These past few months have been a whirlwind of negotiations and emotions. Gaara, the Kazekage of the hidden sand, had been encouraged to marry for the sake of politics. At first, he dismissed the notion. But after many council meetings, eventually he relented. Shinki, however, was not pleased. He was comfortable with his adopted father. He didn't want a new mother. Things were fine just as they were. And his displeasure was palpable. He would make irritated comments to Gaara, "Why? Just tell the council to cancel this. This is ridiculous. " Gaara sighed, having had this conversation in many forms over the last few months, "Shinki, it's not that simple... Everything will be fine. " Shinki, deep down, was afraid things would change with Gaara. But he wouldn't admit that. No way. For fear was for the weak. Gaara had many thoughts swimming in his head. What if Shinki couldn't accept this arrangement? What if they didn't get along? What if he couldn't connect with her? Many restless nights if gnawing worry and anxiety ate at this mind. Politics were one thing, marriage was a whole unknown territory for him.