Disclaimer: I don’t own Naruto…sadly for me…or else I’d have loads of cash and probably not be writing these. Hehe! Oh and p.s. Gaara fan girls everywhere would definitely love me! Hehe

a/n: Here goes another one I hope you like it.

‘thinking’

“speaking”

(Kyuubi or Inner People)

check for explanation at the end a/n.

THE KAZEKAGE OF LOVE

Prologue “Meet the Candidates”

Temari and Kankuro sat at a long table waiting for the camera crew to finish setting up. It had been about four years since the final battle with the Akatsuki, which had left hundreds dead, and one criminal still at large. It had been bloody and horrid, but in the end the “good guys” had been victorious. In the last four years all five nations had grown closer as allies, and even though Uchiha Itachi was still at large, peace reigned supreme.

The reason for his sustained life….Uchiha Sasuke. See, when Sasuke had finally fought his brother, he’d realized something. He, for a long time, had been going down the same path as his hated aniki. They’d fought, they’d both sustained terrible injury, but Sasuke was proven stronger. Just when he was about to kill his brother, when he was finally about to get his revenge…he saw something in his brother’s eyes. Uchiha Itachi wanted to die, he’d killed the clan to free himself from servitude, and now he was ready to die at his brother’s stronger hands. Sasuke had decided what better revenge than to allow him to live…and remember the sad excuse for a life that was his. What better revenge than to let him live on a whim…Uchiha Sasuke bent down to his brother’s battered body and said….

“You’re not worth killing…”

And so the story was written. Itachi was allowed to live as long as he created no troubles…Naruto surmised that somewhere deep down….Sasuke really just didn’t want to be the last Uchiha. After his return to Konoha the youngest Uchiha was sentenced to one year of exile, and one year of probation before he could take his chuunin and Jounin exams, or return to missions with Team Kakashi.

That was all history now. Konoha had recovered from the Akatsuki attack wonderfully with help from it’s allies, mostly Suna. Sadly both Jiraiya and Tsunade had died to protect the village, but with the death of the final two Sannin, came the rise of the new Sannin. Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke had become known as the next generation of Sannin during the Akatsuki War.

Sakura had surpassed her shishou in both strength and healing abilities. She was now ANBU, and the Head Medic at Konohagakure Hospital. Sasuke had surpassed his sensei long ago, was also ANBU. He was now the head of the security team around the Hokage. Naruto…well..Naruto not only surpassed Jiraiya, but had, and will be going down in history as not only the ninja to surpass Yondaime. He’d be going down as Konoha’s youngest Hokage to date. He’d gained the title at seventeen years of age after Tsunade’s death.

Konoha aside, Sunagakure had flourished quite nicely thanks to the newly acclaimed “Greatest Kazekage in History”. Konoha remained their most trusted ally, and with the Rokudaime in power, that was not changing anytime soon. It was said Sixth Hokage who’d come up with this plan to find a way to lighten the times and bring happiness. Gaara’s popularity was quite high, but the Council was pushing him to settle down and enjoy love. The redhead had never been good with people, and his attempts at dating were utterly embarrassing to them all. Well…except Kankuro, who’d laughed his ass of each time.

Naruto came up with an idea for a reality TV show to find a husband or wife for the Kazekage. No one knew Gaara’s preference, and seeing as he never bothered much to find out, neither did he. After an impressive amount of pouting and puppy dog eyes, combined with the logical suggestions of his raven haired lover, Naruto had managed to get the youngest Sabaku to comply. The casting director had given the two older Sand siblings a list of ten girls and ten boys who’d be competing.

“We’re ready,” the camera man said to the director.

“Okay, go get the boys ready, they’ll come in first. Temari-san, Kankuro-san, are you ready?” the director asked, turning his attention on them.

“Oh..Hai!” Kankuro answered. Temari nodded.

“Just one question, two of the guys on this list have been dead for years. I fail to see how they can compete,” the blond said, narrowing her eyes suspiciously towards them. The camera man just chuckled while the director smiled mysteriously.

“Don’t worry Temari-san, they’ll be here. We thought their presence would be good for ratings. As to how we got them here…well let’s just say that if I told you…I’d have to kill you,” he said. Temari glared at him, and made a mental note to be wary of reality TV directors.

“Alright send in the first boy. Camera role in three…two…one…action!” the director ordered. Someone pushed a sleeping Shikamaru into the chair next to his wife, who promptly smacked him in the back of the head.

“Troublesome….” he mumbled, lifting his head and staring at the cue cards in front of him.

“Welcome to the first episode of ‘The Kazekage of Love’. I am Nara Shikamaru, a judge on the show here with my wife and brother in-law to check out the candidates,” he said dully.

“Hi, I’m Nara Sabaku no Temari, and the idiot next to me is Sabaku no Kankuro, my dead beat brother,” Temari started. Shikamaru turned to stare out the nearest window as his wife continued.

