A/N: I want to thank Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta and doing a wonderful job in this chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Two weeks had passed since Gaara came back. The crunch of sand under his feet, the warmth of sunlight on his back, the woosh of wind in his ears, and the welcoming smiles of his siblings made Gaara feel truly at home. He had fun in his travels but this was where he truly belonged.

He glanced at them discreetly and thought to treat them to dinner. Gaara wasn't good with expressing his feelings, he tended to be unclear at times or too direct, sounding insincere. Standing and looking like a fish out of water was embarrassing, especially in front of his siblings. But not having Temari and Kankuro at his side for a few weeks was odd and right now, Gaara just wanted to share stories and bond with them. That would have to be enough.

When Gaara had settled back into his routine, he received a letter from Mei that Shinobu-san had agreed to come to Suna. Gaara wrote a quick letter of acknowledgment and sent it himself.

Even Gaara was surprised at his eagerness. He had debated whether to wait a few days before replying but decided against that idea. It was hard to admit it but he was truly excited to see her again.

Most of the time, Gaara felt that everything was happening so fast that he couldn't keep up. Other times, he thought that this was natural and things were happening as they should. He was only certain of one thing though, this was the first time that he was processing this many emotions at once.

Normally, Gaara would go to Kankuro for such a problem but that was no longer an option. He wanted to keep it a secret for as long as he could. It was not like he didn't trust his siblings, just the opposite. Gaara wanted to be certain about Shinobu before he introduced her to his siblings.

It didn't seem to him that Shinobu-san was the type of person who would lie and Gaara liked her enough to invite her here. That was why he wanted everything to go smoothly when she arrived. Gaara understood Temari and Kankuro's worries, he'd rather not get deceived again but he believed that they were compatible with each other.

Temari would fume whenever she remembered what the Hoki clan did. Since they lived in Konoha and she went there regularly, her ranting sessions were quite often. Gaara's cacti still hadn't recovered from Temari's frequent assaults. His sister had a nasty habit of angrily swinging her fan when she vented and she often did it near his beloved plants. Gaara had told her off once and she had glared at him so hard that he and Kankuro thought she would blast him off too.

It was not just Temari though, Kankuro had also become overly cautious since then. Whenever they would attend an event, his brother would check the place for traps, taste-test the food for poison, and do a background check on every single guest. When Gaara told his brother he was being paranoid, he received a long, long lecture about the importance of always being cautious and preparing for everything. His head ached for days after so now Gaara just let Kankuro do his thing.

Sure, Gaara came back safely from his trip but he was still not ready to tell them what had happened. Maybe, after Shinobu had left, he would tell them what he had done. They might interfere otherwise.

Gaara signed his last paper for the day and stared at the busy village through the glass windows in his office. Shinobu-san should have received his letter by now, he sent it days ago. Come to think of it, she might be on her way now. Temari usually cleaned the house so Gaara had no problem on that front.

Gaara checked another box off his mental list but stopped when he remembered something important, the food. Shinobu doesn't just love to eat, she loves to cook too. They often ate out so there was nothing to cook in the house. Determined, Gaara grabbed his wallet and went home. Surely one of his siblings could help him buy a few essentials.

"Did we really have to get the groceries? It's Temari's job," Kankuro complained.

Gaara and Kankuro carried bags as they walked. The brothers had at least three on each arm. They had just gone to the market to buy supplies, meat, fruits, vegetables, and such.

Shinobu loves to cook so he thought that having supplies on hand would be good. Temari wasn't at home, that was why Gaara ended up dragging Kankuro to the market.

"It won't hurt us to help once in a while."

"It's my day off, I should be at home, relaxing."

Gaara almost felt bad for Kankuro. Their shopping should have taken just an hour but when they got there, all of the villagers greeted them and offered them their goods. It was rare that the two of them visited the market, so the vendors were only too eager to assist. The shopkeepers had nearly swarmed them.

Good thing Gaara's presence was commanding enough when he asked them to not push each other and to please talk one at a time.

