Hi everyone, sorry for the delay on this chapter. I wanted to get more writing done this week but I have been having a serious case of writers block. Please enjoy, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Beki looked at the menu and furrowed her brow. Her gaze slowly scanned the room before she turned her attention back to the drinks list. "Hey," She whispered. "Would it be wrong if I drank on the job?"

Gaara gave a small chuckle. "I thought we decided we were both off the clock."

"Well, I mean, we aren't negotiating anymore but I'm technically representing my country right now." Beki tapped the menu on the table. "To be honest though, I could probably use it."

"Just get the wine, Beki," Gaara shook his head and gave her a small smile. "Kankuro says its good here."

Beki gave him a suspicious look. "You wouldn't have an impure agenda in encouraging me to drink, would you?"

Gaara shrugged. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious to see how you would act after a drink or two."

"I'm a Tsukimori," Beki laughed. "You saw my dad; we're built like tanks. I can hold my liquor just fine." She leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially. "How about you? What are you like?"

"I've never been drunk," Gaara folded his arms. "When I was a jinchuriki, I couldn't get drunk but it would make me sleepy. I made a point of not drinking to avoid drifting off and losing control."

"You want to try a sip of mine when it comes?" Beki asked as she set the menu aside.

"No," Gaara shook his head. "I don't like wine. It's too sweet. If I was going to drink it would be whiskey."

"You would be a whiskey kind of guy," Beki sighed. "So's my dad. It's too strong for me."

"So much for being able to hold your liquor," Gaara chuckled and Beki shot him a look.

"It's not that I can't, it just burns." Beki would have gone on but the waiter came to take their order. The waiter did a good job of remaining professional. The rest of the people in the restaurant were all watching them, however, some more subtly than others. "Are you a shut in or something?"

"I try to go out and be around the people as much as I can," Gaara explained. "I'll go out to lunch with my staff or my siblings but they've never seen me out on a date."

"So, we're setting the rumor mill spinning," Beki sighed. "I just hope they're not going to bring my dad into this too much."

"Your father made it clear that he didn't care what people thought about us," Gaara gave her hand a squeeze. "Let them talk. None of it will hold up once he's found."

"You're right," Beki grinned. "I guess I'm just on edge. I've had a lot dumped on my plate in the last few weeks." Beki felt a lump forming in her throat. The last thing she wanted to do was start crying out on a date with Gaara. It had nothing to do with him, Beki every occasionally got hit with a wave of unhappy emotions because of all the stress she was under. "Hey, I'm going to run to the bathroom and wash up. I've got sand under my nails."

"You get used to it," Gaara threw over his shoulder as she walked away.

Beki walked into the bathroom and found it mostly empty. Someone was in one of the stalls but other than that Beki would be alone. She turned on the tap and took a deep breath, centering herself. I'm going to be fine. Dad's going to be fine. It'll all be okay if I can just hold out for a while. Beki washed her hands and then held them cupped under the water. Once they were overflowing, Beki splashed her face with water and repeated the action until the layer of travel grime was gone. She grabbed a few paper towels and dried her face. The bathroom stall opened with a squeal and Beki automatically scoped out its occupant as they stepped out. Beki was met with a familiar face that she had hoped to never see again.

"Not you," Beki frowned. "Please say it isn't you."

The green-eyed girl balked at the sight of Beki and a range of emotions crossed over her face. At first, she looked shocked, then confused, and lastly there was a flicker of fear before it settled back to neutral.

"Hey, uh, Beki," Miki smiled nervously and looked around the bathroom. "Can we just not do this? Pretend we didn't see each other? I have had really bad performance this month and I need this job to work out."

Beki squared off with her. "My dad was abducted."

Miki gave her a confused look. "Sorry?"

Beki folded her arms and puffed herself up to her full height to make it clear she wasn't going anywhere. "I could scream right now; the Kazekage is eating dinner in the next room."

"Tch," Miki took a deep breath and held up her hands in defeat. "How about this? I have a…complicated relationship with someone of rank in the Sound. I'll see if I can dig up some information for you."

"Complicated how?" Beki cocked her head.

"Sometimes we're cool and everything's going well and other mornings I wake up and I think 'this is it, this is the day he kills me," Miki shook her head. "I would say one day you'll understand but I guess that's unlikely.

