Kintsukuroi
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Chapter 21: Kekkon
Gaara's left hand caressed Sakura's bare back as she slept soundly from earlier 'activities'.
He stared at her sleeping face for what seemed like hours, trying to make sense of the last couple of years, it wasn't he heard his own stomach growl did he decided to get up, get dressed and get something to eat, but not before placing several tender pecks her shoulder blade, and lastly the diamond oh her forehead.
Gaara manipulated some of the sand in the room to create several optical links to his multiple third eyes.
All eyes trained on her.
He then slid the door opened, seeing that it is well into the late afternoon.
He was making his way to the kitchen, when Shikamaru's study room opened, revealing Temari and Shikamaru. Both looked to be surprised to see him, up so soon. Temari was the first to ask.
"..How is she?"
" She's sleeping soundly right now.."
"I bet-umph!" Shikamaru was rubbing the area of his ribs where Temari jabbed him.
" Gaara.. Ino told us as much as she could.. but she said there is still so many things that happened, it got really difficult for her to share the images.. She almost broke my arm "
Gaara apologized on Sakura's behalf, but Temari wasn't very accepting of it.
"Gaara.. I don't care that she almost broke my arm.. I'm afraid of the long term effects of what Sasuke did to her, would affect her.. Aren't you?"
Gaara was about to retort when his stomach made it self audible. Temari, shook her head.
" Come on.. we can continue this conversation in the kitchen.." The pair left, leaving Shikamaru behind, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.
Once in the kitchen Gaara looked through all the cabinets, shuffling through various spices and ingredients to make some food for Sakura and himself. Temari looked pleasantly surprised.
Gaara took her silence to reply to her earlier concerns.
" Temari.. I appreciate your concern, but I have no doubt, Sakura would bounce back from this, stronger than ever.."
Temari looked at her younger brother incredulously.
"What makes you so sure of that?"
" Because.. It's Sakura we are talking about. I know, EVERYTHING he did to her.. There are three possible ways she could cope with this." He finished before adding pancake batter to a hot skillet, filling the room with the smell and sizzling of melting butter.
"One, she could stay depressed; letting Sasuke win in the long run.." He flipped the fluffy disk on to its other side to cook, while he prepared some bacon and scrambled eggs on another skillet.
"Two, or she could, instead, try to be happy and move on with her life.."
"Oh yeah? You think it'll be that easy.."
"I don't think it'll be that hard to make Sakura happy.." Temari raised a brow at that comment.
"What makes you so sure?" she added, resting her hands on her hips.
" Because, I love her.." Temari's hands dropped from her hips, shock from her baby brother's words.
".. .Gaara"
"Hmm?" he ordered his sand to obtain an orange from a conveniently placed fruit display.
" Or, three, she could get really angry.. so angry, that she might end up killing the bastard herself..and then be able to live in peace"
"Gaara.. killing Sasuke won't bring her peace.." Gaara was manually peeling the orange with his hand, after plating the food.
" It'll give her peace of mind.. Either way.." Temari looked at him in curiosity.
"He'll get what he deserves.. " He added darkly, tone dripping with malice, as commanding his sand to retrieve him a bowl and a box of cereal, while looking through the fridge for some milk.
Temari held a puzzling face.
"Gaara.. why are you making such a big breakfast.. if you're not going to eat any?" Gaara looked at her with an invisible eyebrow raised.
"I made that for Sakura.." Gaara added, with food in his mouth. Temari then got a mischievous look in her eye.
".. You can't just fuck her and expect her to go back to being the old Sakura.." Gaara looked taken back.
" And what makes you say that?.. Do you honestly think, that sex was on the forefront on my mind?"
"Are you saying you didn't have sex with her?.. or that you thought about it, and didn't go through with it..?"
Gaara stared at Temari, seemingly trapped.
'Kuso..'
".. Wait.. I could explain.." Temari waved her hands in the air, walking out of the kitchen, not wanting to hear any of it, smiling from his words of confirmation.
'..Gaara.. seems like you're the only working medicine for her now.. make us proud..'
