Chapter Seven: Gaara's Love for Chikaze

It was a hot July morning. Chikaze woke up to the main house bustling as usual, although there was a sense of excitement going throughout the household. Chikaze's bedroom door slid open to her oldest brother, Riku, running towards her. Apart from their hair colour they were near enough looked the same. Riku had short, dark brown hair with choppy layers that framed his face. "What's all the fuss about, Riku nii-san?" Chikaze yawned, running her hand through her hair attempting to rid of any knots. "Gaara's been announced as the new Kazekage." Riku beamed, knowing his little sister would be pleased with the news. Chikaze's eyes filled with tears, upsetting Riku greatly, "I thought you'd be happy...?" She shook her head, letting out a little laugh, "He did it. Gaara-sama did it," Chikaze smiled, wiping her tears of joy. Riku smiled gently, holding his sister. Riku being nineteen understood his sister's strong feelings of affection more than anyone else. "What time is it?" Chikaze asked, getting up to draw the curtains and open the windows to let in the fresh air. It was a gorgeous, sunny day. "It hasn't long turned twelve," Riku answered before leaving the room. Chikaze eyes widened. I slept in! Oh yeah... I don't have any missions today. Boy, would I have been in trouble with Sakurai-sensei. She proceeded to get into her casual wear since she had the day off. She wore a plain white crop top stopping below her breasts that had thin straps, a black high-waisted skirt revealing her midriff and a little too much leg and she also wore her black thigh-high stockings and usual sandals. She tied her hair back into a high, messy pony tail. Being the girl that she is, she spent quite a bit of time putting on her make-up and adjusting herself. She was definitely a girl who was brought up to take pride in the way she looked.

As the year passed people began to know about her feelings for Gaara, such as Temari, Kankuro, her team members, her brothers and even her parents. She had always been secretive about it since it could act as a weakness if ever anyone found out about it. She ran out of the main house, bumping in to her father who had already guessed as to why she had an excited look on her face. "So you've heard already?" Isuma chuckled, looking at his maturing daughter. "Of course I have, Dad!" Chikaze grinned and slightly blushed. "Well aren't you going to congratulate him?" Her father suggested, "Or maybe confess to him..." Isuma murmured, knowing how much his daughter felt for their new Kazekage. Chikaze heard her father's mutters and her stomach dropped, "You know I can't do that." Her heart was heavy when it came to speaking about her confession to Gaara. She had always admired him and his determination to make something out of himself instead of being the person everyone feared. She knew she had to come out with it one day, but she just didn't know how. For every good thing he managed to achieve Chikaze would send a red rose to him, usually for him to find randomly on the street or a child running up to him and giving him the beautiful flower. Chikaze would always find a new way for him to find one. But since this time it was an extremely special occasion Chikaze bought a huge bouquet of them. They had their thorns removed and held together by a red ribbon wrapped around them several times then tied into a perfect bow. She ran out of the florist excited, not even paying attention to where she was going causing her to collide into someone. The bouquet was knocked out of her hands as she fell to the ground. Chikaze sat up slowly, looking around in confusion. A hand stuck out for her to grab, helping her up. Her eyes widened as she saw who it was.

Gaara stood before her, holding the bouquet of roses that she had dropped. Chikaze dusted herself off and looked at him nervously, "I'm so sorry, Kazekage-sama," she bowed her head to him, her heart racing at an inhuman rate, "I wasn't watching where I was going." Gaara looked back and forth at her and the roses, putting the pieces together. Everytime something good happened for Gaara a single red rose would appear for him, and now that he had been announced as Kazekage there in his hands was a huge, fresh bunch of red roses. "It's you." Gaara spoke softly. Chikaze slowly stood up straight and looked at him, her cheeks crimson red. He had figured it out and she had no idea how to explain herself. Gaara took her hand, motioning for the two Jonin (who were accompanying him) not to follow, and took her to the roof of the Kazekage's headquarters. The wind blew gently, flowing through Chikaze's hair and blowing a few of the rose petals from their stems. Gaara continued to hold the roses, looking at Chikaze in wonder. Her blushing seemed to have subsided but her breathing was still uneven, being alone with him made her extremely unbalanced and anxious. "You're the one who's been giving me these?" Gaara asked walking closer to Chikaze who had wandered over to the edge of the roof, holding on to the railings. She took in a deep breath. This is it Chikaze. Don't hold back. She exhaled as she turned around to face Gaara and smiled, catching him off-guard as he remembered each and every time she smiled at him like that. In fact, every time he saw her her face would always light up and she'd smile so kindly at him. Chikaze bit down on her lip, also walking closer to Gaara. "Gaara-sama... you see, I've always cherished you, although from a distance. You've always managed to put a smile on my face, just by looking at you brings me happiness. Even though I'd always wish to be by your side I've never been able to bring myself to say so..." Chikaze paused to take a breath as her voice began to shake, "...Ever since seeing you with Naruto, I knew you'd blossom into something great. I've always... always had high hopes for you." She looked at the ground and fiddled with her fingers.

