Gah! My sincere apologies for taking so long to update. The last two weeks I've been busy with the start of school, scrambling about like a chicken with its head cut off and whatnot.
Hopefully this chapter will make up for it, but before that- I have a special author's note below from the other author of this story, Sora herself:
"Hey everyone, I'm Sora. I have to tell ya… I'm both pleased and amazed you guys have become such avid readers of our story! And don't think I've skipped over reading the reviews you guys posted.
Okay, to answer a popular question first: When the story starts, Gaara is 16. Lol, sorry I never made that clear! ; And second, the reason Gaara has been living in Konoha… will be revealed in a later chapter! XD I'm so mean, but that would ruin the surprise now, wouldn't it? Third, Gaara is not Kazekage… yet. XD But I'm not going to say any more on that subject, lol.
And lastly, some shout outs to a few reviewers! Animestar001, thanks for sticking around this whole time. And to answer your question, Sachi is about 16 in the beginning of the story.
LadyAmazon, I thank you for your approval! And for your helpful hints and suggestions.
Oh, and JinxedPixie… o0 I would be forever grateful, if I didn't get attacked in the future.
In short, thanks everyone! Without great readers, a story is nothing but words. Thanks a bunch and please keep reviewing!"
And now for a warning- This story does contain a lemon, so please read at your own discretion.
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The Sand village was strangely quiet in the streets, not a person could be seen. Nearly everyone was gathered in front of a very large, important-looking building. There were guards stationed at the front door and many more spread out amongst the crowd… always on the lookout for any assassins.
The villagers were loud, all talking amongst themselves. There was a tall figure on the balcony high above them cloaked in white, with the hood pulled up to hide his features. No one had seen who was directing Suna's nin forces or who was keeping the village so peaceful, after the rather sudden death of their leader one year ago. Everyone was both excited… and nervous.
It had taken her quite a while to reach Suna, but she finally arrived. Sachi kept her head lowered as she walked past the village gates, eyes flickering around her in contained curiosity as she went.
One thing that bothered her was the sand… It was everywhere she looked, and she couldn't get away from it.
Another thing she noticed was that the people here dressed oddly, and apparently she stood out because every once and a while she would catch a villager or two shooting odd glances towards her. She managed to ignore them though, and in less than a dozen minutes she was headed towards the center of the village.
A strong built man in brightly colored robes walked out onto the balcony, hands raised to quiet the roaring crowd.
"My people, it has been a very heart-wrenching year for us all." He said in a grave tone, and the people bowed their heads. The Minister lowered his hands and placed them on the balcony railing, "It was only a day after we laid to rest one of our most brave, if not feared nin… Gaara-san, that we lost our beloved leader as well. But it has not been in vain!"
The people made noises of uneasiness as he went on. "Over the past year we have had a new leader… Someone in the shadows, not wishing to been seen. But nonetheless, watching over us all. Now we honor him... No, ourselves, by handing over to him the official title of Kazekage!" Yet another loud roar was let loose as he raised his hands again.
Sachi darted down a deserted side street, and on the other end of the alley she caught sight of the growing crowd. As quickly as possible she moved closer, looking up to the balcony just in time to see an older man who appeared to be giving a speech.
She listened intently, until a single word, a single name caught her attention. Her eyes widened and she felt the same constriction in her throat as she had in the Hokage's office. The crowd cheered around her as she stared blankly at the ground, now wanting this to be over with as quickly as possible so that she could leave.
The Minister waited until the crowd had quieted down before speaking again.
"Our beloved leader performed one last act of goodness, indecently causing her death... but it was for the greater good of Suna. In her own words, she believed it to be her one and only good act… and was truly happy in her crossing."
The white cloaked figure stepped from behind the large curtain, standing just to the side of the Minister. "I am proud to introduce, or in his case, welcome back… Gaara-sama, Kazekage!" At this the tall figure reached up and removed his hood, allowing light to fall on his features. There stood Gaara, once thought to be dead. He was taller now, looking no worse for the wear. He looked over the mass of villagers, no emotion showing on his face as he bowed politely to the crowd.
