Yeah I know it's been a while, but it's been kind of slow going. I will hopefully have another segement up in a couple days. This one's pretty long but please enjoy!

'I feel like someone's watching me'

Sure enough I woke to see a pair of sea-green eyes staring at me. I blinked and those eyes continued to stare at me. I yawned and stretched trying to gain some semblance of awareness.

"Do you normally watch people sleeping, Gaara-san?" I asked as I scratched the back of my head, yawning yet again.

"Yes," was his only reply as I proceeded to get out of bed.

"I see." I turned and looked at Gaara. He was leaning against the wall closest to my bed, observing my movements. Now most people would probably be weirded out by this, but for some reason I wasn't.

"My staring doesn't bother you?" he asked sounding a little curious.

"No," I said as I gathered a few things I would need for a shower. "Should it?"

"When Temari and Kankuro first realized I was watching them sleep, they…" Here he broke off.

"They were scared." I continued for him. He nodded. I shrugged.

"Why do you do it?" I asked, sitting on the edge of my bed looking at him.

"People look different when they sleep, and as I can't, it's interesting to me."

'This has to be the most Gaara has ever said,' I thought to myself. 'Why is he talking to me?'

I nodded, acknowledging what he said. "I guess it would be something I'd want to study as well, if I couldn't sleep. I'm going to take a shower real quick. How 'bout if I make breakfast after I get out?" I offered.

He shrugged, but it wasn't a 'No'. "What?" He asked. I assumed he was talking about what I was going to make.

"Pancakes?" I offered.

"Chocolate chip." He stated and then walked out of my room. I started after him slightly surprised at the interaction. I sighed and shook my head and then continued on to the bathroom with my necessities.

'The Sabaku's are certainly an odd bunch, not that the Rookie 9 are much different.' I found myself thinking as I strode down the hall.

When I got down stairs a little while later I saw Gaara in the kitchen drinking something. I raised an eyebrow at this but said nothing. I walked past him to get the ingredients only to find he had already gotten them out for me.

"Your siblings aren't up yet?" I inquired as I measured out the flour and other dry ingredients before mixing them together in a large bowl.

"No," He said before taking another drink from his mug.

Soon the pancake batter was ready. I added some of the batter to a smaller bowl and added the requested chocolate chips. Heating up a large pan I added butter to lessen the sticking of the batter and the proceeded to make the pancakes.

While I cooked, Gaara just stood and watched me. Temari had mentioned to me that neither of her brothers could cook, well more to the point that one burned everything he touched and the other it was assumed had just never tried.

"What are you drinking? It doesn't smell like tea." I asked as I flipped a few of the pancakes over.

"Coffee," He stated. Suddenly he turned to a cabinet and pulled out another mug. He then pulled a pot off a warmer and filled it with, what I could only assume was coffee. He then handed it to me rather stiffly. There was only half a cup of the liquid, just enough for a taste or two. I smelled the liquid he had given to me. It was fragrant, different from that of any tea I've had before. I lifted the cup to my lips and took a fairly large sip. I nearly gagged. The flavor was overpowering and the jolt it gave you was strange too. I didn't want to seem rude, so I swallowed what I had in my mouth.

"How can you drink this stuff?" I asked him handing the mug back to him. I swear he smirked at me then. "Don't worry, all the coffee is yours. I will stick to my teas thank you."

He nodded and drank the rest of the coffee from my mug and then washed it out. He then went to another pot and filled it with that. When he handed it back to me I was pleased to smell tea. I nodded to him in thanks.

"To keep awake." He said before taking another sip of his drink. It took me a moment to realize what he was talking about but it slowly clicked. I nodded in understanding as I flipped the last of the pancakes off the pan. I handed Gaara a plate full of his Chocolate Chip pancakes, grabbed three more plates, utensils and the last plate of pancakes and proceeded to the dining room that was adjoined to the kitchen.

Gaara and I sat in a calm silence, appropriate I think, for early mornings. It was only seven in the morning. As we were finishing off our breakfast, we heard a thud coming from upstairs. I quirked an eyebrow at Gaara.

He shrugged and said, "Kankuro" as if that alone would explain everything and in a way it did. I nodded and grabbed his plate and mine and headed to the kitchen, leaving the extra plates and pancakes on the table.

As I was washing the dishes, Temari came down the stairs in her pajamas and slippers and dazedly walked to the refrigerator, after grabbing a glass, and poured some orange juice into it. After she took a drink she looked at me, blinked and then blinked again.

