A/N: Thank you so much to Ukrainian Snowstorm for betaing this chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Gaara arrived in Iwa without incident. Like in Kiri, the Tsuchikage himself welcomed Gaara with his granddaughter. Unlike Mei, Onoki was not at all helpful.

Granted, from the sour look on his face, Onoki didn't necessarily support the idea of getting mixed in another Kage's love life and only agreed to get it over with. Onoki was stone-faced when he finally introduced Gaara to his granddaughter.

"Hello, I'm Kurotsuchi." She greeted him with a confident smile. "It's nice to formally meet you."

Gaara nodded. "I feel the same."

After that quick exchange of greetings, he and Kurotsuchi shook hands. Onoki placed himself between them and left them no room to get to know each other.

"Alright, that's enough," he grabbed Gaara by the wrist and waved to Kurotsuchi. "Take care of everything here while I show the Kazekage to his hotel."

Kurotsuchi gave a little salute to her grandfather and called. "See you around, Gaara-san."

"Let's go!" barked Onoki.

'This is not a good sign', Gaara thought as he followed Onoki.

They exited the building and the Tsuchikage himself personally showed Gaara where he would be staying. Onoki told Gaara that he had assigned him an attendant if he should need anything. Then, he left.

When Gaara had eaten and settled his belongings, he thought about Kurotsuchi and their first meeting. Gaara had seen her during the war and he watched her in action. Kurotsuchi was a lively kunoichi, she was smart, charming, and straightforward. She was clever too and Gaara knows that she could hold her own. They've met each other briefly but they didn't talk. To be honest, there was no time for it and he never thought that he would see her again.

Unlike Shinobu-san, Kurotsuchi-san was upfront and blunt. She told him the next day that she was aware of her grandfather's plans. She doesn't necessarily approve of his meddling in her life but since he was already here, they might as well try it.

Seeing his frown, she explained. "Oh, I manage some of my grandfather's correspondence. I saw the letter you wrote to him about your arrival."

"Oh."

"I didn't say anything because I wanted to ask you directly."

Gaara grimaced but nodded his understanding.

They tried to date, they really did. But Onoki was always there, following them everywhere and commenting on everything they do.

"This volcano is great; it has a historical value and it gives the villagers things to sell."

Kurotsuchi pointed at the volcano below. They are riding on one of her golems, enjoying the view from above. From what Gaara could see, it wasn't that big, and even its crater is small in size. From where they were, it looks like a perfect cone pointing upward. But Gaara learned the hard way not to underestimate trivial things or people and sure enough, when he looked closely, he saw that it spits a steady flow of lava.

"Is it always active?"

"Hai."

During one of their talks, Gaara mentioned that he prefers nature. When they next met, she took him here. It is a part of nature; he can't argue with that. It's just not the peaceful and quiet kind.

"I see," Gaara said. "What kind of things do people sell from here?"

"Oi, how about you change the topic? I don't think talking about mud and exploding mountains are great topics for a date." unfortunately, Onoki is just behind them, glaring.

"How about you let us talk about what we want, Jiji? Since it's our date and all," said Kurotsuchi, irritation coloring her voice.

"Your conversation bores me." He sniffed.

"Why don't you just leave then?"

"Iye," he said and used his own golem to walk ahead of them.

"Then keep your comments to yourself!"

Kurotsuchi and Gaara were still on her golem, an awkward silence hanging over their heads. She was fuming, her fists were clenched and her eyes narrowed into slits. She was staring at Onoki's back, muttering curses under her breath.

"I'm sorry about that," Kurotsuchi grimaced. "My grandfather can be old-fashioned."

"I know."

The Tsuchikage may be a bit old-fashioned but Gaara liked the man. He had been an invaluable help during and after the war. He had even praised Gaara in front of his father, which surprised and pleased him.

He didn't think he still cared about what his father thought about him but he did. What happened that day was memorable for him, in more ways than one. Hearing someone defend him, he deeply appreciated that.