Sachi nearly choked, and her head snapped up so quickly she was surprised it hadn't broken. Her eyes studied the figure for a moment, in shock and fearful that she was perhaps hallucinating.
No… It really was him. She blinked back the all too familiar hot tears that threatened to spill from her eyes as her breath seemed to become trapped in her lungs, unable to escape. She wasn't quite sure how, but he was… alive again.
Without realizing it she began approaching closer to the Tower, pushing her way slowly through the crowd while she fought against letting her legs collapse out from underneath her.
The Minister backed up, making room for Gaara to come forward. The crowd seemed shocked and everyone fell silent. Gaara looked over the group as some of the women looked fearful or teary eyed.
He cleared his throat and spoke slowly. "Over the past year, I have been taking care of you… I have also been trying to gain back something I seem to have lost most of. My past is not clear to me… More like a cloudy vision in sleep." He appeared to catch himself and shake his head.
"I will do my best, as I have been doing. It is an honor to protect Suna." The crowd cheered, though many still looked unsure.
The Minister placed a hand on Gaara's shoulder as the new Kazekage walked back into the building; the older male then proceeded to thank all those who attended.
"-And though there may be rumors about the demon… He is gone-, dead. Gaara is his own person, and a better one for it. I thank you all again." He concluded as he and the rest of his procession moved back into the building.
Sachi froze mid-step when the sound of his voice reached her, and she tensed up when the words that he said had sunk in. He couldn't remember his past… Did that also mean he didn't remember her? There was only one way to find out.
She gingerly maneuvered her way through the rest of the crowd, slipping between people as carefully as possible without hitting them with the tip of her bow. Stepping around the large building she found the wooden entry doors, only stopping long enough to give the guards her purpose before they grudgingly let her through. She didn't need to be told twice and she slipped through the double doors, hoping she would be able to navigate her way to the top without getting lost.
Gaara sighed as he sat once more behind the large wooden desk in the Kazekage's office. He was looking around when the Minister entered the room. "Gaara-sama, if I may... I don't think it was wise to let the people know of your memory lapse."
He frowned, "They will have to accept it if they are to accept me." He replied, not even glancing up at the Minister. The Minister bowed, but frowned as he left without another word.
Gaara was glad to be left alone… Although he knew there were guards still outside of the office should he need assistance. Though he had control of sand once again, so he knew not why he would need them… other than target practice. He chuckled quietly at the thought.
Lucky her, she had only managed to get lost in the hallways once before getting proper directions as to where his office was located.
Turning yet another sharp corner, she gave a silent breath of relief when her gaze fell upon the large, heavy oak doors was no doubt what she was looking for. Slowly, almost timidly, she sidled up to the brutish-looking guards, the carpet below her feet muffling her footsteps.
"Um- Excuse me… I'm from the Hidden Leaf Village and… I wish to speak to the Kazekage." It took a lot of will power not to just call him 'Gaara', but she had to show respect outside of her village.
One of the guards went inside the office, The other made her wait. "Just a moment, please."
The guard inside bowed to Gaara, "Lord Kazekage, There is a woman here from Konoha. She wishes an audience." Gaara looked up and instantly sat straighter. "Let her in."
As the guard went out to tell her to enter, Gaara straightened his robes. He quickly made sure his desk was neat and cleared his throat. After all… maybe it was Her, the girl from his dream.
Sachi tensed as the guard stepped out and beckoned her into the room. With a polite nod of her head she walked up to wrench open the heavy door, appearing to struggle with its weight for a moment before finally prying it open all the way.
Once she was on the other side she turned, making sure the door was completely shut before whipping around to face the one person she had thought to have been lost forever. But he had lost his memory, and if she said the wrong thing it could make matters much worse. She didn't want to do something she regretted, and again she took on that respectful air about her.
