Author's Note (2020/06/24): Hey everyone! Sorry for the wait for this chapter. I'm the worst at scheduling these as writer's block seems to show up when I least expect it! On a good note, only two more chapters left and his monster of a ~300k story is done forever! I'm so excited to reach the ending but it's also bittersweet as it's been one hell of a rewrite project that I put a lot of time into. The things I've learned from writing this will definitely follow me through future stories as I gain more experience - which in itself is invaluable.

I've also come to realize my fic is now over 100 favourites here on FFN, so thank you all so much for reading!

I'm getting busy now that lockdown is slowly lifting, so I may not have as much time as I hoped to write more fanfiction, but I will try to post the last two chapters soon. That being said - stay safe, wear your masks, and have a great summer!

(...see end for more notes)

Content Advisory: smut

Chapter 71
Under the Desert Sun

Stunned and confused, Nomasaki sat wide-eyed and mouth gaped at what she just heard.

"Is this… really what I have to do?"

Seating across the floor from her soon-to-be sister-in-law, they filled out the invitations one by one. A pile of parchment was messily stacked between them, about to fall at any second from the uneven pillar that was set. The Kazekage's wedding ceremony was hoped to be an extravagant affair, but the Fifth Kazekage insisted there was to be a small ceremony. Nothing more, nothing less. Kankuro was hoping for the extravagant, but Nomasaki was relieved it was to be intimate. She was nervous enough as it was.

Groaning under her breath, Temari facepalmed. "I've already explained it twice already…" She grumbled, fidgeting the pen. "Jeez, Nomasaki… I didn't think this would have you so frazzled. You're a jonin for god's sake! You've done far scarier things than this!"

"I know, but… -," Shyly, Nomasaki gave a pleading glance. "Can you explain it to me again, Temari? Just so we're clear."

Seeing the anxious confusion in her pale face, Temari sighed in surrender. "Alright…" Resting the pen against the invitations at her lap, she eyed her friend sternly. "So, what you need to do is you need to go to the temple located near the monastery in the north end of the village and present yourself to the Sand Priests. They will say a chant and you repeat what they say, then they give you their answer after judging your spirit."

"Judging… my spirit?"

Bewilderment.

Temari nodded, her expression dismayed and averted. "It's part of the ritual. They want to make sure you are right to be wed, or so the traditions state." A brief laugh escaped her. "I'm so glad Konoha doesn't have anything ridiculous like this…"

Stunned, Nomasaki looked on silently.

Shortly after, she began to laugh as sweetly and loudly as her lungs allowed. Stress turned to laughter, and laughter soon turned to howling. Keeled over on the floor, she snickered with her wolfish canines as pronounced as ever. Temari could not help herself, and soon after the sight she laughed as well. It had been near a month since her last visit to her homeland, and she was due for a good notion of humor.

Clutching her stomach, Nomasaki chuckled. "Stop, Temari – you're going to make me feel bad!"

Snickering to herself, a thought suddenly rang through her mind. "Oh, and you have to wear red!" Temari blurted, the laughter ending. "It's a sacred color. It's the color of the desert gods and is said to protect from oni and dark spirits, or so they say… It's also the color of love, so make sure it's a red kimono. Not burgundy or orange – red."

Looking down to her lap with a calming sigh, Nomasaki relaxed. Chuckling the last of her wind into her sleeve, she took in a breath of easy air. With the fading of the laughter, her mind remembered what she desperately wanted to forget. The ritual for blessings. Gaara was not a religious man – no one she knew was – but it was his culture, and her father's culture. Surely, she had to hold some belief in it, but all she could muster was the name of the god of death her mother told her in stories and the Sage of Six Paths who was said to have given the Yamamori and the Kumatsume their ancient kekkei genkai. She remembered the sight of the sunken statue in the golden dunes of the endless desert, its fingers outstretched as if trying to grasp the sun. The desert gods never answered her prayers nor her pleas before – why would they listen to her now?

"All this work just to marry Gaara…" She said, quietly. "I never knew anything about this…"

"Does Yama have any traditions like this?"

Smiling, she shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Just that the women wear a white layered kimono and the parents are asked for their blessings before the marriage. My mom told me once."

"Do you have a wedding kimono picked out?" Temari pressed, an interested smirk on her lips. "Are you wearing one from Yama?"

