A/N: Now that Sis is bed ridden, she has plenty of time to write. She's actually had this done for a while, I just didn't have time to post it. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get her stuff up, but with her doctor visits and my job, I don't have a lot of time. She would if she could, but the extent of what she can do it limited and she often falls asleep at her computer, which in turn is usually dumped on the bed beside her. Anyways, her arm should only be in the cast another three weeks, so bear with us. As always, we own nothing! JA!

Chapter 39: The Calm Before a Storm

Word spread quickly around the Hatori country manor that Sakura was gathering everyone and bringing them to her village. Excite and fear warred with the various people. Temari was nervous about this, not sure if taking Tsume and Gin was a good idea. Ino was nervous about this as well. Lacey had been to the village before, but even she had her doubts. Shino had no desire to leave Sai, but it was said that someone would be bringing Sai, along with the bed, to the 'feast'.

Neji didn't know what to think of this sudden brash decision on Sakura's part. Something must have happened while she was at the village…normally Sakura wanted the village quiet so that the kids around would have peace. Neji decided to share his suspicions with the one person that knew his best…Hinata. He walked over to the young Hyuuga woman and waited for her to acknowledge him. She smiled up at him as she stroked Naruto's head. The two small children that the couple had adopted were snuggled up on either side of the blonde, napping, while Naruto's head rested in her lap.

"Hinata-hime, you know Sakura-sama very well, correct?" He felt a little awkward being as he had known Sakura longer, had been her protector for years, yet his cousin knew the woman much better than he did. Hinata smiled and patted the seat beside her.

"Sit, Nii-san. And yes, Sakura and I are very close, but not nearly as close as she and Karin. However, all of the girls are relatively close considering the circumstances." Neji nodded and frowned as he fiddled nervously with his hands. Hinata noticed. "Nii-san…are you worried about something in particular? It's not like you to be this…fidgety…" Neji smiled weakly at her and shook his head.

"I just don't comprehend Sakura-sama's actions. For years she has tried to keep the village quiet so the kids could adjust better. This seems almost reckless on her part." Hinata nodded decided to ask someone that she knew could help them.

"I think I know someone that can help." Hinata smiled and closed her eyes. Neji heard her murmur something and there was a distinct rift in the air before a silver haired man with unique eyes appeared before them. He looked at his summoner and Neji noticed him cringe. The Hyuuga male looked over at his cousin and noticed her arched brow and the almost haughty air with which the normally sweet girl regarded this man. "Thank you for coming Hidan. I believe you can help put my cousin's unease to rest. Would you kindly explain what has prompted Sakura-chan to do something as reckless as have a village-wide cookout?" Hidan shifted nervously, which amused the Hyuuga male.

"We were discussing the arrival of Sakura-sama and the supplies when one of the boys that isn't training to defend the village spotted something heading our way. We knew it wasn't Sakura-sama because she usually appears in the village long before we see the supplies." He sighed and shifted, running his long fingers through his medium length hair.

Hinata looked at Neji, both having a bad feeling. It was confirmed by Hidan. "Astair confronted the trespassers and it was revealed it was a small military faction with a bid for power now that the government is more unstable than ever. They were going to occupy Gokuraku and use it as their bas of operations. However, Sakura-sama appeared and the faction was driven out…after several of them went AWOL and defected to our side." he muttered the last part.

Both Neji and Hinata stared at him. Hinata felt sick at the thought of what the children must have gone to. So this was why Sakura was throwing a party for the kids. Hinata looked at Neji and knew he'd come to the same conclusion. Hinata bowed her head. "Thank you, Hidan. I believe our fears can be put to rest now. Thank you. Please return to your other duties." Hidan gave a curt nod and then disappeared.

The two waited several minutes before either said anything. However, it was the husky voice of Hinata's blonde boyfriend that broke the silence. "If you guys had been that worried, you could have just asked me. Kyuubi is in constant contact with Saiki and Shukaku. I knew what had happened through them." His voice was rough from his nap with the kids. Hinata smiled down at him while Neji regarded him warily. Naruto just smiled as his large hands stroke the small blond and black heads of 'his kids'.

Hinata smiled at him and ran one hand along his jaw, making him smile up at her. She giggled quietly when his smiled turned into a goofy grin. Neji became uncomfortable at the obvious intimacy and got up before bowing to Hinata and seeking out his own other half.

