A/N: Sorry it took me a little longer than two weeks to update. I don't really have an excuse... Anyways, here's chapter whatever-it-is. It's kind of a set up chapter, giving me time to think of brilliant ideas which have eluded me for the last few weeks. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy, and I don't think it's that bad.

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Neji sat cross-legged, a hand across his brow, frowning down at the dirt in speculation. Sakura sat on his left, while Temari crouched in silent apprehension on his right. Each had given their own accounts of Shikamaru's actions, and were waiting for the team leader's decision on what to do. Shikamaru was currently confined to the insides of tent, with Lee and Sasuke more or less standing guard. Hebezuma was still in shock from the incident and was recovering from his broken nose inside his 8 'room' luxury tent.

In spite of the current situation, Temari couldn't help but smirk slightly. The only words Hebezuma had managed to mutter in his newly found nasal voice were 'By face! By beautiful face!'

At last, Neji rose wearily, and poked his head out the tent flap. Workers were already busy packing up the tents, saddling the oxen into their yokes, and getting ready to get back on the road. He had to make up his mind fast. Pacing back and forth, Neji found his usual cool demeanor fraying at the edges. Finally he came to a stop and sighed.

"While I am not particularly close to Shikamaru, I have worked enough with him to know that his actions of late are a bit... out of character. This, coupled with the senbon wound on his back, suggest that some sort of substance has to do with his change in personality."

Temari started to relax. Maybe he's off the hook... For now. Her hope died as Neji's gaze hardened.

"However, Sakura tells me that the substance is untraceable and is not effecting any vital systems. For a few low level mercenary ninjas to be in possession of something so advanced, seems highly unlikely. We don't have the time or resources to sit around trying to find a cure. I'm sorry to say that until we get to Kumogakure, all we can do is keep an eye on him. We'll keep a guard or two on him, but we may need to use force if he causes anymore problems. When we get to Kumo, he'll have all the best medical attention."

Eyes widening, Temari stood up in disbelief.

"What? For all you know, he could be dead by the time we get to Kumogakure! You and I both know that is a boneheaded plan... Neji-san." Temari barely kept her temper in check, adding the respectful suffix to recognize his rank. Neji just looked at her, the exhaustion apparent in his eyes. He maintained a civil tone, but Temari could tell she was giving him a headache. If it changes his mind, then that's a good thing.

"While I understand where you're coming from, let me remind you, Temari-san, of the importance of this mission. Suna did not fight in the great war between The Land of Lightning and Fire. The destruction was great enough that both countries are hesitant to put things behind them. Every move we make reflects Konoha." Temari's eyes narrowed into slits and she crossed her arms. Sakura, who was beginning to get upset at the palpitating tension, spoke in a nervous voice.

"We're only a day's journey from Konoha, why not just send him back with a small escort?" Neji set his neutral gaze on her.

"His leg will keep him from traveling at a quick pace. It would take at least two days. I can't afford to send anyone back with him, due to the possibility of another, more dangerous sneak attack."

Sakura and Temari both opened their mouths in protest, but Neji silenced them with a stern look. This guy acts like he's an uptight old man already.

"As team leader, I have the responsibility of making the choices, both simple and complex. I'm sorry, but the mission comes first, and that's final."

Sakura shut up, and looked down in a resigned fashion. Temari, on the other hand, was not the type of person to be dismissed so casually. She felt her hair prickle as helpless anger coursed through her. Thinking of Shikamaru's calm demeanor, the sand kunoichi forced herself to calm down, unclenching her fists and willing her heart beat to slow down.

Neji's self confident neutrality flickered for a moment as a small smirk flashed across Temari's face. Sensing that she was going to talk, the Hyuuga crossed his arms and frowned slightly.

"Yes, Temari-san?"

Temari's smirk widened as she tapped her hitai-ite. She put her hands on her hips and savored the victory.

"You forget, Neji-san, that I am not from Konoha. While I have submitted to your leadership so far, I am by no means required to do so. I am under my own command, and I choose to accompany the Nara kid back to Konoha." Neji just stood there, nodding slightly.

