Interrogation.

It was eerily quiet as Shikamaru walked down the hall, it was like no one else was in the house, but he knew there was. She was getting ready still, upstairs in her bedroom, she had gotten a surprise mission early today so she was running a little bit behind. Shikamaru thought that it was awfully convenient that she was assigned a mission on her day off- there was no doubt in his mind, he had done it on purpose. Now, he was told to make himself comfortable in the massive house, but there was no way that was going to happen- especially when he knew there were two other people here waiting for him. He assumed the door at the end of the hall was left open for him, like a silent invitation. Even though Shikamaru wanted to pretend he didn't see it, there was no way he could just walk away. Not only would that showcase him as a coward, but even if he tried, he would most likely end up getting dragged in there anyway, by either a rope of sand or a wooden puppet.

Still, Shikamaru walked slow, taking note of the family photo's that hung on the wall, and how they progressed. There was only one photo of the entire family together, mother, father, and three children. A red haired baby in the mothers arms, a small brown hair toddler in the fathers arms, and standing in front of them both, a cute little girl with blond pigtails. Shikamaru smiled, even as a child, Temari was adorable. However, the distance in the next photo stood as a reminder, a throwback to the time where Kankuro and Temari feared their younger brother- or rather, the monster that had been sealed inside of him. By the next picture, the distance was gone, and Temari had her arms wrapped around her two younger brothers as they smiled, looking somewhat embarrassed by her affection. Taking a deep breath, Shikamaru wondered if this wasn't going to be as bad as he thought, maybe he was just blowing things out of proportion. As much as he wanted to believe that, the final picture he past told a different story- and also severed as a not-so friendly reminder to just who he was dealing with. The last picture they had hung proudly looked as if it was taken fairly recently, and even if it was just another family picture, it stood out from the rest of them. Temari was the oldest of the three sand siblings, and in all the other photo's it was her arms around them, her hands on their shoulders, like she took on the role of protecter after their parents were gone, but not this last photo. In the last photo, Gaara has the sash of the Kazekage around his waist, his hand on his sisters shoulder- who now looks short in comparison. On the other side of Temari was Kankuro, the most skilled puppet user in the entire Sand- and possibly the world. Kankuro was a strong and dangerous ninja, one of the best in the sand- and Gaara's power was on a whole other level.

Suddenly, Shikamaru wasn't so confident. The door was fast approaching, but he still took a moment to reflect. Who was he in their eyes? They probably only knew him as that lazy, sexist kid who almost won against their sister in the chunin exams- if they even remembered him at all. Needless to say, this wouldn't be a fun next couple of minutes.

Sure, Shikamaru had saved Temari a few times here and there, but the chances she told her brothers about any of that was slim to none, seeing as how proud of a person Temari was. And even if she did tell her brothers, it would probably come off as him being some smug cocky kid who walked around with his nose up. He wasn't either of those things, at least, not anymore. Shikamaru knew he had grown up a lot since the chunin exams where he made those sexist comments, he only prayed that her brothers could see that too.

Standing in the doorway, Shikamaru felt like he and just walked into the confrontation in a horror movie. The room was dimly lit by two lamps in the back corners of the room. There was a big table, and lots of chairs, Shikamaru guessed it was the dinning room, but he was more concerned by the pair of eyes starring at him. Gaara was sitting in the chair at the head of the table, Kankuro was standing next to him. Just from their body language, Shikamaru could tell they weren't really thrilled about this conversation either. Kankuro had his arms folded across his chest, and Gaara had his fingers laced together, his elbows resting on the table, his expression seemed bored.

"Come in." The tone of his voice was the same as his expression as Kankuro called him forward.

Like a lamb to the slaughter, Shikamaru walked in and tried to look as calm as possible. It wasn't like he could just walk in and act all buddy buddy. It was hard enough meeting her family. It became harder when her family was made up of two protective brothers. It became nearly impossible when her brothers were skilled and dangerous ninja. It didn't matter that Gaara was younger than him, he was the kazekage- that made it impossible for sure. Shikamaru didn't set up a strategy for this conversation, because he knew that Gaara would be able to see right through anything he tried. As he bowed respectfully to the Kazekage, Shikamaru just prayed to the heavens he would be able to get through it all okay.

