Temari panted.
The sun was about to set, but the battle still lasted. They were both equally exhausted, but she was at a disadvantage- her fan was out of reach.
Her opponent created hand seals, and grinned triumphantly.
Temari blocked with her arms and closed her eyes out of reflex, but the man didn't proceed with his attack.
She opened her eyes slowly.
'Aa...' her opponent choked out as his own shadow strangled him, before his body fell limp.
She looked up, then narrowed her eyes at the slouching, standing figure.
'Stay out of this. It's my fight.'
'I'm afraid not- it's a man's duty to protect women.'
------
Temari stroked her fan, now in her possession once more.
'I hate how chauvinistic you can be.'
I hate how protective of friends you can be, too.
'You were depleted of chakra and your fan was inaccessible.'
She scoffed.
'I hate how you're acting like such a know-it-all.'
I hate how observant you can be, too.
He lifted an eyebrow.
'Hate is such a strong word.'
Temari laughed.
If only those things were true.
'Why are you here, anyway?'
'It's troublesome... but with you being our liaison, the Fifth-'
He stopped when he saw her gape, but she caught herself, and turned it into a smirk.
'Nice- you almost fooled me into thinking you came here on your own accord.'
It's not nice at all, you jerk, a small part of Temari was screaming out, but that small part was pushed aside.
I don't care what you do.
He stared at her inquisitively.
I'm not lying, I'm not lying, I'm not lying...
He removed his gaze, letting his suspicion pass.
Temari inwardly sighed with relief.
Damn, she was such a good liar- she almost fooled herself into thinking she was telling the truth.