But right now, he didn't appreciate what the old man was doing. He shouldn't have agreed to the date in the first place if he was going to be this difficult. By now, their golems were walking side by side again, and he could hear Onoki's muttered complaints. Gaara sent Onoki a frown and he frowned back.

This was Gaara's third day in the village and he still hadn't gotten the chance to be alone with Kurotsuchi. They won't be able to make a connection this way. It's not as if he would do anything untoward, he knew better than that.

Gaara's thoughts halted at the realization. He slowly turned his head and met Onoki's glower. It seemed to him that Onoki didn't think so.

"Is there a problem?" Kurotsuchi asked.

"Could you let me talk to your grandfather?"

"Are you sure?" she sounded hesitant, her brows furrowing.

When he nodded, Kurotsuchi shrugged and shouted at Onoki. He stopped and they exchanged places. Kurotsuchi stayed a few steps ahead and kept her back to them to give them privacy.

Well, she was not inconsiderate like her grandfather, at least. Gaara liked Kurotsuchi for that. But first, he turned to face Onoki, he would have to deal with her irritating grandfather.

"What is your problem?" Gaara hissed.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Onoki replied, crossing his arms. "And don't think you can be rude just because you're a Kage. I'm still older than you, boy."

"You've tested my patience these past days, Tsuchikage, I don't feel like being polite."

Onoki scowled at that and Gaara scowled back. It lasted a moment and neither of them gave way. Then, the Tsuchikage slumped his shoulders and sighed heavily.

"I didn't think you'll actually go through with it," Onoki confessed. "That's the only reason I agreed."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"I do," he said. "But I can't let that Mizukage outdo me now, can I? It's because she said bad things about my granddaughter. She's to blame as to why my temper flared in the first place."

"She only said that Kurotsuchi-san and I wouldn't suit and this could have been avoided if you didn't argue with her."

"Like I said, bad things," Onoki insisted. "I'm the only one who can badmouth my granddaughter, directly or otherwise."

Gaara resisted the urge to shake the older man. What was bad with that? Onoki was just making his life difficult because of his stubborn pride. He let out a heavy sigh before speaking.

"Kurotsuchi-san and I decided to date, at least once," Gaara informed him. "She told me that she knows you arranged this for her and that she was not happy about it. But since I'm already here, we shouldn't waste the opportunity."

"Oh, she knows about it?" Onoki asked, looking alarmed. "Why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Because you're always walking between us and interrupting our conversations at every turn," he replied drily.

"I'll stop now," he said, straightening. "It wouldn't go well for me if Kurotsuchi-chan is angry."

Gaara blinked. "Alright."

"Just enjoy your date," Onoki said while cracking his knuckles. "Your one date. Then, you can go to the other villages, got it?"

After threatening him, Onoki left without saying goodbye to his granddaughter. Kurotsuchi came back and blinked after her grandfather. Then, she splayed her fingers wide and slapped Gaara's hand, giving him a high-five and a bright grin.

"You made him leave, way to go!"

Gaara shook his head and said, "Shall we start our date?"

She agreed and they explored the volcano. Kurotsuchi-san dispelled her golem when they landed in a safe place and from there, they went down on foot. Unlike his previous hiking experience, this place was mostly rocky. It seemed to Gaara that everywhere he turned, there was always an unusual rock formation or a uniquely colored stone that caught his attention.

It was true that it was a bit dangerous but the things that they found were fascinating. A pool of red mud, a gathering of shiny rocks, and boiling hot springs. Not to mention the animals they encountered. Crows circling overhead, large wild frogs, and occasional leopards here and there.

It was fun but they needed to leave when the volcano made its presence known by coughing up a little waterfall of lava. It was a good thing that Kurotsuchi-san was alert and they avoided getting hurt.

After that, Kurotsuchi brought Gaara to the many caves hidden all over Iwa. She showed him the oldest cave in the village, it was filled with hidden treasures like pretty limestones, rare crystals, and those slightly itchy-looking glowworms. They went to an underground cave as well and that was a different world entirely.

