Chapter 4

Sakura stirred gently as the sunlight fell on her face, warming her cheeks. Slowly she opened her peridot colored eyes. She propped her self up, a beautifully crocheted blanket falling into her lap. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, she racked her brain. She didn't remember covering up last night and she was sure she had drawn the curtains closed before she went to bed.

She shrugged and put her feet gently on the wooden floor. She padded over to the vanity and noticed a white satin robe hanging over the vanity's stool. She took it and put it on over her lacy, white, nightgown, tying it loosely around her waist. It was early and she didn't figure she'd find anyone up at this hour. She looked in the mirror and ran a brush through her hair. Satisfied with the pink strands framing her heart shaped face, she turned to the door.

With expertise she slipped out of her room silently, searching for any signs of movement or noise in the house. She let a sigh of relief out. She wanted to check out the Kazekage's personal reading material without being interrupted. She was glad she was used to early mornings working at the hospital. It gave her time to think and study. Mornings seemed to be only time she didn't have anyone knocking on her door asking if she wanted to go out drinking… again.

Sakura smiled when she reached the base of the stairs and the book shelves were in sight. She walked passed the kitchen and straight up to the first bookshelf. She released another sigh. She found history books on Suna, Medical journals from Chiyo herself, and even a child's fairy tale book. She had hit the jackpot with this find. Just as she brought a hand up to grab one of the medical journals someone cleared their throat quietly.

"Are you always up this early?" A deep, monotone voice asked. Sakura's stomach flipped. She was quite startled. She whirled around to find Gaara sitting in the kitchen, reading over some scrolls and drinking tea. And there she was, standing in her nightgown, barely covered by a satin robe that was falling off one shoulder, standing before the Kazekage. He was dressed in his usual maroon jacket and black pants, looking handsome as ever. He was staring at her with jade eyes, looking at her from head to toe, and then turned back to his scrolls, cheeks stained pink.

Sakura looked down at herself briefly. Besides her bare shoulder, her ample cleavage was very visible. She took a deep breath to calm herself, trying to play this off. She sauntered over to the kitchen and stood across the counter from Gaara. She leaned on the counter, which pushed her breasts up, causing them to strain against her lacy nightgown. Gaara had taken a sip of tea and began to cough as he watched her movements. Surely she was trying to kill him.

"I work a lot of mornings at the hospital. Lots of paper work to get through." She replied, finally answering him. "Are you up early for work too, Gaa-ra-sa-ma?" She articulated each syllable of his name, sounding more like a cute school girl than a deadly ninja. He swallowed, his throat suddenly very dry despite having a cup of tea in his hands. The woman before him was beyond attractive to him, and he wondered why. They hardly knew each other, yet, she could render him speechless by merely changing her tone of voice. And the fact that her pale skin was barely covered by satin and lace, didn't help either. But the way her petal colored hair fell into her gem colored eyes and the way her full, pouty lips said his name so formally, made him want to jump across the counter and make her his. Still rendered speechless, he merely nodded to answer her question.

"Could you tell me more about the festival? I'm not really sure what to expect and didn't have time to do any research on it." She smiled sweetly at him. He swallowed again, searching for his lost voice. He took a gulp of his tea and cleared his throat.

"The Festival of Rain is one of our largest events here in Suna. Since it only rains in April, we celebrate the life rain brings." Sakura nodded, eager to hear more. His lips twitched into a quick smile before continuing. "It's celebrated from the first of April, to whenever the first rain comes. The average is usually about 5 days, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter." Sakura adjusted against the counter, her cleavage grabbing his attention again. He forced himself to stare at his tea, trying to refocus his mind.

"What goes on during the festival?"

"We plan for five days worth of events. Besides the usual festival activities, games, food, and music, we plan special events. Like tonight are the opening ceremonies. It's a very formal night. People will wear their best kimono. Then the festivities begin and last until midnight. Tomorrow there is a talent contest, where the elders and I judge who the most talented participant is. Quite interesting to watch. I think you will like it. Friday night is a dance competition. Again the elders and I will be judges, though I will have to dance first. It's been a tradition now for several years since before I was Kazekage." Sakura tilted her head, a smile playing on her lips.

"You… dance, Gaara-sama?" Her voice was shocked, yet amused.

