A/N: Thank you to the wonderful Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Gaara blinked at the kids assembled before him and they blinked back. Tenten-san was beside him and smiling broadly, multiple kunais in hand. Lee and Naruto were at the back of the room, shouting encouragements and flashing thumbs-ups at him.

Gaara remembered what Kakashi told him and his head ached. The current Hokage was too easygoing in his opinion.

The path to Konoha was familiar to him and they arrived in record time. Gaara left his guards as per usual and he planned to greet the Hokage alone. But when he got to the gates, three people were already there, waiting for him.

Naruto, Lee, and Tenten-san. They told him that they were his assigned escorts and that Kakashi had sent a note.

'Dear Gaara-sama, I'll get straight to the point. When I suggested dating to my kunoichis, everyone glared at me murderously so I didn't go through with it. I managed to get Tenten-san as your escort at least. She's free, don't worry. I'm sure she'll date you if given a chance. Well, maybe? Anyway, the real problem here is Naruto and Lee. When they heard that you were coming, they insisted on coming with Tenten. I couldn't say no, you did say that no one should know about this right? With that said, I wish you the best of luck. I've got a feeling that you'll need it.'

Gaara glared at the scroll, crumpled it angrily, and promptly threw it away. Lee and Tenten's eyes widened while Naruto whistled. He turned to them, a scowl in place.

"That looks bad," Lee said.

Naruto looked curious. "What did Kakashi-sensei say?"

Gaara glared daggers at the distant Hokage tower. "Just nonsense."

Judging from his cold reaction, the note contained nothing good. Lee and Naruto knew that Gaara wasn't one to curse but in their imagination, he was probably hurling obscenities at Kakashi-sensei in his mind. They turned to Tenten who was the most tactful of the bunch.

"Would you like to rest first?"

Gaara shook his head. "I want to go to the shinobi academy."

That was why they were here, with his rambunctious friends in tow. Gaara still hadn't figured out how he would get to know Tenten-san with these two and he truly blamed Kakashi-san for that. Naruto and Lee couldn't keep their mouths shut even if their lives depended on it. Gaara will put his life in their hands at some other time but not now.

Konoha was the village that they had the strongest ties with and therefore, a lot of eyes were watching him here. The shinobis here were great allies but they were rather too curious for their own good. It might not be sporting of him but Gaara would never entrust them with this secret. He would rather tell his siblings himself; it would be less explosive that way.

"Hey kids," Tenten's voice brought Gaara back to the present. "We have a special guest for today. Do you know who he is?"

The classroom exploded with noise, the children raised their hands while shouting their names or that they should get picked. Tenten-san pointed at a girl with pigtails and she identified Gaara correctly. Tenten smiled at the girl and gestured for Gaara to formally introduce himself.

Gaara did just that and let Tenten-san take the lead. She was friendly and seemed to know all the children's names by heart. They requested to see his sand manipulation so he showed it.

Gaara let his sand trickle on the floor and created shapes for the kids. A lion, a bird, a castle, and even a clone of one of the kids. But what they loved the most was when he created a huge sand slide around the room. Tenten and Gaara ended up watching the children play and after a while, Lee and Naruto joined them.

"You're traveling alone?" asked Naruto.

"Hai."

"I hope your siblings are well," Lee said, doing his usual push-ups.

"Temari is busy threatening the council and I left Kankuro there to hopefully keep her in check."

Tenten-san grimaced. "Your sister is scary."

"Crap," Naruto scratched his head. "I almost feel sorry for Shikamaru."

The rest of them nodded at his statement. After watching a few training lessons and doing another demonstration for the kids, Gaara said that he had seen enough. Naruto complained that he was hungry and since it was past the lunch hour, they went to Ichiraku Ramen. They quickly found a table and ordered.

"Hey, don't you have any guards?" Naruto asked after looking around.

"I left my guards outside."

"But why?" It was Tenten-san who asked. "It's dangerous."

