Raine in the Desert

by Hack Interrupted

Gaara finds the love of his life

2. Chapter 2

Warning: Lemon

1

As the weeks went by Raine settled into the Sand ninja's home. She spent a lot of afternoons with Temari. Temari had decided a shopping spree was in order. They spent a day in Cardiff picking out a new wardrobe for both of them. Temari insisted the kazekage's scribe be well dressed. Raine could wear all the pretty dresses that Temari couldn't. She enjoyed dressing mouse up like she was a living doll. Baby brother approved of mouse's flattering new clothes.

She bonded with Kankuro over video games and sake. They played Mortal Combat all the time. Anyone in the house could tell when they were playing it. They both got into the habit of shouting In your face! when they won a fight. Kankuro liked her. There was gentleness in everything she did. He thought that the little mouse was the perfect elixir for Gaara's scared and wounded heart. Gaara had been in a great mood since mouse came to live with them.

Gaara spent all of his free time with Raine. He took his big brother's advice and got to know Raine a lot better. It made him love her even more. They shared the stories of their lives with each other. Gaara was comfortable enough around her to tell her anything and he did. Raine slowly got over her bashfulness enough to talk openly with Gaara. She still blushed when he flattered her and most of the time when he kissed her.

It didn't take long for Gaara's siblings and the others around him to get used to seeing Gaara with Raine. They often held hands when they sat together and sometimes Gaara would kiss her on the cheek or on the lips in front of others. The elders raised their eyebrows and soon the couple was the talk of everyone in Sand.

Shikamaru came with the formal invitation to the chunin exam tournament for Gaara and finally met Raine. He thought she was pretty cute but admittedly Shikamaru was damn surprised to see how close she and Gaara were. He almost fell over the first time he saw the sand ninja kiss his girlfriend on the lips. When he returned home he mentioned to Tsunade hokage that Gaara was probably going to bring his girlfriend to Konoha with him. Between what Temari told him and what he saw with his own eyes, Gaara and Raine had become inseparable.

Another conference with the lords came and went. Raine stayed away from the proceedings. She didn't want to see Hotohori. He however did see her with Gaara a few times. All of the lords did. They hid their shock from the kazekage. The servant girl was beneath him but he didn't seem to care. They seemed to be close.

Gaara told Raine about Konoha and the people he had come to think of as his friends that lived there. He wanted her to go with him when he went to Konoha for the tournament. She easily agreed. Raine wanted to see Konoha and meet the people Gaara spoke so fondly of.

It was evening a few days before they were to set out for Konoha. Gaara and Raine sat talking with Kankuro and Temari about Konoha until it started to get late. Gaara walked Raine to her room and she invited him in. Though they spent a lot of time together throughout the day the only time they were truly alone was in the evening. Sometimes they would walk in the garden and sometimes they would sit in Raine's room and talk.

"I have something for you Gaara," she told him as they went into her room.

Gaara came in behind her and watched her go to her dresser. She sifted through a stack of her drawings. "Did you draw something for me Raine?"

She laughed a little searching for the sketch. "Yes." Raine found it and turned to Gaara blushing a little. She took two steps closer to him and offered him the drawing.

Gaara took it and looked down at the picture she had drawn for him. His heat skipped a beat. It was a picture of him and Raine together. Their arms were around each other and he was kissing her. "Raine…" he looked up at her blushing cheeks and smiled.

"Is it alright?" Raine wasn't completely sure that it was okay to draw her and Gaara like that. She had seen some of the old fogies that sat on the counsel give her strange looks.

"It's wonderful." Gaara closed the distance between them. "Thank you, I really like it." He kissed her lightly on the lips like he had over a dozen times already today.

Raine had quickly become used to having Gaara close to her. He made her feel loved. It did her heart a world of good. She brushed the hair out of his eyes for him. It was a gesture that they had both come to love. "I'm glad you like it. I was thinking of you when I drew it." she laughed lightly and her cheeks warmed up.

He set the drawing on the nightstand behind him and then turned back to Raine. Gaara stared down into her eyes. "I'm glad you think about me when I'm not around."

"I'm always thinking about you Gaara," she admitted shyly. Raine felt her heart beat quicken as she decided it was time to tell him. "I love you."

For a moment Gaara was so overcome with joy and relief that he couldn't speak. It felt like had been waiting his whole life for her to speak those three little words to him. She loves me. "Raine," he reached up and took her soft pink cheek in his hand. Gaara smiled down at her. "I love you too. So very much." He bent and kissed his love the way he liked to when they were alone. Raine slipped her arms around his neck and Gaara hugged her to him.

She leaned into Gaara. He really loves me too. It made her feel good to be in his arms. I want it to be like this forever.

As much as he liked to kiss her like this, Gaara had to stop. Sometimes it was a little too exciting. He pulled away just a little and kissed her forehead trying to catch his breath. He felt her tickling at his ears and he shuddered. "You better stop that," he teased. "You're going to turn me into a dangerous pervert."

Raine laughed a little and looked up at him. He was grinning devilishly at her. "Somehow I doubt that."

Gaara might steal a more passionate kiss from Raine every now and then, but for the most part he followed big sisters advice and treated his woman like a lady. There were times though when Kankuro's unintended throw her down and fuck her seemed to top the list of fantastic ideas. Gaara laughed. "You're just lucky I haven't grabbed your ass. I want to you know, it's really cute." Raine was laughing again. It made him chuckle himself.

"You don't say?" Raine was in high spirits. She reached down and grabbed Gaara's butt. His eyes got a little bigger and she laughed again. "You got a pretty cute tush yourself there bub."

Playing with her like this was fun. He used one of Temari's terms on her. "You're sexually harassing the kazekage you know."

That got her laughing again. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him. "Does the kazekage mind?"

"Not at all," Gaara sighed happily.

Raine moved one hand behind her and used it to push one of Gaara's hands down to her butt. "There, now we're even."

Oh boy…Gaara had a handful of cheek. Raine was smiling up at him with pink cheeks. He wasn't even kissing her and Gaara was getting excited. "That's," he wanted to kiss her while he held her like this, "a really nice ass." He leaned in and kissed her again. It was even more arousing to steal a passionate kiss while his hand roamed over her soft curves. One of her hands slid up and her fingers tickled at his ear again. Gaara felt himself heating up.

It was heart stopping to be kissed and held like this by him. Raine buried her hand in Gaara's crazy red hair. Gaara pulled her closer and kissed her fervently. It had never been quite like this between them. Gaara was a gentleman that kept his hands to himself. Now that he was touching her Raine wondered what took them so long to come to level of intimacy. Was it because tonight was the first time that they had exchanged I love you's? It undoubtedly made her feel closer to Gaara knowing that he really did love her too.

He wasn't sure he had ever wanted her more then he did right now. Take it easy his conscious warned him. Gaara had to break their kiss; he did but he didn't stop kissing her. His lips went to her neck and he kissed her below the ear. She smelled good and her skin was soft. He kissed his way back up to her face and Gaara looked down into her eyes. They were both a little breathless.

Her whole face felt warm, even her ears. Raine stared up into his pale green eyes. She brushed the hair from his eyes again. "My handsome Gaara."

"I love you Raine. Be with me always."

"Yes my love, always." He smiled at her and she returned it with one of her own. I'll make you happy too Gaara, I promise.

The next day Gaara wanted to speak to Kankuro and Temari so he went looking for his siblings. He found Kankuro first. He had just finished talking to a few jonin about the security of Sand while the kazekage was away for the tournament. Gaara stepped along with his brother as they headed back toward the training area. "What's up Gaara?"

He cut right to it. "I want to ask Raine to marry me."

Kankuro rolled his eyes over to his brother. He knew how in love Gaara and mouse were; he knew how happy they made each other. "It's only been two months Gaara. You're kind of rushing things aren't you?"

"I'm not so sure I am. I love her. I want her with me always."

"I don't think mouse is going anywhere. You've got time. There is no hurry."

It was sort of embarrassing to admit such a base thing, but he knew his brother would understand. Gaara dropped his voice. "I want her Kankuro. It's driving me crazy. I'm consumed with these thoughts…" Gaara shook his head.

Kankuro lifted a hand and quieted his brother. "You aint the only one consumed with those kinds of thoughts brother. It's a guy thing. Men think about sex every fifteen seconds or something like that. It was on one of those talk shows Temari likes. Tyra or some shit." He sighed heavily at Gaara's thoughtful frown. "You aint gotta be married to have sex you know."

"I'm aware of that, but that's not what I want. I don't want to do anything that one of us might regret later. I want to do things the right way with Raine."

"Marriage is a serious commitment."

"But commitment to Raine is what I want."

Kankuro stopped and turned to face Gaara. Gaara halted beside him keeping his eyes on Kankuro. Little brother looked quite serious. "What about her? What does mouse want?"

Gaara smiled a little. "She told me she loves me. She said that she would always be with me. I'm not saying that we have to get married tomorrow, but I most defiantly want us to be betrothed."

So this is it ne? Gaara's gonna get himself hitched. "Are you sure about this Gaara?"

"Yes I'm sure. It's the right thing to do; I can feel it in my heart."

It made Kankuro proud to hear those words. There was a time when he had wondered if Gaara even had a heart but just look at him. Head over heels in love, Mr. nice guy. Kankuro chuckled. "Alright Gaara." Little brother perked up. "If marrying mouse will make you happy…"

"It will!"

"And she thinks it's a good idea…"

Gaara laughed excited and nervous. "I think she'll accept my proposal."

He rested a hand on Gaara's shoulder and looked his enthusiastic little brother square in the eye. "You have my blessing brother. I hope she accepts. I'll welcome little mouse into our family. All the baby mice that come along too."

The kazekage laughed and slapped his hand over Kankuro's. "Thank you brother."

"Yeah well," he was happy for Gaara. He was sure that he and little mouse would have a good life together. "Just be happy."

Gaara went to find Temari next. One down one to go. He found her coming out of the counsels meeting hall and hurried to meet her. "Temari!" Gaara waved at her.

Temari stopped and waited for Gaara to catch up. "What's up Gaara?" she greeted as he came over. "Where's mouse?" she was almost surprised to see Gaara alone.

"She's working on a story. I decided to give her a little peace and quiet for a change."

She smiled at her baby brother. "I was beginning to wonder if you two were super glued together," she teased.

Gaara laughed a little. It was true that he had been spending a lot of time with Raine these past few weeks. Time well spent as far as Gaara was concerned. The direct approach had worked well with Kankuro so Gaara tried it with Temari too. "I want to ask Raine to marry me Temari."

Marry? Temari stopped dead in her tracks and squealed. "Did you say marry?"

He blinked at his sister's strange reaction. "Yes. I want to marry her."

Temari grabbed Gaara's hands and started jumping up and down giggling excitedly. "Oh my god! Gaara that's wonderful news!"

He smiled guessing that he had his sister's approval. "You approve?" he wanted to be certain and he wanted to hear her say it.

Temari stilled herself and looked at Gaara. He looked happy. Mouse has made him this happy. "You bet I do. You have my blessing Gaara. I hope that you and mouse will be very happy together."

He gave her hands a grateful squeeze. "Thank you sister."

"So when are you going to pop the big question?" Temari was sure that mouse would accept Gaara's proposal. She was crazy in love with him.

"Now that I have my family's approval, I was thinking maybe tonight." His heart started to beat faster just thinking about it.

She giggled vibrantly. "Do you have a ring picked out for her?"
"I was hoping that you would help me pick one out." He knew Temari would help him find something that Raine would love.