Gaara stood in the kitchen, cheeks tinted with the faintest hue of pink. He shook his head and willed his sand to carry the two plates, one with scrambled eggs and bacon, the other with a small stack of pancakes, accompanied with a orange slices, in his hands, he carried one glass of milk.
He was in front of the room in no time, before sliding the door open and closing it behind him. He dispersed the eyes in the room, and neared his sleeping goddess, commanding his sand to place the tray of food, next to said sleeping rosette.
Gaara couldn't help but smile as she stretched her bare flawless back, and smooth calves and feet were out of the cover of the warm sheets.
He noted how she paused stretching and sniffed at the air, leaving over the futon, to see the amazing breakfast before here.
" Good Afternoon, Sakura.. sleep well?" Sakura turned around, wrapping the sheet around her body, covering herself up as she reached for the two plates of food.
" It's been the best sleep I've had.. in a long time.." She looked at the two plates of food, wide eyed.
"This can't all be for me Gaara.. are you having any?" Gaara shook his head.
" That's all yours.. Tell me how you like it?"
Sakura smiled softly, before popping some of the fluffy pancake in her mouth.
"Mmm~ .. This is so good, Did Temari make this?" Gaara shook his head yet again.
" I made it for you.. I figured you'd be hungry when you woke up." Sakura looked at the man sitting before the fire in the middle of the room, then to the food. She took another piece in her mouth, her throat tightened up, making it difficult to swallow.
Gaara noticed her watery eyes, and turned concerned eyes to Sakura.
"..Is it not good?" Sakura shook her head, sniffling as she attempted to swallow, for it ease it's way down her throat, but with difficulty, she coughed lightly to clear her throat before turning watery eyes to look into his.
".I. I just really missed you..and.. I-i haven't be treated so kindly.. I-in a long t-time.. I'm sor-"
Gaara kissed her right then and there.
The last thing he wanted was for Sakura to cry over breakfast, not when he had so much on his agenda.
"Shh.. No need to apologize.. I hope you enjoy the food.." Sakura nodded, pecking him back before once again digging in.
" I'll be right back.. I'll just only be a moment." Sakura's eyes were transfixed to Gaara as he left the room.
The rosette girl, now by herself, happily ate all the food, by the time Gaara re-entered the room, Sakura was just began munching on the last thing on her plate, the orange slices, which, once she saw Gaara, offered him a couple slices, which he happily accepted.
" Good?"
Sakura nodded to Gaara, all the while sporting a genuine smile.
"Aka.. may I please speak to Shinki..?"
Gaara raised a questionable eyebrow as he sat down beside her.
"He is currently watching over Sarada.. Do you still wish to speak to him at this time?"
Sakura briefly smiled. "If it's okay with you.. I appreciate him watching Sarada.."
Gaara let out a small scoff, in which Sakura responded by chuckling and nudging him with her elbow.
"What's so funny?" she couldn't help respond with a smile.
Gaara raised his right hand to cover his smile, trying his best to remain ignorant.
"Nothing, really.."
Sakura crossed her arms, an action, reminiscent of what he used to do as a kid, Gaara grinned at that, deciding to confide in her.
"I believe Shinki is interested in your daughter as much as your daughter is into him."
Sakura couldn't help but laugh, the sweet sound made his heartache, Kami he missed her so very dearly.
"Can't blame her.. You're the best thing to ever happen to me, who am I to stop her advancements?"
Gaara couldn't agree more, he stared at the warm fire, stroking Sakura's bare calves.
"I've sent my sand to bring Shinki here, he should be here shortly."
Gaara leaned down and kissed her bare knees before kissing the purple diamond on her forehead.
"I'll give you some privacy. Temari will be here afterward to help you with anything you need."
Sakura blushed and placed a tender trembling hand on his.
"Thank you..for saving me.."
Gaara paused. "..Always.. And forever"
It had been about no more than 3 minutes when Shinki appeared in a cloud of Iron Sand.
"Konnichiwa, Shinki"
"Konnichiwa, Haruno-san.."
