A/N: Thank you so much to Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta! This chapter won't be as good without your help.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

"There are so many things to choose from," Gaara remarked with interest.

"Of course. This is one of the most famous places in the village. Just tell them what you want and they'll be sure to find it for you."

Shinobu and Gaara were standing on the dock, waiting for an empty boat so they could explore the market. Gaara wanted a brief tour around and after that, Shinobu offered to take him to the Terumi clan's greenhouse. They didn't wait for long and when an empty boat passed, Shinobu and Gaara quickly got on.

Kiri was on its way to becoming the booming village that they wanted to be, the locals and tourists were freely and confidently talking to one another like the war two years ago never happened. Gaara didn't think that the waterways that hid the village for generations would now be used to Kiri's advantage but Mei managed to do it. He was amazed to see boats with different colors, shapes, and sizes moving back and forth, carrying passengers and vendors alike.

Shinobu took him to the dry market last time, so Gaara requested to explore the boat market next. It was a holiday in Kiri and people took advantage of it. Every street they passed was filled with customers and it was no different here. People were buying and haggling their chosen ware and some even tried to trade goods in exchange for their chosen items.

Gaara's eyes wandered to the various shops they passed and It seemed to him that people could find everything here. Everywhere they turn, someone was selling something. A precious jewel, unusual spices, or even highly effective medicine for illnesses both common and rare.

It was Gaara's last day in Kiri before he left for the rest of his so-called tour. Since they were in the boat market anyway, Shinobu suggested that he buy some stuff to take home. Purchasing gifts was not his forte but when Gaara opened his mouth to say just that, a gust of cold wind suddenly blew in their direction.

Gaara rubbed his arms to get rid of goosebumps. That felt awfully like one of Temari's attacks. He was not someone who believed in bad signs and omens but the wind reminded him of the scolding he would probably get when he got home, so Gaara agreed instead.

He didn't know where to start but Shinobu's excitement was a good sign. She asked the boatman to stop on the side and quickly brought out pen and paper. They were sitting across from each other and Shinobu stared at him, her violet eyes sparkling in anticipation while her hand was poised to write.

Gaara raised a brow and leaned back slightly, wasn't she too excited for a simple errand? It was just shopping, after all. What could shinobis even need besides weapons, food, and poisons?

He didn't usually buy stuff for his siblings since they were always with him and Baki had never asked for anything. Kankuro just told him when he wanted something and Temari just sent him the bills for what she had bought. Gaara could honestly say that he was clueless about this stuff.

"Now, tell me what we're looking for so I know where to start."

"I just want a few things for my siblings and our former sensei."

"Alright." She nodded enthusiastically. "Do you know what it is you want to give them?"

He sounded confused. "The usual things?"

Shinobu frowned before waving the paper near his face. "Don't you have anything in mind? Anything at all."

"I usually buy the first thing I see…" Gaara trailed off at Shinobu's offended look. She was no longer smiling at him but holding the pen in a tight grip and Gaara thought it would break any moment, just like the crumpled paper at her feet.

"Iye," Shinobu sounded thoroughly exasperated as she explained, "Gift them things that they would appreciate, not the first thing you find."

"My sister takes care of gifting people for me," Gaara said nonchalantly. " My friends don't want gifts, anyway."

"But family is different, Gaara-sama," Shinobu persisted, her pitch rising slightly.

"I gave my siblings useful things in the past and they didn't complain."

"Maybe they're just being polite?"

He sounded incredulous. "Have you met my siblings?"

"Not in person… But that's not the point here, if your siblings like a shuriken or a kunai, they could buy it themselves," she chided. "You could come across as uncaring if you're like that you know."

Gaara had never thought about it that way. Gifts and occasions weren't special to them. They'd rather spend time together than make a fuss over something trivial. If, for some reason, Shinobu-san was right, however, how would he know when his siblings would never say anything?

He crossed his arms. "We already understand each other."