"Don't worry Tenten," Lee interjected. "Gaara can take care of himself. He's strong, have you forgotten?"

"Iye, I know that Lee. I meant no offense."

"None taken," Gaara replied. "My siblings are taking care of a lot of things in Suna so I chose to go alone. That way, other shinobis from Suna can experience the hospitality of the other villages."

"Oh, right back to Shikamaru," Naruto waggled his eyebrows. "He is dealing with a lot of stuff too, he said it's so troublesome."

"Everything is troublesome for that guy." Tenten-san shook her head.

"But he is like a man on fire," said Lee. "Shikamaru does everything the Hokage had asked of him, no matter what."

"He must really love Temari." Tenten-san sighed.

Gaara, Naruto, and Lee exchanged meaningful glances. They recognized that it was best not to say anything after a comment like that so they didn't. Girls were sensitive to love these days and some were more violent than others. The friends decided to just eat quietly. When it was time to pay, Gaara told Ayame that Kakashi insisted on paying for all of their meals while he was staying in Konoha, so, she should open up a tab in the Hokage's name. Ayame grinned at that, recognizing a good client.

"Kakashi-sensei is so generous," Naruto said with a grin, patting his stomach.

"Hai, I'm so full," said Lee.

"Just order everything you want, from now on," Gaara assured his friends. "The Hokage will pay for everything."

Gaara's week in Konoha passed like a breeze. Lee, Tenten, and Naruto always came early to pick him up. They went into a lot of places, the bathhouses, and the shopping district, or sometimes, they just walked around the village. They met their other friends and they introduced Gaara to the people he didn't know.

Just like he thought, he and Tenten-san didn't get a lot of time with just the two of them. Lee and Naruto were always there, dragging him to some place or another. Gaara couldn't complain much since he enjoyed their trips. Naruto and Lee kept the conversation going with just the two of them and Gaara was happy enough to listen or add a few comments here and there.

They encountered Shikamaru at some point, buying a necklace. Their eyes met and held. Gaara's friends stopped, their eyes bouncing between the two.

Shikamaru casually pocketed the little box. "This is a troublesome surprise."

"I agree."

"So, what are we going to do?"

"I didn't see you," he said and promptly turned in the opposite direction. "Come on Naruto, Lee."

They followed him and none of them spoke of what they saw that day. Amazingly enough, Lee and Naruto managed to hold their tongue.

Gaara had met Shikamaru one more time before he left and thankfully, he was alone. They bumped into each other in the Hokage tower. Both of them were carrying documents and they dropped them while walking, lost in their thoughts. Gaara and Shikamaru hurried to pick the papers up but stopped dead in their tracks and scowled when they recognized the other.

"Again," Shikamaru sighed and quickly grabbed his documents protectively. "This is really becoming troublesome."

"I'm here for business," Gaara said as he carefully folded his own papers. "And you?"

"Same."

"I see."

They stood, nodded at one another, and left. A few paces away, Gaara straightened Tenten's now crumpled dossier in his hands. Gaara was smoothing out the papers when he stiffened as he read its unfamiliar contents.

Gaara slowly turned his head when he heard Shikamaru calling him. The other shinobi was panting as he approached and he looked panicked. Gaara's eyes narrowed at the paper he was waving around and he nearly snatched it with his sand. Tenten-san's picture was on display and big-mouth shinobis were everywhere.

Shikamaru finally reached him, his eyes narrowed suspiciously while Gaara stared at him with a neutral expression. Gaara's fingers tightened on the written treaty between the Konoha elders and the Nara clan and Shikamaru casually folded the dossier in his hand.

"You're not with your siblings," he mused. "And left your guards outside."

Gaara nodded. "From the rumors I heard about you, I thought you would be too busy to notice."

"Contrary to what Temari says, I pay attention."

"I know."

Gaara and Shikamaru stood still and stared for a moment. The first one who flinched or averted his gaze was guilty. When Shikamaru discreetly stepped back near an open window, Gaara lightly tapped his foot to let his sand out slowly.