Sakura examined the teen before her,
Bash, eyes averting, then serious like Gaara, Sakura couldn't help but smile.
"I want to first start off by thanking you.. For the chunin exams, you saved a lot of people"
Shinki looked at her, his expression settling on confusion. Sakura frowned slightly.
"I know it might seem unorthodox, to thank you for something that happened so long ago, I wasn't able to tell you myself.. I also thank you for saving Sarada.."
At the mention of her daughter she noticed a soft tinge of pink on his cheeks, she almost giggled.
"I am sorry for everything, you and Gaara had to go through.. It wasn't right, but I heard you and your father ventured across the land, seeing many various villages and places…"
Shinki looked lost at thought, before Sakura clapped her hands playfully to get his attention.
"Let me get straight to the point, your father, I have a feeling did not tell me everything.."
"Everything..?"
"Hai.."
The brunette teen looked confused, then concerned.
"..I don't know if I should.." Shinki's eyes widen at the contact, she was squeezing his hand supportingly.
"Please, I need to know.. So that I can understand, what he went through, when it was just you too.."
Shinki nodded absentmindedly, he raised his hand, his iron sand creating a stage for the story.
"I'll start with… The walk out of Suna..."
FLASHBACK
"Gaara.. This is.."
"It's alright.. Please take care of yourself..and those whom we call friend.." Kankuro looked away, rubbing his eyes with the back of his regal Kage robes.
The doors to the Kage entrance, all of Sunagakure was standing outside the, watching as Gaara made his way out of the village, his eyes stayed forward as he made his way out, he heard the whispers, the voices hidden behind covered hands.
Then a loud yell resounded from the crowd, all the men and women got in stances, all un unison shouting out.
"TIKA TONU!"
"U-e!"
"TIKA TONU!"
"U-e!"
Gaara looked all around him, they performed a Haka, the purpose of this dance was to honor him.
TIKA TONU ATU KI A KOE, E TAMA HIKI NEI KOE AKU WHAKAARO, PAKIA!
HE HIKI AHA TO HIKI?
HE HIKI ROA TO HIKI?
Gaara didn't to stop to look at his people, afraid he would break his calm composure, so he straightened his back, never breaking eye contact with the gates of Suna, never looking back.
I A HA HĀ!
E TAMA, TE UAUA ANA
E TAMA, TE MĀRŌ
ROA INA HOKI RA
TE TOHE O TE UAUA NA
E TĀU NEI.
ĀNA! ĀNA! ĀNA! AUE... HĪ!
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At the gates, he paused and rummaged through his pocket, pulling out his headband, touching the emblem clenching his fist, before dropping the aforementioned headband, continuing outside of the gates until…
"Vydran! I'm coming with you!"
Gaara stopped his advancement, waiting for the boy to catch up, Shinki grinned and fell into step with his father.
No village to call home, no destination in mind, no family..
Just the endless desert..
End of Flashback
Shinki looked at her, to see eyes brimming with tears, holding onto every word he uttered.
"I-I'm so happy.. He had you with him.."
"I wasn't enough.."
Sakura looked at him as she wiped her eyes free of tears. "What do you mean?"
"Well.. Vydran became a heavy drinker for about 3-4 weeks. He never revealed to me that much about his personal life, he focused more on the village, family, and friends.. Then I meet you and your daughter, and it all kinda makes sense now.. Except, how did you end up with Sarada's father, if you loved my father so much.."
"I-i..H-he.."
Sakura couldn't find her voice as the..memories assaulted her.
Scattered Memory # 2
'Sakura' was in a heated discussion with Ino.
She was was exhausted from screaming for the blonde to save her, for anyone, to save her..
She was lying in the middle of a dark abyss, watching the scenery go by when she saw him…
Gaara accompanied by Kankuro was being escorted by Lee and Tenten, for Naruto's wedding no doubt.
She rose from her position, keeping her eyes on him.
'H-he looks so different..but still very handsome' her lower lip quivered.
'GAARA! L-Look at me! I-i'm still in here!'
