Rated M for... My Gawd! Lemons got in my eye D:


The day had gone by fast with just simply walking everywhere around the castle grounds. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were held at the accorded times as they must never be late. Nene scolded them for missing out on the appropriate lunch hour and they were almost made to go without food but she snuck them a small bento when the maids weren't around. There were so many names and faces though aside from Nene's family that most would go unnoticed by the pair. The whole day simply consisted of the tour and hearing names and titles. But they had yet to meet the Demon Lord himself. Not even a mention of his name was uttered around the castle grounds. It didn't bother any of them though. Now that they had a better understanding to where they could and couldn't go, Nene had told them she wouldn't always be around and that they can explore so long as Tenten wasn't needed.

Just as fast as the day had gone by so too did the night skies quickly appear. Gaara stayed at her side all this time, tomorrow would be no different. When he watched her he could see the image of the hard ninja fighting with the pristine princess she was portraying. He watched as she wanted to fight Nene in the training field. How she just wanted to rip the kimono off her body and go in her own hakama pants after tripping more than a few times over the dress. She spoke carefully and collected. She tried not to yell, or roll her eyes or give one of her own sudden smiles. It was strange but he missed the girl he spoke to during the travels over.

Nene had left Tenten and Gaara to find their rooms alone. She waved them farewell at the castle grounds as she had to attend to some duties she was given by her husband. They walked in silence, Tenten needed to make sure they were absolutely alone before she'd say anything out of character. Getting out of this outfit was her main desire and the sooner the better. Tenten quickened her pace only to step onto the material and fall forward in the hallway. Strong hands grabbed at her waist and held her from falling face first into the carpet ground. She composed herself and muttered a "Thank you" before continuing towards the large door. With one push, she opened it and motioned Gaara within. He seemed to have hesitated in his steps but walked inside before she closed it. She finally let it all out.

"I can't stand this!" She tore the headdress off and threw it to the side of the bed and slipped the tabis she had worn off of her feet. "This outfit is annoying. The people just kiss my ass and I can't do anything without being watched. I'm afraid to even sneeze, just thinking someone is intently watching. I wouldn't feel as bad if I had something at my side that I could use to defend myself. I hate being treated like a doll." She sighed hard and groaned. Being too busy muttering and complaining about the day to notice that Gaara was smiling a little at her tantrum. "-And then he didn't stop talking about those damn fish! I don't care where they came from so just use them. It was like he was waiting for me to approve of it. And then the old woman started going on and on about... Ah!" She almost tripped again. This damn dress would be the death of her. Slipping the obi off, she removed the first layer out of the six and let them fall. She had forgotten Gaara was there and that's when she felt heat on her cheeks. "Sorry! Sorry Kazekage-Sama... I just needed to vent." She ran a hand through her hair and gave him a sudden smile that caused him to stiffen a bit. "I'm going to get this gunk off me before I turn in for the night."

She didn't have to say more. He knew when he was being told to leave and so he did. The beating of his heart raged inside him from simply watching her speak aloud on her thoughts of the day. He couldn't help but smile as the woman he came to find as a new friend had finally rose up from the layers of silk robes. The quick mental image of the earlier sights of her flashed into his mind and he stopped just outside of his own door. Why did that appear all of a sudden? Opening the door to his dark room, he tried to drown out the image and to just thinking about Suna. How was his brother doing? Well, he had hoped. His sister was in good hands with Shikamaru but were they fighting? He had hoped not. Naruto had picked him probably for the same reason he picked Temari. For those two to finally talk things out. Now Tenten was just down the hall, taking off the layers of clothing to wash her soft body while the soap falls down past her naval... "What is wrong with my head?" Gaara asked himself as he placed the gourd at the corner of the room, laid himself on the bed and closed his eyes for a moment. He had never felt the urges of lust rage on this much. They tended to be brief and go away just seconds after. He was acting like a raging hormone driven teenager and not at all giving discipline to his body. Meditation was the key to stopping whatever heat he had for the girl in the red panties. Calm. Gain your center. Pay attention to nothing at all.

Then a soft hand touched his and he opened his eyes to see a damp looking Tenten with the same baby blue robe she had on this morning. When did she come in? He opened his mouth to speak but she put a finger on his lips. "Kazekage-Sama... I wanted to say what I wasn't able to tell you this morning." She blushed softly, biting her lower lip as she removed her hand from his and touched her stomach. "I don't like having you protecting me because I think we should be equal in this mission. I want to fight along side you and stand right at your side because... Because I love you." She was red and trembling as she spoke to him. The words that caused him to go wide eyed and speechless.

