Epilogue

"Stop moving, Xin."

Xin didn't bother to reply, lounging against Gaara's side. She was stretched out in the middle of the couch, her feet resting in Kankuro's lap as he painted her toenails. Gaara was at the other end of the couch, reading over something. She managed to convince Kankuro to paint her toenails for her sister's wedding ceremony. He complained about it but Xin pointed out that he had a steady grip compared to the rest of them.

"Temari's been out for hours, what's she even up to?" Kankuro asked distractedly as Xin stopped shifting impatiently.

Gaara grunted, "she's a grown woman, Kankuro. She can be trusted to go out on her own."

"Maybe she's on a date."

Gaara and Kankuro paused in their separate tasks to stare dubiously at her. "Temari?" Kankuro snorted. "On a date? Come on, Xin. That's a little ridiculous."

"I'm not sure there's anyone brave enough," Gaara commented thoughtfully.

Xin rolled her eyes and scowled at both of them. "Just because you three terrorize each other doesn't mean the same for others. She's beautiful, smart and talented."

"And bossy."

"Some men need that."

Kankuro rolled his eyes. The thought of his sister on a date was laughable. "Anyway, we've been having a hard time thinking of a gift to get your sister and Naruto for the wedding. Lee suggested some ridiculous ideas but we came up with nothing. Who knew picking out some gift for a wedding could be so hard?" he frowned. Gaara glanced over Xin's head to shoot Kankuro a look. He hadn't been planning on telling her that they still had yet to find something. She would no doubt be unhappy with them.

Xin glanced between the two of them, not the least bit impressed. "We've known about this wedding for months and you guys decide to tell me days before that you don't have a gift?"

"We've been busy," Kankuro pointed out.

This time Xin rolled her eyes. "And I haven't?" she folded her arms across her chest. "My sister isn't picky. She'd be happy with anything."

"Oh yeah? What'd you buy then?"

She sat up a little. "I didn't buy anything. I made something. I sewed them a blanket."

"A blanket?" Gaara repeated. "That's what you've been doing for the last couple of months?" he asked, recalling Xin working on something for the past couple of months. He didn't really ask about it as Xin would mumble something in reply. She was far too focused on her task and would usually ignore him entirely. He figured when she was done, she would show him.

Xin smiled brightly, this time fully sitting up. She lifted her feet from Kankuro's lap, satisfied with the color of her toenails. "Gaara, go get the box I have wrapped and I'll show it to you guys." Knowing she wouldn't get up herself on account of her still wet nails, Gaara did as he was asked. He located the gift box under their hotel bed, safely tucked away until the wedding. He handed the box over to the excited woman, smiling as she took the box with a thank you.

Xin opened the lid and carefully tossed it aside. She drew the blanket from the box, unfolding it and spreading it across the three of them. The soft material spread over their laps, the face of the blanket depicting a full moon surrounded by shining stars in the night sky. Kankuro grunted, impressed with the outcome. "You actually made this?" he questioned. He knew she was pretty handy with a sewing kit but not to this extent.

"Mm," Xin drew her hand over the soft material. "Apparently when Naruto confessed to Hinata, it was during a full moon. The night was beautiful, she said and she'd never forget it. I thought it would be nice to immortalize it."

"That's pretty deep."

Xin threw her head back with a laugh, "shut up."

She folded the blanket back up and neatly stored it away until the upcoming wedding. She scolded the two for dragging their feet on finding a gift and made them promise to find something tomorrow before it was too late. It was a nice afternoon. And then Temari returned to their hotel. Only she wasn't alone. Xin blanched at the sight of Shikamaru but quickly covered up her surprise with a weary smile. "Welcome back!" she chimed brightly.

"Oi, what a surprise, Shikamaru. What's my sister done to you?" Kankuro grinned in good nature. Gaara squinted at the sight of the Nara clansman and said nothing else. He glanced at his wife as she cheerfully received the two, motioning them to come to the table. He had an odd feeling about this and he wasn't sure if he liked it.

"Shut up, Kankuro," Temari glared at her brother. "Listen, I have something to tell you guys and I don't want you to get upset over it."

"Oh dear," Xin mumbled under her breath as she herded everyone towards the table. She dutifully stood as Kankuro and Gaara took a seat across from Shikamaru and Temari. She would've taken a seat but something told her that it would be better for all of them if she remained standing.

"Excited for the wedding?" Shikamaru tried to remain aloof but even Xin could tell he was a bit nervous. She wasn't all that surprised. Gaara and Kankuro were formidable Shinobi and even though Shikamaru was talented in his own right, she wouldn't put it past the two to gang up on him. It would be up to her and Temari to put a stop to any bloodshed.

"Very! Have you picked out a wedding gift for them?"

"Nope."

Xin was disappointed. "Shikamaru, really," she shook her head. "Some things never change, lazy ass."

Temari cleared her throat and sent Xin a meaningful look. She was trusting Xin to interfere when necessary, though it was probably unfair of her to do so. She had to wonder if Xin could hold off both Gaara and Kankuro if things got ugly. Judging by her smile, she was wondering the same thing. "Look, I'm just going to say it." Temari took a deep breath. "Shikamaru and I have been dating. For awhile. I thought it was time to tell you two because we're getting serious."

The hotel suite was noticeably quiet.

"Dating?" Gaara rasped.

"For awhile?" Kankuro's eyes narrowed.

"Serious?" Xin grinned.

Xin heard before she saw, the sound of Gaara's sand moving around in his gourd. Kankuro's fingers began glowing, no doubt working his chakra thread to life. Gaara began to rise from his seat first only to have Xin place her hand on his shoulder and force him to sit back down. With her other arm, she slid it around Kankuro's neck to keep him in place. "Isn't that wonderful?" she chimed cheerfully. "You know, I think Shikamaru's had a crush on Temari since we were kids! I think when you guys fought those weird freaks from Oto. Remember that redhead girl that Temari saved you from? I think it started from there."

"Ah...that sounds about right.." Shikamaru trailed off, nervously rubbing at the back of his neck. Temari frowned, not the least bit pleased with her brothers' behavior.

"Guys, come on, ease up." Temari was in no mood but their glaring wouldn't cease. She glanced over them at Xin, unsure of what to do. She figured that the two wouldn't be happy. For a long time, it was always just the three of them. A small part of her actually felt guilty for her relationship with Shikamaru. If it was getting serious like she thought, the next step could possibly be marriage and she couldn't be married to him and stay in Suna. Xin constantly insisted on her being happy and if that meant moving to Konoha to be with Shikamaru, then so be it. It was time for her to be selfish. Her brothers would get over it.

"Oi," Xin leaned over in between the two. "There's no need to be like that. We're in an era of peace now, yeah? If Temari and Shikamaru want to date, then it's their decision. Not yours."

"But Xin—"

"Nope. I've spoken. That's the end of it."

"Who put you in charge?" Kankuro scowled sourly.

"I'm the wife. I'm in charge."

"You aren't my wife."

"Yes, thank goodness for that."

"Oi."

Gaara cleared his throat, narrowed eyes focused on Shikamaru. "You're going to take care of my sister then?"

Shikamaru stiffened and then straightened up. For once, he actually looked focused. "Of course."

"She's not an easy woman."

"Gaara—"

"She can't be any worse than my own mother, Ino or even your wife."

"Oi! I'm on your side, dammit."

"That isn't much of a compliment either."

The room remained silent as Gaara silently stared at Shikamaru. Finally he grunted and stood from the table, causing Xin to take a step back. "Very well." He stalked away, heading for the bedroom. They watched him go in silence, wondering if he would really accept the relationship. He didn't come back with the intentions to kill and or maim Shikamaru so Xin considered that a win in her book.

After a while, Xin turned back to Shikamaru and Temari with a smile. "That went well, yeah?" she asked, knowing no one would really answer. She wasn't all that shocked by their reactions but she was grateful that it hadn't escalated. It would be dangerous for her to try to fight Gaara and Kankuro into backing down. Sure, she had Temari and Shikamaru but she didn't want to risk it.

Kankuro pinched the bridge of his nose. "Xin—"

"Shut up, Kankuro. Look, it's none of your business who your sister dates, alright? Let's be glad she wasn't forced into marrying Shikamaru before getting to know him. That would just be selfish and who would—oh wait."

"It wasn't even my idea, Xin! You have to let that go."

"Never."

"Oh, sure, you can't remember what your teammates look like half the time but you can remember some obscure fact about your marriage."

"Obscure? You fuckin' baffoon—"

"How the hell—"

Shikamaru watched with raised eyebrows. He leaned into Temari, still watching as Xin and Kankuro continued to bicker. "Is it always like this?"

The tension had eased from Temari's shoulders. Sure, it wasn't the reception she was hoping for but she'd take it. She relaxed against the table, leaning her cheek against her fist. "Well," she drawled, "Xin has yet to threaten bodily harm but yes."

"...Troublesome."

"Welcome to the family."

After that, Xin forced Gaara to come back out. He seemed in a more favorable mood but said nothing else of his sister's apparent relationship. Xin didn't seem to care for any of their feelings on the matter. Instead she forced the three men out of the hotel in search of a suitable wedding gift. It didn't have to be too special but it needed to be nice enough. She figured that it would be the perfect opportunity for the three men to break the ice and develop a better relationship.

"You're sure that was a good idea?" Temari asked almost nervously.

"Not entirely," Xin answered truthfully. Temari was not amused but she could only grin back at the blonde. She was mostly positive that they wouldn't try to attack Shikamaru in the middle of his own village. "They don't have a say in the matter at this point. Everyones gonna learn to get along whether they like it or not. I'll break someone's kneecaps otherwise."