"Good morning, Temari," I said with a chuckle. Apparently she isn't as much of a morning person as she's claimed to be. Her eyes widened and she pointed at me.

"Why are you up so early?" She nearly shouted.

"I told you I do get up early from time to time, Troublesome woman." I rolled my eyes at her. "There are pancakes in the other room if you want some." I said and went back to washing the dishes. She gaped at me a little longer and then stalked out of the kitchen, in what I assumed to be the pursuit of food. I saw Kankuro stalk toward the dining room as well looking a little worse for wear and looking strange without his 'war paint'.

'What a strange morning.' I thought to myself. I as I finished drying off the dishes I had just washed, I found myself wondering what I would do today. I doubted that I would hear from the council today, and as far as I knew the Siblings didn't have any missions. I sighed and put the now dry dishes away. I grabbed the tea and coffee pots and headed into the dining room again. I placed the coffee pot in front of Gaara and then headed to my chair and poured some tea in to my cup. Temari and Kankuro were apparently enjoying the pancakes as they each had a large stack in front of them and were busy stuffing their mouths. I smirked at their antics and glanced at Gaara, but he merely raised an invisible eyebrow and proceeded to drink more of his coffee.

"So I take it you're enjoying the pancakes." I said as I took a sip of my tea.

"Tem, Why don't you make pancakes this good?" Kankuro demanded.

"What was that? I make pancakes just fine." She growled at him.

"Yeah but not this good! What did you add to these, Shikamaru?" Kankuro asked as he shoveled more into his mouth.

"Well what do you normally add?" I asked.

"Flour, water, eggs, a small amount of sugar, salt, baking powder… that's it."

"Ah no milk or Vanilla then." I smirked.

" I would have said them if I did!" She growled at me.

'Yay, angry Temari first thing in the morning,' my mind cheered at me. I rolled my eyes. Some things were just too troublesome to deal with in the morning. I was surprised Gaara hadn't done anything to quiet his two siblings. Maybe that's another part of him that's changed.

"So what are your plans for the day?" I asked. The quicker we changed the subject, the less likely Temari would beat me.

This question imparted silence to the room.

"I will be doing what's considered 'woman's work, but only because if I didn't we would be living in a garbage heap." Temari stated.

"Oh come on Tem, We're not That bad…" Kankuro muttered through his mouthful of pancakes.

"I beg to differ. Between your wood shavings and Gaara's trail of sand, it's a wonder we can even breathe in this place." Temari stated harshly.

"Ok… So cleaning… Gaara? Kankuro?" I asked as I took another sip of my tea trying to act as nonchalant as possible. Really Mornings like this are so troublesome.

Kankuro just shrugged at the question and continued eating.

"Training," was Gaara's reply. I nodded at that. So much for learning about the village.

By now both Kankuro and Temari had finished their stack of pancakes. ' May as well do something so I don't get bored out of my mind.' I thought to my self as I collected their plates, utensils and the serving plate and headed toward the kitchen.

When I got to there, I was surprised to find that Gaara had followed behind me bringing the tea and coffee pots. He placed them on the counter next to their coffee maker and turned to leave, stopping just as he got to the door way.

"Don't go wandering the village by yourself." He called shortly over his shoulder and then he was gone in a swirl of sand.

"Who'd have thought there would come a day when my baby brother gave out kind advice," Kankuro said as he propped himself in the door way to the kitchen. "But he's right. I know well enough that you can take care of yourself, but there's still many here in Suna that don't trust anyone from Kohona. Ambassador or not they will try to harm you," He stated seriously before standing up from the doorway. "Have fun with Tem today! Ja Ne!" He called jokingly as he too headed out the door.

I blinked after him. What just happened here? Two of the feared Sabaku's- giving advice? I shook my head and started to wash the rest of the dishes. This trip was just getting stranger and stranger.

"What are you doing, Crybaby?" came Temari's voice behind me.

"Washing the dishes, Troublesome woman. Why what does it look like I'm doing?" I asked as I rinsed off the cups and plates.

"What are you doing that for? I thought that washing was a woman's job?" She said with a smirk as she sat herself on the counter next to the sink.

"Why Temari are you feeling threatened by me?" I asked as I turned toward her, drying the last plate.

Temari snorted at my remark and rolled her eyes. "Was there anything in particular that you had wanted to do, while you're here?" She asked me while picking at her fingernails in a casual manner.