"How will I know if you've found something?" Beki watched Miki carefully. The girl tended to hop out windows at the least convenient times. "I doubt you'll send it by mail."

Miki ran her fingers through her hair. "You'll just know, okay? No news means the Sound had nothing to do with it and we don't know jack. If I find something you'll get it in code but I'll make sure a baby could crack it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Beki threw over her shoulder as she walked towards the door.

"So, this makes us even for last time," Miki folded her arms. "I don't owe you anymore."

"No," Beki grabbed the handle. "You still owe me. I just did you another favor by not blowing your cover in here."

Miki swore quietly as the Getsugakure ambassador walked out the door. Miki gripped her arms and considered her options. She had gotten the information she needed by eavesdropping on the target during his lunch with his mistress earlier. In theory, if Miki bounced now her mission would be complete and she could put this all behind her. That way if Beki changed her mind and blabbed that Miki was a Sound plant she would already be well into the desert when they started looking for her. Then again, she needed information from Miki. There was a chance she would be safe to finish her shift so no suspicions would be raised until the next morning when Miki didn't appear for her next shift.

Miki watched the bathroom door for a moment with her breath held, listening for the sounds of heavy footsteps. When no guards came bursting through the door Miki knew the Getsu girl would keep her word. She heaved a sigh of relief and stepped back out into the restaurant feeling a little less sick than before.

…

The rest of the dinner was uneventful. Gaara and Beki ate, paid, and walked out just before the big dinner rush. As they walked outside they saw the short line they had waited in had wrapped itself around the building.

"We had good timing," Gaara smiled. "What should we do with the rest of our night?"

Beki pressed herself against Gaara as they walked. "I think if we go back to your place we can figure something out."

"You read my mind," Gaara held out his arm and Beki took it. They were in the air and on the way to his house before anyone even noticed they were gone. Gaara set them down on the balcony of his room and ran forward to open the door for Beki. Beki zoomed past him into the empty bedroom. As soon as Gaara was inside he closed the balcony door and Beki slid the curtain in front of it. Gaara grabbed for Beki's arms and she squealed and ran away playfully. Gaara chased her around the room until he had her cornered. Beki tried to dive past him but he caught ahold of her waist and spun her onto the bed. She tried to tickle him in self-defense but he clamped his elbows to his sides, trapping her arms. Instead of trying to free herself, Beki pulled him close.

"I'm going to get payback for all that flack you gave me today," Beki squeezed him.

"How do you plan on doing that?" Gaara had kept one of her arms pinned and was undoing the straps on her gauntlets.

Beki cocked her head. "I'm going to do you so hard you can't walk afterwards." Gaara had finished with one gauntlet and tossed it carefully into an armchair. As he worked on her other arm, Beki began to undo the straps of his harness with his free hand.

"I accept your challenge," Gaara had wiggled free of the harness and floated the gourd over by the door. "I'm going to just let it happen, you know."

"I'm expecting you to put up a fight," Beki grinned. "That's what will make it so fun to bring you down."

Gaara tossed aside Beki's other gauntlet and took ahold of the hem of her dress. Beki balanced on her heels and her shoulder blades so he could pull it up, then tucked out of the sleeves and collar so she was left lying on his bed in her underwear. It wasn't long before Gaara was out of his clothes and lying beside her in nothing but his boxers.

"So, what's this master plan to slay me?" Gaara ran his hand along her side, enjoying the softness of her skin and the curve of her hip.

Beki ran her nails through his hair. "I was thinking I could try taking you for a ride," Beki grinned. Gaara had been a little excited before but at the mention of what position she wanted to try his arousal was obvious. She leaned in and kissed him. As he kissed her back, Gaara wrapped his arms around her and pulled her on top of him. Beki spread her legs and straddled him, feeling his manhood pressing against her through the fabric. Gaara gripped her hips as they kissed and pressed her harder against him. The two hadn't been having sex for very long but Beki had already figured out that the longer they drew out the buildup process the better the payout. She already wanted to rip off the last of their clothes and vault herself on him. Instead of giving in, Beki was waiting until her desire was unbearable. Their breathing was heavy and Gaara had begun to rock Beki's hips, unable to contain the primal urge to pump her. He gripped at her so tightly it almost hurt. Beki pulled away for a moment to pull of her bra and carelessly toss it aside. Gaara's hands immediately were on her soft breasts, caressing her gently and roughly grabbing at them at the same time. Beki shuddered at his touch, her cue that it was time to exact her revenge.