A sob hitched in her throat as Gaara looked at her, she saw the pain, she felt the heartache, she sunk to her knees, crying.
"G-Gaara.. I-i still love you!1"
'Sakura' paused, to turn and look behind her.
"Hey forehead? You ok?"
'Sakura' turned back to look at Ino, who's eyes widen slightly.
"Sakura, Why are you crying?"
'Sakura' absentmindedly wiped the tear off her cheek, looking at it as if it was foreign.
"Allergies maybe?"
"Either that or I'm boring you"
"Never! Especially since my soldier pill is going to kick your pill's ass!"
The two medics raced to the hokage's office, to prove which recipe is superior.
END
Shinki raised a worried hand to comfort the woman, only to use his sand, which seemed to do the trick.
"A-are you alright? I can get-Yes, I'm..okay, you see.. I didn't choose to leave your father. It was against m-my will.."
Sakura looked at the boy to see eyes wide in shock.
"Does Sarada know?"
Sakura shook her head. " No.. I haven't, but I will..soon. She deserves to know.. A lot of things."
"Like what, if you don't mind me..asking?"
" I am not her mother.."
Shinki stood getting closer to Sakura before reclaiming a seat before her.
" Lord Gaara, isn't my blood, but.. I couldn't ask for a greater father."
Sakura smiled at that, thinking about her own situation.
"You're right, is there anything else you can tell me about Gaara?"
Shinki pondered for a while.
" I want to kill Sasuke Uchiha.. For what he did to the both of you.."
Sakura's eyes widen, not before a smile made its way to her lips.
' I like this kid..'
Her smile widened as she ruffled his hair, the action cutting some of the intensity in his eyes.
" Not if I do, first.." she finished with a grin.
Sakura and Shinki conversed for a couple of hours, he learned about Sakura's hobbies are playing trivia games and memorising new material for her medical studies. Sakura's favourite foods which were syrup-coated anko dumplings, umeboshi, and anmitsu, while her least favourites are anything spicy. Sakura spoke to the boy about her 34 completed official missions in total: 12 D-rank, 9 C-rank, 6 B-rank, 7 A-rank, 0 S-rank.
Shinki's hobbies are gardening and embroidery. His favourite foods are gizzard and braised stew, and his least favourite food is nattō.
The two were laughing about their experiences in their teams when Gaara appeared in the room catching up in addition, requesting Shinki stay close to Sarada, he nodded and disappeared in a puff of Iron sand.
"How are you feeling Sakura?"
"Better, thank you." She added with a smile.
" Good. Temari will be here shortly to help you get ready.." Sakura raised a well kept pink eyebrow at him.
"..Ready for ..mm..what, Gaara?" He ruffled her short pink hair, which caused her to chuckle, and huff as he continued to mess with her hair.
"..H-hey!" He was kneeling in in front of her by the time she fixed her hair.
" It's for me to know.. and for you to find out, later tonight." With a soft peck placed on her lips, he disappeared in a whirlwind of sand.
Sakura was getting up to go to the bathroom, covered in nothing but a blanket when Temari appeared.
"You know..I was going to go after you.. for hurting Gaara.." Sakura stood in place, and turned to look at Temari, whom had a sad expression on her face.
"..It would have been well deserved.. if that was the case.." Sakura admitted, wholeheartedly. Temari walked toward Sakura, until she was about a foot away from the pinkette.
"S-sakura.." Temari's eyes began to water. "..I-i'm so sorry.."
Sakura couldn't help it when her vision became blurry.
"Y-you know too?..W-who else knows?"
"Shikamaru, Sai and.. Naruto.." Sakura exhaled a shaky breath, and inhaling a calmer one.
"..I-i see.."
Temari placed a fancy box on the futon, as well as a black coated jar, before walking closer to Sakura, nudging her toward the bathroom.
"Come on!.. Let's get going, we're losing daylight-Sakura..?"
Temari was taken back by being enveloped into a tight embrace.
"I-i am so very sorry.. for almost breaking your arm.." The blonde with four pigtails, couldn't help but smile and embrace the petite pink haired woman back.
