AN: No reviews on last chapter. Come on ya'll. I know I was re-working chapter numbers, but only 5 or 6 reads happened before I did that. No reviews when people actually read it. Makes me sad. On top of that, I've had tonsillitis this week, which isn't fun, and last night, my car decided to throw every check light on, and stop shifting gears. (As I was editing this, I got a notification they found the issue and it's a $2,000 fix. I am weeping.) And I have a parent teacher conference tonight, sooo. In short, gimme some reviews to lift my spirits. It's an upsetting day today and I could use some positive thoughts.

Chapter 12

The day seemed brighter after the money drop. Gaara's tea had more flavor, and work seemed to pass by with the breeze. He felt almost akin to how he did the morning after he and Emika had sex, except this couldn't be ruined by her sudden takeback of her feelings. Money was more solid. More real.

Clearly, as far as her money, she was a woman of her word. Which was odd, since she had lied quite a bit over their vacation. To everyone, not just Gaara. However, if she made a promise, she followed through. That was commendable.

Kankuro brought Shijima, Kura, Akane, and Baki by, and Gaara explained that he was recommending them to Emika for temporary Guardian roles. Kura looked nervous about the recommendation, while Baki seemed incredibly interested after Gaara mentioned they would be working in the Premier Hotel mostly, and Gaara had heard about the amenities. After that, 11:30 rolled around quickly, and when he heard the knock on the door, he called out, "Come in."

In walked Emika with Chie behind her as she said, "Are you ready to go?"

Before he could answer, his phone rang, and he let out a sigh, holding up a finger. "Hello?"

"Lord Gaara, I have the Daimyo on the phone," Tsuno said on the other end of the line.

Gaara's brow furrowed. "You mean the Regent Daimyo," he corrected. It didn't feel right calling him the Daimyo after finding out how he'd been holding onto power that wasn't rightfully his. Not only that, but had been blackmailing Gaara for sexual favors. Emika straightened, crossing her arms as she hear Gaara.

"Yes. The Regent, Lord Ginmaru," Tsuno amended. "Sir, this is the fourth time he's called since the news dropped. He called first on Monday, and twice yesterday. Should I patch him through?"

Gaara set his jaw, looking at Emika. She looked nervous, whether it was that Gaara was going to take the call or if her Uncle was going to say something. Gaara smirked. "No," he said. "Tell the Regent I am busy. Actually, tell him I am indisposed with my wife, and to call back later." His gaze flicked back to Emika's, and saw she was blushing hard as Chie chuckled behind her.

"Yes sir," Tsuno chirped before Gaara hung up.

"Are you ready?" he asked as he walked around his desk.

Emika pursed her lips, and he appreciated the bright redness in her cheeks. Then she asked, "Did you have to insinuate to my uncle we were having sex?" When Gaara only blinked at her, she repeated herself, "My uncle."

He gave a slight sneering smile as he walked up to her. "Well, I guess you don't know how often he's told his assistant to have me call back because he was indisposed with his masseuse. Turnabout 's fair play." And what Gaara wouldn't give to see Ginmaru on the other end of the line hearing Gaara turning down his calls because he was bedding another royal. He was sure the regent's face would have turned a nice shade of red in anger, frustration, and embarrassing discomfort. All of which he'd made Gaara feel the last couple years.

She grimaced at his excuse. She turned with him to the elevators, then said, "Still. My uncle."

Gaara took in a slightly bracing breath through his nose before he said, "The man has killed three of your fiances. Do you really care what he thinks?"

She sighed as she hit the lobby button. "No, I guess not," she murmured. She shook her head as she pouted, "Just, he's going to complain to my Mom." She puckered her lips pensively at that, then added, "Which, to be honest, she'd probably just say, 'They're newlyweds. What do you expect?'"

Gaara chuckled. Her impression of her mother was spot on. He didn't have a lot of experience with the Queen mother, who was now his mother-in-law come to think of it. Just the last two Annual Daimyos Balls, she'd been there and specifically talked to him, and the moments definitely left an impression. The first, she made an odd comment about his appearance, then walked around him like a hawk, asking how tall men in his family got. When he answered that he was 172 centimeters, but his brother was 180, and father was 176 or 177, she gave an approving yet pensive grunt, then left. He had the distinct thought he'd outgrown his tux again as she walked away, only for her to pause and ask if he was a family man. He was at a loss before he answered, "I love my siblings." She gave him a pursed smile before sucking on her teeth and said, "That's not what I meant," before she left him again completely at a loss.

