Before I left Naruto's flat, we planned on meeting up at 1 to go visit Gaara together and though I wanted to stay and hang out with him for hours, I had so many other people to say hello to and knowing them, I'd be beat up if I came home and didn't let them know right away. That gives me an hour and a half to find the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. I was strolling through the village actively doing my best to sense around for one of their chakra signatures without having to activate my Byakugan.

Thankfully I was no longer dressed in bloody garbs and I was chilling in shorts with a gray jacket covering my torso. It was busy in the village, there were more people than I remembered being around in the town center but I guess this would be the reason for the economic boom. I got a lock on the slow flowing chakra of Shikamaru, Ino and Choji were with him as well. They were inside the Yakiniku Q, I wouldn't expect anything less. I opened the door to the shop and was greeted instantly by a new waitress.

"Hello welcome to Yakiniku Q, how may I help you?"

"Oh actually, my friends already have a table, I'm here to surprise them." I guestured back to Ino's table and the woman gave me a polite smile and a small bow.

"Of course miss, go right ahead."

"Thanks!" I nodded my head back and slowly made my way over, hoping to not be seen. Ino and Choji were sitting very close on one side of the booth and Shikamaru was alone on the other, his back was facing towards me. Ino's unbelievably blue eyes met mine and she jumped but I put my finger over my lips shushing her. She grinned mischievously and whispered to Choji who also had a happy smile on his face as I waved to him.

"Geez what's got you so weird now you troublesome woman?" Shikamaru's voice was deeper but it was smooth and still had that lazy drawl I was ever familiar with. In one swift movement I moved to be sitting right next to Shikamaru, looking into his surprised chocolatey eyes with a smile.

"Oh you know, she's just excited that I'm here to save your lazy ass from third wheeling." Shikamaru's lips curled into a smirk and he rested his arm on the chair behind me. He looked older as well, his face was chiseled in a more rugged yet sexy way and his skin was even more tanned and healthy looking. His charcoal black hair was slightly longer but still stuck up in his trademark ponytail.

There was a small scar that ran horizontally through the left side of his top and bottom lip and his body was more muscled than when we were pre-teens.  "Hi Ino, Choji! It's good to see you both so happy."

"Hi Hinata-chan!" Choji gave me a smile as he dutifully cooked the food for the table. "I'm glad to see you are safe, you had all of us worried after we got those letters." I smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry to worry you Choji. You look healthy! How's Hide?" Hide is 9 now and I haven't visited him at the orphanage since I left. I know he was entering the academy when I left so I hope he was accepted into the program despite having no family to care for him. (Hide was the baby at the orphanage Choji and her went to in part 1)

"He's good. He is top of his class right now." Choji beamed and I felt so proud of the sweet boy, he was such a cutie I'll have to go say hi and bring him some cake soon.

"I knew the little shit could do it."

"Hey Hinata!" Ino greeted and I grinned stupidly at her, so glad to see her once again. Ino winked her eyes flickering between Shika and I...and I blatantly ignored her.

"And just when my life was beginning to be calm. What a drag." Shikamaru smiled down at me and I grinned back. Ino and Choji were just watching fully entertained.

"And I was hoping more for a 'wow Hinata you're home I'm so happy I could cry or something of the sort.'" Shika snorted in indignation and Ino and Choji both laughed amusedly. I batted my eyelashes cheekily and slumped into his side, the smell of the food reminding me that Naruto took half of my lunch.

"Yeah yeah, I'm glad you're home safe. You look..." His calculating eyes gave me a once over and even though it was quick I know he got down every detail to the smallest differences. He most definitely noticed the bandages peaking out of my jacket  "...good." I beamed at him and he shoved my face, chuckling.

"You look good too, not staying inside playing Shogi has done wonders." I got a look at his clothing and almost lost it. "Wholly shit! You became a JONIN! I thought it was too much of a drag." He put a hand on his neck and rubbed it bashfully, pushing his bottom lip out in the smallest of pouts. Shika let out a sigh like even having to explain it would drain him of his energy.

"As nosey as ever woman. I told you I would catch up. Besides, Asuma-sensei pushed me into it."

"Ok ok, as fun as you two flirting is...move your ass Shikamaru." Ino quite literally shoved Shikamaru out of his seat and then sat on my lap even though she is still annoyingly taller than me and pulled me into a crushing hug as she giggled in happiness. Her smile was contagious and I returned it right back, laughing along with her. Her eyes were glistened with tears and her long white-blonde hair was brushing against my arm. Ino was a bombshell: a tall sexy blonde with the personality to match.