When he wanted to say something in return, she leaned down and planted a hot and heavy kiss on his lips which jerked a reaction inside his body. His wall of defense was shattered and he kissed her back in response. A low moan escaped her mouth when he did and his tongue slipped inside. He had never done this, but his brother had told him a thing or two about courtship, despite him never having wanted to know about it from Kankuro of all people. She moved her body over his, holding him closer to her. He could feel her breasts pressing hard at his chest. Sensual and deep kisses continued to grip his body as he felt himself growing hard against her. The silk robe she wore was slipped off and her bare body remained hidden in the dark.

"It's not fair Kazekage-Sama... you're completely dressed. Let me help even this out," she panted out as she removed herself from his chest and began to fiddle with his clothing. She cursed under her breath when she was unable to take it off and then felt his hands on hers. He directed her hands to remove the gray vest he wore. The cloak under the best only had a few buttons to hold it up and those she was able to take off with ease and opened it to touch his body.

Gaara winced a bit, feeling uneasy and yet completely aroused at the same time as she leaned her head down to nip and kiss his neck. He was breathing irregularly as she went lower and lower towards his naval and further below. He moved to stop her but she had already snaked a hand into his pants and gripped his hardened length, causing him to gasp out. The other hand fought to remove his pants and when they went down just enough, she pushed his boxers along with it. His own hand touched her wet hair and stroked softly as she began to lick the tip of his hardened member.

He had never felt this way before and he was sure he'd never want to stop feeling this way. The way her tongue flicked at the tip, the kisses she gave each inch of him and the soft strokes she performed were too much for him to bare. This was the first time anyone had gotten so close. Though he was not disappointed it was her. He was physically attracted to the brown eyed girl.

Her mouth soon engulfed his tip and moved further down over his dick, making him throb inside her mouth. Gaara groaned aloud when her soft and smooth tongue played around his cock. She was really good at this. He felt like he was reaching the end but she stopped and stood up, it took all control he had not to just lunge at her and continue where she left off.

Though he didn't have too as she lifted herself up over him, her hips lowered as she moved her pussy lips against his cock so he could feel how wet she had become. The feeling was so stimulating, he felt his hips move up to feel her heat but she looked away as he did. "Do you love me too... Gaara?"

He took a gulp and shut his eyes. Did he love her? Or was this just a sexual attraction? He was surely fond of the girl and he enjoyed the company they shared together. If he didn't yet, he knew he could grow to love her. He could feel the tip pushing into her pussy, feeling the warmth surround him just a bit. When the tip was almost inside her, his eyes flashed open. "Tenten, I-" There was no one there.

He was still panting as he sat up. His clothing was still wrapped on over his skin, the same way it was when he first hit the bed. It was all just a dream. Part of him was relieved it was just so but a bigger part within him was sorely disappointed.


Morning came too quickly for Shikamaru who thought that maybe a good two or four more hours of sleep would haven been nice. However Temari's yelling to get him to rise would have none of that. He got up from his sleeping bag and sighed. He couldn't wait for all this to blow over so he could just go home and relax; if he played his cards right, a certain kunoichi would be there to join him as well. "Would you shut up? I'm up now," he said when he began to roll his bag up and suddenly he felt a hand smack the back of his head.

"Don't tell me to shut up. I got your food ready so eat up and we can get a move on." Her leg moved up and pressed itself on his back. She was holding a small fan to cool herself off. She had come here to tell him food was made but there was another reason why she went to his side. She could smell the foul stench when the wind softly blew at them. She even felt Shikamaru shutter a bit, which caused her to feel a bit better when they heard the voice.

"Cloud-kun! Cloud-Kun! It's time to eat, darling." Tokuhime walked over with a smile but it fell fast when she saw Temari next to the boy. Ignoring Temari and walking to his side, she knelt down and winked at him. "Let's go eat together and then head out. We are almost to civilization too; we can wash up and restock there. Maybe we can also play a game or two of shogi if we have the time." A small giggle appeared when she saw his eyes widen only a tad. Getting up to her feet and smiling once more, she began to walk away from the two ninjas to start eating.