-

-

Ino and Temari were having a rough time agreeing on what to do with the twins. Kiba had brought a freshly cleaned Tsume back and the young ookami boy had reattached himself to Temari. He had rubbed against her much like Akamaru did to Ino. Temari found it endearing, but knew it was creating problems between the two siblings, because Gin was not liking sharing her brother with anyone…even a mother figure.

There were several times when Gin would come up to her brother and tug on his sleeve, but the boy would just lounge in Temari's lap, yipping at his sister. Finally, the hurt in Gin's eyes had gotten to Temari. With a sigh, the blonde stood, dumping the boy from her lap. He looked up at Temari in a panic until the blonde had laughed and patted her stomach.

"You have to stay here while I go to the bathroom." the boy had cocked his head and looked at Akamaru, who woofed. The boy's nose had turned up and he'd scampered over to his sister. Temari searched out Gin's eyes and something had passed between the two. Gin gave her a tearful, yet thankful, look and proceeded to pounce on her brother. The two quarreled slightly and it made Temari's heart swell. She walked out before she couldn't leave the boy.

Tears in her eyes, Temari ran to the bathroom that was in her room and broke down. She cried and then used the bathroom, but couldn't find it in her to go back and be social knowing she was giving up being Tsume's 'mother'. She laid on her bed, on her stomach, and let the tears flow once more. She didn't even notice she had fallen asleep until there was a hand on her back, soothing her. She opened her eyes and found it hard to see out of them.

It then occurred to her that it was tears blocking her sight. She wiped them away and found Shikamaru lying in front of her, his eyes worried. She scooted towards him and wrapped her arms around him and cried more. Not understanding, but wanting to comfort her regardless, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He murmured things to her and she broke down and confessed what was wrong. He caressed her cheek and smiled.

"You know that after everything that's happened, Gaara is going to move in with Sakura. Why not give Ino and Kiba his old room, that way the twins aren't separated. Instead of outright leaving him, gradually encourage him to accept Ino as his mother. Then, when we're ready, we can have a few of our own." he said the last part huskily. Temari laughed and hugged him close to her.

"Thank you Shika-kun…you always know what to say, or do, to make me feel better." she kissed him lightly, until he deepened the kiss. However, it was broken by a whining outside. Tsume had found her. She giggled and got up, much to Shikamaru's dismay, and opened the door. She smiled at the young boy, who had his sister beside him. Temari smiled at the two.

"Come, little ones. We have arrangements to make." there was no hint of sadness in Temari any longer and that made Shikamaru smile, despite their intimate moment being ruined. Temari smiled over her shoulder at her lover. "Hey, Shika…" he looked up at her and gasped when she gave him a brilliant smile. "Have I ever told you I love you?" she asked, her eyes mischievous. He blinked several times before what she said registered.

When it did, there was a smug smile on the young man's face that made the wind mistress laugh. She shook her head and reached out her hands. "Let's go talk to Ino, little ones." the two grabbed her hands and the three of them walked off to find Ino, Shikamaru not far behind.

-

-

Ever since their encounter in the field, Karin hadn't been far from Kankuro…not that they had ever been far apart, but they were now inseparable. They slept together, ate together, and did other things together. Kankuro was even more laid back than normal and people wondered how he could be so calm. However, no one dared ask, because Karin was so happy and as long as she was happy, they were all content…for the most part.

Ino was getting restless, being cooped up in the house all the time. So when the news came that Sakura was having everyone come to Gokuraku, Ino was ecstatic. Kiba had chuckled at her and watched the blonde play a short game of 'pounce on mommy' with Gin. Over the last few days, it was obvious Gin was extremely attached to Ino, and vice versa. Kiba smiled as he thought of how Ino would be over their own children…someday.

Kiba watched the two indulgently as they played. Ino would tickle Gin, who would squeal with excitement and then pounce on Ino. His smiled wavered when he remembered Temari approaching them. Temari had sent Tsume to play with Gin while the four young adults had talked. Temari had informed the two that, since the twins couldn't be apart, it would be best for Ino and Kiba to come live with Temari.

Kiba had been skeptical until Shikamaru had held up a hand and explained. He remembered the serious look on the strategist's face and knew he'd come up with the idea for some reason.

