Author's Note (2020/06/17): Only three more chapters left! Sorry this one was posted later than expected - life kind of got in the way. Thank you all for reading through this monster of a fanfic! I definitely did not anticipate it going over 100k words, let alone ~300k words! The end is in clear sight, so relief is on the horizon - rest assured. That being said, lockdown is still a thing but the weather is finally getting nicer so I can *sorta* go outside (at least with a mask).

Stay safe everyone xx

Chapter 70
Hope

Sleeping in the guest chambers, they dreamt comfortably away from the cold and ice that night.

The bed was made of silken sheets and a thick blanket of furs made from the hides of elk and fox, coating them in its warmth. Feeling her cold naked body against his was something he ached for, his hands tracing the curves of her scarred back and hips, pulling her to his warmth while his head rested beside hers on the pillow. Being near death made him fear he would never hold her again, never smell the sweet scent of her hair, and being together with her in that moment meant everything. Her skin was cool, soft, and as comforting as he remembered. Nuzzled close, they slept soundly throughout the night.

Waking groggily, he saw her laying before him. Her body turned with her sleeping expression facing him, the golden hue of her head poking over the blanket of furs. It was the first night in weeks since they shared a bed, and he found himself awed at the sight before him. Softly, he kissed her forehead. Sensing her stir silently, he met her flickering eyes of sleep and her gentle smile. Smiling, she rose to meet his lips, laying before him on the pillow as they lovingly looked into each other's eyes in the night. He remembered she said something, her voice whispering a giggle before she rested her head upon his bare chest as he held her in his arms under the furs.

"I love you... so much..."

When he woke the second time, there was an empty space on the bed where she slept.

Gone.

The blankets were kept tidily as if she were never there in the first place.

Reminding him of their first night, his heart was at ease and content. Finally, the only threats they had to face were the disgruntled elders of his council and her weary father who slept two rooms down the wide corridor. Not even a hangover dared to break his waking thoughts. The sake not only gave him the strength to last but also helped him sleep at ease for the first time in nearly a month. His insomnia would not be claiming him anytime soon - that was for certain. Rising slowly, Gaara rubbed his eyes as his feet met the cold tatami floor. Pulling up his pants while he stood from the bed, he fixed the bedsheets and brushed off the faint grains of sand that marked his existence. Catching his attention, he saw the rest of his clothes slung over the chair across the room.

She must have moved them, he thought. Finding himself forming a smile on his tired lips, he clued in to her actions. She must have not wanted him to strain himself from his injuries. Gathering himself, he walked towards the chair where his shirt and belt were placed. A windy howl rumbled against the window. He noticed as he turned towards it that the snows from the night had stopped, replaced by the cold winds of morning.

The belt broke the room's silence as it buckled into place, his gourd of sand fastened carefully at his side. As he put his arm through one of the sleeves of his shirt, he felt his wound twinge in pain. The wound was still fresh, the skin barely healed underneath his bandages. It had been weeks since the battle, but it still ached through him all the same. The sake made him forget about it the night before, his focus on being with his bride-to-be. Clutching the wrappings over his stomach, he bit his tongue to quell a curse on his breath.

"Let me help you,"

Turning to the open door, he saw a dressed Nomasaki walking towards him with a soft smile on her lips. Gingerly and weary of his wound, she helped guide his other arm through the sleeve, her nimble and delicate fingers fastening the buttons of his shirt for him. Her touch was soothing and doting, every movement riddled with care.

"Just because you're the Kazekage," She smiled. "It doesn't mean you have to do everything by yourself."

When she was done, he gave her a nod and smiled back. "I know." Watching her sit on the edge of the bed, his glance turned curious. "Is your father back from his hunt?"

"He's waiting for us in the chambers." She said. "He's seeing the Yamamori clansmen of the village now, it shouldn't be too long." As he sat beside her, she rested her hand under her chin and smiled at him. "Did you have a good rest?"

"Yeah." He nodded, looking towards the floor in thought. "It's been weeks since I've slept… but the journey certainly helped. The snow and the cold… I'm used to it by now, but uphill it's still a battle for me to put up with."

Striking her with his words, she paused for a moment. Moments later, she was shyly giggling to herself. Warmed by what he said, she could not help but laugh from the happiness he gave her. As someone who did not like the cold at all, hearing him say he was used to it made her feel full. He truly did love her a lot – snow, cold, and everything in between.

"What's so funny?"

Standing up, she nodded as she prepared to take her leave. "Nothing. We should go, I can sense the meeting is done. Anyways, my father is expecting us -,"

Rising from the edge of the bed, he cradled her face in his palms and kissed her softly. Her hands held onto his shoulders gingerly in embrace, the memory of their night in the bed of furs still beckoning to them to go back. Even as they embraced fully clothed, their thoughts were quick to echo desire. As their lips parted in silence, he looked lovingly into her eyes, caressing her cheek with his fingers.