Beki leaned in and kissed him again, starting with his mouth but then working her way to his neck. Gaara laced his fingers through her hair. He nibbled at her ear as Beki went back and forth between his neck and his face.

After a few moments, Beki pulled away and gave him a wicked grin. "Ready?"

"I thought you would never ask," Gaara smiled as they pulled off the last of their clothes and Beki mounted him again.

She lowered herself down on him and Gaara let out a small, incoherent noise. "What was that?"

"Nothing," Gaara ran his hands along her sides. "Just keep going."

…

Gaara was left panting flat on his back, his arms hanging limply at his sides.

"So?" Beki plopped back down beside him. "Can you walk?"

"Walk," Gaara chuckled. "I can't even move my arms."

"You've been slain?" Beki smiled and put an arm across his chest.

Gaara sighed. "If you were a Suna shinobi I'd have to hand over my hat. I've never been so defeated in my life."

Beki glanced at the clock. "Well that was the best way to spend a couple of hours."

Gaara pulled her closer so she was resting her head on his chest. "That means its too late for you to go back to your hotel."

"Ahuh," Beki laughed. "That's the reason you aren't letting me leave."

"You'll be lucky if I let you leave at all, especially after tonight." Gaara kissed her temple. "Every time I see you I have more reasons not to let you go."

"Let's not think about that," Beki reached down and pulled the covers up over them. "I just want to enjoy getting to spend the night with my boyfriend like a normal girl."

"Fair enough," Gaara yawned. "I'm surprisingly tired."

"Still have trouble sleeping?" Beki ran her fingers over his torso. His stomach muscles were still tight from their session and his skin was hot to the touch. I really did a number on him.

Gaara stroked her back. "A lifetime of insomnia is a hard habit to break. I think this'll be the first full night's sleep I've had in a while."

Beki nodded and the couple fell silent, content to be in each other's company and too exhausted to take notice of how uncomfortable their position was.

…

The next morning Beki awoke to the bed cold beside her. She was instantly stirred to fill alertness by Gaara's absence, only to see him sitting in the armchair by the window.

"Good morning," Gaara didn't look at he ruffled through some papers.

"All that and you're still an early riser," Beki shook her head. "I've got to up my game."

"Tease me all you want. I just finished reviewing the negotiations you brought me," Gaara set the papers down.

"What do you think?" Beki sat up and fixed her hair self-consciously.

"There's just a few minor adjustments that need to be made," Gaara got up and walked back over to the bed. Beki noticed he had already dressed and subtly began glancing around the room for her clothes. "Don't worry. It's nothing that can't wait until your father gets back."

"Why don't we settle everything now?" Beki rose and began collecting and pulling her garments back on. "Just so my dad doesn't have so much on his plate when he comes home?"

"Beki, I'm already sleeping with the man's daughter," Gaara reached out and took her hand as she passed. "I would feel terrible if I adjusted the deal he had been working on for years while he was away."

"Fair enough," Beki patted his cheek. "We'll table it for now."

"Let's go get you some breakfast." Gaara kissed her hand.

As he walked towards his bedroom door, Gaara caught his reflection in the mirror. "Wait...what is that?" Gaara moved in closer to the mirror, turning his head so he could get a better view of his neck.

"It's my revenge!" Beki cackled.

Gaara's eyes grew wide in horror. "You gave me a hickey?!" He narrowed his eyes and grabbed his jacket off the edge of the bed. "Well the jokes on you, I wear collars."

"Look," Beki pointed at the mirror. "I made a point of getting it higher than your collar."

Gaara checked the mirror again and sighed. He applied sand armor to the spot, which made it almost as conspicuous as the hickey on its own. "Whatever," He grabbed the door handle. "Let's get going."

…

"I have to go back to Konoha," Beki said as she collected her things. "I have to meet with Tsunade ASAP to go over her portion of the negotiations."

"Before you leave," Gaara walked over to the sideboard. "Now that you probably have an official looking desk somewhere." He presented her with a small potted saguaro.

