I don't owe Naruto

I greatly apologize for the long wait and I feel horrible.

I hope the long chap makes it up for it...though I must admit when i wrote this chapter, i wasn't in the greatest mood nor thinking....D=

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Anko let out a low whistle, similar to what men would do when they would see some thing they want to go after like a pack of wolves. In fact it was so much forward what she did that Temari ended up watching what Anko was doing, because Anko's eyes became hazy and then she licked her lips and bit into them, she was...attracted towards Shikamaru.

Why? Shikamaru wasn't even good looking.

Temari was lying to herself who was she kidding? She couldn't blame Anko, Shikamaru was...

He was slowly taking of the clothing that wrapped his face, his hair falling forward, framing his pale skin face beautifully. He had straight hair, she never actually noticed his features because she was always busy being angry at him. Blaming him for her life worsening when he didn't deserve the blame. He just came into life and that was it. He had fine shaped eyebrows that looked so delicate on him, his killer aura was conflicting against his face. Though his eyes were so black, almost unreadable and it made him mysterious. His lips were a feminine shape and Temari had to wonder how they felt. Maybe, she and Anko were thinking along the same line.

"I never had seen you with your hair down," Temari suddenly said.

"Now you have," Shikamaru said," and madam, could you please cover yourself?"

Anko chuckled. Ok, Temari never actually had a problem with Anko's clothes. She had never complain about it. But at the moment she was not liking the clothing she wore if they could be considered clothings, it's almost like back then people wore loin cloth. Like ahh...weird.

"What are you doing here?" Temari asked.

Anko had somehow found her way to the side of Shikamaru so smoothly and Shikamaru wasn't even bothered by the straightforwardness of hers, he was not even uncomfortable nor was he hinting Anko to go on any further, he remained neutral, maybe it was too much to pick a side so he was always in the middle.

"I wanted to say a proper good bye to you this time around," Shikamaru picked his words wisely. He wasn't in love with the Princess. He wanted to be sure she was safe. He cared like how if she was part of Konoha, he would protect her like any other civillians. It was his duty.

Temari blinked and looked away and saw the Suna Palace, she wondered when it would crumble. She wondered when will they be defeated and slaughtered or perhaps put in slavery...Or have her own people turn against her. They had enough and they look like death every time she sees them or people who have lost their soul because they no longer have hope to live as they wish. They were someone else to control. Someone else to destroy. How horrid. They were her people and she wish to save them. What would happen to her father? Would she be punish for her father's doing? What about her brothers? So many things in her life she always thought of and never will know the answer until it unfolds right before her very eyes.

"I bid you farewell," She said.

Anko made no comment about the goodbyes that were being shared. She was actually sort of mesmerised from it. The princess was no longer a star struck foolish girl, hopelessly pining for her prince charming. Anko didn't have to worry. But looking between the two, she had always imagine that the revolutionary man, the one Temari had claimed before she loved and then hated, was far older. But he wasn't. He just a mere boy. Or a boy just turning into a man yet he carried himself well, he spoke well. His eyes carries knowledge, perhaps horrific knowledge of how life could truly be so cruel. It was a saddening truth how young people turn old so soon and seem to have a jaded view in life, she hoped both the Princess and the Revolution man would not be that way. They should keep believing and not lose hope.

"I am saying good bye but I will come for you when you need me the most, but as of the moment my faith is in my village even if I wish to protect you, they would have to come first, they are many lives between you and I."

"I'm not asking for your protection," Temari said.

He nodded and made a move to cover himself again, but Temari stopped him.

"Be careful, please." And the pleading in her eyes were enough that Shikamaru felt overwhelmed by the sudden change. He nodded yet again, he would be careful. He looked at the other woman and nodded at her and bowed to both of them.

He was nothing to her...She was a princess.

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"At least he said good bye to you," Anko mentioned as she saw the Princess, her best friend, sort of, younger sister, watch the revolution guy leave her once again. She wondered what she must be feeling now. Does he realize how one move of his had affected the Princess greatly?

Anko knew he would be back, he had said so. It was sort of sad to know that they would possibly go in war with each other and that was never a good thing if love was to be known.

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Naruto was sitting down in his chambers when he heard a light knock, it was a different rythm and no one had done that but them, before everything was turned around and they were forced to face their duties to their kingdom. Will they even appreciate how far they've gone?