Gaara walked straight towards her, gently holding her chin, "You were never afraid of me?" He asked, his voice husky and perfect. Chikaze's heart pounded. "As a child I did since I never fully understood what was going on. But growing up, I realised you were in pain and I never considered you something to be afraid of. And now... now you're someone to admire." He let go of her and smiled back, making Chikaze's heart melt. "You were always smiling at me, even though I had hurt and murdered so many people... you always smiled that beautiful smile of yours," Gaara spoke softly, tucking stray hairs that were flying in front of Chikaze's face behind her ear. She looked up at the face of the man that she had fallen so deeply in love with. The wind started to become stronger, blowing with such force that Chikaze was pushed towards Gaara. "S-Sorry.." she muttered as she stepped away from him, but he took her hand and kissed the top of it. Temari had watched the whole scenario on the rooftop, dreading to be the bearer of bad news of Chikaze's future with Gaara. Gaara remained on the rooftop, as Chikaze had left out of Gaara's orders, looking at the village he was now in charge of protecting. Temari approached her youngest brother, "She finally told you huh?" Gaara turned around to look at his sister's face. "You knew?" She smiled gently, "Of course I did. I've known her for a long time now. I always thought it was obvious. You know, everytime she learned you were on an A or B rank mission she'd be worried the entire day, but she always knew you'd come home safe making her so much more determined to become stronger for-" Temari shut her mouth before she said it in the wrong way. Gaara looked confused, "Stronger for what?" Temari should have known this would have gotten him curious. "Gaara... I only want what's best for you, and if you want to have a long happy relationship with someone then choose a different girl. Her life her is very short and she won't be able to give you the happiness as any other girl around here," Temari felt as if she was betraying Chikaze but it was the truth, she would have said anything to prevent Gaara knowing her fate. "Temari, please make yourself clearer." Gaara spoke bluntly, wanting to get straight to the point. "Before you or Chikaze were born our village was going through financial problems. Our father had made a bad deal with the Akatsuki and the council members figured that they couldn't pay them for their duties. So in turn, Isuma Yamauchi as a council member decided to give up his only daughter on the night of her sixteenth birthday. She was born six days after you," Temari explained, "Which is why I don't think it would be wise for you to become close if it's only going to end up with the both of you heartbroken." She placed a hand on her brother's shoulder, squeezing it gently.

Gaara sighed heavily, gently removing Temari's hand from him. "I really appreciate your concern Temari, but she's done nothing but admire and care for me. Even though she saw the monster I could turn into she pushed that to the back of her mind and hoped for the best for me. Her smile has always been with me although it's only just become clear to me... she's always been there somehow," He looked up at the clouds, "Apart from Naruto, I've never met anyone so humble. Besides, taking risks is a part of life." Temari accepted her brother's view. It seemed he was determined to give this a chance. "Gaara, as your sister, I hope everything goes well for you and Chikaze. I regret having to be the one to tell you of her family's burden and having to express my concerns, but aside from that, Chikaze Yamauchi is an extraordinary girl. Kind but fierce, balanced and always level-headed. She's really something," Temari smiled. Gaara felt truly accepted by Chikaze. Her genuine care and devotion for him had opened something up in his heart. Although he had taken on the difficult job of being Kazekage, he felt that he would always have time for Chikaze as she had always found the time to worry and fuss over him.

On the last December that Chikaze would spend with her family, she and Gaara had finally decided to announce to her parents that they were official. It was a very formal meeting. Although Gaara was the Kazekage, he still wanted the approval of Chikaze's parents. They were sat in the main sitting room of the estate. Tea was served between the four of them: Isuma, Sayuri, Chikaze and Gaara. Surprisingly, Gaara had previously been slightly nervous although Chikaze managed to bring his confidence up. "Yamauchi-sama, I've come to care deeply for your daughter. Although we've merely known each other for so many months-" Gaara began but Isuma stopped him, making both Chikaze and Gaara feel slightly uneasy. "My daughter has always felt deeply for you, Kazekage-sama. Her heart has always belonged to you, whether you knew it or not." Isuma smiled sincerely. "I've come to appreciate this, and her most of all. Regardless of my status, I, as a man, would like to have both of your blessings." Gaara bowed his head to Sayuri and Isuma, shocking them slightly. Sayuri leaned over to Gaara, putting her hand over his. "You had our blessing as soon as you realised Chikaze's feelings. She has a good head on her shoulders, so we trust her judgement. Isuma and I are very happy for the both of you." Sayuri beamed but her sudden change of tone caught the two by surprised, "I assume you know about our Chikaze?" Gaara nodded, his concern growing. "There was a very particular set of conditions that we must abide by from the Akatsuki. Chikaze is required to stay a virgin-"