"You're right." He agreed with a sigh. "We have to leave for Suna by noon if we're to make it back before morning."

She smiled up at him timidly, her eyes gleaming. "We could always stay longer if... you want. Surely, if the Kazekage wanted to stay an extra night."

The bed behind them exerted an almost gravitating presence, the warm pelts of fur and the soothing comfort calling to them in the back of their minds. Glancing back towards it, Gaara returned his gaze to her with a light smile.

"No, that's alright." He assured. "We shouldn't keep your father waiting."

With a sweet laugh, she agreed. Placing their cloaks over their shoulders, they slid the paper door closed and started for the audience hall of the village chieftain. The halls were wide and adorned in numerous scrolls and paintings with a guard at every turn, their spearheads glistening from the scarce sunlight that entered through the windows. Reaching the end of the hall, they saw the great hearth was crackling a sleeping fire and the last of the lingering councillors and clansmen were taking their leave.

"Finally! I can look upon my daughter's face," Kyo called. "You as well, Kazekage-sama."

Seated at the altar at the far end of the grand chamber, the chieftain sat atop a cushion made of deep purple fabric and was dressed in his honorable garbs and furs. A fatherly smile was etched upon his aged face, the grey in his orange hair and beard more pronounced than it was the last time they paid a visit. Watching the two take their seat before him on the tatami floor with the hearth at their backs, he chuckled to himself.

"I apologize for not greeting you when you arrived. The hunt took longer than I anticipated… We found ourselves a mighty boar, though. It will be served to the villagers as part of the feast this evening. You're both more than welcome to stay."

"That's very kind of you, but we have to return to Suna." Gaara said, his face stoic and eyes near hidden by the Kazekage's hat. "There's still things that need to be taken care of due to the recent situations that have befallen the village because of Tenbu."

Kyo's eyes grew curious, his fingers fraying through his beard. "I see." Relaxing, he leaned against his arm at his side as he examined the two foreigners. "I'm surprised I haven't received a hawk to tell of your arrival. If I would've known sooner, I could've let one of my right-hands lead the hunt so I could see to you as you arrived at our gates."

"There wasn't really much time," Nomasaki began, a smile on her lips. "As Gaara stated, Sunagakure is in a state of recuperation right now. We can't afford to be away from home for too long, you know how it is."

"You're right," Kyo sighed, chuckling under his breath. "I often forget you're both diplomats instead of just family, being how serious you are. I take it the Kumatsume people have told you of their progress on the tundra?"

"Yes, we're glad to see them flourish. They said our clans are now working together amicably, which is comforting to say the least."

"Yes yes, very comforting. They make for good farmers and good scouts." He guffawed after taking a sip of his tea. "They're not bad hunters either. Ask that boar! One of them accompanied us and they had the finest shot I've ever seen! I assigned them to teach the others their archery tricks and our smiths are looking into the fashioning of crossbows." Seeing his daughter give a brief laugh, he noticed that the Kazekage beside her held a sliver of sternness in his eerie ringed-eyes. Nervousness lingered there as well. "Kazekage-sama, you seem awful quiet. What ails you?"

Not even the shroud of his honorable hat of a Kage could mask his subtle anxiety.

He sat silent before the chieftain, his eyes unmoving from the suspicious hazel glare that examined him. Never knowing a father's care or hovering himself, he was entering uncharted territory. In his thoughts he reminded himself that Kyo was a reasonable man, a chieftain, but still a man of honor and family. Kyo even called himself family when they spoke within the darkened halls of the night on his last visit – but that was about to be tested along with his patience.

Noticing his quiet, Nomasaki turned to her father's narrowed eyes. "Father," She spoke. "Can we have a moment?"

Reading in between the lines of her words, the chieftain glimpsed to his waiting guards. Their armor and furs rustling as they stood, the two spear-wielding guardsmen departed out of the large wooden doors into the snowy morning outside. The room became silent enough to hear a pin drop. Not even the faint crackling of the dimming fire could be heard.

"I'm intrigued," Kyo sighed, leaning forward in his seat. "Does this concern the matter of the alliance between Yamagakure and Sunagakure?"

"No, it's not that. The alliance is fine – more than fine, actually…" She answered, her face calm. Realizing the ring that was hidden on the finger within her sleeve, her heart warmed as she visualized its golden glimmer. "There's… something that Gaara and I want to tell you, before we go."

Growing suspicious, the chieftain studied their faces carefully. "You seem serious… What is this 'something' you want to tell your dear old father, now?"

"Kyo-sama,"

Gaara started alone, his voice even and calm. Drawing the chieftain's guarded attention, the floor belonged to the Kazekage. Meeting his intruding hazel glare, Gaara maintained his iron-firm air with a fearless and stern glint to his tanuki eyes.

