Well here's the next installment. I'm sorry it took so long! But it's a lot longer than my previous ones so I hope this helps a bit. This is the rest of Shikamaru's first day in Suna. Please enjoy and remember; 1) I do not own anything Naruto- if I did I would make Gaara very happy and Temari and Shika would be together and 2) Review please?! I work better with input and pressure to write more!

So with out further ado...

"So where's Gaara," I hear myself ask.

"Mission," Temari answers shortly, "He should be back tonight,"

'Well that was odd,' I thought as I turned to whisper to Kankuro. "Am I missing something?" Kankuro just shrugged.

I wondered if it had anything to do with their proposal to the council to make Gaara Kazekage, but kept my mouth shut. The less trouble I got myself in the better.

We soon walked into a Soba bar and took a seat at one of the outside tables.

Now it was generally known that the cuisine in Suna was on the spicier side. Armed with this knowledge I theorized that Temari would take out of her frustration on me. So if I asked for the blandest dish, she'd give me the spiciest.

"So, what's good to eat here?" I asked.

"Depends on how spicy you like your food," Kankuro smirked.

"Well nothing too spicy but enough kick for taste." I said.

"Well then try the Kaze Curry, it's not too bad and it should suit you just fine." Temari suggested sweetly.

'Yup I'm in trouble' "I'll take your word for it."

We placed our orders and drank our tea in relative silence.

"So how did you and Temari start talking to each other?" Kankuro asked as our food arrived.

"You can blame my teammate Ino for that," I stated.

"Surely talking to me isn't that bad," Temari snorted.

"Quite the opposite actually. You're more enjoyable talk to than Ino," I stated as I broke a new set of chopsticks and offered my thanks. Temari and Kankuro seemed interested in seeing my reaction to the Kaze Curry.

It was fairly hot to begin with but not unbearably so. I flagged down the waitress.

"What? Is it too spicy for you Shikamaru," Temari asked with a grin. I grinned back as I saw the waitress arriving.

"What can I get you sir?"

"Could I get some hot oil?" I asked, taking note of Temari's and Kankuro's surprise.

"You're serious?" Kankuro asked astonished. Temari just rolled her eyes.

"You knew I would give you something spicy didn't you, Lazy ass?"

"I thought that you might. Besides the spicier a dish is the better."

While Kankuro sputtered in shock at my request for hot oil, I noticed Temari was being rather quite. She just sat there eating her dish, which had been heaped with Sriracha sauce and Vegetables.

I told Kankuro that the dish was plenty spicy; I was just looking for a different sort of spice. After that Kankuro just shook his head and muttered what sounded like, "Crazy Leaf nin".

Lunch passed by slowly while I informed Kankuro, briefly, the going-on in Kohona.

Temari rolled her eyes at her brother's antics and asked him if he's planning on moving to Kohona. Kankuro's faced colored at the question and he harrumphed himself into silence and proceeded to eat his own meal. I noticed Temari smirk in victory at the sight. I just chuckled and was about to ask about my staying with them, when one of the Sand Jounin approached our table.

"Temari-sama," He spoke hurriedly, "The Council has summoned you."

"On my way," She said before he left. She sighed and looked at me. "You may as well come with me, Cry Baby. Kankuro, please take care of the bill." She told us as she picked up her battle fan and started walking away with me following behind her.

"Are you alright?" I asked as we neared what I assumed to be the council chambers.

"Now is not the time, Shikamaru," She scolded me. I sighed and shrugged my shoulders at her as we arrived at the door.

Temari knocked and then entered, beckoning me to follow. I stayed behind her as she addressed the Council of Suna.

"Temari we come yet again to your joint proposal with that of your brother Kankuro, for the bid of Gaara's ascent to Kazekage." As these words were spoken, I noticed Temari tense as though preparing for battle.

Another council member took up the topic. "Although your brother seems to be more stable now, even maintaining a student, we are still wary of him and are concerned as to how the Village will react to him becoming it's leader."

'It is a valid concern and understandable considering his past.' I thought to my self.

"If that were the case, then I would understand your hesitation. However, if your were merely wary of him, Gaara would not be under such limitations such as being unable to do solo missions, even D rank ones, let alone anything else without some sort of Supervision. When my Brother and I suggested he work with different teams to not only gain your trust, but those of his fellow Shinobi, we never expected you to limit him in this way. The truth of the matter is that you are still scared that Shukaku will come out, when it is obvious Gaara has control of him." I noticed many of the members shudder at the mention of Shukaku

"It is not obvious, as you so stated, that he does have control of the demon within him. True none of the teams he has worked with so far have reported anything about his behavior being harmful, but this does not rule out the possibility of something happening." Yet another one of the council members stated.