A blush spread across Nomasaki's cheeks. Warmed, she averted her bashful face and nodded. "Yes, but don't tell Gaara or anyone. I… want to keep it secret."

Smiling back, Temari watched her blushing friend sort through the invitations timidly. Remembering a distant thought, she became annoyed. Having traveled to Sunagakure for a diplomatic affair, the absence of Kankuro and the puppet corps' scrolls from the joint-training program irked her. She would have to depart for Konoha in the morning – with the intel or not.

Dismayed, she shot her head towards the door at their backs. "What's taking them so long?" She scoffed. "I swear – since my last visit Kankuro's been laxer than ever! I'm surprised Gaara hasn't flipped at him yet."

Starting down the hall to the Kazekage's office, Temari and a reluctant Nomasaki saw the door open ajar. A hearty laugh and a giggle could be heard. Curious, they looked to each other as if to say, "You first," and "No, you first". Awkwardly, Nomasaki hesitated to enter after having sensed the chakra in the room. Gaara was far away, but his brother was nearby – and another was, too. With an exasperated sigh, Temari turned the doorknob and pushed herself in. She found herself shocked and startled by the sight – and then rightfully annoyed. Furrowing her brow, she swore she felt a twitch.

"Hello… you two."

Caught in the act, Kankuro whipped his head towards the door with his face blank and cheeks reddened. Standing close beside him, Meiyumi froze, her cheeks flushed pink and brown-eyes wide from the eye contact she got from the Kazekage's stern and powerful older sister. They were in the middle of a 'gripping' conversation no doubt, flirting their way to finishing their assignment reports together. Temari was not pleased.

"Uh… hi, Temari." Kankuro could say no more, his sister's glance rendering him silent.

Frantically, Meiyumi gave a nervous bow of her head. "T-Temari-sama -!"

Entering timidly behind her, Nomasaki hung around the doorway. "Temari, this is why I didn't want to go in…"

"Where's Gaara?" Temari demanded, ignoring her. "The council meeting is about to start in less than ten minutes! I need those papers before I leave to Konoha."

Kankuro coughed into his fist, brushing off his embarrassment. "He's at the gardens."

"The gardens?!"

"Yeah, he postponed the meeting until later." Kankuro nodded. "He said he had something to do."

"Ugh… fine." She grumbled. With a sigh, she glimpsed to the timid blonde behind her. "By the way… you'll be going to the temple by yourself, Nomasaki."

Taken aback, Nomasaki felt her heart jolt. "W-What? Why -?"

"Gaara must've forgot to tell you. It's bad luck to see your bride before the ceremony, but even worse luck to see her before being blessed by the priests." Temari explained in a calm voice, turning to meet her nervous expression. "Maybe he knew?"

"Ah, the priest's blessings. You're doing that old thing?" Kankuro mused, curiously. "Good luck."

His words did not help. Her violet eyes pleading, she pressed a final time. "Temari, what of the Sand Priests? I've been in Sunagakure as an emigrate for seven years and I'm still not aware of the culture… Would they give you their blessing knowing I'm not of the faith of the desert gods?"

"They'd have no choice. Gaara would see to that." Temari scoffed, smirking lightly. "It's bothersome, but it won't take long. Come, I'll help you get ready,"

"W-Wait, Temari -!"

Before Nomasaki had a single moment to process, Temari grabbed her by the hand and whisked her out the door. Fumbling she exchanged a stunned glimpse to Meiyumi as she disappeared into the wide corridor outside. Her expression appeared as if to say, "Help me".

The temple in the village's north was awaiting for her arrival, gods or not.

Patting down the orange soil around the flower's base, Gaara made sure to be gentle.

Isolated from the demands of office work and his responsibilities, the Kazekage retreated to his greenhouse within the estate's gardens. The glass surrounded a bastion of beautiful blue flowering plants, dozens arranged upon the shelves. The desert may have claimed the land with its endless dunes, but where the scarce soil lay it was surprisingly fertile to the flora that grew from its orange sands. The snow lilies were no exception. Having found some seeds on his last visit only days ago, the mysterious blue flowers took a great liking to their new home within the greenhouse and its shelter from the sweltering sun. Striking his intrigue, its petals shivered against his reaching fingers, the cold emanating from them even in the desert. It was the same as his bride from the mountains. Interrupting his comforting thoughts, he heard someone approach the entrance behind.