"Hai, hai," Shinobu's sigh was soft but her irritation crept in as she replied. "But it's nice to feel appreciated sometimes. And, giving gifts is one way of doing that."

Gaara tilted his head, looking curious. "So, you're like that too?"

"Sometimes," she replied, looking embarrassed. "Even though I know that I'm not alone, on my bad days, I still want proof."

Shinobu loved gifts. Her parents always gave her trinkets on her birthday or if she did well in her lessons. When she grew up, the gifts she received had lessened but she gave twice as much.

Shinobu would always prepare a little something when given a chance. A painted fan, embroidered handkerchief, or freshly baked bread. Giving people presents was a comfort for Shinobu and they reminded her of simpler times.

"I understand," he said, face softening slightly. "I think I know more than most what true loneliness feels like."

That darkness was something that Gaara had experienced and would never wish on someone. He was lucky because he had his friends and siblings to pull him off that path.

"You would, wouldn't you?" Shinobu murmured, shifting her gaze to anywhere but Gaara's face. "It gets all of us at one point or another."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Iye," Shinobu waved a hand between them, her cheeks a bit pink as she lifted her gaze to meet his. "I'm fine now, Gaara-sama. Besides, we shouldn't talk about sad stuff when shopping."

"If you say so, Shinobu-san." Gaara reluctantly dropped the subject.

Shinobu signaled the boatman to move and after their last conversation, they felt uncomfortable talking. Shinobu kept quiet, her face blank and back straight. It was neither a hostile pose nor an inviting one so, Gaara decided to break the silence.

"By the way, your hot springs were great, I get now why they're famous."

"Oh," Shinobu turned her head to give him a relieved smile. "I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I actually didn't change anything, it was like that since the inn was built."

Gaara thought that Shinobu was smart for keeping the original bath. Though it was not huge, the place gave off an elegant and relaxing vibe.

Gaara and Shinobu had been more open and comfortable with each other after their impromptu shower under the rain. Sure, they had been wet and Gaara might have sneezed once or twice but Shinobu was right, it was fun. Besides, he got to use the inn's famed hot spring and it was worth it. Temari and Kankuro would love it, now he was certain.

The bathhouse was directly behind the inn and it was made of limestone, which was why it gleamed under the sunlight. A wooden fence separated the low building from the garden. The clearing was surrounded by vibrant trees, their thick branches filled with fragrant flowers in the colors of the rainbow. The stone path was arranged delicately to form checkered steps to get in.

The floor was a bit cold as Gaara went inside but he hadn't walked long when an attendant greeted him. They quickly ushered him into a changing room and gave Gaara what he would need. They asked him if he wanted the indoor or outdoor bath, and if he preferred a solo or joint bathing room.

A clean and spacious room greeted Gaara when he chose the former. The pool was not too deep, the crystalline water was just the right temperature and had only reached his chest as he soaked. Gaara relaxed as he sat there, listening to the steady stream of water from the mountain. There were no lights in the room, only aromatic candles that were lit strategically to comfort.

Two days had passed since Gaara's trip and they only grew closer. Shinobu told Gaara what she thought with almost no filter and she was no longer stiff around him. The brave girl who gave Gaara food on the street was coming back.

Gaara was fascinated as Shinobu showed more and more of herself to him. She was like a blooming lily in spring, vibrant and beautiful. He found himself wanting to spend his time just watching Shinobu and listening to her talk about everything under the sun.

Shinobu's light tap on his shoulder brought Gaara back to the present. "Gaara-sama?"

"What are we talking about again?"

Shinobu's eyes narrowed. "Are you serious?"

Gaara shook his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Alright then, what gifts do you suggest Shinobu-san?"

Shinobu's eyes sparkled as she beamed at him. "Now, tell me about who's the first one you want to buy gifts for and we'll see what shops are good?"

"I think Temari," he replied, looking wary as the wind whipped on his skin. "Don't ladies love gifts?"

