A year had passed and the Kazekage's wedding was less than a week away. As the big day came closer, his nerves started to set in. He was only 17 and would be married soon. It was just a hard subject to wrap his mind around. It was something he definitely wasn't familiar with.

Akina was feeling the same way. She was nervous, but excited at the same time. She knew that she was young, but it didn't matter to her. Why should she have to wait, especially if she already knew who she wanted to spend her life with? She knew that Gaara was the one. She loved him and he loved her back. It didn't matter about their age, especially if they loved each other.

XxOOOOOOOOxX

It was the day of the wedding and the whole village had gathered to witness the betrothal of their beloved Kazekage. There were mixed feelings about the marriage. Some of the older villagers thought that the couple was too young and thought that the council was making a mistake by making the two teens wed. The younger, more naïve villagers thought it was sweet and romantic.

The sand siblings were extremely happy for their little brother. It was kind of hard to believe everything that had happened to their younger brother. The biggest accomplishment they thought that their little brother had made was falling in love. Throughout most of his life, he was deprived of that one essential thing. Now, it was like Akina made up for all those years he had gone without experiencing that feeling.

Temari was in one of the empty rooms, helping Akina get ready. They were expected to be out there in less than a half an hour, but they almost finished. She was just putting up the bride's hair.

Akina was wearing a beautiful white gown with a corset top that had small crystals and sequins sewn onto it. The skirt was flowing and had little floral patterns sewn into the fabric with sequins. Her lips were painted a glossy pink and her face had been transformed by the make-up. She know longer looked like a young teenage girl, but like a young woman.

She yelped when Temari accidentally tugged on a strand of hair a little too hard.

"Sorry," she apologized.

Akina giggled softly. "It's alright Temari."

Temari finished putting the bride's hair up into a simple bun and looked at her handy work, seeming proud with herself.

"You look absolutely gorgeous!" she squealed. Akina smiled nervously, holding on arm with her hand. "Don't be nervous. Take it from someone who has already been through this. There is absolutely nothing you need to worry about." Temari wrapped her arms around her friend and embraced her.

"Thank you Temari," Akina whispered, hugging her back.

"You stay here and try to relax. I'm going to see how close everyone is to being ready."

XxOOOOOOOOxX

Gaara was in another room, pacing back and forth nervously. He was wearing a nice suit, although he should have been probably been wearing his Kage robes. The elders would have preferred that, but he had decided against it. He didn't want to look at it as being married under high stature or anything. That wasn't the reason he was getting married. Sure it sped things up a little, but he would have probably gotten married to Akina either way.

"If you keep doing that, you're going to carve a whole through the floor." Gaara looked up and glared at his older brother. "Even your glare isn't as deadly looking. You really must be freaking out."

"Just a little," Gaara admitted softly. Kankurou chuckled and went over to stand by his brother's side.

"Just relax," he told him, putting a firm hand on his brother's shoulder. "Everything's going to be alright, I promise." Gaara sighed and sat down in one of the chairs.

"I just can't help it. I don't know what to expect. I don't know what's going to change, or what's going to be the same."

"That's why you need to stop worrying about stupid things like that. Besides, I really doubt that there's going to be any big changes, except that now you two can have sex." Kankurou laughed as Gaara's face turned a deep red color.

"You really aren't good at things like this, are you?" He shrugged and patted his brother on the back.

"But seriously. You two have officially known each other for like 4 years now, and Akina knew about you even longer that. The two of you have been dating for quite awhile now. Akina practically lives with us, so it's not like having her move in is going to be a big change. I also know that the two of you have slept together in the same bed a few times, so that won't be a completely foreign feeling. You really shouldn't be nervous."

Gaara took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. He thought about everything that Kankurou had said. After a few minutes, he felt a little better.

"Thank you Kankurou." His older brother nodded and grinned.

"You had better get out there. We're supposed to be starting any minute now and people are going to want to see you before we begin. I need to go check on Akina and Temari. I guess I'll see you out there later." Kankurou gave his younger brother one more pat on the back before leaving.

XxOOOOOOxX

As soon as Akina came walking down the isle, Gaara could feel his heart beating rapidly. It seemed like hours before she finally reached him. She smiled at him and immediately took his hand in hers. They intertwined their fingers and stood before the man who was to betroth them.

It seemed like the man talked forever. It was kind of bad to say that they didn't care about what he was saying, but they didn't. They just wanted to get on with everything and get it over with. Finally, their wishes were coming true. They finally said their vows and their "I dos".

"The groom may now kiss the bride!"

Akina looked up into Gaara's eyes, still smiling at him. The red-head put a gentle hand on her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. Akina held her breath as Gaara brought his lips to hers and tenderly kissed him back. The cheering all around them seemed to be so far away. Her senses were all messed up and the only thing that seemed to be right was what was happening between her and Gaara.

Gaara slowly pulled away from her and smiled. She smiled right back and threw her arms around him. Gaara smirked and held her against him.

"Let's leave," she told him over the roar of the crowd. Gaara nodded as she pulled. Without any warning, Gaara scooped Akina up in his arms and carried her through the mass of people. The girl giggled and wrapped her arms around her husband's neck.

XxOOOOOOOOxX

Gaara carried his exhausted bride into his room and sat her down on his bed.

"Will you unzip me?" she asked. Gaara nodded, bringing the zipper down her back. She thanked him and got up, walking towards the door. "I'll be right back. I need to go get undressed and hang this thing up." Gaara nodded and smiled. Akina left and Gaara got undressed. He pulled a pair of sweat pants on and turned out the lights. He got under the covers, sighing to himself. He was exhausted. He hadn't really done much of anything, but the events still left him wiped out. He was probably in the best mood that he had ever been in before. He was happy.

Gaara smiled when he felt Akina slide underneath the covers and snuggle in close to him. He wrapped an arm around her, bringing her in close to him.

"I'm so tired," she whispered.

"Me too," Gaara sighed, planting a small kiss on her forehead. Akina snuggled in even closer and let out a deep breath of relief.

"Goodnight panda-san," she giggled. Gaara smirked to and gave her one last kiss on the forehead.

Alright, so I realize this isn't the longest chapter ever, but at least I posted a chapter.

Thank you Reviewers!

Kina Lupi- Thank you so much. I'm glad, because that chapter had me kind of worried.

flower391169- Yeah, it was a bit humerous, although I didn't mean for it to be extremely humorous or anything. Thanks!

ChristinaAngel- I know! They are evil. I was kind of worried about this idea, because I've read this part in a lot of fanfics, so I'm actually kind of ashamed. Oh well. I'll get over it. Thanks!

I have posted a new story under the pen-name blue mist dragon. There is a link in my profile that should take you to the author page. My friend Mina and I worked together on this story. It's called You Are Not Alone, or something like that. I would really appreciate it if you all would read it.

REVIEW!! and check out blue mist dragon's awesome story!