"Gaara has done everything that you've submitted him to do in order to better himself for the Village! Why can't you see that he's no longer the blood-thirsty monster you've forced him to be?" Temari very nearly pleaded with the Council.

"We can't see this because of all the harm he has caused to the Village prior to this so-called change, especially when dealing with the shinobi of this Village."

"The only reason he harmed any of those Shinobi, is because they attacked him first, that and the fact that the former Kazekage sent them after Gaara. It was merely self-defense, admittedly a deadly one, but self-defense none the less." Temari argued.

'The former Kazekage sent shinobi after Gaara? Isn't he the son of the former Kazekage?' I found myself asking. Things were certainly getting interesting.

"You are merely stating this as he is your brother and you are biased to speak kindly for him. Who else would state he has control of the demon." The first council member, who had spoken at the beginning of this encounter, stated. I noticed that no one, besides Temari would even mention the demon's name.

I saw Temari clench her hands into fists and toss a dirty glare at the council member who had just spoken.

"Biased?" she hissed. "If any one is biased it is you," she stated as she gestured to all of the present members. " You see him as a tool gone wrong, and much like the former Kazekage, wish him dead. You see Shukaku, not Gaara. Just because he contains Shukaku does not make him Shukaku himself. He has threatened me for years, more than any of you lot. I have seen the changes he is making. I AM NOT BIASED!"

Some of the council members shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

"If I were as biased as you claim, I would be claiming that his temperament is the same as ever and he doesn't need to change to gain your approval, but I have not. Neither has Kankuro. We know of his past, recognize it and are seeing the changes. And as to Gaara having control over Shukaku, He can't sleep for fear of unleashing him upon this village. Have there been any random killings as of late? What about around the full moon?"

Silenced reigned over the room, after Temari's forceful speech. I was beginning to wonder if she had cowed them into silence when one of the Council members, the one I recognized as Temari's former sensei finally decided to speak on the subject.

"I agree with Temari. Since his change, Gaara has changed his out look on life and those of the lives around him. Who are we to doubt that change can happen?"

"I too agree with Temari," The council member who started this session spoke.

Soon all seven of the council members were arguing among themselves. I noticed Temari relax slightly and so went to stand next to her.

I gave her a lazy smirk, " Well now that you've finally got some support maybe there will be some progress."

She sighed and gave me a weary grin, "Kari, I hope so."

" Who is this?" One of the council members yelled over the din, looking straight at me. "How dare you come into this chamber without permission?" He all but yelled at me.

I raised an eyebrow at this but did not do anything against the statement. I heard Temari grumble something under her breath.

"Is this how you treat all of your foreign dignitaries?" I questioned.

Before anyone could say anything I continued.

"I am Nara Shikamaru, of the Hidden Leaf Village of Kohona, in the Fire Nation. I come from the Godaime Hokage, Tsunade-Hime."

" Kohona has already chosen a new Hokage?" One of the council members gasped.

"And not just any person, but one of the Three Legendary Sannin," Another member murmured in awe.

Slowly the rest of the Council stopped arguing to look at me.

"I have a Letter for Tsunade-hime, Who should I present it to?

Baki Stood up, "I'll take it Nara-san," He said as I approached the panel.

"We were aware that someone would come from Kohona. However we were not aware for what reasons."

"The reasons should be obvious," I stated, "To go over a treaty between the two villages."

"Ridiculous! She wants to talk to us about peace?" Sneered one of the council members.

"She is giving you a chance to get back on your feet, without being wiped out in the process. As of right now you are divided and without a leader. You are also very weak, so much so that if Kohona were to attack now, well there would be little to no resistance."

"Is that a Threat?" the council member who had sneered earlier bristled.

"I am merely pointing out your situation," I stated nonplussed to this reaction. "Kohona is merely offering to watch your back while you get yourselves back in order."

Discussions and grumbling occurred between the council members.

"You have the proposal here?" Baki asked still going through Tsunade-sama's letter.

"I do."

"We would like to go over the terms and convene with you in a couple days. Would this be acceptable?

I nodded my assent handing over the final scroll to him.

"We have not prepared a place for you to stay…" One of the members started to say when I interrupted him.

"The Sabaku's have offered me a place to stay while I'm here."

'Was it just me or did the room just get deathly quiet?' I found myself thinking as the council members, even Baki, stared at me.

"Is this true, Temari-san?" Baki addressed her.

"It is."

"And you Nara-san are comfortable with this arrangement," 'Sneer' asked me.

" I have worked with the Sabaku's before. I have no qualms with them and am grateful for their hospitality."

"But Gaara…"

"Is a Shinobi, one whom I've fought with and have had the pleasure of knowing. I do not fear him."

" How can you say that," another member gaped at me.

"I'd rather have him watching my back than most shinobi I know."

Silence reigned once again. Baki chose this time to speak.