There was a river inside, its clear water flowing steadily. Gaara saw that there were fishes in them and Kurotsuchi explained that the creatures have no eyes.

"They don't need them," she shrugged. "It's so dark here anyway."

Gaara agreed with her and stared at the fascinating insects. Bodies of water were rare in Suna and this was the first time he had ever seen such amazing creatures.

This was their second date. Onoki wasn't here, the council had an urgent matter that needed his attention. The old man glared at his back as they left while Kurotsuchi gave him a mischievous grin.

Gaara glanced at Kurotsuchi at his side. She was brave and blunt but Gaara didn't feel different towards her. With her glossy hair and pink eyes, she was striking but to him, she was just like one of the women in his acquaintance. He didn't feel that connection and it doesn't seems that she did either.

Gaara had no more business in Iwa. The Tsuchikage himself gave him the tour of their academy. Their shinobis here pride themselves in creating things like in Suna. They used clay while the people in Suna used sand. They could exchange techniques and materials to make their shinobis stronger.

This was the only thing that he and Onoki agreed about during his visit. They worked well after all. The two of them had written a proposal to present to each of their council and that was how Gaara spent his last day in Iwa.

Though it didn't go according to his plan, Gaara would say that his visit was successful. He secured trade and improved the chances of the shinobis in his village.

But it was safe to say that Mei was right, Kurotsuchi and he did not suit. She was energetic and could be a bit cocky but ultimately had a good heart. However, she wasn't for him. She was too brash and she loved Iwa too much.

It was evident whenever she told him about Iwa. Her eyes sparkled and even her voice gentled. Oddly enough, it was that expression that reminded him of Shinobu-san. They shared the same look when talking about what they loved. They would get over excited and proud about it but icy when they felt you insulted their passions.

She wouldn't willingly leave this village and he would never ask her to. Since being the Tsuchikage ran in their bloodline, she should consider taking up the title, he thought.

"You should try it, you know."

"Hm?"

Kurotsuchi and Gaara were standing on one of her golems, watching the sunrise. Gaara's guards were already waiting for him at the village gates but he had stopped for a moment since she was kind enough to see him off. Kurotsuchi said that Onoki wanted to come but his back acted up again and Gaara didn't think it was just an excuse.

"You should try being the next Tsuchikage."

She shrugged. "My grandfather is stubborn, he would cling to his title till the end."

"I'm certain that he wouldn't mind if you replace him," Gaara's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Besides, he can't put his back into it anymore, so what's the point?"

Kurotsuchi threw back her head and laughed. "I like you Gaara-san."

When she had calmed down from her laughter, Kurotsuchi looked at him with a welcoming expression and her pink eyes shining brightly. She put up a hand, splaying her delicate fingers wide between them. This time, Gaara raised his hand to meet her high-five. It looks like he had made another friend here.

Gaara walked towards the village gates while Kurotsuchi waved goodbye. He waved back at her once and they were off. Kumo was far from here and they had to leave at once if they don't want to be behind schedule.

Yotsuki-san was lovely. That was Gaara's first thought when he finally met her. Then, it was followed by, she looks too young.

Her pastel pink dress, twin pigtails, and large brown eyes framed by thick long lashes didn't help her case. When she smiled at him, her dimples showed. They were in one of the teahouses in Kumo and she had just arrived.

Gaara just arrived himself and the Raikage set up this meeting after a brief chat. There's no time like the present, he said, and then ordered his assigned escorts to bring him here. After that, they told Gaara they would collect him in an hour.

"Konichiwa Yotsuki-san," he greeted. "Shall we order?"

"Hai," she replied and sat.

A server came and took their orders. After that, it was quiet. Casually talking to people had never been Gaara's forte and it looked like it wasn't Yotsuki-san's as well. He glanced at her and she was just sitting there with her hands folded tightly on her lap, her gaze averted.

"Am I making you nervous, Yotsuki-san?"

"Iye, Kazekage-sama," she answered, still not looking at him. "I-I'm just not used to meeting and talking to other people."