“Oi!” Kankuro shouted, abruptly getting a hand slapped over his mouth.

“Let’s send in the first candidate,” Temari said, letting go of he brother’s loud mouth as he pouted and glared at her.

In walked an average height boy with short messy brown hair. He had slitted, wolf-like dark eyes, two red marks on his cheeks, and white sharpened canines. He was generously tanned, and held a kind, almost impish smile on his handsome face. Of course Shikamaru and Kankuro recognized him immediately. Beside the boy sat a rather large, fierce looking dog wagging its tail happily.

“Ohayo,” Temari greeted, “how about you introduce yourself first?” he nodded.

“My name is Inuzuka Kiba. I’m twenty-two years old. I was born and raised in Konohagakure. My hobbies are training, bugging Shino, and walking Akamaru,” he said, patting his large dog on the head. Said giant beast yipped happily and lapped slobber all over the tanned appendage.

“Interesting…so why are you interested in my little brother?” she asked. He looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I guess…none of my other relationships have worked out so far. I’ve met Gaara-sama a couple of times and he’s a really cool, calm sorta guy. I feel like he could be the perfect opposite for me,” Kiba said honestly.

“Well, that sounds like a good enough reason for me. You may test your theory by moving on. Welcome to Kazekage Mansion,” the blond Sand Kunoichi said, gesturing towards a door that led into the main garden of the house. Kiba nodded his thanks and followed the stage manager through the door.

“He seems nice,” Temari reflected.

“We still have nineteen more people to go,” Kankuro whined loudly, his sister rapped him on the back of the head.

“ITAI!” the brunette shouted.

“Troublesome,” Shikamaru mumbled.

“We don’t even have to script this. They’re gold all on their own,” the camera man whispered, turning towards the director.

“I know…who knew that Kazekage-sama’s family was so entertaining?” the man said more to himself than anyone else.

The next candidate walked in tall and pale, with long silky brown hair, and piercing white eyes. He had a lean muscular physique via years of shinobi training and tough missions. His face was oval shaped, with a defined, aristocratic bone structure. Soft looking, pink lips sat placidly just above his chin. All together Hyuuga Neji’s features were very delicate…feminine almost but with a hint of masculinity that made him unbearably attractive to either gender.

“I’m Hyuuga Neji. I am twenty-three years old. I was born and raised in Konohagakure. My hobbies include training, missions, and spending time with my cousins. When I have time to myself I enjoy meditating, and reading,” Neji explained. Shikamaru rolled his eyes at his wife’s obvious approval of the handsome Hyuuga genius.

“Temari you’re salivating,” he said dully, not really jealous because he was married to her wasn’t he? She smacked him hard on the shoulder.

“Ow…” he drawled, laying his head down in his folded arms.

“So, why do you wanna fuck my brother?” Kankuro asked bluntly. (his way of getting back on topic.) Neji visibly blanched, which is quite a feat for the already pallid Hyuuga.

“Well…I don’t wanna j…” he sputtered.

“WELL if you’re going to be with him you know you’re going to fuck him. So I’m assuming you want to. Now, answer the question,” Kankuro pushed, enjoying the Hyuuga’s squirming.

“Gaara-sama is a very attractive, intelligent man. He’s a good listener, and has grown into a very talented conversationalist. I enjoy his company a lot. I thought that maybe we could move to the next step,” Neji said, the light blush, darkening slightly.

“So do you plan to bottom? Because… Gaara will have it no other way,” the puppet master threw out nonchalantly. Neji’s lilac eyes widened comically.

“I…” and the Hyuuga genius was at a loss for words. His mind went to a very bad place where a certain red haired, fair skinned Kazekage lay over him…pounding into his prostrate relentlessly.

“BAKA!!” Temari’s voice cracked him out of his rapidly guttering thoughts.

“STOP HITTING ME YOU CRAZY BITCH!” Kankuro screamed back. Some of the camera men were snickering while the director smiled like he’d just discovered a gold mine.

“Both of you shut up and stop embarrassing your brother on national television. You BOTH know how troublesome Gaara can be when he’s angry,” Shikamaur’s lazy drawl said with a hint of authority in it’s listless tone. Both elder Sabakus were instantly silent.

“Ehem! Well Neji you can move on to the house. Welcome to Kazekage Mansion,” Temari said in a much softer voice. Neji nodded, before happily leaving the insane family to torture the next victim. He briefly wondered what the hell he was getting himself into…but..‘I don’t care…he’s worth it,’ the Hyuuga thought before walking into the main garden.

Rock Lee, and Akamichi Choji were interviewed next, both were allowed into the household. Of course, that was scripted, because all three judges knew neither was their brother’s type. The two were there merely because the casting director felt it would make for good television. A small break was taken while the crew found a way to entertain the candidates who’d already made it. Afterwards the next boy was sent in.