The second she'd pulled out a list of questions to ask him, which were all rather personal. Like if his family had any medical conditions like cancer or asthma. Again, Gaara told her no, although clarified most of his family had died before reaching an age when many of those diseases cropped up. Then she asked him what he was like in school, to which he had no idea how to answer. Then she asked if his family had any mental disorders, to which he told her he wasn't comfortable answering that. She said that was understandable, then left, only to pause and ask, "Do you like children?" He'd only frowned and said, "In a general sense, I guess, yes."

Gaara licked his lips, then said, "I'd think she'd be the most curious of the two of them."

Emika frowned at the comment, and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I'd only talked to her twice," Gaara stated. "But both times, she asked incredibly personal questions."

Emika puckered her lips, looking directly at corner as she asked, "What kind of questions?"

"How tall men in my family got," he answered. "If my family had any genetic or mental illnesses."

Emika rolled her eyes under her eyelids as Chie bit his lip to suppress a knowing smile. "Yes, well, my mom doesn't always understand boundaries," she excused as the elevator door opened to the lobby.

They met Kankuro in the lobby, who was curious to see Emika and Chie joining them for the meetings around Suna. She clarified only to the hospital, until Gaara added that he added a trip to the Academy for a retention meeting, now that her money had cleared. Immediately, Emika suddenly acted squirrelly, saying "Uh, no. I can't go to the school. I have to finish my interviews today."

Gaara frowned. "What happened to 'United Front'? I thought you would have wanted to see how your money was helping the people, especially."

"Another day, I would," she said quickly. "But today, I have too much going on. Also, tomorrow at 10, we have an interview with Opura. So, I need to go shopping for a new outfit for you, that will go with my own."

"Opura?!" Gaara balked, blinking wildly in disbelief and his voice sounding oddly high. "As in famous journalist and talkshow host, Opura."

"The one and only," Emika stated. "She's on her way to Suna right now. Since news broke, she's been calling, requesting an immediate interview to get the first scoop."

He was silent as he processed that, shooting a curious look at Kankuro, who only shrugged. Gaara pursed his lips, then said, "Opura."

"Keep repeating her name isn't going to change who she is," Emika said with a smile.

He chuckled. "I'm sorry. I've had a few things that have been difficult to wrap my head around."

Emika made a worried expression, then asked, "Like what?"

"That I am apparently married to the wealthiest woman in the world," he answered. "Without the crown."

She chuckled. "Well, I am a princess."

"No princess I've ever met could drop 150 billion yen at a moment," Gaara stated, earning a cough from Kankuro.

She smiled. "Well, as my grandmother always said: 'Cash screams. Wealth whispers.'" Gaara had to agree. Her wealth wasn't obvious until he got that call.

They went to lunch, then to the hospital. Mainly, he talked to the doctors about anything that needed to be added to the missions docket. Emika made a push to stop in the childrens' ward, and read a book to the children. Gaara was surprised to see how at ease she was with them, given she didn't want kids. They made several stops around town, and she got his clothing sizes before returning to work with Chie. Gaara continued his last couple meetings alone, bringing the good news to the schools and as well as R&D. As he got back to his office to finalize a few more reports, he saw Baki standing outside his office.

They chatted a moment before Baki said, "I've decided to agree to become a temporary Guardian. It shouldn't eat too much into my position as Head of Anbu, but I have agreed with the princess to take over one of her other guard's shifts. Rinri, I think is her name."

"Yes," Gaara breathed. "Chie and Rinri were Emika's old bodyguards. However, the Regent let them go around the time they took over guardianship of their foster son. So, they moved here. When Emika asked her to rejoin while here, Rinri and Chie agreed one of them had to be part time for him."

Baki nodded. "I'll be taking her evening and night shifts. But not traveling."

"Thank you," Gaara said. "It brings me a lot of comfort to know you'll be one of the guardians watching over us." He smirked before adding, "I'm sure the opportunity for the hotel's spa was the main factor in your decision-making though."

Baki smirked back. "At my age, such an amenity cannot be over-looked."

Gaara chuckled. Baki was the closest thing he had to a father figure. Knowing he'd be watching over them was a great relief. "Still. Thank you."

Baki smiled, and turned to leave, when Gaara stopped him. "Baki." Baki turned, looking at his old student curiously. "You never said," Gaara started, lacing his fingers in front of his mouth, "What are your thoughts on the princess?"

Baki pouted pensively, then answered, "She's shrewd. Good head on her shoulders. Financially minded, like her father." He licked his lips. "I am curious what brought on this secret marriage. I know you weren't engaged two weeks ago."

