I know its been a while but I was very busy. Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy

Disclaimer: I no own

Ch. 25: Preparations

Kaoru was walking through the village with a large smile. Everything was going wonderfully. Sasuke and Sakura had returned from their honeymoon a few days ago and they were both very happy. Their wedding had sparked something. Several of their friends began to get married shortly after they got back. Speaking of which Naruto was here with his new wife, Hinata, to visit Gaara. Even Naruto couldn't be dense forever. The blonde boy rushed up to her and gave her bear hug. Kaoru laughed and kissed his cheek. "It's nice to see you too, Naruto."

"Hello, Kaoru," Hinata said quietly.

"Welcome to Suna, Hinata."

"Where's, Gaara?" the hyperactive blonde asked.

"Should be in his office. Come on and I'll lead you there. I was about to go get him for lunch anyway," she told them.

The couple followed her through the winding streets to the building where the Kazekage's office was. Kaoru looked over her shoulder at them, "What brings you to Suna anyway?"

"Granny Tsunade wants to retire so she's finally selected her replacement hokage. Guess who it is?" Naruto said excitedly.

Kaoru smiled. Something never change and Naruto was one of them. He would forever he a happy excited person with his heart on his sleeve. She pretended to consider what he had said. "Umm, Shikamaru?"

Naruto shook his head, "Nope."

"Neji?"

"No."

"Sakura?"

"Nooo," Naruto sounded annoyed now.

Kaoru chuckled and took pity on him, "Alright, I give up. Who is it?"

"It's me. I'll become the official hokage after Tsunade is done training me," the blonde man said proudly.

"That's great Naruto. Sounds like your dream is coming true."

"I know. Everything is going so well now isn't it, Kaoru." His face took on a serious expression, "It makes me wonder what's about to go wrong."

To be honest Kaoru wondered the same thing. The Akatsuki was still out there and they still wanted Naruto's and Gaara's tailed beasts. Something was bound to go wrong sooner or later. She just prayed for later.

They walked into Gaara's office. He looked up and nodded his head in acknowledgment. Naruto began filling Gaara in on all the news including his impending promotion. Gaara congratulated him. Naruto continued to talk excitedly as they ate lunch and went home. Kaoru was still living in her own home and Gaara in his but no one saw the point. The two were rarely apart. The village was just waiting for their kage to get the nerve to ask Kaoru to marry him.

It was two days later when they found out what was going to go wrong. Sasuke rushed into the village like a bat out of hell with Sakura right behind him. They ran into Gaara's office and panted for breath.

"What's wrong?" Kaoru asked the moment she saw them. Naruto, Hinata, and she were in there with Gaara waiting on him so they could eat lunch.

"Konoha's been attacked. The Akatsuki were trying to get Naruto. They didn't know he wasn't in the village at the time," Sakura announced.

The room fell silent as the implications hit home. Then they all began asking questions at once. Well everyone but Gaara. He never seemed excited about anything unless it involved Kaoru's life. Sakura held up her hands to halt the flow of questions.

"Most of the village is alright. There were a few casualties but all things considered they weren't that bad. Tsunade wanted us to warn Naruto and Gaara-sama because they were the targets. Sooner or later they'd attack Suna."

"We need to take care of them," Gaara commented.

"Yes. We do," Sasuke agreed with a deadly calm. Itachi had been among those to attack his village.

Gaara stood and opened his door and ordered one of the shinobi out there to bring him his siblings, Baki, and Sasori. They walked into the room a few moments later. As usual Sasori and Temari were together. They had been one of the couples that marriage fever had hit. Actually, it had hit Temari. She had bulldozed Sasori into it to everyone's amusement. Kankuro was still single but Kaoru's cousin, Yumi Kawaguchi, seemed to be developing an attraction for him. She was here visiting Kaoru and had come in with the group when Gaara summoned them. Yuki was with Baki as usual since the two of them had been married for a few years and even had a child.

"What is it, Gaara?" Kankuro asked.

"We need to prepare for an attack. The Akatsuki are active and I don't want to be caught by surprise...again."

They nodded. Temari tilted her head, "What happened?"

"They attacked Konoha." Gaara quickly added before Temari could get worried, "Everyone is alright."

"That's good. I presume they were after Naruto."

Gaara nodded. He turned his attention to Sasori, "I don't suppose you have any information on where to locate them."

Sasori shook his head, "Most of us have never seen the leader, Pain, in person. It's always been the projected image." The puppet master frowned in consideration, "I could probably guess with a map and information on the places on it."

"We'll make sure you have it." The Kazekage turned to Naruto, "We should stay in the same village for now. It'll simplify everything. Since Konoha is still repairing damage from the last attack Suna is the best option for now."

The fox nodded his head, "Right. Sasuke-teme and I can check on the defenses to make sure there aren't any holes in them."

"Take Baki with you."

