After that everything was much better from then on. Gaara had finished rebuilding the Suna, Matsuri and Hinata were the best of friends, and the Akatsuki never attacked again. Neji and the others would visit every now and then. Kiba and his now fiancé were expecting a litter of pups any time now, Neji decided to go against the rules and marry Ten-Ten, now they were Happy together in Konoha. Hanabi married a wealthy young lord from a higher branch, keeping with tradition. Naruto and Sakura were still looking for Sasuke, Shino never married, but he and Ino had gotten closer over the past days, not dating but much closer. Rock Lee was finally a sensei like he always dreamed to be and he and Naruto liked to hang out with Gaara during their time off. Kankuro never married but dated many, many, many women. He was still looking for the right one to settle down with when he was ready. Temari and Shikamaru recently started dating after a while and she continued on as a sensei, training a trio who would be taking their chunin exams just as she once did. Hinata and Gaara's wedding was the wedding of a century. Gaara was all jitters about the wedding, sweating bullets.

"Relax man, stay cool. Don't be so nervous."

"Heh…says you…My heart is pounding."

"You can do this. Just imagine how lovely Hinata will look. She will be your wife…forever."

Gaara sighed. Hinata had said yes and he had gotten her a ring with opals on it and a lilac stone. Perfect to complement his dainty lover, and she had certainly loved it. He knew this after the rigorous sex they had after that. Now he was uncertain, his stomach was filled with butterflies and they were doing flips. He stood in a black tuxedo with a desert rose in his pocket. All of his groomsmen were wearing purple undershirts with white tuxedos-this was Kankuro's idea. All the bridesmaids, including Temari, were wearing an aqua color- this was Temari's idea.

"Temari, I've got to admit it, you look great."

"Thanks Kankuro. You look…less disgusting."

"Gee, I think I'm blushing. Gaara's got cold feet."

Temari let out a full-hearted laugh. Everyone was staring at her. Temari didn't laugh well….girly or pretty and it was rather loud.

"Temari...what's so funny?"

"He has….HAHAHAHA…..Cold….HAHAHA….and….lives….. in a desert! BWAHAHAHAH!"

"Woman if you don't calm…Oh….shhh quiet Hinata's coming."

Temari covered her mouth as Kankuro stepped beside his brother, hand firmly on his shoulder. The flower girls, one being Matsuri, threw their petals of desert roses onto the ground and then came the traditional music with Hinata slowly walking down the aisle. She was nervous but didn't show it. It is tradition to have one's father walk down the aisle with the bride but since hers wasn't her father anymore Kankuro did the honors. The pastor said the words, they both said I do, exchanged rings and kissed lovingly. Everyone cheered, clapped, hooted and threw their hats. Finally, the Kazekage had his bride. The after party was a blast. Hinata kicked off her white heels and danced barefoot with Matsuri and a bunch of children from the village who loved her very much. She danced around with Temari, Kankuro and all of her friends. Hinata and Gaara kept kissing at the dinner table, giddy with love. Everyone stood to make toast. Naturally Kankuro decided to go first.

"It's been a long bumpy ride with you Hinata. I mean, the first time we met formally, I had to steal you."

Everyone laughed, even Neji smiled a little. Kankuro sipped his wine then looked at Gaara.

"You've been a pain in my ass for a long time, but I love you, you're my only brother. I hope you're happy with her and if you treat her bad I'll rip off your head."

Gaara rolled his eyes. "Suuure."

After Kankuro's came Temari's who was a bit drunk and slurred and Shikamaru had to hold her up while she cried over the bad times and laughed over the good. Everyone had a speech and after that they ate some of the best cooking this side of the Suna. Hinata sipped gingerly on her wine, staining the rim of the glass with her lipstick. She was happier than she had ever been surrounded by friends and people she considered family. Later she stood and threw the bouquet and who better to catch it than Matsuri? She looked over at the boy who caught the wedding band, Yurushi Tsuneni, a boy with dirty blonde hair with brown highlights and green eyes. He looked at her as well, they turned from each other and blushed bright red.

Later that night Hinata turned to Gaara, who was twirling his fingers in her long hair with a sigh of content. "Gaara-kun?"

"Hai, Tsuma-chan?"

"Come closer my love."

Gaara obeyed, kissing every part of his lover's face. She leaned into his ear and whispered something in it, tickling his ear canal. What she said made his eyes go wider than saucers in shock.