It touched her heart that Gaara wanted to involve her in such a way. "I'd love to. Shall we?" She took her brothers arm and the happy pair headed off to the jewelers.

Just as Gaara thought she would, Temari helped him pick out the most beautiful engagement ring in wind country. Gaara sat through dinner with the ring box in his pocket contemplating what to say to Raine when he proposed. Temari couldn't keep the silly grin off her face and even Kankuro was all smiles. Gaara and Raine sat and conversed with his siblings for a while after their meal and then he asked Raine to take a walk with him in the garden.

They strolled together in the moonlight and Gaara took her hand. "How's the story coming?" he asked making a little small talk. Gaara was nervous and trying to work up the courage to ask her the real question he was dieing to have an answer to.

"I got some more done this afternoon. I'll read to you later if you want me too."

Gaara nodded. "I'd like that." They were passing by the trellis of moonflowers and Gaara stopped to pick one. He tucked it behind her ear like he had done a few times before and Raine blushed at him.

"You have a thing for flowers don't you," she teased a little.

"I have thing for you," he said with a smile. Raine leaned over and kissed him on the lips and Gaara hugged her. "You've made me very happy Raine."

She smiled up at him. "You've made me very happy too. I love it here."

He was glad to hear it. "Raine there is something that I…" Gaara found himself having a hard time getting his words out. He took a deep breath and started over. "I love you."

Raine brushed the hair from his eyes. "I love you too Gaara." It made her feel giddy to say it and she giggled.

Gaara slipped his hand in his pocket and closed it over the ring box. "I want you with me always. You're the one for me."

Her cheeks felt warm. "I'm not going anywhere. I want to stay with you."

"There is only one thing that can make me happier then I am now." Gaara pulled the box out of his pocket and brought it up between them.

Raine's eyes fell to the ring box in his hand and her eyes got bigger. Is that…? No way! She cut her eyes up to Gaara. Her heart started beating faster. He looked quite serious. "Gaara…"

He smiled a little and opened the box to show her the ring. Gaara stared into her eyes. "I want to be your husband. Will you marry me Raine?"

She lost her breath for a moment as her eyes bounced from his face to the beautiful ring and back again. Marry Gaara… "Gaara…yes! Yes I'll marry you!" Raine flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

A happy laugh escaped and Gaara hugged Raine hard. Yes, she said yes! He kissed her on the lips and pulled the ring free from the box. Gaara smiled down at Raine's pretty blush. He took her left hand and slipped the engagement ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. "I hope you like it."

Raine stared at the beautiful marquee diamond on her finger. Engaged! Gaara and I are engaged! She laughed happy as the first tears of joy welled up in her eyes. "It's perfect." She smiled up at the man she loved. "I love you, so much."

Gaara was filled with joy. "I love you." Gaara pulled his betrothed to him and kissed her in the moonlight. He was sure this was the happiest moment of his life.

His kiss was passionate and when Gaara pulled away Raine's face was flush. She smiled up at him excited. "Can I go show Temari?"

Gaara laughed. It pleased him that she wanted to share the news of their engagement with his family right away. "Shall we go tell them our good news?"

Raine was nearly dancing she was so excited. "Can we?"

It was almost unbelievable how happy it made him to see her like this. "Yes, if you want to." Raine reached for his hand and started pulling him back toward the house at once.

Raine wanted to share her good news with her friends, her future in laws. She was sure Temari was going to flip. "Come on!"

Raine practically dragged Gaara back inside. Kankuro and Temari were still in the dining room having some sake and wondering if little brother was proposing when the excited couple hurried in. "Temari!" Rain nearly squealed. She stepped ahead of Gaara and put her left hand out to show Gaara's sister the ring.

Temari stood smiling at the delighted bride to be. "Congratulations!" she beamed.

Kankuro got to his feet while the women hugged each other giggling like school girls. He stepped over to his brother and rested a hand on Gaara's shoulder. Little brother looked up at him. It was the happiest Kankuro had ever seen him. Gaara was nearly glowing. "Congratulations. You're a lucky guy brother."

"That I am," Gaara said with a grin.

"We have so much to do!" Temari was ready to start making wedding plans. "We can go to Cardiff for your dress. There's a shop there that can print up the wedding invitations. Oh! When is the wedding?"

All eyes went to Gaara. The women were looking at him eagerly and Kankuro chuckled beside him. "Uh, I'll leave that up to Raine to decide."

"You should be a June bride," Temari proposed. "I know it's not that far away but we'll still have plenty of time to plan as long as we get the invitations out by the end of the month." She put an arm around her future sister in law and led her back to the table. "You'll want to have the wedding on a Saturday so everybody in wind country can come," Temari had wanted her own wedding long enough to already have a battle plan.

Gaara stood with his brother watching his sister hustle Raine over to the table to start planning their wedding right now. Raine was blushing and smiling. She giggled at almost everything Temari said and Gaara laughed lightly. It was good to see the two women he loved most in this world so happy. He looked at Kankuro. Big brother was grinning at the women. "You will be my best man, wont you Kankuro?"

Kankuro turned his smile on his brother. He was pretty amazed how happy Gaara's engagement had made everyone, himself included. "I'd be honored."

"Thank you brother." For the first time in his life Gaara embraced his brother and hugged him.

Kankuro's jaw dropped. Gaara was really hugging him. Sure they had thrown an arm around each other now and then but this was a real hug. He hugged Gaara back hard. "You little shit." Behind him Temari had started to cry over the display and Kankuro felt himself choking up.

"It's so beautiful," Temari sobbed watching her brothers.

Raine took Temari's hand. "Will you be my maid of honor Temari?"

"I'd love to!" She hugged her sister to be.

Kankuro pulled away from Gaara and sniffed back a sob. "How about a drink to celebrate?" He pulled Gaara over to the table with him.

For the next few hours they all sat together having sake while the women went nuts making wedding plans. By the end of the evening Temari had everything but the complete guest list all worked out for the happy couple. When it got late Gaara stole Raine away and escorted her to her room. She invited him in and Gaara didn't say no.

Raine was a bit overwhelmed by it all. "June third," she sighed dreamily as she and Gaara sat down together on her bed. She giggled. "That's less then three months away!"

Gaara took her hand and smiled at her. "You'll be a beautiful bride Raine."

She reached up and touched Gaara's cheek smiling at him. "It's all so exciting. I can't wait to be a part of your family."

"You already are." Gaara leaned over and kissed his bride.

The next morning Kankuro accompanied Gaara to see the elders that sat on the counsel. There was a bit of business he had to get out of the way before setting out for Konoha tomorrow. It was decided that Baki would be in charge of security while the kazekage was away. Baki readily agreed to the task. As the meeting came to a close, Gaara had one more piece of news for the elders.

"I have an announcement to make," Gaara commanded their attention. "I am getting married."

Baki almost fell out of his seat. "Kazekage sama?"

Old Ebizo lifted his eyebrows at Gaara. "Does the kazekage intend to marry Lord Hotohori's former servant?"

"Her name is Raine and yes I do." Some of the old folks looked kind of shocked, but most of the old ladies were smiling.

Baki leaned a little closer to his former student. He had seen Gaara in Raine's company several times, but that didn't mean he approved. "But the woman is common. Such a move is political suicide!"

Gaara eyed Baki. He thought that his former sensei might be the one to give him grief over his engagement. "You don't honestly think that I, Godaime Kazekage, really give a shit what those cowardly nobles think do you? They're greedy selfish windbags that can't even settle an argument amongst themselves. They are in no position to look down on my bride."

Kankuro chuckled. Gaara could still be vicious when he wanted to be. "He has a point," he supported his brother. "Temari and I have already accepted Raine into our family. I suggest that you welcome her as kazekage's wife. There is no changing Gaara's mind."

Baki sunk back in his seat and the counsel members murmured at each other. Finally Ebiso addressed the kage. "Congratulations Gaara. I'm sure that your wedding will bring much happiness to the people of Hidden Sand." It was always preferable that the kage be married; after all, he would need heirs.

Gaara nodded and stood. He looked at Baki one last time. He looked worried and miserable. Kankuro stood up beside him. "We're leaving for Konoha in the morning. Take good care of Sand while I'm away." With that Gaara and Kankuro went out. They stepped down the street together in the bright sunlight.

"Don't worry about sensei, Gaara. He just don't know mouse like we do," Kankuro tried to console.

Gaara shook his head. "I don't see why Raine's origins should matter to a bunch of old farts that made me the kazekage. My history is much darker then hers."

Kankuro shrugged. "Some of them old bastards are all about pedigree."

"If they want to breed something then they should get a dog," Gaara grumbled.

Kankuro chuckled. He wasn't too worried about it. Any child of Gaara's would become a strong ninja. "You're not thinking about having babies already are you?"

Gaara blinked at Kankuro. A child with Raine? He smiled a little. "Perhaps in time; when we're ready for such a thing. For now I'll be content to get through this wedding Temari's planning."

"Temari thinks you should announce your engagement at the tournament."

"I know. She got on me about it this morning. Said it's the 'perfect opportunity' to spring it on the nobles, the rest of the world too I suppose."

"Well probably, but it's also the perfect opportunity to show of your cute little mouse," Kankuro winked at him. "Just wait until Naruto gets a look at your girlfriend. He's gonna turn green with envy."

Gaara's smile returned. There was someone else in Konoha Gaara wanted Raine to meet. Green; Rock Lee. "I guess we can announce my engagement in Konoha. It is a place of beginnings for me, good ones."

"Temari will be glad to hear it. I'm sure she's just dieing to tell Shikamaru. He'll probably be her date at the wedding." Kankuro laughed thinking about how excited Temari was.

"Maybe Temari and Shikamaru will be the next down the isle ne?" Gaara pondered aloud. "Or will it be you Kankuro? Have you caught any of those women you've been chasing?" he teased.

Kankuro laughed. "I've caught a few fish in the sea brother, but they were just small time so I threw em back," he teased right back. "I'm a love em and leave em kind of guy." Gaara busted up laughing and Kankuro laughed with him.

2

The weather was good all the way to Konoha. Raine marveled at the lush green forests of fire country. She had never seen trees so big in all her life. Gaara held Raine's hand as they made their way to the hokage's place. They caught more then just a few stares. Before they were half way there Gaara heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Oi Gaara!" Naruto called again running ahead of Shikamaru and Choji. It was just as Shikamaru said, Gaara had a girlfriend. He was holding hands with a pretty girl.

They turned to him as Naruto hurried over. "Oi Naruto, Gaara greeted. "It's been a while."

"It sure has," Naruto chuckled. He looked at Gaara's woman. She was a total hottie. Lucky bastard. Gaara gets all the breaks.

Gaara smiled at the way Naruto was checking Raine out. Gawking idiot. "Raine this is Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto, this is Raine my fiancée."

Naruto snapped his attention back to Gaara. "Nani? Fiancé? You're getting married Gaara?"

Shikamaru and Choji arrived just in time to hear Naruto ask his question. Shikamaru's eyes went to the couples hands linked together. Sure enough Raine was wearing an engagement ring. Shikamaru looked up at Temari. Her grin stretched from ear to ear.

"Our wedding is in June," Gaara told the surprised looking ninja. "Don't worry Naruto, you'll get an invitation."

"Holy shit!" Naruto howled. "Gaara's getting married!" he turned to Shikamaru and Choji. Choji had stopped eating and was staring at Gaara stunned. "Didja hear that? Gaara's getting married!" Naruto spun around again and rushed at Gaara and Raine. He hugged one in each arm before they had a chance to protest. "Yosh! Congratulations!"

