WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT
After a long pause, Aiko decided that Yasuo probably was right. If she ran from Gaara now, it was likely he would not be so forgiving. They decided to wait where they were. It wasn't very long before Gaara along with Kankuro showed up. They did not try to hide and eventually they all revealed their chakras freely.
Gaara and Aiko locked eyes. She was surprised that he actually did show up. He had been looking for her and this verified not only that but the things he said in his dream to her he meant. She could not help but look away still feeling determined to see to Hiroaki's demise.
Yasuo looked at the two of them and then Kankuro. "I will give you some privacy."
Kankuro took the hint and decided to follow. "I won't be to far Gaara."
Moments later it was only Gaara and Aiko again. She looked up at him again and decided to break the silence. "In our dream, you said you did not think I should be doing this." Gaara remained silent as she spoke. "But I have to. I don't think I can heal without him suffering." She put her hands over her heart.
Gaara smiled at her gently. He could hear that she did not seem so sure of herself. Him sharing his worries had likely shaken her. He stepped closer to her and put his hand gently on her cheek. "Please Aiko. Allow me to help you." He pleaded calmly.
"I... I don't think that you can Gaara." She said quietly. He then leaned down and kissed her deeply. Aiko quickly submitted to him, allowing herself to be pulled close to him. She ignored the aching in her rib and just kissed him.
It had been a long few months apart. Being apart had been one of the most difficult parts of this whole ordeal for Aiko. Although she didn't know for certain, Gaara felt the same. There were many things about Aiko that he had grown accustomed to having around. Her mere presence brought him joy.
"Please come with me Aiko." He pleaded more specifically to her.
She hesitated and pulled back turning her head to the side slightly. She wanted to go with him. "I really shouldn't." She had made progress and did not want it to be pointless. Yasuo had been generous with his time, but she loved Gaara. She looked up at him and smiled softly. "Okay." She finally agreed.
Gaara smiled warmly and leaned down to kiss her again. As he did they both heard the sound of a kunai flying. They parted quickly as it passed between them and struck into the ground near their feet. Gaara quickly grabbed Aiko and pulled her close to him and summoned sand around them. He looked around the area carefully.
"Hiroaki?" Aiko had spotted him before Gaara did as he approached from her side.
"Hello Aiko. I see that you have recovered well." Hiroaki smiled at her but there was something off about it. Gaara put it together that Hiroaki had been the one to hurt Aiko. "The kiss we shared did not keep you from the Kazekage I see." He said in a rather harsh tone.
Gaara's eyes widened. He was looking at Hiroaki and could see that he was trying to mess with him but it still bothered him anyways. Aiko's face reddened and she looked down at the ground avoiding Hiroaki's taunting glances. She could feel his eyes on her though and this did not go unnoticed by Gaara.
He lifted his hand and a wave of sand rushed to where Hiroaki stood. Hiroaki quickly moved out of the way and threw several more kunai towards them. They were blocked automatically by Gaara's sand shield. Aiko felt Gaara's hold on her tighten as Hiroaki began attacking more viciously. Before the fighting went on much longer though, Hiroaki retreated away. Moments later Kankuro and then Yasuo appeared. They were startled to see Gaara in such a defensive stance with Aiko.
Aiko quickly tried to explain what happened. She left out some details regarding what Hiroaki had said but otherwise was very detailed. Gaara stayed quiet as she explained. It was quickly decided that being so outnumbered was the reason for him fleeing.
As Hiroaki's attack was discussed she thought about his previous words. She wondered if he truly would have left her be. It was difficult to believe that after what he had suggested his intentions with Gaara were. Aiko looked at him as she thought about it. He was listening to Kankuro attentively but still managed to notice her eyes on him. She quickly averted her gaze.
"Oh, Yasuo... I have decided to return to Suna."
Yasuo smiled. He was not surprised by this. "Very well Aiko. It was nice to be able to see you again."
Aiko smiled, feeling relieved that Yasuo was not angry at her. She had been very worried about how he would respond but was pleasantly surprised. Kankuro found himself feeling relieved to. Having Aiko home would be a great relief to Gaara.
Yasuo decided it would be best for him to return home to the Saisho Clan for now. He went off on his own and Aiko joined Gaara and Kankuro to return to Suna. They stopped off shortly after beginning once they reached a little village with an inn. The village was very quiet so late but the inn had a little activity. There was a burly man running the place. They got two rooms, Gaara with the intent to have some more alone time with Aiko. He had a few other questions for her now after their encounter with Hiroaki.
"Don't have to much fun." Kankuro teased as he headed to his own room. Aiko blushed deeply in response. Gaara blushed and looked to the side. They then headed to their own room and locked the door behind them.
Once they had gotten settled in and seated together, Gaara decided to approach Aiko. "I would like to ask you about what Hiroaki said before." He said calmly.
Aiko blushed and looked down nervously. "Yes, I recall." She hesitated but knew it would be better to be honest with him about this. "I know this sounds typical, but it was not intended. He did kiss me, but I do not know why. It was very... unexpected." As she spoke about it she became more uncomfortable because she did not know why he had done that. She had never noticed Hiroaki showing interest in her.