"Come in," The door opened quietly like it was the dead of the night and the only one he could always think of being this quiet was Shikamaru, and it was him. He looked grim and looked like he'd seen thousand lives killed off.

But he was fine, there were no sight of fatal injuries or any that would hint he was in a brawl or a death duel. He was the Queen's new messenger. He wondered how hard Tsunande fought to keep Shikamaru by her side until she realized he needed him out there.

"You looked like you had died and been revive to get killed again, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru shrugged and leaned against the heavily cemented walls. "Sometimes you just want to stop moving to take a good look in things and see where you came from to how far you've gotten."

"How far have you gotten?"

"I am in the same as ever, anyways I just came to stop by to tell you the Kingdom of Oto is allied with Suna, you know who controls that country. So it's no news that we have a war at hand. Just ready yourself and make sure your people are safe."

Naruto let out a weary sigh and mumbled, "War is truly unavoidable then..."

"War had always existed and it will never cease as far as people act the way they are now."

"What do you mean?"

"By having me and the others, it's a mean for dominance, to have control. Even if humans keep progressing to become more reasonable and say they crave for peace, we truly don't know the way to get there. We speak of it as if we know how. Treat others kindly? Then what about the others that find it offensive you are treating them that way? We are not naive enough to deny that they won't question good deeds. And it's true, some good deeds comes with a price, when it shouldn't because it should be done because you want it to, you should not ask for payment. But having peace is almost having silence in your life which will never happen till we all die."

"And what shall you do?"

"What everyone is doing. I refuse to do nothing, I am a man and I will be happy enough to die in battle knowing I was protecting the people I cared about."

Naruto bit his lips, he wanted to ask, because he knew where his friend have been. He had smelled the scent of Suna on him and the few sprinkles of sand that came with him just proves it, all in all. His friend had seek the Princess of Suna yet again. He had wanted to ask since then, when he had heard Shikamaru wished to go back, if Shikamaru wish had to do with the Princess. And to why he was wanting to go see her was a complete mystery. Never before had Shikamaru taken interest in anyone. Unlike him, he had always taken interest in the girls, mainly Sakura and simple admiration he met along the way as he grew up.

But Shikamaru was difficult. He had the sort of personality-he treats females like they should stay at home and do house works though he had cheered on his friend, Ino, and continued to support her through out even when Ino and Sakura had battled. He and Shikamaru were both against each other because they were cheering for complete different people.

And then Shikamaru never liked being boss around by women. He complained about it and when it comes to his mother and queen he was there for them in a heart beat. How contradicting he was.

Like now, Shikamaru said he would be happy yo die by protecting the people he cared about, but Naruto knew that was half the truth. He would be far happier living life by having a family of his own.

"I am loyal to the ones I cherish in my life," Naruto agreed.

Shikamaru's lips slightly twitched at what Naruto had spoken, as if he knew what Shikamaru had meant about the other statement.

"I must go back to Konoha," Shikamaru turned to take his leave but then stop and asked, "Have they said word of your upcoming engagement?"

"I never was a polygamy type of person but to each their own. Yes, they wish to tie the alliance more deeply. I have to marry into one of the royal families in Konoha and then to the others. Though to whom would I trust myself ally with beside Konoha, I don't even know."

"I wish you happiness in the path that is ahead of you."

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It took almost a week to get his job done because of the traveling to different Kingdoms, going to Whirlpool and then to Suna (as a different personal mission) and going back to Whirlpool and returning to his home land. By the time he walked through the heavily guarded gates he was purely exhausted and ready to collapse into the grassy parts of Konoha and go away into the forest and just sleep into the shadows.

But that wasn't to be so because before he could even go into his decent apartment he called home, one of the Knights had called him telling him he was to do another mission. Shikamaru frowned and asked if he could rest for awhile.

The Knight shook his head and even deeply apologized. The Queen needs him to start the plan.

He saw Choji and Ino walking around without their armors on, they were off duty apparently and he approached his old time friends. They were happy to see him and smiled instantly when they caught up to each other.

They chatted and talked.

"Where are you heading to?" Shikamaru asked as he saw carriages and multiple knights going out of the Kingdom. "Oto?"