"Aww," Beki took the baby cactus. "Thank you dear. What should we call him?"

"That's clearly a 'her'," Gaara folded his arms in mock indignation.

"Then let's call her Bekiko then." Beki grinned.

Gaara heaved a sigh. "I don't know why I expected anything else. Bekiko it is."

"Alright, I have to go meet up with my Leafling escort," Beki gave him a quick peck. "I'll write you when I get back."

Gaara grabbed her arm. "Just a heads up: now that you're an ambassador, they aren't going to screen the mail you send me."

Beki's smile twisted wickedly. "Really?"

…

"So how did the mission go?" Kabuto was meticulously washing scalpels in the lab sink. They had already wheeled the body out and Miki was mopping up the table.

"Oh, it went fine. I got the information we were looking for and submitted my report to Orochimaru sama." Her thoughts strayed to the promise she had made in Suna. Just forget about it, Miki. The girl probably forgot about it anyway. It isn't worth risking what little good grace you've built up here.

Miki looked at her hands, the gloves covered in gore and God-knows-what. Then again, I owe her one. "I did here something interesting while I was there."

Kabuto made a vaguely interested noise.

"I guess the ambassador for Getsugakure went missing on the border of the Land of Tea," Miki kept her eyes on her work. She didn't want to give away that she was looking for information.

"So?" The clink of the scalpels on the metal tray sent shivers through Miki's body.

Think on your feet, Miki. "I just thought it was interesting because he was a big guy. We're talking more than six feet, almost three hundred pounds. Who would have the manpower to take him on?

"Miki," Kabuto turned around and Miki saw he had a scalpel in his hands. She kept her cool as he spoke but her eyes never left the instrument. "Why would it matter if some ambassador from a two-bit village disappeared? This is the shinobi world. That sort of thing happens all the time. I don't know if you've noticed but the Sound doesn't take in high profile people. We open the door for wayward sheep and then shape them into something great."

"You're right, I was being silly," Miki dumped the used rags in a soggy laundry basket. Despite her admission there was still an air of expectancy in the room.

"What are you sticking your nose into, Nomura?" Kabuto was watching her carefully. There was a smile on his face and on the surface, he looked calm and relaxed but Miki knew better. He was a snake coiling to strike.

"You're giving me too much credit again," Miki sighed. "We both know I'm not smart enough to be up to anything. When I'm out there in the world pretending to be a damned waitress all the time, gossiping with the girls in the back room and with customers, I guess it kind of rubs off on me for a bit. I apologize for annoying you." She stole a glance at him to check his reaction only to take a damp towel to the face.

"Take that with you to the laundry," Kabuto was packing up his scalpels. "Try not to chameleon too much into your roles, Miki. A waitress won't make it in the Sound. You have to be a shinobi to survive here."

"Thanks, Kabuto," Miki tossed his rag in the basket, glad that she had survived another conversation.

"And Nomura?" Kabuto glanced at her as he opened the door. "Stop thanking me for everything. It makes you come off as a kiss ass."

"Got it," Miki raised a hand in acceptance of the title. 'Than- I mean, get the hell out of my morgue."

"That's better." Kabuto shut the door behind him and Miki almost heard her knees shaking.

Damn it, Tsukimori. I don't care what you say, we're square after that.

...

Kankuro eyed Gaara suspiciously. "So...what's with the scarf?"

"I was cold," Gaara plopped down in his desk chair.

"That's one of Temari's scarves," Kankuro squared off with him. "Spill."

"I would have worn one of my own but I realized I don't have a scarf," Gaara folded his arms. "Do you have a problem?"

"Oh, you know, its just that we live in a desert," Kankuro reached over and yanked off the scarf. Gaara stared him down and Kankuro dissolved into a fit of laughter. "You ho! Look at that giant hickey!"

"Is it bad?" Gaara held his neck self consciously.

"I think you should cancel your appointments today." Kankuro gave him a somber look. "No one can possibly respect you when you look like some slutty teenage girl."

Gaara looked around and grabbed his Kage hat. "No one will question this."

"Not at all," Kakuro snickered and Gaara elbowed him.

"Let it go, Kankuro."

"Are you kidding?" Kankuro shook his head as he walked over to the door. "I'm hanging onto this forever."