"Take a seat." Gaara said in his monotone voice, which made it sound both inviting and threatening at the same time.

"Thank-you." Shikamaru knew he would have to be polite, use his manners, it was sink or swim time, and there was no room for mistakes.

There was an odd silence, and Shikamaru just had to sit there and endure it as Kankuro looked over every inch of him. His brown eyes scanning him like he was looking for any little flaw, it would be enough to put most people into a paranoid state, but Shikamaru knew he came at his best. Even though it was a total drag to dress up and take her out to eat at an expensive and fancy restaurant, Shikamaru knew it was worth it. It was a miracle she even agreed to go out with him to begin with. But now he was here, waiting for her to finish getting ready- she had left him alone with the two very people who were waiting to eat him alive.

"So," Garra lowered his hands down onto the table in front of him. "Shikamaru, where do you plan on going this evening?"

The way he said it made it seem like such a menacing question.

"To Noma Taiyo." Shikamaru had done his research before hand, this was a five star, world renowned restaurant, the best in the hidden Sand and in the top five of best restaurants in the world. It was a massive pain in the ass, but after pulling some strings, he managed to get a reservation.

Of course, he couldn't have done it without Naruto, who insured they'd have a table. It came at a cost, of course. No way Naruto would just make the reservation for him and leave it at that. He may be older, but he was still old Naruto. Of course as soon as he mentioned he needed his well known name to make the reservation for him, Shikamaru was buried with an avalanche of questions- the main one being who he was bringing with him. Knowing that he wouldn't get anywhere, Shikamaru gave in and told him. After a good ten minutes of him dancing around yelling that he knew it all along, Naruto finally made the reservation for him. As much as Shikamaru hated to admit it, Naruto was more well-known, a hero, if he really wanted something, even in another village, he could get it.

"That's a very fancy restaurant." Kankuro said it in an almost mocking tone. "I hope you've made a reservation." it was like he was implying that Shikamaru was too much of a no-body to even get in there.

"I have." Shikamaru retorted calmly, knowing that Kankuro was treating him like an idiot to get under his skin. "Only the best."

"Do you always show up to a date without flowers?" Kankuro said smugly, like he finally got something on him.

"I've ordered local flowers to be delivered ten minutes before our arrival to the reserved tabled." Shikamaru said cooly. "I wanted to keep my hands free."

As soon as he said it, he regretted it. He allowed Kankuro to get under his skin after all. The remark made it sound like he had plans to cop a feel on the way to the restaurant, which Shikamaru intended it to, but he knew better than that. If he were to try to pull something like that, with Temari of all people, he would be going back to the Leaf village in a body bag. Kankuro screwed up his face, cheeks reddening with both embarrassment and anger, and for a brief moment Shikamaru wondered if he would be traveling back to the Leaf village in a body bag whether he copped a feel or not.

"What does that mean? You intend to pull something?" Kankuro said, taking the bait easily. "Because if that's the case I could relieve you of your hands, as well as other things with a kunai."

"I only meant I would want to hold her hand, nothing else." Shikamaru said genuinely.

"I don't buy it." Kankuro narrowed his eyes.

Gaara raised his hand. "Stop it Kankuro, he's like Temari, a strategy type. You're playing into his hands when you get mad like that."

Shikamaru swallowed. He could have his fun with Kankuro to a small degree, but not Gaara. He may be the youngest brother but he was still the Kazekage.

"So." Gaara had been staring at him the entire time, never breaking contact. "You like my older sister, do you?"

"Yes." Shikamaru had a feeling it was time to get serious. No more off-handed comments.

"What about her interests you?" Gaara said easily, and Shikamaru guessed he had an endless amount of questions locked and loaded for him to answer.

"Everything. She's an amazing, beautiful, strong, smart woman."