"No, we're off to Suna actually." Choji told him. Shikamaru did a double take on that and he wondered how he looked like. "Some of the Knights are already marching there."

"But to why? They haven't started the attack yet."

"No, they already had. They attacked the Prince of Whirpool when you were there."

Shikamaru quickly said his goodbye to his friends. Though Ino managed to say the Queen was waiting for him.

Naruto hadn't mention the attack. He wondered why.

Actually he knew the reason why.

Shikamaru would go back to Suna and warn the Princess. The Princess unlike her father cares for her people and would warn her father just because she cares...

He quickly went into the castle and was admitted into the Queen's presence, she looked utterly bored.

She was holding a golden wine cup on her other hand and her crown was on her, she was wearing a cream colored gown. She motioned for the knights with her to be gone, and they did so reluctantly.

"You are late, Shikamaru." She said. "I was ready to send some trackers after you- so I could announce to everyone if you have passed on or not." She frowned.

"I am here, My Queen." Shikamaru bowed, and even went on his knees, "I beg for your forgiveness for being late."

Tsunade waved a dismissive hand at the action before her, "You are an assassin. And what is Suna's weakness?"

Shikamaru frowned, "They could be easily defeated from within. They don't trust each other, so if one move triggers them to attack each other we could very well save our own people from the spilling of the blood. We could use Orochimaru, he's a snake. He could be lured to breaking his alliance. He had done so before..." Shikamaru didn't quite finish that knowing it was the painful truth in Konoha that's why they were very skeptical in trust.

"And how could you insist Orochimaru to betray Suna? We don't have anyone in that place and frankly I don't know who to send to cause some trouble."

"May I suggest myself?" Shikamaru blurted.

It was met with a resounding, "No" the Queen was set on keeping Shikamaru close by. She had explained how sick she felt knowing he was far.

"As you wish," Shikamaru stood up and bowed again. The Queen's daughter Shizune came in. She smiled kindly at Shikamaru and Shikamaru returned it.

"A Good day to you, Princess." Shikamaru raised an eyebrow as the Queen's pet big followed Shizune. He never said the Royal family were sane.

"Shikamaru, would you be coming with the Medics?" Shizune inquired. Shikamaru shook his head, Shizune looked at her mother. "Oh, He is staying here."

"Actually not so much with me." Tsunade begun. "Shikamaru you are to watch...over my daughter and Hinata Hyuuga."

Shikamaru remained quiet. Unmoving. Expressionless. He was to watch over two princess of Konoha?

He cannot complain. Shizune was a friend of his and so was Hinata.

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A full blown month.

Temari was looking outside the window, she could see far outside the walls of Suna the battles being fought. Her brothers were called back by her father.

Gaara was in one of those battles just outside so was Kankurou. She was worried beyond words about them and at the same time envy them for they are there fighting for their people and she was...sitting here.

And with a blast, her door was swung opened. She twirled around to see who came into her room.

"Anko!"

"Princess, your father...was killed by Orochimaru." Anko announced in a hush breath. "We must go."

"Why?" She didn't feel horrible about the death news, though she mentally said goodbye to her father.

"While Suna Knights are out there battling their lives out against Konoha Knights, the Oto Knights attacked from the inside. It's not a pretty sight, Princess. Orochimaru is seeking for you. He could control your brothers by possesing you. He could take possesion of the Kingdom by marrying you or...killing your brothers. Which would be a difficulty for him."

Anko put some type of cloak on top of her head, Temari wrapped it around her tightly enough as she followed Anko, they went through all the secret passages so they could avoid encounters.

"Where's the Princess?"

"Pl-please..."

"Where's the Princess!?"

It was one of the Oto Knights.

"I...I won't tell." Someone mummbled. Temari recognize that voice, it was Matsuri. A young girl she came to know...because she had a liking towards Gaara which Temari had tried to help out when she gets a chance.

Temari stopped, and just completely attacked the Knight. She lacked the weapon, so when she kicked the knight with armors on, it was wasteful.

Anko pulled her away from the attack the Oto Knight was about to do, and withdrew a dagger and stuck it into the hole between the mask, the Oto Knight screamed in pain as he sunked down to the ground.

"Princess!" Anko called.