I shrugged, "I would like to learn more about Suna, but I know you have things you want to get done."

Temari glanced at me from her perch and sighed, "I should have known you'd say something like that. Of all the times we've talked or written to each other it still surprises me when you're so direct in your manner but still manage to be as unhelpful as ever. You're such a lazy ass."

"I am fully aware as to what you think of my mannerism and that you love to reiterate the fact that you think I'm lazy. Now what do you need to get done today?" I asked as I finished putting the dried dishes away.

"You're offering to help?" She asked while smirking at me.

That smirk in itself should have told me to run, because that day I've never done more housework in such a short amount of time. Why had I given myself over to Temari and offered to help her? Oh right- to show gratitude for being allowed to stay with her and her family while I was here.

I had just finished dusting one of the few well used rooms in the mansion and found myself leaning against the doorway that lead to one of the balconies- my mind wandering. I wonder what would have happened if I had been forced to stay in a hotel, especially if what Kankuro had mentioned about the amount of distrust there was toward my people. Better go find Temari before I get yelled at for being lazy- sheesh that woman was so troublesome.

Despite being worked to what I felt was death, today had not been all that unpleasant. Over lunch Temari had consented to answering whatever questions I had about Suna and her people. I learned about the previous Kages and their achievements, although when we talked about the previous Kazekage her answers were more clipped and bitter than I was expecting.

"I'm sorry Shikamaru, but just talking about that man gets me agitated. He wasn't a very kind person, to anyone, let alone his own family." She had told me after she had bite my head off about some question or other.

"He was your father was he not?" I asked carefully, knowing that her temperament could swing either way, and I prepared myself for a beating of some sort.

"That man could never be considered anyone's parent, let alone my own or my brothers. He is- was a monster more terrible than people consider Gaara to be." She shouted slamming her fists on the table. I was shocked to say the least at her outburst.

"I'm sorry I hadn't meant to bring up anything unpleasant for you. I'll take care of this," Casting my hand over the kitchen where we had sat and ate our lunch. Temari nodded and stalked off stiffly. I certainly know how to hit her buttons now don't I.

That had been a couple of hours ago and I had not seen her since then. Fortunately- or rather unfortunately, she had a list written out and I was able to get most of the chores written on it complete. Now to find Temari and make sure she was ok.

As I was making my way through the mansion, back toward the kitchen, I suddenly found myself being dragged unceremoniously into one of the many sitting rooms by a large amount of sand. Great! I thought to myself, What had I done to upset Gaara to garner this treatment?

I soon came to a stop in front of the two Sabaku brothers.

"Have a seat Nara-san," Kankuro smirked. I sat trying to make sure that I remained as calm as possible. This was not what I had been expecting. I noticed that Gaara was watching me closely while he was leaning against the wall facing the chair I was in, arms folded over his chest. Kankuro proceeded to grab another chair and sat on it backwards and sat it opposite from me.

I raised an eyebrow at the two of them. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked trying to recall anything that could have been done to upset them.

"Why are you helping?" Gaara asked straight forward as ever.

"Are you flirting with Temari trying to get a date with her?" Kankuro interjected. I couldn't help but blink at this question. Where did they get the idea that I was in anyway flirting?

"You're letting me stay here, it is the least I can do to repay your hospitality," I told them calmly.

"You're a lazy ass." Kankuro snorted at my answer.

"And?" I questioned not denying that I was lazy.

"You're a lazy ass! Lazy people don't do shit!" He replied vehemently.

"Just because I tend to be on the lazy side does not mean I do not know how to offer my services. I like a clean living space as much as the next person." I informed him.

"You are not denying the validity of Kankuro's first question." Gaara's sea-green eyes bored into mine. "Are you flirting with our sister with the intention of dating her?" He asked quietly but one could feel the underlying threat.

Just as I was about to answer them, Temari came in through the door to the sitting room. When she saw her brothers sitting/standing opposite me, she stopped for a moment, surprise flitting a crossed her eyes before crossing her arms over her chest.

"What are you doing to him?" She demanded sternly glaring slightly at her brothers.

"Nothing," Kankuro stated looking at his fingernails in indifference. Temari rolled her eyes turning slightly toward Gaara.

"Gaara?" She questioned.

"We're interrogating him," He said with the same indifference people use when talking about the weather. She nodded at this. What is she thinking? Why is she just letting them get away with this? I found myself wondering, thinking that maybe I should start worrying about my safety. Temari then turned toward me.