"I've been told that you're a kunoichi from the medical team," he said. "Isn't talking to a lot of people a requirement in that?"

Yotsuki-san sent him a startled look. Gaara paused, the idea seemed to frighten her. She stuttered before answering his question.

"I prefer to examine corpses so, I avoided that."

"I see."

Really, what could he say after that? Thankfully, their food came and he had an excuse not to speak to her. He had a feeling that he will only make things more awkward for the both of them if he continued that conversation.

Gaara eyed her discreetly, Yotsuki-san doesn't look the gothic type. She and her light outfit gave him the impression that she was cheerful and outgoing. He didn't think she would suit such a place.

"R-Raikage-sama told me that you're interested to see the academy?"

"Hai."

"I will be honored to take you there, my lord."

"Gaara, please," he replied. "And I am grateful."

They finished their tea and left for the academy. They saw his escorts and after informing them of their plan, Gaara told them to meet him there. They agreed and promptly disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Yotsuki-san seemed to tense as they walked, her shoulders were stiff and she hunched whenever they passed large groups of people. Gaara leveled with her to try to reassure her.

"If you're uncomfortable, we can do this another time."

"Oh, it's fine. There are just too many people today," she explained. "I'm always like this. I'm not used to sunlight you see. Besides, we're almost there."

They walked a bit farther and finally reached the academy. It was a low building made of stone, just three floors from what Gaara could tell. Statues were lined up at its sides, warriors, and beasts alike, poised to fight.

"Welcome to the Kumo shinobi academy."

Yotsuki-san preceded him and after talking to the guards at the gate, she gestured for Gaara to follow her. She took him to the important rooms, like the training, lecturing, and medical rooms. They also passed the cafeteria and the school's little playground.

Gaara noticed that Yotsuki-san is more confident here than in the streets or the teahouse. Her posture was straight and she rarely stuttered. She explained the uses of each room well and answered all of his questions wonderfully.

They spent most of their time in the medical room. Since it was her specialty, it made sense. She showed him various kinds of medical machines that could only be found in their village. Yotsuki-san also gave a little demonstration.

"Your medical machines are the most advanced I've ever seen," he praised. "What about their effectiveness and accuracy?"

"Actually, we're still improving all that but we achieved great results so far. We boast the highest accuracy rate of medical exams in the village."

"Have you considered enlisting the help of Tsunade-sama?"

She shook her head. "I already suggested it to Raikage-sama but he refused."

"Why?"

"I don't know. When I asked him, he said," Yotsuki-san crossed her arms, frowned ferociously, and deepened her voice as she spoke. "I'll never ask the help of that gambling addict as long as I live!"

"I see," Gaara blinked. "I'll try to talk to him then."

Yotsuki-san beamed at him. "Arigato, Kazekage-sama."

"Gaara, please."

"Hai, Kazekage-sama!"

"Never mind," he sighed. "Where are we going next?"

The two of them wandered a bit around the school, watching a few students training here and there. It was a quiet yet pleasant experience, Gaara thought. When they had walked around the academy, his escorts arrived and after promising that they would meet again, they parted ways.

He and A-sama met a few more times, they talked about the cultural exchange and Gaara broached the medical issue. It wasn't easy but he convinced the other Kage to at least show the machines to Tsunade-sama and let her test it. She was still the greatest medical ninja in the shinobi world after all.

Gaara also met with Yotsuki-san again. He always told her to address him by his name but she always forgot so Gaara just let her be. She was very shy and her face was always flushed around him. She rarely stuttered though and Gaara took it as a good sign.

That and her fondness of impressions just reminded him of Shinobu-san. But those were the only things they have in common. Shinobu was graceful and knew how to talk and present herself to people while Yotsuki-san was uncomfortable in crowds and did everything in her power to avoid them.

He wondered why she agreed to date him if she was uneasy with people. Gaara asked her when they met in another tea house, they both loved the beverage and he was pleasantly surprised.