"I never thought of you as the careless type," Shikamaru tilted his head in curiosity. "Must be something important."

Gaara folded his hands, putting the document on display. "You could say that."

"Look." Shikamaru scratched the back of his head. "This is becoming more troublesome."

"And?"

"I mean it this time." Shikamaru grimaced and they quickly exchanged papers.

Gaara shrugged. "I'll keep it in mind."

"Please do," he snorted. "An angry Temari is a scary Temari and I would rather not have her barging in here with her giant fan in tow."

It was Gaara's turn to grimace. "That makes two of us."

Shikamaru casually put the document in his pocket while Gaara played it safe and put it in a scroll. Marrying a foreigner was always a tricky business and it was more difficult because of their status, he probably understood that fact more than anyone. Gaara and his siblings were considered royalty and Shikamaru had to jump through a lot of hoops just to get the elders of both villages to agree.

Temari wouldn't be happy about the concessions Shikamaru made. Knowing his sister, she would rather ignore the conventions and marry whomever she wants and her long letter asking for approval would just come after the deed has been done. If that didn't work, the threats would come and she would definitely drag him and Kankuro along to scare them into submission.

"I trust you," Shikamaru's panicked voice snapped Gaara from his thoughts. "But not those two."

"Better hurry up then."

The taller man smiled wryly. "Good luck with your business, your partner is a nice person."

"Arigato," Gaara mirrored his expression. "Nothing is determined yet and I'm just enjoying my time here."

"Hai," Shikamaru waved and attempted to jog away but stumbled on something. Looking closer, his eyes widened as golden sand was subtly spread around him to resemble a squashed deer. "Arigato..."

"Shikamaru?"

"Hm?"

"See you in Suna."

"Is that a threat," he pointed at his feet. "Or is this one?"

"Both."

Gaara turned with a smirk, relishing Shikamaru's muttered curses, and swiftly walked away. Temari would kill him if she found out about their conversation but some things aren't meant to be said. Little brothers worry too and Gaara was no exception. However, Shikamaru had proven himself in his eyes, and for that, he would keep quiet. To Gaara's relief, he navigated the winding path to the Hokage's office without encountering anyone or any problem.

Gaara didn't schedule a meeting with Kakashi until the last minute, he didn't want to spend time with the irresponsible Hokage more than necessary. Gaara dropped off the request and proposals he made earlier and promptly left. He had a cool reputation to uphold but he might lose it if he listened to more of Kakashi's excuses.

He did meet with Tsunade-sama though and they discussed the medical advancement he saw in Kumo. Lucky for Gaara, her clinic was nearby and his walk there went smoothly. She was straightforward as ever and it was refreshing.

"What a great find," she exclaimed. "I would be happy to test these machines as soon as possible."

"A-sama would be glad to have you," he sighed. "I mean, the medical shinobis there would be."

"I don't care what that old man thinks. I'll come there for the medical advancements and the casinos!"

"Maybe cut back on the gambling part?"

"Oi," she jabbed an angry finger in his direction. "I already paid what I owe you."

"Hai, but…"

"Besides, it's time for me to enjoy life," she said, her voice lowering dangerously. "Am I right?"

"That's what you always do," Gaara muttered under his breath.

"Did you say something?" Tsunade asked while cracking her knuckles ominously.

Gaara looked away. "Safe travels, Tsunade-sama."

"That's what I thought."

Tsunade-sama had never treated him differently. She didn't care about his status and she was always the first to trust him. He had asked his siblings about it and Kankuro said that it was because she sees him as one of Naruto's friends while Temari told him that the people in Konoha are just emotionally open like that. Whatever her reason was, Gaara was grateful to her for not making his life difficult, unlike her successor.

After his conversation with Tsunade-sama, Gaara wandered around Konoha alone. Though he loved company, sometimes he still preferred a bit of solitude. He passed the Yamanaka flower shop and couldn't help but remember his first meeting with Shinobu. He smiled but resolved to ask Tenten-san out on a proper date. That was why he was here, after all.