Gaara tilted his head curiously, and asked, "What makes you say that?"

Baki's gaze shifted to a knowing glance. "Because Gaara. I've known you for years. You were not engaged. Nor in a relationship. You were working way too much to have a secret relationship. You'd have taken more time off."

Gaara smiled a little bitterly then said, "Her uncle has been murdering her fiances."

Baki frowned. "You have proof of this?"

"Not yet," Gaara answered. "However, it's too much of a coincidence. She asked me to marry her the day after her third fiancé called her saying the assassins had him." He licked his lips, then said, "Three days later, he was found dead."

"And you said yes," Baki said, clearly not following the logic.

"I had several reasons. Believe me, the decision wasn't taken lightly," Gaara stated.

Baki's brow furrowed worriedly. "So, is the marriage a farce?"

"Not in the legal sense," Gaara answered. "When she proposed, she explained it had to be legally ironclad. However, is it a marriage based on love and affection like the pictures and probably interviews will insinuate? No. It's mostly business, and the prenup I signed will be incredibly beneficial to Suna once all this is over."

Baki's brow furrowed more. "How beneficial?"

"A ten-year contract that all missions from the crown will go through only Suna," Gaara answered.

Baki's eyes flew wide in shock. "Ten years?"

Gaara nodded.

Baki exhaled, his expression a mix of surprised and impressed. "Congratulations," he said.

"Thank you."

"If your father could see you now …" Baki trailed off, chuckling. No Kage ever got such a deal from their Fuedai Daimyo. "Have you told Temari?" Baki asked.

Gaara's expression fell.

Baki pursed his lips knowingly. "I take that as a no."

Gaara scratched the back of his neck tiredly as he said, "I meant to send her an email."

Baki nodded. "I'll let you get to it."

"Baki," Gaara said, stopping him again. "This stays between us. For obvious reasons, we're to appear completely married."

Baki smirked. "Who said you weren't?" Baki left, the door clicking shut.

Gaara turned his computer back on and began trying to formulate an email to his sister that explained the situation without leaking the truth entirely. The Cloud assured the electronic mail system's security, however something like this couldn't take any chances. He looked around his office quickly for a way to send a coded message, frowning at the encyclopedias. Then an idea struck, and he opened his desk drawer, where he'd hidden a copy of Icha Icha Violence, the second novel of the Icha Icha Paradise novels. He'd read the books in preparation for the marriage meeting in August, trying to get an idea of how to control falling in love, thinking if he could control his emotions, then his love of Emika would disappear. That hadn't worked at all.

He looked back over to the encyclopedias, then sucked on his teeth, blushing a little that he'd be likely admitting to his sister and brother-in-law that he'd read these romance novels, which had been pretty much porn for the most part. But it was a lot more accessible and easier to identify than whatever specific year of encyclopedias he had. He began flicking through the book, scanning the pages for lines he could use. He noted the lines down by page and line number. It was a surprisingly good book for conveying a coded message. A lot of lines worked for his purposes. Once he had his lines picked, he set the list aside and he began to compose a quick email.

Thursday, February 5th was a cold day in Konoha. It was only 5 degrees Celsius, even though the sun was shining brightly. It had snowed two days ago, even though you couldn't tell, since it had all melted by yesterday afternoon, since yesterday was 13 degrees Celsius. But today was back down to almost freezing temperatures, and would be below freezing tonight again. When Temari had moved here four months ago just before her wedding, several Leaf villagers warned her about the crazy weather in the Winter. However, having grown up in the desert, Temari had been sure she knew crazy weather conditions.

She had no idea. Konoha in the months of December to March could either be balmy and perfect, rainy and dreary, or a blizzard and icy hell zone. And the conditions changed day to day. And the fronts had caused her to start having sinus headaches she'd never had before. Being from the desert where storm fronts weren't a regular hazard, she'd never been really prone to them before. But Konoha, which was ridiculously wet in the winter, and rained more than the Mist village on average, she got them bad now.

Today, she wore black leggings under her purple dress, and a poncho to keep warm, as well as gloves. During her appointment, she had regretted wearing the leggings, but feeling the winter wind sweeping the streets on her way home, she knew she made the right call.

As she walked through town, Ino caught her eye and waved. Temari waved back in greeting. "So, you're back," Temari said. Ino and Sai had gotten married two weeks ago. Just over three months after Temari and Shikamaru. A month and a half after Chouji and Karui. That had been a bit of a scandal. They'd been dating for a few months, and Karui was Chouji's date for their wedding. Two weeks later, Karui found out she was pregnant, and they rushed to the altar as soon as possible. Ino and Sai, who had started dating even before Shikamaru and Temari decided it was finally time to tie the knot as soon as Karui and Chouji announced their wedding, and pregnancy. "How was the honeymoon?"