"I knew you'd still be hanging around here," Kankuro said, leaning against the doorframe. "The council is still waiting for you. They're really pissed you're delaying this."

Focusing on tending to the flowers, Gaara paid no mind. "I'm not delaying, just toying. They have to remember I don't bend so easily. I'm the Kazekage – the village isn't run solely by the council and some elders are due for a reminder."

A scoff passed Kankuro's smirked lips. "Temari kidnapped your fiancée. Aren't you worried?"

"Why should I be worried? They're just priests. If they don't give their blessings, we'll elope. Problem solved."

Near speechless, Kankuro looked wide-eyed and stunned at his younger brother. "So, you really want to get married, huh… I must say, I'm shocked." Raising a brow and crossing his arms against his chest, a smirk etched itself on his lips. "What about that heir-nonsense? Are you taking care of that -?"

Gaara jolted.

His hands twitching against the flowerpot, he shot his sibling a dismayed and blushing scowl. "That's not to be discussed here -!" Turning the tables, he returned his attention to the blue flowers. Two could play at this game, he thought. "Anyways… I've noticed you've been spending more time with Nomasaki's friend, Meiyumi. What should I make of that?"

"Make of what -? We're just -!" Masking his brightly blushing face, Kankuro averted his glance disgruntledly. Even with his purple face-paint, his fluster was still easily seen. "N-Never mind that! The council is waiting, Gaara. We should leave."

A sigh passed through his lips, submitting at last. "Alright," Meeting his brother's expression as he walked past, his face hardened as if iron. "Let's get this over with…"

"Absolutely not!"

The vitriol and discourse erupted among the council chamber. Seated with a glare, Gaara listened to their ramblings while a scowling Kankuro stood close beside him. The giant stone statues of the past Kazekage looked down at the quarreling in silence, their stone bodies rebuilt and carved anew while the bare bones of the chamber still had scaffolding near its walls. The vote on the marriage was passed by nearly the entire council. Most were hesitant at first, but the starting words by the head councillor Zarō encouraged the others to reconsider their stone-firm stances. The blood of Rasa the Fourth was to be protected, even if it meant being mixed with that of a foreign clan. They chose the possibility of survival instead of imminent extinction – a fair choice, at that.

Before the motion could be closed, a disgruntled elder stood from his and yelled his stance again, drawing the loud discourse from the councillors that neighbored him. Shōta was his name, an old councillor who often lurked amongst the library. Unmoving in his corner, he continued to shout his grievances of losing the last of the great family of the desert.

"Please keep your voices down!" Baki shouted, slamming his fist against the table's surface. "This is a place for discussion!"

Zarō gave a disconcerted glare. "Shōta-sama, all the other councillors unanimously agreed to the union of Kazekage-sama and his betrothed. Why are you rescinding?"

"I rescind on behalf of our village's customs!" The elder shouted. "It's unheard of for such a thing, let alone within the near-extinct Kazekage clan! I hereby rescind my vote on your marriage… which is still not approved of by council, I would like to mention!"

Kankuro gnashed his teeth, his fists clenching at his sides. "Why you…!"

Prompting him to refute his path to the councillor, Gaara lifted a palm of halt. "Kankuro, don't." He said firmly, glancing to him. "Let me hear what he has to say."

As the stone Kazekage watched behind them, the elder looked the young leader in the eyes with contempt deep in his heart. "Gaara-sama, with all due respect… This relationship you have to Nomasaki-sama of the Yamamori clan started as a defiance to an arranged political marriage to strengthen an alliance with the once-powerful Hoki Family… but it has come to pass that the relationship with this woman has become a political marriage in turn! Her father is chieftain of Yamagakure… an outside village!" He slammed his palms against the table in anger. "This potential union between Yamagakure and Sunagakure not only fosters a new political alliance between the lands, but it further jeopardizes the state of Suna! If an heir is produced from this union, the child could be lost to Yama – leaving our own village with no successor!"

Gripping the wooden edge of the council table, his rage seethed through his furrowed brow. Drawing the ire and silent glances from the other councillors, the room echoed with a sour vitriol.

"For generations, the Kazekage clan has kept its bloodline pure within Suna to maintain authority and strength in the village. However, Temari-sama plans to marry a man of the Nara clan from Konohagakure. Kankuro-sama is childless and is not interested in finding a wife." Glaring towards the young Kazekage, the anger boiled within him. "…and you...! Gaara-sama,"

Gaara glared at him in return, his rising anger contained behind his narrowed eyes.