Chikaze's faced flushed crimson once more, but it did not compare to the shades that her father and Gaara turned. "Mother!" Chikaze blushed insanely. Sayuri sighed, "Gaara-sama, although this is an embarrassing subject but it is still serious. I cannot risk my daughter's or our villages' safety by slipping up on this detail. She is far too precious to us." With the embarrassment aside, the situation had turned serious. "I understand perfectly, Sayuri-san. I would never risk Chikaze, no matter what. She is also extremely precious to me." Gaara spoke sincerely, gripping Chikaze's hand. Hearing all this broke Chikaze in two. She had dreamed of being with Gaara since she could remember and now that she finally has him, something like this was forbidden. Her love for Gaara was so deep that she would have risked anything and everything for him, even by ignoring the rules of the Akatsuki. But she was brought up better than to think about herself all the time. She knew the consequences and she would never risk her village.

She and Gaara had retreated to the huge green garden of the Yamauchi estate. They laid on the grass with Gaara resting his head across Chikaze's lap. The both of them sighed heavily. "Gaara... I've always wished for you to be the man that turned me into a woman. I cannot bear the thought of giving my innocence to anyone else-" Gaara sat up, holding Chikaze's face. "You'll get through it. As long as I'm in your heart then I'm happy," Gaara kissed her forehead, stroking her hair gently. She began to shake slightly and at that moment he knew she had started crying. Gaara was hurting deeply too. For Chikaze to have to suffer at the hands of the Akatsuki for the sake of the village enraged him inside. He knew what it was like to be used for the village's advantage and progression. Gaara held her tightly, tucking her head under his chin and wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "You're stronger than you think, Chikaze. You and I will always be together at heart. As much as I want to physically express my love for you, I cannot... only because of the greater suffering it might cause you," he kissed her hair, "I would never put you in danger." Although no one would have known it by looking at him, Gaara was very affectionate when it came to Chikaze.

Before Gaara left the estate he had a private conversation with Isuma. "Yamauchi-sama, my relationship with Chikaze must be kept quiet. If any of my enemies find out about her, they'll use her against me. She is my greatest weakness alongside the village. The people who know will be the only people who know about us," Gaara spoke sincerely with Chikaze's well-being always being his main concern. Isuma nodded in agreement, appreciating Gaara's decision. After all, it was for his only daughter's safety. Chikaze waited by the entrance of the main house as Gaara came out from her father's office. "Gaara-sama..." she smiled as turned around from hearing his footsteps. She stood up and approached him. He looked slightly heavy-hearted but brushed it off and stroked Chikaze's hair, kissing her lightly on the forehead. "I have things to attend to now. Take care, Chikaze," Gaara smiled gently then kissed her lightly on the lips before leaving promptly. Chikaze watched him leave, upset that he had to leave so soon but understood that he had a duty to fulfil. Unfortunately from then, the both had been distant what with many missions and Gaara having copious amounts of paperwork, never-ending meetings and keeping the village running smoothly. They only ever saw each other for a few hours every week, causing a huge rift to grow between them. Although their very little time with each other was extremely precious and always spent well.

The distance between them stretched as far as January, leading up to their birthdays. Chikaze had already planned for another bouquet of red roses to be sent to his office before she had set out on a mission, knowing it was likely that she wouldn't see him for a few days. Although this time she had asked for a note she had writtenn herself to be sent with it saying: "Happy birthday, my Kazekage. I hope your day goes well and your wishes come true. Always take care. Love Chikaze."

It turned out she was right and didn't return to the village two days after Gaara's birthday. Chikaze had little to no time when she returned as she had to prepare for her birthday festivities: choosing flowers, decorations, fireworks, food and drink and sending out invites which had been previously done by her mother. Chikaze had to also have rehearsals for her dance, a fitting for her new kimono robe and having to design a custom made Kanzashi hair ornament as a gift from her older brothers.

Chikaze sat at a teahouse, with only 48 hours before her big day, resting quietly after such a busy past two days. She slumped herself over the table, her hands wrapped around a warm cup of green tea. She was exhausted even though she had a full night's sleep. She began to doze off but was surprised by a loud bang on the table. She turned her head, still resting on the table, to look at where the noise came from. Temari stood over her, her fist on the table and a huge grin on her face. "Gaara's just come out from a meeting and he's got some time to himself, you should go see him," Temari suggested, sitting beside Chikaze who hid her face by wrapping her arms around her head on the table. "He's probably too tired and too busy to see me right now, and plus I don't really know what's going on since I haven't seen him in over a week. We haven't had any communication since we've been so caught up in things and since I've been back I've had to deal with all sorts for my birthday. It's exhausting, Temari-san," Chikaze complained, her voice slightly muffled as her face was encased by her arms. Temari patted Chikaze's head, "I know he's been missing you, and I hate to bring this up but you've only got a few days left so you should spend as much time as you can with Gaara."