Later that afternoon, only Tenten-san accompanied him. Naruto went with his fiancée to finish their wedding planning and Lee was with his sensei for an impromptu training session.

Gaara and Tenten were walking around the village. They were passing through a makeshift market, little wooden stalls littered the street. There were vendors everywhere, selling products in whatever way they could.

"It's a little unorganized here," Tenten explained as they dodged a man juggling the crystal balls he was selling. "Most of the people here don't have enough money to apply for a permit so they can't sell in Konoha's main market."

"I see," Gaara said, looking at the people with curiosity. "Are they always here or only at a certain time?"

"It's late afternoon now," said Tenten. "Hokage-sama allows them to only sell at night. They can apply for a permit when they have enough funds."

Gaara stopped and Tenten followed. Something had caught his attention, a purple hairpin shaped like a flower in full bloom. It was large and looked too heavy but it reminded him of Shinobu-san's eyes. It was exactly the same color.

"That's pretty," Tenten murmured from beside him. "I'm sure Temari-sama would appreciate whatever you give her."

"Temari doesn't care for that," Gaara said with a slight shake of his head. "The color reminded me of a person, that's all."

"Does that person like hairpins then?" asked Tenten, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I don't know. I didn't ask her. I have seen her wearing a ribbon as her only hair ornament."

Tenten-san came closer and inspected the hairpin. "Does she like flowers? The craftsmanship is of good quality, ladies would love this."

Gaara looked interested. "You think so?"

"Hai," she grinned up at him excitedly. "I'm a weapon expert so I have a good eye for detail. Besides, I'm a lady and I like it."

"Would you like one as well?"

"Iye, iye," she flushed with embarrassment. "I'm fine Gaara-sama, don't worry about me."

"You should pick something for yourself," Tenten opened her mouth to argue but Gaara held up a hand to stop her. "Let's just say it's my payment for your help. I do plan to buy my sister one after all and I'm clueless with these things."

Her lips twitched in amusement. "Fine, I'll help you."

Tenten-san helped Gaara choose something for Temari and he encouraged her to pick one for herself as well. She was enthusiastic about helping him buy his gifts but very reluctant whenever he would ask if she wanted something.

She refused everything he pointed out but when she saw a pair of simple lilac hair ribbons, Tenten finally relented. She thanked him and they left there with Gaara's wallet significantly lighter.

Tenten-san was right, the purple hairpin was of high quality. Gaara was not certain if Shinobu-san would like it or not. But at least, it was another excuse to see her.

That thought almost stopped Gaara in his tracks. It hadn't been that long since they parted but he was already thinking of seeing Shinobu-san again. He glanced at Tenten-san walking beside him and a prickle of guilt hit. He was here to get to know her, not to think of another woman. Hadn't he thought of asking her out earlier?

Gaara turned to Tenten-san walking beside him. She looked at ease in his presence, already wearing her new hair ribbons. She had been a part of the team who saved him from the Akatsuki years ago and he just realized that he knew next to nothing about her except for the information written in the dossier. And Gaara resolved to get to know her now.

"Was it always your dream to be a weapon specialist?"

Tenten shook her head. "Iye, Tsunade-sama is my idol, I wanted to be like her."

"You wanted to be a medical shinobi?" Gaara asked in surprise.

He was having a hard time imagining Tenten-san other than the weapon expert he knew her to be. She was just so good at what she does, it would take some time to get used to.

"That's the thing," she sighed, twirling a shuriken. "I don't have the right amount of concentration or the patience to be one. I had a tough time accepting that but when I did, it was like a boulder had been lifted off my chest. I don't have to change, only my dream. Does that make sense?"

"It does."

"Oh right," Tenten glanced at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You had to change too."

"Hai," Gaara agreed. "And I can honestly say that it's the best decision I made in my entire life. I will always be grateful to Naruto for that."