"I'm fine Sakura.. You don't need to say sorry.. really.." Sakura released her from the hug, adorning a true smile.
"Now!.. In the tub Missy!" Temari added, eliciting laughter from Sakura.
Nara Estates: Courtyard 11:55 PM
Gaara was waiting outside the room, accompanied by Naruto, whom had some a very important task to do.
Both men were currently listening to hushed words and outbursts of laughter from the three women in the room.
A silhouette neared the door, before sliding it open, revealing Ino, who was wearing a huge smile.
"She's all set, Gaara"
Ino and Temari were the first to exit the room, before the last figure neared the door, covered in a heavy dark blue cloak.
Naruto was the first to approach Sakura.
"..Sakura.. Teme.. I can't begin to understand why he did what he-"
"Naruto.. it wasn't your fault.. It was no one's fault. How was anyone supposed to know?" Naruto looked at the hooded figure, he features hidden by the dark cloak.
"..Why can't I see you?" The sound of fabric scrunching and un-scrunching informed Naruto, informed him of her shrugging her shoulders.
" I couldn't even look at myself yet.. Gaara said he has a surprise for me, but that it'll be cold on the way there.. so beats me.. but I feel.. beautiful.." Naruto smiled at that.
" Well.. I hope you two have a wonderful time! Here are the documents you needed Gaara, I don't think you'll be disappointed in my findings.." Gaara, nodded and thanked Naruto, before creating a cloud of sand, which he and Sakura sat on.
She was waving 'goodbye' before they floated up to the sky, another, yet smaller cloud of sand appeared and combined with the larger cloud, disappearing in the moonlight.
Suna: Home of the Kazekage 1:15 am
Kankuro woke up with a start, Matsuri was already sitting up, nudging her husband.
"Kankuro.. d-did you hear that?"
It wasn't until the couple heard wailing did they rush out their bedroom and into the baby's room. Kankuro flipped on the light switch, and rub his eyes, as they adjusted to the light.
"Get away from Kugutsu! You son of a...a.." Kankuro stood in shock, Matsuri as well.
"I didn't know I had this little guy as a cousin now, too.." Shinki held the young, dark brown haired boy in his arms, bouncing him in attempt to stop his crying.
"Shinki?.. Is that r-really you?! W-what are you doing here?" Matsuri reached her arms out to take the toddler away from him, who seemed to calm down plenty after being put in his mother's arms.
"I need the both of you to get dressed in you finest.. oh and bring Baki-sensei with you.. I'll meet you near Lady Chiyo's grave."
Shinki then suddenly disappeared after bowing to the two. Leaving the two dumbstruck.
" IT'S ALMOST TWO IN THE MORNING!" With Kankuro's outburst, Kugutsu began to cry again. Matsuri glared at Kankuro for his thoughtlessness and gave him the babe, while she went to get dressed.
Leaving Kankuro, confused and cooing his little boy.
Lady Chiyo's Grave: Outside the Gates of Suna 3AM
Three figures rounded the wall, searching for any signs of life near Chiyo's grave, seeing three, made Kankuro's heart stop.
'..C-can't be..'
Kankuro and Matsuri, whom were holding their infant son neared the three figures first, followed by Baki, whom now, was known to be one of the most influential council men in Suna.
Kankuro's eyes widen at the sight of Gaara slow dancing with.. '..P-pink hair!?'
"..B-brother.. is it really you?" Gaara parted from his beautiful maiden, to embrace his older brother.
" It has been so long, Kankuro.." Both men embraced each-other tightly, Kankuro looked as if ready to cry, but toughed it out.
" It has, I'm married now.. with Matsuri.. and this little guy is your nephew.. Kugutsu"
Sakura was the one to finally come into the light, revealing herself.
Sakura was dressed in the softest shade of blue. The light dress complemented her beauty.
Adorning her hands, arms and feet were golden henna designs some gold also highlighted the light purple diamond upon her forehead.
The top of the dress was decorated with white ruffled roses.
