Here it is finally! Please enjoy and tell me what you think. Thank you for your patience! You guys are awesome! Oh and I don't own Naruto ;)
Chapter 12
I began to freak out as his direct gaze neither averted nor lessened. It was just directed this way. For a moment there, I thought that I might have been overreacting so I just decided to return back into the room and sit down on her bed. Rini was in her closet looking for her snacks when her head popped out and asked, "What was that? Did you need something?"
With a sigh I answer her truthfully, "No, it was nothing".
She smiled then took out a small bag full of candies, nuts, and these little pieces of colored chocolates that were shaped like rocks. Without warning, she placed her hand in the bag and took out a handful of candies and placed it on my lap.
"Wow, that's too much!" I told her with shock at her generosity.
"It's nothing. Lord Gaara gives me lots of these every now and then", she pointed out, "He tells me that he was trying to hide it for his sister just like she ordered him to".
We giggled. "Won't she need them back though?"
"No, she's been trying to lose weight".
We fell in silence for a while after that, just taking our time and tasting the amazing candies. They were out of this world! Each candy piece had its own shape and flavor! And once you popped one into your mouth, you get this tickling sensation in your mouth and belly. It sort of gives you the chills.
I thought it was funny how a piece of candy could taste so great and make you so happy. My favorite was the green one. Rini told me that it was sour green apple, which was also her favorite.
Once I felt like I had taken enough of her time, I decided it was time for me to head back to my room. Before I left, she gave me a little bag full of candy to give to Lilly in the morning. I thanked her for all the trouble I caused her then returned back to my room and sat on my bed.
I ate another piece of candy then another and another just contemplating on how the rest of my day should go. Before I even knew it, my wristwatch began to beep and I headed for the shower.
I washed my hair and my body then headed for the closet in my towel. Once I opened the closet I was just dumbstruck to what I found hidden within it. It was a large pile of dresses! Each with different colors, designs and fabrics! I just couldn't believe my eyes!
As if out of instinct, I decided to open some of the drawers that were a part of the dresser itself and I found clothes! And shoes! A loud squeal escaped my lips and I just couldn't wrap my mind on what I had just witnessed. Who would be so kind to put us all of these clothes?
At first, I thought the clothes were a gift until I realized that these clothes looked quite similar to Madam Temari's dresses. It was then that my train of thought fell on the idea that Kiki might have done this! I might have slipped or something and she figured me out! Before I could even panic, Lilly woke from my loud movements and told me that she was surprised at first too.
"Who did this?" I asked her rashly. I had to know!
"There was a letter in the closet. Did you not see it?" she pointed out. I looked back into the closet and indeed there was a little piece of paper hidden there. I opened the paper and for sure there was writing on it too. But the problem was, I couldn't read.
A frown spread across my face. "Do you think you could read it to me?" I asked Lilly.
She yawned then replied, "I could try". I handed her the piece of paper and she began sounding out the words. "I see that you may need some help. Here is a gift from me".
I listened patiently for more when silence was all I received. "Continue", I demanded.
"That's it", she told me with confusion. A sigh escaped our mouth.
"Does it not say who it was sent from?"
She glanced at the paper again and began pronouncing the name, "Anon Ymoose".
I gave her on odd look and she just returned the same look I had. "I don't now any Anon Ymoose. Do you?"
She shook her head no.
"Well, I'll ask the people at work and see if I could figure it out", I informed her as I grabbed onto my work clothes and began getting dressed.
She walked up to me and gave me a hug before I headed out. "I think this Anon Ymoose is very nice".
"Oh, you just reminded me", I headed to my bed and rummaged through it until I found the little bag of candy for Lilly. For some reason it felt lighter than when I first got it. I handed her the bag and she opened it. "It's from Rini", I informed her.
She gave me yet another blank stare.
"Well, try one", I added with a smile.
"Try what?", she asked puzzled, "It's empty".
I blushed. I must have eaten all of the candy! "Um, it was the bag. You got a little bag!" I said enthusiastically trying to cover my embarrassment. Sure I felt guilty, but I was planning on bringing her some from Rini after work... of course, after I explain what happened to the candy she gave me yesterday.
Her eyebrow was furrowed with the knowledge of my lie, but, for some reason, she let it slide. "It's cute", she smiled innocently as if trying to tell me that it was okay. "You should get going before your late", she reminded me.
