Can we pretend that airplane's

In the night sky are like

Shooting stars…

I could really use a wish right now.

"Airplane" by B.O.B

Tsunade had assigned three ninja's to escort Rei, the ambassador of Getsugakure to accompany and protect her along the way to Getsu. She had assigned the one's that could ultimately achieve success and the completion of the B-ranked mission. Shino Aburame, could easily scour the lands with his insects, detecting any ninja's nearby, Kiba Inuzuka, his nose and canine abilities ensured that a quick escape and dodging of the enemy ninja and finally Etsuko Takeda, she worked as the offensive power, having the strength, ability and weaponry to ensure the success of their mission. It was a simple mission to begin with; escort the Ambassador of Getsugakure from Konoha there and back. But somehow, along the way home the mission turned out to be more of a hassle, countless ninja's from neighbouring countries had tried to steal the papers or went straight for the female who represented the small village hidden beneath the moon, killing her off would surely turn their treaty into empty promises.

These papers, though simple and only filled with words, held an important treaty, an alliance or promise between both villages agreeing to send over resources, protection or weapons if a war was to arise, both would remain on the others side and fight for the peace of their sovereign land. Breaching these papers would have caused the link between Getsugakure and Konoha to be severed and relations turbulent. The ambassador and fellow Konoha ninja would not stand for these intrusions and swiftly brought each rogue to their knees. Returning back to the hidden leaf was never a guaranteed thing, along the way each would sustain some injuries.

"Brutal and tedious…"

"Oh shut up, Inuzuka. We finished it in one piece didn't we?" Etsuko spat, though violent and short-tempered she had some common sense. The brunette was not easily brought down to her knees and even she knew the mission was long. She had a minor injury inflicted on her shoulder; the kunai which landed there had been poisoned. But the ever loving Bug boy, Shino, swiftly took care of the rogue and removed any bodily poison from her body, ensuring her safety. Some would say he became frantic and if you looked closely at the time you could notice the worry washing over his pale face. Perhaps, the cold, mysterious Aburame Jounin had feelings for his fellow companion.

"It was successful… Let it be" Shino stated, his eyes would trailed over his friends and somehow land for a long period of time to Etsuko, who was walking inches away from him, casually the two would bump arms, look to one another then away in embarrassment. On their way back he had offered her his coat, though overly large on her, complimented the shade of red which appeared on her cheeks. A stranger would assume the two were a couple, an odd one, but a couple.

"Yeah, Shino is right" Etsuko beamed as her secret crush stood up for her honour, her stomach did flips and jumps, putting a gymnast to shame. Rei snickered, she had noticed the small flux in her friend's mood and to say the least she thought it was adorable. Call it her intuition but the way Shino had fussed about her friend's injuries demonstrated some harboured feelings. The brunette ninja grinned, the small breeze from Akamaru's tail brought a delightfully refreshing wind against her back, cooling her off. Indeed, she was riding the oversized dog while his owner walked beside them. She had sprained her ankle when the ninja's from before attacked in failed attempts, but fortunately for her that was the only injury. Unlike some stubborn Inuzuka whose pride was bigger than the various wounds he had endured throughout the mission, all in attempts to keep the ambassador out of harm's way. Rei cringed.

"Say there's the village!" Kiba pumped his arms in the air, and then brought them down re-opening the wounds. Rei looked over and grabbed him by the ear; she was worried as he was overdoing it.

"Stop that or else" She threatened, releasing his ear from her death drip. The Inuzuka winced in pain, rubbing his now throbbing ear. Kiba stuck his tongue out as his hand rested on Akamaru's head. The two had been going at it for quite some time, actually since they left Getsugakure two weeks before. At times Etsuko would shout at the two to stop, 'Kiss and Make up' they were acting like a married couple and to her it was becoming rather annoying.

"You two really piss me off"

"Oh really? Well your mood swings are no delight either. Shino don't you agree?" Kiba asked, looking at his former teammate.

"I don't see what you're getting at."

"Have you noticed that every time you speak, Etsuko gets strangely quiet or when you offered up your jacket she flushed" The male Jounin grinned, Takeda pounded her fist into his skull. Her face bright red, more so then before. Akamaru barked as he licked his master's face.

"Well, that was a little rough and over done" Rei spoke up, glaring at her friend. She wouldn't admit the truth that she despised when Kiba was harmed by Etsuko, more so because she was compelled toward the man.

"Fussing over him won't get you anywhere."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"I mean, your attraction to him has taken over your sense of sight" Etsuko laughed as Rei's sun-kissed skin matched that of a tomato. Kiba perked up rubbing his head, intrigued by the conversation that had been sparked.

"I am not attracted to Kiba!" She fumed.

"Awe, that hurts" He said climbing onto Akamaru, taking the seat behind her. His entire body ached now more from the beating he endured from Etsuko.

"Sure, you're not" Etsuko rolled her eyes.

"How about you then? Always drooling over Shino over there! Everyone has noticed even Naruto and you know how clueless he is!" Oh, she was not going down without a fight. If she had to sink then she would drag her friend along with her.