"How are you doing," She asked. I noticed a trace of humor in her voice. She's actually enjoying the idea of me getting interrogated by her brothers.

"I'm fine," I said trying not to huff in indignation.

"Ok," She said and turned to head out of the room. She's going to leave me here, with THEM!

"Why are you leaving?" I found myself asking.

"You said you were fine," She stated as she turned, a smirk gracing her lips.

"Yes I did but that doesn't mean you have to leave," I stated more calmly than I felt.

"Aww... are you afraid my brothers are going to eat you?" She cooed at me.

"The thought had crossed my mind, especially when you wonder what Kankuro does with his victims from Kasaru" I grumbled at her.

I heard Kankuro snort, "Who would want to waste their time trying to eat a sack of skin and bones."

"I wonder if he tastes like deer," I thought I heard Gaara whisper.

"What?" Temari asked.

"Nothing," Gaara brushed off the question. "What's for dinner Temari?"

Temari sighed and shook her head. "Why don't you come with me and we can pick something out to eat, Gaara." She called over her shoulder as she headed out of the room. Gaara soon followed after her but not before stopping beside my chair.

"Don't do anything to make her upset, or I will hold you accountable." He whispered in my ear before heading out the door.

"I still can't believe that you would clean our house to thank us for letting you stay here," Kankuro sighed. I found myself relaxing a little, not willing to remember Gaara's chilling threat.

"Why is it so hard to believe that some one wants to help you?" I asked.

At this Kankuro just stared at me, frowning slightly.

"You, want to help us?" He scoffed. "No one wants to do anything like that for us for any other reason than to get close to us and use us. Why would you be any different?"

"Then why would you willingly allow me into your home and offer me advice about going into town by myself, if that is truly what you think of me?" I countered.

Kankuro sighed pulling off his cap in order to run his fingers through his mass of hair. Who would have thought that he had brown hair. I found myself thinking.

"Temari hardly gave us a choice and she seemed honestly happy at the idea of you visiting. Gaara and I knew you two had been chatting for a while, but we haven't known you all that long. We don't like the idea of letting just anyone getting to know us."

"I don't mean to pry, but does this have something to do with your father?" I asked as carefully as I could. Kankuro chuckled at this. Ok…

"I take it she ranted about him a little bit today?" Kankuro asked with a smile that was kind of sad.

"Yes she did."

"In away yes it has to deal with him, but pretty much anyone from this village." I noticed the vehemence with which he spoke of his father. "I don't know why I'm telling you this, but if I ever hear that you've talked about this I will kill you."

He continued to tell me about his and his siblings past and their treatment from their own father and that of the village. From what he's told me I think I understand them, a lot better. Eventually we were called to dinner by Temari, which we passed in amiable silence.

I again took the initiative to do our dishes but this time Temari was drying them. We worked in relative silence.

"I'm sorry if my brothers were giving you a hard time." Temari said quietly. I shrugged.

"No need to apologize, Temari. It's pretty understandable considering they haven't really gotten to know me and I know fairly little about all of you. Distrust is part of the game." I grinned at her and she grinned back.

"Was it just me or did I hear Gaara wonder aloud if I tasted like deer." I asked.

At this Temari broke out laughing, and I couldn't help but chuckle along with her.

As our laughter died down there was a knock coming from the front door.

Temari sighed and headed out of the kitchen to answer it, with me not far behind her.

At the door stood the same messenger from the other day.

"Temari-sama. The council request you and your family, along with the ambassador from Kohona to meet with them at one tomorrow afternoon." And with that being said he shishuned away from the mansion.

"Well that's that." Temari stated as she closed the door.

"Do you think they came to a decision about Gaara?" I asked as we walked into the side sitting room.

"Anything is possible with that lot. Like you mentioned to them yester day they are divided. So this may just be them saying they're still thinking about it. I really don't see anyone else capable of being the Kazekage though."

"What about your former Sensei, Baki I believe?"

"Sure he has the skills but he has never wanted that position and is one of the few people who when I told him about Gaara wanting to apply for the job, agreed with me."

She sighed and I didn't know if I should say anything about the matter so I opted to keep my mouth shut.

"What do you say about going for some tea? I'll show you some of the night life here." I merely nodded and followed her out the door after Temari let Gaara and Kankuro know we were leaving.

"Why didn't you tell them about the meeting tomorrow?" I asked as we headed into what I assumed to be the center of town.

"No need." She said.