"Ino I can't thank you enough for taking care of Hanabi-hime while I was gone. You are the greatest friend I could ask for, she was practically glowing when talking about you." I squeezed her tighter, I was so grateful for everything she did. She got to take care of Hanabi while I wasn't there, she was helping me while I was being a shitty sister. I couldn't thank her enough for helping Hanabi with the things I couldn't even if I was here.

"It's nothing. I told you I would, besides you're my sister which means Hanabi-chan is my little sister as well. What kind of big sister would I be if I left her to Neji-san's care." Ino smiled kindly and I squeezed her tighter. She would have loved to meet Konan.  "Ok enough with this sappy crap...Look at you Hinata! You're such a hottie! Look at your rack they're huge. Oh my god!" Ino poked her finger into by breast and my face flushed pink. My boobs were very much out there, not Tsunade but they are large and in charge.

I don't dislike them, they actually make my figure look pretty damn fine but having somebody point out something I don't try to emphasize is embarrassing as hell. Puberty hit fast and they just grew and kept growing.

"Ok but look at you, you freaking beautiful giant!" Ino smiled and flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I missed you so much, I've been drowning in testosterone." Ino laughed, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

"Oh I know, my dad told me all about the band of guys you brought home." She leaned down and did the worst version of a whisper known to man, Ino is anything but secretive. "So on a scale of 1 to 10, how hot are they."

"Ino-chan!" Choji whined out to his girlfriend and she gave him a sheepish but unashamed smile.

"Sorry honey, none of them have anything on you but I need to know who our little Hinata has been spending her time with."

"Honestly... everyone is at least a 9." Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at me in distaste, criminals and Ino only cared about how hot they were. And what was worse was i found them all to be extremely attractive like the rest of the female population...not like the same couldn't be said for the shadow user himself. "You can meet them all later in the week if you don't have a mission."

"Nope I work at the hospital for the rest of the week so I meet them all for lunch! Choji-kun Shikamaru-kun, you both are coming as well." She left no room for nonsense and back talk, Ino had these boys on a leash and it was always amusing on how they behaved with her commanding presence. Adding that to the fact that now being an intern with her father and Ibiki, she was more manipulative and deadly than ever.

"We know." They both chorused with different levels of enthusiasm. Ino gave you one last sisterly hug and moved to sit back with Choji, resting back against him, intertwining her slender fingers with his, getting the most genuine and loving smile from the boy. Who would have known the shallow and selfish Ino would end up being such a kind (kind of scary) and talented Kunoichi.

"Foods ready!" Choji kindly made Ino her plate first, putting a good serving of all of her favorites and then piled high on the grilled meats and vegetables himself. Shikamaru had to fend for himself to get a plate full of food. I chatted with Ino about all the interesting gossip I had missed being gone. I didn't order any food for myself because I was officially broke until I get more money from a job or the elders. Three years later and Shikamaru could still read me like a book and when Ino was telling me about making time to sleepover at her house when a piece of grilled pork belly was being lazily waved in front of my face by none other than the lazy genius. I quirked an eyebrow at him and he huffed.

"I know you're hungry so just eat the food woman." The Nara drawled out, waiting for me to take the food. It was sweet but I felt bad, I didn't come to steal his food, I just wanted to hang out.

"But it's yours, I'm fine Shika." I smiled genuinely touched at the notion. His pouty form was amusing, for an asshole Shika really is a gentleman. It comes from his weird 'manly' complex but oh well.

"Don't be troublesome, I can't just sit here and eat if you're hungry. Ma would have my head." Oh man I haven't seen Mama Yoshino in forever, I have to stop by and say hello soon, to Shikaku as well. They are always kind to me and Yoshino never ceases to amuse me. He's right though, if he was even being the slightest bit 'impolite' he would get the tongue lashing of his life. Man I'd never been more scared than when we got caught sneaking out of class by Yoshino and she whipped me with just her words.

"Fine, thank you. I am kind of hungry." I opened my mouth and Shika guided the chopsticks in so I could take the food for my own nourishment. Being with my friends was amazing and getting fed was just a plus of that moment.

"You're always hungry." He said pointedly, Choji and Ino nodding in agreement. His dark eyes flashed in amusement and though it was improper to speak with food in my mouth, who the hell cares. I pouted in false annoyance, my brows furrowing into a scowl.