"Shogi, huh?" He said aloud to himself and felt the legs against his back press harder. Temari soon eased up on him and walked away with a huff. That woman was nothing but trouble and she was still damn angry. He wondered when this would be over and they could either separate or stay together. Of course he wanted to stay with her and fix what's between the two but he wouldn't try hard if she wasn't going to either. Getting angry about it and throwing a tantrum isn't the way to fix things, so his only chance was to get her alone and talk one on one with her without the princess around nor worry about guarding her.

Gathering all his belongings and placing them in scrolls, he walked to the small clearing where they had made camp. The princess's tent was being put away by Temari while Tokuhime ate slowly and quietly beside the small fire pit they created. There was a plate on the ground, most likely Shikamaru's food. He scratched his neck and walked over to grab it so he could eat. Thankfully Tokuhime didn't speak when she ate. Unsurprisingly she had very good manners from her upbringing. Shikamaru could see she held good posture, never spoke with her mouth full of food and liked to relax whenever possible. She was calculated in her wording so she must have been versed in politics and most surprising of all she apparently also played shogi. This woman held so many qualities that made Shikamaru intrigued but she held none of the bite Temari had on him. "When did my taste in women take a turn?" He wondered to himself.

Equipment packed up, the tent was taken down and scrolled up, the last thing Temari needed to do was put away the dishes the other two were using. She had already eaten before the others since she was waking up earlier than usual lately. Nightmares plagued her dreams but she'd refuse to speak to anyone about them, especially that worthless heap of a man named Shikamaru. She wanted to speak of her troubles but pride as well as anger mixed in did not settle her mood well. He wouldn't talk to her unless she got her feelings under control. Easier said than done since adding to the princess flirting and placing herself all over him just caused Temari to become extremely jealous and seething with more anger. Perhaps when they reach the nearest village, she could relax even if just for a little while and hopefully... Talk to him.


"Why must the mornings always start with old ladies trying to wash me down?" Tenten thought to herself just as annoyed as ever. Their grip was harder than steel when they clamped on to her to wash each and every single crevasse on her body but somehow they were also gentle enough to never leave bruising. After the second day, Tenten decided she'd fight less and less with them and just accept the fact that they were never going to let her go when it came to washing up. She just wished she had time to herself without having someone watch her back. Sure it was nice that she and Gaara could have small moments of silence but she was still being watched by his eyes; which to her wasn't that bad of a feeling but she just wanted some alone time to get away from it all. When she did, it was only when she was sleeping.

Nene was late coming inside her bedroom and she suspected Gaara was waiting outside for her again. More face gunk and layers of clothing. What was earth tone yesterday moved to fiery colors today. Her face was still white as a ghost with red lips, pink eye shadow and a headdress which looked like a flame coming out of her head adorned with rubies and garnet. The kimono's layers were white to orange to a red and the last layer draped over her shoulders softly while the Obi was tied on tightly by older hands. Once the women left, Tenten felt it okay to speak.

"If it's not wrong to ask, how old are you, Nene?" She winced a bit when Nene had given her a sour look.

Tilting her head from side to side she looked away from the young kunoichi, "It's very rude to ask a woman her age, you know." Nene didn't have to look at the girl's face to know her tone of voice caused her to stand still. "But if you must know... I'm fourty-seven." Now she turned when Tenten gasped a bit.

"Wow, but you look so young! Are you using some sort of jutsu to hide..." she didn't want to finish that sentence. It was way too rude to ask if Nene was hiding all that old underneath some chakra like Lady Tsunade did. Instead of getting some glare though, Nene turned to her with a smile and a shake of the head.

"Nope! It's all natural," she said with a smile. After Tenten had asked about her kids, Nene had to shake her head once more to the girl. "They are more of an adopted family." Her voice softened a bit and she tried not to sigh, "I can't... Ever since they joined, me and my darling have shown them the ropes and somehow I've become a mother figure to them. I'm happy to call them my sons, even if they aren't by blood."

Tenten pushed the subject no more since she knew what exactly was going on. Nene was barren, never able to conceive children of her own. It saddened the young ninja but there was nothing she could do to help her. Many nin in the past have tried to find a way to make a bare woman fertile but nothing ever came of it. Hope diminished after countless experiments with no progress, so all had given up on the research altogether. What remained were women like Nene whom all shared the saddened fate to never pass on their blood.

The happy exterior of Nene rose above and she gave a sincere smile, "Come now. Mister Kazekage is waiting for you and he's being extremely patient. Shall we greet him?" Tenten had given her a nod and the girls left the room to find Gaara staring at the wall for no other reason other than sheer boredom. He didn't turn his head but he no longer leaned on the opposing wall and followed the girls to the public elevator to descend to the bottom floor.

