The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Epilogue

Hasu POV

Matatabi and Kokuō Oba-San help me in my wedding dress while the others wait outside. Smiling at me with her cool blue hair, I smile, she rubs my cheek.

"Beautiful."

Kokuo Oba-San nods, "Yes, I must agree."

Shukaku Oji-san knocks on the door roughly, "Are you ready in there we want to see too!"

Mata Oba-San sighs, "Yes, she's ready you brat!"

He opens the door and frowns, "Who are you calling, brat!"

I chuckle at their antics as the others come in. Showing me compliments, I can't help but feel my cheeks heat up. In my traditional wedding dress and straightened curls, I can't help but feel like a princess.

As I talk with them, I hear the door knock again, "Come in!"

Opening the door, Oto-san and Jiji walk in and smiles, staring at me; the others get the message as they bid me farewell and get to their seats. As soon as the door closes tears begin to fall from their eyes.

From Jiji's wrinkled and wise features with Oto-san's hard and smooth both walk over to me in pure joy and pride.

Oto-san tucks a hair behind my ear, "My Little Lotus has grown too fast for my liking. I feel like I missed so much."

"Oto-san..."

Jiji holds my hand, "Little Lotus, Hasu, we're so proud of you. You've exceeded our expectations, and as the minutes pass out, love for you only grows."

Oto-san nods, "Your parents would be proud of you."

My eyes begin to water, holding back my tears I nod.

"It's time."

Wrapping both arms around mine they walk me down to the ceremony. Seeing everyone there, I smile as I look up at Shika. I can barely hold back my tears as Oto and Oji-san walk me down the aisle with love and pride.

Giving me off to Shika, they give me one last smile before the ceremony continues. The words become a blur as my time and energy is being focused on my future husband. As soon as it comes to an end, Shika places his lips on mine, making me smile; as our lips part, he pulls me away from the crowd as they stand and cheer.

Later on, the reception starts as the white petals fall from the trees above. Looking up at the sky as the clouds roll by, I think back on my youth and how far I've come. Feeling a hand on mine, I told it tightly, knowing it's none other than Shika.

He speaks lovingly, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Mingling with the others, we eat and dance as music fills the air. Showing my dance from the festival everyone cheers. The music picks up the pace as I dance with the girls, twirling around with Oto-san as he passes me on to my Oba and Oji's. I laugh, sing, and dance throughout the whole night.

As the sun shined down the dark twinkled as if the spirits were wishes us luck on our bright future. In all honesty, I felt like I was blossoming.

After the wedding, we head into the mountains for our honeymoon, courtesy of the Raikage and the Village Hidden in the Clouds.

In a secluded spring known for its great food and fantastic baths, Shika and I spent a lot of moments getting to know each other better, if you know what I mean.

No POV

The two continue to have a loving marriage as more weddings came and went with Ino's and Choji's. The new generation began to be set in motion as a baby boy came into their lives.