"Kazekage-sama… Do you know who I am?"
Gaara stood slowly, an excited but unsure look in his eyes. "…You're the girl from my dream." He stated. Though he might've looked a bit older and taller, at this moment he felt very small, as if his whole world hung on her answer. His breathing was soft and uneasy, dreading the silence in the air.
It was apparent that he didn't fully remember her from his delayed reply, but the fact that he had put some recognition to her was a good start.
She nodded unsurely and took a small step towards him. "My name is Sachi…" She paused, unable to look away from him as she debated how much she should say.
His mere presence was making her jittery, having not seen him for so long and thinking him to be gone for good. "We used to know each other, back in Konoha, before you…" her voice snapped off again, not able to finish.
"The dreams are very...vivid." He murmured, a small blush appearing on his cheeks.
He came slowly around the desk to stand in front of her. "I could not stop thinking about you… ever since the first dream. Sachi, I am glad you found me." He said, taking a small step closer.
"I-...I remember the day it happened… I remember everything going dark, and you. You were so brave… You loved me so much." He said slowly, reaching out to take her hand softly.
A saddened smile formed on her lips and her vision seemed to blur as he spoke of the time when she had last seen him alive; the day Shukaku had taken over his body.
She reached up briefly to brush her fingers across a series of small raised spots on her shoulder, the scar that had been left by the demon. When she felt her other hand become enveloped in his it was as if her self-restraint had broken into a dozen pieces.
Without warning her body seemed to act of its own accord, and she shot forward to wrap her arms tightly around him. She didn't even think about the fact that the action may have startled him, only pressing her face into his chest and speaking in a muffled tone, "I've missed you, Gaara."
Gaara was surprised by her gesture, though he put his arms slowly around her.
He knew he must have done this before, but it was still a cloudy part of his memory. After all, he had died… and lucky for him brought back.
He wasn't sure what to do, but then an image sequence suddenly came to his mind; it was of the night before he had to leave for his last mission... and he became partially rigid.
"Sorry." Sachi managed to squeak out, taking the opportunity to loosen her hold on him. Everything was completely overwhelming, just to think that on the very day after he had died a year ago, she was seeing him again, alive.
Her head tilted back to look him in the eyes with an almost sheepish expression plastered to her face.
Gaara looked down at her, and a small smile appeared on his face.
"No, it's okay. It feels… like I'm supposed to hold you." he said, pulling her against him.
Slowly, he began to remember a few things about her; how she had stayed by his bedside so many nights in the hospital, how she had cried when she heard he had to leave on a mission, and how she had whispered comforting words to him after they made love for the first time. It was starting to come back... but there were still loop-holes.
He leaned in closer so that his forehead was on hers, when there was a knock at the door.
Gaara looked up, "What is it?" He asked.
"My lord Kazekage…The woman cannot stay in there forever. You have your duties..."
Gaara frowned, "Minister, I am fully aware of what needs to be done.""I shall be retiring to my chambers with my guest. I do not want to be disturbed unless there is a large-scale disaster."
The Minister's scoff could be heard plainly as he stomped away.
Gaara looked back down at Sachi, sighing softly as he played with a bit of her hair. "Sometimes he forgets who's really in charge."
Her eyes closed from the contact. The warmth of his body against hers, his voice, it all brought back the memories that she had tried so desperately to push to the farthest corners of her mind.
When the conversation between him and the Minister had come to an end Sachi remained still, leaning into him a bit.
Her gaze moved to the doorway briefly before trailing back up to him. "So it seems." She answered jokingly, her smile still unwavering. "I still can't believe you're the Kazekage now." She chuckled, for the first time realizing how much taller he had gotten.
Gaara seemed to stand a little taller when she mentioned his new title. He smiled a bit, "Well, I've been playing the part for eleven months now… It just became official today."
He instinctively began to rub her back; even though he had remembered he used to do this before, it all seemed different.
