Three: Attacked

Temari slowly opened her eyes to see Shikamaru in front of her snoring softly. He was curled around her in a protective way. Had he been trying to keep her warm? She slowly stepped over Shikamaru and walked outside. The sky still had its gray color. All the leaves had disappeared and there were puddles of water on the ground. There was a chill in the air. Winter would be coming soon for the forest. Temari drank from a small puddle before leaving to hunt. Temari had spotted a plump looking Vole.

She began to crouch as she crept on the unsuspecting animal. Suddenly she heard a growling noise. She froze in her tracks as she caught a familiar scent.

"Halt!" barked a voice. A red wolf with a gourd on his back tackled her and grabbed hold of her neck with its jaws. Temari looked at the wolf and was about to fight when she recognized him. "What are you doing on Uzumaki territory?!"

"Gaara, it's me Temari!" barked Temari scrabbling at the ground. Gaara released his grip on Temari. He stared at her for a minute and then licked her face affectionately. Temari pushed him away.

"It's good to see you Onee-chan! Where have you been?" asked Gaara as his tail wagged furiously. Temari sat on her haunches and looked down. "Onee-chan?"

Temari looked up at her brother through her bangs. "I found a mate," said Temari shamelessly. Gaara cocked his head.

"You found a mate? I'd like to meet your mate," growled Gaara with interest suddenly serious. Temari blinked.

"Okay, but can you wait here. He'll freak out if you come with me," said Temari. Gaara nodded and sat on his haunches as Temari walked off. When Temari was out of earshot Gaara growled.

"I want to see this male and judge how strong he is," he growled darkly.

Temari trotted back to the old log to wake Shikamaru. She soon discovered that Shikamaru was already awake. He had his head on his paws and his ears stood erect listening for every sound. "Shika!"

Shikamaru raised his head and looked up at Temari. He looked worried at first, but his expression was relieved now that Temari was back. Temari walked up and sat in front of him.

"Well, where have you been?" asked Shikamaru yawning.

"My brother Gaara found me and he wants to meet you," said Temari as she looked behind her. Shikamaru seemed surprised at this news.

"Okay, I'll meet your brother. I guess we must be close to your pack," said Shikamaru as he followed Temari through the forest. Gaara had stayed where he was waiting for Temari. Once the two wolves were in his sight he marveled at Shikamaru's appearance.

A maned wolf? He has a black mane; he must be from the Nara Pack. Gaara stood to greet the two wolves.

"This is Nara Shikamaru," said Temari. Gaara looked at the wolf. Shikamaru stared at Gaara.

"It's nice to meet you Gaara," greeted Shikamaru as he bowed his head. Gaara suddenly got an idea. Suddenly Gaara jumped at Shikamaru and Gaara bit into his neck. Shikamaru yelped in surprise as Gaara's teeth bit into his skin. Shikamaru grabbed Gaara's neck flipped him over and slammed him on the ground on his back. Gaara panted as he lay there on his back.

Wow, he's strong. He was able to flip me over.

"Were you trying to kill me?! You bastard!" growled Shikamaru as he scraped the ground with his paw furiously. Gaara managed to turn over on his belly. Temari had stood there in shock at Gaara's sudden attack. Now she walked over to Gaara and nipped at his ear.

"Gaara have you lost your mind?!" barked Temari angrily. Gaara chuckled.

"I just wanted to see how strong he was," said Gaara as he stood. Temari bared her teeth.

"So, you attack him for no reason?!"

"I'm sorry Onee-chan and sorry Aniki," said Gaara. Shikamaru flinched at his apology and blinked in surprise.

Did he just call me big brother? Shikamaru thought. I guess I am sort of his big brother now. Temari sighed.

"Alright, I'll let you off this time. Let's get back to the pack," said Temari as we both followed her through the forest.