Flashback

"Look, it's no secret that Gaara and Sakura are 'mated'. In their terms, that's the same as marriage, though I doubt Tsunade-sama will let the two off without a wedding. They wont be apart and Sakura's house is bigger, no offense Temi." Temari had shrugged and stayed silent while Shikamaru continued.

"While we don't know what Kankuro and Karin will do, it's pretty safe to assume that they will be doing it together." Shikamaru dropped his voice so that only the four of them could hear now. "Temari knows the situation and the repercussions that can result if the kids are separated. Therefore, we have both decided that it would be best if the two of you take over as the twins' parents. Temari loves Tsume, don't get us wrong, but the two would be happier with one mom and with Ino having you, Kiba, it's easier for the kids to be with the two of you." Ino had nodded, slightly surprised, and had put her hand on top of Temari's. They two women had smiled and the two men had nodded at one another.

"Alright, Temari. We accept your proposal. However, if Kankuro moves in with Karin, Ino and myself will take his room. We don't want the twins where anyone can get to them easily." Temari's eyes had darkened at this. She had curled her lip, but not at them.

"In that case, we can sell our house and move in with Sakura. Or just buy a new house that's in a more secure area." Temari checked her watch and sighed. "We need to get ready. Sakura will be expecting us soon. I'll talk to Gaara and Sakura about this. Perhaps a move is exactly what we need right now." the four young adults had nodded and then separated.

End Flashback

Kiba watched his 'daughter' and his girlfriend giggle together and he smiled. Perhaps Temari had been right…maybe a move to a safer location was exactly what they needed. Heaven knew that Sasuke knew where they all lived…and that made Kiba nervous.

-

-

Lacey was watching her two little girls nap while Lee was doing push ups as quietly as he could. Lacey had watched him do the first 40, gotten bored, and had started watching their daughters. She rolled to her back to look over at him and found him doing vertical push ups on his knuckles. Something went through her and she smiled wickedly. She watched him indulgently until she felt the two girls behind her stir.

The four of them had spent most of their time away from the others, acquainting the two children to Lacey's plants. Surprisingly, the two girls weren't afraid of the plants and the plants accepted them immediately. While this was a good thing, it also worried Lacey. That could only mean the two possessed some kind of power revolving around plants. Lee was happy about this, but Lacey wasn't too sure. She would have to keep her eyes on the kids.

The two little girls crawled over her and laid their little heads on her stomach to watch their 'daddy' finish his workout. Torayu, the little girl with wild black hair squealed when Lee did a flip and landed on his feet. Lee looked over at the three females with a startled face, as if he had not been expecting them to be watching. He scratched his head nervously and watched Lacey covertly. He knew she'd been watching him the whole time.

With a smile, Lee walked over and lightly brushed his lips against Lacey, who blushed, but smiled back. Lee sat on the bed by Lacey's head and looked at the two little girls. "Well, Sakura-sama will be expecting us soon, so we will have to get ready to go, ne, girls?" the two little girls squealed and scrambled over Lacey into Lee's arms. With a smiled, Lacey watched the young man allow the girls to hug on him and giggle and sit in his lap. He would make a great father…the thought made tears prickle in the corners of her eyes.

She had thought when she had told him that she was barren that he would stop taking an interest in her, but he hadn't. He had taken responsibility for these children with her, called the two THEIR children…she smiled and put her hand on his thigh, making him give her a heated look. She giggled and shook her head.

"I have everything set. Go shower so you don't stink. I'll get something for the girls to wear." Lee knew what she meant by that, but said nothing as he tickled the girls and escaped to the shower. Closing her eyes, Lacey manifested two cute little outfits. The two girls looked awed, but then the little blonde reached out and touched one outfit, making it change colors. With a smile, the child took it and held it up.

"Mine?" the little girls asked. Lacey was stunned…Amaryllis was like her…at least in this aspect. She smiled at the little girl and nodded.

"Yes, sweeting, that one is yours. Tor, would you like this one?" small golden eyes looked from the outfit to Lacey and then back again. She scrunched up her face and pointed towards the bathroom. Lacey cocked her head until she realized the little girl didn't like dresses. Lacey chuckled and gave the little girl a pair of comfy black jeans, an green shirt with yellow flowers, and an odd looking pair of sandals.