"Yes, I have been trained to dance. Most of our ninja have been taught at a young age because it's been proven to increase memorization, concentration, and agility. But the elders insisted on a retraining session as I am required to dance the first dance before judging the contest. Usually Temari is my partner for this." He studied her face as he continued. "Do you dance, Sakura-san?" Sakura blushed a bit, lowering her eyes. Was that his way of asking her to be his dance partner instead of his sister?

"Yes. I took a class back at the academy. I might be a bit rusty, but the teacher always said I made a great partner because I followed my partners lead with no trouble." That was good enough for Gaara. He nodded.

"I'd be honored if you'd be my partner for Friday night." Sakura smiled, bring her eyes to meet his.

"I'd love to. What does one normally wear for that?"

"Usually modern formal attire. Women usually wear formal dresses rather than Kimono as they are less restricting for dancing." He watched as Sakura's smiled faltered. She hadn't thought to bring anything like that on her trip to Suna. Gaara's lips twitched to a small smile. "Do not worry. Please check out the clothing vendor down the street named Hitomi. She makes wonderful clothing. Tell her I sent you and you should have no difficulties finding something to wear." Sakura's smiled returned, more brilliantly than before.

"Thank you, Gaara-sama. I'll check it out today!" Sakura turned and looked at the clock on the wall and gasped. "I'm so sorry! I've kept you here too long. Please, don't allow me to hold you up anymore." She lowered her head, her hair falling like a curtain around her face. Gaara sighed. He knew she was right but did not wish to leave her. He wanted to take her himself and find that dress and then come back to the house and make her try it on for him… wait, what was he thinking? He cleared his throat and stood up, trying to fixate his mind on something else.

"I nearly forgot to mention, but there is a woman who I have hired to keep house while I work during the week. She does the laundry as well as tidying up the house. Do not be alarmed if you run into her or find any of your clothing missing. You will have them back clean at the end of the day. Her name is Miu-san and she is an older woman." Gaara said as he walked to the door and put on his shoes. He opened the door and looked at Sakura one last time.

"I'll see you tonight, Sakura-san." And with that, he walked out the door, leaving Sakura's heart pounding in her chest.

~*~*~*~*~

Sakura and Shikamaru walked down the sandy streets of Suna's busy market place as they went about shopping. Rather, Sakura's shopping.

"Man, this is so troublesome. Why does Temari have to work still when I'm here to visit?" Shikamaru grumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets for the umpteenth time. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"So why are you here with me if you're just going to complain the whole time?" Sakura asked, mildly annoyed. Shopping normally was rather therapeutic and fun for her. But Shikamaru was totally killing the experience with his whining.

"Well, for one, I'm bored." Shikamaru said. He licked his lips pondering on how to continue. Should he just tell her he was worried and wanted to make sure she was okay? Playing the possible out comes in his head, he sighed. "And I wanted to make sure you were still alright after the whole Sasuke thing…" Sakura turned her head to look at the tall man. And then she smiled.

"Aw, Shika-kun, that's so sweet. I'll be sure to tell Temari that you were very kind to me today." Shikamaru shook his head.

"I'm not doing it for the praise. I'm serious, Sakura-chan. You've been like a little sister to me for several years. I do care for you as you were a part of my family." Sakura's face softened as she watched Shikamaru's ears turn pink. That was so like Shikamaru to tell people the one thing they needed to hear the most, at the cost of his own comfort.

"Thank you Shikamaru-kun. But really, I'm alright. I haven't even thought about Sasuke since we got to Suna." Sakura linked arms with the taller man and pulled him along. "Come on, I need your help picking a dress so I look amazing on Friday!" Shikamaru grumbled something about being troublesome, but allowed himself to be dragged.

Together they walked into the open store front of a clothing shop. A woman with graying brown hair, tied up in a messy bun, sat at a sewing machine in the back of the store. Without looking up she greeted them, working the fabric quickly under the motorized needle. Sakura looked around the store briefly, grabbing a couple dresses she liked.

"They're all blue…" Sakura said quietly, staring at the dresses she had taken.

"Well, blue and white are Suna's colors." Sakura turned around to see the woman from the sewing machine standing behind her. The woman smiled. "Is there something I can help you with?" Sakura nodded.

"Yes. I was sent by the Kazekage. He recommends your shop to find something to wear. I will be his dance partner on Friday night before the dance competition. Can you help me?" The woman blushed a bit, clearly happy to hear the Kazekage's kind words.

