I do not own Naruto

Xxx Shikamaru xxx

I was about 80 recovered by day number three and found Gaara really was a man of his word. My clothing and pack had already been moved to Temari's room and my hotel reservation canceled. I was to spend the remainder of my trip here with her. We spent most of that day resting and snuggling, but did make it out in late afternoon to enjoy the cactus garden carefully tended by the Kazekage's own. She rested in my arms as we sat in a little rock bench hidden away in the middle of the garden.

"I've never been so terrified in my entire life." She whispered. I nodded and added "That scorpion was pretty terrifying." She looked back at me with tears again in her eyes. "It wasn't the scorpion stupid, it's just…there was nothing I could do and…I thought I had lost you. Why did you do that? You could have easily taken out that scorpion if you didn't make such a stupid move."

"Baka, at this point do you still have to ask me that question? You already know I can't think straight when I'm around you. " I answered gently kissing her on the forehead. "It wouldn't have mattered whether or not I killed the scorpion if you had gotten harmed in the process." She sighed and pulled closer to me before continuing with, "Well, at least it looks like Gaara's stopped picking on you."

I laughed and smiled. "I hate to brag, but your little brother didn't stand a chance." She cocked an eyebrow at me. "I didn't even get to play my aces." This statement piqued her interest and she sat up and turned squarely towards. Grabbing her hand we stood and I teased her with "Come, I'll show you."

Xxx Temari xxx

We walked through Suna as the light began to dim and entered a raucous pub. There was Kankuro completely wasted singing and dancing on top of a table, and challenging everyone in the bar to a fight. I walked in to stop him, if he continued like this he'd get thrown into prison. Shika stopped me and pointed to a blond sitting nearby. It was Ino, she sat there laughing. When she saw us, she waved and winked. He explained "This is Gaara distraction technique # 5. It cost me three necklaces and a dress."

We left the pub and walked down to a quaint little kebab shop. There sat Chouji grinning ear to ear and feeding … a cute little Suna girl…Miyako??? "This is Gaara double spy technique. It cost me two kebabs. Unfortuantely it was not completely fool-proof. I had to throw out a pair of pants because of that." I laughed in remembrance of that night, but quickly feigned sympathy when he turned in mock annoyance.

We started to walk to a traditional theater, when I pulled him off route. "Enough! I already know you're a genius. Let's go home." Smiling he replied. "Convince me." It didn't take much to convince him and we were home in mere minutes.

I snuggled into bed first and watched my man strip his shirt off while framed by the moonlight. He ravenously came after me and we kicked off our first true night together since he arrived in Suna. I found myself easily swept up by the fullness of his feelings and let myself pleasantly drown in the flood of his kisses and feathery touch.

The next morning I awoke in his embrace. When I turned slightly he moaned and drew me closer. Laughing I peered up and pecked him on his lips. Opening one eye, he looked back and smiled again giving me a squeeze. In his arms, my heart felt a freedom it rarely experienced in Suna. While the intensity of last night was incredible (the boy was GOOD)… the tranquility and togetherness of the morning was even more enticing. Somehow this morning I just knew… my life would be amazing, my heart would always soar, and my love would never end.

---until next time –-