He stared at her with a renewed solemn look, "Sachi. I'm sorry I made you go through all that mess, and having to live with it for a year... It must have been rough on you." He said, pulling back and looking upset with himself. Would they ever go back to how it was? Would she love him as much, or would she leave him once he got caught up in the duties of being Kazekage?
Sachi looked down at her feet, her other hand resting on his upper arm. A small smile flickered to life and she looked back up at him reassuringly.
"It's… It's okay. I'm just glad that I found you again… and that you're okay now." The smile faltered for a moment and her grip on his arm tightened unconsciously, as if she was afraid that he would leave her again.
Of course it had been difficult in the last year, thinking that she'd never see him again. It had almost come to the point of being unbearable, but all that mattered now was that he was here, alive and well in front of her.
Gaara still looked unsure, "It won't be the same… Sachi, I was actually dead! And because the old Kazekage brought me back… she's paid the price with her life instead. How can I live with that?" He asked. His voice was calm, yet heavy with disappointment and sorrow as he turned away to look out the window.
She sighed and stepped up behind him, "Gaara, the Kazekage knew what she was doing, I'm sure she had a purpose to bring you back. You care for this village, I can tell. And you'd probably do everything in your power to protect it." The tone she used was neither frustrated nor annoyed. It shook slightly, as if she was unsure of what to say, and it came out sounding timid.
Her head lifted up, eyes picking out a blank spot on the wall opposite of them to stare at.
Gaara nodded his head before turning around and taking her hand again. He held it gingerly, as if it would break. He traced his fingers along her skin as if remembering every line before looking at her and pulling her close, resting his head on hers. Her scent… It was so familiar, and he smiled softly.
"Come." He said, tugging on her hand gently as he headed for the doors. "We'll go to my chambers, where no one will bother us." He opened the doors and was pleased to find that his personal guards were indeed gone for their rest.
Her face lit up with a smile once more, and she gave his hand a light squeeze as she followed in his wake. As they walked her gaze scanned everything they passed with curiosity. Everything was so… fancy; something she wasn't quite used to seeing except on occasional visits to the Hokage Tower in Konoha.
Gaara looked back and smiled at her reaction. Many people in the building bowed deeply as the passed, and he nodded to them. They reached the bottom floor and went down one level into the basement, where his chambers were.
As they entered Gaara closed the doors and gave Sachi time to look around. It was more finely furnished than any other part of the Suna palace.
There was a large bed with a canopy, light tan-colored material acted like curtains surrounding it, as well as a short table with lavishly embroidered pillows for sitting and other fine things such as a silver set for tea.
"Wow. Fancy living, neh?" she remarked jokingly as she stepped further into the large room. She spun around slowly to take everything else in, the bed, the table, and the rest of the furnishings. "It's beautiful."
She turned back around with a smaller smile, taking a few steps towards him as she spoke.
Gaara stood proudly, "Well… It's fine I suppose, though it doesn't make it seem like much of a home." He said, wrinkling his nose a little in play. He then smiled at her, also taking a few steps toward her. "I'm glad you like it."
"Hmm… You should have it furnished the way you want." She smirked, reaching a hand up to muffle a laugh at the thought of the Minister blabbering on relentlessly just for a change of furniture. As her hand dropped to her side she took another few steps forward, closing the gap that stood between them.
Her arms snaked around his waist much like they had earlier and she leaned into him again, just grateful for his presence.
Gaara smiled and had to laugh as he thought of when he had tried to change the décor… and shook his head, "I would rather not go through that again." He said.
His laughter subsided however as she hugged him, and he smiled a bit softer. He put his arms loosely around her, just letting his eyes wander over her features.
Gently, he tilted her head up to look at him, "I know I've said this before, but it seems like so long ago." He sighed and leaned in closer, his face barely an inch away from hers.