"Naara clan, correct?"

"Yes."

"You're nineteen years old?"

"Yes."

"Only child?"

"Yes."

"Your parents are Shikaku and Yoshino?"

"Yes."

"And you're taking her out to dinner?"

"Yes."

"Then what?"

"Perhaps shopping, or sight seeing, I'm not really sure. I was going to leave the final choice to her."

"You're dressed up I see."

"Yes."

"Explains why she's taking so long."

"I suppose."

"You're parents are still happily married?"

"They're married."

"And what about you?"

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"No I'm... not married."

"Just making sure."

"Right..."

"Is your blood type AB?"

"I...think so. How did you know that?"

"I'm asking the questions."

"Right, sorry."

"You were made a Chunin Exam Proctor?"

"Yes."

"That's a big deal."

"Yes."

"You're a very intelligent guy, the Hokage uses you as a type of consultant. It's very impressive."

"Thank-you."

"I guess you're a big-shot in the Leaf?"

"No, sir. I'm just an average ninja trying to do his part for his village."

"Very humble of you."

Shikamaru was exhausted at this point, but he could tell Gaara was just getting started.

"How old is Temari?"

"She's twenty-two I believe."

"Are you okay with that?"

"Of course."

"Do you know her birthday?"

"August twenty- er, twenty second. No, wait- it's the twenty third."

"That was close. Nearly fumbled that one."

Shikamaru swallowed hard. The questions were weird, jumping around and seemingly out of order, if they even had a predetermined order in the first place. Gaara didn't break his eye contact, or his firm monotone the entire time. It was just one question after another, and Shikamaru tried his best not to hesitate and to keep his sarcasm in the back seat when answering him. It was a rapid fire of questions, some solely about him, some involving Temari. Shikamaru guessed Gaara was trying to feel him out, wanting to see if he actually knew Temari as a person and not just a pretty face, while at the same time confirming the information he had about him. Shikamaru smiled to himself- looks like Temari wasn't the only strategist in the family after all.

"I expect you'll be a perfect gentleman to her." Gaara said, sounding more like a father than a younger brother. "I'm very protective of her, she's been like a mother to me while was growing up. I won't tolerate her getting hurt, used, or abused."

"I would never-" Shikamaru was appalled, hoping that Gaara was merely making a point and not hurling accusations.

"I know you wouldn't." Gaara cut him off before Shikamaru could interrupt. "Because I know you, Shikamaru. You might think that I don't know much about you, but you'd be wrong. Ever since you fought Temari in the Chunin exams, I've kept a close eye on you, because I know my sister, I know the type of guy that catches her eye, and you're it. You're lazy, and when you were younger it caused you more problems then benefit. But don't worry, I know you've grown up since then."

"You're a smart dude, but you're lazy." Kankuro unfolded his arms. "That's a bad combination, and I don't like it."

"A bad combination?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry I don't know what you mean." feeling himself starting to sweat, Shikamaru prayed Temari would hurry up and come downstairs already.

"You're smart, which means you are also aware. You're lazy, meaning you'd want to do things the easy way. Put those both together and what do you get? You get a smart guy who can get what he wants, and quickly." Gaara's voice was firm. "So smart guy, can you put two and two together and get what I'm saying?"

Shikamaru felt his cheeks burning. He couldn't believe what he was hearing, from the Kazekage no less.

"Oh- no! It's not like that, really!" Shikamaru tried to insist with a level voice, worried his voice would crack or waver with embarrassment. "I'm not like that, which- I mean, I guess that's what most guy's would say, but I really do care about her." As embarrassing as it was, Shikamaru managed to say it without fumbling his words around too much.

"You better treat her right." Kankuro pointed a finger at him. "Because if you don't, well, I guess I'll leave the rest to your imagination."

"You're both adults, so I'll treat you like adults." Gaara rested the side of his face in the palm of his open hand. "Just keep in mind that actions have consequences, and we wouldn't want either of you rushing into something that could potentially bring life into the world."