It wasn't all for selling and offering their goods though, the villagers also voiced their many, many complaints. Gaara heard a few concerns but seeing Kankuro's irritated expression, he changed his mind and told them to just go to the Kazekage's tower.

The people were only too happy to agree, most of them nodded enthusiastically and some dispersed to do their forgotten tasks. The people that were left were store owners, so Gaara and Kankuro were dragged to shop after shop and asked to sample their food or try their wares. Gaara and Kankuro were offered free stuff, half price for anything they wanted and some just insisted on giving them unreasonable discounts.

It would have been rude to ignore them so Gaara lessened the sting by telling them that they couldn't possibly use all of it and he won't hesitate to ask if they wanted something. Thankfully, that calmed the vendors down but he and Kankuro still had to stay there twice as long as they should have.

Though many people had stopped them, most just wanted to chat. They told them about the difficulties in production, the costs of import, whose customers behaved unseemly, and how their days had been.

Oh, and a bit too much about their single female relatives. To Gaara's dismay, his unmarried status was a hot topic not only with the elders but with his people as well. Though the Suna council preferred his bride to be a member of the nobility, a girl from the village would be acceptable too.

Gaara didn't know how that rumor got out but because of it, almost everyone he met excitedly told him that they had a nice, polite, and intelligent female relative and the two of them simply should be introduced. Temari was usually there to fend them off but unfortunately, not today.

Their matchmaking aside, Gaara enjoyed listening to his people's stories. It warmed his heart that they were confident and comfortable enough to tell him about their lives. It was an unusual relationship between a Kage and his people but this bond was what Gaara treasured the most. This was the proof that he was not who he once was and it strengthened Gaara's resolve to do better when he knew that his people were making the most out of everything.

Sometimes, Gaara's popularity still amazed him. People treated him differently now. They were nice, polite, and overly grateful in his opinion. Some of them even got comfortable enough to joke with him. Gaara was happy about their change of heart, it was what he and his siblings worked hard for.

But there were certain times like when he had seen a lone kid playing on the swing or someone being bullied, and he couldn't help but be reminded of his life with Yoshimaru and how the people of his village saw him then. Gaara didn't hold a grudge against the people of Suna for how they had treated him when he was a kid. He was a Kage now too and had finally understood the decisions that their father made. It still hurt though.

It was then that Gaara appreciated Temari and Kankuro's presence in his life. They had every right to just leave him alone but they didn't. His siblings stayed with Gaara through thick and thin, supported his dream, and fearlessly defended him at every turn. For Gaara, they were the greatest gifts his parents gave him.

"We're almost there," Gaara placated his brother.

Gaara thought back to when he got into a fight with the elders over his siblings. They complained that Gaara was too lenient with Temari and Kankuro. They are the children of the previous Kazekage and therefore should make Suna their priority. Not slack off or worse, marry an outsider and live in another hidden village.

Gaara just glared at the elders then and didn't say anything. Keeping quiet and surrounding himself with golden sand was a highly effective intimidation tactic that never failed him. He just had to maintain his neutral face for a few minutes and it would scare them enough to let Gaara do what he wants.

Most of them were council members from his father's time and they remembered Shukaku's rampage well. Even if Gaara told them many times that he would not hurt them within reason, when he glared or frowned, they would easily tremble in fear. Some hid their emotions very well though and in those cases, Gaara had to let out his sand to get his point across. His father would roll around in his grave when he found out how Gaara was using the golden sand he gave him. But Gaara was never fond of his father so he didn't lose any sleep over the thought.

The younger members of the council were mostly reasonable and the elders would stop pushing the issue after that display. With Baki's help, Gaara made sure that their enemies in the council wouldn't have anything against them.

Planting loyal ANBU everywhere just to nip their plans in the bud was an irritating but necessary exercise. Watching the elders rearrange their angry faces was only entertaining a few times. They still have sharp words for him but Gaara let them be because they were aware of how ridiculous it was to point fingers if they don't have proof. Everyone knew that losing something in the desert often leaves no trace.