There, in the flesh, stood a young man with long platinum blond hair, and pale green eyes. He was wearing the traditional Sound getup, without a hitate. His features were refined, molded perfectly by good genetics. Through his open shirt, his flawless pale chest, and perfectly defined abdomen were visible. He was beautiful, sad…but beautiful. The three judges stared at the two red dots on a smooth porcelain forehead that stood as the mark of his Clan. In front of them stood the very man Gaara had seen die, Kayuga Kimimaru.

“Um…konichiwa…” Temari greeted uncomfortably. To say she was freaked out would be a huge understatement. It was like staring at a ghost.

“Good afternoon to you,” he said in a deep, gentle voice.

“Go on and introduce yourself…” Shikamaru prodded, trying his best to look calm.

“I am Kayuga Kimimaru. I was born in the Hidden Mist, but after my Clan died off I went to live with Orochimaru in the Sound. I am not ashamed of my allegiance to Orochimaru-sama…he gave me a reason to live. I am here today through methods I was told not to repeat to anyone to compete for your brother’s love,” Kimimaru said.

“And why are you interested in Gaara?” Temari asked, switching into overprotective older sister mode.

“He has beautiful eyes. My last memory before my death was the fearful look in his eyes. I’ve heard he has found his reason to exist, and I would like to see the way those eyes look now,” he explained simply, Temari caught herself before she sighed at how cute that sounded.

“Okay, please move on to the house. Welcome to Kazekage Mansion,” she said with a wistful smile.

“What a weirdo,” Kankuro said after the ex-Sound nin was gone. Temari glared at him fiercely, to which he cowered behind his brother in-law. For his part, Shikamaru looked completely bored, as per usual.

After Kabuto and Deidara, Temari was starting to feel like she needed a drink. The two ex-criminals had been pretty obnoxious. Kabuto was obviously here because he knew that if his name was chosen…it would be cleared of all crimes. He was only staying because of the casting director.

Deidara had been sincere, but he was loud and obnoxious. All he talked about was his exploding art. He even had the gall to explode some of it during his interview. Both Kankuro and Temari had tensed up in anger when he’d entered. That was the man who’d kidnapped their brother all those years ago. No way were they going to let him touch Gaara. There were only two boys left, and then they’d get a decent break time to deliberate. After they talked, they’d jot down some notes for their talk with the Kazekage after all interviews were finished.

“Send in the next one,” they heard the director say. A door opened and closed somewhere in the room.

In walked a man all knew well. He was another criminal. Another one they’d be watching closely. He was average height, with long jet black hair pulled into a pony tail at the base of his neck. His face was set in a blank, emotionless stare. His features smooth, gentle in a nearly feminine way with his long thick lashes, and full pouty lips. He had the refined facial structure of nobility, with deep almost endless ebony eyes. It was strange seeing him without the usual crimson glare, but the need for the Sharingan had faded. After having his eyes healed somewhere in Mist country, he rather enjoyed being able to see, and had no intentions of losing that ability.

“I am Uchiha Itachi. I was born and raised in Konohagakure. I do not make any apologies or excuses for the many deaths, and crimes that stain my name. I am not here to clear those crimes, for I do not personally care about a clean slate. I am here for one purpose only. Your brother intrigues me. I was given a second chance at life on the whim of my otouto, and I intend to make it worth living,” Itachi said in his monotonous, yet still strangely sensual voice.

“And you think my brother can do this?” Kankuro asked, fighting the urge to shiver as the Uchiha’s cold, onyx eyes came to rest on him.

“I don’t know. That is why I came here,” was the simple reply.

“Okay Itachi, well please make your way into the house. Welcome to Kazekage Mansion,” Temari said, just wanting the man to go away. It was rather uncomfortable talking to what was essentially an ice sculpture.

“Finally, the last one. I’m so glad we didn’t have to interview the girls,” Kankuro said, leaning back in his chair and relaxing after the Uchiha was gone.

“I know, I wonder how those two are doing,” his older sister said.

“They’re probably making out,” came Shikamaru’s bland comment. Kankuro gagged…Temari giggled, and the director sent in the final candidate.

He was slightly taller than the last, and just as fair skinned. His face held no readable emotion. It was undeniably handsome, with defined, strong features. He had a fake smile plastered on his full, pale lips as he walked up to them waving a hand. His bottomless obsidian eyes were big, and held a certain confused innocence in them that could make just about anyone squee at the cuteness of it. Unfortunately, this particular man was almost too blunt in character. It took a great deal of patience to spend an extended amount of time with him.

“I’m Sai. I assume I was born and raised in Konohagakure. I was in ANBU ROOT for most of my life. My hobbies include painting, training, and insulting Rokudaime-sama’s manhood,” the artist explained. He tilted his head to the side rather cutely, and some of his short midnight hair fell over his forehead.