Raine patted Naruto on the back and stepped away from him. He was every bit as spastic as she had been warned he was. "Thank you Naruto. It's nice to meet you too."

Naruto grinned at her and then spun Gaara around with him to face his buddies. "Can you believe this guy?"

Shikamaru nervously rubbed at the back of his neck. "You sure don't waste any time do you Gaara?" he lowered his voice hoping Temari wouldn't hear him. "You're making the rest of us look bad."

Gaara thought Temari did hear that. He cleared his throat and straightened a little. "Yes, well. We were on our way to hokage's," he tried to change the subject.

Choji moved. He stepped around Naruto and Gaara and went to Gaara's bride wiping the potato chip grease off his fingers as he stepped forward. He held his cleaned up hand out to her and smiled. "I'm Akimichi Choji. It's nice to meet you Raine. Shikamaru has said some nice things about you." Shikamaru had said she was a cute little thing. Choji had to agree.

Raine took Choji's hand. "It's nice to meet you too Choji. I've heard a lot of good things about the Konoha ninja."

Gaara wriggled away from Naruto. "We really should get going," he said reclaiming his spot next to Raine. "Have any of you seen Rock Lee today by any chance?"

Naruto spun around and faced Gaara. "He's at hokage's place right now."

Gaara looked from Naruto to Raine. He wanted her to meet Lee most of all. Gaara smiled and took her hand. "Let's go meet him shall we?" She nodded at him and the happy couple started off to hokage's again with the rest of the ninja behind them.

Naruto chuckled seeing Gaara walking hand in hand with his pretty bride to be. There was a time when Gaara was the saddest guy I knew. To see him with her though, you'd never guess in a million years Gaara used to be a heartless bastard. Naruto was a little jealous that not only did Gaara have a pretty cute girlfriend he was going to make her his wife, but he was happy for him too. Gaara will never be alone again.

Lee had just finished talking to Gai sensei outside of hokage's place when he saw Gaara's party coming up the street. Naruto, Shikamaru and Choji were walking behind the Sand ninja. Lee straightened seeing Gaara holding hands with the pretty girl he assumed was Gaara's girlfriend. Shikamaru had told him about Raine. He had said that she and Gaara were close.

"Welcome to Konoha," Gai greeted smiling at Gaara and his sweetheart as they came over. "Tsunade sama is ready to see you anytime."

Gaara nodded. "Raine this is Mite Gai and this is Rock Lee. Gentlemen, this is my fiancé Raine," Gaara introduced.

Lee blinked startled and Gai's heart was moved. "Getting married in the springtime of your youth. How wonderful," Gai crooned.

Lee stepped forward and bowed at Raine. "It is a pleasure to meet you Rain san."

Raine looked at Gaara and he nodded She stepped forward and hugged Lee. "You're Gaara's favorite," she whispered to the ninja.

At first Lee was too surprised to do anything. He looked at Gaara, the kage was smiling. Lee smiled at him and hugged Raine back. "Thank you," he whispered back.

"Oi how come he gets such a nice hug?" Naruto complained.

Gaara laughed. "Him I can trust to be a gentleman." Raine stepped back next to Gaara.

Lee offered Gaara his hand. "So you're getting married. Congratulations."

Gaara shook Lee's hand. "Thank you Lee."

Gai knew the kazekage getting married was a big deal. He wondered if the elders had pressured Gaara into finding a wife. If the way he acted around his girl was any indication though, they probably didn't have to push him too hard. When Gaara had finished shaking his adorable students hand the young kage took Raine's hand in his own almost immediately. Gaara and the other Sand shinobi were smiling a lot more then usual. They must be madly in love. How touching. Gai had to excuse himself before he misted up in front of the ladies. "Excuse me wont you. I have some things to tend to at the stadium." Gai hurried away before he turned into a blubbering idiot.

"Everything all set for the tournament?" Kankuro directed back Shikamaru's way.

"For the most part," Shikamaru was glad for the distraction. Temari had been giving him some strange looks. "Looks like some good competition this time around."

Temari wasn't quite done drilling the whole marriage idea into Shikamaru's head just yet. "Gaara is going to announce his engagement at the tournament."

Rain felt her cheeks darken and she moved closer to Gaara. She was a little nervous about the whole thing. Gaara looked down at her and smiled. She leaned a little closer to him returning his smile and he kissed her lightly on the lips. Lee's eyebrows went up and Naruto's mouth fell open. Choji started eating chips a little faster watching everyone.

"Close your mouth Naruto you're drawing flies," Shikamaru jabbed and rolled his eyes. He moved up to stand by Temari even though he wasn't really sure it was totally safe to do so. Man, why does she keep looking at me like that? "Shall we go see Tsunade?"

"Please allow me to escort you," Lee offered. He wanted to observe Gaara and his fiancé a bit longer. It was amazing to see the changes that such a pretty little thing brought out in his friend.

Gaara waved his free hand at Lee. "Lead the way."

Gaara had a few things to discuss with the hokage so when Lee offered to give Raine the grand tour of Konoha Gaara turned his woman over. To the surprise of everyone in hokage's office he kissed his bride to be on the lips before she went out. "He sure kisses her a lot," Naruto jealously complained to Shikamaru.

Yeah and he don't get slapped for it. Shikamaru sighed and shook his head. "Oi Temari, wanna have lunch with me?" She accepted and the pair strolled off.

Lee took Raine to one of his favorite spots in Konoha first, up on the roof. They took in the view as Lee pointed out some of the different buildings and districts. "It's lovely here. So different from wind country."

Lee smiled. "Yes, very different." He leaned on the rail next to her watching the breeze toss her long hair around. Gaara sure found himself a pretty one. "You must be excited about your engagement. May I ask when is the wedding?"

"June third," Raine said as the blush crept back into her cheeks.

It hadn't been that long ago that Lee had even heard Gaara had a girlfriend. Wow, that was fast! June was less then three months away. "You two look very happy together, if you don't mind me saying so. I've never seen Gaara quite like this. He appears to be very devoted to you."

She laughed a little. "Gaara is wonderful. I've never met anyone like him. He's so sweet. I love Kankuro and Temari too. It's like having a real family."

Lee never would have guessed he would ever hear anyone call Sabaku no Gaara 'sweet'. "You love him very much don't you?"

"I do."

Her cheeks were crimson and Lee smiled at her. "Gaara loves you. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you."

"Oi!" Naruto yelled running up the stairs. He stopped short in front of the pair slightly out of breath. "I ran all over town looking for you."

Lee straightened. "Is something wrong Naruto?"

He lifted his nose at Lee. "Yeah, you're hogging Gaara's girl all to yourself." He flashed Raine his best smile. "I'm a way better tour guide then fuzzy eyebrows here."

Lee sighed. "We were just taking in the view."

"Has Gaara told you what an excellent ninja I am?" Naruto asked her.

"You really are full of yourself," Lee scolded.

Naruto opened his mouth to yell at Lee but Raine spoke up. "Gaara told me everything, about both of you."

The shinobi looked at her. "Everything?" Lee asked startled.

Raine nodded. "Yes. I should thank you both for starting Gaara down a different path then the one he was on when he first came to this village." She looked at Lee first. "Seeing your sensei protect you and your determination not to give up started to change him." Raine moved her eyes to Naruto. "And you taught Gaara that he didn't have to be alone, that loving someone beside just himself was alright."

"Wow, he did tell you everything," Naruto marveled.

"Gaara and I have no secrets."

Lee swallowed hard. Raine must know all about Gaara's dark past. "Is that…" he wasn't quite sure how to ask her how she felt about her betrothed's old way of life.

She had an idea what Lee was getting at. "It's alright. I understand that things were different when you all met for the first time and I'm glad that you were able to help him."

"I don't think we're the only ones that have changed Gaara for the better. You've brought out something in Gaara I've never seen there before; gentleness." Lee watched Raine's face light up. "I've never seen him this close to anyone."

Naruto threw in his two cents, "Me neither."

It made her happy to hear them say so. "Thank you." She kissed Lee's cheek and then Naruto's. "Both of you."

Naruto blushed grinning like a fool. He chuckled. "My pleasure."

Lee was blushing a little himself. "There is no need to thank us. Seeing you and Gaara happy together is thanks enough."

"So Raine, what would you like to see first?" Naruto was ready to get this party started.

What was fascinating her was, "Actually, I'd like a closer look at some of these huge trees. I've never seen anything grow so big."

"Yosh! A run through the forest it is!" Naruto turned and offered Raine his back. "Hop on Raine. I'll carry you."

"You want to carry me on your back?" she wondered what she was getting herself into.

"Idiot," Lee chide. "Raine san is wearing a dress you dope."

Naruto frowned at Lee. "So what? This way we'll be able to cover more ground."

Lee stepped closer to Raine and cleared his throat. "Allow me." He swept her up into his arms and Raine squeaked. She put an arm around his shoulder and held on to him.

"Hey!" Naruto protested. "I wanna carry her!"

"Let's go." Lee jumped from the roof with Raine clinging to him tightly. Naruto begrudgingly followed.

At first Raine was frightened and clung to Lee tightly but by the time they made it into the dense trees she started to relax. Soon enough she was having a great time tree hopping with Gaara's friends and their laughter rang through the forest.

After an exilrating run through the woods the trio hit the ramen shop for lunch and Naruto introduced Gaara's woman to the curious old man. After lunch they went back to hokage's place to return Raine to Gaara's side. She thanked them both for showing her such a good time. Lee bowed politely and Naruto grinned triumphantly. They walked with Gaara Raine and Kankuro back to the hotel and then took their leave.

Tsunade had reserved two huge suites for the kazekage and company and sent their baggage on up ahead of them. Kankuro ducked out on them for a nap. He had been up since early this morning and had promised Kiba that they would step out for a drink later. If he napped now he could close the bars with the chunin. Gaara and Raine went to the balcony and she told him all about the fun time she had with Naruto and Lee. He was happy she had been able to spend a little time with his friends.

They had dinner at hokage's place with Tsunade and Shizune. Afterward Kankuro ducked out to meet Kiba and Temari went on a date with Shikamaru. Gaara and Raine lounged around the sitting room in the men's suite for a while snuggling and sharing a bottle of wine. Gaara was a little tired but he wanted some time with Raine alone.

The wine had relaxed her and gave Raine enough courage to ask, "Gaara, can I sleep in your room with you?"

He looked down into her shy eyes. Raine was blushing up at him. "Sleep with me?"

"I get nervous trying to sleep in a strange place," Raine was a little embarrassed that she was so intimidated by weird surroundings.

Go to sleep and wake up with Raine beside me. Gaara smiled at her. "Of course you can. I'll share my bed with you anytime."

She laughed at his flirting and snuggled closer to him. "I am a little curious," she admitted. "You know, to see what its like."

"Being in the same bed?" he watched her cheeks darken.

"I wonder what it will be like to wake up beside you."

He reached over and stroked her warm cheek. He wanted to fall asleep with her in his arms. "I wonder about it too Raine, all the time."

"You do?" she brightened.

Gaara thought about sharing his bed with Raine often. "Yes I do."

Raine giggled delighted. "I guess we'll find out."

He smiled at her. "I'm looking forward to it." Gaara leaned closer and kissed her.