"And why is that?" I ask.

"They already know." She said as we entered a teashop.

The rest of the evening was spent just talking, going to different stores that were open later and just enjoying each other's company. I don't think I'd spent a more relaxing time with anyone besides Chouji. None of the girls in Kohona were as snarky or as intelligent as Temari and her witty remarks just made things better.

While we were just relaxing I found myself thinking about Kankuro's question about my flirting with Temari in order to date her. I don't think I even have the ability to flirt and I am guessing I'd be beat up pretty badly if I ever even mentioned the idea to her. I sighed. No it would just be better to try and remain friends with her. What a troublesome woman she was, but in the end I guess she was worth all that trouble. I looked over at Temari from where I was sitting on the top of the Mansion. She was just watching the stars, the moon casting its glow on her and the wind gently blowing through her hair. I sighed and looked away. She really looks beautiful.

Soon we both decided to retire and we said our good nights. I hadn't seen either Gaara or Kankuro since we had arrived back at the mansion, so I just headed to my room and got ready for bed. Tomorrow would prove to be an interesting day. And with that thought I fell asleep.

The next morning I woke yet again with the feeling I was being watched. For whatever reason I was still feeling tired so I ignored who ever was watching me and rolled over to fall back to sleep. However just as I was falling back to sleep, a loud yell in my ear jolted me awake and off my bed.

"GOOD MORNING SHIKAMARU!" Temari yelled a large grin spreading over her face.

"Damn-it Troublesome woman, what was that for?" I grumbled as I rubbed my head as I sat in a dazed state on the floor.

"Well it's nearly eleven in the morning so I thought it was time for you to wake up." She stated Cheerfully.

"You're way too awake. Go away and let me go back to sleep." I grumbled as I climbed back into my bed.

"Gaara," Temari called, I could almost hear the smirk in her voice. I was soon dragged out of bed and hung upside down by Gaara's sand. I groaned and rolled my eyes.

"Fine, I'm awake, now would you put me down Gaara?" I grumbled. I hate mornings.

I saw Gaara nod at me and I fell back onto my bed. He then walked out of my room, leaving a smirking Temari with me. I sighed and pulled myself off of the bed heading toward my pack to get my clothes and bath accessories.

"Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to go take my shower." I grumped at her on my way out. As I headed to the bathroom, I could hear her laughing. I hate being rudely awakened.

It was almost time for the four of us to head to our meeting with the council. I wasn't too worried, because only fools would turn an viable ally into an enemy. Gaara and I were in the main hallway waiting for Kankuro and Temari. However I noticed that Gaara seemed a little tense, well more than usual. Knowing that he wasn't OK made the obligatory question seem redundant.

"Temari said you stood up for me, to the council that is." Gaara said in his low voice. I nodded at him when he looked up at me. I never realized that he's shorter than me.

"Why?" I blinked at the question then shrugged.

"I've gotten to know you a bit, even before you and your brother interrogated me. I know that you've changed, who helped with that and the result of it. Don't worry about the fools too much." I told him as I stretched a little. I gave him a light pat on the shoulder and left it at that.

Soon the four of us were standing in front of the council. For a bunch of old geezers they can look pretty intimidating.

"Nara-san, we have looked over the proposal your Hokage has sent to us and have found that it is acceptable for the time being, at least until such a time as we have officially established our new Kazekage. This is our own proposal to your Hokage and the signed version of the one sent, we hope you will have a safe journey back. However before you leave we have a few requests to ask of you, so if you would stay until this meeting is over." The council member I later found out to be named Shoutarou informed me as he had Baki hand over the scrolls I would need for my return to Kohona. I bowed slightly to the council and stepped back so that the Sabaku's had center stage.

"Now to the main matter at hand, one that has been deliberated heavily. Sabaku no Gaara, you and your siblings have informed this council about your goal to become Kazekage. Do you still at this point wish to continue to pursue this?"

"Yes."

"Even if during your reign the people of this village choose to disbelieve your intention?"

"Yes."

"During the course of this pursuit to find our next leader, your siblings have spoken for you. Albeit there are some on this council who are still disbelieving in you, your siblings have made strong arguments. There are even foreign shinobi who support you. Just for the sake of this meeting, tell us why you want to become Kazekage." Shoutarou requested.