“I see…” Temari said, confused as to why the social retard was here. Then she thought about it as if she were the casting director. Yes…Sai would definitely make for good television.

“What exactly attracted you to Gaara?” Shikamaru asked. Sai smiled, and okay maybe it wasn’t fake this time…but…it seems he could only smile real when it was perverted in nature.

“His penis of course,” the artist answered without skipping a beat. Temari gasped loudly, green eyes widening to the size of serving plates quickly. Kankuro’s jaw dropped, leaving his mouth open wide enough to ingest an elephant. Shikamaru slapped a hand to his forehead and dragged it over his face while the camera crew sat shocked.

“He was visiting with Rokudaime-sama some time back, and I just happened to be bathing with Yamato-senpai in the bath house when they entered. I remember looking at him and thinking he’d make a pretty perfect work of art. I’d like to paint him someday if he’ll let me. I’ve made sketches, but I really want to do something professional. Anyways, when he dropped his towel I distinctly remember wanting to sink to my knees then and there…”

“OKAY!!!” shouted Kankuro. He seriously didn’t need to hear a detailed description of his brother’s dick. He REALLY didn’t need to know what Sai was planning to do with it either.

“Please move on to the house. Welcome to Kazekage Mansion,” Temari managed, getting up to usher him out of the door quickly.

“All I’m saying is that Kazekage-sama has the most beautiful penis I’ve ever seen in my life!” Sai said, before the door was promptly shut in his face. Temari sighed loudly before making her way back to the table. She turned to the camera and smiled.

“Us three will now deliberate before we go and tell the Kazekage our first impressions she said. The judges at the table rose, and left. It had already been too long a day for them, and it wasn’t even over yet.

The candidates stood in two lines…boys…and girls outside of the main entrance of Kazekage Mansion. Ten of each had been selected to compete for Gaara’s heart in this TV show. All ten wanted to win…mostly for him…some had other reasons though. After what seemed like forever, the two hosts appeared in a puff of smoke.

“Good evening candidates! Most of you know us, but for those of you who don’t….I’m Uzumaki Naruto. Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure…and this is my ass-slut Sasuke!” Naruto chirped with that insanely huge smile. Sasuke glared at him heatedly with a barely noticeable blush staining his pale cheeks as some of the candidates snickered.

“Dobe!” he hissed, smacking his lover in the back of the head hard.

“ITAI TEME!” the blond shouted.

“Sasuke-kun…you bottom?” Sakura asked with wide green eyes. The Uchiha flushed darker, black eyes bleeding into scarlet Sharingan to glare holes into his blond lover.

“Damn straight…” Naruto replied, earning a kick in the shin from the raven.

“We’re not here to discuss our sex life Dobe,” Sasuke ground out angrily. Only Naruto had the ability to rile him up so easily, and not manage to make him hate him.

“Oh right! Okay, so you’re all here to win our friend Gaara’s heart. But….he’s not the only one you’ll have to prove yourselves to. You’ll have to win the support of his family, while impressing us. Teme and I are your hosts. We will be with Gaara during all the challenges letting him know what we think. Now…I’m his best friend, so he values my opinion a LOT,” Naruto explained. Sasuke nodded before stepping forward.

“Gaara and I became close during my first year back from Hebi. I was exiled to Suna for a year, and instead of being imprisoned, he decided to use me to help him at the office. He values my judgment greatly,” the raven explained, glaring at a certain someone in the crowd.

The candidates looked from blond to raven…utterly amused by the playful, love hate relationship the two seemed to have. They digested the new information quickly, each formulating plots in their minds to help them impress not only the Kazkekage, but his family and friends. The boys: Sai, Neji, Lee, Kiba, Shino, Itachi (much to Sasuke’s disdain), Kimimaru and Deidara (who were somehow alive due to the casting director’s mystical/satanic powers), Choji and Kabuto. The girls: Hinata, Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Hanabi, Shizune, Kurenai, Matsuri, Akira, and Ayame.

“Oh! It looks like he’s about ready!!” Naruto exclaimed as the large doors to Kazekage Manor started to open.

“Ladies and gentlemen…Naruto-baka and I would like to introduce…” Sasuke began with a smirk.

“Sabaku no Gaara, Godaime Kazekage of Sunagakure!!!” Naruto finished loudly…glowering at his lover for a second before beaming in the direction of the house. All candidates broke into a loud applause, some boys whistling, while a few of the girls squealed with glee. There he was… the showcase of the evening…

a/n: okays, well if you think I should go on, then review and I will!

Akira is the name I’m giving that long haired girl that fought over Gaara with Matsuri after he woke up.

Ayame, for those of you who don’t know, is the name of Ichiraku’s daughter.