"Oh, it was wonderful!" Ino cheered. "The beaches were great, and Sai absolutely loved the art galleries. He bought two paintings for our new house." Ino then smiled and pointed at Temari. "By the way, congratulations." Temari's brow furrowed confusedly, until Ino added, "For the family addition."

Temari's expression immediately fell. "I'm going to kill him."

Ino's expression fell as well. "What?"

"Shikamaru," she grumbled. He'd promised he'd keep it a secret until they went to Suna and told her brothers first. She bit her cheek, then muttered under her breath, "I can't believe he told!"

"I haven't seen Shikamaru," Ino said.

"What?"

Ino frowned. "We only got back yesterday, so I haven't seen Shikamaru yet. No, it's all over the news."

Temari's brow furrowed confusedly. "What?"

"Come on," Ino huffed, grabbing Temari by the wrist and dragging her over to a newsstand. She pointed at a newspaper where the headline read Secret Ceremony: Kazekage Marries Princess Emika and Becomes Daimyo of the Land of Wind.

"What?" Temari croaked. She grabbed the paper and began reading it quickly as the attendant said, "You can't just take a paper."

Ino watched her curiously, then smirked. "So, you didn't know." She tongued her cheek, looking at the ex-Sand kunoichi. "What were you talking about?"

Temari straightened and said, "I'm actually running late. We'll have to talk later." She placed a coin on the counter, and said to the attendant, "I'm taking this." She tucked the newspaper under her arm as she walked back home at a brisker pace.

She sat in the living room and read the newspaper. She couldn't believe what she was reading, or the pictures she was seeing. Her baby brother was married? To the Princess!? What happened? Why was Kankuro standing there not stopping this in the photos? Was she the only one who remembered how heartbroken Gaara was the last time? Was she the only sibling with a brain cell among them?

She turned on the tv to the 24-hour news station as she made herself an afternoon snack and saw that her brother's nuptials was the main news story as more information had been steadily coming to light. The Wind's law clearly stated that Emika's husband would take over the title of Wind Daimyo, however, with the regency in place, that meant the House of Daimyos of the Wind had to vote on if he was given power or not. The Citizens' opinions varied. Some welcoming Gaara as the new Daimyo, saying the marriage was clearly based on love. And others worrying about what this meant for the people, because essentially, they'd be giving their military leader supreme power. And while his record was good with the ninja, with an entire country was questionable. And everyone knew Absolute Power corrupts absolutely.

Another thing that was cause for a lot of speculation was how exactly Princess Emika and Gaara knew each other. Sure, they might have met at the Annual Daimyo's Ball, except since her father's death, she hadn't been seen there, with the family frequently saying she was spending the holidays with friends. The general consensus was that they traveled in different circles, however according to "friends of the princess," Emika and Gaara had been dating for almost a year and were friends for several years.

Although, Temari knew none of that was true. She knew six years ago, Gaara had been assigned to her guard detail as his Final Trial. A mission to prove he was worthy of the title Kazekage. And while he was guarding her, the Princess decided to run away across the Wind, and to save the mission, he followed her. While running across the Wind with her, her brother had fallen hopelessly in love with her, despite knowing nothing could come of it. Kankuro had told her according to what Gaara told him, the feelings were mutual until she realized Gaara wasn't who he said he was, leaving both teenagers broken-hearted, like a lot of first love stories.

While they had fallen in love six years ago, however, they had not kept up a friendship, nor had they been dating. Gaara's heartbreak had almost made him unrecognizably somber, which was saying something for her youngest brother.

But to hear they'd suddenly married and had a honeymoon to the Coral Islands definitely wasn't something she'd expected. Especially not the pictures of what looked like a legitimate honeymoon and wedding, that according to all the news reports was the best kept secret of the century. No one had known, and even had the royal family scrambling, which was essentially the Regent, Emika's bastard uncle Ginmaru, and her mother, Queen Ichika. Especially because they had been thorough with every royal tradition that would legitimize a marriage. Temari had an idea of what that meant, but had difficulty imagining it.

The door opened, and she heard her husband, Shikamaru, call out, "Temari. You here?"

"In the living room," she said as she moved onto her second fish chimichanga. Lately, chicken was a nonstarter for her.

He made his way back and spotted her quickly, and sat down next to her. "You're late," she admonished.

