"That's it?" Came the rather disappointed voice of Saguaro's eldest, the son looking as if he had expected something more. His mother just chuckled and gently patted his shoulder.
"Oh far from it, I'm afraid." She said as she motioned back to this picture. "You see, this picture, was taken after my second run in with your father…and the true beginning of our story."
"Then why did you tell us the first one, Okaasan?" One of the twin girls asked slowly.
"Well, you wanted to know how we met."
The children all groaned, having been caught up in their own wording as their mother simply laughed at their displeasure. Waving them off, she closed the photo album for a moment before setting it down onto the coffee table. Reaching for the tea, she took a small sip before sitting back on the couch and grinning to herself.
"Oh hush, I was just having some fun. But it is an important story. If I had never bumped into your father that day, I don't think our next meeting would have gone the way it had."
"Oh! What happened?" Asked the other twin eagerly, bouncing a bit in her spot.
"Well you see, it wasn't too long after our first meeting that our second occurred…"
I had parted ways with your father and went about my travels as I had planned. I had not seen him after that, assuming that he had his own life to live. A small part of me wondered if he was a local, but I had scratched out the idea when I remembered he had seemed to act as if he wasn't familiar with the area completely. From what I had gathered from talking to a local inn keep, your father had been passing through on his own travels. However, they knew very little and could only say that he had arrived in town the day before, and left before the sun had even come up. I brushed it off after that, going about my business and heading into the dessert. My goal was to reach Sunagakure, both for its different and exotic flora and for the experience of surviving the dessert. I had chosen to take this on as a trial, to test myself a bit if you will.
I bought a straw hat and large amounts of supplies, more than one person should have carried. However, the risk of starving or becoming dehydrated was just too large in the desert, and it was not something I wished to experience. It took me about a week on foot, having slept out in the open and dealt with the hot sun. I met a few on my travels, some rushing by without a word, and others lingering to check on me kindly, as they went on their way selling their goods or traveling for their own reasons. When I finally arrived in Suna, and probably worse for wear, it was mid day and burning hot. Though the hat kept my skin safe, the heavy monk robes gave no relief to the heat. However, I was rather grateful not to be sun burnt instead.
My intent was to find the nearest bathhouse, clean up myself and change into a pair of fresh robes before finding a place to wash my dirty ones. I only carried so much clothing with me at the time, as a wandering life style did not allow for an extensive wardrobe. I had gotten through the check in with great ease, as it was both a slow time of day for arrivals and because I had very little to be examined anyway. Upon entering the village for the first time, I felt overwhelmed. I had been in many large cities, and plenty of small villages, but this was the first time I had ever stepped foot into a ninja village. I had grown up in a very secluded village near the temple I was raised in, the same temple I was a monk at. Ninja were more of a legend there, something one only saw on the rarest of occasions and for the most serious of reasons. So the idea of being surrounded by hundreds and hundreds was a lot to take in. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as intimidating as I had expected it to be. Suna was just like any other village, just the occasional person shooting through the air or hopping around the rooftops.
I had wandered around in a daze for a good while, mostly because there was so much going on. The village just bustled with life and energy that you couldn't find in any other village, or so I felt. Eventually, after finally having the guts to ask for directions, I found a bathhouse that was attached to an inn. I only had so much money, as I had been making funds by selling herbal medicine, only taking enough money to keep myself in good health. I had enough to stay for a week and be comfortable, after that I'd have to use the rest of my money to restock supplies. I also had to make sure to use some of my funds to make more remedies to sell. I had a feeling that there wouldn't be much benefit offering natural cures in a ninja village, and had opted to use my stay as time to prep more, as well as explore and observe the oasis of the desert.
It took a bit to settle in, getting a room and cleaning up being rather long tasks after having spent a week in the open desert. By the time I was cleaned and changed, it was rather late and I doubted that any place that would allow me to wash my clothing would still be open. So, I decided that going for an evening stroll would be better. I wandered about, looking around for a place to eat but also just taking in the night life of Suna. It was just as busy as the day, though in different places. Tea shops and bars were full of life, instead of the stores or streets. Restaurants had laughter fluttering form the doors, coming out into the night and filling the air. Though I had wanted to go in, I had a feeling that the wait would just be too long at this time. I'd have to wait for the evening rush to pass before I could even think to find a table for just one person.