"Hai," Shinobu tilted her head in confusion. "We most certainly appreciate them."

"If for some reason a lady is mad at someone, would a gift pacify her?"

Shinobu tapped a finger on her chin as she thought. "It depends. Why, did you do something to anger your sister?"

Gaara looked guilty. "Maybe?"

Shinobu giggled but seeing Gaara's wrinkled brow, she straightened and pumped her fist in the air. "Alright, let's find the best gift for Temari-sama!"

"Hai, let's."

"Do you think she'll like this?" Shinobu asked, holding a short red dress.

"Iye."

They went to the dress shops first. Because what girl wouldn't love new clothes? That's what Shinobu thought as she picked out something for Temari-sama.

Shinobu had only seen the older kunoichi in passing and Mei-sama rarely talked about her. Maybe it was because she was getting married? Since Gaara-sama usually asked his sister to buy things for him and hadn't paid much attention to her preference, finding something for her would be a challenge.

She picked out a floral scarf next. "How about this one?"

Gaara shook his head and Shinobu left to find another thing that might catch his interest. She had a feeling that their tastes were very, very different though.

"How about this?" she held up a red ribbon.

Gaara twisted his lips in an uncomfortable grimace as soon as he saw what Shinobu was holding. "I think Temari will kill me if I gave her that."

"It's cute though," she said with a pout and twirled the bow in her hand before putting it back. "What does she usually like?"

"I'm not sure."

Shinobu crossed her arms, looking annoyed. "Think, Gaara-sama. So I'll know what to look for."

"She doesn't like frilly stuff," Gaara thought it over for a moment. "My sister is practical and she prefers things that she can use for a long time."

"Does she have a hobby?"

"Taking care of plants."

"Hmmm... Wait," Shinobu snapped her fingers. "I know."

Shinobu asked to be rowed into a milliner. There were hats, gloves, and all kinds of fabrics from silk to satin to velvet. This shop has every color from light to dark and there were also shades that Gaara didn't even know existed.

"What do you think Gaara-sama, can we find anything for your sister here?"

He glanced at Shinobu beside him, she was looking at the hats. He noticed that she was wearing gloves, black fingerless ones with pink ribbons that matched the one in her hair. Her style was too feminine for Temari but if he could find the right color, maybe she would like it.

Gaara scanned the gloves section. There were a lot of things to choose from but nothing caught his eye. When he got tired of looking, he requested to see the gloves made with green fabric. When it was brought out, he choose the one that matched his sister's eyes. It was made in teal silk stitched with purple lace near the buttons.

"That looks nice," said Shinobu. "And look, you can have her name stitched on the back or near her hand to personalize it."

"Temari can't use this for gardening though." Gaara sounded doubtful.

"Hai, only at parties," Shinobu's eyes twinkled. "She would be the most stylish there with these gloves. Since you gave it to her, I'm sure she'd show it off."

"Alright," Gaara said as he inspected the back of the glove. "Do they do the stitching too?"

"Hai, but that would cost you more," she bit her lip, looking thoughtful. "I can do it if you want?"

Gaara nodded in thanks as he handed it to her. Shinobu traced the seams with a careful finger and turned to look for some needle and thread. Gaara paid while waiting for her.

"Your brother next, right?"

"Hai. And I think I know what to look for."

"That's great," Shinobu's face brightened as she directed the boatman where to go next. "Let's go."

They spent less time buying gifts for Kankuro and Baki. Gaara found that it was easier to guess what they would like than his sister. He asked Shinobu's help in choosing Kankuro's face paint and she brought him to a famous shop where people bought cosmetics and other things for theater and art.

It was one of the largest boats in the market, filled with wigs, costumes, masks, shoes, and makeup. Kankuro would love this store, Gaara couldn't help but think. From her energetic gestures and wandering eyes, Shinobu did too.