"Fuck off." I muttered with the delicious and slightly spicy meat in my mouth. Shikamaru snorted in amusement knowing he was right. He's not wrong though, food might be the greatest thing ever and I always find myself hungry. The lazy genius grumbled but still continued to feed me in between taking bites for himself and I suddenly understood why kings had their servants feed them; it's such a power trip. We were all disappointed when it was time for me to leave but I had places to go and panda Jinchuriki to be seen. I hugged Ino tightly, was engulfed in a bear hug by Choji, and Shikamaru gave me a side hug and a kiss to my temple.

I got to the training grounds and Naruto was sitting swinging his legs atop the stump. When he saw me his face lit up and a cheeky grin stretched across his lips. I returned it tenfold and he bounded over to me, picking me up and swinging me around.

"Hina-chan! Ready to go see Gaara-kun?"

"Hell yeah." Naruto wasted no time in putting me on his back and taking off quickly. I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist and held my hands out, enjoying the wind whipping around me. Laughter burst from Naruto and it made it bubble out of my chest as well.

"Have you talked to the teme yet? I've only seen him once since I came home! That bastard Danzo basically took over his whole life 'ttebayo." I knew the foundation basically took over a persons life and created 'emotionless super soldiers' but Naruto having been home for months and only got to see Sasuke once was crazy. Naruto had Jiraiya, Kakashi had Gai, and I had the Akatsuki but Sasuke, Sasuke has been alone and isolated from everyone. I can't wait to get him the hell out of there.

"I saw him this morning. I can't believe he's been so isolated like that. Dammit, we've got to do something soon." What kind of idiots are we, sending Sasuke in with Danzo thinking it would be any better on his psyche than him going with Orochimaru. As soon as Itachi's surgery is over, we're taking out that bastard completely. Shisui will get his eye back, the clan will be avenged, and Danzo will have his head on a steak.

"I know, don't worry Hina-chan, I'll save Sasuke-teme from that bastard and we'll take him down together." Naruto's hands tightened on my thighs and his voice was blazing with determination. The desire to help Sasuke and avenge his best friends family was rolling off of him in waves, Naruto really is too good of a person.

The heightened stress of the situation was quelled just by the unwavering smile he directed towards me. Naruto skidded to a stop and let me climb off his back. I was rocking back and forth in excitement as Naruto pounded on the door relentlessly. It opened and all I needed to see was the deep blood red of his hair before I sprung forward and wrapped my arms and legs around him.

"Panda-kun!" His sand didn't react and Gaara was as stiff as a board until he looked down and took a slight inhale, seeing my navy hair and recognizing my scent, his body relaxed just slightly and his arms loosely made their way around me. Dammit, Gaara was my height last time we hung out and now it's not even fair. Why do boys get to be so tall!

"Hinata-chan." He breathed out my name in disbelief, his gorgeous sea-foam eyes were looking into mine and he had the softest, barely there smile on his lips. "You're here." His voice was deeper and still had its raspy tone, it was not aggressive and he still spoke slightly toneless. His hair had grown out slightly and was still a mess. His face was cut and he had a bad boy mixed with sweet panda look about him. He smelled of a musky metallic sand and there was just the faintest aroma of sweet cacti flowers.

"And you're alive." I did something, he was alive and Shukaku was safe within his host. Deidara didn't have his arms crushed and I felt choked up about it.

"That is thanks to you." Gaara set me down but didn't remove me from hugging him. He looked behind me and gave Naruto a smile and nod as well. "Hello Naruto-kun. Thank you for coming to visit." I could listen to Gaara talk all day, his voice is so gruff yet soothing. And his body is so warm, when he isn't covered in sand armor his skin is so soft I can't handle it. I pressed my head into his chest and felt his chest rumble as he spoke.c

"How many times has he dragged you to Ichiraku since you came here?" I snickered at the thought knowing that there in no way Gaara hasn't been forced to eat ramen at least twice a week. Gaara looked pensive for a moment before answering matter-of-factly.

"Almost every day, I believe it to be the only food he consumes." I snickered at the accuracy of that statement and then put my hand on Gaara's head, patting his head softly in fake condolences. He leaned into the touch like a kitten.

"Why would I eat anything else 'ttebayo, Ramen is the food of Gods?"

"Do you ever stop thinking about ramen?" Gaara deadpanned, fully sarcastic with his questioning. Naruto just grinned and shrugged.

"Sometimes 'ttebayo." Definitely all lies.

"Hinata-chan, when did you return?"

"Just this morning. How is the village treating you, any asses I gotta kick?" I got a smile  from Gaara at my threat, I wouldn't truly go and hurt anybody but I'm hoping the villagers that have gotten to see him are being amicable and welcoming.