"And you personally accept the risks that come with this task?" Temari dipped her head, eyes narrowing slightly as she thought she saw the corners of his mouth tugged upwards slightly in a small smile.

Whatever it was, it vanished in an instant, and Neji was his grave self again. He slowly nodded, and looked at her searchingly.

"All right, you have a valid point. You should depart as quickly as possible, in case he acts up again." Neji dropped his civility for a moment and gave her a warm, if slight, smile. "I know you'll get him home safe."

Eying the Byakugan user apprehensively, Temari left as quickly as she could. As she exited the tent, she felt a surge of inexplicable relief. Dazed, she sat back against the mossy bark of a tree, feeling the ache of sore muscles, and the pulsating pain of a headache.

For once, she felt the desire to just lie down and look at the clouds, letting her body and mind recuperate. No rest for the wicked. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, before rising and stretching.

Approaching the tent Shikamaru occupied, Lee stepped in front of her, an apologetic expression on his face.

"I'm sorry, Temari-san, but I'm not supposed to–" Temper flaring, the impulsive woman shot a death glare at him, scaring him into silence. Grinding her teeth, she tossed her head in Neji's general direction.

"Go talk to Neji if you want an explanation, but I'm seeing Shikamaru NOW." Gulping, Lee shambled off towards Neji, muttering something about Temari "bursting with TOO much youth."

Paying no further thought to Lee, Temari bent her head, entering the small tent that served as Shikamaru's holding cell. He sat cross-legged, head bent, examining his bruised knuckles dejectedly.

He looked up slowly, and bit his lip when he saw who it was. She crossed her arms, waiting for some kind of greeting, but none came. Hating every moment of the awkward silence, Temari spoke, before taking a seat across from him.

"Well I'm happy to see you too, Mr. Talkative." Shikamaru smiled slightly, and he met her gaze. He responded in a measured, guarded voice.

"You're not going to treat me like some kind of monster?" Temari gawked at him, before recovering.

"What? No. I made that mistake with Gaara when he needed someone, and that almost ended badly. Plus, if you ask me, Hebezuma had it coming. For a fragile guy, you pack a nice left hook." Shikamaru relaxed and donned his crooked half smile.

"I told you, I'm not that fragile." Sighing, he rested his chin on his left hand and continued to look her in the eyes. "Have they figured out what's wrong with me?"

Temari shook her head. Shikamaru wearily aimed a lazy punch at the down bedding beneath him. "I hate it when I don't understand what's going on. It makes me pissy."

Temari chuckled softly, before deciding to get down to business.

"Get your duffel bag and pack up. We're going back to Konoha." Confusion swirled in Shikamaru's eyes and he cocked his head to the side.

"What we're just abandoning the mission?" Temari shook her head.

"No, but you need better medical analysis." Shikamaru frowned.

"We can't spare anyone to take me back, if there's another attack– Neji would never–" Feeling warmth rush to her cheeks, Temari cut him off.

"Just me. I'm not under his command. Now get packing, we're leaving soon." He just looked at her, mouth open slightly, searching her eyes for something.

Then his eyes fogged over over for a moment. Temari noticed, and started to ask him if he was all right, before she felt a gentle hand on her cheek. Stiffening up like a board, Temari painstakingly brought her eyes to the place where Shikamaru was touching her. A flood of butterflies stormed into her stomach as she struggled for words. He surprised her even more when he spoke in an innocent, earnest, voice, as if he was doing nothing spectacular. This must be another effect of the poison...

"You still haven't slept? Go lie down or something, we can leave in a couple hours." Finally she found her voice. She mentally slapped herself as it came out all wavery and unsteady.

"Shikamaru...!" He looked at her, puzzled, and light gradually returned to his eyes. He gaped, and took his hand off her cheek as if he'd been burned. Temari felt her brain begin to function again, but was surprised to feel disappointment in her stomach at the absence of his touch. Her anger flared at the thought of a mere touch destroying all her composure and intellect.

Shikamaru meanwhile must have caught sight of the hint of anger on her face. Flinching, he expected some sort of violent response, but Temari just kept sitting there. Seeing an opportunity to escape, Shikamaru crept past her out the door, stopping only to offer a rushed wave.