"I am Hitomi. I'd be glad to help. What were you looking for?" Sakura smiled meekly.

"Preferably something not blue…" The older woman laughed heartily at this.

"Here, come to the back. I set everything blue out for the festival and keep everything else in the back." Sakura and Shikamaru followed Hitomi to a small room where clothing hung on bars along the wall. She led them to a section that had a rainbow of different colored dresses. "Not from Suna, I take it." Sakura laughed quietly.

"How'd you guess?" The woman shrugged and smiled warmly down on Sakura.

"Could be the headbands. But that's just a guess." Sakura's hand went to her headband in her hair and laughed again.

"Yeah, maybe." Hitomi made her way back to the main room.

"Just come out to try what you find on. I'll be out front watching the store." Sakura nodded and walked up to the row of dresses. She started to sort through them until she gasped, stopping on one. It was a deep lilac color with a knee length skit. It was sleeveless and had a sweetheart cut. The skirt flared with tulle under the skirt. She looked at the size and grinned. It was perfect. She took it off the bar and turned to show Shikamaru who was looking rather bored.

"What do you think?" Shikamaru shrugged.

"Hard to tell if you don't try it on." Sakura rolled her eyes and walked out to the main section of the store.

"Hitomi-san, I'd like to try this one on, please!" Hitomi was back at her sewing machine and briefly lifted a hand to point to a fitting booth in the corner of the small store. Sakura walked over to the booth and walked in, pulling the curtain closed. She stripped quickly and stepped into the dress. She pulled the zipper up her back half way and couldn't reach any longer. She stepped out of the curtains.

"Shikamaru-kun, could you zipper me, please?" She asked sweetly, standing on a small platform in front of a mirror. Shikamaru walked over and pulled the zipper up her back, looking over her shoulder into the mirror. The dress looked amazing on Sakura. The color complimented her creamy skin and pink hair. The dress cut amplified her curves, showing off her lean legs and small waist and framing her cleavage. Sakura stared wide eyed at her reflection. "W-what do you think, Shikamaru-kun?" She whispered. Shikamaru chuckled.

"I think the Kazekage isn't going to know what hit him on Friday." Sakura turned and smiled widely at her friend.

"Trying to impress the Kazekage?" Hitomi asked, suddenly standing at Shikamaru's side again. Sakura blushed.

"Well, uh…" Sakura muttered out, looking down at the ground. Hitomi laughed and turned Sakura around to face the mirror again. The woman studied the dress on Sakura's body, checking for any alterations needed.

"Well, Miss, it looks almost as if this dress was made for you. What do you think?" Sakura looked up to face her visage. She smiled at herself and jumped off the platform.

"I'll take it!" Hitomi nodded, pleased, and pulled the zipper down the back for Sakura. Sakura went back into the dressing room and redressed herself. She came back out carrying the dress. Hitomi took it and wrapped it in a white plastic bag and then handed it back to Sakura. "So how much do I owe you?" Sakura asked, pulling out her purse from her pack. Hitomi gave her a confused look.

"Nothing. The Kazekage already took care of the payment." Sakura blinked a few times, unsure of what to say. "Oh my goodness, he didn't tell you he was going to do that?" The older woman smirked. "I'd say you have an admirer in the Kazekage, Miss." Sakura blushed again and bowed slightly.

"Well, thank you for your help. Maybe I will be in again." Sakura then turned and pulled Shikamaru back on the street, leaving Hitomi chucking to herself.

~*~*~*~*~

Sakura and Shikamaru walked from the house again, back on the streets to find lunch. Sakura looked mildly annoyed, while Shikamaru looked smug. She sighed, folding her arms across her chest leading the way down the street.

"So what's up with you and Gaara? I leave you guys alone a handful of times and he buys your dress? What's up with that?" Sakura growled, glaring at her friend.

"Nothing has happened. I told you. He has been nothing but a perfect gentleman since I've gotten here." Shikamaru rolled his eyes.

"That doesn't explain how you feel about him though." This caught Sakura off guard. She stopped, her mind racing. So far, she was attracted to him, though she really couldn't explain why. She hardly knew the guy, but he made her feel confident in herself, unlike Sasuke ever did. And he was handsome, despite the rings around his eyes and that silly tattoo on his head. But it just made him seem… mysterious. And she was definitely curious about him.