"As a former citizen of Suna of the Land of Wind, you and I share the same blood… so you must be aware of the village's beliefs and customs." The Kazekage continued. "Sunagakure and its culture are still mired in old-fashioned ways, which is why the Suna Council attempted to force an arranged marriage upon me a few months ago." Turning to Nomasaki at his side, he smiled towards her gratefully. "I… broke the betrothal so I could be with your daughter – Nomasaki," Softly, his hand touched hers. "…because I love her."

Kyo's expression tensed subtly, his brow furrowing. "Where is this going, Kazekage-sama?"

"Father," Nomasaki entered, sensing the rising tension. "There's no need for your guard, everything is alright. More than alright, actually…" Watching her father's expression ease into curiosity, she glanced to her lover and to the golden sand-crafted ring on her finger. "Gaara and I, we are… -," Looking to where her father sat, she gave a gentle and warmed smile. "…we are… engaged to be married."

The chieftain was rendered speechless, the sight of the ring striking him. "… En… Engaged…?"

"We wanted to ask you for your blessing before the marriage." Gaara said, a light smile on his lips as he sat holding his lover's ringed hand. "We're getting married at the end of the summer. It'll be a private ceremony… in the village gardens. We… would like for you to come."

"Married -?" Kyo repeated, the pure surprise still swelling through him. "You're… getting married -?"

"Dad," Nomasaki spoke, her eyes concerned. "I know this may come as a shock, but -,"

Kyo breathed out a laugh, averting his smiling face from their eyes. "So, it's finally happening…" He sighed. "I must say, I'm surprised but… I certainly seen this coming… What a strange thing it is… to be a father to a daughter… Nothing is saddening yet I feel the urge to weep out of happiness…"

Standing up with his crafted wooden cane, the chieftain descended the steps to meet them as they rose from their seats on the tatami floor. Placing his hands on the cane's hilt, he gave an iron-firm glance to the Kage in the room.

"Kazekage-sama, I hope you're aware that my daughter is a strong and fierce young woman. She is to be loved and cared for unconditionally. Nothing less."

Gaara nodded, the stoic air painting his eyes. "Yes, I know."

"And Nomasaki," Looking to his daughter, he suddenly felt the urge to shed tears. Keeping them at bay behind a concerned expression, he studied her soft eyes and happy face. "Are you sure this is what you want? To be a wife – a Kage's wife, at that?"

Smiling with a blush across her cheeks, she gave a nod. "Kage or farmer, I will still choose the same man."

Noticing her words, Gaara smiled lightly to himself. Whether he were a 'slob' or a lowly genin, he recalled, she would have loved him anyways. Even if he was not a shinobi at all, even if a simple farmer or civilian, she would have chosen the same each time. In his case, it would have been the same for him. Whether she was a shinobi or not, he knew he still would have fallen in love with her regardless.

"In that case, I give you two my blessing." Kyo bowed his head, a warmed smile etched across his bearded face. "I wish you happiness in the years to come." Near brought to tears, Nomasaki held her father close. Resting his head on her shoulder by the furs of her cloak's hood, he hid his emerging tears of joy from sight. "How your mother would've been honored by this… I know she'd be overjoyed as much as I am…"

She nodded, keeping her eyes shut. "Yes…" She said, quietly. "Thanks, dad."

Flurries fell slowly from the white skies above as they followed the winding path down the hillside. Standing tiredly by the inn's storefront, Naruto noticed them in his view. Relieved to see their familiar faces once again, he started towards them.

"How did it go?" He asked, pausing as they met. "I see you're in one piece!"

Gaara could not help but give a relieved smile. "It went better than expected."

Nomasaki smiled warmly as she felt Gaara put his arm around her, his hand comforting and firm on her shoulder. Leaning closer within her fiancé's hold, she turned to him and placed her hand over the cloak that covered his chest. "My father gave his blessing," She looked to Naruto kindly. "All went well. Now we can return home and relax."

"There's still the council and the Sand Priests…" Gaara reminded in her ear, reluctantly.

She jolted, glancing back. A blush found its way across her cheeks. "O-Oh, right… I forgot about them."

Giving a brief laugh in the cold, Naruto smiled widely at the two. "Don't forget to send an invitation!" He chuckled. "It was nice to see you guys, but I should get going soon or else Kakashi-sensei will send the ANBU after me! I'm already a few days behind, any more and I'll be in hot-water."

"You're alright to go by yourself?" Gaara asked.

"Yeah," Naruto nodded, fidgeting with his heavy cloak. "My hangover's mostly gone, but I'll be fine! Konoha is still a four-day journey from here though, so I'll mostly likely be stopping along the way."