"Someone will also have to go to Konoha to get back up," Sasuke commented.

"I can go to Kirigakure with Yumi. The Mizukage will probably want to help and I know my clan will," Kaoru stated.

Gaara looked at her sharply. The last time the Akatsuki tried anything they had used Kaoru as a prisoner. He didn't want to let her out of his sight this time. "Yumi can go without you."

Kaoru looked over at him and was about to object when she noticed the fear in his eyes. Instead she smiled, "Alright, Gaara-kun. I'll stay in Suna."

Kankuro stepped forward, "I'll go with Yumi."

Gaara nodded and turned to Sakura, "Can you help Kaoru prepare the medics here?"

"Of course."

Plans continued to be made throughout the day. Gaara was true to his word. He didn't let Kaoru out of his sight for more than half an hour. Even during that half hour she wasn't allowed to be left alone. Gaara made sure that there were at least three other people with her. He refused to have a repeat of his last dealings with the Akatsuki. Kaoru was aware of what he was doing and didn't fight him. She wasn't too eager for a repeat either. Besides, if she wasn't kept safe then Gaara would be distracted. If that happened he might get himself hurt or worse...killed.

Kaoru shook her head to clear out that thought. She didn't even what to consider that possibility. It scared her just to know it could happen and would if the Akatsuki got their greedy hands on Gaara. No it wouldn't happen. She wouldn't let them touch him.

She walked into the Kazekage's office. Gaara was standing at his window looking out at the village. Sasuke, Naruto and Baki were standing behind them giving reports. Kaoru let out a small sigh. If these reports were very important then Gaara would skip lunch. Then she would have to convince him to change his mind. That was like trying to convince a river to flow in the other direction for a few days. She walked into the office hoping Gaara was hungry enough not to argue with her.

"Gaara-kun, it's time for lunch."

Everyone turned to look at her. Kaoru suppressed the urge to fidget. She felt like someone who was standing in front of a judge and jury.

"We can't take a break now, Kaoru. The Akatsuki could attack and any moment. By now they have to know that both Naruto and Gaara are here. We can't be caught by surprise again," Baki stated.

Karou's eyes narrowed. Normally she didn't challenge other people's authority or knowledge but this was different. This concerned Gaara's health and safety. That was all the mattered to Kaoru so that made all the difference.

"Tell me, Baki. Can a shinobi fight when he had not eaten?"

"Of course. Missing one meal won't change anything."

"Yes but if the Akatsuki will still be a threat tonight during dinner and tomorrow during breakfast. How will missing three meals affect your ability to fight? All of you need to eat while you can. Once the fighting starts then you really won't be able to take a break."

Bake let out a sigh. There wouldn't be any arguing with her right now. As long as she was determined to take care of Gaara she wouldn't back down. "Fine. But the meeting will continue after lunch."

"Alright," Kaoru agreed. Then she added, "And it will end at dinner time."

"Kaoru..." Baki started.

"They need to sleep, Baki. Live with it." She turned to Gaara who was looking at her with some amusement. "Let's go eat, Gaara-kun."

Sasuke and he stood and followed her out of the room. Kaoru looked at Sasuke, "Sakura is in the hospital still. I figured you would want to go drag her out."

The Uchiha nodded and left the Kazekage alone with his medical nin. As the two walked towards Gaara's house Kaoru told him all the information she had. Kankuro had returned with the Kawaguchi clan and several shinobi from Kirigakure. The Mizukage was more than willing to help them destroy the Akatsuki. Konoha had also sent extra troops. Everyone knew that the Akatsuki wanted Gaara and Naruto. To get them they would have to attack Suna. Now everyone was sending people to defend Suna and prevent the Akatsuki from getting what they wanted.

Gaara just wished they would attack already. He was getting tired of waiting. Besides, he had plans for his life but he didn't want to go through with them while the Akatsuki was around to threaten it. He looked over at Kaoru. He couldn't go through with his plans as long as the Akatsuki could threaten what was important to him. Everyone in Suna was aware of his feelings for his best friend. Hell, everyone in Suna, Konoha, and Kirigakure knew how he felt about Kaoru. If the Akatsuki found out they would use that against him. He couldn't let them. He wouldn't let them. But a part of him wanted to take what he wanted already. She was practically already his. She lived with him, ate with him, they were sharing the same damn bed already. The only thing missing was the wedding. Now that thought scared him more than the Akatsuki did.

She glanced over at him, "Are you alright, Gaara-kun?"

He blinked and looked away, "Fine."

Kaoru didn't look convinced but she didn't asked again. She knew he was worried but something else was going on. Gaara was nervous and jittery sometimes but he didn't get that way because of a fight. She wished she knew what was wrong but he wasn't talking. Not that not talking was unusual for Gaara. If he suddenly became a chatter box then she would worry.

Night fell on Suna and all seemed quiet. Then an explosion rocked the village.

That's it for now. Let me know what you think