"You have proposed marriage with a woman from an outside village and clan that possesses a bloodline of its own manifest!" Shōta yelled, slamming the table repeatedly. "Not to mention, she was once an agent of the resistance – a spy for the disgraced Kenzō who caused the destruction you see around us! She committed the highest treason! I can't sit idly by and watch our village fall apart because some foreign-born mutt seduced our Kazekage -!"

"Hold your tongue, councillor… if you value it." Gaara shot back, his voice as sharp as steel. "This may be a sacred place, but I swear if you utter another word, I won't be merciful."

"E-Ebizo-sama!"

The room fell into a sudden silence.

Surprised, all eyes turned towards the doorway to witness the elderly man enter. Nearing eighty-years, Ebizo the Grand Elder had seldom showed up to council meetings from his weakness and achy joints, leaving many to fear for his health and longevity. But from the news of the impending marriage of Rasa's youngest, he surprisingly found the strength to make the journey from his residence to the Kazekage's estate. Pacing himself, he paused before the grand wooden table and the councillors that were seated around it, his hands folded at his back and his face aged and calm.

"I trust the decision is still yet to be decided?" Ebizo asked, directing his attention to Zarō.

"Yes, Ebizo-sama," Zarō nodded. "We were nearing the motion, but Shōta-sama has some grievances."

"Grievances?"

"Honorable Ebizo-sama!" Shōta yelled, drawing the elder's attention. "Tell the council to reject Kazekage-sama's engagement to the foreigner! We need an elder's voice on the matter – a Grand Elder's voice!"

"Very well," Ebizo nodded. "I'll see to it you get an answer." Looking towards the young leader seated at the table's head, he noticed an air of discontent within his expression, his ringed-eyes averted. "Kazekage-sama," Ebizo spoke. "With all due respect, your engagement to Nomasaki-sama was indeed unexpected and a surprise to us all."

"Unexpected, yes." Gaara brought himself to answer. "But the council has been aware of the relationship since before the spring. They had even tried to push marriage on us earlier, and for some reason they are shocked by the announcement I've made today before the council."

Ebizo stepped closer, his eyes hidden from his grey brows. "I see. Kazekage-sama, I trust you chose your bride wisely considering you already refused an offer of marriage from the council. I understand this was the reason?"

Averting his eyes, the Kazekage nodded curtly. "Yes."

"I also understand that this woman was once an agent of Kenzō many years ago… and was tried with treason but was pardoned – by you." Eyeing the listening councillor, the elder's expression remained reasonable and calm. "I can understand your concern for this, Shōta-sama. Believe me, I can."

As their eyes watched the elder step back towards the base of the towering Kazekage statues in the chamber, tension in their patience rose. Looking upon the council with a light smile on his wrinkled face, Ebizo made his decision.

"But who are we, as stubborn old-folk, to decide of this union?" He said, eyeing the listening young Kazekage in his view. "Surely, if Kazekage-sama has fought this far with his words to the council, there is love here. Love is essential for a long and happy marriage if it is to be fruitful - and not to mention, the bride may be foreign-born but she carries the blood of our village in her veins from her honorable father. An alliance by marriage to Yamagakure is not a bad idea either. Very practical, actually. In regards to her clan, the bride is a half-blood – so if a heir is produced, we can rest assured that the Kazekage clan's genes would remain strong. I have no qualms with this proposal."

"E-Ebizo-sama -?! What are you saying?" Shōta stammered, stunned and aback.

Unfazed, the elder rose his palm for all to see. "As Grand Elder of this village, I vote in favor of this union." Before taking his leave, he gave the young ruler a light smile. "Best wishes to you, Kazekage-sama. I wish you happiness in your marriage."

Hidden behind the guise of his closed hands as he rested his elbows onto the table, a smug smile formed on Gaara's lips. He won. Once the elder was escorted from the room with his attendants, Shōta let out a grumble and reluctantly returned to his seat in a slump. Glaring bitterly, he glimpsed at his village's leader in held distaste.

"Not the answer you wanted to hear, Shōta-sama?" Kankuro smirked. "You look as if you want to say something. Anything else you'd like to add?"