When it got late Raine went to her room to get ready for bed and Gaara did the same. He slipped into his pajamas and turned down the bed. A silly grin wouldn't leave his lips. Tonight I can fall asleep with Raine in my arms. He sat in bed waiting for her looking over the match ups for the tournament. There were genin from Sand in the third and fifth rounds. Gaara thought back to being a genin and chuckled. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

Raine dressed for bed and went to Gaara's room. He had left the door open for her. She poked her head inside. "Gaara?"

He looked up from the program in his hand to the beautiful woman at his door. "Come on," he waved her in with a smile.

Raine stepped into Gaara's room and closed the door behind her. "I left a note for Temari. I didn't want her to worry if she found my room empty." She tiptoed to the edge of the bed watching Gaara watch her.

Raine looked a little nervous. She was blushing. Gaara set the program on the nightstand and patted the empty spot next to him in bed. "Join me."

She smiled at him and went to her side of the bed. "Are you ready for bed?" she asked untying her robe.

He watched her robe slip off her shoulders and reveal the nightgown she was wearing beneath it. It was silky, the color of a midnight sky. The thin straps left her shoulders mostly exposed. The nightgown stopped just above her knee. Whoa… Gaara swallowed hard and tried not to leer. "I'm all set."

She tossed her robe on the chair and kicked off her slippers. She climbed up in bed next to Gaara. He never took his eyes off of her and there was ghost of a smile on his lips. She giggled nervously. "Gaara, you're staring."

His smile grew as he lifted his eyes to her face. He had her blushing again. "You're beautiful." He leaned closer to her and kissed her. Gaara wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. His hands slid easily over her silky nightgown. It felt nice but it wasn't as smooth as Raine's skin. He couldn't resist touching her mostly bare shoulders. Raine wrapped her arms around him and their kiss deepened.

She hugged Gaara tighter. Raine loved to hold him like this, when he was without his gourd of sand. His kiss was exciting and a moment later Gaara eased them back down onto the bed. She slid a hand up his back to his wild red hair. She felt his hand slide down her arm to her waist and then lower.

Gaara felt the curves of her small waist and hip through her soft nightgown. Raine buried her hand in his hair tickling at his ear a little. He rested his weight on top of her. Their kiss was heating up, they were heating up. Raine shifted beneath him and a second later Gaara was between her legs. She hooked one of her legs around his. It was stimulating and his hand slid lower to her bare thigh.

It wasn't as if she and Gaara had never shared a passionate kiss in her bed, but this was different. She had never been in such a state of undress before. Raine felt his warm hand slide up her thigh and under her nightgown to her naked hip. Gaara was getting her excited. She sighed longingly into his mouth.

Raine was naked beneath her little nightgown. She moaned a little and Gaara lost control. He rolled them over so that she was on top of him and he slipped his hands up under her nightgown. His hands roamed over her smooth warm backside as he kissed her feverishly. Gaara grabbed bare cheek. His conscious screamed at him to stop, his hopped up hormones urged him to go forward. Shit. I have to stop…while I still can. Gaara forced himself to break their kiss. He stared up at Raine with glassy eyes trying to catch his breath. She was looking at him with flushed cheeks and bedroom eyes. He forced himself to remove his trembling hands from her naked ass. He ran his hands up her arms to her soft shoulders. "Raine…"

Raine's heart was pounding hard. Things with Gaara had never got quite this heated before. She wasn't sure she wanted him to stop. She reached over and brushed the hair away from his eyes. "Gaara," she was almost breathless.

He smiled a little at her trying to calm his jiving hormones. "You drive me crazy you know that?"

She returned his smile feeling her warm cheeks get even warmer. She could understand what he meant. Her smile turned devious. "You make me sweat." His eyes got a little bigger and Raine leaned in and kissed him.

Oh hell…Gaara hugged Raine to him and kissed her. He was at a disadvantage to try and stop this with her on top of him so he rolled them once more. He didn't give up on kissing her right away though. It was hard to stop with her tickling at his sensitive ears. Her touch drove him wild with lust. Finally Gaara broke their kiss and reached for her hands. He stared down into her eyes catching his breath. Raine looked a little flustered but she smiled at him. "I love you Raine," he reminded them both.

"I love you too Gaara." She gave one of his hands a squeeze and he smiled at her.

Gaara kissed her forehead. "It's late and we have to be up early."

"Will you keep holding me?" she didn't want him to let go.

He smiled at her. "All night," he promised. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips and then rolled over and turned off the bedside lamp. Gaara lay back and Raine snuggled up against him. He wrapped an arm around her and held her close.

Raine kissed Gaara's cheek. "Goodnight Gaara."

He gave her a squeeze. "Goodnight Raine." Gaara closed his eyes and relaxed. He liked the way it felt to have her with him like this as the tired waves washed over him. Listening to her breathing was soothing and Gaara felt sleep sneaking up on him. So this is what it will be like once we're married. He smiled tiredly. Well, maybe not exactly like this. When we're married we can sleep naked. Gaara drifted off to sleep with a smile on his lips.

3

Kankuro staggered in at about three in the morning drunk as a skunk. He and Kiba had closed the bar and then walked around a little passing a bottle of JD back and forth. It was a good time. He made it as far as the sitting room that separated his room from Gaara's and passed out in a stack of pillows.

Gaara's alarm clock went off at six and he reached over and smacked the snooze button. Not yet. He snuggled up to Raine burying his face against her neck. She stirred a little and threw an arm and leg around him. Gaara smiled. It felt wonderful to be with her like this; half asleep and all over each other.

Five minutes later the alarm bleated again. Gaara reached over and shut it off. It was time to get up. He sat up and looked down at Raine. She was waking up and a moment later she cracked an eye open and looked at him. He smiled at her. "Good morning."

She smiled tiredly and rolled onto her back. "Is it morning already?"

Her hair was a mess and her eyes were sleep puffy. Gaara thought she looked cute. He reached down and swept the stray hair out of her face. "Did you sleep well?"

She had slept quite comfortably beside her love. "Yes. Did you?"

"Like a baby." He hissed her forehead. Gaara straightened up and stretched a little.

"I didn't even hear Temari or Kankuro come in last night." Once Raine had fallen asleep in Gaara's arms she had been dead to the world.

Gaara had slept through Temari going to her room but he did hear Kankuro early this morning. Big brother was stumbling and chuckling to himself. "I think Kankuro passed out in the sitting room. He was out late boozing it up with Kiba."

Raine giggled and rubbed her eyes with one hand. "I hope he won't be hung over. He won't be able to enjoy watching ninja beat the crap out of each other." She still wasn't so sure about watching the tournament. She wasn't a real big fan of senseless violence.

She hadn't been exactly thrilled when she found out what the tournament was all about. Raine wasn't as desensitized to violence as he or his siblings were. "It won't be that bad," he tried to reassure her. "We'll be sitting up too high to see much blood."

"There's going to be blood?" she fretted.

Shit. "Maybe just a little. Nothing to worry about."

She sat up and looked Gaara in the eye. "I have to get used to it don't I? All the fighting and rough stuff."

Gaara laughed a little. "Its part of a ninja's training Raine. They have to be ready to face any danger on their missions."

"Pretty pathetic; the kazekage's future wife can't even stand the sight of blood." Raine sagged a little. She was disappointed that she couldn't be perfect for Gaara.

He took her face in his hand. "It's alright with me. These tournaments are as close as I'll ever let you get to a violent struggle." Gaara had no intention of his love ever seeing any battles. He would never allow for her to be in a dangerous situation.

She leaned into him and hugged him. Gaara hugged her back. "If it gets too scary…"

"Just hide your eyes on my shoulder. I'll be right beside you the whole time." He smiled. In his own way Gaara liked it that she abhorred violence. Her heart was untainted. He pulled her in front of him and looked at her. "It will be alright." She nodded. Gaara would shield her from the unpleasantries. He kissed her lightly on the lips and got up. "We should probably get Temari and Kankuro up and moving."

She slid off her side of the bed and slipped on her robe. "I'll go wake Temari." She tucked her feet into her slippers as Gaara went to the door and cracked it open.

Gaara chuckled. Kankuro was sprawled out in a pile of pillows. Beside him was a mostly empty bottle of brown booze. He stepped out of his room with Raine somewhere behind him. "Oi Kankuro," Gaara kicked at him lightly. "Kankuro, get up you lush. It's morning."

"Fuck you asshole," Kankuro grumbled coming awake.

Gaara shook his head. "We have to meet Tsunade at eight. Get up."

"Suck my Johnson," he rolled over and hugged a pillow.

"Don't make me sick Temari on you," Gaara warned.

Kankuro sighed frustrated. He was done sleeping. "God damn it Gaara. Can't you see I'm fuckin dieing here?"

Raine had crept up behind Gaara and was peeking at Kankuro from behind him. Gaara sighed and rolled his eyes. "Maybe you shouldn't have got so shit faced last night."

"Maybe you should lick my balls." Kankuro heard a familiar giggle. "Oh shit," he grumbled. He rolled over and looked up at Gaara. Little mouse was behind him. "Why the fuck didn't you tell me she was standing there, prick."

"Are you alright Kankuro?" Raine asked taking Gaara's arm.

"Nothin a bottle of aspirin won't cure." Kankuro yawned and his head throbbed.

Gaara looked down at Raine. "Why don't you go wake Temari and get yourself ready. I'll deal with this guy." Gaara smiled at her and gave her a kiss. She let him go and headed over to the girls suite.

Kankuro waited until mouse had gone before he asked, "What the hell is she doing over here so early anyway? What if I woke up with morning wood ne? I could have put somebody's eye out."

Again Gaara sighed. "You're such an ass when you wake up with a hangover."

Kankuro regarded his brother suspiciously. "You didn't answer my question Gaara." Gaara frowned a little. "The first question," he clarified.

"Oh, she slept in my room last night," Gaara said with a smile.

His mouth fell open. "You got laid!"

"No you slob. She just slept in bed with me."

"You wake up with wood?" Kankuro teased.

"None of your business." Gaara laughed and headed off to shower.

Kankuro sat amongst the pillows a little longer. So little mouse crawled in bed with Gaara last night ne? He chuckled wondering how much longer little brother was going to be able to hold out. "And I'm the slob?" Kankuro got moving and went to get cleaned up.

Kankuro ate six pain relievers and downed a Coke before Temari and Raine met the guys back in the sitting room. He still felt moderately crappy but he didn't dare let Temari see him suffer. She enjoyed it far too much. Gaara emerged wearing the robes and hat to the kazekage and looking put out by it. He hated the uncomfortable things. When Raine returned with Temari the ladies were dressed like royalty, Temari had seen to it that Gaara's bride looked stunning. Gaara went to her at once and kissed her. When everybody was ready they headed to hokage's for their reception breakfast. Immediately afterward they headed to the stadium for the tournament.

Gaara took Raine and Kankuro up to the hokage's balcony with him. Tsunade had Shizune and Tonton with her. Temari went to sit with Shikamaru and Choji in the stands. The stadium filled and the genin assembled. Tsunade first welcomed all ladies and gentleman; her greeting was met by cheers. "On behalf of all Konoha and as a friend of the Sand, let me have the honor of congratulating Godaime Kazekage on his recent nuptial engagement."

Gaara could tell where his friends were sitting. The cheering from there was the loudest. He stood holding Raine's hand and pulled her up next to him. He nodded to Tsunade and then he and Raine faced the masses. Her hand around his tightened to the point it was almost painful. He cut his eyes over to her; she looked near panic staring at the crowd cheering for them. Oh shit. "Raine, wave to Naruto and Lee. They're right there." It was enough to get her to lift her hand and wave Gaara did the same.