"I love you." He said softly. Not only was it to her, but also to reassure himself that it was true. Slowly he placed his lips on hers, and it was like a wake-up call to his system. A shiver went down his back and he held her more firmly.
His breath brushed against her cheek when he had spoken, and she closed her eyes slowly. It seemed like everything else around them was extinguished as she felt his warm lips on hers.
It wasn't until then that she realized how much she had truly missed him, and her heart seemed to skip a beat.
Sachi's hands untangled themselves from around his waist, only to be linked back together loosely around his shoulders. Her lips twitched into a smile and she moved to deepen the kiss, running the tip of her tongue lightly across his bottom lip.
Gaara's heart rate picked up as she moved to deepen the kiss. He was a little nervous, half hoping he was as good at this as he was before… but only she could judge that.
He held her tightly against him, wanting nothing to make this moment end. He kissed her back, opening his mouth for her and letting his own tongue rub against hers a little unsurely.
His taste was just as she had remembered it to be; intoxicating, and she couldn't seem to get enough of it. Though she could feel his hesitancy, and her smile widened a fraction as she leaned forward more. She gave a content muffled sigh into the kiss to urge him on, the tips of her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns across the back of his neck.
Gaara went along with her lead, becoming more confident as he used his hands to lovingly rub her hips.
He heard footsteps coming down the hall toward his quarters and he reached a hand behind him. Sand quickly sprung from the two vases on either side of the doors and covered them like another wall, and Gaara smirked into the kiss.
Her eyes opened briefly to see what he had done with the sand, and she choked back a giggle. Instead, she took the chance to break away from the kiss momentarily to catch her breath, before tilting her head to plant a trail of kisses along his jaw line. Her body pressed against his, and her eyes fluttered shut again.
Gaara let out a small gasp, his head tilting up as she kissed along his jaw. He squeezed her hips and held them tightly against him. As his breath lightened and hitched, his heart was beating erratically. To him it felt new, but also like something he had done before at the same time.
She kissed her way down to the side of his neck, using the very tip of her tongue to taste the skin there. Her arms removed themselves from around his shoulders, taking their original place around his waist. Her teeth grazed against the crook of his neck and she slowly- almost unsurely began stepping backwards, though not quite sure where she was going.
Gaara let his eyes flutter closed at her touch, and shivers went down his spine as her teeth grazed across his skin. He opened them in time to see as well as feel her pulling him with her as she began backing up.
He smiled and steered her around so that he was going backwards instead. This way he guided her back to his large bed and parted back the curtain. He pulled her to him, crushing her against him as he flopped back onto the bed, pulling her down into a bruising kiss.
This time she really did let out a restrained giggle, feeling that his hesitancy was diminishing as they went on. Sachi wriggled against him for a few brief moments, and her arms took their place around him again as she returned the kiss passionately. It was like an old seemingly burnt out flame in her chest had suddenly ignited again.
Gaara pulled away a bit to nibble on her ear, chuckling slightly. He sighed contentedly as laid back, smiling softly up at her.
A year ago after being brought back, he had felt so empty. Now it was like he was whole again, having found her.
Suddenly he could hear the Minister from outside the doors, going on about some dinner with someone else important. He had the sand rattle the doors in warning and the Minister shut up.
Sachi emitted something that sounded like a mix between a sigh and a light groan, and she did her best to muffle it in fear of anyone that happened to be just outside the door hearing her. Her hands gripped lightly onto the fabric of his Kazekage robes as she pressed her body further down onto him carefully, going to nip at his neck as she had before.
Gaara let out a breathily light moan, his head going back to allow her more access to his neck. He didn't care who heard. If anyone dared to bring it up in the morning, he would easily have them detained.
He arched slightly; holding her hips and grinding up into her.
Not quite expecting the action, Sachi gave a small mouse-like squeak of surprise before lifting herself up from him.
Almost clumsily, she began tugging at his robes in an impatient attempt at getting them off.
