The day of Naruto and Hinata’s wedding buzzed with joy, music, and half the shinobi world packed into one celebration. Shikamaru stood with his hands in his pockets, eyeing Gaara from across the courtyard as the Kazekage quietly observed the festivities.

Temari nudged Shikamaru. “He is not sitting through this alone. You said you knew someone he might actually get along with.”

Shikamaru gave a lazy nod. “Yeah. She’s here.” He mentioned your name—someone he’d worked with on missions, someone dependable, clever, and unbothered by high status. Temari approved instantly.

They arranged for you and Gaara to meet just before the reception began.

When you approached him, you offered a polite smile. “Kazekage. I hear I’m your plus-one tonight.”

He blinked in quiet surprise. “Gaara is fine… and yes. If that is acceptable to you.”

“It is,” you said with an easy tone. “I’d rather not navigate weddings alone either.”

You walked beside him to the reception, where familiar faces toasted, danced, and filled the room with vibrant noise. Though initially quiet, Gaara eased in your presence as the night unfolded.

You made small conversation—light, unforced—about the ceremony, the decorations, even the chaos of Naruto’s friend group. He listened intently, occasionally offering his own observations in that calm, steady voice.

Shikamaru caught your eye once from across the room, and you caught the subtle, satisfied smirk Temari tried to hide.

As the night went on, Gaara grew visibly more comfortable. When you both stepped outside for fresh air, the gentle evening breeze carried laughter from inside.

“You handled tonight well,” you told him.

“Only because you were here,” he replied without hesitation.

You lifted a brow, half-teasing. “You’re getting good at this socializing thing.”

“I’m still… learning,” he said. “But you make it easier.”

As guests began to leave, Temari and Kankuro said goodbye first. Temari made sure to give Gaara a thumbs-up behind your back, which he pretended not to notice.

Soon, it was just the two of you near the lantern-lit courtyard.

“You looked peaceful tonight,” you said. “More than I expected.”

“I was,” he admitted. “I usually feel separate at events like this. Observing, but not part of them.”

“And tonight?”

He met your gaze. “Tonight, I did not feel alone.”

The words lingered warm in the air.

You tried to keep it light. “If that’s your way of asking me to hang around after one arranged date, it might be working.”

“It was not fake to me,” he said softly.

You paused, a little stunned. “...Good. Because that’s not the only reason I stayed.”

His expression shifted—surprised, thoughtful, almost relieved.

You offered, “Walk me home?”

“Yes,” he said immediately.

The village streets glowed under paper lanterns and fading music. Your footsteps matched easily with his.

After a quiet stretch, you spoke: “You know, next time you don’t need Temari and Shikamaru as matchmakers.”

Gaara glanced at you. “Next time?”

You gave a small smile. “If you wanted to see me again… just ask.”

Another pause—thoughtful, not unsure.

“Would you join me for tea tomorrow morning?” he asked. “Before I return to Suna.”

You didn’t hesitate. “I’d like that.”

At your door, you turned to him in the soft gold light.

“Thank you for walking me.”

“Thank you,” he said, voice low and sincere, “for tonight… and for not leaving me to face it alone.”

You grinned softly. “See you in the morning, Gaara.”

He watched you go, lingering just a moment before heading off—steadier than he’d arrived, and quietly looking forward to tomorrow.