After a seemingly endless terrifying moment in front of a crowded stadium Gaara led her back to her seat. "So many people." She looked at Gaara wide eyed. "You're pretty famous."

Gaara was able to hold back his laugh but Kankuro and Tsunade could not. "Now you are too little mouse," Kankuro teased.

Tsunade thought little mouse was an adorable pet name. It suits Gaara's shy little bride. She motioned to the jonin in the arena and the tournament began.

All in all the tournament wasn't too bad. There were a few times Raine leaned into Gaara and hid her eyes. When she started to get nervous Gaara would lean in and whisper to her or kiss her on the lips. He never let go of her hand. The first day concluded without incident and Gaara snuck Raine back to his room without running into all of the nobles that were just dieing to meet his fiancé.

Gaara stepped into his room pulling the hat off. "That wasn't so bad was it Raine?" he asked hearing her footsteps behind him. Gaara tossed the hat onto the chair and turned to look at her. He smiled, he couldn't help it. She's beautiful.

"Could you tell I was nervous?" she asked.

"Before or after you crushed my hand," he teased.

She felt her cheeks heating up. "Sorry about that."

Gaara closed the distance between them and took her hands. He held them out to the side and looked her over. "Look at you, you're so beautiful."

Temari had a great time dressing Raine up. She let go of one of Gaara's hands and reached up for the big fancy comb in her hair. "I keep thinking this thing is going to impale me." She pulled it out and the front of her hair fell back down into place.

He watched her hair spill over her shoulders. Even better. "You look like a desert princess."

She smiled at Gaara. "And are you my handsome prince?" she tossed the comb on the chair with his hat and stepped into Gaara. He wrapped his arms around her and Raine hugged him back. "My handsome kazekage."

Gaara kissed her the way he had been wanting to all day. He felt the smooth skin on her back that her cropped cleavage enhancing top didn't cover. Her belly chain slipped between his ring and pinky finger. He heard her bracelets jingle together when she reached for his hair. Gaara pulled her closer feeling the boobs that he had been trying not to ogle push against him. Rain tickled at his ears and their kiss turned lustful.

Kankuro came into the sitting room first followed by Naruto, Temari and Shikamaru. Apparently Gaara and Raine didn't hear them come in. They were standing in Gaara's doorway making out like crazy. Kankuro raised a brow. Bullshit they'll be able to hold out until they're married.

Temari came in and turned to see what Kankuro was looking at. Shikamaru looked where she looked and Naruto followed their eyes to Gaara and Raine. "Gaara!" Temari snapped. Baby brother pulled his face off of Raine long enough to look at her and everyone else in the room.

Gaara blinked. "We have an audience," he told Raine quietly.

Raine turned toward the sitting room and saw the four standing there. Her face turned red. "Good evening everyone."

Naruto chuckled. "Maybe we should leave you two alone ne?"

"Shut up Naruto!" Temari frowned at her brother. "Slob, always calling Kankuro a slob when you're a bigger slob then he is."

Gaara rolled his eyes and Shikamaru cringed. Kankuro stepped in. "Lighten up Temari would ya? He wasn't fucking her he was just kissing her."

Naruto burst into laughter, Gaara chuckled at him and Raine took Gaara's arm and tried to hide behind it. Temari turned to Kankuro. "Asshole," she retorted.

Gaara had to end this. Poor Raine was dieing of embarrassment. "Shall I assume you dropped by for a reason other then voyeurism," Gaara snapped back at his sister with a huge grin on his face.

"Oh yeah," Naruto was the one to answer. "There's a party going on!"

Gaara shook his head. "No nobles tonight."

"Naruto said party. Aint no nobles at this shin dig but they do got loud music and kegs of beer," Kankuro enticed.

Raine forgot about hiding behind Gaara for a moment. "Dancing?" she asked Kankuro.

"You bet little mouse."

"Everybody is there," Naruto chimed in.

"We're all going," Shikamaru rationalized. "Temari came up to get something in her room, Kankuro and Naruto came to get you guys."

Kankuro smiled a little at his brother. "Rock Lee asked if you and Raine were coming."

Gaara looked down at Raine. Her cheeks were still pink and she smiled at him. "I guess we are. Gaara straightened and stepped ahead of Raine to the door. "We'll be with you in a minute." Gaara closed the door.

Naruto stared at the door as if he could bore holes in it with his eyes. "I bet their kissing again in there."

Gaara wrestled out of the kage's robes and threw them on the bed. He went to Raine and took her hands. "Shall we party our asses off with these guys or what?"

Raine giggled. This sounded like just the fun she needed. "Why Gaara, you aren't suggesting we get shit faced are you?" she teased for Kankero.

He laughed. "Well maybe not totally shitty." He laughed again and Raine laughed with him. "It will be fun. We'll hang out with Lee. The poor guy can't drink alcohol. I'll make sure he cuts us off when we've had enough."

"It sounds like fun." She leaned into him. "Kiss me again before we go."

Gaara did.

The 'shin dig' was going on in the north woods. They could hear the party before they saw it. The trees gave way to a sizeable clearing. Paper lanterns hanging in the trees illuminated the clearing with warm light. At one end of the open place sat the kegs of beer and the crowd around them getting a drink. Neji had set up his portable sound system and it pumped music out to party goers. Kiba was standing with Hinata and saw them coming first. He waved Kankuro and the others over to the keg. Hinata fell silent as soon as Naruto came over. "Yo motherfucker lets party," Kiba greeted Kankuro.

Kiba and Naruto made sure everyone had a drink. Lee and Sakura came over. "Glad you could make it," Lee said going to Gaara and Raine.

"Your engagement is the talk of the town," Sakura winked at the happy couple.

Raine leaned into Gaara and he put an arm around her. "I'll bet it is," Gaara sipped his beer. His friends were all smiles.

"Mouse come here!" Kankuro called over the music from his spot bedside the keg.

Raine gave Gaara a kiss on the cheek and went to Kankuro. Kankuro introduced her to Kiba and Hinata. Temari and Shikamaru wandered over to Neji and she offered him her cd case that she had gone up to her room to get. Sakura stole Rain next and Hinata went with the girls. They joined Ino and Choji closer to the music and Sakura finished the introductions. Raine had heard about all of them from her soon to be family.

Naruto watched Sakura talking with Raine. He thought Gaara's girl looked like a genie in that outfit. "You're such a lucky bastard Gaara. Raine's really cool and she's a total hottie." He lifted his nose indignantly.

Gaara smiled at the way Lee frowned at Naruto disapprovingly. "I'm very lucky to have Raine," he rubbed it in just a little. He found Naruto's competitive jealousy amusing.

Naruto sighed heavily. The girls were starting to conglomerate. Choji and Shikamaru stood with Neji and Shino flipping through Temari's cd case. Naruto cut his eyes over to Gaara. He was watching his girlfriend with a smile on his face. He's really in love.

"I like Raine. She's a very warm person," Lee was more polite then that slob Naruto.

Gaara nodded at Lee. "She likes you too."

"What about me? Did she say she likes me too?" Naruto jumped in.

"Must you always be so self centered Naruto?" Lee scolded.

Gaara laughed. "Yes Naruto, Raine likes you too."

Naruto grinned satisfied. "Sure. We had a great time even though Lee wouldn't let me carry her." he stared at Lee over his beer.

He sipped his beer looking at his friends frown at each other. "Raine said that she had fun with you two."

Naruto shifted his eyes over to Gaara. "She gave me a kiss right here," he pointed to his cheek and smiled deviously.

"I heard." Gaara returned the ninja's smile.

Naruto sipped his beer thoughtfully. "I guess I should have known that. She said you guys tell each other everything."

Lee smiled at Gaara. "You two are very close."

His eyes went back to his beautiful bride. "Yes we are."

"Yeah you looked pretty close up in your room Gaara," Naruto teased. Lee looked at Naruto again and he just had to elaborate. "They were so busy sucking each others faces off that they didn't even hear us come in. I thought we were gonna have to turn the hose on them."

Lee raised his eyebrows and Gaara chuckled. "Raine can be a bit distracting at times," Gaara happily admitted.

Naruto chuckled and Lee looked at the smile on Gaara's face. Lee had to admit, "I've never seen you so happy Gaara. I'm glad that you have Raine. I'm sure your life together will be a good one."

Gaara agreed. "I know it will."

"You'll be the first one out of all of us that took that chunin exam together to get married." Naruto sipped his beer. "I guess we're getting old."

Lee raised a fist. "We are living in the springtime of our youth."

"Then I guess that means that Raine is gonna be stuck with Gaara for a long time," he smiled at Gaara again.

"Have you talked about your future?" Lee wondered. He assumed they had.

Gaara just wanted to get through the wedding. "A bit. We have all the time in the world to plan our future after the wedding."

Naruto grinned like a slob. "You gonna make baby Gaara's?"

"Eventually," Gaara sipped his beer thinking about having Raine in his bed.

"Gaara a daddy." Naruto finished his beer. "What is this world coming to?" He laughed and headed over to the keg for a refill.

Gaara a father. "Wow," the thought was mind blowing. "Do you know how many children you want to have Gaara?"

He looked at his woman. She was showing the other ladies how to do something seductive with her hands. "Ten of them."

Lee blinked at him. "That's a lot of children." That's alotta…

Gaara's grin turned slobbish. "Yeah I know."

Lee cleared his throat and smiled. "I see. Well, do your best." A second later Lee was laughing. Gaara joined him.

Kankuro and Kiba were doing a good job of getting drunk all over again. No one could keep up with them. Naruto tried to for a while but they drank too fast. Gaara Neji and Shino all nursed their way through their beers. Eventually Shikamaru and Choji ducked away from the girls club and joined the drunkards by the keg. Temari drank a little faster then her baby brother but not quite as fast as Naruto. She set the pace for the rest of the girls. Raine and Sakura kept up with her and by their fourth beer the ladies were ready to dance.

Raine had been promising to show Temari and the other girls how to dance the way Vivi had showed her for two beers now. Temari turned around and shouted to Neji, "Disk two track nine." Neji nodded.

Hinata was still trying to move one of her hands like Raine showed her. "Is it a song we can dance to?"

Temari grinned at her future sister in law. "It's a song Raine is going to show us how to dance to."

Neji cued up the song, something exotic sounding from the land of expansive deserts. Rain started with her hands again moving them with the music. Temari and Sakura were trying to mimic her movements. "Now lead with the hip," Rain started to move her hips, swaying them slowly at first so she could show the others. "Be conscious of what you're doing with your arms, don't go flailing around. Nice fluid movements." The music became more lively and Raine fell into the rhythm.

Sakura was trying, Temari was doing slightly better then Ino or Hinata. It was hard to move the way Raine was. "You a professional or what?" Sakura teased.

"Vivi taught me to belly dance too. Like this," she demonstrated enjoying dancing to the music as it became more and more wild.

Naruto had been standing back content to watch the girls when Raine started dancing differently. Her hips moved so fast the charms on her belly chain jingled together. Her hips weren't the only thing Raine could shake pretty fast and Naruto leered. "You've gotta be kidding me. She can belly dance!" Naruto was defiantly jealous of Gaara's luck. Sakura was trying but she just didn't have the talent.

Kiba caught on belly dance and he immediately turned his head. Kankuro's little mouse sure knew how to move her body. "Nice." He slapped Kankuro on the shoulder. "Take a good look at your sister in law." He steered Kankuro toward the women.

