The door flew open revealing the trio. Gaara and Kankuro held neutral gazes while Temari had a more shameful face. Behind them we could see an angered Tsunade cursing a storm with Shizune trying to control her.

"Next time have them come here first! I was worried they were..." The rest was unaudible when the door shut closed. Damn, she will not let us live that one down.

"Well where to next, Choji?" Kankuro grinned at Choji as if none of that ever happened.

"The best places for snacks." Choji grinned back and as Kankuro slowly walked passed Gaara. He stopped to give Gaara a stern look. It looked as if Gaara and him were having some silent conversation. After two seconds of staring, Kankuro turned back happily to Choji. What the hell was that?

"Let's get this over with." Shikamaru yawned into his right hand and turned to walk away. He waved a hand at Temari. "Come on."

Temari's face went through mixed emotions and each were clearly visible. Agitation, anger, exhaustion, relief then content as she made her way to follow Shikamaru who was already down the hall. Oh, Shikamaru. He needs to learn to be a better gentleman. Yet, why did Temari follow him? If that was me, he would have to wait and give me a more proper manner. Maybe that's why he is so into her. She is not as much as a hassle as I am. Hmph, he just can't handle this much woman.

"Ready?" I grinned at Gaara with a little bit of agitation in my voice and he gave me a brief nod.

Shit, where should I take him? Let's see academy? No, too many kids. Hospital? No, too ironic. The Flower Shop?

"Want to see where I live slash work?" My voice squeaked a bit and I cursed myself silently. He nodded and we began to head our way.

As we walked side by side through the streets I couldn't help but feel a déjà vu. It felt like the first time I met him. People watched us but this time there were different expressions. Some were in shock of seeing the Kazekage in the village, others bowed in respect and others smiled.

We didn't talk and it was beginning to bother me. He was closed up again like last time. It was day one all over again. I bit the inside of my cheek as I thought of what I could say. How's Kage coming along? How's everything with the council? How's-

"How are you?" I gasped slightly. He broke the silence? How odd. I looked at him but he kept his gaze ahead.

"I'm fine. Yourself?" I looked at him and he didn't look back. He took his time to respond.

"Lie." He muttered and I shot a look at him. He thinks I'm lying now? I could feel my anger brewing.

"What makes you say that?" I snapped and he shook his head slightly.

"'I'm fine.' A general lie used by everyone." He gave me a one-eyed stare. That asshole... he has a point, I guess.

"Okay. I am better than before. And you?"

"What does that mean?" He glanced at me. Shit, how do I explain? Why wouldn't he answer my question? Speaking to a person with a lack of the understanding of communication is much more difficult than I imagined.

"I've finally coped with everything. You know the death and all." I waved my hand as I tried to speak casually.

"Lie." I heard him whisper, but I chose to ignore it. I don't want to create a scene with the Kazekage. But he really isn't gaining any nice points.

"How are you, Kazekage?" I looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Gaara." He answered. Oh shit, that's right. He prefers I use his name… why? I'll leave that question for later. I don't want him to be pissed at me the whole mission.

"How are you, Gaara?" I retored while crossing my arms over my chest.

"Better than before." What the fuck? I glared at him and noticed a slight twitch of his mouth. Oh this shit is funny to him, now? Asshole.

"What does that mean?" I asked him, trying to look as confused as possible. I could see his eyes darken with… what was it? It sent a jolt through my body and ended at the apex of my thighs. What the hell?

"Learning to cope with a loss." Oh shit, what did he lose? I suddenly felt bad and I dropped my arms from their crossed position. I held my right wrist while rubbing it lightly. Shit, I have to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Kazekage-sama." I murmured looking away from his gaze.

"Gaara," He muttered briefly and I had to inhale to prevent myself from screaming at him.

"I'm sorry, Gaara." I mumbled quickly while looking away from him.

"Why are you sorry?" I could feel his eyes on me and I looked over at him. He raised a light eyebrow and looked confused.