Gaara managed to wriggle out of the top half of his robes, the rest gathering around his waist. He pulled her down for another kiss before tugging off her shirt, discarding it to the side.
Sachi pressed herself against him once more to return the kiss, and then pulled away to suck lightly on his lower lip. Her hands ran along the length of his chest leisurely before slowly moving down to caress his sides.
Another small sigh worked its way out as she felt his smoothened skin under her fingers, and her breathing was beginning to pick up.
Gaara panted softly, kissing her again lovingly as one hand went to caress her silver locks. His other hand ran along her thigh. He was becoming anxious; wanting to feel more of her soft skin.
She mumbled something undistinguishable as she sat up and began to undo her pants, fumbling momentarily before slipping them off. A teasing half-smile formed on her lips as she draped herself back over him again, capturing his lips with hers to continue their kiss.
Gaara smirked into the kiss, nibbling her tongue in a light playful manner. He reached up to her bra and quickly undid the pesky undergarment, tossing it aside. Slowly he let his fingers roam over her breasts; letting them remember by touch.
Sachi gave a loud moan, not even bothering to suppress it this time. A few memories came to the forefront of her mind from when they had made love for the first time, and now it felt almost as if their whole year apart had never happened- it was just them. Her body was now fully covering his again and she arched against him, hips grinding into his.
Gaara' s head went back and he grasped one breast firmly as he groaned.
He thrust his hips back up into hers, trying to wiggle out of his robes. With one hand it was hard; he smirked as he called up sand from a small vase and it pulled off his pants for him.
A second moan melted into a quiet snicker as she felt the gritty substance brush against her leg in its task of removing his pants.
She could now fully feel his excitement pressing against her, separated only by their last barriers of clothing.
Her fingers slipped down to the waistband of his boxers, and in one fluid movement she began tugging them off. Sachi shifted forward smoothly, adjusting herself so that she was straddling his stomach before leaning back down onto his chest.
Gaara blushed when his last article of clothing was removed, but quickly tried to cover it up by caressing and kissing her breasts lightly, trailing his tongue over her sensitive nipples. He rubbed her hips as he did so, tugging off her panties.
She arched against him again and a pleasant shudder ran along her spine.
Despite the fact that they had done this before, she still had the vague feeling of self-consciousness, and her face flushed a light pink. As her hand began trailing downwards across his chest and lower abdomen, she kept her unfocused gaze on him, wanting to see his reactions as well as keeping watch for any sign of hesitancy in his expression.
Gaara pulled away for a moment, his hands still grasping her hips. "Sachi." He said her name, his voice drenched with longing. Slowly he let his hand trail down her legs, slipping between them to gently rub her wet pink folds firmly, but carefully. He wanted to make it up to her; to make up for his year of absence.
Sachi whimpered loudly, throwing her head back as she nearly collapsed against him when she felt his fingers against her. Wanting desperately to return the favor she reached behind her, unsurely brushing the very tips of her fingers against his hardened member.
Gaara grasped her hand, giving her a loving kiss.
"This is for you." He whispered, slipping a finger inside her. Slowly, he thrusted in and out with it before adding another. He wanted to please her… and make sure he didn't hurt her later. But he also wanted her to know, that he wanted to make her happy.
Sachi whispered his name into the kiss as her senses began to heighten, her heart beating rapidly, and her breath coming out in short, ragged gasps. It was becoming increasingly harder for her to function properly, and her hips thrust forward against him uncontrollably.
Slender fingers encircled his manhood entirely, and she began moving her hand up and down lightly, trying to please him as he was pleasing her.
Gaara moaned out and leaned back from the kiss, withdrawing his fingers and pulling her hand away from his member at the same time.
He kissed her again before looking at her, a little unsure. "Ready?" He asked, close to the point of panting.
"Yes…" Her voice came out sounding hoarse, yet it contained a pleading tone to it.
