Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.
A/N: Thank you for those who have reviewed, favorited, and followed! Enjoy!
I stood in front the Kazekage's office, the beautiful silk gown draping down my body. The slit running up my leg was a little longer than I liked, but who was going to question the dress chosen by the Kazekage? Standing behind me, Ino squeezed my shoulders for encouragement. I turned around and looked at her desperately, for what I wasn't sure. It wasn't like she could do anything.
"You're stunning." She said with a soft smile. I gave her a small one back. It was all I could manage at the moment. She looked at the guards and nodded. The one on the right responded with knocking on the door three times.
"Enter." Came the chilling voice from the other side of the door. Both guards simultaneously opened the doors and bowed. I looked at Ino again but she was bowing as well. I stared at the open doors, Lord Kazekage stood up from his desk. I bowed to him immediately. The Kazekage walked until he was in front of me.
"Thank you Ino." He said emotionless.
"My pleasure, Lord Kazekage." Ino responded, still bowing. The Kazekage began walking past me.
"Come Sakura, I was just leaving." I straightened myself up and followed, leaving the bowing Guards and Ino behind me. We walked down the hall until we reached the dining hall. The table practically reached from one end of the room to the other. Temari and Kankuro were already seated next to each other. Once they noticed the Kazekage was in the room they stood and lightly bowed their heads. The Kazekage walked toward his chair at the head of the table and sat. I took my place, standing slightly behind his chair.
Kankuro whistled from the table as his eyes trailed me up and down.
"Well don't you fix up nice." Kankuro said with a wink. I lightly let some hair fall into my face from embarrassment.
"Now, now don't be so bashful." Kankuro laughed, leaning in to admire me closer. "Anyone with eyes can see that you're beautiful."
"Shut it Kankuro." Temari growled from beside him. "She's just a slave." She said glaring at me. I lowered my eyes.
"The Hokage of the leaf village will be joining us tonight." The Kazekage stated. My heart gave a little jump at the statement. I was born in the leaf village and lived there during the younger stages of my childhood. It's a kind village…I remembered being at peace there. Temari grunted.
"That loudmouth? I really don't know how you put up with him Gaara." Temari said reaching for her glass of water.
"Well Gaara is a man of few words, and Naruto is a man of many!" Kankuro said waving his chopsticks in the air. "They complement each other." A house slave came with a bottle of wine and began pouring it into their glasses. The young slave kept sneaking curious glances my way as she did. I turned my gaze to the ground to ignore her.
The Kazekage grunted. "Please don't act like imbeciles when he gets here." His monotone voice suddenly aggravated.
Temari scoffed. "You're worried about our behavior? Ten bucks says Naruto will make a bigger fool out of himself before Kankuro and I get a chance too."
The Kazekage shot Temari a cold look making her stiffen in fear. Kankuro looked cautiously from his brother then back to his sister. The Kazekage broke his stare and looked down at his empty plate.
"That's true." He said with a slight shrug. Both Kankuro and Temari visibly relaxed.
"Ahhhh Chuuuu!" The sneeze came from outside of the room. We all turned our attention to the entrance of the dining hall to see a tall blonde and blue eyed man walk in. A huge smile was planted on his face, while one hand was scratching the back of his head, and the other rubbing his nose.
"I guess you guys were talking about me, huh?" He exclaimed happily. Everyone at the table stood as he walked in, I bowed immediately.
"Welcome Lord Hokage." The Kazekage greeted.
"Come on Gaara, enough with the formalities! We've known each other long enough!" The Hokage chirped. He then turned his attention to Temari and Kankuro, waving his hand at them.
"What's up guys!" Temari sighed at the energetic man, but managed to give him a small smile.
"Good to see you again Naruto." She said politely.
"Sup Naruto, How's the Hidden Leaf Village?" Kankuro asked. Naurto walked over to the chair next to the Kazekage.
"Hidden and Leafy!" He said laughing as he pulled out the chair. Temari rolled her eyes and sat back down. Kankuro sat as well, smiling at his sister's annoyance. The Kazekage followed reaching for his wine as he did.
"So what are we drinking?" Naruto said cheerfully as he began to sit down, he paused in mid action when he noticed me. He seemed stunned for a second, his blue eyes wide in surprise. He stood back up, his eyes never leaving me. I shifted uncomfortably in my stance. Unsure of what to do, I quickly bowed to him.
"Lord Hokage." I said in greeting. I stayed bowing, waiting to be relieved.
"You may stand." He said, suddenly sounding mature. I lifted my posture up. He was now looking at me with a sincere look, giving me a gentle smile. It made me feel a little warm and a little less nervous. I mentally thanked him for that.