They can't insist that Temari marry if there are no papers requesting for it. Neither can they shut down the secret puppet corps if it was faultless. They all kept their mouths shut in regard to Temari and Kankuro's lives. No one even batted an eye when the delegates from the Nara clan arrived for the marriage talks.

Gaara too rarely objects to what his siblings do. He went along with Kankuro's crazy schemes and supported Temari's projects. They gave him so much and now was Gaara's turn to repay all of it.

"You so owe me for this, ototo."

Kankuro's voice brought Gaara back to the present. "Oh look, we're near the house already. Can you stop whining now?"

"Oi, how dare you talk to your big brother that way?"

"I'm your Kazekage," Gaara smirked. "I can talk to you however I please."

Kankuro shook his head fondly. "You're a brat, you know that?"

"Hai."

Kankuro stopped while Gaara got the key. After a long day, they finally reached their house.

"Why did you buy a lot of things anyway? None of us can cook."

"I just wanted to stock up, okay?" He replied, suddenly irritated.

"Maybe because he's expecting a visitor," said Temari, her voice low and slightly threatening as she joined them.

Gaara and Kankuro stood outside but Temari was blocking the door. She stood there, hands firmly on her hips, and was glaring daggers at Gaara. Baki was behind her, looking like he wanted to be anywhere else.

"Hey nee-san," Kankuro sounded nonchalant. "So what if Gaara has friends over? It's fine."

"You won't say that after you read this." she slapped a crumpled paper on Kankuro's bag and promptly dragged Gaara inside.

"What's this about, Temari?" asked Gaara.

"Don't play dumb," she snapped. "I have Baki as my witness. Did you really think we wouldn't find out?"

Gaara made eye contact with his former sensei who lowered his gaze. "Temari-sama found a crumpled letter in your office, my lord."

Gaara stiffened at that and his eyes snapped back to Temari's glaring ones. He told the council not to tell his siblings about this. Since Temari and Kankuro yelled so hard, and spat threats and curses at them during the mishap with the Hoki clan, they all agreed to keep it quiet.

Gaara took all kinds of precautionary measures but he didn't think that a crumpled paper would be his undoing. Beads of sweat gathered on his forehead and he subtly avoided his sister's eyes. He was really in trouble now. In his haste to send the letter, he had forgotten that this was also the day when Temari cleaned his office.

Gaara heard Kankuro's colorful swearing behind him and he internally cringed. This was not how he wanted his day to go.

"I can explain."

"Oh," Temari's teeth gnashed. "I'm sure you can."

"Damn it Gaara, why can't you understand the words 'be careful'?"

"I was careful," he lifted his chin and crossed his arms. "I brought trusted guards with me. Don't you think I can't take care of myself?"

Temari jabbed an angry finger at him. "That's not the issue here and you know it!"

"How many times have I told you to be cautious?" Kankuro shouted from the doorway. "We may live in peaceful times but you know more than most that it could easily crumble. You have many enemies, Gaara, and they would use every available tactic to kill you for their goals!"

Gaara scowled. "Do you think I walked around naively looking at pretty sights? I am not an idiot."

"Could have fooled me," scoffed Temari.

"I'm not a child, you of all people should be aware of that."

Gaara glared at his siblings. At his words, Temari and Kankuro exchanged a glance before slumping their shoulders with a sigh.

Kankuro was the first to speak, shaking his head, looking disappointed. "Why couldn't you have brought us along? Don't you trust us anymore?"

"In case you are wondering, we're worried about you, Gaara," Temari said with a subdued tone.

"Wait, wait," Gaara lifted a hand as a halting gesture. "That's not what I meant at all. Don't you think you are overreacting?"

"Iye," Temari and Kankuro said in unison.

The sand siblings may not look much alike but in this particular moment, they greatly resembled each other, Baki thought to himself. From the tightly crossed arms, haughty chins, and cold glares, there won't be any doubt that they are a family. Baki thinks that they are too old for this kind of thing but he swallowed his opinion, he didn't think it would help anyone.