"I'm going to go pack. Bye."

Temari continued to stare down at her balled fists. Exasperated, she blew a strand of hair out of her face. Her heart eventually resumed beating at its normal pace. She felt her brain begin to whir, and images of Shikamaru began to flash through her mind like a third rate slideshow. Frustrated, she flicked turned off her brain and collapsed on the bedding, falling asleep before her head hit the pillow.

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Hundreds of miles away, Gaara sat in his study, staring down at the towering stack of papers in front of him. On it's right was an equally tall stack that he had already looked over and approved, filling out the necessary forms and signing his name in the necessary locations. Sighing, he imagined what Temari was doing.

Almost immediately after sending her away, he'd felt guilty. Being alone in a foreign country probably wasn't all that enjoyable. She's a sturdy girl. I'm sure she can tough it out. Maybe she'll find some entertainment in the Nara boy. Gaara could tell that she secretly found Shikamaru amusing. She would rather be pickled alive in a boiling vat of acid than admit it, but it was still clear to him.

Gaara dropped his pen and swiveled around in his chair, taking a moment to observe the beautiful sandstorms that raged across the dunes. He was again reminded of another pressing matter; his sister's marriage. I can't withhold her choice from the other houses for much longer. Trouble is, she'd eat any of those suitors alive before marrying them. Women are puzzling creatures, but I can't say I blame her... hmm. I wonder if Naruto would still desire to be Hokage if he knew it involved this much paperwork and frustration... Truth be told, I could use a bit of vacation.

Straightening up, his lips formed a small smile. Remembering his promise to Temari that he would visit her in Konoha, the red haired Kazekage had an idea. True, it had only been a few days since she had left, and she was currently away on a mission, but Gaara needed a break, and he also wanted to catch up with the boy that had changed his life during Suna's ill fated invasion. Of course, I still have to convince Kankuro to come...

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of intent giggling, followed by a squeal and a fit of roaring laughter from the floor above. Gaara's smile faded, to be replaced by shame and anger. He had a pretty good idea as to why his father had had a penthouse installed directly above his office (as well as why all of the fourth Kazekage's secretaries had been 'well equipped'.) Ever since Kankuro had started up his father's old tradition, Gaara's work had gone from frustrating and tedious to frustrating, tedious, and disturbing. Rising from his chair, Gaara ascended the stairs, intent on dragging Kankuro with him to Konoha.

Stepping into the lavishly decorated penthouse, Gaara was at once met by the foul odor of sake and cigarettes. Kankuro, lacking his hood and makeup, was seated on a black leather love seat, facing away from the staircase, a scantily clad girl clinging to his arm, giggling incessantly as Kankuro whispered something in her ear.

Gaara frowned in disapproval as he caught sight of the girl's face. It was the third different woman Kankuro had brought there in the past week. Clearing his throat, the Kazekage smiled inwardly as his brother whirled around. Kankuro, seeing the look in his brother's eyes, was crestfallen and angry at the same time. Gaara noticed to his slight disappointment, that the woman was eying him like he was something monstrous and inhuman. Some people will never accept the fact that I've changed.

Kankuro meanwhile, had risen from his comfortable seat and was tapping his foot antsily, while the girl had rushed into the bathroom with the rest of her clothes. Gaara fixed his cool gaze on Kankuro and at once the puppeteer quit tapping his foot.

"I don't believe you've introduced her to me. Or do you only introduce the ones that last longer than a week?" Kankuro scowled at him.

"Damn, you're such a cock blocker. What are you, my mother?" Gaara narrowed his eyes a little, letting Kankuro know he was skating on thin ice. Kankuro noticed and forced himself to mellow out.

"All right, whatever. What do you want, bro?"

"We're going to Konoha to visit Temari." Kankuro groaned and shook his head.

"Like hell we are! You can go if you want, but I'm staying here. Konoha's full of dweeby guys and flat girls. Besides, Temari's only been gone for five days!"

