Note: a bit of GaaMatsuri ficlets running around in my head—not really sure where this is going yet. Set Post-War, NO FLAMES please and review!

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"Please, Temari-Sama…I need this."

The blonde sand Kunoichi sat on the edge of her brother's desk—the Kazekage himself being out at the moment—and eyed the petite brunette with uncertain scrutiny.

"Matsuri, I don't doubt your skills as an ambassador but…you've only accompanied me on two diplomatic missions, both of which only lasted a week at the most; I just don't think you're ready to take on this mission on your own! Even if it is Konoha, you just don't have enough experience."

"But I've been shadowing you for the last eighteen months, Temari-sama! And besides that, I'd only been in Konoha for six months on my own; you'd have to be there afterwards because of the wedding, yes?"

Temari hesitated. "Well that is technically true; Shikamaru and I have a lot of things to finalize for the wedding but—"

The brunette perked up at this and took a hopeful step forward. "Then please, Temari-sama let me do this!"

Temari gazed at the eager brown-haired woman, sympathy showing in her green eyes.

"I've worked so hard…for two years; I was Gaara-sama's student for a year just before the war broke out and then after that, I worked harder than ever to get where I am! But I can't—"The young woman's lip trembled as she struggled with her emotions. "I can't go any further if I stay here; not now. Not when I can't even control how I feel, yet I have to see him every single day…" She trailed off, meeting Temari's eyes. "I want to be the best kunoichi that I can be, Temari-sama…but I can't do that and be near h-him. Not when he just goes on as if I'm completely invisible to him. I k-know it's selfish but I j-just can't—"

Temari reached the woman and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Alright that's enough, Matsuri. Enough. Just—I understand, believe me. I'll…alright. You can have the mission."

Matsuri's brown eyes flickered upwards, gleaming with relief and excitement. "Oh! Thank you, Temari-sama, thank you, thank you so much I-!"

And in a burst of overwhelming gratitude, she threw her arms around the older woman in a suffocating embrace.