"I see." Gaara said a little lost in thought. He recalled seeing some unusual behaviors displayed by Hiroaki around Aiko. He seemed to linger near her a lot when in the village.
"Are you angry?" Aiko asked Gaara. He met her eyes and saw the worry in her expression.
He smiled at her and then approached her. "No." He said simply and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes, feeling relieved.
After a few moments, Aiko pulled back. "I am going to visit the baths." She turned and grabbed her bag. "I have been in the woods for a while." She smiled at him as she left the room and he smiled back.
Once alone, Gaara sat down on the bed. He closed his eyes and tried to forget about Hiroaki but something in him knew he was still a threat. He also felt that Aiko might know something more. He would need to find out what it was at some point.
Aiko walked slowly to the bath house outside the inn. There was a stone pathway leading to it and it had a lot of nice lighting along the path. It was quiet though. Apparently not many people were utilizing it this late in the evening. That made sense to Aiko.
She entered the bath house and felt the wave of warm humidity as she did. She found herself a locker and placed her personal items in it. She undressed and put on a white bath robe and grabbed a towel. Once she had secured her belongings, she went into the bathing room. She found a good spot to leave her towel and robe and undressed again before entering the steaming water to soak.
Immediately she was glad she decided to come. The bath was extremely soothing to her and she felt herself relaxing easily, especially since she was alone. As she began to drift away she thought of Hiroaki again. She worried about what his intentions were and in turn Gaara's safety. Then of course he had talked about being rid of her to but he had kissed her and quite passionately at that.
Gaara had undressed and changed into his night clothes while Aiko was away. He laid back on the bed and closed his eyes. There were a lot of similarities in his thoughts to Aiko's. Still, one thing that Gaara wondered was what Hiroaki's end goal was. After everything, did he have an ideal ending? If so, what was it?
Aiko finished her bath and got our of the water, drying herself off and then wrapping her hair up. She then put on her bathrobe and headed back into the locker room. After gathering her things she headed back to the inn room where Gaara was. As she entered the room he sat up in the bed and looked her way. He saw her with her hair wrapped up and wearing what appeared to be only her bath robe.
She smiled at him and sat her things down before pulling the towel from her head, letting her long black hair fall. It was still damp. She laid the towel down to dry out and then sat on the edge of the bed near Gaara's legs. "Are you alright?" She asked him.
He looked at her and their eyes met. He smiled warmly. "Yes. I have just missed you." He realized that he felt relieved. Part of him feared that she may not come back.
Aiko smiled back at him and then moved up next to him on the bed. She placed a hand gently on his chest and then kissed his cheek softly. He felt his heart race when she touched him. It felt a little surreal. As she began to pull her hand away he moved without thinking and grabbed her wrist. It startled her a little but then she smiled at him when their eyes met again.
She could see the desire in his expression as he quickly moved in to kiss her. He released her wrist and pulled her body up closer to him. She was partially under him now as he continued to kiss her deeply and passionately. She moved her free arm to unbutton his dark red sleep shirt revealing his pale toned chest. He removed the shirt entirely before beginning to undo her bath robe.
Aiko felt herself blush nervously as he did so. She grew still and held her breath. Gaara noticed and paused, slowing down his actions and kissing her again more gently. He then moved to her neck, softly kissing. She began to relax again and he slowly undid her bath robe, not opening it yet to reveal her.
Gaara sat up and Aiko did as well, holding her robe closed as she did. They met eyes again and then they kissed deeply again. Gaara slid his hands into her robe and onto her hips as they did. Aiko felt her heartrate quicken as his hands caressed her bare skin. His lips moved from hers to her chest. She took the opportunity to begin removing his pants. After, he slowly pulled her robe off her shoulders and eventually tossed it to the side.
He remained very close to her and their lips met again as their bodies pressed against each others. Gaara put his arm around her and laid her back on the bed, slowly climbing on top of her. Their lips parted, allowing for them to take the moment to catch their breaths in the excitement.
Once he had successfully positioned himself in between her legs, he began to kiss her again. Her hands slowly caressed his bare hips and ribs and she felt him pressed against her warmth. She closed her eyes, feeling her body heat up with anxiety and excitement. Without thinking, her touch was much more evident on his skin as her own need grew.
One of Aiko's hands moved to take a gentle hold of his hair. Gaara kissed her neck as she did this and then her lips. Her other hand moved to his lower back and pressed. She wanted him and pressed her lips harder against his with passion.
He pressed against her before pushing into her. Aiko's grip loosened on him and she began to cry out but he muffled her by kissing her again as he continued to slowly push into her. Her body tensed up and he paused to allow her time to adjust and relax again. He caressed her hip and then her cheek and as she relaxed he began to move once again.
Their lips parted but remained close as he moved his hips. Aiko put her hands onto his back and pulled him close to her. Gaara moved in to kiss her neck and she let out a quiet heavy breath of pleasure. He continued to move in and out of her, both of their pleasures continuously building. Gaara found himself beginning to gently bite Aiko's neck.