Nodding in agreement, I just rushed out and headed to my station in the kitchen.
As I was ascending up the stairs, the smells of the kitchen hit me before I even could reach it. I thought it was quite odd that they began making breakfast earlier this morning, but I brushed it off as just that. The smell was so different and new that I was wondering what Chief could have possibly decided to make for breakfast. Whatever it was, it smelt delicious.
Once I entered the kitchen, I directly headed for the plates feeling a little tardy. I stack four plates on top of each other then headed back for the large table as I usually did every morning. With a sigh of relief that my masters haven't even arrived yet, I placed each plate gently on the table near the chairs I had recognized to be my masters' favorite seats then headed back to the kitchen for the forks, spoons, and knives.
The kitchen sounded so quiet as I entered it again. All I could hear was the sizzling sounds of the stove and the ruckus I made as I gathered the rest of the silverware I needed to finish setting up the table with.
"Hana, why is everyone so quiet this morning?" I asked with a mumble as I turned around to find a semi-empty kitchen.
She rushed around the kitchen, cutting vegetables and making hot drinks for the masters. With a frustrated tone she spoke of her hastiness, "It's Saturday".
"So?", I asked her ignorantly as I headed for the silverware drawer.
"It means that some of us don't work today and that we are getting a new guest as well. Madam Temari is bringing her secret crush here to dine and slumber for the night", she giggled. "So we have an extra mouth to feed".
"Where is he from?", I asked being more nosy than usual.
"Who, pineapple head?" she replied with a question, "He's from the Leaf". She began to cut some potatoes.
"Pineapple head?!" I muttered, "Why do you refer to him as pineapple head?"
She turned her head to answer me when the smirk on her face was completely wiped off into a frightened frown. Her eyes were wide and her face turned chalk white. Once I followed her gaze, I couldn't help but follow her lead. Lord Gaara was standing quietly by the door listening to our conversation.
How rude of me to speak of our guest like that without even seeing him? My face darken and my sight was set onto the ground in shame.
"My Lord", I mumbled.
He entered the kitchen as everyone tried to focus on their jobs with their breaths tied tightly inside of their chests. He grabbed an apple, washed it, then headed back out as his footsteps were light and hard to hear. Before he exited into the dining room, he broke the silence that had struck the kitchen from the moment he had entered. He noted, "Our guest will arriving soon. I would prefer that you respect him before and after he enters these walls. However, you may carry on with your afternoon traditions. He had informed me that he enjoys the food you design for him every time he arrives to the Sand Village".
As I let the courage inside me blow, I commenced to lift my head up slowly until my gaze met his. He was staring at me with his expressionless face. Then, all of a sudden, a small smile spread across his face. It was gracious and friendly. It brightened his face and the whole kitchen as he became radiant and innocent. It was such a pure face that beamed upon this kitchen with his shining pearl eyes and his fury red hair. It was no wonder why many wish to be near the Kazekage.
After I had awakened from my thoughts, he was gone.
"What just happened?" I asked Hana feeling like I had completely missed something very important.
"Huh, Dominique, were you not listening to Lord Gaara?!" she said slowly raising an eyebrow in disappointment. Then she walked up to me and knocked gently on my head, "What do you have in that coconut head of yours, hm?!"
We giggled. "Confusion and daze", I blurted without consideration.
"Lord Gaara does that to people", she coyly replied. "Any who, he wants you to be our guests helper. You just do what he wants you to do. You won't have to follow him everywhere, but when he does need something then you have to be the one who answers his demands".
A sigh escaped my lips. "Why me?"
"Dominique!", she exclaimed loudly, "You must listen when Lord Gaara's talking to you! How could you not know when you told him that you would be delighted to help?!"
"I did?!"
"Yes, you did", she informed me firmly as she headed back to her position cutting potatoes. "He wants you to be his helper because you are from the Leaf Village just as he is. That way, as he said to before, you guys would have something in common to talk about".
With a nod and a thank you, I returned back to my place and gathered an extra plate and silverware for our guest. In only a couple of seconds, I was amazed, I did not hear anything that Lord Gaara uttered to me. This made me realized that I needed to be more careful around people. Who knows what I might say if I didn't concentrate on my actions.