So, I turned and headed along my way, taking a quieter road into what I assume was residential living. I even found a small park and decided that taking a seat would not be a bad idea. I even contemplated meditating on the ground, but before I could think on it more I was surprised by quite a sight. Tucked under a tree, right on a small patch of grass was your father. He was meditating, or attempting. His posture was starting to slip from where I was standing, and I could tell that sitting on the hard ground had not probably been what he had wanted. Blinking, I couldn't believe it, running into the same stranger twice in two completely different villages. A small part of me was flattered to see that my invitation had had a lasting effect, but it also made me wonder what it was that was pushing him to meditate on his own…and on the cold ground at that. Eventually your father noticed me, or he probably had long ago, but had made no move to stop what he was doing. When he did glance at me though, it seemed that the shock of meeting again was not just my own.
"You…" He started off, pausing a moment before letting his body go lax a bit and his hands slip onto his knees. I blushed, mostly because I felt as if I had interrupted him with my stares, bowing quickly in apology.
"Pardon, it seems I have interrupted you again." I tried to joke to lighten the mood. "I was just a bit surprised, to think I would bump into the same person in a completely different place. It seems my own awe has bothered your though, I do apologize."
"It's alright, I was just finishing." He retorted simply, moving to stand up on his patch of grass. He was wearing something different now, a simple long sleeved shirt that buttoned up, and pants of the same color. However, the gourd that I had seen before was not on his back, but instead a smaller version of it sat on his hip with the help of some belts. He seemed very causal but at the same time serious, more than likely from the way your father held himself. Even back then, your father always could command respect just from the way he stood.
"What brings you here? I know for certain monks do not come to places like this." He said; his tone odd for a moment, but quickly shifting to plain once again. It was almost as if he was interrogating me, but I brushed off the thought and answered him.
"Many reasons. Mostly to rest after my travels in the desert and to work on making some herbal remedies with the local flora. It's not every day one has access to the plants of this place, and sold versions where I come from are horribly expensive. Besides that, doing what monks always do, meditating. Seems you've picked it up for yourself, has it been of help?" I questioned him in return, thinking it only fair.
"Yes…and no." He said slowly at first. "I've had difficulty finding the time and…privacy."
"I apologize again, seems I'm not the only interruption though. But that is one of the many challenges of meditation. Finding the time and place that works for you to fully benefit. Also, getting other's to understand that it is something you must do for your own balance."
"Easier said than done." He commented, crossing his arms over his chest and taking a more relaxed stance. I did the same, though I kept my hands folded before myself as I gave a smile.
"True, not everyone has the luxury to dedicate most of their life to it. But when you can, meditating really does have many benefits. Try not to focus on doing it regularly but instead doing it when possible. It might make the experience more beneficial for you if you have a busy schedule." I offered, starting to realize that I was lingering and blushing again as I spoke. "Oh, I suppose I should be going now. You may have finished meditating, but that doesn't mean you aren't busy. Sorry to keep you, I just can't help it when I see people trying to meditate. Just want to keep helping."
I nervously chuckled, shaking my head a bit at myself if only because it seemed that no matter how far from the temple I got, I was always going to be instinctively trying to teach someone about it. Your father, who admittedly probably did have work to do, instead shook his head and gave a very thin and polite smile. The first one I had ever seen! He kept a very stoic face back then, so smiling was both rare and interesting with him. The fact I got to see one so early on was a miracle! You all need to keep in mind that your father wasn't the social man he is today. Anyway, he spoke up with a more clam and even quieter tone as he elaborated.
"No, not tonight. I have been…removed on the bases that I have been over working, according to some anyway. Came here to meditate since work wasn't an option and I finally had time for it. Still not sure if it's working though, being interrupted by over concerned individuals has not given me a chance to look into it thoroughly."