Temari was right. Chikaze's birthday was extremely extravagant and grand this year as it was to mark the day of her leaving the village as well as celebrate her sixteenth birthday. Chikaze sipped at her tea, feeling gloomy at the thought of leaving Gaara for an indefinite amount of time, never knowing when she'd see him or her family again. It frightened her. "Where is he?" She asked, facing Temari with a gentle smile.

"Here." Chikaze heard his voice from the entrance of the tea house. She whipped her head round with her black hair following. Her heart pumped rapidly as she saw him, running towards him and embracing him tighter than she had ever before. Gaara snuggled his face into her hair, returning her hug. "I've missed you so much," She said into his chest, not ever wanting to let go of him. He held her at arms length taking a good look at her and making sure she was looking well, then he noticed the look on her face. Her heavy heart was shining through her eyes. "I'll spend the day with you tomorrow," Gaara smiled, kissing her forehead. Although he had things to do, she was glad that he was setting aside a day just for them.

Unfortunately their day had flown by ridiculously fast and by the time they had realised it, it was already turning eleven in the evening. Gaara had walked Chikaze to the entrance of the Yamauchi estate. "You've had something to say all day," Chikaze surprised Gaara, who had thought he had hidden it quite well, "What's the matter?" Gaara gently took her hand, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "I've got to leave tomorrow to discuss some things in the Leaf Village... and I don't know when I'll return to you." Chikaze's heart sunk deeper than it ever has before. She felt a genuine emptiness in her chest as he said those last words. "So this... this might be the last time..." Chikaze struggled to keep her voice steady, choking back her tears. Gaara pulled her closer, running his hand through her hair. They remained silent for some time whilst Gaara continued to hold her tightly. Chikaze tugged at his collar, pulling him into a passionate kiss. He followed her lead, entering her mouth with his tongue and gripping her waist tightly. Gaara pushed her up against the wall, rubbing against her. Chikaze let out a moan into Gaara's mouth, reaching for his hair which she held on to passionately. They paused for breath, "Stay with me tonight?" Chikaze looked into his eyes as if she were begging for him to comply. Gaara looked slightly hesitant but simply smiled and kissed her forehead.

They retreated to Chikaze's room. As soon as they entered the room, they had begun to kiss passionately once more, falling on to her bed. Chikaze sat on top of Gaara, kissing his neck and collar bone. She began to remove his shirt but Gaara sat up, taking her hand to stop her as she sat on his lap confused. "I can't let this go any further," he announced, tucking stray hairs behind her ear, "As your Kazekage I want to avoid going against those conditions, and as your lover I want to protect you even if it costs me moments like these." Chikaze sighed, touching his forehead with hers. "You really do care about me, don't you?" She asked whilst getting up from him to change into her sleeping attire which was a plain black night dress that fell above her knees. Gaara had stripped down to his underwear and got under the covers with Chikaze. The only lights came from the dim lamp on Chikaze's bedside table and the moon leaking into the room through the window. Gaara rested his head on her chest, closing his eyes as he felt completely relaxed in her presence. Chikaze played with his hair, watching his head rise as she breathed steadily. She couldn't imagine the kind of torture Gaara was going through at the moment, knowing that tonight may well be the last night they'll see each other for a very long time. "Are you worried?" Chikaze asked Gaara, who's face scrunched at her question. "You know I worry about you all the time. Even more now," Gaara sighed, stroking her leg gently. "Well then... I love you," she whispered to him whilst he took her hand and kissed it.

By the time Chikaze had woken up the next morning, Gaara had already left. She sat up, leaning against the headboard as she hugged her knees. Her bedroom door slid open to her mother. Her arms were folded as she leaned on the door frame. "You should have seen how upset he was leaving this morning," Sayuri spoke softly to her daughter who was deeply dismayed. She sat on her daughter's bed, placing a hand on her knee. "You'll be all right," she assured Chikaze before leaving her to her thoughts.

He's going to miss my birthday and I doubt I'll ever see him again. This is just far too cruel.

DISCLAIMER: I have no idea when Gaara is actually made Kazekage and only wrote July as it would be more relevant to the story.

Hey guys, I really appreciate you all reading my story. It's taken my quite a while to put this up, I guess it's writer's block. So anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying it so far. I know I do drag on a little but it's all for the best! I doubt this gets many views but I'd really appreciate reviews, messages and what-not. It'd really motivate me a little more. Please & thank you!