With the table set, I could hear our guest heading up the stairs by his loud footsteps echoing from the staircase. I decided it would be best if I opened the door for him with respect... and to get a closer look at him. As I did so, I saw a man with a green vest and spiked hair heading up the stairs with a laughing Temari. Now I got why they called him pineapple! How mean!
As he entered through the opened door, his eyes and mine made brief eye-contact for a mere second then it broke as he was greeted by Lord Gaara, Master Kankuro, and Kiki.
I slid back into the room then heading back to the kitchen to prepare myself to serve their breakfast.
"I'm going to leave you here with Gaara and Kankuro. I have to go change and I'll be right back", I could hear Madam Temari's voice as it headed down the hall toward her room. I hear an extra pair of footsteps follow.
"I'm going to go with Temari just in case she needs anything", I heard Kiki's gentle voice holler from the far end of the hall.
With that, I snuck a peak at the men sitting on the coaches in the far end of the room.
I was a bit baffled by the glaring expressions Lord Gaara and Master Kankuro gave to our guest. For a while, they even seemed like they were threatening stares directed toward our guest.
The man sat in his couch quite intimidated and such. He appeared to be uncomfortable as he watched my two masters, who sat before him, wearily.
"Welcome", Lord Gaara spoke with a dry tone.
"Yes, welcome", Master Kankuro agreed with a grim greeting.
The poor boy rubbed the back of his head nervously as he glanced slowly at the two siblings sitting before him.
"So", Kankuro began with dagger eyes, "Why are you here in our village?"
"Temari and I help coordinate the Chunin exams together. We have a lot to cover before it begins", he explained.
"Together?!" Kankuro retorted loudly picking and choosing specific words to attack the boy with.
"Not like that!" the boy proceeded with more caution. "We're just friends", he pointed out with an exhale.
"That's what they all say at first before things advance in a different direction", Lord Gaara chimed in with dead eyes as he lowered his back slowly onto the couch, not breaking his stare at the boy.
I could see the boy's sweat drop as the two brothers continued their investigation. For some reason, I felt like I should jump out there and help the kid out. He seems so flustered being placed on the spot by the village leader and his older brother.
Hana stood beside me then sighed. "Poor kid", she began miserably, "Every time he comes here, Lord Gaara and Master Kankuro beat him down with questions, interrogating the kid's every possible move and warning him to stay away from their sister".
"They seem to be quite protective of her", I noted with a whisper being careful not to raise my voice too high for my masters to hear.
"Ha!" Hana laughed quietly, "Overly protective more like it! Their sister is an amazing ninja! She could take care of herself, believe me".
"I want to help him out", I told her with a saddened tone.
Before I was able to add on to that, I felt her grab my wrist and pull me back into the kitchen. "You are not allowed to bother them!" she warned, "Lord Gaara and definitely Master Kankuro specifically don't like it when the servants get too caught up with their personal matters. They have warned all of the servants to keep to their business and not to get involved!"
"All but one", I muttered under my breath.
Glancing back at the table I noticed that I hadn't finished setting it up. With panic whelming up inside of me, I grabbed the rest of the materials I needed and headed out.
Hana rushed to the kitchen door, being careful that no one but me could see her, as her face turned white and her moves became tense. I thought I heard her say 'don't try to be the hero'. She must have been confused because the next thing I saw her do was wave her hand demandingly for me to return back into the kitchen. I mouthed back the words 'I haven't finished setting up the table'. With a frustrated and worried expression, she pointed to the kitchen floor then mouthed 'Get back in her now!'
Her worry and motions told me that I was in red hot territory and that I shouldn't have gotten myself out of that kitchen. I felt my body heat and my head pound as I tried to focus on folding the napkins then setting them within the glass cups.
With no other choice, I listened to the sound of desperation as the unlucky boy attempted yet another shot on starting a good conversation with the men before him, "So Gaara, how has your studies been going?"
"Don't try to change the subject", Lord Gaara's firm reply ended his useless attempt.
A sigh escaped my lips, however I was glad that I was finished. As I began to head back to the kitchen, I recklessly tripped on one of the chair's legs. I didn't fall, thank goodness, however once I was able to regain my composure and dared to glanced around to my Masters, I was met with cold beady eyes. They were glaring hard at me when my head dared to the chalk white Hana with pleading eyes.
My heart began to beat faster and faster as the silence felt endless. I felt like I was about to collapse onto the floor any second now when Hana's gentle voice broke the awkwardness.
"Dominique", she called as if she didn't know what was happening, "Could you be a dear and help me with something?"
I sent a fake grin to my Masters as I commenced my return to the kitchen. Before I could even enter it, I heard someone question me. "Do I know you?"
Trying to let my body relax from all the tension it had just received, I turned around with a weak smile to the person. It was the boy. He got up off of the couch then headed toward me. It was evident in my Masters' expressions that they didn't like this one bit.
Then I directed my attention back to the boy. "I don't think so", was all I could say to him. I don't remember him.
"Yeah, I know you. You used to be a beggar in the Leaf Village. Am I right?" I was baffled at first, but then I realized that it was very possible for someone, anyone, to notice me. "You look different than I remember", he pointed out. "It was hard for me recognize you now that your is hair up and you are finely dressed. Your hair used to be always in your face, but I'm pretty sure you're her".
All I was able to do was nod. After I caught my breath I told him, "Yes, I used to be in the Leaf as a beggar, but I have a new chance at life here, thanks to my masters". I had to bring them as the good guys right now. I didn't want to get fired for being reckless! I enjoy my job and I hoped they could see that.
He smiled a genuine smile then introduced himself, "I'm Shikamaru by the way".
"I'm Dominique. Nice to meet you".
He lowered his head a little then whispered high enough just for me to hear, "Thanks for saving my butt".
A delighted grin spread across my face. "You're welcome," I informed him, "But who's going to save mine?"
He laughed quietly when Madam Temari finally arrived for breakfast and I headed back to the kitchen. As I entered, Hana welcomed my survival with a warm embrace before I served their breakfast buffet. Serving their food, I noted the complete and sudden change Lord Gaara and Master Kankuro expressed. It was as if they were going through some phase and it all changed with their sister's entry. Or as if nothing happened between these men as now they laugh and joke and smile toward each other across the table. Glee filled the room as there was no glares or stares being exchanged. They were just enjoying a sweet breakfast as a family.
It was terrifying how well they were able to disguise their feelings before everybody. Far too scary as their expressions kept on changing, depending on the situation, for the rest of the day. When Madam Temari was present, they were happy and overjoyed. They joked around and told stories. However, when she is not present, the pressure Shikamaru with threats and evil glares. They beat him down with questions then try to push him away from their sister. Shikamaru kept on denying any suspicion of a secret relation with their sister, but they wouldn't settle for that.
Once dinner arrived, I was overjoyed that this day was finally about to conclude. Everything went well as Chief prepared for our guest rice with this mind-blowing pineapple sauce made from scratch. Along with their food, they dined on pineapple juice and had pineapple cake for dessert! The aroma made my mouth water for a taste and, lucky enough for the kitchen staff, we were able to get the chance to taste Chief's original food design! And in one word, it was heavenly!
After dinner, I finished the dishes,then heading to the dance studio. With three gentle knocks on Master Kankuro's door, I awaited his arrival finally realizing that I had forgot something... the dresses in my closet along with that letter!
There was one last resort... and it was to ask Master Kankuro himself!
He must know someone or something, so I awaited his arrival. It felt like hours as I gazed at myself in the mirror. Staring at myself too much gave me the chills.
A yawn exited my mouth as my body began to laze and prepare itself for sleep when I decided to check the halls. They were empty and dark. Know that, I was even more afraid. I hated the darkness! It was frightening!
Well, there was nothing left for me to do other than to try and keep myself awake.
I took my work shoes off and placed them to the side along with my white socks hanging out of them. Naturally, I released my hair from the band that tied it up and tossed it gently with my hands. The cool air made its way through every single strand of hair, leaving my body refreshed and relaxed. The tense muscles in my joints began to release the strain held within them from this long and stressful day of work.
I walked up to the music box, selected a song that I heard before then glanced at my image in the mirror.
"You're such a rebel", I called to my image in the mirror with my previous beggar name. The thrill of being able to dance again took over my mind as I let my body sway lightly to the music. Untying the apron around my waist, I tossed it near my shoes and noticed how beautiful this black dress appeared without the maid accessories around it.
