
“People of Suna, it is my privilege to present to you our Princess Temari and Nara Shikamaru the man that she has chosen to share her life with.”
Hand in hand they stepped forward to deafening cheers and shouts of excitement.
“He has demonstrated himself as capable, embracing our people and culture. He has shown his strength and intellect through which I trust him to stand shoulder to shoulder with me. He has proven himself worthy of our Princess. Shikamaru, Temari, I along with the Council and the people of Suna, and Konoha approve and bless this relationship. It is our hope that it will only continue to strengthen and that we may see your example of love as one that inspires all of us.”
The crowd began to cheer and celebrate wildly excited for their relationship and it’s influence and effect on Suna.
Temari and Shikamaru smiled and waved, neither one enjoying the attention but humbled by the support. Shikamaru was thankful that the land and people that Temari loved so much could accept him as one of their own.
They remained there for a few moments longer before stepping away and retreating into her room. They had one family dinner left and this would all be done.
Away from the crowds, and cheers, the silence was welcoming. It was also a stark reminder that he’d be going home soon, they’d both be returning to their daily lives
“Come here.” Temari slid into his open arms, head rested against her favorite spot on his chest. She took a moment to savor the feeling of his arms around her and the steady beat of his heart. Why did it take them so long to figure this out? They had years to sort out their feelings and once they finally had he was leaving.
“I don’t want you to go.” She knew that he couldn’t stay. He’d already put his entire life on hold for her for a month but that didn’t stop the selfish request.
“I know Tem, I hate that we’re so far apart.” Saying goodbye to her always hurt but especially now. He didn’t care about what they had to do next. He’d happily go through it if that meant they could always be together. Shikamaru pulled back to take her hand in his before placing them on the pendant of her necklace.
“I’m always right here.”
She squeezed her eyes tightly refusing to let those tears fall. She wasn’t losing him, he was finally hers. They would just need to be apart for a little, it would make being together that much sweeter.
“Shika after dinner tonight can you come back here?” She asked shyly a blush painted across her cheeks. She needed to soak in as much time together as possible.
He nodded before his lips met hers. His tongue tracing the seam of her lips before they parted allowing him to explore her mouth. He felt himself becoming drunk off her taste and sweet sighs of contentment. His hands grasped along the curve of her waist, her warm skin beneath his fingertips. She was incredible. His troublesome, perfect Sand Princess.
“Nothing could keep me away.”
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The Arrangement:
Chapter 1: The Set- Up
Chapter 2: The Proposition
Chapter 3: The Participants
Chapter 4: The Declaration
Chapter 5: The Fear
Chapter 6: The Performance
Chapter 7: The Meaning
Chapter 8: The Challenge
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Do you ever like refall in love with characters? I feel like that happened while I read through my previous chapters and while writing this one. I love these two so much!!!
We’re almost to the end. I think the next update might come even slower than this one...I’m going back and forth between a few ideas and I might write a smutty chapter as a follow-up but that’s still to be seen. At most there should only be three more chapters then this story will be all done. I hope that you’re all doing okay, healthy, and well. Keep taking care of yourself and others! Love you!
The Arrangement
Chapter 10: The End
Hello my pretty deers! Here we are at the last chapter. Thank you for sticking through with me. If you missed any chapters they’re linked below or click the link above and it will take you to AO3. I hope that you enjoy this short and sweet finale.
Summary: Here we are at The End.
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“Welcome Lord Shikamaru, we are glad that you were able to attend a Council meeting.” Shikamaru nodded politely, taking his seat between Temari and Kankurou. Now that he had officially married into the ruling family he was given a seat on the Council as was tradition. It now made sense why her relationship had been scrutinized. They wanted to ensure that whoever married into the family fit into the Council’s agenda. The caveat was that he was only given the seat because he was a male. Temari’s own mother held no governing position.
Garra opened the meeting and Shikamaru faded in and out. He wasn’t quite sure what his role was meant to be. Ultimately, he was there to support Temari and her brothers with their direction for Suna. It was interesting to be part of another Village’s ruling government, but he was waiting for one specific event.
“I have a new piece of business I’d like to present.” All eyes widened in surprise when Temari made the announcement.
She stood there proudly, her eyes fierce and determined. The air in the room had shifted. “I know that traditionally the council has had a say in the relationships for the ruling family, this is a practice unique only to females. Specifically arranging marriages. I would like to abolish this practice. In addition, whoever marries into the ruling family will be given a seat on the Council regardless of gender.” The members of the Council stared at her like she had grown two heads. Shikamaru and her brothers just looked on proudly.
“Lord Shikamaru please reason with your wife, this is a necessary practice for Suna-” Shikamaru’s hand slamming angrily against the table stopped the councilman’s tirade.