Kankuro saw Raine and his eyebrows went up. He cut his eyes to his right; Naruto was ogling Raine like a slob, Lee was watching the girls dance with pink cheeks, and Gaara was staring at Raine. He cut his eyes to his left. Kiba made no attempt to hide his lecherous grin. Kankuro couldn't tell if Shino was looking at his little mouse, but Neji was. Shikamaru was trying not to, he lived in fear of Temari, but Choji was checkin all the honeys out. "Oh man," he sighed.

Gaara wasn't just staring at his woman; he was eating her up with his eyes. He wanted to hold her against him while she moved her body like that. Naked. He sipped his beer watching Raine dance. He was able to wait until the song changed and then Gaara passed his cup off to Naruto. "Hit me again will you Naruto. I'll be back."

Naruto watched Gaara go to his woman and pull her to him. They vanished in a blur. "Keh, I bet they're kissing again." Naruto stepped back toward the keg.

Kankuro had seen little brother escape with his desert princess to the trees so they could have a private moment alone. He shook his head and finished his beer.

Kiba chuckled. "Does she dance like that for Gaara all the time?"

"I think if she did he'd never get nothing done," Kankuro started refreshing his beer.

Kiba nodded in agreement. He was still smirking. "So will they be back or does Gaara have other plans of her?"

Naruto arrived with Lee behind him. "Oh man," Naruto groaned. "Don't tell me those two are off somewhere getting it on."

"Is Gaara hittin that shit?" Kiba asked Kankuro. He was dieing to know.

Kankuro took a bug gulp of his fresh beer and belched. "Gaara insists he's a good boy."

Naruto refreshed his own beer. "Yeah right, you saw them Kankuro."

"So what? Gaara's got his lips on her all the time."

"Like that?" Naruto looked over at Kankuro.

Kiba tapped Naruto in the arm. "Yo, was it hot or what?"

"That guy gets all the breaks," Naruto complained.

Kiba took that as a yes and howled laughter. "Maybe we should just start calling you uncle Kankuro now so you'll get used to it."

"Gaara did say that he would like to have ten children," Lee finally entered the conversation. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him.

Naruto drizzled some beer on his toes. "Did you say ten!"

Even Kankuro looked surprised. Lee nodded. "Yes, ten."

Kiba howled again. "Gaara's gonna be busy!"

Naruto frowned. "What the fuck? How are we supposed to beat a hot wife and ten freaking kids huh!"

"Give it up Naruto," Kiba advised. "You can't compete with Gaara forever."

Kankuro watched Naruto drink his beer and sulk. Kiba laughed at him. Kankuro looked back at Rock Lee. Ten kids huh. Kankuro calculated that would be at least a solid decade of some late nights for Gaara. And he calls me a slob?

Gaara took Raine up high enough for a nice view of the moon and a little privacy. He had his arm around her shoulders and Raine was snuggled against him. "I like the way you dance," he said bringing his face closer to hers.

"Do you?" she flirted. Raine had a good buzz going. She had been having a great time with the Konoha ninja.

"Mmmhmm." Gaara kissed her. His other hand slipped around her bare waist to her back. He pulled her closer and their kiss became more intense. One of her hands snuck up and went after his sensitive ears. Two beers ago he might have made her stop, but it was too late. It felt too good and Gaara didn't want to let go of this feeling just yet.

Raine melted into him. Gaara's kiss was exciting and hungry. She liked the feel of his hands on her bare skin. She dug her hand into his hair. This hair is so crazy it makes me crazy. Gaara was leaning her back in his arms, Raine didn't resist. Gaara broke their kiss and his lips went to her neck. His hot breath came just as fast as hers. "Gaara," she sighed.

Oh hell yes. He loved to hear her say his name like that. He kissed a little lower on her neck and then a little lower then that. He could feel her heartbeat in his lips. Gaara looked up at the woman he had draped over his arms. She had thrown her head back and the wind tossed her long hair around her. Damn she's beautiful. Perhaps it was that last beer that made him brave enough to push his luck a little. Raine's cleavage was practically in his face anyway.

Gaara kept one hand on her waist and the other slipped between them. She felt his breath on her chest and then his hand slid up her waist and cupped her breast. She felt his lips reach her cleavage as he squeezed her breast. His touch set her body on fire. Raine clutched at Gaara's jacket tightly and moaned. Gaara…

Gaara didn't feel any bra beneath Raine's sexy little top but he did feel nipple. He was getting her excited. He wondered how far she would let him go. She wasn't exactly fighting him off. She wants me too. He tickled his way back up to her mouth with his lips.

For a moment Gaara was just breathing into her; staring at her with lusty eyes and then he was kissing her again. Their kiss was passionate. He felt her with one hand; the other on her waist pulled her a little closer. He pinched her nipple and Raine whimpered. It feels so… oh Gaara…I want you to…

He was enjoying the reaction he was getting from Raine. She was getting all kinds of hot for him. It made him want her all the more. We should just get the fuck out of this tree and go back to my room so I can… Gaara broke their kiss and stared down into Raine's flush face. "If we keep this up we aren't going to make it back to the party," he warned.

Raine rested her hand on Gaara's cheek. "Oh? Shall we stay up here all night or do you wish to take me to bed Gaara?"

That was defiantly an invitation. Take her to bed. He swallowed hard. He had been exerting himself to resist the desire no, the need to be intimate with her. Looking down at her in the moonlight Gaara couldn't fight what he was feeling anymore. "I want you."

Finally…I can be with Gaara. "Then take me Gaara. I'm yours."

Take Raine…be with her… Today he had made her his woman to the world; he wanted to make her his woman in his bed tonight. Gaara kissed her again zealously. He stood and helped her to her feet. He swept her up into his arms. Raine wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again. Gaara took his betrothed and started out through the forest on the most direct route to his bedroom.

Using the trees Gaara had them back to his suite in no time. He carried her to his room and set her down on his bed. Is this really alright? Raine was still a virgin too. Gaara had done his best to keep it that way until their wedding night. She was looking up at him with pink cheeks. He couldn't help what he was feeling, Gaara wanted to be with her. She's beautiful. He smiled at her. "Are you sure about this?"

Raine smiled at Gaara feeling her cheeks heat up. She had never been more sure about anything. "I want to share everything that I have and everything that I am with you Gaara." She kicked off her shoes and slid back to the middle of the bed.

His heart was moved almost as much as his hormones. Gaara wasn't going to throw her down and fuck her he was going to make love his woman. He unbuckled the strap that held his gourd of sand in place. He slipped out of the harness and his shoes. Gaara crawled up into bed with Raine. He reached up and brushed her hair away from her face. "I love you Raine." Gaara leaned over and kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around him and pulled Gaara down on top of her. She slipped a hand between them and loosened his jacket. He shrugged out of it still kissing her. Raine felt his hands on her waist. Her hand went to his sensitive ears and his flaming tresses. He squeezed her a little when she tickled him and then his hands slid up to her breasts. His touch was exhilarating. She felt one of his hands move to undo the buttons on her top and she reached for the hem of his shirt.

He had worked two buttons loose when he broke their kiss long enough to get his shirt off. He ripped it off and threw it on the floor. His hands immediately returned to the task of getting her out of her shirt. Gaara shifted his weight and wriggled between her legs. His lips went to her neck and Gaara nibbled on her soft skin.

Rain hugged him and ran her hands over his bare back. She had never touched so much of Gaara before. Her fingertips whispered their way back up to his ears. Gaara sighed as he undid the last button on her shirt. He opened her shirt and cupped her bare breasts. She felt his thumb sweep over her left nipple and his mouth closed over her right. Raine arched her back and moaned.

Oh fuck yes. Raine had perfect pink little nipples; Gaara just had to play with them. The soft noises coming from Raine told Gaara she was enjoying his teasing. He teased her nipple hard with his tongue and switched to the other. Raine started to squirm rubbing her crotch against him.

Gaara reached down and grabbed her thigh. He shifted her and then Raine felt Gaara's hand sliding up her skirt. She lifted her hips and his hand slid under her ass. He squeezed her cheek and pushed their intimate parts together. Gaara was getting aroused. His fingers hooked into her panties and he tugged at them. He wanted them off.

He had to break away from her long enough to get her out of her panties. While he was at it he sat her up and got rid of her shirt too. Gaara pulled her to him and kissed her fiercely. He lowered them back down to the bed positioning himself between her legs. Her kiss told him that Raine wanted him too. He groped at her again, he loved having a handful. He felt one of her legs wrap around him and he dropped a hand to her thigh.

His hand was working his way under her skirt again. Their kiss was hot and his touch made her burn with desire. He pinched her nipple as his tongue dominated hers. Oh Gaara… Gaara reached for her bare ass and squeezed her cheek. He broke their kiss and his mouth was after her breasts again. Raine tried to catch her breath panting with lust.

Gaara had ditched her panties for a reason. He wanted to touch what they were covering. He used his elbow to push her legs further apart and his hand slid around front. Gaara's fingers traced her slit and Raine groaned. She's getting wet. Gaara slipped a finger into her. She was hot and slick inside. She shuddered at his touch. Oh god I want to… he nipped at her and slid another finger into her tight hole.

It was incredible to be touched like this by him. His fingers felt big inside of her, she wondered what his manhood was going to be like. He pumped at her making her ready to accept him. Gaara kissed his way back up to her mouth and kissed her passionately. Her hand slid around to the button on top of his pants. She unfastened his fly and slipped her hand into his pants. Raine wrapped her hand around his erection. He was much bigger then two fingers. "Gaara," she breathed into his mouth.

Holy hell… Gaara didn't have the words to explaine how it felt to have her touch him. For a moment he lost his breath. Raine stroked him feeling what he wanted more with every passing second to put deep inside of her. She slid a finger out of her heat and up her slit. The tip of his finger found her clitoris. He pet at it and Raine bit at his bottom lip. I can make her…Gaara tickled at her clit faster. Raine stroked him harder trying to tighten her legs around him.

It was like nothing she had ever felt before. All of her desires seemed to build up all at once. The hand stroking him faltered and Raine dug her other hand into Gaara's hair. All at once her desires exploded and Raine cried out as she reached orgasm. Gaara's touch left her breathless.

I made her cum. He pushed both of his fingers deep into her heat. Raine was quaking around him. I have got to get my cock in here. Gaara looked down into her flushed face. Her eyes were closed and she was whimpering. He pulled his fingers out of her slowly and brought them to his lips. He popped his fingers into his mouth and tasted Raine.

Raine opened her eyes and looked at Gaara. He was licking the fingers he had inside of her. There was a look in his eyes that she had never seen there before. She tried to catch her breath as her grip on him relaxed. Gaara's hand went to the zipper on her skirt and he slid it down. He took her skirt in two handfuls and pulled it down and off of her. Gaara shook out of his pants and the rest of their clothing hit the floor.

He embraced her naked and kissed her. Gaara had wanted this since the first moment he held her in his arms. He pulled the blankets down and out of the way, he was sick of them. He centered them on the bed so her head rested on a pillow. Gaara pushed her knees apart and rubbed the head of his raging hard on against her. "Are you ready for me Raine?" he lustily whispered into her ear. He thought she was.

She was nervous, but she was excited. She was still breathing fast. "Yes Gaara." She thought about adding be gentle but she didn't need to. Gaara didn't have to be told twice. His hand moved between them and Gaara guide his head inside. She groaned a little and tried to stay relaxed. It was a little too late now to worry about whether it was going to hurt or not. Raine closed her eyes and trusted Gaara.