An overwhelming feeling burnt in my cheeks. Glancing around me one last time, I was sure I was alone. 'He wants to dance with me', I thought to myself, 'how was I supposed to act?'
Without thought, I began to pretend. "You want to learn how to dance then fine. Watch me", I pretend to speak to him as if he were here. I turned the music box a little louder and let the music flow inside of me. For some reason, I felt nervous. As if he were here at this very moment watching me secretly and listening to my idiotic performance. Trying to brush that feeling off, I uttered my preparation with a blush, "Okay, I'm ready".
I stood beside the mirror on the far end of the room while I assumed that Kankuro stood before me on the other end of the room. The music commenced. I positioned my arms out at each side of me and began to strut with my sassy walk toward him pretending that I was this stuck-up female. I stopped myself midway and let my hips twist violently side to side. An image of him blushing appeared within my mind. I giggled with my face redder than usual.
I shook my hips in a slow alluring fashion then swung my arms up and popped my chest. I let my body sway forward and backward like it was out of control. I caught a glimpse of him, in my mind, and his possible crimson red face. "You could slide your way into this dance scene", I would inform him, "or am I going too fast for you?" I giggled.
He would rub his neck nervously then say things like, "I'm not sure how I could jump in and join you yet… but once I'm ready I'll slide my way in and dance with you". He would flush.
I played with my hair a little in a seductive manner while resuming my dance. "Okay", I drawled, "I'll be waiting". I tilted my head a little and followed it by shimmies. I let my hands travel from my hair down to my chest then down to my thighs in a tempting way. I let my body fall on to its knees then rise again with my lower body pointing out. I would want to get him on the dance floor so I would have to keep full eye contact with him while smiling invitingly.
I clapped my hands lightly then faced the mirror. I let my shoulders roll gently outward and my chest lifted and dropped. I felt uncomfortable as I was forced to dance seductively for a man I barely knew. I shook my head passionately allowing my hair to swing everywhere dismissing the negative thoughts from my head. I focused on my dance again. I would look toward him again.
My legs were slightly apart as I placed my hands on my hips then whipped my hair back and forth then would maneuver my finger to invite him to continue the dance with me. His face would be even redder than before. He would appear to have been taken aback by my demand with fear in his eyes. He would stand near the door to the dance studio and shale his head nervously no.
Then I would pout and strut my way toward him. Once I reach him, I would grab his wrist and drag him with me onto the dance floor. "Don't worry", I would sooth and as if on cue, he entered through the window startling me yet again.
With a gasp, I fell. However, before my body could even hit the ground, I felt his strong grasp on my wrist pulling me back up.
"Who's worried?" he asked with a smirk as he released my hand and left me to stand on my shaky feet.
It was then that I realized that I could never dance something like that for him. It was impossible! I dance for myself and nobody else! I can only dance something like this when I am alone. The first time, he saw me by accident that's all. And I had to find a way to tell him this.
We stood awkwardly in the middle of the dance floor.
"I'm worried, did you see any of that?", I admitted in the awkward silence.
"No. I guess I'm late this time, but listen", he began as he headed for the wall then sat on the cold ground, "I don't think we should do this anymore".
A surprised look appeared on my face. How odd! He felt the same way. "Why do you think so?" I inquired.
With a sigh, he continued, "I feel bad because I overwork you and you don't have a chance to rest and see your sister", he pointed out, "Not to mention that I completely forced you into this and you feel awkward about this and you probably think that I'm a jerk for doing this to you. And you're still afraid of me", he finished with a hurt tone. His face was upset and he seemed guilty for some reason.
But for a moment there, I agreed with him. Of course, I didn't tell him that. "You think I'm afraid of you?" I acted as if I wasn't. I don't like to hurt people who have been kind to me.
He chuckled. "You can't fool me. Let me not forget the nightmare you had of me yesterday".
My jaw dropped. "You can't read minds... right?" I questioned with amusement and fear.
He laughed again leaving me feeling uncomfortable. "Of course not, but you were speaking in your sleep and I was able to make out some of the words you said. It's alright, I will still plan on seeing you here if you would like to, but I do have my loyalty to Kiki as well", he spoke with such faith and power that I felt like I was the bad person giving up on him. Even after all of this, he still wanted to see me.
