Temari observed her from the corner of her eye. She swept into the restaurant with such grace, such poise, her face practically radiating beauty. Her long, silky platinum blonde hair flowed past her shoulders, seemingly glowing. Ino had dusted her eyes lightly with lilac glitter and her lips sparkled with clear gloss. Temari also observed how the boys tried to subtly look at Ino. Choji's darting eyes, Lee's wide-eyed stare, Neji's longing gaze. But there was only one boy who mattered to her, and sadly, Shikamaru was leaning backwards, both hands behind his head, giving Ino a lazy grin. Temari's heart clenched. She wished that she was on the receiving end of that grin, but who was she kidding? Ino showed off practically her entire abdomen, her porcelain-smooth skin stretched perfectly across slightly toned abs. Her whole get-up, with the short skirt showing off her long legs and all the netting just SCREAMED for attention. All Temari wore was a simple, black Kimono that reached her ankles. Of course no one would take notice of her, not with Ino bouncing her assets all over the place.

"Temari? Are you still with us?" Temari's head snapped up at the sound of Sakura's voice. These meetings of the Konoha 12 really just depressed her. She was always invited along, being an ambassador made sure she was present, and it always made her upset. Looking at the other girls just reminded her of what she didn't have. Hinata's sweet, large eyes, Tenten's cute brown hair, Sakura's all-round figure and of course, Ino. Why couldn't she be more likeable?

"Temari!" She was lost in her thoughts again. "Sorry. Yeah?"

"I was just asking, how is Gaara?" There goes another one. Gaara, her own brother, had no shortage of fangirls. His flaming red hair and mysterious personality took the cake. Even her own brother, but not her. It was as if Kami was cruel enough to leave her out and bless her two brothers with likeability.

"He's alright, busy, alot of fangirls, as usual." She saw Sakura's hands clench as she mentioned the fangirls. Sakura loved to exert her power over guys, just for the fun of it. The only guy who had successfully resisted her was Gaara, and this caused her to fall desperately in love with him. Such drama. Tenten was with Neji, after a long journey of her dropping him clues about how much she liked him. Really, Neji was quite oblivious. Tenten marvelled at his genius at least fifty times a day. Temari shook her head slightly at Neji. Even with his girlfriend present, he didn't hide his eyes for Ino. Hinata had finally landed Naruto, who was loyally looking away from the other girls, keeping his eyes on only her. This naturally left only Ino up for grabs, and every guy was desperate to get her. Maybe not EVERY guy, but the guy that mattered. Shikamaru. Of course, Temari was also up for grabs, but knowing her and knowing what guys look for in girls, no one was desperate to get HER. Oh well.

"Why don't we play a game?" Sakura exclaimed.

"Yes Sakura! How about spin the bottle?" Ino shouted.

Sure, why don't you just announce it to the whole world? And who died and made you two queens? Just when Temari was about to cut in, Shino beat her to it.

"While some of you may feel joyful by brutally forcing one to kiss another, I do not approve of such pastimes. Why don't we indulge in a less illogical game?"

Temari smiled. Shino had an uncanny ability to make anything sound like he was discussing politics. Ino pouted. "Aww... come on Shino, pretty please?" Ino batted her eyelashes at Shino, her large blue eyes begging. While most guys would have melted, Shino stayed firm and shook his head.

"How about Truth or dare?" Sakura cut in. "It's just as fun as Spin the bottle but with more... uh... decency. Shino?"

Shino nodded curtly and there was a general sigh of satisfaction. Sakura immediately got a bottle and spun it enthusiastically. The bottle pointed at Neji after it came to a stop.

"Neji, truth or dare?" Ino asked, quickly taking over the lead after Sakura hesitated for only a moment.

"Truth."

"How much do you love Tenten?" Ino smirked. It was obvious that Neji was her new goal and that she wanted to snag him by the end of the reunion.

"I'll die for her." Tenten aww-ed and put her head on Neji's shoulder. However, although Neji had an arm around Tenten, his eyes locked with Ino's. The meaning was clear to Temari. But I would do so much more for you.

As the game drew on, Temari learnt that Lee didn't like anyone (YEAH RIGHT), Shino would rather go naked then kiss Ino (WHOOHOOO GO SHINO! Sadly, Ino looked really, really angry) and that Shikamaru would rather do a dare then answer who he likes. Temari was bummed at the last one. Surely at least TELL her who he liked instead of leaving her in suspense? Now she will keep guessing and getting depressed and a deep, subconcious part of her would keep hoping that it was her. Great. Just great.

"Temari, truth or dare?" Temari looked up at Ino's malicius smile.

"Truth."

"Who do you like?"

Temari swallowed nervously. She longed to look at Shikamaru and know what he was thinking, but she knew the slightest dart of her eyes would trigger all the suspicions of the Konoha 12. She plastered a smirk on her face. There was NO WAY that Ino's going to get under her skin.

"I like..." she paused leaning towards Ino, looking almost predatory. "Dares." She smirked again, leaned back, crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow.

Ino looked a little shocked by being shown up, but she quickly recovered. "Alright, go ask out that cute waiter over there."

Temari looked at the waiter. 'Cute' was an understatement. And now the whole Konoha 12 was going to see her get rejected. She sighed inwardly as she got up. Sure, make a fool out of the Suna ambassador.

"I know you like him."

Temari jumped. Shikamaru had just walked her home (because that was his job, not anything else), and they were laughing about Lee oogling at Ino and imagining Shino being naked. She always enjoyed her time with Shikamaru, but most of the time she couldn't tell if he did.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Shino."

He hardly moved, Temari wondered if he had fallen asleep. Hey, behind those dark glasses, who's to know?

"My insects read more then chakra signatures. They recognise brain patterns. I know you like him."

"So what if I do? And don't you dare tell anyone or I will kill you."

"Look, Temari, I may not look like much, but I can be valuable to you. I know alot of things others don't, and I can help you with Shikamaru."

Temari narrowed her eyes. "Why are you doing this?"

"I need your help too."

"You do?"

Yes, I..." It was the first time Temari ever saw Shino hesitate. "I like someone too."