Shinobu inspected every color of every paint that the shop had and when she was not satisfied, she grabbed several jars of paint in assorted colors and asked the owner's permission to mix some of them up and produced other color combinations. Gaara was not the artist here so he just let her do what she wanted but thought that she went a bit overboard. Kankuro wouldn't use all of that, would he?

"The more the merrier," Shinobu said when she noticed Gaara was looking at her oddly.

"If you say so."

When that was done, they went to shop after shop just to find Baki the perfect sword. He told her that his former sensei loves weapons and an iron sword was what she recommended.

"There are a lot of great blacksmiths here in Kirigakure, Gaara-sama," she said proudly. "I'm sure that your sensei would love them."

Looking at the short sword strapped on her back, Gaara was inclined to agree. The hilt alone was a sight to behold. It was probably forged by an expert craftsman. The gleaming ivory handle and the delicate flower-shaped guard told him that the sword was specially made for Shinobu.

Gaara was reminded that Shinobu was a meticulous shopper. She scrutinized every little detail and quickly dismissed anything she perceived as a flaw, almost like when she bought the ingredients for her cooking. He was going to give a large tip to their boatman, that was for sure.

They ended up in a shop that Shinobu frequented. The owner was familiar with her demands and Gaara just explained Baki's preferences while the blacksmith suggested and offered modifications for one of his forged crafts. When they finally settled on something, Shinobu-san haggled with the owner on the price of Baki-san's new longsword. Because of Shinobu's frequent purchases and her habit of bringing in new customers, they ended up getting a huge discount.

Gaara helped Shinobu as she arranged the gifts he bought for them to have a place to sit. He really thought he got too much. The two of them were sitting face-to-face on their rented boat. They were in the quiet parts of the market, already nearing the exit.

"Don't you want to buy anything for yourself?"

He frowned at their crowded boat. "I have everything I need."

"A little indulgence wouldn't be amiss you know." Shinobu reminded him, her voice gentle.

After saying that, she took off her gloves and placed her hand in the water, making ripples as they passed. Gaara watched her smile at the clouds, at the water, and finally, at him. Shinobu's expression was soft, sweet, and truly genuine. It was like the gentle sunlight of the first day of spring, lovingly giving life to everything it touched. To Gaara at that moment, Shinobu's face changed from pretty to truly beautiful. Gaara never thought that he would be swayed by beauty but here he was, mesmerized.

"What about you?" Gaara asked as he looked away to hide his burning cheeks. "You haven't bought anything for yourself either."

She looked content. "I haven't seen anything I liked yet."

"We went to a lot of shops, are you certain?"

"Hai. Besides, I prefer to give gifts than to receive them."

"How about food," Gaara just decided to change the subject, enough with gifts. "What would you like to eat?"

"A lot," Shinobu said with a mischievous grin.

She swiftly directed their boatman to get them to the most famous boat restaurant as quickly as he could. It was as if a switch had been flipped, throughout their travels today, Shinobu-san had been attentive yet subdued and Gaara couldn't fathom why.

But now, she was bursting with energy. Shinobu-san chattered on and on about how beautiful that restaurant was, how delicious the food was, and how affordable it was while he just listened.

After eating, Shinobu finally took Gaara to the Terumi clan's greenhouse. She checked the plants there while he visited the rose garden. Spring had passed but some of the flowers were just about to bloom. Gaara would love to watch that if he could.

After an hour of looking around, Shinobu got back and they talked about some of the herbs that only grow in Kiri. She took him to where they cultivate the plants for medicinal purposes and asked Gaara which ones he was interested in, then explained what she could about them.

At the end of the tour, Shinobu gave Gaara seeds that he could try to cultivate in Suna. She also let him have her notebook containing the information about the seeds. How to grow them, from the soil to the fertilizers, and how to use them when they bore fruit.

"Here."