"They are slightly wary but nobody has been unkind. I am very pleased that you are safe. I was worried for your safety when you risked your life for mine. I appreciate it but do not do that for me. If I die to save my friends or my village I have done my job as Kazekage." His eyes seemed to burn with a certain flair, one of a man who loves his people and will die for them. It's something I struggle to understand, his villagers the one he has sworn to protect were so evil to him. He should hate them and yet he cares such a deep love and desire to protect them. It's the same with Naruto.

"You really are honorable. And you seem much more confident in who you are compared to when I last visited Suna."

"Yes well I have had a lot of help." Gaara's pale skin flushed a soft pink at his confession, embarrassed to admit he needed help. He moved out of the doorway and gestured in his temporary residence. "Would you both like to come in?"

"Sorry, I gotta go back and wait for Kakashi-sensei 'ttebayo. He's helping me with my super awesome new jutsu." Naruto still won't spill on what it is, but I guess we are all going to find out soon. "See ya later Gaara-kun, Hina-chan." Naruto turned around and sprinted away. Gaara and I entered his apartment and it smelled of the understated nectar of succulents. On his table there were stacks of paperwork he had sent over to complete for the village, even in hiding he was a dutiful Kazekage.

There were many of the potted cacti resting around the room, each one was different sized and a few had pink and red flowers growing out of the shaft. Each looked perfectly healthy and tended to. Like Naruto, Gaara carefully tended to plants and found solace in the care of such delicate organisms, granted Cacti are easier to care for than some of Naruto's flowers but the premise is the same. I walked over to one of the most beautiful spiny plants and gently ran my finger over the soft pink petals of the flowers.

"What is this? It's beautiful." Gaara came up behind me and softly stroked the spines, careful not to prick a finger.

"This is a Hatiora gaertneri. It's flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. They are harder to care for in Suna but the temperament of Konoha's weather makes them ideal to grow here. They are very beautiful, the lavender ones are my favorite. They remind me of you, soft on the eyes yet dangerous to the touch."

"Thanks? Although I think that description fits you better." I moved to another one and marveled down at it. It was odd, I'd never seen a plant like it. "What is this one called?"

"This one is the Kalanchoe tomentosa." He smiled softly at the plant. "It is also called the Panda Plant because of the soft fuzz coating on the leaves. I have only successfully gotten it to flower once." I ran my fingers over the fuzzy leaves, they were soft to the touch but the leaves were so thick it would take more effort to break them than a regular plant. Gaara showed me each of his plants and the proper way to take care of them, it was the most I have ever heard him talk in one single setting. We moved out to sit on the balcony, the warming spring air blowing against our skin. I rested my back against Gaara's side as we looked out over the village.

"I love having you here Gaara but I can see that longing in your eyes. The threat is significantly lower. I think-I hope it is safe enough for you to return home. But only if you have somebody with you 24/7."

"I would like to return home. My village, my people, my students they all need me. The other Jinchuriki you notified, none of them want to return home but I have to."

"I know. Before you leave, I have somebody for you to meet. His name is Sasori no Akasuna." Gaara stiffened at the name, he like others from Suna know the name of the infamous scorpion. "His grandmother, Lady Chiyo, I want him to see her again. He doesn't understand the point to living and I want to show him. You are the Kazekage so it is your decision if you will allow the rogue back to your village so I want you to meet him. Plus, he's kind of an asshole but I feel like you two just might get along."

"I will meet with him; however, if he seems a threat I will not allow him to enter the village. I will not put that risk for the citizens of Sunagakure." I agreed to it, hoping Sasori wouldn't piss off Gaara. I'm already counting on him and Kakashi not getting along in the slightest due to history and Kakashi's incessant tardiness but I hope he can at least not piss off Gaara enough to go visit his home and his grandmother. He was willing to die instead of kill her the first time around so there has to be some love for her left in his heart. My eyes were getting heavier the longer we sat there. I have been awake for over a day at this point and it was taking its toll. Gaara noticed my exhaustion.

"You can rest if you would like. I will wake you up when you have to leave."

"Mhmm..I'm..not tired." I slightly slurred over my words, leaning more into his warmth and firm body.

"Yes, you are." He was amused at my feeble attempt to stay awake but he used his Kazekage voice to make me submit to my sleeping desires.

"Ok...please wake me up...in 30...minut..." I fell asleep taking and my head fell onto his shoulder for a quick pick me up nap.

Ok one more interaction before the dinner and seeing Neji! This is sure to be fun to write Hidan and Kakuzu with the uptight Hyuga clan. Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading!