The night was a pleasant one- 'if not a bit cold' mused a veiled figure. He was conditioned for the harsh conditions of the desert- either scolding hot or frozen- the median of the two was against his norm and unsettled him. It was nothing he couldn't store away and forget. His aqua eyes traced upward, to the full moon hanging high in the sky. At the sight, mixed emotions raced through him- most distinctly regret and hope. He recalled his uncle, Yashamaru, used to exclaim happily at such a sight: "Gaara, do you see that? Remember, full moons are the best time for fresh starts!"
A low sigh passed the man's lips and, like he had done with the weather, pushed the memory away. 'Now is no time to get foolishly sentimental,' he chided himself. The wave of something he called " responsibility" ebbed away. He noticed a new chakara signature and turned to see a shinobi kneeling respectfully at a respectful distance; head bowed respectfully, eyes respectfully downcast. It made the other man sick- such respect was not deserved nor desired. Darkened eyes coolly glinting, the husky voice ripped through the night: "What?"
The tone must have paralyzed the fool with its undertow of malice. He faltered a moment before managing, "Sir Kazekage, Lady H-hokage will see you n-now."
His escort struggled to his feet and tottered toward the tower's door, all too aware of the Kazekage's eyes piercing his back. He knew how petrifying his bloodlust could be and smirked at its power. Before the terrified shinobi, likely a chunnin, could escape, the Kazekage called to him: "Bowing is a waste of energy. You should give it up."
The voice carried tones of power and authority. He knew it was a bit harsh but his previous musings had put him in a foul mood. Not to mention, he had enough of people groveling to him, not looking him in the eye, treating him differently than others.
Dispelling the thoughts, he pushed open the door indicated by the chunnin before his get-away. It was a council room filled by a long table. At the farthest end sat Konoha's Hokage, Tsuade, out of formal attire. The younger man simply removed his pointed hat with a brow raised- he'd never been a man of words.
Meanwhile, Tsunade grinned at the Kazekage, shaking a bottle of sake. "Gaara no Suna! Have a drink!"
She was smiling devilishly- a grin both charming and devious. She pushed a full cup at him as he sat down, still grinning that unnerving smile. She quickly emptied her glass, making Gaara wonder if she was really over 50 years old. Factually, it was believable, but the Sannin before him never showed her age by means of personality, actions or appearance. He swirled the cup, watching the sake shift.
"Kid, have you rested yet? It's bad luck to discuss vital matters before a nice rest."
Her serious inquiry elicited a negative response, and he was about to inform her that he was awake fully and unaffected, but a knock on the door interrupted him.
"I got a shinobi to be your host. Figured you be tired and I'll be damned if I let a Kage sleep in one of those swindling hotels!"
That foreboding grin was back. Gaara briefly wondered if it was her usual grin or one he should consider as a warning. It was their first meeting, but she didn't seem like the sort to pull something especially on an ally. But neither had Yashamaru… Her chuckle sliced through his thoughts.
"Come in!" she barked at the door.
The knob jiggled before revealing none other than an overjoyed black haired, bowl-cut, green-clad ninja in a salute. Gaara's new host was Rock Lee.
Gaara watched the shinobi gape; his eager face had fallen into a look of surprise, then horror, then solemn, then fear, then thoughtfulness. The Kazekage scanned his face, witnessing every emotion sprawl over the other's visage. Some nights, he would contemplate such emotional displays. He always concluded that he would never be able to understand how and why some ninja could broadcast their feelings so unashamedly. His own stoic expression was made permanent years ago. It simple fascinated him. Rock Lee's head bowed. His hair shaded his eyes. Gaara regarded it with a twinge of regret before shifting focus to the Hokage.
The Sannin shot back another shot of sake. She was still smirking slyly when she slammed the shot down. Gaara's eyes narrowed. She had planned this. Tsunade had been the one to heal Lee- surely she sympathized with her ninja. Lee was the last person Gaara wanted to see- and with the injuries Gaara had caused him, he believed the Leaf ninja shared the sentiment… That was long ago. He'd changed. He had the control now, not his bloodthirsty demon.
Still, now he was being tested- finally tried for his actions. Tsunade was ready to be the judge. He met her gaze- it held no malice, just the promise of justice lingered in the crystal depths. He nodded slightly, accepting her challenge.
'Which,' thought the boy with blood red hair, 'will I be? Human… or monster?'
"Lee, be a good host! Make sure our guest rests well. Don't let him out of your sight until he leaves for Suna. Understood?" She smiled sweetly at the Leaf ninja, adding, "Have a nice stay, Kazekage. We'll meet tomorrow at noon. Goodnight!" One hand pouring sake, the other waving, she dismissed them.