She tightened around him the minute he started to put himself inside of her. Gaara's hands went to her hips and she relaxed a little. He was pretty sure the humane thing to do was to relieve her of her virginity in one quick stroke. Gaara pushed into her a little further. The feeling was intense and he wanted to be all of the way inside of her. "I love you Raine." Gaara thrust his hips forward hard and fast de-virginizeing them both as a lustful moan escaped him.

It hurt for a minute and Raine tightened around Gaara. Her nails bit into his back and she gasped at the feel of him inside of her. Gaara held them still for a moment panting against her throat. Slowly he started to move them. He slid out of her a little and then in again deeper. He lifted his lips to hers and kissed her heatedly.

She felt amazing inside. It was a hot tight fit. He slid a hand from her hip up to her knee and pushed her legs further apart. He tucked his other hand under her ass and lifted her to meet his thrusts. She moaned against his lips and gave herself over to his rhythm. Now that he was in her he wanted to feel her cum.

Gaara was deep inside of her filling her every time she moved her hips to meet his. Making love to him was more then she ever dreamed it would be. Her heart thundered in her ears. Gaara moved his lips back to her neck and he nibbled at her. A moment later his hand slid down her thigh. Gaara started touching her again as he pumped in and out of her. Raine started to squirm.

Gaara found her clit again and tickled at it mercilessly. Raine started moaning again. That's right baby, cum again. Cum with me inside of you. Gaara pushed deep into Raine and held himself there as her breath came quicker and the noises she made became more excited. "Cum again for me Raine," it was a request she couldn't deny.

Raine dug her nails into his back and she thrust her hips forward burying Gaara inside of her. "Oh god Gaara!" she called out as he made her cum again.

For a moment Gaara couldn't move. So fucking tight. The feel of her orgasm brought him close to having one of his own. Damnit not yet. Gaara groaned sliding his hands to hold her hips again. I'm gonna fuck the hell out of her. Gaara kissed Raine's lips again. "You feel so good."

Raine was sweating, whimpering and winded from her orgasm. Her hands slid up his back to his ears, to his hair. He kissed her again and started them moving, guiding her hips up to meet him. She slid her hands through his hair and tickled at his ears. Gaara was moving them faster. Soon he was moving them so fast he had to break their kiss.

There was the most amazing spot deep inside of his woman. It gave him exquisite pleasure to rub against it and Raine's moans were more intense each time he hit it. Gaara grabbed for her thigh and leaned back enough to throw her leg over his shoulder. It made hitting that spot much easier. With each thrust Gaara came closer to losing it so he decided to go for broke. Gaara pumped her harder and faster. His own lustful cries of pleasure mingled with hers. Raine tightened up all around him succumbing to louder more pleading cries. Gaara thrust forward hard and had a second to think this is ecstasy and then he exploded deep inside of Raine.

She felt his whole body shudder and Gaara groaned. He squeezed her hips and bit at her neck. Raine relaxed and tried to catch her breath as Gaara collapsed on top of her. She wrapped him into her arms still feeling him inside of her. "Gaara," Raine panted.

He was winded, sweaty and felt weak as a kitten. Holy shit… Gaara swallowed and tried to bring his run away heart rate under control. He reached up and took her face in his hand. Gaara stared down at Raine. Her face was flush from their lovemaking. "Raine," Gaara kissed her lips softly. "You're incredible."

She smiled at him a little and brought a hand around to brush the hair from his eyes. It was kind of damp. "I love you."

"I love you." Gaara returned her smile and swept her hair back from her forehead. Raine was sweaty too. "I hope that I didn't hurt you," he did get a little carried away.

Her cheeks felt warm. It had hurt briefly and she was a feeling it a little now, but it was worth it. Raine shook her head a little. "You're an amazing lover," she shyly admitted.

Gaara's smile turned devious. He had been easy on Raine since it was the first time. Just you wait, I'll show you amazing. He kissed her again wrapping Raine into his arms. "You've made me the happiest man alive Raine," Gaara was sure it was the truth.

She giggled at him still a bit out of breath. Gaara reached for the blanket he had mostly shoved off the bed and he brought it up over them. She felt him leave her now that their sex was over and Gaara snuggled against her. Raine smiled dreamily. So this is what it will be like to be married to Gaara she thought as she played with his hair.

Gaara and Raine never made it back to the party but Temari didn't notice. Shortly after baby brother disappeared Temari left with Shikamaru. They went back to the girl's suite and Temari peeked into Raine's room. She hadn't come back yet, still out with Gaara. Temari had enough beer to put her in a fine mood and she let Shikamaru kiss her. When he got a little too friendly she smacked him and threw him out. Temari went to bed with a smile on her face.

When Gaara and mouse didn't make it back, Kankuro was pretty sure he knew why. Naruto was beside himself with jealousy and got pretty drunk. He ended up grabbing Sakura's ass and she thumped him. Lee dragged him home. Kankuro stayed out drinking with Kiba as late as he possibly could. Kiba kept up with him beer for beer occasionally chuckling lecherously.

Kankuro was pretty shit faced by around one and had to get to bed. They still had the finals to sit through in a large, noisy stadium. He staggered into the sitting room and plopped into the mound of pillows face first. Kankuro relaxed and closed his eyes. He just needed some sleep. He quieted himself and that was when he heard it. At first it sounded like whispering. He trained his ears on the noise thinking maybe he woke Gaara and Raine in the bedroom.

To his chagrin a moment later he realized what he was hearing. Holy fuck Gaara's getting laid. Kankuro promptly stood up and went to his room. He would rather deal with a case of the bed spins then listen to that all night.

Gaara's alarm went off at six. He woke holding Raine's naked body against him. He reached over and turned the alarm off. Gaara opened his eyes and looked down at her. The alarm hadn't brought her out of her dreams just yet. He smiled a little thinking about last night. They had been fiends for each other. Gaara had her three times. She's going to be hurting today I think. He felt a little bad for being such a ravaging slob.

He chuckled lightly and brought his hand to her face. He moved the hair that had covered her eyes away. He tickled at her cheek with his fingers. "Raine, its morning," he told her softly. "Wake up Raine."

She heard Gaara beckon her from sleep. His hand was on her face. Raine opened her eyes and saw Gaara smiling at her. Morning had come. "Good morning Gaara," she said sleepily returning his smile.

"Good morning love. How did you sleep?"

When they finally went to sleep it was late and she had been exhausted. She hugged at him. "Good, you?"

He laughed. "You really wore me out. I slept like a baby."

"Gaara," Raine blushed at him. She smiled knowing her lover was teasing.

He kissed her sly smile. He wished he could love her a fourth time, but there was no time now and likely his betrothed was in no condition to take it again so soon. "As much as I hate to say it we have to get out of bed."

Raine rolled over onto her back and threw her arm over her eyes. She felt Gaara sit up beside her. "Kankuro isn't passed out in the sitting room is he?" She was going to have to sneak back to her room wearing the same thing she had on last night. She had never made it back there to dress for bed.

"I can check." Gaara reached for his robe and slipped it on as he stood up. He went to the door and peeked out. Kankuro wasn't there. Gaara listened for a minute hearing the snoring in the other bedroom. He closed his door and turned to Raine on his bed. "Kankuro's asleep in his room."

Then that just leaves Temari. She had to get up and get to her room before Temari's alarm went off. She reached for the blanket and held it modestly against her as she moved to sit up. As soon as her weight shifted Raine felt the consequences of what she had done with Gaara last night. She was wide awake quick and a little gasp escaped her lips.

Gaara winced. "Sorry." He hurried to her side of the bed and sat down. She looked at him with pink cheeks. "I'm sorry Raine," he felt guilty.

She blinked at him. He was frowning sympatheticly at her. "It's okay," Raine was terribly embarrassed. Holy shit oww!

Gaara took her face in his hand smiling at her. "I promise I'll leave you alone for a while, well at least I can try." He laughed a little and Raine laughed too.

You aint getting none later she thought shaking her head. "Maybe tonight we should get some sleeping done in here."

Gaara kissed her and got up. "Anything you say Raine. I am yours to whip, beat and command," he teased.

Raine got up and found her clothes. She didn't bother putting her panties back on. She slipped them into her skirt pocket as she dressed. Gaara was sifting through a dresser drawer stealing glances at her. When she was dressed she met Gaara in the middle of his room. He took her in his arms at once and kissed her. Raine hugged him, she had to go.

He didn't want her to leave him. Gaara walked Raine back to her room. Temari was still out. He kissed his lover and went back to his suite to get ready for another long day.

Kankuro was ready and waiting in the sitting room first despite being the last one up. He didn't have to get pretty for the crowd. Gaara came out of his room in the kage's robes with his hat tucked under his arm. Kankuro rolled his eyes over to his brother. The slob was smiling.

"Morning Kankuro," Gaara nodded at his brother.

"Morning bro. You didn't here me come in last night."

Gaara shook his head assuming Kankuro had rolled in after the bars closed. "Nope."

"I wasn't asking you I was telling you," Kankuro lifted a brow. "I heard you though."

What? Gaara's mouth fell open. "You heard?"

Kankuro flat eyed his brother. "You and little mouse. Couldn't hold out any longer ne?" he grinned at how red in the face Gaara was getting. Kankuro had him caught. "So how was it Mr. I wanna have ten children?"

He was stone cold busted and Gaara laughed. "I've changed my mind. I want twenty."

"That good was it?" Kankuro laughed and shook his head. "Poor little mouse."

Gaara's smile turned lecherous. "You should stop chasing women and catch one brother. It's a lot of fun."

"You aint telling me something I don't already know." Now Kankuro was also grinning like a slob. "I know how to please a woman. Did you take care of yours ne rookie?"

"Repeatedly," Gaara answered with total confidence. It got them laughing together again. Gaara heard footsteps coming down the hall and waved a hand at Kankuro to warm him, "Their coming."

Temari came in with Raine behind her. "Mornin'," she greeted chipper.

"Good morning Temari," Gaara let his sister through and looked at Raine. Temari had dressed her up again, her long hair hung over one shoulder in a braid. He smiled at her. "You look beautiful." He wrapped her into his arms and kissed her.

"I've been waitin on you forever," Kankuro distracted his sister so Gaara could kiss his lover. "You take too damn long to get ready."

Temari scoffed at her big brother. "Keh, it takes longer for a woman to get ready. There is more to do."

Gaara took Raine's hand. "Love you," he whispered to her.

Raine smiled at him. "Love you," she echoed.

Temari sighed dramatically as she turned back to the couple. "Well love each other over breakfast. I'm starving."

They had breakfast at hokage's place and then headed over to the arena. Gaara and his bride to be created quite a stir on the streets. Everyone wanted a look at the lovebirds. They were hounded by reporters from multiple countries about their relationship and up coming nuptials. Raine leaned into him and Gaara hugged her to him. He answered a few quick questions while he hurried them along. The flash bulbs going off every ten seconds were annoying as all hell. The journalists clamored for the scoop on Gaara and his lovely blushing bride Raine.

Gaara whisked her up to the kage's balcony with Kankuro and Temari behind them. "Sorry about that Raine."

She smiled at him. "It's alright Gaara. I guess kazekage getting married is big news."

He was glad she could understand. "Don't worry this is the last day of the tournament. We can head home tomorrow."

It would be good to be back in her own room again. She wondered if Gaara would share her bed with her or if he would let her go on sleeping in his bed once they returned to Sand. She stared into his eyes. "It will be good to get home."

"I can hardly wait." He kissed her and took her to her seat beside him. Soon the tournament began.

