After Temari finished cleaning up the kitchen, she went into her room and saw Shikamaru holding a picture frame. On her nightstand next to her bed held three frames, one that had her brothers, one that was empty, and the one in his hands. She walked over to him, but he was so invested in the picture that he didn't notice her until he felt her gaze at the door.

"I'm sorry Tem"

"You don't have to apologize"

She walked over and sat next to him on the bed and began to look at the picture too.

"Do you miss her"

"Of course. I wish I had a chance to see her again"

"Do you remember anything about her"

"My mom was very caring, gentle and her voice was so soft. Just describing her makes me realize that we're nothing alike"

"You can be caring and gentle at times, and you look just like your mom"

"You think so?"

"Yea, I really do"

"You always know what to say"

"I am a genius after all" They both chuckled at each other while he put the picture back, but continued to look at the empty picture frame.

"What's this one for"

"It'll be a picture there before we leave, now let's get to bed because we have a long list of things to do"

"What do you mean"

"We have to get things for the house, and we're eating dinner with my brothers"

"But I want to sleep"

"You have tomorrow night for that"

"I had other things planned, that don't involve sleeping"

"Are all men perverts"

"It's been over a week"

"I know, and I will deal with your urges tomorrow, as long as you help me get everything done. If not,be prepared to use your hand."

"You can't be serious"

"I'm very serious, now go to sleep. I don't want to hear how everything is a drag tomorrow"

oooooooooo

"Tema, Tema. Open up"

Temari woke up to her loud brother banging on the door. It was only five in the morning, and the lack of sleep made her moody.

"Why the hell are you knocking at my door at five in the morning"

"Gaara needs you, and Shikamaru. He said it's pretty important"

"We'll be there in 30 min"

"Okay"

She went to the bedroom and saw Shikamaru sitting up, rubbing his eyes. 'I must've woken him, well he had to get up anyway'

"Who was at the door"

"It was Kankuro"

"What did he want"

"Gaara wants to see us"

"Why"

"I don't know, Kankuro didn't tell me"

Shikamaru dreaded getting out of bed, but he knew that if Gaara had requested them on their vacation it had to be important. So they quickly made it to the Kazekage's office, where they saw Gaara frantically looking through paperwork.

"What's wrong Gaara"

"Many of the academy students have disappeared last night. I have reports of people hearing about them sneaking out of the village. As you know, during this season, the numbers of deadly scorpions out of the village drastically increases. Kankuro has further details, so the three of you go find the kids without alerting any of the villagers"

"Got it"

oooooooooo

Authors Note: Thanks to everyone that reads, You motivate me to continue writing. ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto