Naruto was busy slurping down two bowls of ramen with some miso soup to wash it all down. It was a social gathering with the rest of his team-mates and the other Rookie Nine with Lee, Tenten and Neji.

'Everybody…me and Tenten have something to say.' Neji cleared his throat.

They all looked up.

'Bah, if it's about you guys going out, we already know.' Ino snorted

'WHAT!' Tenten yelled. 'But we've kept it for secret for so long!'

Ino snorted again. 'Puh-lease. The first time we saw you guys we knew you two were destined to be together. Plus the looks you two give each other are so obvious.'

Tenten sulked. 'Well, at least it isn't as obvious as you and Sakura's undying affection for Sasuke!' she retorted.

'What do you mean? Ino might love him! But we all know Sasuke-kun likes me much more!' Sakura yelled.

'Get over yourself forehead girl! You don't stand a chance with that thing bulging out of your head!' Ino remarked.

The others sighed as the two kunoichi started arguing over the impossible subject. All Sasuke had to say was… 'Hn'.

'Ah…. women are so troublesome. Like Ino today. I'm glad I don't have one in my life yet.' Shikamaru muttered to himself.

'What's this? Oh yer! Shikamaru's like the only one of us who doesn't have a crush!' Naruto yelled.

'Um…. Nartuo-kun, I'm afraid you are wrong…Chouji hasn't voiced his affections for anyone either.' Hinata said.

Everyone stared at the chubby ball and the lazy chunnin.

Kiba gasped. 'You're not…'

Shikamaru finally caught on to what they were saying. So did Chouji, apparently-as they both looked at each other and then yelled:

'Hey! WE'RE NOT GAY!'

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'Lady Te-, I mean, Temari-san, I am to inform you that you're brother Kankuro is back.' The maid called again, just remembering not to call Temari Lady.

Kankuro! He'd help me out of this mess, if he weren't so afraid of Gaara- the wimp.

'Yay! I'll be right down!' Temari replied.

'By the way…what's your name servant?' Temari asked. She felt that she should really get to know the employees better.

'Um…Ryoko. Master Kankuro says that he will meet you for dinner with the Kazekage, Temari-san.'

'Thank you Ryoko. That is all.' Temari stood up and began to get ready.

When she finally made her way down to the dinner hall, Kankuro cheerfully greeted her.

'Hey sis! Great to see you again!' Kankuro said before enveloping her in a hug.

'Kankuro you idiot, what news do you have from the leaf village?' Temari grinned, glad to see a friendly face.

'Yes, did you fine anyone suitable?' Gaara finally interrupted their 'reunion'.

Temari glared at Gaara. She was still his older sister after all.

'Well……maybe we'll discuss that later eh? Temari doesn't look so happy bro.' Kankuro looked uneasy.

Uh-oh…the only reason he looks like that is because he's actually found a match! Temari gulped.

'No! The least you guys can do is tell me who's the old miser I'm being betrothed to!' Temari countered. If she was going to get married she might as well know who.

Kankuro groaned. His sister was such a pain sometimes.

'Well…I've been looking around Konoha, and there are many candidates.' Kankuro noted.

Gaara nodded and started to eat. Temari frowned and played around with her food. Kankuro continued.

'When I mean there are candidates, I say that only in their ninja capabilities. I don't know whether Temari will agree with them, so I thought it best to tell you guys the ninjas so that Temari can finalise a list.' Kankuro glanced at his dejected sister's face. 'Whether she wants to or not.' He said in a firm tone.

'Ok, back to the list. There's Rock Lee, a really great taijutsu guy. He can't do ninjutsus or genjutsus for crap, but his speed is amazing, as he broke your sand armour Gaara. Then there's Sasuke Uchiha, he's one of the best shinobi that Konoha has ever seen. And Naruto Uzumaki. He has the demon fox sealed inside him, he's got unlimited power. Neji Hyuga also is good with his Kekkei Genkai skills, but I think he's taken by Tenten. There's also Kiba, but you'd have that dog Akamaru following him everywhere, and Shino, but girls don't like bugs. If you like snacking, Chouji Akimichi is your guy. And, last but not least-

Should I say it? He's the best, but…bringing him into our lives might screw up everybody.

'Kankuro why are you hesitating! Give us the last guy on your list!' Gaara yelled.

'Oh, Sorry Gaara. Um, it's Shikamaru Nara, and he's a great strategist.'

Kankuro finished lamely. Temari was about to open her mouth, but Gaara put his hand up to stop her.

'Rock Lee has those bushy brows and is strange. Sasuke Uchiha has psychological problems since his family lines pretty screwed, and when I mean screwed, I mean everyone-of-them-is-dead-except-his-brother-and-what-do-you-know? -His-brother-killed-them-all-in-the-first-place kinda screwed. Plus, he doesn't warm to people that well. Naruto Uzumaki is so childish and hyperactive, even if he does have my respect. Kiba is too over-confident. Chouji is chubby. And lastly Kankuro, why are you talking like we don't know all of them? I have already learnt all you have told me from the Chunnin exam.'

Temari dropped her fork. Her brother had actually talked like someone his age and sounded normal. And he had totally read her mind. Amazing. I would love him for this moment, if he weren't the one causing all this in the first place!

Kankuro grimaced. 'Sorry Gaara. But you didn't say anything about that um… Shikamaru Nara.'

I remember him! He's that jerk that beat me and then forfeited! The shame of losing and the shame of winning second-hand all in one day! Temari grimaced at the memory.

'Well…I haven't found out anything bad about him yet. So he's the only one to make it to the cut-off line.'

Gaara concluded.

'Hmm….well…you and Temari and I will have to make one more visit to Konoha to check him out and double check to make sure he is alright, and then…we'll see how it goes on from there?' Kankuro suggested.

Gaara nodded. Temari sighed. 'When do we leave, my two male siblings-I just can't wait!' she said sarcastically.

'Tomorrow at dawn. Bring all you will need. That new maid Ryoko will be joining us.'

My brother. Always so eager to jump into the action isn't he? Thought Kankuro dryly.

'And one more thing Temari…' Gaara said.

'What?' Temari looked up.

'Please don't explode or rip apart any more materials for your dress. The dressmaker's bill is already exceedingly high.'

Why that little…

A/N- What do you think? Sorry if some bits are confusing, last time all my italics were transformed into normal font when I looked at my old fanfic! Please review. I accept flames. I'm not a grumpy miser who threatens no updates with no reviews. I'll continue my story even if it's the most pathetic one you've ever read '.