Misery

"What are we going to do with you?"

Gaara eyed the girl in front of him. She was different that was for sure. Her cream colored skin and stark white hair was obviously not from any desert region. Her pale, shockingly blue eyes pegged her as a northerner, someone from the coldest areas on the continent. He cast his thoughts aside and walked up to her. He brought his hand up to grab her chin and she flinched away. Growling, he grabbed her face and pulled it to look at his. The fear was evident in her icy eyes and sweat beaded on her brow.

"Did Sachiko do this?" he asked quietly, referring to the large bruise by her eye. It had already covered her eye and upper cheek.

She hesitated before shakily answering, "No my lord. I-It was another one of the cooks."

He raised his eyebrow at her, wanting further explanation.

"They were angry that I had caused trouble," her voice started to smooth out, "They know that one's mistakes can cause the whole group to be punished."

That ticked him off. Was he really that cruel in their eyes?

"Well does that not make sense?"

Her eyes widened, realizing her mistake. She had just criticized the Kazekage's punishments. "Of course my lord!" she recovered, "I wish only to apologize and take full responsibility for the problem."

"Do you not work as a team in the kitchens? Shouldn't have someone else caught it?" he waited for her answer for what felt like an eternity. She was probably thinking of some lie to spare herself and the staff.

"We do work as a team but it was fully my mistake. I plan the menus and didn't listen to the rest of the staff."

Gaara was surprised. She had thrown only herself under the bus. Admirable. "Well then we will have to decide your punishment."

The fear came back and she gulped at his words. He felt the pulse in her neck quicken and he dropped his hand, walking to the window.

"As my lord wishes."

"You are removed from kitchen duty."

"Yes my lord."

"How long have you been here?"

"Two years my lord"

"And the length of your contract?"

"7 years my lord."

He turned to look at her. That was an abnormally long contract for an indentured servant. Typically it was only for three to four years. The program was in place to help families in need after the war but she seemed to making a career out of it.

"Why so long?" She suddenly had piqued his interest.

"I…," she started, "I'm an orphan. By the time I found my way to Suna I didn't have any experience for a job that paid well. It was either this or s-sell myself…on the streets." She looked down, embarrassed by the revelation.

Gaara understood. Being a servant provided them with a shared room and consistent meals. Prostitutes made high money but could never find a respectable job afterwards and were forced to live in unsafe conditions.

"I regret that you've had a hard life but that does not excuse you from punishment." She nodded, accepting her fate.

"Come."

Her heart fluttered at his simple command and turned to follow him out of the room. Gaara was quiet as he led her deeper into the Kazekage's home.

"Remember this."

"Yes my lord."

They walked in silence, Michiko memorizing each turn they took. They came upon a door at the end of a hall, guarded by two ninja. They entered the room and Michiko's cheeks burned. They were in the Kazekage's private quarters. He turned to face her.

"You will be my personal servant from now on." Her eyes widened. "Do not think this a blessing. You will be constantly watched and criticized by both me and everyone else. Understood?"

"Yes my lord."

"Good. Now run me a bath."

She nodded and scurried past him to turn on the bath. She knelt by the tub, terrified. In the kitchens she had had it relatively easy. As long as she didn't mess up she could go home and not worry about being punished. Now she was to be beside the Kazekage all day and even possibly at night. She shuddered at the thought. She had heard rumors about nobles who kept personal servants. They did everything for their master. They ironed, prepared refreshments during meetings, ran errands, and some were even considered escorts by their masters. Michiko's heart slammed into her throat. She hoped that Gaara wouldn't force her to go that far. She could always break her contract but that would mean huge amounts of fines she'd never be able to pay and even worse, possible death.

She shook her head to clear the thought and stood to inform the Kazekage his bath was ready. Michiko turned to leave and nearly jumped out of her skin. The Kazekage stood behind, watching her fill the tub.

"Y-your bath is ready my lord."

He nodded and she carefully stepped around him to leave. She jerked around as he pulled her arm, forcing her to turn and face him. She stared wide eyed, her heart slamming against her ribs.