With a calm-faced nod and stoic eyes, Gaara bid him farewell. "Safe travels, Naruto."

Stretching his arm into the cold air with a wave, the blond-haired Konoha shinobi started down the snowy path eclipsed by the frost-covered trees. In only moments, his silhouette disappeared from their view into the white of the snowy mountain winds.

"Gaara,"

Catching his attention, he glanced to his side. Standing silently with eyes locked towards the mountain road ahead, an expression of hidden sorrow painted Nomasaki's face. Her purple eyes were longing yet still as water, the pain of loss dangling within their hue.

After a silence, she finally spoke. "Before we go, there's… something I must do."

The trees of tall firs and spruce surrounded the white meadow as they entered, their branches covered in fresh snow and ice.

A single cherry blossom tree stood in the center, its pedals as blue as frost itself. A strange sight to behold. Dotted against the white land were the tombstones of the mountain dead, their mortal names etched and carved onto the grey stone. Stopping before a tombstone at the far reaches of the snowy meadow, they stood in shared silence.

"Is this her?" Gaara asked.

"Yes," Nomasaki nodded. Sitting down onto the cold snow below, the fur of her cloak kissed her cheeks as she brought herself to smile at the grave. "When she died, I was only ten. The villagers almost didn't have a funeral for her out of their held fear… but they decided to bury her anyways. I lit her pyre and stayed until her ashes were buried. How pitiful I was, orphaned at such a young age…" Her heart saddening, she closed her eyes. "I didn't come here last time I paid a visit. I regret it… but at least I'm here now."

Empathizing with her grief, he read the grave's faded inscription. The frost and winds covered most of the etchings, the ice hardened and frozen over the name that once belonged to her deceased mother. Carved lower on the headstone's epitaph were the kanji for the Yamamori clan, the inscription 'wolf' beside it.

"What was her name?"

"Mikomi." She said. "She told me my grandparents named her after their hope the clan would return… their prospects for the future… I wonder what they were like, if they were good people…" A faint chuckle passed her lips. "If only they were alive to see the clan now and how things have changed for the better. It's funny, in a way."

His eyes sharing a glint of sorrow, he watched her touch her hand against the stone. "Do you think your mother would have approved… of us? Knowing I'm of Suna and a different clan."

Another faint laugh passed through her lips, amused by his question. "She would be ecstatic, you're a Kage! She would've been over the moon!" She glanced to him, a blush warming her cheeks in the cold. "I know she would've loved to meet you, because of how much you mean to me." Looking back to the headstone, her smile faded as her heart grew nervous. "What of… your parents?" She asked quietly. "Would they accept me? Or… would they not… due to my 'half-blood'?"

"My mother wouldn't care. She would've loved you as if you were her own," Averting his eyes, he looked to the side, his ringed tanuki-eyes closed halfway. "My father, on the other hand… he would need time to accept. He was old-fashioned and unorthodox in his beliefs, from what I gathered anyways."

"I understand." She said, her voice even. "I didn't think so, considering in his eyes his jinchuriki-son would be marrying a werewolf, essentially."

"A tanuki."

Surprised by his words, she turned to meet his loving glance. Her eyes widened and cheeks still red, she could not help but smile back. His tailed-beast may have been a tanuki, but he also looked like one as well. The resemblance was uncanny around his mysterious brooding eyes, drawing her in since first glimpse. Turning back to the headstone, she felt the fur of her hood caress her reddened cheeks in the cold mountain air.

"So a tanuki fell in love with a wolf," She smiled. "Now that's something you don't hear every day."

As the snow gently fell from the skies, she reached into the pack strapped the hip of her kimono. Recognizing the inscription, Gaara watched her pull out an old and aged scroll. Its paper was torn and broken, the character for 'wolf' was still plainly seen upon the parchment's wrapping. It had been years since it last saw the light of day, not since the last war that claimed the life of the great wolf she once called her guardian.

Hanone.

Wide-eyed, he saw her hold it in her hands. "That's -,"

She nodded her head, looking down at the ancient scroll. "This is the oldest remnant of my clan – the scroll that once contained the summons of my people over generations…" She spoke. "Hanone was the last one, he told me. The last of his kin died out before the times of the villages came upon the world… hunted by enemies and poachers alike." Sorrow filled her violet eyes once more, her heart wrenching silently in her chest. "He hated humans, yet he gave his life protecting me… It's only fitting I let him rest with her."

As the mountain winds of the approaching afternoon rose with the soft snow of the north, she stood and placed the ancient scroll before the solemn grave. Glancing back to it one last time, the sadness rose into her throat. Her eyes glistened, holding back the tears that beckoned to stream down her cheeks. Pride soon replaced sorrow, allowing her to push back the tears with a light smile. Meeting the face of her lover, she nodded subtly and joined his side.

Leaving the graveyard and snow behind…