"Matsuri" Temari took Matsuri's hand and they both followed Anko.

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Shikamaru for all it's worth brought Hinata and Shizune to Whirlpool, a closer look to the war for him. While for Shizune, she was happy enough to be able to help in war because she knew how to help Knights with wounds. While Hinata...Shikamaru knew she was a fighter. What type of Hyuuga doesn't know how to fight and kill? It was part of their breed so to say. But Hinata was more quiet than Shizune, which Shikamaru thanked Kami for. And when Naruto passes by (occasionally) Hinata would blush at the sight of him.

Just like now...

"Saaaay..." Naruto started to say, but was caught at the blush Hinata had on. "Are you alright, Princess Hinata?"

Shikamaru sighed at this, he was ordered to protect the Princess, he wondered if protection means beating Naruto up for...perhaps making the Princess faint soon.

Naruto moved to feel Hinata's cheek, which made the Pale heiress into a tomato... Shikamaru stepped on Naruto's foot.

"Ow,"

"Sorry," With sarcasm. "What is it, Naruto?"

Naruto looked between Shizune and Hinata and pulled Shikamaru to the side as he excused himself.

"There were news that the King of Suna was killed." Naruto said quietly to him. Shikamaru nodded at this. "And...by Orochimaru himself..."

"We all knew it was bound to happen. Even if we made no move to put them against each other. Orochimaru will always betray people."

Naruto nodded and seem hesitant to tell him something but before Naruto could even say what it was...Shikamaru was already adding it up.

"Princess Temari!"

Naruto made a move to cover Shikamaru's mouth as he yelled the name, "Be quiet, Lover boy. So...yeah. After your disobedience and you kept going to Suna, I decided to keep watch on her for your sake."

Naruto uncovered Shikamaru's mouth as Shikamaru pulled away.

"So you know where she is?"

"Yup,"

"Where?"

"Well, that's the thing. She's between...our knights wanting to murder her." Naruto chuckled nervously.

"You caught her?"

"Yes, and..."

Shikamaru remained silent as sweat dropped to the ground. How odd he was worried about the Princess about being killed in war, and all along she may be killed under his own people.

"Look, Shikamaru...I pleaded to the council...You heard of them right? As much as I have power they control me too. I asked them not to be rash about killing part."

"You made a deal with them then, to reassure their old asses?"

"Well yeah. I said the Assassin Shadow, You, would be watching the said Princess. So they would have nothing to worry. You could easily kill her if she does anything suspicious, and you could keep watch at her. Of course they don't know she's a Princess. She's dress as a commoner...I wouldn't even know she was the Princess before until she started cursing and mentioned the revolution guy would come and save her."

Naruto and Shikamaru exchanged a look before they burst into some sort of man chuckle.

Shikamaru sighed in a mixture of relief and frustration. "Mind watching them for me then?"

Naruto's eyes glinted. "Anything for my best friend." Shikamaru shook his head, more like 'Anything for beautiful Princesses' not that he's not part of those people too.

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Temari was locked into a bedroom with furnished furniture, which was fine with her. She was yet again another prisoner. Anko and Matsuri were looking at the Princess because Temari hadn't stop swearing since they were captured. Matsuri if anything would have voice out that it was proper for a lady to swear but then Princess Temari's maid was Anko, it was understandable to whom she picked up the horrid habit.

Anko frowned and walked towards the window and looked out, "Well jumping out...would be problematic." Anko's hand went to her neck as she had a grim look. "I for one wouldn't want a splat me."

"We avoided Orochimaru at least." Matsuri said. "I hope Gaara is safe," Matsuri quickly added, "and Kankurou too."

Temari sighed and jumped onto the bed, completely tired. "Do you think he'll be here?"

"...."

"He would come for me, right? He would know..."

The door swung open revealing Shikamaru who looked straight at Temari. "You're not injured." He said as he caught his breathing."Thank Kami, I..."

Matsuri and Anko exchanged looks and then gazed at their Princess, who was shocked to see the revolution man but then it was replaced with confusion. "Have you been captured?"

He ignored the question and went to Anko and Matsuri. "A good day to you," he bowed his head a little to Anko, who smirked and winked at him. "And who might you be?" Shikamaru inquired at the brunette he hadn't met before, she looked young and never truly been out there to fight before.