The Hokage turned his attention back to the Kazekage as he took his seat. While they talked…or more as while the Hokage talked, house slaves came walked in serving the courses of meals. Throughout the dinner, the Hokage was the most enthusiastic one. Pieces of food coming out of his mouth as he tried to eat and talk at the same time. I noticed Temari sat with a polite smile on her face, but her hand in an aggravated fist, reaching her limit of tolerance for the Hokage. Kankuro seemed to be enjoying himself though. I wasn't sure if it was because of the Hokage or because of how much the Hokage got on his sister's nerves; Perhaps both. As I was beginning to realize in my short time with the Kazekage, he wasn't one to smile. However, at the moment he wasn't exactly scowling either. What surprised me most of all was that the Hokage did not seem frightened in the least by the Kazekage. He seemed…comfortable with him. I assumed the closest ones to the Kazekage were his brother and sister, but even they were afraid of him. But this Hokage…
Water spurted out from the Hokage's nose as he was laughing at something Kankuro had said. Temari looked disgusted at the Hokage sitting in front of her, while Kankuro doubled over in laughter.
"Told you." Temari said under her breath. Kankuro laughed harder while the Hokage wiped his nose with a smile. This didn't seem like a gathering of royals, but instead a gathering of friends. I covered my mouth to suppress a giggle.
"Temari, Kankuro, If you're finished eating, please excuse yourselves from the room. Naruto and I have business to discuss." Lord Kazekage said, daring to be defied. Temari stood with a relieved smile as she waved her goodbye at the Hokage, a noticeable pep in her step as she left the room. Kankuro downed the rest of his wine, before he stood up and wiped his face with his napkin.
"See ya around Naruto." He said taking his leave. As he passed by me he made sure to give me a wink before he left. After Kankuro left, Lord Kazekage signaled the guards to close the doors. Once closed The Hokage did not hesitate.
"So let's stop pretending it's completely normal you suddenly have a Royal Slave." He said motioning towards me. The Kazekage leaned on his hand and stared blankly at the Hokage.
"Yes…it was an…unorthodox decision." He replied.
"Well I'll say." Lord Hokage said in bewilderment. He then turned towards me and smiled. "Come on over." He said waving. I stared back in surprise. I looked at the Kazekage for permission. The Kazekage turned around to face me, his stare was cold, but he nodded. I lightly bowed my head as I began walking towards the Hokage. I stopped in front of him with Lord Kazekage on my left side.
"There's something familiar about you." He said examining me. "Lift your head, will ya." I did as told, and stared into his childlike blue eyes. He concentrated on me for a short minute before he clapped his hands together with a satisfied smile.
"You're from the Hidden Leaf Village aren't ya?!" He stated more that asked. I stared shocked, my mouth slightly agape.
"Answer." The chilling voice next to me ordered.
"Yes." I replied immediately. "I was born there."
The Hokage smiled. "I knew it! I thought I recognized you when I first saw you." He said laughing "I mean it's not every day you meet a girl with pink hair!"
I didn't understand. I tried to think back, I truly had no recollection of this enthusiastic man.
"I don-" I began, but quickly cut myself off. I was so caught off guard I almost forgot I was not to speak without permission.
"Hey don't sweat it! It's fine if you don't remember me. We were younger than kids!" He joked. "See I was a slave once too." He said, his expression turning soft. I took a sharp intake of breath. The Hokage…once a slave? How could that be possible? This Hokage…just continues to surprise…
He chuckled at my reaction. "Yep! I was born an orphan, so naturally I lived in the slave house until I was six. That's where I saw you!" He placed his hand on his chin, cupping it with his finger and thumb in deep thought. "If I remember correctly, you were in the field picking flowers for…I think a dog?"
"Koto.." I breathed. The Hokage snapped his fingers.
"That's it! Koto the slave house dog! I remember that day was a bummer cause he had just passed. He was an old little guy."
I nodded at him, tears springing to my eyes at the sudden memory. I wanted to ask him so many questions, but I was afraid to even look at the Kazekage for permission. So I just nodded again.
"I helped you pick the rest of the flowers. We made a nice little funeral for him." The Hokage added with a goofy smile.
I remembered him. I remembered the little blonde boy with the same goofy smile, cheering me up with small jokes as we picked flowers. I felt a genuine smile forming itself on my face.
"I see you're remembering some things." He laughed. "Sorry we couldn't hang out more after that. That was the same week I was adopted by Iruka-Sensai." He said apologetically. "After that, he trained me to be a Shinobi, and you can guess the rest."He finished. He sighed again before he brightened. "Well what are the odds we'd see each other again, huh? In Gaara's mansion no less!" I nodded at him in response. There was a pause of silence, as we all seemed to let the new information sink it. The Hokage clapped his hands together, breaking me out of my daze.
