BTW: Lots of dialogue.

RECAP: Shika talks to Ino.

Shikamaru walked back home, he was a little worried about Ino considering how much she had been drinking the night before, making him rethink leaving her alone. He was almost at his house when he noticed he forgot something at Ino's. Since he was almost home he figured he'd just call her when he got home. He called her house but she didn't pick up. He didn't let his nerves get the best of him but he was starting to worry. He called back a few minutes later, still no answer.

He figured he'd go out for a walk and drop by Ino's house. He did and when he got to Ino's house she wasn't there. Where'd she go? Shikamaru started looking around, checking to make sure she wasn't somewhere in the back, she wasn't. He walked out of her house and back onto the street confused. He took the long way home hoping to bump into Ino, he never did.

He wasn't sure but he had a bad feeling. He ran around town looking in all the bars he knew of looking for Ino. He'd finally exhausted all of him options. He ended up a street away from the hokage's office. Sinced he'd already checked every bar and clothes shop in Konoha he might as well check where she trained. He caught his breath and did his best to act calm when he walked in. He made his way up the stairs and started walking through the hallways. He was almost at the door to Tsunade's office when they opened. It was Ino. When she was out of Tsunade's vision he hugged her, before the door to Tsunade's office could even close.

"S-shika? What's goin' on?"

"You scared the shit out of me, that's what!"

"W-why?"

"I couldn't find you, I thought...never mind. Don't scare me like that!"

"Why were you looking for me?"

"I was just checking on you. I went by your house and you were gone...freaked me out."

"Oh, that's because right after you left I came here."

"Why are you here anyway?"

"Well-uh you said you missed Temari. Guess who's been summoned!"

"Oh...no...you didn't say that I wanted them to come right?"

"Course not. I'm not that naive. I said it was for Gaara. I don't know how long they'll stay but it's better than nothin'."

Shikamaru hugged her again.

"Thank you, Ino. That was really, really sweet."

"Least I could do. She'll be here in a few days."

"You're a fantastic friend. I love you."

"Love you too. Walk me home?"

"Sure."

MEANWHILE

Sakura told Sasuke everything that happened. Sakura found out about him asking Ino for ring help. She wasn't mad at him which mad him feel even more guilty. Sakura called Naruto to fill him in. He later filled in Gaara.

Naruto and Gaara were eating lunch. Both subconsciously worrying about Ino. It seemed that through the retelling of Ino's inebriation it had gotten more and more severe making her sound like she was in serious trouble instead of just accidentally getting too drunk. Then the phone rang Naruto went to get it.

"Hello?"

"Hey Naruto. It's Ino."

"Ino! Are you OK...I'm really sorry-"

"Stop there. I'm fine. Anyway as you two might know by now Shika has a crush on a certain sand kunoichi who just happens to be a certain someone's sister. I've summoned them to see Gaara so if they call and tell you they're coming don't be surprised. I can house them if I need to."

"So you invited guests to our house for Shikamaru."

"...Sorry...had to be done..."

"No, I'm sorry! I'm going to be making this up to you for a while. Might as well start now, right?"

Ino figured Naruto was talking about asking her to pick out a ring. She had already told him she was over it but this made him willing to house the ninja, where's the harm in that?

"Thanks Naruto. They'll be there in a few days."

"Roger!"

"Bye."

"Bye."

Naruto was almost giddy with the excitement of setting Shikamaru up with Temari. He walked back in with Gaara and told him eveything.

"He seems like a good guy...one wrong move and I'll kill him though."

"I figured as much."

"Well, she's my sister!"

"No, I think it's good. Sheesh don't get so worked up."

Naruto ruffled his hair and kissed him making Gaara smile. Just before they moved further into the kiss the phone rang again. Naruto answered it making Gaara pout.

"Hello?"

"Ey. It's us. Me and Kankuro'll be there in a day or so. Why'd you ask us anyway?"

"Hey Temari. Gaara was missing the sand. Can't you just visit your little brother?"

"Sheesh. I was just wondering. Anyway I gotta go, kinda in a hurry to leave oh by the way we've gotta bring Matsuri with us. Bye."

Before Naruto could say bye she'd hung up. Naruto walked into the living room where Gaara had moved and sat on the couch with him.

"That was Temari. I don't think she likes me..."

"No she does. If she didn't like you you'd know it."

"I think I do know it."

"No, she wouldn't talk to you if she didn't like you. She's just a little more upfront about things. You know like she doesn't waste words, she's not the person who has to fill every silence with meaningless fluff conversation. That's kinda of what I like about her."

"I like it too. I just really want your family to like me."

"They do!"

"Oh hey, Who's Matsuri?"

"...Why?"

"Temari said she had to bring her along so I was wondering if she can bunk with Kankuro and Temari or if she needs her own bed or what."

"Not Matsuri..."

"What?"

"She's my student...she has a huge crush on me..."

"Well nows a perfect time to get her off your back."

"...I don't want to hurt her..."

"I think it hurts more to be kept thinking she has a shot. Something she clearly doesn't have now that your gettin' with all a dis."

Gaara laughed at Naruto and he laughed at himself. It only lasted a few seconds before Gaara got thinking again.

"...Anyway I think she can bunk with Kankuro and Temari."

"OK. I'll go set it up."

THE NEXT CHAPTER IS A FEW DAYS LATER