"Sorry. Work is getting crazy," Shikamaru stated, kissing her cheek. He looked at what she was watching and exhaled out of his nose, "I see you've heard the news."

She chewed her lip, then grumbled, "Yes. I've heard."

"Thank God. I was worried about telling you," Shikamaru grumbled, rubbing his neck for relief. "It's such a drag. It was the main reason work was crazy today," Shikamaru grumbled. "The news has all the Daimyos on edge. The Fire Daimyo had Kakashi on the phone all day threatening to pull funding until his guardians ran a thorough investigation. They think it's a threat to the status quo between ninja and Daimyo. Some treasonous coup."

Temari frowned, muttering, "Well, it can't be a coup. Emika's the princess. The throne belongs to whomever she marries."

"Yeah, but that just so happens to be your brother, the Kazekage," Shikamaru pointed out, "which is a bit worrisome. He'd be the first ninja to become a royal." He leaned back on the couch, not really taking in how what he was saying was affecting his wife as he muttered, "Not to mention, it kind of goes against the oaths the Kage have to take. Also not to mention what we promised when the ninja villages were created. It's just a big mess."

His brow furrowed, as he lifted his head to Temari and asked, "You didn't know anything about this, did you?"

"No," Temari scoffed bitterly. "I found out about it from Ino."

"They didn't tell you anything?" Shikamaru said with disbelief. It was clear Kankuro had been in the know, since he was in some of the wedding photos of the ceremony.

"No," she barked. She set her jaw, clearly bitter about it, "I mean, it's not like I'm their sister or anything. But no. They didn't tell me anything. No hawk. No phone call. Not even a letter, or hell an invitation to my own brother's wedding!"

"Ok, calm down," Shikamaru said, worryingly, placing a hand on her shoulder and over her womb. "Getting angry is not good for the baby."

"Well, how would you feel if say your mom up and got married without so much as a word to you!?" Temari howled.

Shikamaru made a face, then said, "Yeah, I'd be pissed. But surely you knew something. The news is reporting they had a secret relationship for a year."

"And that's a lie," Temari barked. She shook her head frustratedly as she said, "I was living with them then. Gaara wasn't remotely in a relationship last year. He didn't take any time off and practically worked himself to death, except for our wedding and Naruto's. And Shira's at the beginning of the year."

Shikamaru frowned. "Shira?"

"His taijutsu trainer. My point is, he wasn't dating anybody, much less Emika. I definitely would have known," Temari huffed. "Especially if it was her."

Shikamaru licked his lips, then said, "You say that like there's some history there."

Temari licked her lips, then admitted, "Emika was Gaara's first love. And I mean serious love."

Shikamaru's brow furrowed. "So, they did know each other before? And their marriage is based on love?"

Temari shook her head. "Gaara was undercover when he met her. And their relationship imploded in a way that Gaara wasn't the same for years." When Shikamaru looked confused, she explained everything she knew of the final trial, and Shikamaru listened intently. When she finished, she scoffed, "So, you understand my concern and frustration."

"A bit," Shikamaru said, making a face. "But it also sounds like they might've reconnected and rekindled a relationship, which means it's not a governmental coup."

Temari sighed frustratedly. "You're not understanding. Gaara just married a woman he has difficulty differentiating right and wrong around. I left Suna, thinking Gaara was levelheaded enough to handle everything, and not three or so months later, he marries the woman who broke his heart almost as bad as our father and Uncle Yashamaru." She began tearing up as she huffed, "And not only that, but they didn't think to consult me on this! For the past seven or eight years, it's just been us. We didn't have anyone else, except maybe Baki. And I didn't even get a cursory call!" Her lips trembled, even though she didn't want to cry. It was just her hormones making the pain and betrayal she felt ten times worse. "I'm their sister," she sobbed. "I deserved to be told first. Not hear about it from a tangential source!"

She sniffled and cursed as she huffed, "I'm not sad. I'm really angry and frustrated."

Shikamaru pulled her close, rubbing the base of her skull soothingly as he cooed soothingly, "I know. You have every right to be. You deserved to be told." When she gave a calmed sniffle, he smirked at her, and said, "We could get them back by telling everyone in Konoha about the baby."

Temari scowled at him. This had been a source of contention between them since they found out on Monday. He wanted to tell his mom and teammates. But Temari knew if Ino knew, she would tell everyone, when she wanted her brothers to know at least before Kakashi or Naruto. Shikamaru had argued it was just inconvenient, to which she growled, "Family is not inconvenient."

"No," Temari huffed. "I can guilt trip them enough without stooping to their level."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes, then got up, muttering, "I'll get dinner started."