Shinobu carefully placed a silver tray on one of the low tables in the greenhouse and gestured for Gaara to sit. Gaara put his bags of herbs on the side and folded his legs to settle on the blanketed, grassy floor. He blinked at the delicate Sakura flower-shaped teacups in front of him and the little blackberry pies spread out neatly on the porcelain plates.

"I painted them when I was a girl," Shinobu said as she sorted some leaves, her cheeks flushing with the same color. "I rarely eat here so this is the only set I have."

"Alright," Gaara lifted a cup and turned it around. "You're a great painter, Shinobu-san. But still, if you ever meet him, don't tell my brother I drank from something like this."

Shinobu giggled. "You look cute, actually."

Gaara put the cup down and stared blankly at her. "Kankuro calls me the cool and silent type, not the cute and adorable ototo."

"Fine, fine," Shinobu was still giggling as she poured him tea. "Let's drink then."

Shinobu had him try a variety of herbal tea that was growing in the greenhouse. She served them hot and sometimes over ice. Gaara was familiar with a few of the flavors, matcha, jasmine, and sakura. Pandan, lemongrass, and guava were new though. She told him that they only grew in Kiri and the plants thrived on the village's particular weather.

The leaves were freshly picked and Gaara was grateful to taste their natural flavor. Shinobu made good food and tea. Her pouring skills were graceful, not a drop was spilled. In these times, she looked to Gaara more like a demure noble lady and not a battle-hardened kunoichi.

After their snack, Gaara helped Shinobu clean up. They walk around the greenhouse, trimming weeds, sharing cultivating tips, and exchanging stories. It was a relaxing way to end the day, Gaara thought.

Gaara tried the outdoor hot springs when they got back to the inn. When he had asked after Shinobu, the servants apologetically said that she was busy with something and wouldn't be able to join him. He had an early dinner and decided to eat with the other guest this time. She knocked on his door after a while and asked Gaara if he wanted to play cards and he agreed.

They set up in one of the inn's private rooms with a low table, some drinks, and snacks. Shinobu produced the cards and a jar of pink lip paint. When Gaara arrived, he stared at her, then at the room, and back again.

"What is this?"

"Playing cards," she explained, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Of course, the loser has to have consequences."

Gaara eyed the jar of lip paint. "Isn't that expensive?"

"Hai," she replied impatiently. "Now sit down already so we can start."

She dealt the cards at first but as they played and played more rounds, Shinobu taught Gaara how to deal the cards on his own and even a few tricks. Time passed by but neither of them noticed. The drinks were drunk, the snacks eaten, and the contents of the jar transferred to their faces. In the end, it was hard to say which one of them lost the most.

Both of their faces were covered in paint, they were unrecognizable. It was against the rules to wipe it away so both of them looked like a mess. It was already well past midnight so no one saw Gaara as he tiredly stumbled to his room and promptly collapsed on his futon, falling asleep instantly.

Gaara woke up early and prepared his things as soon as he washed his face. He forgot to pack yesterday and that was a first. He placed Baki's sword in a scroll and gingerly lifted Kankuro's box of face paints to do the same. It was heavy and bulky, Shinobu had filled the box with used papers and cotton so the jars wouldn't break if he jostled them in his travels. He admired Temari's gloves before carefully putting them with Kankuro's gift. Shinobu's stitching was flawless, the bright purple thread stood out on the teal satin and his sister's name was delicately embroidered with what looked like calligraphy.

Gaara shook his head as he tidied up his room and checked his belongings. It wasn't like him to make last-minute preparations. He was usually the one who waited for his companions to get ready.

But Gaara had fun, so he decided that the trouble was worth it.

Gaara looked fresh and neat, he at least managed to take a bath before coming down. Now, he had eaten his breakfast and was waiting for Mei before leaving.

Gaara didn't expect Shinobu to see him go, she stayed to clean up last night. Or was it morning? He was not sure. Gaara was tired and sleepy, he was already snoring before his head hit the pillow.