“The Princess was addressing the Council, not me. If you have something to say you will address her respectfully.” He was really fucking tired of these people ignoring her for the sheer fact that she was a woman and had reduced her to being just his wife.
“My apologies, Princess Temari-”
“No, this is not a discussion. And your reasoning is flawed. This practice is intended solely to maintain the status quo. To ensure that the only ones invited to this table are people just like you. I regret to remind you all that outside of the ruling family, your position on the Council is not finite. You are all relics of the old Kazekage. When a new Kazekage is installed that person along with their advisers has the right to handpick the Council. This is information that you all conveniently failed to share with Garra. Who we will choose will be far more diverse and inclusive than who we have seated here.”
She took a deep breath, her eyes still blazing. “I am not asking for permission. I am simply informing you that things will change and Suna will change with it. The Sand and its people will only be better for it. The world is growing and evolving. Your backward practices are chaining us to a troubled past, but no longer.” The council began to complain and sputter their dissent but Temari was unmoved. Shikamaru just stared at her awed and amazed. They were unprepared for his Herricane.
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Following the meeting, Shikamaru and Temari made their way to watch the desert sunset needing some peace and quiet.
Temari leaned into her husband feeling a heaviness lifted from her shoulder. “How do you feel?”
“Empowered, worried but excited for the future. God help anyone that thinks that they have any control over my child’s heart.”
“You can be really scary.” He teased her kissing the top of her head.
“Good, I’d hate for you to forget that.”
She took a deep breath her eyes taking in the buildings as the lights started to flicker on. She knew that her actions would have some serious consequences but she was unafraid. She was ready to face the future knowing who she had by her side.
Temari’s expression was soft and contemplative as the sun began its descent. “Sometimes I think about what my life could have become if I had never met you. If you hadn’t been there if you weren’t willing to play along. Right now, I’d be a shell of who I am, nothing but a pawn to the Council. I don’t think that I could have lasted very long living like that.”
The idea was frightening. That she could be reduced to nothing more than some man’s wife in an unwanted marriage. “It’s impossible to remember what life was like without you in it. Even now I can’t imagine it. There’s no me without you Tem.” She smiled up at him kissing him softly. It was hard to disagree with.
“ Perhaps my brothers and I had very little choices, but no longer will that be the only path. Our children will choose their direction in life. What they want to be, and who they want to love.” Freedom would be the greatest gift she could give them.
Shikamaru nodded, placing a protective hand on her stomach. “I don’t think that this little one should be worried about the Council. Its mama is a beast.” She laughed in response placing her hands over his. This change was something that she’d been wanting to present for a while. Knowing that she was about to bring a child into the world only solidified her decision. They’d sacrificed so much for a peaceful world. Now it was time to make it one that they could be proud of.
“That night when I asked you to get involved in this crazy mess, did you think that we’d end up here?”
“If I did, I don’t think that I would have agreed.” He replied honestly.
“Hey!”
He chuckled pulling her in closer. “At the time, I was just helping a friend. This innate need to keep you safe, to protect you from them. I could never allow anything to shrink who you are, to reduce you to nothing more than a pretty figurehead. I thought that as long as I accomplished that then I’d be happy. I found out early on that it was more than that. I wanted to keep that role for the rest of our lives. To keep you safe, to watch over you, even if you didn’t need me to. I wanted to be the person that you went to whenever the world became too much.” A warm hand cradled her face, a soft smile crossing his lips.
“To always be a knight that always protects its queen.”
At times he still questioned what he did to deserve her. She’d not only lead Suna to a brighter future she’d be there to support him as he guided the Nara clan. A weaker person might falter under the pressure and position but not her.
She reached up to kiss him, her arms wrapping around him. So much of her life had been defined by tragedies and events out of her control. Shikamaru though, he was the one thing that she had chosen for herself, that she selfishly held onto. That decision for her happiness changed her entire life.
The stars were reflected in her eyes. Hope, excitement, and joy shining through. “I think that you’ve gotten it incorrect, my love. For it’s the Queen that protects her King.”
The End
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The Arrangement:
Chapter 1: The Set-Up
Chapter 2: The Proposition
Chapter 3: The Participants
Chapter 4: The Declaration
Chapter 5: The Fear
Chapter 6: The Performance
Chapter 7: The Meaning
Chapter 8: The Challenge
Chapter 9: The Goodbye
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Temari is a Queen. Temari would never let anyone manipulate or control her babies. In my universe, ShikaTema have Shikadai and a daughter so hell no would that ever happen lol
This is my longest baby. Writing a multi-chapter was a new challenge but an enjoyable one. I'll miss it. Thank you for all your love and support. Each read, like, reblog, comment, and positive thought is precious to me. I truly appreciate it all. Love you my sweet deers!
*Till the next one!