"Temari-sama, Kankuro-sama, Gaara-sama," Baki stepped in between the siblings, "why don't you relax and talk about this? Emotions are getting high and this is getting out of hand."

As one, the siblings glared at him but Baki had known them for too long to back down. He crossed his arms, tapped his foot, and raised an unimpressed brow. The siblings gave him and each other one last glare but they went to the living room and sat all the same. None of them talked though, so Baki was forced to serve tea and start the conversation.

"Gaara-sama didn't intend to hurt anyone," Baki told Temari and Kankuro, then turned to Gaara. "Your siblings are just protective of you because you're their little brother so please, consider their feelings when making your decisions."

"It's his fault." Temari and Kankuro both pointed at Gaara with a scowl.

"Very mature," Gaara replied with a dark look.

"Please," Baki let out a long-suffering sigh. "You are all too old for this."

"This wouldn't have happened if Gaara hadn't gone behind our backs in the first place," said Temari. "We have never stopped you when you wanted to do something, so what's with the secrets now? The council did nothing when you got captured by the Akatsuki, you shouldn't trust them."

"We're just scared that something would happen to you again and we're not there to protect you, okay?" Kankuro dragged a hand down his face. "Once was more than enough."

Looking at his siblings' worried faces, a sliver of guilt immediately pricked Gaara's conscience. He didn't think that his actions would hurt them. They had always supported Gaara and let him do what he wanted.

Gaara wanted to slap himself for his idiocy. How could he have thought that not telling his siblings about inviting a stranger in their house, or traveling to different places just to go on dates wouldn't have consequences for their family? He took care of his and his dates' comfort but failed to consider his siblings' feelings. Baki was right, Gaara needed to think more when making decisions.

"Gomen Nee-san, Nii-san," Gaara bowed his head to each of them. "I realize now that I'm wrong."

"At least you know now." Temari sighed. "Just tell us your plans next time, okay?"

Kankuro lightly tussled Gaara's hair. "We're sorry too. Remember, just because you're the Kazekage, it doesn't mean we'll stop worrying about you. It's our job, y'know."

"Believe it or not, I do," Gaara said, a small yet warm smile touching his lips. "I'm very grateful for it too."

"I, for one, am glad that everything is settled," said Baki, standing up. "May I take my leave now?"

Baki just wanted to get out of there. It wasn't often that the siblings would fight and the times that they would get emotional were more rare. He could handle violent scuffles, scheming politicians, and sneaky fangirls. But these three and their emotions, no thank you! Contrary to what people thought, Baki had a life beyond work and training. In fact, he needed to go there, right now.

Baki was eyeing the door when Gaara finally spoke. "Arigato gozaimasu, Baki-sensei. You're dismissed."

Baki's relieved face was covered by his bow as he left. He swiftly walked out of there and couldn't help but chuckle when he heard Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama grill their little brother about his coming guest.

The slip of paper weighed heavily in his pocket. It was a good thing that Baki arrived before Temari-sama and he had grabbed what turned out to be the second page of the Mizukage's letter. Baki had accidentally read the sentences at the top and by the looks of it, Gaara-sama had liked the lady from Kirigakure a lot.

Baki hadn't said anything but he thought Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama were being slightly overbearing. Gaara-sama was no longer a teenager and he understood people's emotions better now. They needed to let him find his own way and watch as he discovered what could make him happy. They would not be here forever after all.

"Good luck, Gaara-sama," Baki whispered as he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

A few days had passed and Gaara was mad. No, irritated? Wait, truly annoyed was more like it.

It had been a long week and Temari and Kankuro still wouldn't leave him alone. Thanks to Baki-sensei's foresight, Temari hadn't read the rest of Mei-sama's letter. She told him where and when Shinobu-san would arrive and could he please take good care of her precious cousin? And if for whatever reason they decided to skip all the formalities and jump into marriage, she wrote to send for her and she would come running, wedding kimono in tow.

