Leaves of Trees: Konoha Stories

The Pitch

Shikamaru is in Suna and attempts to propose to Temari.

"Tell me why I should agree to this proposal."

Bright green eyes stared at him, hard and unyielding.

This is such a pain in the ass!

Shikamaru sighed inwardly but he didn't slump, only stood up straighter before his interrogator. This was not what he was expecting when he'd come here to Suna to propose.

Still, he would answer the question.

"The Naras have been a strong clan throughout Konoha's history. We are a respected family and will not be a burden to yours. In fact, I can safely say that your social standing will not be reduced with this marriage when our households will be combined. As a shinobi, I know that my job won't allow for much stability, but I will provide the best that life can offer with the income that I make. I will—"

"Shikamaru, stop." Gaara's eyes were now flashing with sympathy.

"Huh?" Shikamaru frowned at him across the Kazekage's desk. "Isn't that what you wanted to hear? I'm listing all the assets I bring into this marriage so that you'll agree to it."

Gaara smiled. "I've already agreed to it precisely because I already know those assets you're listing. But—" He shook his head at Shikamaru when he saw the confusion on his face. "You're missing the most important part. I'll agree to the marriage only if you can answer this question sincerely: Do you love Temari?"

"Oh." Shikamaru flushed. Yeah. The Kazekage had a good point.

Gaara was still waiting patiently for his answer, but his face was amused.

Shikamaru cleared his throat and then mumbled, "Yes, Gaara, I love her."

"Okay. You have my permission."

Gaara laughed when he saw the relief on Shikamaru's face. "Now quit procrastinating by being in here and go to her."

Shikamaru laughed, too. "Was I that obvious?"

"Yes."

Shikamaru shook his head. "Shit."

"Yes." Gaara folded his arms and continued smiling at his future brother-in-law with sympathy. "You don't want to keep my sister waiting."

Shikamaru sighed. "Ugh. Why can't you just tell her to marry me? It's just so much easier to propose to you."

Gaara laughed again but he shook his head. "You know she can't be forced into doing anything."

Shikamaru snorted. "It is so ironic that you ended up being the nicer one."

"Go already."

Shikamaru shook himself and then bowed deeply before Temari's brother. "Thank you for your time."

Gaara bowed in response. "You have my blessing, Shikamaru, and I wish you good luck."

***

She knew, of course, why he was here.

Temari watched him approach her and folded her fan. She then tucked it behind her and faced her students. "I'm dismissing you from the rest of the training for today." Her announcement was met by smiles. "But you'll make up for it by coming in two hours early tomorrow morning."

She only heard the grumbling from the kids when they were several feet away from her, beyond the gates of the training field.

Hmph! As if she couldn't hear them.

But he was close now. She raised a brow. "Shikamaru."

"Temari." He bowed. "I just talked to Gaara and now I've come to find you to ask for your hand in marriage."

"Hmph! I knew it. You don't have your usual lazy expression on your face."

"So you know me enough to know that?"

She pursed her lips. "My knowledge of you is shallow. You only have two expressions: lazy and not lazy."

He tried to stifle his smile and attempted a serious expression. "But I've really come to propose."

She folded her arms and her expression dubious, asked, "How?"

"I will not go down on one knee."

"I will smack you if you do."

He laughed. "I don't have a ring, either."

"Good. I don't trust your taste in jewelry."

He smiled. "I'll tell you I love you."

She nodded. "A necessary requirement."

"And promise you that I will do my best to make you happy."

"Doubtful." She made face. "But I will make sure you hold on to that promise."

"You're a pain in the ass."

Temari shrugged. "But you love me anyway. Continue with this 'proposal.'"

He was grinning, enjoying himself. "And I'll apologize sincerely because this marriage will take you away from your beloved home."

"True, but it won't kill me."

He spoke as he reached out a hand. "And I'll sloooowly bring my hand closer to one of yours so that you don't react instinctively cut it off."

She looked down at his hand and allowed him to grasp hers. "Smart move."

"I'm known for that."

"Good thing because I kill fools for a living."

He laughed but he became serious again. "Then I will look deeply into your eyes."

She met his gaze and snorted. "And I will restrain myself from making a face to prove to you that I can endure anything."

"And then I'll just simply ask you: Temari, do you want to marry me?"

Finally, she smiled at him. "And I will say: Yes, Shikamaru. I will marry you because I do love you despite your faults."

"And then we kiss?" he asked.

"Yes."

They did.