Etsuko stopped and once again her face flushed hot with embarrassment. Shino arched a brow, a small tint of pink caressed his cheeks and he no longer had his hood coat to conceal it.

"You have the nerve to say that Miharu?" The two were now on a first name bases.

"I do, Takeda."

Shino and Kiba sweat-dropped as they finally walked through the gates of Konoha, they had listened in and most times their squabbles happened without warning. They had gotten used to their small fights by this point; somehow it always involved their names which lead them to believe that what they spoke was not always true.

"It's a shame really, seeing as Shino likes you Etsuko" Kiba chimed in, giving a canine grin. Rei looked over her shoulder at him, blushing.

"W-what?" The brunette female looked at Shino who desperately wanted to hide his face. Even is calm demeanour had been broken.

"Yah, he does… That's why he is always fussing over you" He continued knowing he would get it later from the bug master. Rei nodded in agreement, thankfully there was someone there who was as tuned in to their friend's behaviours as she was.

"Then what about you Kiba?" Shino said no fluctuations in his voice as he spoke.

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you speak for me but not for yourself. I have seen you get worried over Rei more so then you do with others… Why is that?" Kiba looked shocked, horrified even.

"W-what? No, you have me all wrong… You see I…." His voice trailed off as he desperately searched for an excuse to cover up Shino's truths.

"You can't come up with anything can you?" Etsuko crossed her arms as a mischievous grin came over her lips. She leaned forward toward Shino, whispering inaudible words in his ears and disappeared in a cloud of smoke along with Shino. They left two very confused and embarrassed teammates behind in an uncomfortable silence.

-~Where Shino and Etsuko are~-

"That was freaking awesome!" Etsuko grinned as Shino's coat slipped off of her and onto the grassy floor. The Aburame boy reached forward to pick it up just as Etsuko bent to pick it up, for a brief moment in time their hands touched. The brunette blushed grabbing the coat, holding it against her body as her companion watched her.

"Sorry…" He muttered looking away, flushed. Etsuko looked down at the fabric and briskly placed it over his shoulders.

"Um, thank you" she swayed in her spot not meeting his glance. He stared at her in wonderment, unable to speak at the moment. His mind trailed back to moments ago as his friends accused him of liking the female before him. It had been a few years ago that he started to see Etsuko differently, she wasn't repulsed by his Clan's ability, somehow she enjoyed being near him. Kiba and Rei were right, he did like her but he would never admit it in fear of rejection, but now as he analysed the situation he felt rather stupid for being oblivious to her advancements.

"Etsuko is it tr-" Shino was abruptly cut off as the talented kunoichi reached for his glasses and removed them, she was always curious as to why he wore sunglasses. The mystery that was Shino revolved around his constant use of shades. She had thought of what have lied underneath. Etsuko's breath was taken away, it was surprising. Bug boy had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.

"Wow…" She cupped his cheeks bringing his face closer. Her emerald eyes would travel from his eyes to his lips. Etsuko leaned forward and gently placed them upon his a sweet gentle kiss, to which Shino responded eagerly. Their innocent kiss turned out into a passionate, heart tearing session. The two were locked in a heated make out session, with Etsuko cornered against a tree, her hands in his dark mane.

-~Back to Kiba and Rei~-

The two had yet to make eye contact or speak, Rei had calmed herself down enough to breath properly once again and Kiba seemed distracted by the back of her head. She was a beauty, she strived on simplicity. He smiled gently before leaning forward and resting his chin on her shoulder. He elicited a small response, her body slightly tensed then relaxed against his touch.

"Do you like me?~" Rei turned as Kiba sang out his words. How could he ask something so painfully obvious, of course she liked him. At this rate she could probably be in love with him. Rei looked away from his dark eyes. Akamaru barked, wagging his tail more than before.

"Aw come on tell me Rei-chan" he jumped off of his companion, ordering him to stop in the process. The brunette kunoichi from Getsu bit her lip, she wanted to escape and at the moment she would take her chances with her ankle just to get home. Rei swung her legs over Akamaru's side and slid off, but landing on her feet didn't end up well. The pain seething from her foot was too much to bear and so she found herself falling forward into the welcoming arms of the dog man.

"I knew you liked me" Kiba teased hoisting the girl into his arms. His arms wrapped around her waist as he supported her weight. Rei flushed, her throat could not bring up words to counter his accusations.

"You're wrong…" She murmured. "I-I love you…"

Kiba smiled brightly as she finally managed to look up at him, he was much taller than her but it didn't matter. He laid his lips upon hers. Rei sighed into his touch and wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him closer. Citizens of Konoha were spectators to the two's affectionate show and many stopped to clap and aw.

Now our story comes to a close as four very complex, talented ninja found the beauty that is love. They don't know what the future brings but now they know or certain that they will not face the trials alone.

Okay so…. Etsuko is dramallama95's OC! She gave me the idea of drawing the four entering Konoha after a mission and this idea came soon after!

Rei is my OC, no takey and Kiba along with Shino belong to Masashi Kishimoto

Enjoy and review please!