"Matsuri..."

"I'm pleased to meet you. I'm glad you're all safe." Shikamaru was talking quietly, his words were kind and gentle but his voice sounded like he could careless. He blinked and frowned as he grabbed Matsuri's hand and pulled her towards him. To Anko and Temari it looked like he was about to take advantage of her, because of the way he gripped her and then his other hand went to the side of Matsuri's. Anko made a move to punch him and Temari opened her mouth to yell at him with a punch coming too.

"You're hurt," He said. Matsuri winced at the touch, even though it was gentle, it hurt, she nodded.

Shikamaru released her, "I'm not a healer, but I know a certain Princess that is pretty good with healing." Shikamaru said. Shikamaru went to leave the room, but Temari grabbed his arm.

"What?" He asked.

"You said before you're from Konoha, and you're here in Whirpool." Temari started, "Either you lied or Konoha is allied with Whirpool."

"Personally the Royals of Whirpool grew up in Konoha, so to say." Shikamaru sighed. "I must hurry so your...friend would have proper treatment as soon as possible."

Before he could close the door, "What's your name?"

"Shikamaru," He said in a dry tone.

When they were sure he was out of ear shot, Anko was the first to break the silence.

"Heh, falling for the enemies." She whistled.

"Are you sure he's not the one doing the falling?" Matsuri commented while Temari just remained silent at the comments they made.

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As Shikamaru searched for Princess Shizune and Princess Hinata and Prince Naruto, he passed by some of the injured men, or more of the dead bodies that were being carried away as possibly their family followed and cried.

He winced at the sight, he was glad he was out of the killing. He couldn't quite take it, and when he had, he thanked Kami he was never there to end their lives in front of their family. It would be heavy in his concious.

He hurriedly crossed the other side, since there were practically two palaces in Whirpool. One Palace was for the King and Queen and the other for the Prince.

Though the King and Queen were already gone, his friend Naruto hadn't been crown King yet. The councils finds Naruto not ready for it and as to prove their point it was not the time as War started.

And war begins, the Royals have less power as everyone seem to view the Knights are the important one. So the one controlling the Knights would and should hold the most power and hence creating a feudal lord. He frowned at this, he had spoken to Queen Tsunade to be careful of it. Because if War be successful feudal lords tend to be greedy and Knights would be far loyal to the one that controls them that led them to victory. They could be over thrown.

He went into the Prince's Palace and caught sight of Naruto, dressed more like a peasant than a royal, sitting down idly chatting with a smile on his face. Shikamaru looked Shizune and Hinata, they seemed calm and unaware of what's going on outside, maybe that's the beauty with spending time with Naruto, he'll make you forget about the hardship.

"Shikamaru!" Naruto beamed. "We were just talking about our childhood. I remember playing around with Kiba, chasing after his dog."

"I see, but...if I may be...Princess Shizune, you're a good healer like your mother. Would you heal someone for me?"

Shizune's eyes lighted and agreed almost immediately. "I'm glad I finally got to do something! Quick Hinata! Come with us!"

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Temari made Matsuri rest on the bed when she actually followed 'Shikamaru's footstep' and saw the bruises on her when she made Matsuri take off her clothes earlier and some cuts. She realized she'd been protecting Matsuri the whole entire time but perhaps when she was never around she had been beaten up multiple times and the horror filled her in when she thought of others things they might have done to her. She bit her lips as she remembered the other servants she had come to care about. Since some of them were very young Temari acted like an older sister to them and in returned they were loyal to her.

"Princess Temari..." Temari looked up and saw that Matsuri was waking up. "Are you sure...you wouldn't like to rest?" Temari went to the girl and held her hand.

"You need it more than I," Temari whispered. "I..." She was about to say she wouldn't know what to do if anything horrid happens to her maybe because Gaara had taken a special liking towards Matsuri.

"Thank...you..." Matsuri managed a weak smile. Temari withdrew her hands as she stifled a yawn and looked to see at Anko, who leaned back against the wall, casually though looking out. There was a different air around her.

"You want to escape?" Temari asked.

"And leave you?" Anko shook her head. "I want a bath and some new clothes. Mines are filthy." Anko complained with a smile and Temari smiled as well. She completely agreed.