"'Cause… I don't know. I feel I trespassed on something personal?" I didn't mean to end it as a question but I wasn't sure how to answer it myself.

"No one died." He answered and his lips twitched up.

"Then what did you lose?" I shouted out of irritation. I knew I shouldn't yell at him but shit, you shouldn't put someone on the spot like that. He took a pause before responding. As if contemplating how to answer.

"I'll answer that later." He finally spoke and I felt myself release my breath. Jeez, now I have to wait. I looked up and saw the Flower Shop ahead. Well at least we are here now.

"So this is where I live." I announced as we stood at the front.

Gaara looked up at the sign. His gaze then shifted to the flowers along the outside, then he landed his gaze on the door. What was he thinking? His face showed no emotion at all.

"Let's go in." I murmured as I headed to open the door. With the sound of a little bell, my father looked up from the cash register.

"Ino! I thought you were on a mission?" His face went from happiness to a pout. "You weren't lying to get out of working were you?" He looked a bit angered and I felt the heat on my cheeks.

"I am on it, dad." I stretched his name out with irritation but I quickly straightened myself out. "Dad, this is the Kazekage." I motioned to Gaara and my father immediately bowed to him.

"Hello, Kazekage-sama." He walked over to him swiftly. "What brings you here?"

"I'm his guide for the mission, dad." I spoke in then turned to look at Gaara. "Kazekage-sama, my father, Inoichi Yamanka."

Gaara looked at me then to my father. He nodded at him.

"Hello, Yamanaka-san."

My father nodded at him then turned to me.

"Well, I'll leave you to it. I'm heading up for lunch. Watch the shop until I'm back, okay?" He smiled at me and I rolled my eyes.

"Dad, it's four o'clock!"

"Kazekage-sama, you don't mind do you?" My father smiled at Gaara totally ignoring me. Gaara shook his head.

"Not at all." He responded and my father nodded.

"Have fun!" He shouted as we watched his retreating back. Screw him.

"Well hopefully no one comes in." I mumbled and I looked at Gaara. He was busying himself looking around the shop. He didn't move from his spot but his head turned in different directions as he took in everything.

"So many flowers." He mouthed.

"Any take your liking?" I raised my eyebrows at him as he walked around the shop. It was a sight to behold really. He looked so out of place in here. Then again, we never really have Kage's coming in here. The most popular person ever to come in here was the Third Hokage, besides me of course, being he was my father's sensei and all.

"Do… do they have meanings?" He looked at me with question. Oh, I could go all day about it.

"Yes, those you are looking at. They're Carnations."

"What do they symbolize?" He picked up a white one as he inspected it.

"The colors each have different meanings. White carnations mean sweetness, innocence or, best known as, true love."

He blinked then placed the flower down. He walked over to the right and I followed him. He then picked up a spider flower. I bit my lip.

"This one?" He looked at it with interest.

"Elope with me." He then looked at me with surprise.

"Really?" Why did he look so shocked? Oh, shit.

"The flower. The flower means elope with me." I blurted out quickly and he nodded his head. He then looked away as he set it down.

"How do you know this so well?" He looked up at me from his bent position. Seeing him interested over flowers did wonders to my heart. It made me happy. I didn't understand why.

"Runs in the family." I mumbled then I looked towards the desk. "Actually we have a book here where I studied from." I walked to the shelf behind the desk as I searched for it.

"What does a cactus mean?" He called out. I grabbed the book then turned to look at him.

"Maternal affection and love." Gaara closed his eyes and it seemed he was thinking? Why? I knew he cultivated cacti but maybe? Maybe this meaning holds something meaningful to him. I should ask Kankuro on it later.

"Does it really?" He opened his eyes. His expression was neutral but his eyes held some kind of emotion. Sadness? I had to stop myself from frowning at his display. It made one want to hug him and tell him everything will be okay. I was supposed to be mad at this guy!