"Hmm…Well then, I suppose this over concerned monk will leave you be. Besides, I should be going. It's already very late and I have yet-"
It was then that my stomach growled loudly, more so than I thought was possible. I felt my face heat up, this time from embarrassment of the noise before I chuckled weakly. I had gotten so caught up in my little conversation with him that I had forgotten my intention for the evening was to have gotten dinner. I didn't have a clock then either, so there was no telling what time it had gotten to and it had already been very late when I had started my stroll. It seemed that I didn't even need to finish my sentence for your father seemed to grasp what I was about to say. Instead he just gave that plain smile and nodded a bit, as if he knew exactly what needed to be done.
"It's not too late for you to go grab something to eat. Though most restaurants are more than likely only doing bar service, if they are still open." He said, taking a step closer towards me as he motioned with his hand in the direction I had come from. "However, there is a small dumpling shop that stays open very late if you are still looking for a full meal at this hour. I was planning to go there myself, you are welcome to follow me if you'd like."
"Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you any further, I've already interrupted your meditation." I said, flattered at his kindness to show me the way there.
"It's no trouble…" Was his plain response.
I was silent for a moment, looking over the stoic man that was your father. He stared right back without hesitation, his hands having slipped behind his back as he waited for my reply. It was almost as if he was tense in anticipation over it, as he seemed to go as still as a statue. Deciding that wandering blindly in the middle of the night in hopes of finding food was not a good idea; I nodded my head at him and smiled brightly. "Thank you, I do appreciate this."
Gaara just gave a slow nod in my direction, a silent acknowledgement of my words before he started to walk on past me. I followed after him, hands before me as we returned back into the busier business streets of the village. The laughter and music of the bars and restaurants returned to my ears, the two of us slipping along unnoticed by the drunken crowds. However, we did wander past a few people and the expressions of their faces bothered me. They stared blankly, almost shocked as the red haired man walked by in silence while I followed close behind, almost right beside him even. I only did so as to not get lost. The moment that we were past them though I could hear curious whispers behind us, people instantly chatting up a storm with one another. However, in order to keep up with my guides pace I was not given the opportunity to listen in on what they were saying.
I wondered what that had been all about for a small moment, but the thought was quickly lost as we arrived at the dumpling stand. It was small, and only had a few stools in front of the counter. Obviously its customer base was more on the go than willing to linger around while they ate. Your father politely held up the shop curtain for me, allowing me to step inside and take a seat on one of the stools. He did the same right beside me, still wordless in his actions. The chef greeted us lightly; unfazed by the two of us together, unlike the other folk we had gone past. Handing each of us a menu, he went about his work once more as I looked over what was available. It didn't take long for me to pick what I wanted, as I was far too hungry to be worried over what I got. It seemed your father was the same, for he set down his menu almost as quickly as I did.
Food and drinks were ordered and soon we were left in silence. Though he had been kind enough to show me the way, I did not know if we were eating together. Granted, we were sitting side by side, but in such a small stand, that really couldn't be helped. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, and noticed he had rested his elbows on the counter while he waited, his chin resting lightly on his knit together fingers. I decided to speak up, wanting to more fully thank him for the gesture.
"I know I said this before, but thank you for showing me the way here." I started up, his attention falling on me as he glanced my way. "I just arrived today so I haven't had much of a chance to get a feel for what was available. Might have missed a meal if I hadn't run into you."
"As I said before, it is no trouble."
"Even so, it's not every day you meet someone willing to go that far for a stranger. I suppose I'm just used to the other way since I've started traveling. Hard to expect much else from people these days, such a shame."
"…Sounds like you've been traveling for a long time." He commented, looking away again and back into the kitchen lazily.
"About a year."
Those words seemed to truly grab your father's attention then, his head turning completely to face me as he blinked a bit. His face was still very relaxed, but there was a small gleam of curiosity in his eyes now. Of course, I wasn't all that surprised by his reaction, most people found it hard to believe that I had been traveling for that long. I just smiled politely at him, unable to say anything else as our orders were placed within our reach. I thanked the cook, grinning eagerly at him as I took the few plates I had gotten and pulled them closer to myself. Gaara was a bit more refined, taking his food gently and slowly, still looking at me as if expecting an answer.