"You still want me to teach you how to dance?!" I clarified in surprise.
He gave me a puzzled look then answered. "You can't teach me how to dance!"
I felt offended. "Ugh, how rude". Was I not good enough for him?
He waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing like that. It's just... your moves are so... girly!" he finally finished.
A blush entered my cheeks and I began to warm. "That's not true!"
"Yeah, it is", he said firmly, "Come tomorrow and I'll show you how men dance. Just dress warmly", he added with a grin.
"Men dance?!" I noted with sarcasim. We shared a laugh then I added with all honesty, "Kiki is lucky to have you", then I decided to change the subject as quickly as it emerged. "Can I see your real face?"
A wide knowing smirk curled its way near the edges of his lips. It was as if he was awaiting such a question. It felt like he was asked this multiple times before because he replied quickly and calmly, "This is my real face. There is no plastic on it anywhere".
I chuckled. It was evident that he liked to keep his secret and have his audience wonder about it. "I mean without the makeup-".
"Warrior paint", he corrected.
"Sure, of course. That's what everyone calls it", I was sarcastic. "Are you bald?" I asked out of know where.
He burst into hysteric laughter as he clutched onto his belly and fell into tears. For a moment, I thought he went insane, but then, after several minutes of humiliation, he came back to his original self. I felt dump for a very long time. How embarrassing!
"That's funny", he said with heavy heaving for air, "Is that what you think of when you see me?"
The pressure that came from his gaze along with that smile left me speechless... and I actually did think that he was bald...
"Maybe", I muttered lowly hoping he doesn't hear it.
"No lying. You know the rule", he forced devilishly.
"Yes", he forced it out of me
"Fair enough. I deserve it, but no I am not bald", he told me coyly as he got up off of the floor. "I'll show you in due time though". He gave me this odd look and I understood that he wanted my curiosity to eat me up. I guess he wanted to play hard to get and I was fine with it. I didn't mind playing this game as long as, in the end, I get to see how he really looks.
"By the way," I mumbled, "Do you know who Anon Ymoose is?"
He furrowed his brow. I really hated that look! It always meant that I was doing something wrong or said something incorrectly. It gave me this odd feeling in my gut like a knot was present inside it and it only got tighter when he was present.
"Who?", he asked with an amused face.
A sigh escaped my lips. "Anon Ymoose... He, or she, left Lilly and me a large pile of clothes in our closet so I was wondering who it was to make sure that it was alright for us to take them. Then I wanted to thank the person", I noted.
His expression went all devilish again as the smile plastered on his face would not fade away.
"It was anonymous", he corrected.
My face began to burn. "Anonymous", I repeated unconsciously.
"Yup. It was me and Gaara who did that, but no need to thank us since you are still struggling".
"Hey!" I blurted out feeling offended.
"Sorry, but it's the truth. You only have a couple pairs of clothes and you wash them everyday so we decided to give you a break since you work so hard".
"Thank you", I smiled.
"Nah, it was nothing. And we're sorry", he said out of know where.
"For what?" I wondered.
"Glaring at you when you hit that chair. Sorry about that, but we had to terrify Shikamaru. He has to know that we won't rest until he gave up on our sister. We won't let her go so easily".
I laughed quietly and tried to hide it with my hand.
"What?!"
"It's nothing". He was so much like me, I thought. He cared for his sister and made sure that she received what she deserved even if they had their fights every now and then.
He stood. "I have one more thing that I wanted to talk to you about", he added firmly.
I awaited his answer silently giving him my full attention.
"For the trip to the beach with Kiki..." I eyed him suspiciously. Why bring that up? It was supposed to be like a month or so from now. "I scheduled it to be four days from now", he finished.
"That's excellent!" I cheered. That way she wouldn't be able to poison him or kill him! He would be safe and I wouldn't have to stress over his life as much! What a relief!
"Would you like to tag along?", he added with a menacing smile.
My heart pounded as I knew that there was another story yet to come from that question. And that smile only told me that he was not going to give me a choice on the matter... Oh, what to do?
Thanks for your patience. I do have a lot planned for this story so the craziness will not end. Please leave a comment and tell me what you think. Check my profile to see the next date for the update. BYE!