Author's Note (2020/08/06):

This is it - the chapter (I hope) you've all been waiting for - the wedding!

When starting this rewrite well over year ago, I wanted to not just rewrite my entire fic but to also write a better love story than what I started with. Series-wise, I felt "meh" after Gaara wasn't paired with anybody at the end because he was not only my favourite character but he also seemed the one most deserving of a happy-ish ending since he had a great redemption arc and overcame the trauma of his past doings. Even so, him not being in a pairing at the end is okay but I still wanted to write (and finish) my wish fulfillment fic regardless.

This was a really, really, REALLY hard chapter for me to write - not only for writing in general but also because this is the second-last chapter of my longest work to date, so I hope you are at least satisfied with this chapter and come back for the final chapter when it's posted.

I hope this OC/CC pairing worked for the story, it feels so relieving to have the story near completed... only one more chapter and it's done!

Thank you all so much for reading xx

(...more notes at the end)

Chapter 80
The Wolf and the Tanuki

The end of the summer soon drew near with its heat and ferocity.

Clangor and haste marched its way through the winding corridors of the estate that day, with shinobi running about to catch up the slack. The day before the wedding had finally arrived, and the council could not have been in a happier mood. Very shortly the unmoving and unbent Fifth Kazekage would have a bride and heirs to continue his near lost bloodline for the future. Relief washed over the elders regardless of their prejudice towards the foreign-born woman their leader chose – with the marriage also came an alliance with Yama to the north. All previous grievances were soon to be finally settled, no matter the land or the customs which dictated it.

Tucked away in the refuge of the office, Gaara reluctantly distracted himself from the nonsense with the paperwork he left unfinished the night before. He had no time to chat with the eager elders or councillors, scarcely having time to do his tasks in peace. Wasting time was not an option if he was to enjoy his wedding and honeymoon with a clear head. Close by, Nomasaki helped him with the stacks of sheets yet to be marked, organizing them by priority as he went through countless pens to fill them out. The last few days had them apart, the preparations getting in the way of their closeness. Only at night would they see each other, but Nomasaki was fast asleep by the time Gaara returned from his office. They had not had a full conversation in near days, the responsibilities of leadership and wedding planning keeping them apart. Luckily, the two were left alone for a time. As the final stack was put away into the confines of a desk drawer, Nomasaki stood from her spot on the floor and started for the door behind. Timidly, she paused. Feeling her heartbeat in her chest, she turned around to face him. As she met his eyes, nervousness suddenly crept in. Twisting along with her held excitement and warmth, the nervousness grew into anticipation. Averting her eyes for a moment, she prepared herself to say the words she held in since that hospital visit only a day ago.

"Gaara, before I go... If it won't be any trouble... Would it... be alright if – if I can be excused from missions?" She brought herself to ask, meeting his eyes at last as he rose from his desk. She gave a light smile. "For the time being, I mean."

Striking him as odd, his curiosity was drawn. "This isn't like you. Are you sure?" He questioned, concern tinting his face. "I know it's been an adjustment for you in the normal jonin ranks since the dissolution of the tracking unit, but still... I have to ask why." A thought entered his mind, irking him from the possibility. "Nomasaki, you're not retiring – are you?" His eyes narrowed, defensively. "If the council elders told you to retire after the wedding, I won't stand for any of those old-ways they're trying to force onto you–!"

"It's alright, Gaara – really! I'm not retiring, not ever." She assured with a smile. "The council hasn't tried anything with me... yet. But I'll be sure to bear my fangs and affirm my stance, believe me I will."

He still was not convinced.

"Then why the sudden change? Are you sure about this?"

She nodded, her smile growing warmed. "Yes, I'm sure." As the warmth spread across her cheeks, she looked to the floor as she structured her words carefully. Resting her palm softly over the fabric that concealed her obi, her smile grew bashful and as gentle as falling snow. "The truth is... It's because... W-Well, the strangest thing happened, actually... I only realized until after I seen the doctor last night, and they... told me." The brief silence alarmed him slightly, drawing him in further with curious concern. Meeting his ringed-eyes, she smiled softly. "The reason I'm asking you this... is because, well–," Her chance arrived. With gleaming lilac eyes, tears of joy near escaped from her gentle and blushing smile. "Gaara, I'm–!"

The door suddenly opened with a loud clang, interrupting what little time they had.

