No Goodbye
_

=1 1/2 years later=

The small drawer thudded softly as a little push was given to close it. A sigh escaped into the dark bedroom. She clutched the bag in which her most important belongings and a few light pieces of clothing had been placed inside. Her throat tightened as she continued to truly come to terms with her decision. A shiver shook the insecurity lurking within her and let determination take over her being.

'No turning back.'

She nodded her head before letting the rest of her make its way to the door, opening it carefully as to not make a single sound. Her body slid out smoothly though her fingertips still clung to the door knob in order to carefully close it. She swiftly and soundly made her way through various hallways and stairs before reaching the slowly creeping dawn that awaited for her outside.

Imao's mind continued to focus hard on moving quickly through the Suna streets, ignoring any patrolling ninjas that called out to her. Her heart pounded in her ears as she fought surges of emotions while keeping her steady pace. She did her best to push away the memories of previous events that clawed at her already disturbed emotions.

'It's hard to accept how things have changed. Ruri and Yasuko living a new life in Konoha, away from the abuse of Yasuko's ex-husband.

And Imai...'

The back of her hand immediately wiped her flooding eyes before her sad facial expression turned to anger,

'I can't believe how selfish she is. Leaving without telling us where she's going and not even bothering to contact any of us.'

Her teeth grit for a few seconds, dissipating along with the frustration she felt and finally going back to the contemplative depression she had been in for the past few months. She had conversed with Temari regarding the way she was feeling, seeking advice and hope. The troubled young woman began to recall the words spoken,

"Imao, you have progressed tremendously here. Don't feel that it has been in vain just because he is very preoccupied with his duties... I know that you will find your place and find the time to be with the one you love."

Imao's face started to settle into an empty expression as she accepted her lack of honoring patience to her friend and mentor's reassurance. Her mind had been made up the day she accidentally stepped into a council meeting, while searching for the library.

The Suna council members had been discussing how to better their depleting water source without having to seek assistance from other villages. One of the members had jokingly asked Imao for her opinion which she answered with a wisdom that was not of a woman her age.

"Truthfully, I am surprised that an oasis has not been made. It would seem the only way that wouldn't require the village to find outside help would be to build an aquifer."

The council members sat around the long wooden table, giving each other astonished glances and murmuring about what was said. The head council, who was the one to question the accidental intruder, nodded to them before deciding to build a aquifer and thanking Imao for her contribution. As he walked her out of the room and into the library, he asked her if she was interested in becoming a council member, which would require her to travel to various towns and eventually the larger villages - she felt uneasy giving him a response before speaking to Gaara about it.

Her curiosity of the offer and being more involved in village matters gave her the spark she had been looking for. But despite the eagerness she showed her suitor, he coldly denied the opportunity and asked her not to bother him with petty matters as he had a full plate with his Kazekage duties. The disconnection between the couple had been another addition to her already hurting heart. It had all gone on for too long.

The pained expression on her face during the intruding flashback immediately disappeared as she sensed herself finally reached the entrance of the Suna village. A Suna guard stood beside a small horse-driven carriage meanwhile a council member stepped out from inside it.

"Good morning, miss Imao. Are you ready?" The councilman greeted her cheerfully but still showed concern for her slightly disheveled appearance. Imao could barely contain her anguish but nodded furiously in order to shake off the doubt she held.

"Then let us be on our way." The councilman stepped aside and took her hand into his, as to guide her into the carriage. Her other hand squeezed the straps of her bag with anticipation but then stopped as she felt a familiar presence running towards her. She had been caught.

"Hey!" The young man shouted from afar. Imao's posture hung in defeat and turned around to face him. Although she did her best to stand up straight, her head still tilted down with shame. His arrival was something she did not except as he never seemed to show any interest in her during her time in Suna.

"You. What are you doing?" He came to a sliding stop - the deep vocals resounded in Imao's ears, making her shoulders cringe unwillingly.

"I... I umm..." Her mind searched for words to say.

"The Kazekage denied your leave. And here you are, disobeying his orders." Kankuro had always been about keeping any decree his brother enforced and was not about to let the blind-yet-able young woman take a step outside Suna.

"Don't speak to me as though I am his property." Her teeth grit displeasingly. The purple painted face scoffed at her stern plea, placing each hand at hips.

"You shouldn't think of yourself so highly. If you were his property, you'd be locked in his room." His twisted humor and inconsiderate remarks always annoyed her but still, she remained quiet so as to not give him a reason to continue.

A grin came across his lips as he crossed his arms,
"You know, I'm supposed to take you back... but I know Temari is always on your side about stuff and would probably kick my ass if I don't, at least, humor you with this thing. So... let's go." He sighed reluctantly after his matter of fact statement. Imao was taken aback by this odd generosity but gave him a gratuitous smile,

"I appreciate the offer but you do not have to accompany us. It's unnecessary for you to go out of your way-"

Kankuro took her by the arm with no subtlety and slightly dragged her to the carriage before she caught her steps, clearly ignoring her casual persuasion. After getting Imao inside the carriage, he gestured at the councilman to go in next. The infamous puppeteer then made his way to the front, where he sat beside the driving Suna ninja.

Sun rays began peaking over one side of the mountain borders. A soft hum escaped Imao's mouth, which gave her the outlines of the village.

'This... this is for the best, right?'

As the carriage began to rumble with movement, Imao carefully caressed the amethyst beads tied into the promise bracelet Gaara had gifted her a few months into their courtship. A knot in her throat was fought away as she continued contemplating the decision.