She was probably still asleep, both of them made a mess. It was partly his fault but Gaara was a bit miffed at that. He wanted to say a proper farewell to Shinobu, he had a great time after all and it was thanks to her.

Gaara was pulled out of his thoughts when he saw Mei waving while walking towards him with a smile. Now that Gaara thought of it, the Mizukage was still pretty despite her age, Gaara could see a little of Shinobu in her. It wasn't their faces exactly but how they walk and treated him. They were both genuine people, had a warm aura, and were easy to talk to. Gaara was glad to have met them.

Mei was with the two shinobis he had brought along to act as his bodyguards. They looked well and properly rested. At least he wasn't the only one.

"I hope you have enjoyed your stay in our village, Kazekage-sama?" she said as a way of greeting.

"Very much so Mizukage-sama," said Gaara. "I have seen what you're trying to do here and It's a big step for what all of us are trying to achieve in the long run. I must give you my compliments."

"Oh hush, I'm just doing my job as the village leader," she attempted to wave away his praise but her smile gave her away. "But arigato for saying that all the same."

"Gaara-sama, Gaara-sama, wait!"

Shinobu was running towards them, bag in hand. She was still wearing the clothes from last night, and her hair was in a messy bun. Gaara was amused when he noticed that some traces of the lip paint were still on her cheeks and under her eyes.

She stopped in front of him and held out a big bag. "It's for you."

he took it but couldn't resist saying. "You didn't have to."

"It's just a little souvenir," she said. "Open it."

Shinobu-san looked like she would open it herself if he didn't so Gaara did. She gave him a gorgeous tea set. The ceramic was heavy and crafted by an amazing hand. Every piece was carefully hand-painted. They were a dashing aquamarine color portraying the waves in the sea. The drawings were brightly colored, little sailboats going in one direction or another.

Gaara didn't know when Shinobu had the time to do this but it warmed his heart all the same. It was a thoughtful gift and he was grateful for it.

Gaara stared at his gifts and then, at Shinobu-san's nervous face. Moments passed but he didn't say anything. Something in him had shifted and it was because of this woman in front of him.

"I didn't know what to give you," she said, avoiding his eyes and twisting her fingers. "Then, I'd noticed that you always drink tea so, I got you a set and painted it myself. I'm not certain if you like the design but I thought that it will remind you about your journey here so..."

"This is beautiful," the corner of Gaara's lips finally curved upwards into a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "Arigato gozaimasu Shinobu-san."

She stilled, staring at him. Then, she smiled too, a happy flush across her face. "It's nothing Gaara-sama... Really, don't mention it. I'm glad that you liked it though... Really, really glad."

"I trust that Shinobu-chan here has been a satisfactory escort?" Mei asked, wrapping her arm around Shinobu's shoulder.

"Oi," she squawked. "What does that mean Mei-sama? I don't like your tone."

"Oh, do I have to have a tone when I'm talking to you?"

"Hai," she snapped. Remembering that she was talking to a Kage, she lowered her voice. "Iye Mei-sama. But please, refrain from being too casual in front of our guests."

"The young Kazekage doesn't mind," said Mei. "She didn't bother you with her fangirling or something like that did she?"

"Mei-sama!"

"Iye, iye. Shinobu-san has been a great companion. I couldn't ask for anyone else."

And Gaara meant it. She really was a great choice. He had enjoyed his time with her and the connection that they built. He had realized a lot because of Shinobu-san. Things that Gaara thought were unimportant were precious to her and that alone was a great experience.

"A-Arigato gozaimasu, Gaara-sama."

"Well," Mei finally relented from her teasing. "We wish you a safe journey then. And good luck!"

Shinobu-san waved at him, smiling all the while. "Be careful, sayonara!"

Gaara raised his hand and waved. Then, he signaled to his guards and they were off to another round of traveling. To see the world and his other dates.

"To Iwa."

"Hai Kazekage-sama."