Gaara smiled slightly and stuck a hand out towards the window. For a minute Kankuro stared at him like he had gone bonkers, but then there was a soft scraping sound just outside the window.

Kankuro's eyes bugged out a little as they caught sight of a hand made out of sand, perched on the window sill menacingly. The girl, who had just come out of the bathroom in a fancy kimono, let out a small 'eeek' before taking cover behind the couch.

"I promised Temari, and I don't like to go back on my word."

Grumbling, Kankuro exhaled and started to gather up his things.

"Fine, fine. You've got to stop doing that. It's way creepy. Just give me a sec to get my face-paint on." It was Gaara's turn to roll his eyes.

"We both know it takes you more along the lines of an hour Doesn't it embarrass you to spend more time putting on makeup then Temari?"

"Oh, shut up."

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Temari awoke to the sound of crickets. For a moment, she just burrowed back into the soft comfort of the bedding beneath her, but with a groan, she remembered the task on hand, and dragged herself upright. Stretching, she was surprised at how good she felt. Who would've guessed how much good a couple of hours of sleep can do you?

Sauntering out of the tent, Temari's jaw dropped as she was met by a blanket of dark shapes, and light from a single fire. Damn it, I slept the whole day? Shaking her head in embarrassment, she walked to the fire, where a single person sat. Shikamaru looked up and scowled at her for some reason.

Shikamaru poked one of the logs in the fire with a stick, causing a flurry of sparks to shoot up into the air.

"Everybody else already left. They got tired of waiting for you to wake up. You're really troublesome, even when you sleep, you know that?" Temari plunked down across from him and glared at him. Why is he always so glum?

"Why are you so grumpy? And if you people were so impatient, why did you let me sleep so long?"

Shikamaru grumbled and turned the side of his face. Even in the firelight, Temari caught sight of a black eye starting to form on the left side of Shikamaru's face.

"Whoa, what happened? Did you pick a fight with Lee during a drug induced frenzy?"

Shikamaru shook his head and kept staring at her.

"Why are you looking at me? I didn't do anything!" Shikamaru gave her a skeptical look.

"You're violent. Even in your sleep. After you'd been asleep for about 3 hours, I tried to wake you up by yelling at you, and when that didn't work, I tried poking you. Apparently you were dreaming or something, because you kicked me in the face." Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head and added in a slightly whiny voice.

"Hard, too."

Temari stared at him in incredulity for a moment, before bursting out laughing.

"Oh wow. Come to think of it, I did have a dream about an A rank mission I did a while ago. You got to play the part of Hideously Maimed and Beaten guy #1!" Shikamaru just stared at her glumly, before stifling a yawn and lying back in the soft dirt. Temari frowned at him and rose again.

"Lighten up, cranky pants. I hope that's not your first battle scar, because that would be sad."

"I would hardly call that a battle." Shikamaru, eager to change the subject, posed a question.

"So when are we leaving in the morning, O Wise and Esteemed Squad Leader?"

Temari grinned at his sarcasm and pretended to think for a moment. Catching sight of the tired bags under his eyes, she had a wicked idea.

"Oh, I'd say we should leave around dawn. That way we can make good progress and get there around noon the day after tomorrow." Shikamaru's eyes bugged out and he looked like he was about to cry.

"That's... that's just criminal!" She smirked at him and kicked dirt onto the fire, quenching the flickering flames.

"Look on the bright side, at least the human motorboat isn't here to keep us up all night." Shikamaru scowled again, but followed her into the tent, unrolling his sleeping bag and sprawling out.

"I'd rather spend the night with Chouji than the World's next Heavyweight champion." Temari looked venomously at him, eyes blazing. She roared.

"ARE YOU CALLING ME FAT?!?" He gave her a smug smile and crossed his arms.

"Maybe. Why?" Her foot rushed towards his face to give him his answer.

"Ow! HEY! Not cool! Not cool! Fine! Men's kick boxing champion? DAMMIT, THAT HURTS!" Temari bared her teeth at him and prepared for another fel swoop.

"You just don't know when to quit do you?"

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A/N: Meh. Not sure if I like the way I ended the chapter, but that's ok. I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner. :D