"Yes." I handed him the book and he looked at it. "I know, there's a lot of flowers." I commented as I saw him skimming through the pages. "If you're interested in the index which just states the name, meaning and a picture. Go to the back."

I saw as he did so then I heard the bell from the door. A customer, great.

"Go through it and come to me when you have a flower chosen, okay?" He nodded and I turned to head towards the desk.

"How can I help you today?" I put on my fake smile at the young man who walked in. Probably looking for roses. Ugh, he interrupted my time with Gaara.

"So…" This guy rubbed the back of his neck and he flushed. Here comes an interesting story. "There's this girl and well. I've been trying and trying to get her to agree to a date with me. She won't accept it. She's not into the usual things. Like roses, chocolates, anything that comes to mind at first mention, you know? I just…" He let out a big sigh, his shoulders slouched and he looked defeated. "I want to give her flowers as a sign of me saying I'm done. But I want to give her the flowers 'cause she still means something to me."

I stared at him, one blink, two blinks. Oh, men are hopeless.

"Okay." I went over to the cut flowers and reached for a pink and purple like flower. "This is a sweet pea. It means goodbye."

"Great! How many should I take?" He looked at me puzzled. Oh, jeez.

"One. A single flower looks as if you put thought into it. It also makes the departure seem more… real. A bouquet looks as if you're going to come back." I murmured and his face looked shocked.

"Thanks!" He handed me the money and I placed the flower in a clear, cone-shaped bag.

"Leave it at her doorstep." I murmured as he took the flower.

"Got it. You're so good at this stuff." He smiled before walking out.

"Yeah, I am." I mumbled then looked towards Gaara. He was still reading. It seemed he was trying to really get the meanings down. It made me smile inside. He was trying. It was too cute. I heard the bell again and more customers came in. I'm going to kill my father.

After an hour or so, the customers left and I looked towards Gaara. He was now hunting around the shop. I wonder which flower he is looking for?

He grabbed a flower and walked towards me.

"Thank you for your," He held up an Anthurium. He looked at me as if waiting. Oh, I see.

"Hospitality?" I mouthed and he nodded his head.

"Hospitality." He repeated and I could help but smile at him. He's playing games again. Two can play at that. I headed towards the Jasmines and I picked one. I turned to him and he was standing next to me.

"I like your," I held a white Jasmine. He looked to the side to think before quickly turning to the book. In two seconds he looked up with delight in his eyes.

"Good sense of humor?" He responded slowly to make sure he was correct. I smiled at him. He went in hunt for another flower, stopping to check the book briefly. He came back to where I stood.

"That's a," He held up a Betony.

"Surprise." I smiled.

We continued this up for thirty minutes or so. At times, we stopped so he could look at the book to make sure he was correct. It was fun. He never really showed an emotion but the flowers were enough for him. It was nice to see him expressing himself with me. Even if it was just with flowers.

"I want to buy one." He looked at me and I contemplated it.

"Alright. I'll be at the desk if you need any help." I walked towards the desk. Hm, I wonder what he wants to buy and for whom he wants to buy it for?

I traced circles on the desk until I saw Gaara's body standing in front of it. I looked up and he held the flower below the desk so I couldn't see it.

"Hello." I gave him a small smile. "Found what you were looking for today?"

He nodded, but the flower still remained out of my sight. I decided to treat him like a customer, since he is one technically.

"You want me to wrap it?" I raised my eyebrows.

He shook his head.

"Well what did you get?"

He just looked at me. He kept the flower down.

"How am I supposed to charge you, if I don't know what flower you got?" He thought for a moment then he pointed to the right.

"I got it from over there." I looked towards the direction. There were a lot of flowers there with the same price. "By the carnations." He added and I nodded.

"Okay, then if you only got one. It will be thirty-five ryo." I mumbled and he reached into his pocket. Whoa, he's actually going to buy it?

