A/N: Hello again! I took a break from posting because my exams are coming T.T Sorry! And then when I looked in, I was overjoyed! Hehe^^ I love Naruto, and I am soooo happy that you guys are enjoying my story! Yay, enough of me, time to get on with the story!

(PS forgot to include this in the last chapter, although I wish I did, I do not own Naruto. )

Chapter 2: Settling Darkness

"WHAT?! You have got to be kidding me! That annoying brat is supposed to protect me?!" Temari pointed an accusing finger at Naruto.

"Now that you mention it," Naruto studied Temari, "she isn't anything special. Why SHOULD I protect her?"

Temari fumed. She was a KUNOICHI. She didn't need to be protected, at least not by the annoying blonde brat who was so full of himself. Her eyes strayed to Shikamaru. Now that's someone who could be counted on, and someone she would much rather have as a bodyguard.

"Lady Tsunade, with all due respect, I think that Shikamaru Nara is more than enough to accompany me on my mission. Besides, we only assume that I am being targeted, and have no true proof. I am perfectly capable of protecting myself, and one bodyguard would be sufficient."

Temari saw Lady Tsunade pale a little at the thought of keeping Naruto in the village. I wonder, she thought, Is Lady Tsunade just trying to get rid of Naruto? Lady Tsunade composed herself and looked Temari in the eye. "We do have proof that you will be targeted. You are known far and wide to be the older sister of the indestructible weapon of the Village Hidden in the sand—''

"Oh, so you're GAARA's teammate! I thought you looked familiar!" Naruto cut in, while Shikamaru slapped his palm to his head.

"As I was saying," Lady Tsunade continued, glaring at Naruto, " We have sources that tell us a group of rogue ninja may just be aiming for your capture, to lure out Gaara. One bodyguard won't be sufficient, we do not know exactly how many rogue ninja are after you."

Temari rolled her eyes. She knew that the Hokage was right. Still, she couldn't shake the suspicion that she was just trying to get rid of the overenthusiastic blonde ninja. "Alright then, I'll meet you boys at the front gate." Without another word, she leapt out of the Hokage's office and headed back home.

Forty minutes later, Temari waited impatiently for the other two at the front gate. She had treated herself to a luxurious shower, preparing her body for the grueling three days of nonexistent baths. She was all ready to head home, but both guys, lazy Shikamaru and tardy Naruto, were late. Temari leaned on one side of the gate, letting her imagination run wild. If only it was just her and Shikamaru on this mission, maybe they would have sat side by side in the sunset, confessing their deep attractions to each other. She stopped herself short. Why was she thinking such thoughts? She shook her head to clear it. Temari! She chided herself, This is no way to be thinking! You do NOT like Shikamaru. Do you hear me? You do NOT like –

"Hey Temari…" the lazy voice jerked her out of her thoughts. She almost jumped, but caught herself in time. She paused awhile, and forced her voice to sound disdainful.

"Right on time as usual, eh, Shikamaru?" He rolled his eyes, chuckling softly. She took in his narrow black eyes, his spiky black hair and thin, pale lips. He wasn't exactly handsome, but there was something about him that made her heart pound painfully. He smirked at her. "Well, look who's finally made his grand appearance!"

"You idiot! What took you so long!" Temari practically shouted, happy for an excuse to distract herself from the distracting Shikamaru. Perhaps that was uncalled for, she thought. "Aww, no need to get your fan in a twist, when there's ramen, there's Naruto. It's like a rule." Nah, she thought as she punched him, definitely not uncalled for.

"Well Temari, if you're done beating up Naruto, can we go?" Shikamaru said, placing a hand on her shoulder and smirked. Temari still looked furious on the outside, but all thoughts were blocked except one. HIS HAND IS ON MY SHOULDER! She could feel the warmth of his hand, and she felt that warmth spreading to her face.

"Uh, Shikamaru? Is she okay? Her face is so red, she looks like Hinata. Is she sick?" Upon hearing Naruto's annoying voice, she snapped out of her trance. "YOU make me sick, Naruto." She said coldly, then stalked towards the front gate. "Let's go," she said.

As they trudged through the forest, Temari watched Shikamaru out of the corner of her eye. His expression had been neutral, though a little confused, at Naruto's comment. She sighed a small sigh of relief. At least when it came to romances, the genius didn't seem to pick up her signals.

END

A/N: YAY! So who's POV should be next? Shikamaru's or Naruto's? I'll try to update the story as soon as possible, but like I said, Exams T.T Well, hope you enjoyed this chapter, and stay tuned for the next! :D