To any normal person, this place would seem very empty. Tenten hardly picked up on the workers who stayed in the background. They moved quick and worked efficiently but they were often silent unless approached by a higher up. They reminded her of ghosts. So lifeless and yet they never complained. Perhaps because they enjoy it? Or maybe it was due to obligations and safety within the borders of Nobunaga's grip on the land. Which reminded her... "When will we meet Nobunaga?" Tenten whispered over to Nene.

The response she got at first was a shake of the head until they reached the elevator and away from prying ears. "Sorry, can't speak aloud about that. He's not here." A small giggle escaped her lips when both ninjas looked at her confused. "He's away with a few of his generals to the borders of his eastern lands. Needs to find and cut the root of the problem being caused by rival nations. He might not be back until after a week or so when you all finish your mission. Sorry you won't get to meet him. It's for the best, he'd give you nightmares with a smile." Her smile grew wider when Tenten looked confused while Gaara looked annoyed. Both of them had wanted to meet the so called "Demon Lord" and now their curiosities would never be satisfied. "That also reminds me, I'll be gone for a few hours after breakfast. A few others and I will be doing perimeter checks around the castle and beyond. Don't wait up too long and don't do anything a princess is not supposed too."

Breakfast tended to be simple. The past two days it consisted of fruits and a boiled eggs alongside with it. Was this always the food in the mornings? She wasn't a picky eater but she liked variety when it came to food. Regardless she ate what was given to her without complaining as Gaara did before thanking the maid who waited on her. The girl looked surprised the princess thanked her but beamed happily afterwards. It made Tenten smile knowing that a simple thank you could make someone happy.

Nene had left the two shortly after with haste. Gaara noticed how the kunoichi looked a bit worried as she had left them behind but hid it well with a smile. Both he and Tenten walked outside to stretch their legs and find something to do. Walking behind her was not unusual as he was meant to protect the 'princess' but it bothered him that he was not allowed to speak to her freely. Nene had made it clear that the hired help never spoke to royalty without being spoken to first. The silence he was used too but when it came to this girl he gladly accepted any and all forms of conversation. She made him feel very welcomed but playing the role of a shy and demure princess stopped any possible friendship they were building on the travel over. It also caused the interest of the real female within to grow stronger. Why didn't she break the silence? Was she embarrassed from the night before when she ranted off to him? He never even found that annoying and that was no reason to be embarrassed.

"Hey, Kazekage-Sama...?" Her voice was low and broke his train of thought. He noticed they were behind the guest building and utterly alone. He nodded for her to continue to him. "I wanted to say what I wasn't able to tell you yesterday morning." He gulped. This was starting to sound like the dream he had the night before. His heart was beginning to race. He watched as she blushed softly and bit her lower lip before she spoke up. "I don't like having you protecting me because I think we should be equal in this mission. I want to fight along side you and stand right at your side because..." Here it comes. "Because I am not weak." Oh, of course. "I hate dressing up like this. I don't do the whole froo-froo stuff. I don't like this crud on my face and my hair is bugging me so badly. I am a warrior for the Leaf Village. Not some doll people can dress up and control. This is my job and I'll do my job to the best of my ability, I just don't want to seem weak to you." She frowned at herself. The feeling of shame grew in her body because she was complaining to the man who was not just a Kazekage and the one who hired her for the job but was turning out to become a friend. "Maybe bothering him with my feelings will turn him away to being a friend with me."

"You aren't weak to me, Tenten." The sight of her looking surprised and flushed eased into his heart. "To play a role unlike what you are is difficult and many would be opposed to it. They would take it as a job but let their feelings get in the way. I trust you are strong enough to fight those feelings and complete this mission with ease." He watched her eyes flare when she spoke but now they were filled with something else, pride perhaps? She gave him a smile which caused his heart to leap. He was happy he was the cause of that smile.

"Thank you for that Kazekage-Sama. You're pretty awesome for a pep talk," she said to him with the smile remaining on her face. Going to his side, she urged him to walk beside her so they can just talk. To those who tried to listen in, it would seem as if they only spoke of culture and politics of the Kazekage's nation but they whispered facts about their lives to one another when there was no one near by. Small but endearing and personal notes of one another. It was something that both hungered for more within their hearts.


A/N:: Next chapter will introduce new characters with a dash of action and some bromance. ;D

Review if you'd like :3 I enjoy reviews.