Shikamaru felt his face turn completely red, he felt like he was melting out of the chair and seeping through the floor boards. It didn't feel real.

"Am I really getting a sex lecture from the Kazekage?" Shikamaru said dizzily to himself, his head spinning. "Is this even reality? Am I in a Genjutsu?"

Kankuro snapped his fingers a few times. "Earth to deer boy, keep it in check. The KazeKage is speaking to you."

Shikamaru put a head to his hand, and let out a heavy sigh. "This whole thing is a total dra-" Thinking better of it, Shikamaru closed his mouth.

Why did he suddenly feel like a little kid again? Like he was caught holding a girls hand by all of his friends, or God help him, his parents. It's not like he was sneaking her out of her bedroom window late at night, they were only going to dinner. Yet here he was, sitting down by the KazeKage and Kankuro, getting the third-degree. How he managed to get tangled up in all this troublesome stuff, honestly, he didn't know. All he wanted to do was go out with a great girl, eat over priced food and hold her hand, but her brothers had really put his ass to the flame- metaphorically, for now.

"I'll treat her with respect, you have my word." Shikamaru said at last.

"What's your word worth to us?" Kankuro said. Shikamaru knew he was a hard-ass, but it was clear he had no intention of letting up anytime soon.

"Not much. I know, but, it's the only thing I can give you." Defeated, Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck.

This was hands down the most embarrassing and awkward thing he ever had to do. It felt like he was drowning in an endless amount of water, or stuck in a massive puddle of quick-sand. Not matter how hard he fought it, he only sunk deeper. They had drilled him with questions, slung accusations of him being a pervert, had a little sex-chat, and somewhere in between Kankuro threatened to cut his dick off. Gaara was straight to the point and level headed, but had no boundaries in what he would or wouldn't say when it came to his sister. Kankuro on the other hand was hot headed, but also a little shy to the idea of his sister seeing someone. Shikamaru sucked in a deep breath of air and held it. Sighing and complaining wouldn't do him any good here, not with these two. No matter what he said or what he swore to do, it seemed like Kankuro and Gaara were far from trusting him with their sister. Talk was cheap to them.

"I just want to be with her." Shikamaru mumbled quietly, wishing this was easier- but in wanting an easy way also proved Gaara's point. He was still a lazy guy.

He wished he could make them both see he wasn't in it for easy sex, or to show her off like some sort of trophy girl. Shikamaru truly did care about her, if he didn't, he wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of making a reservation, traveling three days to get here, dressing up, and doing the ungodly task of sitting down and talking with her two, hell-bending brothers. Ever since the chunin exams, Temari had found a place in his mind, and had lingered there ever since.

"Well, alright then." Gaara said suddenly. "I guess you're free to go."

"What? Really?" Kankuro looked surprised. "I thought you said we were going to talk him out of going."

Shikamaru was surprised at their actual intentions, and Gaara merrily shrugged.

"Doesn't look like we can scare this one off. What can I say? He's got guts to stay here after all that." Gaara ran a hand over his red locks of hair. "We lose."

"No way." Kankuro folded his arms again. "You're really letting Temari go?"

"Looks like it." Gaara said, his tone at ease.

Shikamaru let out a sigh of relief. The interrogation was finally over, and in the end they trusted him- even if it was just a little bit, it was enough. Kankuro may hate him, Gaara might be indifferent to him, but none of that mattered now. Shikamaru knew he didn't get the stamp of approval, but they were giving him a chance, and he didn't plan on blowing it.

"Thank-you." Shikamaru stood up, as did Gaara. "Really it means a lot to me, and I hope over time I can earn your full trust."

Kankuro hesitated before reaching out his hand, but begrudgingly did anyway.

"Yeah yeah." Kankuro gave Shikamaru one last hard look. "You better take care of her."

The sound of heels on steps made the three boys turn around, finally, Temari was ready to go. Just in time too, any later and they would have been late for the reservation.

"Shikamaru?" Temari was looking around the living room, unaware what happened while she was in her room.