But she didn't want to ask the...Shikamaru. They were prisoner of war except dealt with a softer hand because she believes it's because of him.

She didn't like the fact her father no longer lives and yet she fleed her homeland of fear of being a prisoner again by another man. Then they all end up getting captured...

"Hey," Shikamaru came in with two beautiful ladies. One was gently holding onto Shikamaru's arm while the other made a bee line for Matsuri.

"Shikamaru-kun," Hinata said. "Who are they?"

The kun peaked Anko and Temari's interest. Shikamaru blushed a bit, "My apologies, Princess Shizune just made a bee line and I got distracted. This is Anko," He pointed at Anko who did her signature grin at Hinata. "And Matsuri's the one who's on the bed. And this..." He seems to drift of, he didn't quite know if he should lie or not.

"Princess Temari No Subaku" Hinata said, her eerie eyes lighting up. "I know of her, Shikamaru-kun. My father made sure we all know the royals."

"You're Princess Hinata. I heard of you," Temari said. "Your eyes gives you away." She knew about the Princess alright. They were known as the royals that could kill.

"I could see why Shikamaru-kun wouldn't want anything horrible happening to you." Hinata smiled innocently at her. Temari just remained quiet. What could she say to a statement like that?

"Heh, Shikamaru," Shizune called. "As much as I want everyone here could you get out? You don't need to see this."

Shikamaru nodded and turned to leave.

Temari wondered if she was free to go with him, and her eyes lingered enough that the Hyuuga Heiress caught it.

"Shikamaru-kun," Hinata called his name yet again with the kun. He wondered if it was on purpose though Hinata was always the sweet type. "Would you give the Princess some fresh air?"

Shikamaru hesitated and wanted to inform that it would be a risk to bring Temari out if someone recognize her as someone of importance, they would use her.

"Princess Hinata, I'm under strict orders..."

"I quite sure no one would know her here." Anko inserted. "Beside for a Hyuuga and Uchiha."

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Temari followed Shikamaru and was slightly...what's the feeling when you do something new? Or with someone new? Someone important?

Everywhere was almost chaotic, Shikamaru was watching Temari closely without being caught. He was about to warn her about the chaos within but decided not to. She would probaly say she's use to seeing it and Shikamaru couldn't stomach knowing that. She was strong, but she was also a woman. Sometimes people forget that women even if they fight and wish for equality they are soft and gentle.

Shikamaru frowned at this remembering his father's word how a woman could make a man better and without them, they wouldn't be here...

A woman could be strong and independednt yet be gentle and loving towards the man she cares the and love the most...He wondered if that was true.

Shikamaru could see Temari's eyes widening at the sight of the injuries and death and her eyes begun to soften as if the impact of the war was going through her.

"I never understand war." She begun, "We have war to protect our people. Yet we kill people, even if they're not my people, they are someone else beloved."

Shikamaru looked away from her eyes that glowed more and more, the sun seem to make it so she shines the most. He couldn't quite hear people all around them, but he could hear her clearly.

"I know it doesn't make sense as to why we do it. But I can't stand by and watch and not do anything about it. Princess, your Kingdom is attacking us and killing my people."

"Yours is doing the same thing!" Temari snapped. "It's not like your innocent!" She yelled.

They seemed to attract people's attention and Shikamaru couldn't have that. He just nodded, "I know. I'm not blaming you. I'm not innocent either. I killed many, I'm sure you know."

Temari bit her lips at that, she remembered years ago she had accused him of some wrong doings. Not that she ever truly wanted to attack him. She sighed.

"Yo, Shikamaru."

Temari caught sight of a guy with silver hair, but with a young face like some few years older than her. He was tall and he had his left eye covered. He had the same bored face and a similar to what Shikamaru wore, and in an instant Temari concluded maybe they did the same kind of things...they killed...

"Kakashi" Shikamaru nodded and taking a grim looked on his face. "You're not on the battle field yet?"

Kakashi flashed a grin. "No, not yet. When I do you'll know. A good day to my lady." Kakashi bowed his head slightly. "You be careful of her, she's important." Kakashi merely said as he waved goodbye with the lack of energy.

"I heard of him." Temari blurted, the admiration shimmering in her eyes were evident and Shikamaru felt slightly jealous at the unhidden admiration. He wished she would look at him in that way.