"Find a medic and get your face healed." She acknowledged him with a nod. "And I release you for today. Be here tomorrow morning at six." She nodded again and he released her arm. She struggled to remain composed and walk across the room. She opened the door to the hall and turned in time to see the bathroom door close. She all but sprinted down the hall and to the infirmary.

It was going to be a long night.

I couldn't calm down. After having my face healed I wandered the passages of the Kazekage's home in an attempt to be freed from this soul shattering terror. I knew I was stronger than this, after everything I had been through but something about the Kazekage tore every bit of my confidence to shreds. I came to the door I recognized as the room I shared with three of the other servants. It creaked open and I stepped inside and realized no one else was here. They must have night duties tonight. I slumped against the door and slid down until I was sitting.

This was so surreal. I had enjoyed my work and life as a cook. I liked my fellow servants and enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor used. It was the first time I had been useful in years and I blew it. Sobs wracked my body and tears fell down my cheeks. The coldness of the floor sucked the heat out of me as I cried and cried, wishing that this were a nightmare. I cried for all the things I had never cried for before: the loss of my parents, the hard journey to Suna, not having a childhood. I didn't know how much more I could take. I sat there crying until I could cry no more and crawled into my bed, exhausted. I wanted to fall asleep and never wake up. I wallowed in my depression until sleep took me.

The bright sun shone through the high windows on the wall. Our room was half underground so we had little natural light. I had trouble opening my eyes; they were crusted shut from the tears I cried yesterday. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. My roommates were still asleep after a long night of chores. I quietly shrugged out of my tunic and leggings and put them in the wash. Opening my small chest I found all of my old kitchen clothes gone and replaced with replicas of the same outfit I had been wearing. I sighed, realizing that there was no way that it had all been a nightmare. Pulling on another tunic and leggings I checked the clock. 5:30. I still had time to get some breakfast before waking the Kazekage. I scurried off to the kitchen and ate far more than I had intended. Only a scullery maid greeted me as I ate my cold breakfast of bread and cheese. I was ravenous. It occurred to me I hadn't eaten since yesterday at lunch.

Walking upstairs I realized I was still early to wake the Kazekage. I shifted uncomfortably on my feet waiting for the time to pass. With each passing second my heartbeat sped up more and more. My head was trying to wrap around the idea of personally interacting with the Kazekage again. I checked the clock again and jumped. 5:59. Shit.

I hurried down the hallway and the two guards barely glanced at me as I walked past. I slowly opened the door and found the room dark. I stepped inside and let the door latch, trying to let my eyes adjust to the darkness.

'Breathe in.'

'Breathe out.'

Feeling as ready as I ever could be I walked across the room, to the Kazekage's bed. I found him lying on his back, peacefully breathing. I stood there shocked. His face was beautiful. Everyone knew he was a good looking man but sleep wiped him of his terrifying scowl and intense glare.

I shook my head and softly spoke, "Lord Kazekage, its morning."

He continued sleeping, his breaths soft and even. I tried again, my voice a bit louder this time and I reached out to shake him awake.

"Lord Kazekage," I repeated, trying the shake him awake, "You asked me to wake yo-"

I was cut off by a hand suddenly grabbing me.

Gaara felt a hand gently caress his shoulder. He instinctively grasped it, and let his eyes slide open. Michiko stood over him, her face frozen in a shocked expression.

"Do not touch me unless I tell you to," he growled at her.

Her mouth open and closed a few time, unable to form words. "I-I-I apologize my lord. It is 6 as you asked."

He released her wrist and sat up and slid out of bed. Michiko backed up and bowed. As she straightened she realized he was shirtless and turned her head, blushing at the sight. Gaara snorted a small puff of air out his nose. She was easily embarrassed wasn't she?

He walked to the bathroom and turned to look at her one more time, "Bring me my tea and breakfast."

"Yes Kazekage." She turned and hurried out of the room, thankful for the chore. Gaara completed his morning routine and was just finishing getting dressed when a faint knock at the door echoed in the quiet room.

"Come in," he commanded coldly. Michiko stepped in carrying a tray laden with tea and food. She sat it at his personal desk and unloaded it. She stepped back and held the tray as he sat. He ate in silence and such the beginning of a routine was born.