"We need to thank that idiot for a lot of things but he's just our friend, y'know? That's all."

Gaara nodded at that. Naruto truly made an impact on a lot of lives. He was so determined, so headstrong, he inspired change.

After that interesting conversation, he asked Tenten-san to bring him to the best weapon shop in the village. Since he bought Temari a hairpin, he might as well find something for Kankuro and Baki-sensei too. With that, Tenten-san's face lit up. She dragged him to her little shop, excitedly talking all the while.

She asked him if there was something in particular he was looking for. What was his budget, how long did he plan to use it and was he looking for a combination? Gaara answered her questions as much as he could but sometimes, she lost him, her knowledge of weapons surpassed his own. He remembered when he was reading the candidates' dossier, he thought that he and Tenten-san would have weapons to talk about and he was right.

When he had bought everything he wanted, Gaara took Tenten out for a simple dinner. When she tried to decline, he told Tenten-san that it was to thank her and she finally agreed. He let her choose the restaurant and they continued their earlier conversations.

Gaara had a pleasant time talking to Tenten. It was a relaxing dinner with a friend, a welcome change in his routine. She had told him a lot of stories when they were younger and Gaara shared a few of his own. Tenten-san was bright and cheerful except when she mentioned Neji-san and Gaara was now sensitive enough to change the topic when he saw the sadness in her eyes. Kankuro would be proud of him.

Gaara's last day in Konoha was an eventful one. He and his friends just ate and toured around the village like there was no tomorrow. When night came, they decided to have a party with Hinata-san, and Shikamaru's team. Though he looked reluctant, the Nara head agreed and joined them as they ate barbeque to their hearts' content. Gaara made sure to send the bill to Kakashi before they left the restaurant.

Gaara smirked as he walked away, served him right. He had enough of irritating old men. He just wished he did the same to Onoki back in Iwa. Gaara was sure that Kurotsuchi would have loved that.

It was a good thing that Gaara learned from his time in Kiri and had packed his things in the afternoon. Gaara and his guards stayed at the same inn but he gave them leave to explore and do what they wanted with the condition that they would meet each other at the Konoha gates every morning and evening to check in. Gaara felt relaxed in Konoha, walking with his friends and getting into shenanigans with them was a memory that he would always treasure.

Though they slept late last night, Gaara and his friends were standing near the gates in Konoha at first light. Naruto, Lee, and Tenten decided to see him off. Dawn was approaching and Gaara wished to leave as soon as possible. He'd rather not make a repeat of what happened with his siblings.

"Are you sure you won't meet with Kakashi-sensei? This won't start an international incident or anything, would it?" asked Naruto, scratching the back of his head.

"There's no cause for alarm, Naruto," said Lee. "Gaara is the Kazekage, he may just be busy."

"Everything is fine," Gaara assured his friends, a mysterious twinkle in his eyes. "Lee's right, I need to get my affairs in order, that's all. Besides, I've written him a note. He'll understand."

Gaara's guards flinched behind him. In fact, he didn't go to his scheduled meeting with Kakashi for today and just ordered one of them to send the note a while ago. His friends exchanged glances at his odd behavior but none of them asked. Whatever Gaara did, it would be Kakashi's problem anyway.

"Well, if you're sure, then it's alright."

"Be careful Gaara-sama," Tenten winked at him. "Oh, and tell me if they like what we've bought okay?"

"Hai, I will let you know Tenten-san."

"Safe travels," said Lee and offered up his hand.

Gaara shook it warmly. "Arigato gozaimasu, minasan. I'll see you again soon."

Then, he smiled at them. It was fleeting but genuine. His friends smiled back and Gaara left with them waving behind him.

Out of all his trips, the one in Konoha was the least productive. But the time he spent with his friends was priceless and Gaara will never trade that for anything. Yes, he and Tenten-san didn't get a real date but he gained a friend instead. To him, that was more important.