"Well," she began, her eyes fixed firmly on her lap. "I-I wanted to try to meet new people. I want to improve, to put myself out there."

Gaara nodded. "I can understand that."

"R-Really?"

"Hai," Gaara rarely met a person who didn't know about his backstory and he was a bit surprised. "I experienced the same. I struggled to forge bonds with my friends and even with my siblings."

Yotsuki-san's eyes widen. "Nani? But the hero of Konoha is your friend and your siblings are so protective of Your lordship."

Gaara coughed a laugh, his ears-tinged pink. "Well, sometimes my brother and sister can be a bit much."

She laughed. "You're so cute."

He frowned. "What's cute about it? They're annoying."

"You're their little brother," her face softened. "Of course, they would want to take care of you."

"Enough about me," Gaara avoided her gaze. "If I can do it, you can too, Yotsuki-san."

"Arigato gozaimasu, Kazekage-sama." she smiled.

"Gaara is fine."

"Hai."

"Anyway, I don't think you will have a tough time making friends," he encouraged. "You managed with me and I am not a great conversationalist."

"Oh, that's because we share a common interest Kazekage-sama."

"You mean, tea?"

"Hai."

Gaara looked at the long table that they occupied and the various tea sets on it. He didn't notice it at first because Yotsuki-san was slim and small but she drank tea a lot. She would always request that they meet in different tea houses in Kumo and Gaara had agreed.

They didn't talk much and they would often order different kinds of tea and snacks as they try to communicate. Gaara and Aya ended up ordering one of everything on a tea house's menu to try each flavor that they served and rate it according to the standard that they created.

On one of their tea dates, Gaara had remembered the plants he got in Kiri. The Terumi clan also had different flavors of tea and he thought that Yotsuki-san would enjoy them. Gaara decided to tell her about Kiri, the plants there, and of course, the various tea.

"Wow, pandan, you say?"

"Hai," Gaara confirmed. "I can give you some leaves if you want."

She smiled brightly. "Arigato gozaimasu, Kazekage-sama. I would like to taste that."

"I'm sure that you would enjoy it."

"Some company would be nice too," she muttered, staring at her teacup.

"I know a girl." He blurted.

"Really?"

"Hai," Gaara replied, his seafoam eyes bright. "She makes great tea and she also gave that pandan flavor I was talking about."

Yotsuki-san's eyes sparkled with interest. "I would love to meet her."

"I promise to introduce you, she's pretty…" Gaara said and promptly avoided eye contact to hide his reddening cheeks. "Pretty polite and kind."

"Oh?"

"Hai, I'm certain that you will get along."

Yotsuki-san smiled, showing her dimples. "I'm looking forward to it Kazekage-sama."

"I guarantee that you will meet other people who will share your interest," he continued, briefly touching his collar and changing the topic. "Why don't you ask people to meet you in your favorite place? If you're relaxed, I find that you stutter less and tend to look people in the eyes instead of on your lap."

"Oh," she covered her mouth with her hand, flushing. "I didn't think you'd notice, Kazekage-sama."

"I am a Kage," Gaara shrugged. "I notice things."

"Hai," Yotsuki-san straighten and looked him full on the face. "I shall do my best! Arigato, Kazekage-sama!"

Gaara's lips curved in a smile. "You're welcome."

Before Gaara left for Konoha, he and Yotsuki-san managed to write an extensive list of the delicious tea in Kumo. It included the staff's service, the menu's affordability, and even the tea house's ambiance.

Gaara's week in Kumo quickly passed. He became comfortable with Yotsuki-san's silence and she learned to speak her thoughts bit by bit. Both of them had fun going to tea shops and sampling what they offer. It was an unforgettable experience for Gaara and he was glad to find a kindred spirit.

He and Yotsuki-san won't be anything but friends and he was fine with that. His time in Kumo was a peaceful and pleasant one. Gaara found out a lot about his favorite beverage, and important medical advances and that was good enough for him.

Gaara thanked the Raikage and promised to communicate his concerns with Konoha. He will be going there next after all.