"Thank-you Nara-san. I am sure you are tired after your journey. I will leave you to Temari. We will contact both of you within the next couple of days." I nodded and bowed to Baki, then followed Temari out of the Council Chamber.

By the time we got outside the Sun was already setting marking the end of the day.

"We may as well pick something up on the way back. Kankuro and Gaara, as you know, don't cook and I don't feel like doing it tonight. I nodded and proceeded to yawn and stretch. Temari just shook her head and smirked at me.

"What?" I asked.

"I'm sure that's the most talking your mouth has ever done." She grinned at me.

" Har har, troublesome woman. What are we picking up for dinner?" I grumbled.

"Ramen," She stated. I looked at her to see if she was joking.

" Don't tell me Kankuro's another Naruto?" At this Temari just laughed and slapped my arm. I winced slightly at this.

"No, no. We won't be having ramen… and I pray to Kami there isn't another Naruto out there. How does Pork buns, dumplings and rice sound?"

" Good, considering I'm still hungry." I stated as I laced my fingers behind my head and continued to follow her.

Once we purchased enough food for four people, we headed in the direction of the Kage mansion. I was slightly surprised, but I guess since a new Kage had not been found the Sabaku's were allowed to live there still.

We found Kankuro in the front room with wood shavings all around him and what looked to be a new puppet.

"Kankuro!" Temari yelled. "How many times do I have to tell you to do your crafting outside or in your room?"

"A few more times sister dear." Kankuro chuckled as he ducked away from his sister's fan.

"I'll give you sister dear!" She yelled.

So here I was standing in the front room of the Sabaku household, holding dinner for four, watching Temari Chase Kankuro around like the mad woman I knew her to be. I heard the door open behind me and turned to see Gaara walk in. He took off his sandals and Gourd and then nodded at me in greeting. I returned the nod and then looked back at Gaara's siblings running around the room, apparently oblivious to Gaara's arrival. Gaara looked at me and pointed to the bags I held.

"Dinner" I stated. He nodded and beckoned me to follow him.

Carefully I avoided the elder two siblings and followed the redhead into the kitchen.

"What are we having?" Gaara asked quietly.

" Pork buns, dumplings and rice." Whether he heard me or not was beyond me that is until he handed me four rice bowls. As I divided the rice into the bowls he had given me I asked, "So how was your mission?"

Gaara looked at me with what I guess was a surprised expression, if his slightly widened eyes were anything to go by.

"It was completed. No casualties." He replied as he placed the pork buns on a large plate. I took the large bowl he had gotten out and placed the dumplings in it.

"Well that's good to hear." I told him. Here I was making small talk with Gaara of the Sand. I couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. He glanced at me and then proceeded to use his sand to gather up the meal.

"Soy sauce, wasabi and Sriracha sauce in the fridge," He stated before leaving the kitchen. Taking that as a direction to get them I went over and proceeded to get the requested items.

As soon as I brought the requested items to the table, I saw Gaara summon some of his sand. It floated out of the room and then snaked toward the older two siblings who were still running around the main room. There was a crash, a couple of yells and then the sight of Temari, and Kankuro, hanging upside down, and heading toward the dining room. The two older siblings suddenly quieted once they realized where they were and how they were brought there.

"Uh sorry about that Gaara, didn't mean to make you wait for dinner. Could you let us go now?" Kankuro asked sheepishly.

If Gaara had possessed eyebrows, I'm sure he would have raised one at his brother.

"We promise not to rough house till after dinner, Gaara. Now would you please let us go before the food gets cold?" Temari asked nonchalantly. I chuckled quietly as the older two siblings proceeded to get up and dust themselves off. Gaara motioned for me to sit and serve myself as he did the same.

The rest of the evening was rather uneventful, well besides the verbal spats between Temari and Kankuro, to which Gaara just rolled his eyes at. Once dinner was done I offered to wash the dishes and then proceeded to go to bed. Bidding the Sand sibs good night I proceeded to the room I was to sleep in.

My first day went well and hopefully the council was closer to making decisions on a couple of things; the treaty with Kohona and their opinion of Gaara. With these thoughts in mind I drifted off to sleep, without further interruptions.

Q: Phew... That was long, but hopefully enjoyable. Shikamaru's still got a couple days left with the Sabaku's. Wonder how Gaara and Kanluro will deal with him being there. Well you'll just have to wait and find out.

Here's a Preview:

"Awww... what's the matter Shikamaru? Are you afraid my brothers are going to eat you?"

"It's a high possibility, especially when you wonder what Kankuro does with his victims from Kasaru" I grumbled at her.

....

"I bet he tastes like deer..." I heard Gaara whisper.

Q: Yup so there you go... Please Review! And I'll try and make sure no one eats Shikamaru... well much any ways...

Shikamaru: And What's that supposed to mean Troublesome woman?! 'Much' huh...