During an intermission Temari Raine and Shizune made a trip to the powder room. Temari left the other women to head back without her; she went to find Shikamaru in the stands. Raine was standing behind the hokage's number one waiting for her to finish talking to one of the jonin when a man in a hooded cloak walking with the assist of a cane caught her eye. He shuffled away from the crowd.

The gimp dropped his change purse and his money scattered at his feet. It looked like it took some effort for him to crouch to pick up his coins. Raine felt sorry for the poor guy and went to help. She squat down in front of him picking up his scattered money. "Please, let me help you."

"You're too kind." He dropped some coins into his pouch and held it open for her. "You are the kazekage's bride are you not?"

She smiled a little returning his coins. "Yes that's right."

"Princess Raine." He looked at her and smiled.

Raine looked up and startled. The stranger was no old man, quite the contrary. He didn't look much older then her. His eyes were red, creepy. "I..." there was something dark about him, something unnerving. She didn't want to appear rude but Raine wanted to get the hell away from him pronto. His smile made her skin crawl.

Too late. Sasuke trapped Gaara's woman with his eyes. He leaned a little closer and spoke to her quietly. He got the information he needed out of her first and then cemented his plan. He left her with no conscious memory of his face or his words. Sasuke stood up grinning at his little time bomb and walked away. Fuck you Gaara.

Raine blinked as the old man hobbled away. What just… she didn't have time to finish her thought, Shizune called to her. Raine turned back to Shizune and by the time the pair started up the stairs to the kage's balcony she had forgot all about the old gimp that dropped his purse.

The tournament ended on a high note. At least three of the shinobi villages would be welcoming new chunin into the fold. Gaara and his onterage had to suffer through a bit of a reception after the closing ceremony. It was mostly lords and jonin. There were plenty of questions for Gaara about his wedding. He assured the nobility of wind country the invitations were in the mail. The reception dragged out after dinner. Finally Gaara and his companions ducked out. They had other ways that they wanted to spend their last night in Konoha.

On the way back to their suites Temari left them to go find Shikamaru and Kiba met up with Kankuro. He had a brand spankin new bottle of So Co to split with his good buddy. Rock Lee and Naruto were waiting for them outside of their hotel. Raine looked like a genie again and Naruto pouted a little. Gaara was such a lucky bastard.

The group moved to the men's sitting room. Raine sat with the guys while Gaara went to get out of his kage threads. Naruto moved quick to get the seat next to Raine before Lee could take up his protective post beside her. Naruto threw an arm around her and stuck his tongue out at Lee. She giggled a little and Lee sighed.

"You got cards?" Kiba nodded to Kankuro.

Kankuro grinned. "You wanna play asshole with this shit asshole?"

"Sure why not. It will be fun; we'll make Naruto throw up." Kiba laughed.

Naruto frowned at Kiba. "I can hold my liquor."

Kankuro and Kiba laughed at him and Lee reminded, "You turned into a fool last night. I had to carry you home." They all laughed this time at Naruto's expense, even Raine.

Kankuro got up and found the cards and a tray of cups for the sake. He returned to his ring of friends as his slob of a baby brother came out of his room. "Alright who's in?"

Gaara sat down next to Raine. He leaned forward and looked at Naruto. "Do you mind taking your paw off of my woman?" he asked pointedly teasing Naruto.

"Keh," Naruto frowned at Gaara but he moved his arm. Gaara immediately wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. He looked at Kankuro. "I'm playing." He was going to have to get drunk if he had to sit here and watch Gaara all kissy and snuggly with his belly dancer. The kage was defiantly a changed man.

"I'll sit through a few hands," Gaara couldn't help but compete with Naruto a little.

"Not me," Raine shook her head. She looked at Lee. "How about I get us some room service? What do you want?"

Lee and Raine worked on getting a sugar high as the guys played asshole. Lee dug into his cheese cake shaking his head at Naruto's terrible luck in cards. Raine was guzzling soda with her plate of fruit. She tried to share but the guys just weren't interested. Gaara didn't want fruit but he did like watching her eat her cream dipped strawberries.

Kankuro rolled his eyes; Kiba was checking her out too. "Oi ya fuckin slob. Jack to you can you beat it?"

Kiba busted up howling laughter. "Oh fuck yeah I'm gonna beat it!" He slapped a king down on top of Kankuro's jack. He grinned at Gaara. "What you gonna do yo?"

Gaara laid down his last two shit cards. "Looks like I'm asshole." He picked up his cup of booze and sipped at it. It was strong but smooth going down.

Naruto wiggled excitedly in his seat. "Eat me bitches!" He threw a two and his last card was a six. "I'm the fuckin president. Whoo!"

Kankuro and Kiba battled for second place. Kankuro won and Kiba got stuck with one lousy card. Gaara was shuffling the cards when Temari and Shikamaru came in. They squeezed in between Naruto and Kankuro. Gaara dealt Shikamaru in and hung in there himself for a few more hands. Raine tried a sip of Gaara's drink and didn't like it. He laughed at the face she made and kissed her.

Naruto was the first one too drunk to think straight. He didn't realize he was calling Raine genie out loud until Kiba laughed at him. Gaara pulled his woman a little closer to keep her away from the pervert. Naruto insisted it wasn't his fault he was demented, it was that damn Ero Sannin Jiraiya.

Shikamaru took over having all the rotten luck for Naruto. He was asshole four times in a row and Kankuro and Kiba made him drink several consecutive shots to catch up with their level of idiocy. Soon he was almost as drunk as Naruto. He tried hugging on Temari the way Gaara was hugging on Raine and got shoved into Naruto for his troubles. Eventually his woman led him out by the ear to walk him home.

Lee promised to see Gaara off tomorrow and set to the chore of dragging drunkard Naruto home again. "This better not become a habit," Lee warned him taking him out.

With their card game down to just Kankuro and Kiba they were able to talk Raine into being their dealer for some black jack. Gaara sat back with another drink watching them. After a few hands Kankuro's friend was having a hard time keeping his eyes of dealer's cleavage. It was creeping up on midnight so Kankuro suggested they hit a bar. Kiba was up for it and they left Gaara and Raine alone.

Between the booze and last nights lack of sleep Gaara was tired. He lay back in a stack of pillows smiling at his woman. "It's been a long day. Are you ready for bed Raine?"

Raine leaned over and brushed the hair out of Gaara's eyes. He looked sleepy and maybe a little buzzed. "I'll go get ready and leave a note for Temari. Why don't you put your jammies on?" She kissed him and got up.

Gaara watched her go and after a few minutes he got up and headed to his room. He slipped into his pajamas and turned down the bed. Tomorrow would be the last day they had to wake up early in Konoha. It would be a long trip back to Sand, but Gaara was looking forward to getting home. He wondered if he could get Raine to sleep with him when they returned. I'll think of something.

Raine came into Gaara's room ready for bed and closed the door behind her. He was waiting for her in bed watching her with a grin on his face. "I see you're ready for bed." She stepped to 'her side' and slipped out of her robe and slippers.

Gaara opened his arms to her. "Come here beautiful." She did and Gaara hugged her. He couldn't resist kissing her more passionately now that they were alone. You promised to behave he reminded himself. Gaara pulled away before he could get too excited.

She cuddled up against him. "I've had a wonderful time with your friends."

He laughed. "They've really enjoyed having you around too genie."

Raine blushed a little and shook her head. "I'll grant you three wishes."

"Alright then," he slipped one of her hands into his. "First I want you to love me forever," he started naming wishes.

"Done," she giggled at him.

"I never want you to leave my side." Raine kissed him and he smiled at her. "Grant me my third wish and have a long happy life with me. I love you Raine." She melted into him and he kissed her.

Gaara, I've never been so happy. "I love you Gaara." He put out the light.

Her ears detected when Gaara was deepest asleep and Raine sat up. She slipped out of bed and over to Gaara's dresser in the moonlight. She unsnapped his ninja pouch and reached in for a kunai. Raine stepped around to Gaara's side of the bed. Her eyes were open but devoid of all life.

Kill Gaara. Stick a kunai in his heart.

Raine lifted the weapon. No! Gaara wake up! Get away from me! she was screaming inside. Raine fought for control of the hand that was poised to murder her love.

If you cannot kill Gaara then kill yourself.

She changed the kunai's target and thrust it into her own chest. Rain cried out as the pain brought her back to her senses. Her scream startled Gaara out of sleep. He sat bolt upright in bed and his eyes found her in the dim. "Gaara…"

It took him a moment to make sure he wasn't dreaming. What the fuck! There was a kunai sticking out of her chest. Her pink nightgown was soaking with blood. "Raine!" he screamed and jumped out of bed. He caught her as she fell over. "Hold on Raine!" He snapped the light on and almost lost his breath when he saw her. Raine was pale, there was blood seeping between her blue lips. Oh god! "Hang on baby." He picked her up and set her down on the bed.

Kankuro wasn't totally asleep when he heard Raine scream. He got his ass off the pile of pillows in the sitting room when he heard Gaara. Kankuro threw the door to Gaara's bedroom open and beheld a grisly sight. His little brother was pulling a kunai from his bride's chest. Her blood covered his hands. Gaara… did you…! "What the fuck…"

Gaara snapped his head around to the sound of his brother's voice with tears in his eyes. "Get Tsunade! Hurry!" he ripped his shirt off and held it over Raine's wound. Kankuro didn't need to be told twice, he was off like a shot.

He's crying… "..ara…"

"Why Raine! Why would you do this?" he wept. God please don't take her from me!

She told him the only thing that she could remember. "The dark man. Red…eyes."

"Red eyes?" he sniffled. "Someone did this to you?"

Temari had woke to commotion and hurried into the men's suite. She heard Gaara sobbing and ran to the door. She saw him hovering over Raine, holding a bloody shirt to her chest. Temari screamed and ran into the room. "What happened?"

With the last of her strength Raine reached for Gaara's hand. "…can't kill ….love you…" her eyes slipped shut and she fell unconscious.

"Raine? Raine can you hear me? Raine!"

Temari stepped up next to her brother and took Raine's wrist. "She still has a pulse." Temari tore her eyes away from her wounded sister to her hysterical baby brother. "What happened Gaara?"

"I don't know! I woke up when she screamed… it was too late!" his tears were falling on his love's face.

"Are you saying Raine stabbed herself?" It was unimaginable. Raine was the last person Temari would have ever imagined would commit suicide.

"I… I was right here! And I couldn't do anything!" Gaara choked. "Oh god please don't let her die!" Gaara fell over his woman crying with misery and worry.

Temari went to the window and threw the curtain back. She looked outside for anything suspicious, nothing. "Raine wouldn't kill herself. Someone must have made her do this. Someone must have been controlling her." She faced Gaara with her teeth clenched. "Did you see or hear anything? Did she say anything?" she took a threatening step toward her brother. "God damnit Gaara pull yourself together!"

Gaara tried to force himself under control. "She said," he sniffed. "She said something about a man with red eyes." He was making a short list in his head already of who he knew of with crimson eyes.

ANBU and two med nin arrived with a stretcher. "Please clear the way, I'm a medical specialist." Kazekage stepped back to let the professionals see to his bride.

"Tsunade sama will meet you at the hospital."

Gaara nodded in all the right places but he was barely hearing anything. He watched as one of the ninja started feeding chakra into Raine's open wound. The other was getting assistance from ANBU getting her onto a stretcher for a trip to the hospital. This…isn't happening. He watched helpless and numb as they carried her out.

"Get dressed Gaara," Temari ordered. "We have to get to the hospital."

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