The councillor struck his fist briefly on the table's surface. "N-No!" Biting his tongue, he averted his frustrated glance away as he found himself raising his palm in favor. "I'll be damned… As an elder councillor, I… vote in… favor of this… union…"

"This matter is settled, then." Gaara spoke, drawing in their attention. "Thank you all."

The temple was unlike anything she had ever seen.

Standing tall against the blue skies, the towering structure adorned in red and gold stood out from the clay and stucco that stood at its sides. Two armed monks stood before the giant iron doors, only stepping aside for her to enter. It was surprisingly dark, the only light being of the candles which were lit scarcely down the mosaic floor. Timidly, she kept a calm face and shuffled in her steps to get to where she was told to go. Dressed in the red kimono Temari fetched for her, she felt strangley uneasy. Red was never her color, the white silk layer underneath her only comfort. Wearing a gold obi across her waist, she made do with the liberating and loose feeling of the fabrics, the cool air of the corridor caressing her neck and dancing to her shoulders as she walked in the dim light.

Making it to the end of the hall, she found herself amazed at the sight. A giant tea kettle was sitting atop a pedestal, its outside ancient and riddled in sand. Surprising her senses, she thought she briefly sensed the chakra of Shukaku lingering to it.

"This is the kettle that first claimed Shukaku the one-tailed tanuki,"

Startling her, she turned to see a monk garbed in red and gold approach her from the far candlelight. Calm-faced and bald, the young man paused before her and marveled at the artefact. The beast would be humored they kept it, she thought, or insulted.

"That was over hundreds of years ago, but we keep the symbol for luck." He turned to her. "The priests are waiting for you. Please, follow me."

Within the tapestry adorned room, Nomasaki found herself seated at the foot of an altar. The monk who escorted her in had disappeared by the closing of the doors behind her, leaving her to vouch for herself against the unknown. Nervously, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Hearing footsteps, she opened them. A dignified and golden garbed priest stepped down from the high altar, drawing her nervous eyes instantly. He appeared aged but not as old as she thought, but his face was as stiff as slate and his eyes looked down at her with a judging presence she could not waiver. He was ancient, nearing eighty years at least. Of all the things she had to do in order to marry – she felt most uncomfortable in that room. Even her chakra was shaken.

"May the desert gods guide you."

Watching the priest take his seat on the cushioned floor across from her, she suddenly realized her cue. Remembering what Temari told her, she timidly bowed her head in return.

"May the… desert gods guide."

Rising her eyes to meet the priest, she saw a glimmer of disapproval. Irking internally, she pushed her nervousness aside. Behind him, two more sand priests sat in silence, their hands folded over their golden laps.

"Before us, a pagan has requested our blessing for a marriage." He began. "Do you forsake your pagan gods?"

She hesitated. "I beg your pardon, honorable priest - but… the god of death? I don't pray to them. It's considered an insult where I come from."

"Well, where we come from the only gods are the gods of the desert. Do you forsake?"

They were unmoving in their insistence, irking her shyness. Humbly, she masked her nervousness as best as she could by using her best calm. "…Yes, I… forsake."

Her crossed fingers in her sleeve held her true answer.

"Good. Now, then… In order to receive the blessing for your union, you must be judged by the gods." Preparing for the chant, the head priest rose his arms and closed his eyes in focus. "With their encompassing arms, the desert gods cradled the earth in embrace and created the desert. With their love, they bore the valley of life of which we live. With their wisdom, they created man from clay and gave us the land before departing for the heavens…"

She felt a twitch rumble through her arm.

Glancing to it, she suddenly realized the warning. Her blood was already beginning to boil. Triggered by her rising nervousness, her power was awakening from its slumber. Out of all possible times. Folding her hands onto her kimono-clad lap, she grasped her arms under her sleeves tightly as the feral blood awoke in its silence. Keeping her composure, she fought to remain human in her expression, her soft face fighting under the shroud of a calm smile.

"Place your hands onto the stone before you to be judged,"

Startled, she looked up to see the elder priest's disapproving eyes. Hesitantly, she released her hands and touch the stone. Her forehead lay against its cool surface, her bowing hiding her conflict of nerves. As she made contact, she felt her chakra become tactile in her fingertips. Was the stone a chakra-stone – or was it all in her anxious mind? At least the cool texture it had gave her solace. She had to maintain her pose for two minutes – then it was freedom. Containing her swelling nerves, she held on for dear life.