Besides, he had made his decision. Gaara signaled to his guards and quickened his pace. He needs to prepare to receive a guest. And he hoped that his siblings would go easy on him.

He had no doubts that in some way or another, they would pry the truth out of him or his guards. Gaara just hoped he could delay it long enough for Shinobu-san to arrive. At least, they would limit the shouting when their reputation was on the line. Maybe in this instance, he could use the baby brother card?

Mei had just received a letter from Gaara-sama himself. He is inviting Shinobu-chan to come to Suna and celebrate the moon festival with them.

She couldn't be happier with this news. It seemed that Mei was worried for nothing. She spent days thinking of how to ask Shinobu-chan if she made an impression on the Kazekage or not. But this letter confirmed it.

Looking at her now, Mei suddenly had second thoughts. Shinobu was neat and clean but not today. She was just lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling and doing nothing. Her painting tools were in disarray around her.

"Is there a problem, Shinobu-chan?"

"Iye," she replied in a subdued tone. "What can I do for you, Mei-sama?"

Mei hesitated. "Actually, it's about the Kazekage."

Hearing that seemed to be the magic words. Shinobu sat up and her violet eyes focused on Mei.

"What happened to him, is he alright? Did he arrive safely?"

Mei held up a hand. "One question at a time please."

Shinobu flushed. "I'm sorry, Mei-sama. As you know... I'm just, curious."

"Oh, that was more than simple curiosity if you ask me," Mei said drily. "You sounded like you're his girlfriend or something."

"Iye, why do you always joke about that? Now that I met Gaara-sama, it's really not funny."

Mei swept Shinobu's things away so she could sit on the bed. She faced Shinobu and raised a questioning brow.

"What happened, Shinobu-chan? I need you for an errand and I can't send you when you're like this."

"I just," Shinobu's gaze was firmly on her lap, her fingers tangled. "I-I think I miss Gaara-sama." Hearing Mei's snort, she continued. "I know I'm being silly but it's true. There's not a day since he left that someone or something reminded me of him. It could be a green curtain in the shade of his eyes, the cactus display I passed, and even the food I burned. All of that just made me miss him more."

"You really feel that?"

"Hai," Shinobu groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I no longer see him as an ideal. His silence wasn't cool, sometimes it can be awkward but other times, it was comforting. Gaara-sama wanted to do and experience a lot of things but he doesn't know how to express that. He had changed a lot from what he once was but he is still changing. He's aware of his shortcomings and is actively doing something about it." Shinobu looked at Mei, fluttering her hands to make her point. "Gaara-sama has a sense of humor, although a dry one. He will eat, preferably with company. He's happy when he's around his friends and siblings. Oh, and he doesn't know how to play cards."

"Do you have feelings for him?" asked Mei, her arms crossed. "Other than your crush, I mean."

Shinobu stilled at that. She stared at Mei for a long moment, not saying anything.

"I... I think I might have," she admitted. Shinobu clasped her hands and looked at Mei pleadingly. "I know this might be too forward of me Mei-sama but didn't you tease me about sending my dossier to him? Is Gaara-sama in search of a wife?"

"Iye."

"Oh..."

"Only a betrothed, I think," said Mei, mischief dancing in her eyes. "His sister is to be married after all."

"Oh, of course," Shinobu batted her eyes at her cousin. "Am I not your favorite cousin, Mei-sama? Help me, please."

"You're pulling all the stops here," she frowned. "Aren't you being too reckless?"

"All I know is I want to see Gaara-sama and spend more time with him again," Shinobu crossed her arms and lifted her chin. "If he's looking for someone to date, why shouldn't it be me?"

"You have a point." Mei tapped her finger on her lips, giving Shinobu a scrutinizing look.

Shinobu straightened her posture and folded her hands demurely on her lap. She tilted her head slightly and asked Mei in her most polite voice.

"So, will you send my dossier?"

"I already did," Mei grinned at Shinobu's shocked face. "And he's inviting you to Suna."

"Naaaniii?"