"Suna has become important to me as has my wish to protect her and her people. It has taken many years for me to realize this, but I will do everything in my power to fulfill that wish. I know that some of the reason for the uncertainty toward me is due to the fact that I am a jinchuuriiki. However instead of being used as a weapon I will make it so that I will use my control over Shukaku to protect everyone here, allies included." Gaara said, pointedly looking at me when he said allies. I couldn't help but smirk at this. What ever Naruto told him had really made things change for him.

The council sat quietly behind their table. Finally Baki walked around the table, Shoutarou not far behind him, and up to Gaara.

I heard Gaara's sand hissing quietly behind him. I looked over to see Temari put a hand on his shoulder.

"We wish to tell you that we have, unanimously, agreed. Congratulations, Kazekage Sabaku no Gaara." And with this being said all of the council members rose and bowed low to Gaara.

I too turned to Gaara and bowed. He had done it. I couldn't help but smirk at the fact that Gaara had beaten Naruto to his goal.

Temari and Kankuro were a bit stunned to say the least. When they finally believed what they heard, they grabbed Gaara in a hug, yelling their congratulations.

As everyone took their turn to congratulate Gaara, I stood to one side just watching the scene. Shoutarou came and stood next to me also watching the scene.

"You know what you told us the other day helped bring those who were wary of this happening to support the decision. Admittedly Gaara and his siblings have done all the work, but it was a surprise to find that there are Foreign shinobi out there who trust him."

I just nodded at this. Soon the council adjourned for the day, requesting Gaara to come to the council room tomorrow to start his official duties.

"We will be announcing this to the general public tomorrow morning. Nara-san we would like you to be present for this ceremony." Baki stated.

"It would be an honor." I said bowing slightly to him and the new Kazekage.

Later that evening Temari and I just sat in one of the sitting rooms still trying to absorb what had happened. Kankuro and Gaara were off somewhere, probably sparing or talking.

Remembering my earlier thought about Naruto and Gaara made me chuckle quietly. Temari turned to look at me from her chair.

"What's so funny, Shikamaru." She questioned sharply.

"I was just thinking of how jealous Naruto is going to be when he hears that Gaara reached Kage before he did," I informed her still chuckling.

This caused her to chuckle too. Then she sighed.

"Do you think he can handle it?" she asked quietly.

"As long as he knows you and your brother are there to support him he'll be fine. 'Course knowing that he has friends who support him too won't hurt anything."

"You going to tell Naruto when you get back?" she queried.

"No, it will have to be when he gets back," I said as I yawned and stretched.

"Ah, that's right he's off studying." Temari replied as she snuggled into her chair.

"Thanks for being here, Shika. I don't think I could have handled the stress of this very well without you." She said quietly. Did she just call me Shika?

"I'm sure you would have found someone to take it out on, Kankuro for example." I told her sending her a grin.

"Geez, learn to take a compliment." She grumbled.

We sat in a comfortable silence just relaxing.

"Are you leaving after the ceremony tomorrow?"

"Yeah have to report back to Tsunade-hime soon. She's probably having kittens at the moment, or drinking herself into oblivion."

Temari nodded.

The next day was another early start. What a drag. The preparations for the announcement had started a while back apparently, so everything had been prepared over night. By ten that morning, the entire village had turned out for the announcement. Kankuro and I had wandered the village listening to people reactions to the gossip of Gaara becoming Kazekage. Most of the younger generations were pleased and excited for the change while it seemed that many of the older generations held their tongues about the matter though I did see a few who were genuinely pleased.

It turned out to be a loud event, everyone who supported Gaara came out and Cheered for him. I don't think many things can surprise Gaara, but the sheer amount of people cheering for him, probably did. Temari and I stood back from Gaara, Kankuro remained behind his shoulder. I looked over at Temari and smiled. She smiled back.

Soon the ceremony was over and the festivities began. I was almost sad to leave, but knew I had to return to Kohona. I had informed Gaara and his council that I would make sure the new treaty for the Kages to sign would arrive soon. Gaara wished me a safe journey, apologizing for being unable to see me off. I waved it off and told him I would see him later. He nodded and I bowed before leaving the mansion.

Temari and I walked quietly to the gates. It didn't take long to reach them.

We said our goodbyes short and to the point although full of banter and friendliness. Somewhere in the back of my head I was saying cheesy parting lines, ones I knew would get me beaten into the ground if I were to say anything of the sort.

Overall the trip was a success and I didn't get hit once, what a change in pace.

Striking out into the sun I headed home, thinking that this probably not my last time here. What a drag, all that sand and heat. At least I'll have the troublesome woman to keep me company.