"Well, I… I'm not sure how I feel about him. I hardly know Gaara." She replied stubbornly, sticking her nose in the air. "Besides, who cares? It's my business." Shikamaru shook his head and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Troublesome… You and I both know that it's the elders business if you or Gaara initiate something. We're talking about the Kazekage here." Sakura sighed and shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, nothing has happened. He bought me a gift. That's all. Come on, let's get some lunch. I'm starving." Shikamaru groaned quietly, putting his hand on his forehead. He knew when Sakura changed the subject; there was no way of going back now.

"Alright, alright. There's a dumpling place up the street that's just as popular as Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha. Come on." Shikamaru grumbled, walking passed Sakura to lead the way. The two walked in silence down the street, looking at the ground. Suddenly, their silence was broken.

"Is that Sakura-san?" Cried a male voice behind them. Sakura turned around to meet the smiling face of Kankuro who was moving swiftly towards them. He took Sakura up into his arms in a bear hug. "Sakura-chan! It's been too long! How are you?" He placed her feet back on the ground, beaming down on her. Sakura couldn't help but smile. He had the same mischievous grin and playful dark eyes, though he was wearing no face paint this afternoon.

"Kankuro! It's so good to see you! Where are you off too?" Sakura asked.

"Lunch with Gaara and Temari at Youchiraku Dumpling. What about you guys?" Sakura looked over her shoulder at Shikamaru.

"I think we were going to the same place." Shikamaru nodded to confirm her statement. Kankuro looped his arm with Sakura's and then with Shikamaru's.

"You must join us then!" He exclaimed, pulling the two leaf ninjas down the street.

They approached the restaurant, which was much larger than Ichiraku Ramen. It had tables inside and outside, which most were all full at this point of the day. Kankuro pulled them to a round outdoor table that had an umbrella shading the people from the sun.

"Temari! Gaara! Look who I found!" Sakura waved slightly at the other siblings, a little embarrassed at being dragged around by the puppet master. Shikamaru pulled away from Kankuro's grasp and went and sat next to Temari. Temari placed a soothing kiss on Shikamaru's forehead, instantly changing Shikamaru's cranky mood. Gaara stood up and pulled the chair between him and Temari out for Sakura. Sakura smiled and sat between the two. Gaara nodded slightly, giving her his silent hello before sitting back down. Kankuro took a seat between Gaara and Shikamaru, filling the table completely.

"Gaara-sama, Hitomi-san was wonderful. I found a lovely dress to wear on Friday night." Sakura said and she looked over the menu. She wanted to say more, demand why he bought the dress for her, but she held her tongue.

"It pleases me to hear that your trip to her shop was a successful one. I look forward to seeing what you will wear on Friday." Gaara replied, causing Sakura to duck her head further behind the menu as she blushed.

"Does that mean I'm off the hook this year?" Temari asked excitedly. Kankuro and Shikamaru laughed. Gaara nodded to his sister making her whoop with glee. "Thank you Sakura-chan! I have two left feet when it comes to dancing. I can never keep up with my baby brother." Temari smirked, watching for Gaara's glare. It came swiftly but she merely laughed. Sakura raised a brow, setting her menu down.

"Does this mean you're good, Gaara-sama?"

"Hn." Was the only reply, causing Kankuro to laugh and pat the redhead on the back.

"Good? He won't admit it, but he's the reason they started doing the Kazekage's dance before the competition! The Kazekage can't win every year!" Gaara's eyes were fixated on his glass of tea before him, but he couldn't keep the blush from rising in his cheeks. A small hand on his arm broke his concentration his glass. He turned to look at the pink haired woman. She was smiling at him, her green eyes shining like light through glass.

"Gaara-sama, I look forward to Friday night even more now." Gaara nodded. The only thing he could do because his heart was beating so hard in his chest. He didn't understand how a woman, no, how THIS woman, could effect him so badly.

"Should we order?" Shikamaru said, changing the subject. The waitress went around the table and took everyone's food order and swiftly left. Time seemed to fly as they chatted more about the festival, as their food had arrived almost as soon as they ordered it. Lunch was quiet, with a few words exchanged here and there.

"Sakura-chan! You have soy sauce on your lip." Temari said, suddenly smirking, looking at her red haired brother. Sakura blushed lightly. Her tongue darted out if her mouth, licking her lips clean. She noticed everyone's eyes were on her, causing her to blush more. So she turned to Gaara.

