Temari was excited about her brother's visit. Gaara was in the Leaf Village for a meeting with Naruto, the Hokage, but he was going to stay for a couple of days to spend time with Temari's family. She was hoping for her son Shikadai and her nephew, Shinki to get along. They did not have much in common. Although both of them were very mature for their age, they did not see eye to eye. Temari wished they could have a closer relationship since Gaara was very dear to her. She was waiting outside Naruto's office with Shinki. She wanted to make sure Gaara and Shikamaru did not get distracted or diverted into another activity on their way home. She worked too hard preparing dinner for all of them.
As the group was heading in the direction of the Nara's home, they ran into Tenten.
Tenten: Hello everyone! Gaara so good to see you! I mean Lord Kazekage...sorry I was so distracted.
Gaara: Please don't apologize Tenten. I'm not in official business right now. I am just a visitor for the next two days.
Tenten: I am glad to hear that. You work too hard. It is good for your health to relax with your family.
Gaara had always enjoyed Tenten's company. Her conversation was always pleasant and she was easy going. Tenten felt similarly since after spending so much time with Guy sensei and Lee, it was nice to hang out with someone who was calm and collected like Gaara. During that small exchange, Temari noticed that Gaara had a particular smile on his face. He did not smile often. That little smile meant that he was really happy to see Tenten. She was not the only one that noticed. Shinki was very observant and noticed his father's expression too. However, he did not understand the reason.
Temari wanted to see more of this interaction to make sure it was not only in her mind and confirm if Tenten had that effect on Gaara.
Temari: Tenten, we are heading home for dinner. Would you like to join us?
Tenten: Thank you, that is very kind of you. But I would not want to intrude in your family time.
Shikamaru thought that Temari's sudden invitation was weird. She was not particularly close to Tenten and she was looking forward to family time. He got suspicious. There was something behind that invitation.
Temari: Not at all! Please come. The more the merrier. Plus, we have not seen you in a while.
Tenten: Thank you for the invitation. I will be happy to join you.
The group got to the Nara's home. Shikadai was there already in front of the shogi board. "Shikadai, come to say hi", Temari yelled. 'What a drag', he thought, of course. He said hi to his uncle and cousin. "Hi, miss Tenten. I didn't know you were coming". Tenten felt a little uncomfortable after hearing that greeting. It was really weird for her to join them. But it was even weirder than when Temari invited her and insisted when she politely declined.
The group of adults got comfortable at the table while the two young boys went to play some shogi before dinner. Temari went to the kitchen to finish up some last details for the meal. Tenten offered to help, but Temari told her to relax. While Temari was finishing, she realized that she had run out of rice vinegar. It was necessary for her family recipe.
Temari: Shikamaru, could you go to the grocery store to get some rice vinegar?
Shikamaru: Ahhh… maybe we can send the boys.
Temari: I don't want to interrupt them. They seem to be getting along.
Tenten: I will be happy to go. I feel bad I did not bring anything with me to share with everyone.
Temari: I can't allow that. You are our guest.
Tenten: Please, I insist.
Temari: Okay. Thank you! Gaara, go with Tenten.
Shikamaru and Gaara were surprised by Temari. Now she was kind of obvious of what her intentions were.
Gaara: I will be happy to escort you, Tenten. I don't get to go to the grocery store too often.
Tenten and Gaara left the house in direction to the closest grocery store. Shikamaru lit a smoke and asked, "What are you plotting?". Temari made a fake innocent face and said, "Nothing… Nothing yet. I think Gaara might like Tenten, but I am not sure."
The closest grocery store was 5 minutes away. Gaara and Tenten talked all the way there, and luckily it was not awkward, especially after Temari's actions. Gaara told Tenten that he had never cooked, so he had only visited a grocery store maybe twice in his life. At the store, they were supposed to quickly pick the rice vinegar and go back, but Gaara was fascinated by all the products. They went around the store twice to make sure Gaara saw everything. Gaara ended up buying some matcha cookies in the cactus shape and Tenten got some sake to share with everyone.
Tenten: Do you like a particular type of sake?
Gaara: I do not drink much.
Tenten: If that is the case, I will get another thing to share with everyone.
Gaara: Please don't worry. Choose the one you like and I will be happy to try it.
On their way back to dinner, Gaara explained to Tenten how he cultivated cacti as a hobby and thought the cookies were funny. He was hoping that Shinki would find them funny too, but he knew that he was too serious.
Gaara: I wish Shinki would enjoy his childhood more. He is such a good son. Sometimes, I feel I fail him as a parent because I cannot guide him in that aspect since my childhood was... like it was…
Tenten: I don't think you are failing as a father. You have given Shinki a loving home and he adores you. Children nowadays think they are too cool. Especially at this age. I am sure he will think the cookies are funny, but he won't show it because he is cool. You will always have limitations as a father. The only two things you can do is to love him with all your heart and let him know he has your support no matter what.
Gaara: Thank you, Tenten. I apologize for burdening you with my insecurities.
Tenten: Don't apologize. That is what friends are for.
Gaara felt more relaxed after that conversation. Some topics were not easy for him to discuss with his siblings. He was happy to have opened up to Tenten. They did not realize it because they were so entertained, but more than an hour had passed since they left.
Shikamaru: To which grocery did you go to? There was one around the corner?
Gaara: My apologies. As I mentioned, I never go to grocery stores so I went around observing the products. I got us some dessert.
Tenten: I am so sorry too. But I got us some sake too!
Temari: No worries. Gaara, you are on vacation. It is good that you are exploring the neighborhood.
Shikamaru had never seen Temari like this, not even in diplomatic missions. She was very strict about punctuality and would have never accepted such a delay.
The conversation was pleasant at dinner. Temari was happy with what she was seeing. Gaara looked at Tenten with kind eyes and paid close attention to everything she said. She now could confirm that Gaara liked Tenten and Tenten did not seem uninterested. Temari was also happy that the two young cousins were getting along. She felt that her family dinner was a success, but that was only the first battle. She needed to strategize for the next steps.
Temari: Tenten, how is your shop doing? Gaara, did you know that Tenten has the most interesting ninja weapons shop?
Gaara: I didn't know. I thought you worked for the Leaf's force.
Tenten: I do, but I also run a shop. I have an employee there most of the time, but I cover the store sometimes. I love it. I get to handle pretty cool weapons and talk about them. The shop is not as busy since there are not as many shinobi as before, but I still have many collectors. I will be in the store tomorrow morning. If you are interested in seeing some pretty cool weapons, you should stop by.
'Jackpot', Temari thought. 'Tenten invited him to the shop. I will make sure he goes'.
Gaara: I'd love to, but I am not sure what Temari has planned for tomorrow.
Temari: Common, Gaara, you know your vacation schedule is flexible. He will be there tomorrow.
Shikamaru and Gaara knew very well that the vacation's schedule was not flexible. Temari was not known for being flexible.