Weeks passed and Michiko was getting the hang of the ins and outs of the Kazekage's schedule. Every morning wake up and get his breakfast followed by meetings and planning. Lunch was then retrieved and brought to his office where she stood waiting for any possible errands. She was learning the entire layout of the building and the higher working people who collaborated with the Kazekage. After more meetings and paperwork she followed him down to the dining hall and waited as he ate with his siblings. She was then allowed to eat her dinner immediately following before returning to the office for last minute chores. After his work was finished for the day they left for his chambers where she prepared evening tea and his bath before heading back to her own room for the night.

In her time serving him they rarely talked outside of commands and corrections to her behavior. Her favorite days were when she got to explore Suna on errands.

Today was no different than any other day. Michiko was waiting for the Kazekage to finish his lunch when he spoke her interrupted her thoughts.

"Michiko, join me for lunch." He looked pointedly down at the chair next to the desk.

Startled she set the tray down and quietly sat.

"Eat," he coolly commanded, gesturing to the bowl of rice and vegetables.

"I do not wish to take from your meal my lord."

He stopped eating to stare at her, waiting for her to realize she had just disregarded a command from him.

She froze as his gaze sliced through her. She immediately picked up the bowl and chopsticks and began to eat, taking small bites. Gaara resumed eating. They sat in silence until he looked at her.

"Where are you from Michiko?" His voice was terrifyingly quiet.

She put her chopsticks down and refused to look at him. "I-I was born to a caravan of traders. I was a bastard child. I d-didn't know my family."

"I see." She took a few more bites. Gaara could see her fidgeting in her seat.

"My lord….." she started.

Gaara looked up at her, slightly surprised that she was initiating a conversation.

"Yes?" His voice was curt.

Visibly startled she started, "I, uh, I was wondering….w-what about your family?"

His brows furrowed together. "Dead."

"I-I-I…..I'm sorry."

"Hm," was all she got in response. He continued to stare at her and watched as her cheeks burned red under his gaze. Clearly she didn't enjoy revealing herself to him as much as he didn't enjoy discussing his past. He began eating again, knowing he wouldn't get much out of her, and she followed his lead. They finished their lunch and she carried the dishes away. As soon as she was out of his office and down the hall she breathed a huge sigh of relief. The change of schedule alone had shaken her up but the following questions even more so.

She returned and the day continued as she had hoped, without any change of plans. That night she was lying in bed, thinking about what had transpired at lunch. Her heart raced thanking about the Kazekage. He had seemed genuinely interested in her life and she had shut down. But she couldn't help but feel weary.

Michiko dragged her hands down her face. One thought ran through her head.

'Liar.'

The next weeks passed quickly. More often than not she ate lunch with him every day at his request and occasionally dinner as well. Their meals were similar to the first, a few questions before returning to eating. The two learned small bits of information about each other. He knew her age and roommates names. She knew about his siblings and life as Kazekage. It was strange to see an intimate side of Gaara.

Occasionally they were joined by Temari and Kankuro. It was strange, they treated her more like a friend than a servant. Temari even spent some evenings with her in the gardens. The days flew by, Michiko finding herself enjoying her work.

Today was no exception. The day passed quickly, her mind enjoying the work. Gaara looked up from his work and saw her slight smile as she stood beside him.

'She's calming down,' he thought to himself. A smile graced his lips before swiftly disappearing.

The day continued without event and it wasn't long until she was following him to his chambers. She immediately left to start his bath.

She was preparing his evening tea when he stepped out of the bathroom in his pajamas. She let him sit and she stood by the door and waited for his dismissal.

"Michiko."

She smiled slightly to herself knowing she was about to be off duty.

"You will stay here tonight."

Welp that's the second chapter. Nothing too important really. Gotta do dat character development yo. Anyways rate and review and whatnot. Thanks for the reviews from the first chapter! I was sitting here giddy all night the first night after I published watching the number of people who viewed climb. It's really exciting and also incredibly terrifying knowing people are looking at your shit. Ya'll are so friggin' wonderful.