"Ah!" She quietly exclaimed as he bit her tenderly. Gaara moved and kissed her again as he began to move faster. Aiko was having trouble keeping herself silent and quietly moaned from pleasure into Gaara's mouth. This only excited him more and he quickened his movements even more. He began to feel his climax nearing.
Aiko felt herself heating up as Gaara moved faster. She felt herself tighten around him and she cried out quietly as Gaara began to fill her even more. He let out a few quiet moans of release as he thrust slower and harder into her, filling her completely as he climaxed. Her own euphoria hit as he did and she tightened around him even harder.
It took them a moment before Gaara pulled from her. He kissed her gently and then laid back to rest and enjoy the afterglow. Aiko joined him by resting her head on his chest. They were quiet for a little while and Gaara gently stroked Aiko's hair as they laid there. Eventually, Aiko began to feel herself drifting into a blissful sleep.
The next morning, Aiko awoke early and alone. The sun had just begun to rise and the room was empty except for her. That was rather strange to her. She wondered where Gaara would have gone so early. As she began to worry more, the door to their room opened and Gaara walked inside. He closed and locked it and Aiko quickly covered herself as Gaara turned back around. He smiled as he saw her do this and then walked over.
"Kankuro has gone ahead of us." He explained. "There were a few things I needed him to take care of for me." He sat down on the edge of the bed next to Aiko.
"I see." she replied. "That was kind of him." She was glad to have more alone time with Gaara and smiled at him in response.
"We will be able to take a bit more time on our return so there was something that I wanted to do." He went on. He looked at Aiko who was listening. "It is a place I would like to take you to."
Aiko smiled. "Okay." She wondered where he wanted to take her. Gaara wanted to surprise her though so he did not go into further detail.
He looked at her and then kissed her forehead before standing. "I will allow you a moment to get dressed." He smiled and then headed out the door.
Aiko smiled again to herself and got up to get dressed. It really would be nice to have some extra time with Gaara alone. It was rather exciting. She dressed in a pair of black tights with a long sleeved shirt dress that was shaded a deep burgundy. After loosely braiding her long thick hair, she slipped on her black sandals, grabbed her bag, and headed out to meet Gaara.
He was waiting patiently outside the door and smiled as she emerged. He was wearing his maroon button up shirt and matching pants. He had his ninja tool belt equipped still though along with a small gourd. "Where are we going?" Aiko asked.
Gaara smiled. "I will show you." His tone was calm and casual.
Aiko smiled back at him and lightly laughed. "Alright."
He lead them away from the inn and they walked quietly and happily together for a while. At a empty part of the road, when it was just surrounded by forest and nothing but nature could be heard he finally stopped. Aiko looked around nervously at first.
"This way." Gaara said and began to walk into the woods. Aiko hesitated for a moment and he turned to her extending his hand to her. She walked forward and took his hand. He gently pulled her forward.
Aiko could not quite figure out how Gaara knew where to go. She could not see any obvious landmarks and as they traversed through the woodlands there were still no obvious path markers that she could find. Still, she followed Gaara as he seemed confident that he knew exactly where they were.
After a little while, Gaara lead them through a small opening in the brush. Before they emerged, Aiko could hear the sound of rushing water. Once they were through, she was amazed to see a beautiful waterfall before her. The water fell into a large pool that was clear and sparkling. Natural grasses and flora thrived around the area and the sun rays beamed through the trees.
"This is amazing." Aiko said quietly as she looked around her. Gaara watched her and smiled as he saw her in awe. She approached the pool and put her hand into the crystal blue water. The water was warmer than she expected. It wasn't really even warm but it wasn't cold either. "How did you ever find this place?" She asked Gaara as she explored.
"I wandered around a lot when I could not sleep." He said simply.
"What an inspiring place to find." Aiko said and stood up.
Gaara thought about that statement. When he had come across this place, he was very lost. Not in the sense that he didn't know where he was, he just had not found his place in the world yet. When he had first stumbled into it, he did not even realize where he was. He was paused by the pool of water in his path.
When he looked around, he was amazed himself. It was a beautiful place, left alone by the world. "Thank you for bringing me here." Aiko said, interrupting Gaara's thoughts. She had approached him and taken his hand. He smiled down at her and pulled her close to him. She laughed a bit as he did and it brought him joy to hear it.
"I am glad that you like it here." Gaara said. "There is a reason that I wanted to bring you here though." He let her go and she stepped back slightly. He pulled a ring from a pocket in his shirt. Aiko quickly knew what he was doing and felt her heart begin to race. He had already asked her to marry him so she was very caught off guard. "Aiko, I wanted to do this properly." He knelt down and presented the ring to her. "Will you marry me?"
Aiko did not look at the ring but at Gaara and quickly nodded her head. "Yes." She replied again to him. He stood up, taking her hand and sliding the ring onto her finger. Aiko then kissed him. He put his arms around her and happily returned her affections.