Temari finished her snack, then called to him, "You didn't ask."

"About?" he called back to her.

"The baby?" she answered, standing up and leaning against the doorframe connecting the living room and kitchen.

He looked up and smiled. "I assume it went well."

"It did," she said. "I heard his heartbeat."

Shikamaru's eyes went wide. "I thought that wasn't until the six-week mark."

She gave an odd smile. "Yeah. Turns out we missed the first month. What I thought was my last period was actually implantation bleeding. So, I'm actually 8 weeks," she stated.

He blinked wildly processing it. "So, not late October?"

"He's due a few days before your birthday," she clarified.

He smiled. "I assume that means he's my birthday gift?"

"Of course," Temari scoffed. "You think I'll be able to get you a gift when I'm shoving a human out of my body?"

Shikamaru set the rice cooker on, then wrapped his arms around his wife. "He will be the best birthday present I could ever have." Then he leaned down and kissed his wife on the lips, causing her to blush. It was funny. They were married and in the privacy of their own home, but he could still get her to blush like a school girl. He squeezed her a little, and she winced. "What?"

"It's nothing," she said grabbing her sleeve and rolling it up. "Just they had to take some blood for some hormone tests. They said they're going to keep a closer eye on me, because my mother died in childbirth, and Gaara was a preemie. So they want to treat my pregnancy as high risk."

Shikamaru frowned and huffed, "That was because your Dad sealed Shukaku inside him."

"While that may have been a factor, the doctors weren't certain," Temari stated. Shikamaru rolled his eyes, and she scowled, "It's just extra precautions. Are you really going to turn something like that down?"

"It means more money for tests, but if it will keep you safe and at ease during this pregnancy, then I won't argue," he stated. "What did the results say?"

"She said they'd email me when they were done," Temari answered. Then her head quirked and her eyes went wide. "Email."

"What?" Shikamaru asked, not following.

"I didn't check my email!" Temari said before going to the living room, where the family computer was set up. She quickly pulled up the browser, typing the site for her email quickly and signing in. When it came up, she let out a cheer. "He emailed me! Last night, but he did email me."

Shikamaru walked in, peering over her shoulder as she pulled up the email. "Who?"

"Gaara," she huffed as if he should have expected it. It wasn't much, but it was something. Had he emailed her two weeks ago when he married the princess, she'd have been more forgiving. Last night was still a day after the news broke, although it was understandable that it was probably his first day back.

Shikamaru frowned as he muttered, "Doesn't he know that's not entirely safe?"

She cleared her throat, ignoring her husband's old man tendencies and began to read aloud:

T,

I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. You know Em and I have been planning this for a while, so when things finally lined up, we took the chance, and left for our honeymoon almost immediately after. We couldn't wait the three days it would take you to get here. If there had been time between our wedding and the cruise, I would have notified you earlier. Em has also expressed regret that we couldn't get you and Shikamaru there.

As you remember, Em is quite the reader. She finished Icha Icha Violence while we were on Kamekojima. I told her you read them, so she'll want to discuss it with you the next time you're in Suna. Again, she is eager to catch up with you.

And tell Shikamaru, I'm taking his advice in regards to security. Although, Unagi destroyed the whole letter except the first full sentence.

And full warning, Emika and I have an interview tomorrow morning with Opura. That Opura. Supposed to air sometime next week. So, keep an eye out.

Love,

G

Underneath the letter was an error message. "Error401: Missing Syntax" with a series of numbers underneath. Shikamaru pointed at the numbers and asked, "What's that?"

Temari shrugged. "An error message?" Temari blinked as she reread the email. "What the Hell is he talking about? He and Emika have not been planning this. And I've never even read those books!"

Shikamaru pushed Temari aside gently making her scowl as she huffed, "Hey!" He settled in front of the computer, looking closely at the email, especially the numbers.

[148.1] [369.20] [22.13] [202.26] [361.27] [137.9] [39.13] [166.30] [219.9] [310.34]

Then he reread it and frowned and muttered, "I never sent him a letter about security." He thumbed his chin, then said, "It's a code. Missing Syntax. Clever. He knows email isn't one hundred percent secure, which was my advice in regards to security." He pointed at the bottom to the error message and random numbers. "That's the real message." He smirked as he realized, "He's using Icha Icha Violence quotes." He patted her shoulder and said, "I'll run to the bookstore and get a copy."

Temari frowned. "Why would he use Icha Icha Violence quotes? He hasn't read the books, I don't think."

Shikamaru pursed his lips oddly as he put his jacket back on, then said, "Well, he clearly had a copy on him. Otherwise he wouldn't use it for the code."