"Desert gods – this woman asks for your blessing. Bestow upon her your graces…"

A twitch shot through her chest.

"…As a Sand Priest of these desert lands, I give my blessings on behalf of the gods. Rise,"

Lifting her head slowly from her bow, the priest gasped and fell back from the sight. A wolfish expression lay drawn upon her face, her eyes feral and slanted with a fanged muzzle and likeness to a beast. As he cowered on the floor, Nomasaki calmed her blood and sat composed before him. Human. With a tremble, the priest glimpsed back and saw that the wolf was gone – only a mere woman.

"What in the name of the gods… are you?!" The priest spat, still shaken. "You are -?!"

"A wolf," She said, smiling lightly. "Forgive me, it slips out when I get nervous."

Sitting across from her, the priest eyed her cautiously. "Ōkami -!?" The term struck her curiosity. "O-Oni! You were sent as a test by our gods! You fooled me into giving my blessing!"

"Sir!" Frantically, the young monk from earlier ran into the room. "She's not an oni! It's Nomasaki-sama, the bride of our Kazekage!"

The old and shaken monk was shocked. "Kazekage-sama?!"

"Yes." Nomasaki said. "What he says is true."

Gaped and stunned, the elder priest let out a muffled grunt and averted his eyes from hers. Taken for a senile old fool. "Fine… You may leave, then." Watching her stand and give a bow for her leave, he gave a parting scowl. "And don't you come back! Our gods are watching you!"

Closing the door behind her, she leaned her back against it as she let out a contained deep breath. "And that's finally over with..."

Navigating through the open halls of the estate was a surreal thing.

Repairs were nearly completed, the beams and scaffolding finally coating the walls and protecting from the harsh desert winds. Not a soul passed her by as she reached the Kazekage's office, not even a single glimmer of chakra passed through her senses. Closing the door behind her with care, she turned to see her fiancé watching her closely. Leaning against the front of his desk, Gaara eyed her curiously.

"How did it go?" He asked.

"The priest thought I was an oni sent to trick him." She sighed. "Still, I managed to get the blessing for us."

"An oni?"

"My chakra acted up," She snickered to herself shyly. "I couldn't help myself, I was too nervous."

Perplexed, he met her soft smile as she walked closer. The memory of the broken window suddenly flickered in his thoughts. "I see."

"How was the council meeting? Did you tell them today?"

He was irked by the question. Averting his ringed-eyes, he placed his hands in his pockets and looked to the side. "There were elders who… hesitated." He sighed. "They brought up not just your clan, but your father and your past ties to the resistance through Kenzō. One of the elders said a Kazekage shouldn't be marrying someone who committed treason."

Guilt swelled into her chest. Sadly, she looked to the floor. "Oh…"

"Ebizo-sama is looking forward to it, however." Gaara said, turning towards her. "He swayed the others to agree to the marriage."

Rising to meet his face, she gave a relieved smile. "I'm… glad."

Holding her close in his arms, he rested his head on her shoulder. "I'm going to marry you, whether the elders want me to or not. I love you, Nomasaki."

"I love you, too." She smiled in embrace. "I'm sorry you had to put up with that… Next time I'll be there to defend myself, I promise." Suddenly, she realized her position in her red silks and kimono. Pulling herself out of his arms nervously, she turned awkwardly frantic. "I'm so sorry, Gaara -! I forgot I can't let you see me wear this – it's bad luck -,"

"I don't care." He answered with a loving glance. "I'm looking at my wife."

Standing in his arms, she looked up to him, her soft smile appearing somewhat playful in nature. "You're looking at someone who's committed treason."

"Am I?" He smiled back, caressing her cheekbone. "How do you plea?"

Leaning in closer, she kissed him ever so softly as she cradled his face in her palms, her lips curved into a smile as they parted.

"Guilty."

Catching her by surprise, his lips crashed into hers with a building passion, his careful hands sliding down to her waist, pulling her closer to his want for her right then and there. Leaving her near breathless, his lips found their way to her neck, gently gliding down to the white fabric that lined her kimono's collar. Feeling his warm breath upon her, she felt as if she could hardly contain herself further. As she lightly gasped in his arms, she found herself reaching for the buttons of his shirt. Her body ached for his warm skin, his careful touch - and he ached for hers. Suddenly, he picked her up in his arms and plopped her upon his desk. Startling her for a moment, she forgot how easily he could lift her.