"Well you must be hungry! Gaara why don't you offer her some grub?" The Hokage asked with a cheesy grin on his face. Fear rippled through my stomach for him with the fact that he was offering me food in the Kazekage's house…or maybe it was just hunger…
Lord Kazekage gave the blonde grinning man a cold stare, but he seemed completely oblivious by it. The Kazekage sighed and waved a slave off into the kitchen.
"Sit" he ordered, motioning at the chair next to him. Nope, it was definitely fear. Looking down, I walked towards the chair and took my seat. Not a minute later the slave that disappeared into the kitchen was back and placed the most delicious smelling food I've ever had to pleasure to smell. There was a baked potato with golden cheese melted in the center, long sautéed asparagus on its right, and then the prize of the dish…a mouth watering steak, begging to be devoured. I could only goggle at it as I felt a drool of saliva threatening to leave my lips.
"Eat." The Kazekage demanded. I grabbed the fork and knife in unison, and began cutting away at the steak. Satisfied with my obedience, the Kazekage turned back to the Hokage, as they began talking about leader stuff, or whatever. I didn't really care what the hell they were talking about at the moment. The steak was so juicy and tender; I had to suppress a moan of delight once it touched my tongue. I chewed slowly, savoring each and every bite.
I was halfway through my meal when my stomach was begging me to stop. Slave eating conditions aren't the greatest. We are given just enough food to survive so our stomachs are smaller than normal. To eat a hearty meal like this…no matter how wonderful, I would only get sick if I continued. I regretfully put my fork down.
"So I'm getting married!" I heard the Hokage say in excitement.
"To the Hyuga girl I presume." The Kazekage said not surprised with his friend.
The Hokage blushed. "Yea..she's a beaut aint she?" he said giggling with googly eyes.
"Congratulations." The Kazekage said plainly. This type of response didn't seem to bother the Hokage, because he was all smiles.
"Thanks! I wanted to personally invite you to the wedding…err that is when we figure out a date and everything." He said sheepishly. The Kazekage merely grunted.
The Hokage then pushed his chair out and stood up, stretching his arms up as he yawned. I stood up soon after him out of respect.
"Well, I best be going. Thanks for the hospitably Gaara. I'll keep you updated if anything comes up again from the Hidden Mist Village."The Hokage said straightening out his jacket.
The Kazekage nodded. "Sakura will show you out. The guard waiting outside will escort you the rest of the way." The Kazekage brought his glance back to me then nodded. I walked around the table towards the Hokage and bowed as I gestured towards the doors.
"This way Lord Hokage." I directed. Once the Hokage walked past me I straightened myself out and followed. Before I exited the room I was stopped by the cold voice behind me.
"Sakura, once you're done, find yourself back to my room." He commanded. I swallowed..then bowed at him in obedience. I then walked quickly to catch up with the Hokage.
Walking with the Hokage next to me was like a breath of fresh air. His positivity was contagious. Even his walk had a cheery pep in each step. Not to mention that this wasn't the first time we met. He was that selfless boy in the flower fields all those years ago. I was sad to see him leaving so soon. Once we reached the doors I bowed to him in parting.
"It was a pleasure to see you again Lord Hokage." I genuinely said. Since The Kazekage was not near, I was not afraid to speak to him without permission.
"You too Miss Sakura." He said cheerily. I straightened myself out and smiled at him. He then suddenly grabbed my arm pulling me in a bone crushing bear hug. My arms stood out straight, unsure of what to do. Just because I wasn't afraid to speak with him didn't make me comfortable touching him! I was nervous with what the Kazekage would do if he saw. But he then pulled away, leaving his left hand on my shoulder in comfort, his eyes sincere.
"Hey, the guy may act scary, but there's more to him than that." He then lifted his hand off my shoulder and pointed to his left temple. "Why do you think his has LOVE written on his forehead?" he said smiling that same goofy grin. With that said, I watched him walked out the estate, cheerfully talking to the guard that was escorting him. Once the guards closed the doors shut I turned around and made my way up the grand stairs
I felt my palms becoming wet with sweat from nerves. It was late in the evening and the Kazekage was ordering me to meet in his bedroom…that could only mean one thing. I wiped away the sweat of my palms on my dress. I felt as if the filling meal I just had was about to come up my throat. I had again reverted to reminding myself to Breathe in, Breath out, Left foot, Right foot…all the way down the hallway. Once I reached the doors of his room, the guards immediately knocked on it three times.
"Come in." the cold voice said. The guards were ready to open the doors, but I quickly shot my hand before they could.
"Just…give me a moment." I pleaded. They both looked at each other, contemplating my request. It was the guard on the right that looked at me and nodded, making the decision for them both.
I sighed in relief then closed my eyes. I placed my trembling hands on my heart as of that would calm its franticness.
Breathe In.
Breath out.
Breath In.
Breath out.