Temari scoffed, "What? Like he had one hiding in his office?"

"Probably," Shikamaru said with a shrug. "I'll be back. Watch the rice."

Temari rolled her eyes, as if to say like she'd be doing anything else. He wasn't gone more than 40 minutes, but as he walked back through the door, he huffed annoyedly, "They were only selling box sets, since it's been 5 years since Jiraya died. So, we have the whole series."

Temari grimaced. "How much?"

"Three thousand, so not much, but still annoying," Shikamaru grumbled. "Did you put the fish in?" he asked.

"I was about to," she said.

"Ok, do that, then sign back onto your email so we can crack this code," Shikamaru directed. She finished seasoning the fish, then put it into the oven to bake before settling back in front of the computer and signing back on as Shikamaru opened the box set and pulled the second book out, grumbling, "You know this brings back memories. We found out the secret to Pein with Jiriya's code using his books the same way." When he was ready, he said, "Alright, first set."

"148. 1."

He flicked through, murmuring, "It's likely page and line number, first full sentence of the line." He settled on a page, and sighed, "Alright." Then went silent, muttering a small, "Uhm."

"What?" Temari asked.

"This can't be right," he grumbled.

"Well, what's it say?" Temari pressed.

Shikamaru cleared his throat, blushing madly as he said, "She made the sweetest moans in the throes of passion."

Temari croaked a little, blushing just as madly as her husband. "He did not send that. Hand me the book," she barked, snatching the book from her husband's grasp. She blushed harder seeing the line, then looked over the page, and relief flooded her expression as she scoffed, "One Forty-eight. Not one thirty-eight!" She flicked to the correct page, then laughed. "Nothing is ever as it seems," she read, handing the book back to her husband and grabbing her notebook to write the secret message down.

Shikamaru licked his lips, then grumbled, "Alright. Next set."

"You've got this?" Temari scoffed at him.

"Yes," he sneered back at her.

"369. 20."

"Things happened so fast," he read.

She wrote it down. "22. 13."

"Her proposition was sudden and unexpected."

Temari smirked as she wrote it down. "So, they are lying about having this planned out for a while. Why would he get married on a whim?"

"I think we're going to find out," Shikamaru grumbled. "He clearly meant this message for us." He cleared his throat. "Next set."

"202. 26."

"I swear, I am of sound mind."

"Bullshit," Temari grumbled, writing it down. "361. 27."

"Love had nothing to do with it."

"Again, bullshit," Temari huffed, still writing it down. "137. 9."

Shikamaru blushed. "That's the sex scene."

"That's the set," she said. "Just look it up."

Shikamaru huffed, but flicked to the page. He cleared his throat, and read, "'Protection?' she asked."

Temari frowned as she wrote it down. "She asked him for protection?"

Shikamaru nodded. "I think that's his insinuation, even though it's completely taken out of context from the scene." He stifled a snort as he smirked, "Leave it to your brother to use a sex scene in a code. Just like Jiriya and Naruto."

"But what did she ask him to protect her from. And how does marriage play into that?" Temari huffed.

Shikamaru made a face, then grumbled, "Well, what's the next set?"

"39. 13."

"He'd been killing them."

Temari's eyes went wide. "Who's been killing who? Gaara?"

Shikamaru pursed his lips.

She scowled. "Don't answer that." She wrote down the line, then said, "166. 30."

Shikamaru chewed his cheek, but continued. "That bastard who took his place."

"219. 9."

"I'd stop it if I could, but War couldn't be taken off the table." He licked his lips, looking at his wife carefully, who was writing the line down, her eyebrows knitting together worriedly. "Temari, this is bad."

"310. 34."

Shikamaru grabbed Temari's shoulder and said, "Are you hearing me? This is bad. He's starting a war."

"310. 34," she repeated sternly. "It's the last one."

Shikamaru sighed, but flicked to the page. "I could tell she was hiding something, but I still trusted her to do the right thing." He licked his lips, then said, "Apparently she's lying to him about something, but he's still going to war for her."

Temari stood, looking at the full message, reading out, "Nothing is ever as it seems. Things happened so fast. Her proposition was sudden and unexpected. I swear, I am of sound mind. Love had nothing to do with it. 'Protection?' she asked. He'd been killing them. That bastard who took his place. I'd stop it if I could, but War couldn't be taken off the table. I could tell she was hiding something, but I still trusted her to do the right thing." She frowned as she reread it. Then again, huffing as she read out, "That bastard who took his place?"