"Xin."

"Sorry, sorry, it just slipped out." Xin turned away from her sister-in-law. "You said you guys are getting serious, right? I mean, I don't want to rush anything but marriage would be the next stop. Do you want to marry him?"

Temari blushed, "I do."

Xin nodded. "Okay then. That means they're going to be brothers-in-law and that means they need to get along. We've all grown up in toxic households and I'm sure we all want better. If Gaara and I can learn to get along, so can they."

"You feel strongly about this," Temari commented.

"Shikamaru makes you happy, that's all that matters. I'm sure those two idiots will realize it too. Now come sit down and let me paint your nails for the ceremony." Xin waved her hand, done with the conversation. She didn't want to hear any more of the backlash. She was done with it. They would learn to accept their sister's relationship whether they liked it or not.

Gaara and Kankuro returned hours later, looking disgruntled but not without an appropriate wedding gift. After inspecting the gift, Xin deemed it appropriate and they were all allowed to put gift giving to rest. It wasn't until later when Gaara realized something. Temari and Kankuro retired to bed hours ago but he and Xin were still up taking a bath together. Xin was dozing against his chest when he abruptly sat up, splashing soapy water everywhere. Xin was forced up, bleary eyes flickering open. "Gaara?"

"You knew."

"Unn?"

"You knew."

Xin groaned and rubbed a hand across her face. "Knew about what?"

"About Temari and Shikamaru."

"Gaara, what the hell are you talking about?"

He pinched at her shoulder. "When Temari told us that they were dating, you weren't surprised at all. You've known this entire time that they've been dating."

Xin didn't immediately reply, lips pursed innocently. "Oh, Gaara, don't be ridiculous," she said after a long moment of hesitation. He couldn't tell if it was the steam of the bath or her nervousness that made the back of her neck turn red. He could, however, tell that she was lying straight through her teeth. "I didn't know—"

Gaara reached around her to grab at her jaw. He tilted her head back, forcing her to look at him. "Don't lie to me."

The blush from her neck crept up to her face. She closed her eyes with a pout. "Okay, okay," she conceded. She should be ashamed that she'd been swayed so easily. "Yes, I've known."

"How long?"

"Is that really important?"

"How long, Xin."

Her face scrunched up. Really, the fact that she could be turned on so easily from Gaara's authoritative attitude should be a crime. It...did things to her. "For awhile. Um. Remember that one time Shikamaru was in Suna and that Akatsuki freak blew up the hospital? I got hit in the head with a piece of the wall or something."

"You've kept this for that long?"

"Oh, Gaara. It wasn't my business to tell you and back then, I barely even liked you."

Gaara grumbled irritably under his breath. He wasn't sure if he was more upset with his sister or his wife. While Xin had a point that it wasn't her business to tell, she was still his wife. She was right though. It wasn't any of their business who Temari dated. As long as she was happy and safe, that was good enough for him. Still, he felt like he was losing a big part of himself with the thought of Temari leaving.

He was no fool, if their relationship was getting serious, that meant it could be another wedding in the near future. And that meant Temari would have to change her citizenship and move to Konoha. It was hypocritical, really. Once upon a time, they'd forced Xin to do the same. Dragged her from her village to start a life in a completely new village. Luckily Temari had the choice but still. If that's what Temari wanted, who was he to stop her?

His sister deserved to be happy as much as he did. As much as Kankuro did.

"Suna won't be happy with this development," Gaara grunted after a long while. Xin leaned her back to settle on his shoulder. Her eyes were still closed and the steam from the bath made her bangs cling to her forehead. Two powerful Suna Shinobi falling for the likes of Konoha Shinobi. What a fall from grace.

He could only laugh.

"Who would have thought the two of you would grow up and marry powerful Shinobi." Hanabi grinned at Xin, dressed in a pretty kimono for Hinata's wedding. The wedding party had moved outside to enjoy the reception. Hinata and Naruto were dressed in their wedding kimono, thanking their guests for attending.

Xin glanced at her sister. She was dressed in a light blue cheongsam with high slits and her hair neatly pulled into a bun. She was unamused with Hanabi's teasing, hand on the swell of her hip as she stared at her younger sister. "Please, Hanabi, I am the powerful Shinobi," she rolled her eyes with a huff. She did have a point though. Who would've thought that the Hyuga sisters, once believed to be failures, would actually marry powerful Shinobi. There was a God somewhere laughing at the irony.

"Arrogant as always. I bet Gaara doesn't enjoy that particular trait of yours."

"You little—"

"Xin, Hanabi. Come take a picture with your sister!" Manami waved them over, looking healthier than ever and dressed in a navy kimono. Despite her healthy appearance, Hiashi was careful to keep a close watch on her and a protective hand on her arm or elbow at all times. Manami didn't seem to notice it, far too chipper with the events of the day.

