Strangers – Beauty From Pain (by Superchick)
The lights go out all around me
He stares out the window, up at the full moon as he tries to comprehend the lack of bloodlust running through his body. It is a strange sensation. All of his life, he had always craved blood on the full moon, but now… he felt nothing.
One last candle to keep out the night
He lowers his eyes, placing a hand over his heart, which, not too long ago, had ceased beating.
And then the darkness surrounds me
He had died.
I know I'm alive but I feel like I've died
It was all so surreal, like a daydream, and he was still coming to terms with the fact that, for some time, his existence had become void. He was the Kazekage, he was supposed to be the strongest in his village, and while he had succeeded in protecting his people. He failed to protect himself and, by doing so, left his village vulnerable.
And all that's left is to accept that it's over
He runs his finger through the sand at his feet, the gourd dissolved for the moment. He can still control the sand and, somehow, that makes it even more difficult to realize that Shukaku truly is gone.
My dreams ran like sand through the fist that I made
He closes his eyes, trying to identify the feeling in his chest. It is a familiar feeling, but one he hasn't felt in so long that he no longer remembers what it is. Without his demon, he feels weak and unworthy of being Kazekage, like he no longer has purpose.
I try to keep warm, but I just grow colder
A pair of soft hands encircle his torso, face leaning into the nape of his neck. "Gaara." She whispers, his name barely audible as it falls from her lips.
I feel like I'm slipping away
He inhales softly, taking in her scent, a scent he remembers well. Her voice gives him new purpose and his soul flickers back into life. His will to live, returned. He shifts slight, pressing his cheek to hers.
After all this has passed, I still will remain
"Naru, I… need you."
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Her hand slip away as she moves to face him, palms pressed against his forearms. She leans forward to kiss him. His arms wrap around her petite waist, pulling them close so that their bodies touch.
Though it won't be today
She places a hand over his heart "You're not alone." She assures him. "I'm here."
Someday I'll hope again
The smallest of whimpers escapes him and he holds her tighter, desperate for the human contact so long neglected him. For the reassurance others cannot provide. She runs her fingers delicately over his twisted spine, nuzzling her face into the crook of his neck.
And there'll be beauty from pain
He cradles her tiny form against his own, her frame stunted from years of malnutrition like his, yet they fit together perfectly. Two pieces of the same puzzle. He places one hand on the back of her head while the other caresses the curve of her rump, holding her ever tighter.
You will bring beauty from my pain
He presses their cheeks together once more, lips brushing against her earlobe. The four-pointed star he gave her so long ago is still bold on her neck. "You are mine…" He states, almost questioning.
My whole world is the pain inside me
"Then. Now. Always." She murmurs.
The best I can do is just get through the day
Not a single day has gone by that he has not thought of that night they shared. She has always been at the back of his mind, understanding and loving him, driving away his loneliness even on the coldest of nights.
When life before is only a memory
He closes his eyes, sighing, and gently kisses her ear. She respond by gently pulling away from his neck and meeting his lips softly, longing and needing and comforting, though not as intensely as their first moments together. This time is softer, gentler, more patient, and less demanding. Their tongues prod at one another shyly, neither daring enough to explore what lies beyond the other's lips.
I'll wonder why Gods let me walk through this place
Her hands slip under his shirt, tracing over the smooth skin beneath. Not an arousing gesture, she simply wants to feel him, be close to him, to touch him like no one else has ever been allowed to.
And though I can't understand why this happened
Slender fingers pull away the buttons one by one, soon pushing the cloth away to expose ivory-pale flesh. Their lips part and she kisses his chest briefly before leaning into his body. Her ear is pressed against his flesh, sapphire eyes closing as she listens to his soothing heartbeat.
I know that I will when I look back someday
He brushed his fingers against her whiskered cheek and through her golden hair, removing the elastic holding it up in her traditional pair of pigtails. A waterfall of gold trickles down her back in a wave. He kisses the top of her head, arm secure around her waist.
And see how you've brought beauty from ashes
Her finger traces lazy circles on his flesh, in sync with the steady beating of his heart. The sound is something neither will take for granted again.
And made me as gold purified from these flames
She tilts her head to look up at him, lips pressing against his torso, her eyes seeming to pierce the very depths of his soul. Their lips meet and they lie back into the sand, kissing, caressing, and loving
After all this has passed, I still will remain
His fingers fumble with the zipper of her jacket, peeling the clothing away and allowing him to be close to her in a way he has longed to for years. His hands roam over her bodice, memorizing her newer, more mature curves.
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
It is not long until all of their clothing has been discarded and their bare forms lie together, arms embracing, legs intertwined. She plants soft, butterfly kisses along his collarbone. His arms are wrapped around her waist securely, not willing to let go.
Though it won't be today
She had kept herself untouched since that night so long ago. She has forgotten she was taken by anyone but him. His touch is the only one she wants, the only touch she allows, the only touch she needs, and bliss overpowers her mind as they join in the ultimate union.
Someday I'll hope again
Bodies slick with warm sweat press against one another in rhythm, gentle but needing.
And there'll be beauty from pain
The seal round her naval, blacker than charcoal, seems to glow in the soft moonlight as his fingertips trace around it, eliciting a sight of pleasure from her, breath laced with need and want.
You will bring beauty from my pain
Her fingers dig into his skin as her spine arches and she cries his name, her desire reaching its climax. Her name falls from his lips in a broken gasp, pleasure shuddering through his body at a degree he forgot existed.
Here I am, at the end of me
He collapses down beside her, eyes sliding closed, arms wrapped around her waist, sand all around. He nuzzles her collarbone, sleep tugging at the edges of his mind and, for once, he doesn't resist.
Trying to hold to what I can't see
She holds him against her bosom, her fingers trailing through his hair, now listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. His hair is soft and smooth, making her think of spun rubies. Her thumbs brush over the dark patches around his eyes affectionately.
I forgot how to hope
She buries her face in his crimson hair, closing her eyes as she imprints his smell into her mind. She pulls away with great reluctance, softly kissing his cheek one last time. She turns and reaches for her clothing, but stops.
This night's been so long
She looks down at the sand wrapped around her wrist.
"Stay." He whispers, his jade, black-rimmed eyes pleading.
I cling to your promise
She breathes inward and bites her lip. She wants nothing more than to do as he says; to never leave his side again as long as she lives. But her country still needs her. She still has promises to uphold and a duty to follow.
There will be a dawn
"Gaara…"
"Please."
After all this has passed, I still will remain.
She feels her heart shatter and a single tear falls from her sapphire orbs. Exhaling, she turns and gazes upon his form lovingly, a soft, small smile gracing her features. She leans down to kiss him.
After I've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
"Okay." She breathes, taking her place beside him. Her country can take care of itself, she decided, pressing their lips together. There are other ninja who can take her place and here is where she is needed the most. Here is where she wants to be. Here is where she is truly loved.
Though it won't be today
And he, for the first time, experiences sleep with her in his arms.
Someday I'll hope again
Her comrades beckon her back to the village with them, but she refuses coldly, as is her way. Let her village do what they will; she will not leave him ever again. And as the others walk away, leaving her behind, she caresses his cheeks and whispers to him
And there'll be beauty from pain
"Aishiteru."
You will bring beauty from my pain