Sachi placed her hands onto his chest to steady herself before scooting back. Her hips aligned with his, hovering just above him before she looked back down, her eyes clouded with lust.
Gaara glanced down and placed his member just under her entrance. He leaned up to kiss her, and he thrust up into her as he pulled her hips down. He rolled his hips up into her with a semi-moderate pace as pleasure slowly began creeping throughout his body, causing him to groan even louder.
Sachi pressed her face into the crook of his neck to stifle the considerably deeper moan that arose.
His earlier actions had already brought her close to her breaking point, and with each thrust she was getting even closer. Her hips lifted up from his again, but this time she quickly brought them back down onto him before bringing her lips up next to his ear to murmur urging words.
Gaara picked up the pace, still holding onto her hips as he thrusted up deeply into her. He could feel his own release coming… but it wasn't quite as near yet.
He began sucking on one of her pert nipples, swirling his tongue around it, hoping to heighten her pleasure.
"Gaara…-" Sachi muttered out his name as she rolled her head back, no longer able to lift her hips from him as she had been doing. One hand shot up to tangle into his hair, the other clenching at the sheets beneath her. She was so close; she could already feel her muscles tensing in preparation.
Gaara lifted her by her hips, bringing her down hard on him and moaning loudly. Now he was almost there; He began to nibble lightly on her nipple, moving her faster and with more force.
That final hard thrust was what finally pushed her over the edge, and she arched her hips into him one last time as her body felt like it had been set aflame. A hushed moan turned into a cry of pleasure and her eyes closed forcefully shut as she fell against him at once, breathing hashly.
Gaara felt her grow tight around him and he gritted his teeth. He had to keep thrusting, not ready to release yet.
"I'm… S-sorry." He said, thrusting up a few more times before pushing himself deeply inside her and releasing his seed. He went limp against the bed, panting hard and unable to pull out until he could get up a little energy.
After the waves of intense pleasure had died down only a sort of fatigued, light-headed sensation remained. Sachi sighed contentedly as she weakly wrapped her arms around him in a loving embrace, hoping to convey her feelings through the small gesture.
Without even realizing it, a small tear had slipped down her cheek and a powerful emotion overcame her… It had been so long since she had seen him, and this made her realize she never wanted to be apart from him for that length of time ever again.
Gaara felt her tear fall on him, and fear crept into his senses. "Sachi? I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked.
Gently rubbing her back, he worried he might have done something wrong. He certainly didn't want her to remember this night by thinking how he had ruined it. He just got her back, and he would not be able to live with himself if that were the case.
Sachi shook her head violently, giving him a warm smile as she did so. "No, no. It's nothing like that."
She lifted her head so that she could look him in the eyes properly before continuing. "…This past year, when I thought I had lost you for good… I felt like part of me had died along with you. But now it's like I've found that part again- like you've brought it back to life." She whispered, her head lowering again so that her chin rested on his chest.
Gaara smiled almost sadly. "It's been the same for me. When I was… brought back, I felt lost. And when I started to remember and have dreams of you, I felt I had to find you, or else I'd be lost forever." He nuzzled her shoulder tenderly.
"Then I'm glad we found each other again." She teased, her face taking on a calmer, more serene expression as she rolled onto her side to cuddle against him. She felt a wave of peace hit her, like the sense of fulfillment would never leave her as long as she was with him.
Gaara smiled, "I am too." He put an arm around her and pulled the blankets over them. In a few moments he closed his eyes, fully aware of what he would have with her come tomorrow.
Her eyelids drooped shut, and she gave a small yawn as she squirmed to get as close as she could to him. She mumbled something else as a thick veil of darkness seemed to drape over her, and she fell into a dreamless sleep, definitely among the most peaceful she had experienced in the last twelve months.
Gaara closed his eyes, for once over this past year he felt truly complete. He was happy, and no longer confused.
He knew now exactly who he was. He was Gaara- Kazekage, and Sachi's one love.
He sighed and soon drifted off to sleep.