Adorning her neck was the rose quartz pendant, etched and repaired with gold.
Her porcelain skin glowed in pale moonlight. Sakura was surely a sight to see.
"You really do look like a princess..." Matsuri nudged her husband, who rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
" Matsu.. I wasn't hitting on her.. Gaara always calls her Ojo.. I was just referencing that" said brunette squinted at him.
" You better have not.." she mumbled quietly enough for only Kankuro to hear.
Gaara and Sakura couldn't help but chuckle, that was until Baki coughed loud enough to bring everyone's attention on him.
"Gaara.. are you returning to Suna for good? Many of the Anti-Kazekage groups had been weeded out, thanks to Kankuro here.." Gaara looked at Sakura, who graced him with a soft smile.
"..Maybe.. but not as Kazekage.. I have no doubt that Kankuro is the right man for the position.."
The complement made Matsuri smile and kiss her husband, Baki continued.
"May I ask, why did you want us out here, at Lady Chiyo's grave?"
" Well.. I have called you all here, to be witnesses to Sakura and I's.. betrothal"
Sakura looked at Gaara in shock and awe.
"..G-Gaara.. I-is this.. really happening?" Gaara kissed his blushing bride to be on the cheek before looking at his former sensei, who looked at Gaara, eyes full of bewilderment.
"...It will be my honor.."
The secretive ceremony went off without a hitch.
Gaara and Sakura were married before the very person who saved both their lives all those fateful years ago.
Gaara repeated his vowels, and Sakura surprised everyone by saying her vows in Albed.
Gaara slides a golden band on her ring finger and so does she, but before she releases Gaara's hand, she wraps a red thread, tying it around his pinky, Gaara tilted his head to the side, reminiscent of a confused puppy, Sakura giggled as she lifted her own pinky, where one end of the red string was tied to.
"Fated.." she added while wiggling the dainty digit.
Gaara caressed her cheeks, a soft smile appearing on his lips before the married couple, shared a kiss, now as man and wife.
Under the stealth at night, the trio were on their way to Kankuro and Matsuri's home, within the walls of Suna.
Once inside their home, Sakura rushed to the nearest mirror, finding a decorative one hanging in the living room.
Nothing prepared her for the sight she saw, she looked really looked like a goddess, and smiled as Gaara came behind her, placing chaste yet appreciative kisses on her bare shoulders.
She blushed darkly then turned in his arms, tippy-toeing to kiss him.
"Gaara.. what important documents did Naruto give you.. I'm a little curious.."
"Ah.. I asked Naruto to absolve your marriage to Sasuke.." Sakura looked at Gaara, eyes wide.
Gaara saw the expression and kissed her.
"He found no records of your marriage. I couldn't help but jump at the opportunity.."
Sakura was astonished at first, but as her mind settled, one thought echoed through her mind that made her instantly gave her butterflies.
'I'm... Ms. Sabaku no Sakura..' and for the first time in a long time, Sakura felt herself well up with glee as she watched her husband removing his montsuki, Sakura blushes from a simple smile aimed at her, knowing that she was caught scanning his now exposed tattooed skin.
"To bed, my Tsuma~"
Sakura's eyes shine brightly while her cheeks stayed the color of his hair.
"Syga muja du sa, Otto~"
Haka Translation:
Leader: (What is right is always right!)
Everyone: (In - deed! )
Leader: (What is right is always right!)
Everyone: (Ah... yes! )
(Be true to yourself, my son!)
(My concerns have been raised about you, so pay attention!...)
(What is this problem you are carrying?)
(How long have you been carrying it for?)
(Have you got that? Right, let's go on.)
(So son, although it may be difficult for you )
(and son, although it seems to be unyielding )
(no matter how long you reflect on it )
(the answer to the problem )
(is here inside you.)
(Indeed! Indeed! Indeed! Yes, indeed!)
IMPORTANT NOTE: RE READ THE STORY, I AM SORRY, SO VERY SORRY, BUT I WANTED BETTER CONTENT, SO I ADDED IT.