Looking up at him in his deep seafoam eyes, she smirked playfully. "You can't wait for us to get to our own bed?"

He shook his head, his lips only breaths apart from hers. "This will have to do."

As they embraced each other, a swift stream of sand bounded across the room towards the door – locking it tightly. Their lips parting between heavy breaths as their hands grasped at each other's clothes, the sand swirled towards the curtains, enveloping them in a calm air of brightly covered darkness, sheltered away from the rest of the world. Pressing her hard against him, he kissed her with such passion that made her beg for more, her fingers delicately grazing the smooth skin of his strong chest. As his shirt fell to the floor behind him, he could hardly contain his want for her, resisting every urge to rip off every piece of clothing that claimed her. Grasping her gold obi, he pulled it clean off, ripping her kimono's flowing red fabric by accident. Taken aback by his sudden unbridled strength, she sat stunned for a moment. Sensing the glimmer of her eyes, his hands fumbled at her waist.

"I'm sorry -," He gasped. "I didn't mean to -,"

"It's alright -," She breathed back, smiling in amusement. "It was – old anyways,"

Placing her soothing palms along his jawline, her eyes of calming violet met his of longing turquoise. The sheer intensity of his glance set a fire within her, wanting him to pull her closer to the warmth of his chest. She was near breathless from his touch.

"I can feel - the tension in your hands… I want you to hold me – like you did that time -,"

Tenderly, his callused palms pressed into the red shielding her back. Holding her in his strong arms, she felt her chest flutter from his warm breath upon her neck. His gentle grasp upon her was as protective as it was arousing, leaving her fragile and overcome in his embrace. Resting his head against hers, a soft smile formed on his lips.

"I'll hold you forever, if you'll have me…" He said. "I love you…"

Hearing him say those words melted away the cold within her, washing away any nervousness she held inside. Within the protective grasp of the Kazekage, she could not help but let out a playful chuckle from her lips as she could feel her cheeks redden. Such a surreal situation, she thought to herself as she sat upon his desk. She was once his comrade, his assistant, his traitor, his friend – all into one – and now she was his lover. His beloved. Their recent engagement excited both of them, unable to pry themselves apart despite the fresh wounds that lay healed upon their skin. Even the vile acts of Tenbu were not strong enough to quell the desires they held for each other.

A smile curved onto her soft lips as she kissed him, drawing him in further.

"I love you," She answered silently with a breath. "Gaara."

Softly, his lips met hers. With each kiss he gave against her lips, her canines grew restless, wanting to make their appearance with their full fury – her wolfishness awakening with a vengeance. Her obi ripped away and her kimono open, she felt the gentle glide of his strong hands against her body, following the curves to her smooth firm breasts, his grainy fingers massaging them. Carefully, he pushed the red fabric away from her shoulders, exposing her for all she was. In a smooth glide, his hands pulled back the white silk layer that lay under her kimono. Pleasure building up inside of her from his wandering lips at her collarbone, she felt him reach the perked skin of her chest. Digging her fingers into his red hair, her breaths gasped as she felt his teeth against her. It was becoming too much for her to handle.

Her arms thrown over his neck, she kissed him with a force she never thought she had, her canines nearly escaping from her closed jaws. Her hands trailed down to his chest, delicately tracing his warm skin with her fingers. As her lips met his, her touch trailed to his waist, sensing his burgeoning arousal that lay behind the fabric of his pants. She could hardly wait any longer. Her hands tightly grasped the leather material of his belt, undoing it as she pulled him closer. Parting for only a moment to breathe, she smirked at his surprised glance.

"It wasn't going to undo itself."

"You're right," He whispered, his breath hot upon her neck. "Nomasaki, I want you."

"Have me, then -!" She panted, her violet eyes pleading. "Now –!"

Startling her, he pushed away the items on his desk, sending numerous papers and cacti towards the floor with his forceful sand.

"As you wish."

Chuckling sweetly, she lay her back down upon the cold texture of the desk as his lips met hers, his strong warm body guiding her into position. Unbuttoning his pants, he slid them down as he watched her pull back her dress for his entry – his want for her pounding through him all at once from the sight of her soft skin exposed. She was so beautiful to him, near provoking him to pause and take all of her in before getting lost in her eyes.