"Welcome to the marriage club," Xin sang cheerfully while approaching the newlyweds, Hanabi close on her heels. "The best thing about it is that people give us free gifts!"

Naruto loudly guffawed as Manami and Hiashi chided Xin's lighthearted ways. "Marriage is sacred, Xin," Manami reminded her while adjusting the high neck of her collar for her. She wanted the picture to be perfect. She wasn't sure when the next time all three of her daughters would be together with them. "Don't poison your sister's mind."

"It's okay, mama," Hinata smiled as they all shifted around her for the picture. "Thank you for coming, Xin. I'm sure the trip was long," Hinata turned to her mirror image once the picture was taken, ruby red lips pulled into a beautiful smile. Xin wondered if she looked that happy on her wedding day but she could barely remember it. It was only because of her wedding album that she was able to somewhat relieve it.

"Nonsense. Wouldn't miss it for the world. We needed a break anyway from work."

The two chatted a bit more before Hinata was pulled away to attend to the other guests. Xin didn't mind as Ino immediately grabbed hold of her to drag her away towards Sakura. "Finally!" Ino grinned as Sakura handed Xin a flute of sake. "Now that that's taken care of," Ino pushed Xin to sit down on the bench. "Tell us all about the dirty deeds you and Gaara get into."

Sakura flushed heavily and Xin slapped her forehead. "Ino, what's wrong with you?" Sakura shook her head.

"Oh, come on! I can't be the only one just a little bit curious about the Kazekage. He's so stoic and quiet. If you tell me about yours, I'll tell you about mine," Ino waggled her blonde eyebrows with her grin still in place.

Xin made a face. Sakura idly noted that she had yet to sip at her drink. "Ino, no one wants to know about the weird shit you and Sai do behind closed doors, okay? No one."

"You're so mean. Stop being so stingy. Is he quiet in bed?"

"Ah…" Xin took a moment to think before her face gradually heated up. Ino would never let this shit go until Xin fed into some of her questions. Hopefully Gaara wouldn't find out about this. "Well, he's pretty vocal in bed..."

"Vocal as in he's loud or he talks?"

"He..um...talks."

"The Kazekage likes dirty talk, who would've known?" Ino's grin was cheeky. "Anything else? What position does he like? Sai likes missionary because he likes to watch my expressions."

"That...actually makes sense," Xin blinked. She took a moment to think. Gaara never flat out said what position he preferred but if she had to guess…

"Bent over his desk."

Sakura's face was the same color as her hair. "Is that an often occurrence?"

"Often enough. I've got permanent bruises on my hips." Xin sourly noted. Ino began to cackle while Sakura turned her blushing face away. Xin took her chance to dump half her sake out on the ground. When Sakura turned back to look at her, the glass was pressed to her mouth as if she'd been drinking it all along. She had a feeling Gaara would kill her if he knew what she was telling Ino and Sakura. She glanced over her shoulder to see him talking with Naruto and Shikamaru. She smiled in relief.

They shared more stories, giggling and cackling all the while until they were eventually called away by their respective dates. Gaara's arm was a familiar warmth as it slid around her waist. "My ears have been ringing for the last half hour." He said almost immediately. He would've found her sooner but Shikamaru and Naruto kept him locked in a conversation. It wasn't bad and he actually did like Shikamaru as a person..

Xin laughed nervously. "I wonder why." She looked at anything but him. Gaara hummed, convinced it had something to do with her and her cackling friends. She only smiled and handed her half finished flute of sake off to him. She dumped most of it out but Sakura was still giving her strange looks. She hoped that pinkette was too distracted to figure things out. "Ah, you know, there's been something I've been meaning to tell you…" she trailed off, nails nervously brushing against her stomach.

"What is it?"

Before she could open her mouth, Naruto was shouting for them to join them for a picture. The two glanced over at the excitable blond. Xin smiled weakly and shook her head. "Never mind. Another time. Let's take a picture with them so he can shut the hell up." Perhaps that was sign, she mused. Now wasn't the time to share such things with him.

Gaara looked unconvinced, his attention drawn to her now. "Are you sure? You seemed troubled just now." He was concerned for her odd behavior. Something had been bothering her for days actually but she insisted that she was fine. He was unconvinced but he couldn't force her to tell him anything until she was ready. Still, it worried him anyway. Things bothering Xin were never to be taken lightly.

"I'm sure. Come on, let's go before Naruto embarrasses my sister on her wedding day."

"It's a given, I think she knows."

Xin could only laugh as she was led away. She decided that now was definitely not the time but she would talk to him soon. Her hand brushed against her stomach once more.

Soon.

The End.

TeeBeMe: Crying real tears. See you guys for the next installment. Thank you for the support!