"Why for so long?" He spoke up finally.
I had been so focused on eating that I nearly missed it, but thankfully he had said something just before I could shove more food into my mouth. I probably looked like quite the site back then, but you'd be hungry too after having lived on dried goods the whole way through a desert. Pulling back from the dumpling I had been about to devour, I turned to him fully.
"I haven't found my place yet."
"Place?"
"I began traveling because I had spent my whole life at the temple, ever since I was a baby. All I had ever known was training and practice to be a monk. It was my whole world for a very long time, but as I got older I started to wonder about the world outside the temple. I never saw much of it, save for rumors or stories from civilians in the local town. It got to the point where not even meditation helped me, and that says a lot. So, I decided I'd travel. I'd see the world just as Buddha before me, seeking enlightenment and helping those that I can. This trip began more as a way to see the world before returning to the temple, but as time passed I realized that maybe I was not meant to stay in the temple. Maybe I was meant to share my knowledge with other people, to help them and seek enlightenment elsewhere. So, I'm looking for that place, if that place exists." I finished slowly, turning to look down at my food silently for a moment as I contemplated what I had just said.
"And if it doesn't?" He asked, a little more quietly.
"Well, I suppose I'll just bump into you again on my travels." I joked, trying to lighten the mood that my reply seemed to sober.
A small chuckle left your father then, catching my attention as I turned to look at him. He was smiling a little more fully, his hand still holding his chop sticks as he looked over his plates. Glancing out of the corner of his eye at me, it seemed he caught me staring and quickly made himself stoic again. "Thank you for answering the questions…I know I'm probably interrupting your meal by asking so many."
"I'm a monk, if I don't try and help people seek the answers they desire, and then I'm not a very good one." I joked, laughing a bit at myself now before going back to my food. I took a few bites and a small silence returned around us, though not nearly as strange as it had been before. More was ordered and money was paid and by the time we both finished it was even later than before. Everything around us was closed down, save for the dumpling shop and we had stayed until the chef needed to close up. Though we hadn't said much during that time, the company had been nice. Much less lonely compared to eating alone at the inn. As we stood in the dark streets, the moon being the only light, I bowed to your father with great gratitude.
"Thank you once again, for all your kindness. Though I am a stranger you have really treated me as a friend."
"It is alright…thank you for answering my questions, as invasive as they might have been." He commented, almost as if he had been worried about his questioning of me.
"It was no trouble; I love to help people understand both myself and them. If you ever need any help with your meditation, or seek someone to speak with I will gladly assist you. I'll be in the village for a week resting and preparing for my travels once more. Though it isn't much time, feel free to come ask me anything if you think I am able to help you. I'm at a small inn; the name leaves me but…" I tried to tell him where I was staying, so he could find me, but he waved it off.
"Don't worry, if I need you, I will find you." He retorted coolly, I merely brushed it off as me being easy to spot as the lone monk in the village.
"Well then, thank you once again…Your name is Gaara, correct? I do hope I remember it correctly."
"Yes, and you are Saguaro."
"Well then, Good night Gaara-san. It is terribly late and I must get to sleep. I hope the next time I see you, I am not interrupting you." I joked a bit at the end.
Your father gave that polite smile. "Good night Saguaro-san."
The clock on the wall chimed, signaling it to be already 6 o'clock. Saguaro made a noise of concern at the time. After all it was getting late and dinner had yet to be ordered. Moving to stand, she returned her tea to the table and stepped between her children that have started to spread out across the floor. "I'll pause there to order dinner."
"No, Okaasan keep going!" One of the younger sons begged as he kicked his feet in the air.
"We have to eat, the end." She replied, wandering into the kitchen to shuffle through the take out menus and grab a pen to jot down the evenings order. "I'll tell you the rest of the second meeting while we wait. Now, what do you all want?"
With those words said a wave of demands quickly filled the air as all of her children seemed to want a different thing that night. A sigh left her before she chuckled, wandering back over to her children and quickly gathering them up to decide on dinner.
