Chapter Nine
Of Tales Hastily Told
You know I can't just replace you in Gaara's life, Temari thinks as I disappear. The fifteen years Gaara's been alive I haven't gotten to know him as well as you have in less than half a year… And even just a few days. It's too late for me as a sister to get close to him. That's why I was so eager for you to… in my place…
Once the fleeting shadow of the wind jutsu disappears, Temari seems to return to the physical world. Turning so fast she nearly loses her balance, she runs into the mansion, never slowing her speed, nearing the Kazekage's office.
"Gaara! GAARA!"
"What happened?" Startled, the Kazekage looks up quickly from his work. Temari stops in front of his desk and breathes, "She's gone."
"…What?" Gaara slowly rises from his chair. "Sora… she even said she'd be in… what happened to her? Is she alright?"
"No, I don't mean gone as in that way," Temari says quickly, but her brother is already heading for the door. She pivots – but only meets the door of the office as it closes in front of her. Pushing open the heavy door, she tails his running shadow, calling after him.
She's close behind him as he heads out onto the roof and walks to its edge. "I'm coming, Sora. Sabaku Fu-"
"Gaara, listen!"
Temari runs up next to her brother. Gaara's eyes fix on the tears spilling from her eyes, and he steps back, surprised. "Gaara… I have to talk to you."
"Where is she, Temari…?"
"She's not in the village anymore…"
Confused emotions dancing in his eyes, Gaara looks down at his hands, trying to remember the feeling he'd experienced yesterday as he turned the jutsu back to Sunagakure. It was definitely something… but it pains him to see he'd forgotten.
Maybe what she's going to tell him would remind him. He longs for this, making the wish from deep within his heart.
"Go ahead," he says at last in his quiet voice.
And Temari begins to tell him the tale I'd passed on.