"I guess I could walk you to the gates Temari,"

Temari shot a very sharp and unsympathetic expression at Shikamaru. When she turned to look at Naruto, he almost jumped out of his shoes. She was so strict and demanding that Naruto felt that if he said no to escorting her to the village gates, he would probably be killed right on the spot.

"Uh, ye-yeah I'll take you to the gates," he said worriedly.

"See! At least there are some decent men in this village that aren't afraid of being seen with a woman!" Temari took Naruto by the arm and left. Shikamaru stood there flabbergasted as he watched them go.

Shikamaru sighed heavily, "What a drag."

. . .

Once Temari saw that they were out of site of Shikamaru, she also let out a heavy sigh. She began to walk slower, and she kept her head pointed downward. Naruto didn't know what was happening or what was wrong with her. All he knew was that Shikamaru and Temari were talking together and somehow he ended up with her. Now they were walking arm-in-arm and Naruto was getting odd looks from people. He had to say something to Temari?but what?

"Uh, Temari?"

"Hmm?" she said without looking at him.

"People are looking at us funny."

Temari picked her head up and the few people she saw did indeed seem to find it odd that she was walking with the Village dolt. "They're just wondering why I'm with you that's all."

"I'm kinda wondering the same thing. I mean, Shikamaru usually takes care of you when you're here,"

"But he DIDN'T take care of me this time Naruto!" Temari almost shouted. "Of all the stupid things! He just had to go and act like he didn't care at all that I was here. Like it's such a PROBLEM that I'm here! To hell with him!"

Naruto was quiet for a moment, then he said, "Maybe it's because you scare him." Temari's face turned violent as she looked at him. He backpedaled and said, "Well, what I mean is that I remember him saying something about you being a lot like his Mom! He said his Mom bosses his Dad around a lot, that's all!" He held his hand up in defense in case she decided to clobber him.

"Naruto, there is a difference between being bossy and being a strong woman. Apparently, Shikamaru doesn't have a clue which is which." They arrived at the village gates where Kotetsu and Izumo were lounging. Naruto walked Temari up to the table they were sitting at, then cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Going home then Temari?" Kotetsu asked.

"Yes. I've been here long enough."

"Where's Shikamaru?" Izumo commented, "Doesn't he usually escort you?"

Temari sighed, "Yes, he usually does, but apparently he's got more important things to do."

"I personally think he's an idiot," Naruto said. Temari turned to him. He continued, "I think it's important to show a bit of respect to a representative of another village. He should have done his duty and taken better care of you Temari," then he added as a side whisper, "even if he is afraid of you!" He smiled at her.

In that moment, Temari thought a little differently of Naruto. Then she said, "Well then I'll be on my way." She unlinked her arm from Naruto's and turned to face the gates.

Kotetsu said, "Doesn't Shikamaru walk you part of the way there?"

Temari looked down and said, "He has on occasion, but you don't have to if you don't want to Naruto." She looked at him almost invitingly.

Naruto thought to himself that Temari was one frightening woman when she was angry, but duty is duty. Maybe he should walk her a bit further from the Village, as is a customary thing to do. But, she said he didn't have to if he didn't want to, and he was quite sure that she could take care of herself.