The two girls had just gotten dressed when Lee came out rubbing a towel over his wet black hair. Both little girls ran up to him, their arms stretched up to him. "Daddy, daddy, daddy!" the two exclaimed happily. Lee smiled softly and dropped the towel before picking both girls up, one in each arm. They giggled and hugged him, making him chuckle.

Lee regarded Lacey and smiled. "Come, love. We have a cook out to attend." Lacey got up with a smile and walked over to them. She stood close to the three most important people in her world right now and closed her eyes as they all disappeared.

-

-

Sakura watched the proceedings from one of the peaks of Astair's house. She had never been comfortable around a lot of people, and that hadn't changed over the years. However, the fact that the whole village was coming together like this made her happy. It reminded her of when she had lived with her family on their own world. She smiled sadly…the village had had functions like this as well.

She watched as, one by one (or rather couple by couple), her operatives arrived with either their kids or some kind of dish for the cookout. Some arrived with both. It was the arrival of Ino, Kiba, Temari, Shikamaru and the two kids, all of whom were in the same grouping, that caught her eye. She could sense they needed to talk to her and she knew what about.

She had been thinking over the same idea she could sense from them…they weren't safe where they were any longer. The Center had sent Kabuto after them, only he had gone mad from Sakura's touch. Sasuke knew where to find them, and that could spell trouble if Madara decided to use Sasuke against them. Not to mention the 'council' Tenten had mentioned months ago had been stirring.

She narrowed her eyes as she thought about the council. The soldiers that had come here were an opposing faction to that council…so there was no denying it's existence, even if she had doubted Tenten's word. However, she knew the brunette would never lie to her. She sighed as she watched Lacey, Lee, and their two girls appear. Kankuro and Karin were sitting with Temari and the others, having been here much earlier. Chouji appeared with Michi, Eto, and Cheela. It was the appearance of Sai, Shino and Kuro that caught her attention…that meant…

She almost purred when she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind. She felt fangs nip lightly at her neck and she giggled. The appearance of Hinata, Naruto and the twins was the last thing she watched before turning to her mate and kissing him. "Where's Akouji?" she asked huskily. Gaara nuzzled her and kissed her collarbone.

"He's taking a nap, as is Sora. Natalie and Hidan are watching them while we prepare." Sakura moaned as she felt Gaara kissing and licking her neck. However, she knew they had to stop.

"Panda-chan…we have to wait. There are things we must discuss and people we must talk to." Gaara sensed something in her words and he froze.

"Sakura…what's wrong?" She smiled…he knew her so well.

"We are no longer safe in Konoha Burbs, my love. We must seek a new home." she whispered, tears pricking her eyes. She loved her house and she didn't want to leave. However, the people under her protection were in danger and she couldn't allow that. Gaara laid his head on her chest, his ear right above her heart and thought about what she said.

"What are you thinking, love? Where could we go that we can finish school and still manage our business?" She thought about that and shrugged.

"There's a reasonable sized city just south of Konoha. It's not as big as Kagure, but it's about the same size as Konoha." she murmured and felt him stiffen.

"You're talking about Suna…aren't you?" she could sense pain from him…memories he didn't want. She growled and started stroking his head.

"My love…I know it is painful for you…but you must think of our people. They are depending on us for protection, whether they realize it or not. Suna is composed of mostly your element." Gaara nodded, but it still didn't seem like he wanted to talk about it. So, Sakura gave him a little incentive.

"I have builders that could make us a home to our every specification. With a little input from everyone, we could have the house done in a little over two months…completely furnished." she purred and licked the lobe of his ear, making him shiver.

Gaara could sense the tension in his sister and knew what had prompted this from his mate. "This is about Temari, isn't it? Something's on her mind and you know what it is…that's why you're trying to convince me." he groaned when she nipped at his jaw and started licking his neck. She giggled and nipped his neck, leaving a rather noticeable red mark.

"Only partially. We have our own child to worry about now. Akouji may not be ours by blood, but we both know how attached he is to us and we to him." she nuzzled him and he growled lightly. "Plus, we don't have to build inside Suna. The three cities, Suna, Konoha, and Kagure, make a loose triangle. We can build somewhere between the three." Gaara pulled her against him roughly and let her feel what she was doing with her teasing.

"You're right. We aren't safe where we are. Too many of our enemies know where we are. We should talk this over with the others soon." he purred, making her chuckle.

"Well, we're missing our own party, so we need to get down there." she kissed him before disappearing. He growled and followed her.