Arching himself over her, he entered with a soft glide, her startled gasp provoking a gentle thrust from his pelvis. Grasping her wrists by her golden head, he kissed her forcefully while the desk was slowly creaking underneath from each movement. Her wolfishness gnawing inside while his hands slid to her waist, she dug her fingernails into his strong back, exciting him as he could feel her quiver from pleasure below.

As their lips parted briefly, she lifted herself up to him, seating herself at the edge of the desk once more, her bold dominance evident in her glistening violet eyes as her sleeves sat bunched upon her elbows. Her hips locking onto his, she matched his rhythm smoothly, slowing him down and bending him to her will. His muted grunts breathed into her, arousal hot on his breath. She could tell by the curve of his lips upon her that he welcomed her bid for control – challenging it. Holding onto the desk's corners tightly, she felt as if her hands would break the sides, his pulsating thrusts rumbling through her waist as she felt his kisses travel along her neck and collarbone while his wandering hands gripped onto her scarred back.

Thinking about how wrong the act was thrilled her. She could tell by his gentle and dominantly aggressive grip it was definitely the same in his case. Never had she expected him to be so spontaneous – and the wolf that boiled inside her blood hungered for more. Shaking beneath her, the desk was on its last legs, unable to withstand the force exerted upon it.

"Gaara -!" She panted, her voice quivering. "The desk -!"

"I know -,"

A faint gasp escaping her fanged jaws, her spine tingled by each press of his fingers upon her smooth skin. He was overpowering her, her breathless moans proving it to him. While he slowed down, he met her glistening eyes before him, overwhelmed with the love he felt for her in that moment all at once. Her glance alone was enough to ignite him. The desk churned upon the floor, its noisy squeaking dying down as their breathing became the only sound audible between them.

One of its legs popped out from underneath, scraping against the floor with a loud crash, their bodies shaken from the surprising force of gravity.

"We should be careful not to break it -," He grunted, feeling her back jolt from the noise.

Before he could react, she kissed him forcefully, causing him to grasp her tighter. While her delicate fingers traced his jawline in her palms, the soft fabric of her long sleeves danced across his chest. Gazing deep into his eyes, she smiled coyly at his stunned expression.

"Yes, Kazekage-sama -," She whispered.

"Nomasaki -," He moaned, his voice husky, holding back a chuckle. "Don't -,"

"You know I can't help it -," She gasped. "It's an – old habit… Kazekage-sama -,"

That was enough to set him off.

Grasping her tighter in his arms, his lips traced the soft skin of her neck, his teeth grazing her as she heaved in his tender hold. His warm skin clashed with her cold with each slow thrust, her fingernails digging into his back with a feral hunger. Startling her, she dug into his Sand Armor, the broken grains of sands pouring from his back as she cracked the surface. Never before had he pushed her to such a level, her loss of control taunting her in her core. She felt as if she could make the change right there in his arms, her blood boiling subtly beneath her trembling skin. Surprising her, his movements against her became harder and more aggressive by each moment, pushing her to release her quivering moans into his ear.

Leaning back in his hold, she could feel every nerve within her body fire with pleasure. She could feel the pulsing finale within her reach for the first time, her breathing growing heavier with each passing thrust from his pounding hips, struggling to keep herself quiet. While he continued slow and steady against her upon the creaking desk, his trembling fingers upon her porcelain curves signified his waning strength. She was becoming overwhelming in his grasp, his will at the mercy of her husky moans of pleasure. His face began to crack, the grains of sand fell from his broken Sand Armor and pooled to the floor beneath him. Giving in to his approaching end, he embraced her tighter, rumbling the desk against its broken legs with all he had left.

Clawing at his naked back of broken sands, she erupted.

Seeing stars for the first time, he set her heart aflame in a way he never did before. Breathless, his body jerked roughly against her, a raspy moan releasing from his grit teeth. His callused fingers dug into her soft skin, overcome with the coursing euphoria he felt within her. Quivering in his grasp, her breathing grew faint and scattered, her canines showing themselves with each heave of her fluttering chest. Panting heavily, they pressed their wet foreheads against each other, overcome with the exhaustion and ecstasy all at once. Upon opening their eyes, they became enamored within another's glances, getting lost in a sea of lilac and turquoise.

Their faces warm and flushed, breathlessness had found them.

Notes: Oni (鬼) literally translates to "demon", which is a name of a yōkai spirit in Japanese mythology.