"Meddling old woman," Gaara muttered under his breath as he flew over Suna on his sand cloud.

The desert sun was already high in the sky, bathing the village with its warm light. The Suna wind was just right, not too soft and not too strong, as if taming itself. Gaara was on his way to meet Shinobu-san. Temari and Kankuro only knew that he had a guest coming from Kirigakure who was a woman and that she would be staying in their house.

His siblings did everything they could just to know more about his mysterious guest. Either Temari or Kankuro would have lunch or walk with Gaara to and from work, hoping and watching if he would slip up. Stubbornness was a family trait so, Gaara went out of his way to throw them off. He cleaned his own office, and dutifully signed paperwork, all the while staying within his siblings' sight and acting like nothing was amiss.

His siblings had asked Gaara for more details though, and he gave in eventually. Besides that she was also a kunoichi and the current Mizukage's relative, he told them nothing. Temari demanded and tried to guilt-trip him into telling her more and when Kankuro's spying had come up with nothing, they resorted to pestering Gaara for what they wanted. Temari's visit to Konoha wouldn't be until the end of the month, so she still didn't know that Gaara had been there.

Chills gathered on his back when Gaara imagined telling his siblings that he traveled around the five great nations just to go on dates. He would stick with the original plan to just tell it to them later. Gaara would rather not bombard his siblings with new information all at once, it wouldn't be good for his and the cacti's health.

Until today, that is. The three of them had begun to follow a routine and Gaara had struck at the last minute so they wouldn't have a chance to catch him. This way, he could at least welcome Shinobu-san on his own.

Gaara nearly reached the Suna gates and breathed in relief when he saw that neither Temari nor Kankuro was there. It looked like his plan was successful. Gaara touched down smoothly and greeted the guards who were stationed there.

Gaara stood at one side of the gate, posture straight and hands clasped behind his back. Now that he was here, Gaara felt slightly apprehensive and more than a little nervous to see Shinobu again. He hadn't seen her in over two months, could she have changed?

She was overly forward when he first met her, shy and sometimes talkative on their second meeting. Gaara couldn't help but wonder how she would be this time around. Shinobu-san's behavior aside, Gaara hoped that Temari and Kankuro would like her.

Gaara's sweating palms and pounding heart while he waited surprised him. He hadn't sorted out his feelings about Shinobu just yet. Between his Kazekage duties, dealing with his people's complaints, and outmaneuvering his siblings, he simply did not have the time.

Gaara was certain about three things though. One, he was thankful to both Mei-sama and Baki-sensei for giving him this chance. Two, he wanted to see Shinobu-san again and show her his beloved village. Three, Gaara felt relieved that Temari and Kankuro weren't here.

"Did you really think we would fall for that, Ototo?" Kankuro's voice came from nowhere.

The weather was naturally hot but Gaara felt cold all over after hearing his brother's voice. If Kankuro's here, Temari will be too. To think that he had been optimistic earlier, now he's not even sure if his siblings would leave enough of him to welcome Shinobu-san. Gaara gulped, he just couldn't catch a break.

"Have you forgotten that I'm the smart one in this family?" Temari asked, sounding smug. "Well, too bad."

Gaara finally turned around and almost cursed out loud. He saw his siblings a few steps behind him. Temari's iron fan was out and so were Kankuro's puppets. They were casually leaning on their weapons, looking for all the world that they belonged there.

"Really," Gaara said, looking unimpressed. "Don't you think following me here is too much?"

"Why, we're just wandering around the village."

"Gomen ototo, subtlety is not your forte."

Gaara aimed an intense glare in their direction.

Temari and Kankuro did not falter. The once peaceful day threatened to become chaotic. Temari snapped one of her fans, Kankuro's fingers twitched for his strings while Gaara clenched one of his fists and gathered sand on his feet. All of the siblings' patience was stretched to their limit and Baki wasn't there to disperse the tension.

"Um," a soft yet accented voice caught their attention nearby. "Ohaiyo gozaimasu minna-san. Can I trouble one of you for directions?"