"Yeah, it seems for a Princess who barely goes out, you know alot of people from Konoha." Shikamaru said.

Temari blushed slightly at this. So she was caught at one of her stupid secret. She knew some of the well known fighters of Konoha. When she was younger she would hear stories from others about the great ones.

"Yes, but I never heard of you." Temari said. "Then again, you're not as old as them. They've been around alot." Temari said.

Shikamaru hidden a secret smile, even if the Princess of the Desert didn't claim it was a compliment it had just sounded like one.

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Shikamaru and the desert Princess, had strolled farther than they intended-maybe because they had embarked in a silly game of hide and seek and then chasing after each other, when the rain had started to pour on them heavily, drenching them.

She screamed at first when the first many drops made contact with her skin and made her wet faster than Shikamaru could take a step. By the time Shikamaru was right beside her, they were both soaked and she had let her hair down and the water was streaming down from her body and Shikamaru didn't watch the motion. He looked away and started to search for a place to dry off and calculated how far they've actually were.

"Are we far?" She asked.

"We're still in Whirpool, though it's a big Kingdom..." Shikamaru trailed off as he turned to look at her.

She was stripping her dress off though quite struggling as she couldn't quite take it out since the dress had molded into her like a second skin. She looked at Shikamaru, and he expected her to blush and say something about her action that would be excusable but she did no such thing. She pressed a finger on her rosy lips and then said almost like an innocent little girl, "Could you help me undress myself?"

Shikamaru blushed at the request, never before had a lady, much more a Princess even dare say such request.

"W-why?"

"Because Shi-ka-ma-ru," She pronounced his name as if he had asked a stupid question that needed no answer at all. "It is very difficult to walk nor run, if a lady run" She raised an eyebrow at him, "with a wet dress."

Shikamaru couldn't help but smile and made way to help her out, since it did make sense. Thank kami her reason was actually valid.

The mud was making his walk far difficult and even made his foot stuck as it seem to sink deeper. He frowned and pulled his foot free. He stumbled and fell flat on his butt, his clothes muddy especially the arse part.

Temari laughed. "You're suppose to be Prince Charming, help me out when I'm in need. You failed again." She said while she faked a disappointed expression though it seem to be unsuccesful because she ended up smirking.

"You're not the typical Princess though," Shikamaru said and got himself up. He started for his boots and threw them to the side.

Temari remained quiet, so what if she wasn't...

"You care for your people, which I learned when I first met you." He said easily as he took of the vest that clunged to him. "You are strong and I have no doubt in my mind you cannot defend yourself. I already been in the receiving end of your blow." He smiled. He started to roll his pants up. "You have the most beautiful eyes..." He finished and moved next to her.

"Quickly, we need to get going. I rather not you get sick." And with that Shikamaru helped Temari out of her dress. Temari held onto his arms so she won't fall down like Shikamaru had.

She made it so she wasn't looking into his eyes, as much as she made it sound like it wasn't a big deal, it was. Also him with the compliments didn't help.

"Though I won't lie, you are troublesome." Shikamaru knew himself well enough to know when he said that his tone was different, it had a light to it. Almost as if having her as troublesome isn't troublesome...?

By the time the dress was off of her, they were both flushed. Shikamaru instantly handed her the vest, he took off.

Temari smiled, a man that undress you and then offers his clothes to clothe you...

It could pass as being a gentleman if people knew the details to the undressing, or it could be taken as a man making a territorial mark.

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I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT YET AGAIN!

I was in a panicked state for the past month, My best friends threw an all out war against each other and I was stuck in the middle.

I had to help out my other friend since his grandfather had cancer, he needed a friend to be there for him and pray for his grandpa...and the grandpa just recently passed away...yesterday.

MJ died...I love his songs...You are not Alone, Will you be there, Man in the Mirror, I'll be there, You rock my world...etc!! & the moon walk i.i

My own grandpa....had a heart attack and he's paralyzed and can't talk any longer. So there's the process of renewing passport, and looking for a plane ticket since he remains in Philippines and...I live in Hawaii. x.x

So there's a possibility of me going to Philippines. And I want to, I haven't seen my grandpa in a long time...

Please pray for my grandpa!!!!

Love Anne