Suddenly she gasped, her eyes flew wide with realization. "Lord Ginmaru. He's been killing people, and Emika felt threatened."

Shikamaru frowned confusedly. "How'd you get there?"

"Gaara wouldn't really call anybody a 'bastard.' However, Ginmaru was known as the bastard brother of the previous Daimyo, and Emika's father, Hiroto. He's the regent of the Wind, so he's the bastard who took his brother's place," Temari explained, pacing now. "It's the only thing that makes sense. But that still doesn't explain …" She stopped herself, then cursed as she hopped back in front of the computer, searching the internet for "Princess Emika Engagement." She nodded as she looked at the links to the articles. "Her uncle's been murdering her fiances."

Shikamaru looked at her as if she were crazy. "What?"

"Her first fiancé, Prince Hamaru was the son of a Delta King, and was murdered alongside his family a little over a month after her engagement was announced," Temari explained.

"Hold on," Shikamaru cut in, holding his hand up. "He had another countries' prince killed?"

"No. The Delta Kingdom is one of the Wind's four kingdoms. You've got Delta, Kogen, Loran, and The Wind. Each has their own royal family that sits in the House of Daimyos, as well as the regional Daimyos, district Daimyos and the elected Daimyos. The Royal family of the Delta Kingdom swore fealty to The Wind after the Second Shinobi War, and was absorbed as part of its territory. It's why The Wind is no longer considered landlocked." She cleared her throat as she continued, "Prince Hamaru was the second son of the Delta Royal family. He and Emika got engaged, and then he was killed. It was rumored to be Akatsuki, since men with black cloaks and red clouds were seen in the area. And they didn't just kill him, but everyone in the palace. The night servants, his little sister, his parents. The only survivor was his older brother, who was traveling at the time. It was the same time they kidnapped Gaara, so most of Suna figured it was to divide our attention," Temari continued explaining.

Shikamaru shook his head. "Why would the Akatsuki murder a noble family?" His brows furrowed, then he said, "Unless they were paid a lot of money. That's why they killed Asuma."

Temari nodded. "Probably in their books somewhere," she stated. "Her second fiancé, though, went missing in Tsumi Shi early last year on a bachelor party trip. Three months before their wedding." She licked her lips, then said, "Now, Tsumi Shi is a party town known for its Yakuza. So, it's not obviously related. And since his body's never been found, he's not officially dead. However, her third fiance's body was found two days after she and Gaara married. Supposed suicide, believed to have been a day or so before they married. He was also in Tsumi Shi."

Shikamaru licked his lips thoughtfully, then asked, "Why would he be murdering his niece's fiances?"

Temari tongued her cheek pensively, then smiled as if it were obvious. "Because he wouldn't be Regent anymore. The law states that whoever Emika marries, being sole heir to the throne, inherits it. He's been killing everyone who would take the power from him." She rubbed her mouth in thought. Then asked, "Did you put in our Leave Request like I asked?"

"No," Shikamaru answered, as if it should have been obvious. "And given the news, and what Gaara just said, we're not going."

"I have to tell them in person," she said.

"Your brother just told you a civil war might break out in the Wind. He's married to a woman the Council knows can't give him heirs to the Kazekage title, and is probably beyond pissed about it, and preparing to marry off your other brother to make sure they have an heir. And you want to waltz back there to tell them you're pregnant?" Shikamaru pointed out exasperatedly. He held up his hands at her as if to ask, "What the fuck?"

"Well, I can't just sit here and do nothing!" Temari reasoned.

"You're pregnant, Temari," Shikamaru repeated. "You can't just run off. And you aren't invincible. Think of the baby."

"Shikamaru. They are my brothers. My only family. I need to know that they're ok," she said.

Shikamaru's expression fell. He licked his lips, then sighed, "Alright. I'll talk to Kakashi tomorrow. Maybe if we're going as reconnaissance, we can get paid for this risk."

"We're visiting family, and you want to get paid for it," Temari scoffed. "That's so lazy."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Shikamaru said with a chuckle. Before she could respond, they heard the timer go off for the fish. Shikamaru stood, muttering, "I've got it," leaving Temari to her worry. She chewed on her thumbnail as she reminded herself that she'd get some more answers soon.

AN: Heights, for other Americans using imperial, Gaara is listed as a full-grown adult to be 172 cm which is 5'7.7" or really 5'8". Kankuro is listed as 180cm which is 5'10" or 5'11". Rasa is 176.5cm which is 5'9". For comparison, Emika is 5'5" or 5'6" or 166cm, which is an inch under Temari who at 170cm is 5'7".

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