"Did I miss any?" She asked shyly before running her tongue over her lips again. Fire filled his groin area as thoughts of her tongue and lips around his… He clenched his fists and abruptly pushed his chair back. He stood up and bowed his head.

"Excuse me. I have lost track of time and must return back to work. Until tonight." He managed out in a calm voice that did not match his actions. He took out his wallet and placed some money on the table before turning and walking briskly off towards the tower. Kankuro and Temari exchanged glances and Temari stood up, kissed Shikamaru on the cheek, and turned, running after her youngest brother.

Sakura's mouth was still hanging over, her mind trying to wrap around what had just happened. She closed her mouth with a sigh, looking down at her plate. She was no longer hungry and thoroughly confused.

~*~*~*~*~

"Gaara-kun." Temari said in a commanding tone, causing Gaara to pause to look at his older sister briefly, only to start walking again. The pause was enough for Temari to catch up and stand by his side. "My, my, you certainly know how to kill a lovely lunch." She smiled gently at her brother, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"No thanks to you, Temari." He replied stiffly, keeping his eyes forward.

"I didn't think you'd react so badly. She's so adorable." Temari linked arms with her brother and walked with him. Gaara's eyes shifted to the ground, studying the uneven stones and sand that created the road back to the tower.

"I don't know what you are talking about. I am just feeling unwell." Temari laughed quietly, nudging her brother's side.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with a certain sassy pink haired woman." Gaara sighed, glaring at his sister.

"Is it that obvious?" Gaara grumbled. Temari laughed again, ruffling her brother's already messy locks.

"Considering I've watched the way you look at her, yes. You definitely know how to pick them. Sakura-chan would make a fine sister-in-law to have." Gaara stopped walking. The thought of marrying the woman had never crossed his mind. But now that it was suggested… yes, yes, he would be happy with such a fine, strong wife. She was strong and gifted in the medical field. She would make an excellent addition to Suna. No. An excellent addition to his family.

"I do not know why she has such an effect on me…" He said breathlessly.

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." Temari quoted, meeting her brother's jade eyes, watching them widen in surprise. "While brief, you have some history with Sakura-chan… Don't you think there's something more to your meetings with her?"

"I guess I never really thought about it, Temari. And I feel so unstable right now; I don't know what to think." He swallowed. "How do you feel when you look at Shikamaru-san?" Temari look taken aback, but smiled.

"Shikamaru… well, first, there's an attraction there that's purely physical. He's the most handsome and… well, sexiest man I have ever laid eyes on. Even if I saw him every day, I think I would still have this desire to jump on him." She laughed, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. Gaara nodded, his cheeks too a brilliant shade of pink. "But when I look beyond that, I see a strong man who can protect me. He's amazingly smart and strategically a genius, making it hard to predict anything he will do. He's so loving and kind, despite his lazy attitude, that I know I will always be loved, no matter what. And when I look at him, I get a very maternal feeling. I want to care for him and make him happy, always." Gaara's hands clenched as he listened to his sister describe her feelings to him. He understood what she was saying, more than he thought he would.

"Do… do you think Shikamaru was fated for you?"

"I know he was. Because here's the thing…" She stopped, looking Gaara straight in the eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, like she was going to reveal a big secret. "I know because when I look in his eyes, I see our first child together." Gaara was speechless. He hadn't expected this from his sister.

"A child…?" She nodded, smiling warmly.

"My child. His child. Our child. It looks exactly like him, but has my green eyes." Gaara smiled slightly, looking up at his sister.

"I guess I never really thought about being an uncle. But it is logical, as you and Shikamaru are walking that path together." Temari laughed.

"This isn't supposed to be about me, you dork. This is supposed to be about you! How do you feel about Sakura-chan?" Gaara immediately went stone faced again.

"I find her… very attractive. Beautiful. Smart. Friendly. I feel like I have a reason to smile when I am with her. I feel… drawn to her." Temari nodded.

"Fate has brought her to you. Do not waste this opportunity. Who knows when fate will bring her back around to you again." Gaara felt like a ton of bricks had just hit his chest. She was right. He didn't know when he would see her again after these two weeks passed. In just thirteen days, she was going to be leaving him again. The thought of losing her was… staggering. His hand went to his chest, clutching his shirt over his heart. He felt like the air had been knocked from him He swayed on his feet.