"Coming." Shikamaru followed Gaara and Kankuro out of the room, all three of them stopping when they saw her.

Shikamaru knew she was beautiful, but she wasn't the girly type. She was dressed up past his expectations, not too girly, not in pink and frilly, but rather a timeless classy look that was enough to make his jaw-drop. Her dress was deep purple color, it looked like it was made from an expensive type of satin, a one-shoulder dress with a sweetheart neck line, everything about it was innocent expect the cleavage it exposed, as well as a sexy slit up the side that went to knee height. Her heels were a light lavender color, they matched the flowers she had tucked into the top left pony tail. Tear-drop shaped earrings dangled with their white gold and diamonds, just like her necklace and bracelet.

"Wow." Shikamaru lost every bit of his intelligence in that moment, his vocabulary out the window. "You look perfect."

"And you look kind of pale," Temari walked over to him and placed a hand to the side of his face. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah." Shikamaru nodded, feeling the color coming back to him just by looking at her. "You're so pretty."

"Stop it." Temari smiled taking her hand away. "But I do look good."

"You look amazing." Kankuro agreed. "Too good for him."

"Cut it out, Kankuro." Temari scolded before turning back to Shikamaru. "They didn't say anything or do anything weird while I was gone, did they?"

"Nope." Shikamaru shook his head. He knew better- also knowing that over dinner Shikamaru would probably have the truth dragged out of him, seeing as Temari didn't look like she believed him.

Taking him by the hand, Temari pulled Shikamaru to the front door. Gaara and Kankuro followed behind to see them off, even though Temari was probably annoyed by it.

"Listen, Shikamaru," Gaara put his hand on Shikamaru's shoulder. "I know we were a little rough with you this evening, but it's just a brother thing, you understand."

"O-Oh, of course." Shikamaru just wanted to get out of the house as soon as possible. "I understand."

"Good." Gaara smiled as he patted his shoulder a few times, something that Shikamaru never witnessed before. "Because if you hurt Temari, as the Kazekage- no, as her brother, I will fucking kill you."

Silence.

The room fell absolutely silent. Everyone just stood there with their eyes wide and their mouth hanging open. The same question was running through all of their minds.

Did the Kazekage really just say that.

"Gaara!" Temari said at last, her voice shrill and her expression horrified. "Oh my God. Shikamaru, we're leaving."

Temari started out the door, Shikamaru grabbed his coat and tried to scramble after her as fast as he could. Like his life depended on it. Because it probably did. As he ran out of the house in a panic and after his date who was storming away from the situation, Kankuro called out to him before he was out of ear shot.

"And keep those free hands of yours in your pockets- or you'll lose them."

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Authors note;

I actually love Gaara. xx. I also love making Shikamaru suffer at the hands of his soon-to-be in-laws. Lel. What can I say, I'm a sucker for the whole "overly-protective brothers" thing. Probably because I have one myself. Lel Lel. Troll-lo-lo-lo-lo. This story put me in such a trolly mood, I don't know why. But I love it.

And I hope you loved this story! Let me know what you thought of it in the review section babes! Your feed back is much appreciated!

ALSO CAN I JUST SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED ME AND MY STORIES OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS. THANK YOU OH MY GOSH. MY PHONE WAS BUZZING ALL OF YESTERDAY YOU GUYS ARE ACTUALLY GREAT I LOVE YOU. :'D

If you're still reading, congratulations! You're reading the part where I announce a second part-sort of- to this story. It will be uploaded in approximately 10 hours. Because it turns out people need sleep to function. Fun fact.

Think of it as like an epilogue to this one-shot. I'll try to post it as soon as I can, right after I write it. Thanks babes. 3 You da best.

And as always thank you SO much for reading, if you enjoyed a review is always appreciated and I will see you all in the next story. Chow for now my lovely people.

-Pink Peaches.

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Ignore this part. Or don't. I'm not your overly protective brother.

Words: 3897

File: 1/2

Status: Complete.

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I don't own Naruto, but if I did, I would make Gaara twice as awesome.

All right to the owners and creators.