The trembling in my body ceased, but my stomach was still unsettled. That was the best it was going to get. I placed my hands back to my sides, and opened my eyes.
"Thank you." I whispered mostly to the guard on the right. He nodded his head, and both guards continued to open the doors. I swallowed my spit and walked into the dark room. Once the doors shut behind me my heart sank in despair.
The Kazekage didn't seem to notice me, instead he was searching for something in his drawers. He pulled out folded clothing made of silk with a light shade of…pink? I didn't think pink was his color. I stiffened once he walked towards me, his green eyes piercing through mine. He presented the clothing to me. I looked down confused, but then realized the pink clothing was for me. That makes more sense.
I gently took the clothing from him and bowed at him in thanks.
"That should fit you." He said before turning around heading towards his personal bathroom. He walked in and turned on the light, bringing at little light in the dark bedroom. I heard the sink turn on as he carried out his bathroom routine. I looked down at the clothing I was holding. The material felt pure: it was real silk. The baby pink shone nicely off of the bathroom light. It had a little lace at the sweetheart top of the shirt. These were silk pajamas…very expensive silk pajamas.
A cough of someone clearing their throat brought my attention back up. The Kazekage was standing at the bathroom door, a clear scowl on his face. He looked down at the clothing in my hands and then back up at me. I jumped when I realized I was still wearing my dress instead of the silk pajamas. I walked over to the bed and set the pajamas on top. I began sliding the straps down my shoulders when they wouldn't go farther than my elbow. I tugged at the straps in desperation, frustrated at their stubbornness. I heard the Kazekage sigh and walk over towards me. I stiffened, my arms crossed on my chest, each hand holding the opposite strap. I hitched a breath when I felt his finger tips brush my back. I heard a zip and felt my dress loosen. I mentally slapped myself…I forgot about the zipper.
The Kazekage walked around me back to the bathroom and flicked the light switch off, leaving the moonlight shining through the windows as our only light. He un-buttoned his jacket and placed it on the chair of desk nearby. He then walked towards the right side of the bed and sat on its edge, his back towards me. He lifted off his shirt baring his back to me. My hands trembled as I slid my straps down, easily this time. I stepped out of the dress leaving me in just my panties. I wasn't given a bra when I was changing into this dress. With my cup size, I didn't necessarily need one. I gently placed the beautiful gown on the bed. I stood there staring at him for a moment. The moonlight accentuating his muscular pale back. I wondered why his back was so smooth. Normally, a Shinobi has more than a few battle scars…but his skin looked completely…untouched.
He stood up and began undoing his pants. I wondered if I should stay like this with my breasts bare until he turned around. This is where this night was heading towards anyway, right? I looked at the silk night clothes on the bed in front of me. He was persistent in me changing into them before…maybe he wanted to take them off himself? I heard some guys were in to that.
I slipped the silk tang top over my head, and then proceeded with the shorts. I moved around a little bit, getting a feel it; light and airy. It felt almost as if I were wearing nothing. I let a small smile slip as I swushed the fabric back and forth, I almost forgot where I was at the moment until I looked up.
The Kazekage stood there staring at me; the moonlight shining across his face and his chest. His chest bare…pale and muscular like his back. He had a light trace of hair trailing down from his belly button to the rim of the black sweat pants he had just changed into. I felt my cheeks blushing, thank God it was dark. Embarrassed, and not exactly sure of what to do, I picked up the green gown from the bed and lifted it towards him in question. He walked towards me and took it from my hands. He simply placed it over his coat that he draped across the chair before. He walked towards me near the other side the bed. He lifted the heavy comforter up and folded it over. He side glanced at me and motioned towards the bed.
My hands trembling lightly at my sides, I nodded and walked over. I sat on the edge of the bed, I hand to push myself up to fully get on top of it, it was a bit high off the ground. He lifted the covers so I could get my legs in. He let go and turned around once he was satisfied. I grabbed the covers and pulled them over my chest as I laid back, staring wide eyed at the ceiling. I felt the bed beside me sink in at he got in himself. I felt the covers lightly shift towards him as pulled it over himself as well. I laid there waiting…waiting for him to shift closer…for his hands to begin trailing over my body.
Minutes went by, and he didn't move...I slowly managed to force myself to look to my right in question. He was lying on his side, his back towards me.
"Sleep." His voice simply commanded, somehow sensing my stare. Still confused, I turned my attention back to the ceiling, and closed my eyes.
A/N: I know some of you guys are waiting for more intimate scenes with Gaara and Sakura. Don't worry I won't disappoint you. All in good time my friends haha
Also, I'm terrible at catching my mistakes. No matter how many times I proof read, once I post the story I still find at least three different errors. Sorry about that guys, I hope it doesn't affect the story too much.
I came out with the next chapter soon!