He handed me the money and I placed it in the register. I closed the register then leaned over the counter closer to him. Inspecting his face, he just stared as I tried to figure out what he was up to. I squinted at him, finally asking the question.

"So who's it for, Kazekage?" I raised an eyebrow slightly. "Since you've been kepping it a surprise."

"You." He quickly stated and I widened my eyes. He lifted his right hand to reveal his surprise.

It was purple. It was a Hyacinth.

"I'm…" Gaara looked at me. He didn't need to say it. The flower spoke it clearly.

Sorry, forgive me.

I stared at the flower in his hand as I reached for it. I could feel a sob coming up my throat and I placed my hand over my mouth. I turned away from him to collect myself. Breathe, Ino. You don't even know what he is sorry for. My fingers traced over the petals lightly. I turned around and looked him in the eyes.

"What are you sorry for, Gaara?" My voice sounded gentle and he kept his gaze on me.

"For hurting you." I inhaled at his response. For hurting me. He knew what he did. He was apologizing.

I walked away from him in search of the flower for my response. When I found it, I walked up to him and he just watched me.

I handed him the white tulip I held. "I…" The tears prickled in my eyes.

"You forgive me." He finished for me.

He took the flower but he never broke his eye contact with me. Suddenly I could feel it. The tension between us. His gaze burned into mine. Jade green melting in liquid blue. I missed him. I wanted him.

Gaara broke the eye contact and took a step back. He began to look at the tulip in his hand. What?

"Ino, I'm here to close up shop!" I heard my father shout as he walked down the stairs. Damn, my father has bad timing.

He stopped and looked between us. I kept the flower I held hidden and Gaara was too interested looking at the tulip.

"Care to make any purchases, Kazekage-sama?" He raised an eyebrow at Gaara and he nodded his head.

"I'll wait for you outside, Gaara." I mumbled as I walked passed him and my father.

I walked out the door and looked at the sky. Jeez, it's dark. I can't believe we have been in there for three hours. My father! He made me stay to the end of his shift. Ugh.

I looked through the door to see Gaara and my father at the register. I couldn't make out what they were saying or see what he was buying. My father was talking enthusiastically by the looks of it. He was motioning towards the stairs then at the door. When I saw Gaara turning back, I looked away quickly. I soon heard the sound of the door and I looked at him to see he didn't hold any purchases besides the white tulip.

"Not buying anything?" I raised an eyebrow and he looked back at me.

"Not yet." He murmured as we began to walk towards the right.

"Well I didn't mean for us to skip dinner. Are you hungry or do you just want to head to the apartments you are staying at?"

"Apartment."

I nodded and we walked our way there. We stopped after five minutes of walking.

"It's not far from my place." I looked at the building. "Just go up the stairs. Second floor. First door to your left, Kazekage."

"Gaara." He mumbled and I rolled my eyes.

"Door to your left, Gaara." I repeated and he looked towards the building. "What time is your meeting tomorrow?"

"Ten." He muttered while keeping his eyes on the building. I looked towards that direction as well.

"I'll be here at nine."

I then turned to look at him and he did the same. I knew this was the moment we were supposed to say goodbye. I couldn't bring myself to do it. Why did saying good-bye feel weird? None of us made a move to go.

I heard a door-sliding above. I looked up and saw Kankuro on the balcony. Great, we will never get a moment alone.

"So what did she say?!" Kankuro loudly spoke down to us. "Will she do it?"

"Do what?" I turned to look at Gaara and he just looked back at me.

"Did you tell her?" Kankuro shouted once more.

"Tell me what?" I kept my gaze on Gaara.

"Shut up, Kankuro." Gaara spoke. The annoyance in his tone made obvious.

"You didn't tell her?" He shouted in surprise.

"Tell me what?" I repeated firmer. Gaara remained impassive.