"Gaara?" Temari asked worriedly. "Come, let's get you home." She led her brother by the shoulder towards their house instead of towards the tower. They walked in silence until she opened the door to their house. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine. Just… shocked is all." He mumbled, taking a seat in his chair. He closed his eyes and sighed. Almost instantly images of Sakura smiling played in his mind, making his heart race.

"Well, if you don't want to be explaining right now, you might want to retreat to your room as they are nearly home." Temari warned. Gaara nodded, getting back up, and started for the stairs.

"Thank you, Temari. For everything." Temari smiled as she watched her brother climb the stairs.

"I'm only glad you are learning what love is." She whispered to herself.

~*~*~*~

Sakura stood in Temari's room wearing only a white, lacy, long-line bra and matching panties. Her hair was put up in an elaborate bun with her side swept bangs framing her face. She was watching Temari, who was dressed in a lacy lavender bra and thong, putting on her make-up at her vanity. Sakura put her hands on her hips, looking slightly annoyed.

"Temari-san, what is Gaara's deal anyway? All I did was ask him a simple question!" Temari laughed, turning to look at the younger woman.

"Yes, asking him a question while licking your lips. You totally did that on purpose, didn't you?" Sakura blushed.

"No… not REALLY." Temari raised a brow at her. "Okay, fine, I didn't think he'd freak out!" Sakura huffed, folding her arms over her chest. Temari laughed and got to her feet. She unfolded Sakura's kimono and handed the pink haired woman a white collar.

"Here, put on your eri-sugata. It's too warm to wear your juban." Sakura nodded and put the white collar loosely around her neck and then shrugged on her kimono over the sash. "Don't worry about Gaara. He wasn't really upset. Just unnerved." Sakura tilted her head, adjusting her kimono and eri-sugata so it showed under her kimono.

"Unnerved? Are you saying I actually affected him?" Temari smiled as she grabbed Sakura's pink obi and began tying it around her waist.

"Maybe…" Temari teased.

"What did he say?" Sakura demanded, glancing over her shoulder.

"Maybe you should ask him." Sakura sighed, exasperated.

"Temari!" Temari laughed as she unfolded her own cream colored kimono with lavender spots on it. She put on her own eri-sugata and then pulled her kimono over the collar. She handed Sakura the matching lavender obi, who took it with a glare. Sakura began tying the older woman's obi in silence.

"He likes you. He always has. You've done a lot for us and he appreciates it." Sakura smiled slightly.

"Well, I'm glad. I feel comfortable around him, like I've known him forever. I look forward to getting to know him more on this trip."

"Just go with the flow, do what feels right. I think you both may just surprise yourselves if you stop using those big brains of yours." Temari replied. "Just have fun. Alright?" Sakura stepped away from Temari and nodded.

"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

"Good. Now I think we've left the men waiting long enough. Shall we?" Temari linked arms with Sakura and together they walked to the door. "We're ready!" Temari called in a singsong voice. Three sets of footsteps could be heard coming up the stairs. Temari opened her bedroom door.

A/N: BAH! Sorry for the long wait! My husband just quit his job and it's hard to find time alone to write undistacted. I promised myself that I'd get this chapter up before my next trip, which we leave tomorrow for Anime Mid Atlantic in Virginia. That's going to be a loooooong drive.

Long chapter, so I decided to leave off here and start the 5th chapter with the men's reactions to the women all fancied up. This will lead into the first night of the festival. Depending on how long it is at that point will determin whether I start the next day, and possibly go into the 2nd night of the festival.

Another reason I took a while to write this was I was doing so research on things for the story. Wiki is a beautiful thing.

The last reason is I was actually watching Naruto. I just got to the part where Sasuke leaves. Honestly, I have to say, what's his problem? Itachi totally did him a favor after seeing the way their father acted! Though, I was very happy to get to see Gaara again. And of couse Shikamaru and Temari! So cute!!! It was kinda funny. I kinda cried when Sakura pleaded with Sasuke not to go. I didn't cry at all with Naruto pleading with Sasuke. But when Shikamaru starts crying because he failed the mission but all his friends made it alive, I like balled!! LOL! I kinda forget that they are all young though! Only 12/13 and I think back when I was that young... Oy, I couldn't imagine having a career at 12. Just... no. So much love to Shikamaru for being an awesome leader!!

Alright. I have a long drive ahead of me, so hopefully I'll get some writing done. I hope.

Please review and tell me what you think!!!