"Oops. Looks like you got caught, bro. I'll leave you to it." He grinned, the sarcasm evident. "Oh! Ino. Gaara. We are all meeting for breakfast tomorrow at nine at that one place Itchy something. So see you then!" He then walked back in and I stared at Gaara.

"Tell me what?" I shouted this time.

"Ino." He looked at me and I waited patiently for him to continue. "I have a problem." He finally spoke and I raised an eyebrow.

"What kind of problem?" Gaara closed his eyes and sighed. They shot back open.

"I have been receiving many letters and lectures on getting married. The council wants me to go through with an arranged marriage."

I blinked as I tried to take in the information. A flashback of the letter I read on Gaara's table went through my mind. That's right.

"I-" I looked at him as he seemed troubled. Like he was trying to find the words to speak. "I told them I was in a relationship with you."

"What?" I shouted at him and I stepped back. "You told them you were in a relationship with me, without asking me first?" I furrowed my brow and placed my hands on my hips.

"They were pushing the subject further and I needed time. After you left, I thought saying you were in a relationship with me would keep them away." He looked so lost, but the anger in me was boiling.

"Did it work?" I snapped and he just looked at me.

"They don't believe me."

"I wouldn't either." I hissed. "Is this why you asked Lady Tsunade for me to be your guide?"

He nodded and I shook my head.

"What is it that you want?" My bitterness was evident but I couldn't rationalize. You can't just tell someone that you have a girlfriend without telling her first! Especially after our fall out!

"To act as my girlfriend while I am present." He suddenly looked calm again. He was in Kazekage mode. I remember seeing it in the village. It's the only way I've seen him speak easily. It made me angrier. He makes it all seem like its just some mission.

"Why? No one is even here to see it? Why do you need me to act like I am? I'm sure Kankuro and Temari support you. So why?"

"Someone has been sent a day after I left. They arrive tomorrow to monitor my siblings and I. They used the excuse as protection. I don't know who they sent, but tomorrow that person will arrive and will be watching to see if it was true."

"Well your shit out of luck." I hissed and I turned from him.

"Ino, just think of it as a mission." I looked over my shoulder at him.

"No." I turned to face him. My hands were balled in fists and I glared at him. "This is fucked-up. Fifty shades of fucked-up, Gaara!"

As soon as my eyes locked with his, I froze. He looked helpless. Lost in a situation he can't face alone.

"What… what do I have to do for you to agree?" He spoke a notch above a whisper. I looked in his eyes and I could see the plea.

"Arranged marriages aren't that bad. It's very common." My voice went from bitchy to calm quickly. I reached out to him slightly and he just stared. He wasn't buying it. He wants me to agree? Fine, but he's going to make it for me. If I have to act for a week to be off the market. Shit, he's going to have it.

"If you expect me to say yes. You have to ask me. REALLY ask me to be your girlfriend. Then I'll consider it. " I hissed. He blinked at me. He was about to open his mouth and I interrupted him. "I'm talking the whole flowers, chocolates, 'be my girlfriend' shit. I don't care how you do it, but do something."

I began to walk away and I stopped to look over at him. He was watching me. His face was neutral, he was thinking.

"You better make it worth my wild, Gaara." I narrowed my eyes at him then continued walking, or well stomping, away.

This mission just got a whole lot fucking worse.

So I hope I didn't disappoint. I know maybe Gaara seems a little OC, but remember he is trying to get on Ino's good side to help him out!

I also want to take this time to give thanks to those who have stuck through the stories and to those who just started reading. You guys have been amazing and have kept me writing! I write to please you guys and thank you for finding my fic and reading it. You are the bomb!

For those of you wondering if this is a GaaIno or ShikaIno/ShikaTema fic, I cannot respond. I want to keep the surprise until the end. Either way I know someone will be heartbroken if their pair isn't chosen, but I promise you I will make up for it. Just have faith in me. Please stick it out to the end, there will be delicious moments from all of them. I hope it doesn't disappoint you.

Until next time, loves!