Drawing their attention, a messenger shinobi arrived at the doorway and soon entered. They appeared as if a new recruit, possibly an aide for one of the elderly councilmen. He should have known better to knock, Gaara thought dismayed. Bowing on one knee, the young chunin knelt before his Kazekage, unaware of the slight scowl etched upon his slate-like face. "Kazekage-sama, some of your wedding guests have arrived." He informed. "It's the Third Tsuchikage and his entourage. You should come greet your guests and show them to their lodgings before the ceremony gets underway. Those were my orders from Zarō-sama, sir – to make sure you knew."

Begrudgingly, Gaara accepted his terms. "I'll be right there."

Watching the young shinobi take his leave, he turned back to Nomasaki. He saw the visible upset in her eyes upon her blank face, the interruption washing away any hope or joy she once held in her expression. Worry and sombre soon replaced them. He empathized with that, his pressing curiosity of her mission absence still striking his thoughts as peculiar.

"Can we talk later? I'm sorry for the interruption."

"O-Oh," Sensing the regret in his tone, she nodded. "Okay."

And again, they were separated.

Nightfall approached as slowly as ever.

Making his way down the hall, it was only a few minutes' walk before Gaara could turn in for the night at last. Showing the Tsuchikage and his bodyguards to their quarters was not an annoying task, but by the time they parted ways he had to follow suit with the Mizukage and Raikage who arrived shortly after. The day had turned into an exhausting affair, with the council sending their wards to him with errands to complete and processes to finish. Bogging his mind, he could finally have some time to talk with his bride-to-be. Conversation had been neglected in recent nights, but at last they could have some time to themselves before the wedding that was to take place tomorrow in the gardens.

If only it had been that simple.

Out of the shadows, a sudden force grasped onto his limbs and restrained him from taking another step. It felt as if invisible strings had thrust themselves onto him, pulling him into a statue-like state. He recognized the chakra, his sand not even bothering to repel it. Frustrated, he glared to the shadows as he witnessed his elder brother greet him with a grinning expression.

"Kankuro–?! What the hell are you doing–?!"

Placing a hand on his tense shoulder, Kankuro smirked into his narrowed eyes unfazed. "You're coming with me, little brother – whether you like it or not! This is your last night as a bachelor! We're having drinks on me!"

Calming his expression, Gaara tried to persuade otherwise.

"I'm supposed to meet with Nomasaki–,"

"Pfft! She's not your wife yet! Relax a little, will ya?" Kankuro chided, releasing him from his puppet strings. "Temari and Meiyumi are taking her out for one last hurrah as we speak."

Reluctantly, he sighed. "I guess I don't really have a choice, then..."

Finding himself seated at a sake bar that night was not what he expected nor wanted – but he still appreciated the brotherly gesture. The village was alive that night with the cheering and hum of the townsfolk, the spirits held high in the lantern-lit streets of nightlife. Kankuro was after finishing his first bottle, whereas Gaara could hardly muster the gumption to take more than two sips. It was then he decided that he was not fond of alcohol. He never was. Sitting silently and with arms crossed against his chest, the Kazekage stared into the counter as he gathered his running thoughts. All he wanted was to talk with his fiancée – nothing more. Yet it seemed physically impossible. It felt as if some unknown force was keeping them apart – if only the wedding and its customs were simpler.

"You're awfully quiet," Kankuro began. "Something on your mind?"

"I didn't exactly want to spend my night at a bar." Gaara answered, unmoving his glare from the counter.

His brother scoffed to himself, twirling his empty cup. "You never were very fond of alcohol... but I figured since it's your last night as a non-married man, might as well try." Catching wind of his younger brother's sombre glance beside him, Kankuro's smirk faded. "Gee, something really is on your mind."

"That assassin that came into the village last night..." Gaara began, quietly. "Their target wasn't me – it was her." The glare on his eyes easing into sorrow, he grappled with his recollections. "The intel gathered by the ANBU said that the assassin was instructed to kill the 'Kazekage's bride'... to prevent any heirs of my bloodline in the future. Even in times of peace, I guess I just have to accept that we'll always be targets by mercenaries..."

Taking in the words, Kankuro sat quietly in shared understanding. Placing a comforting palm on his shoulder, he gave an assuring smile. "Try not to think about it that way. You've been fighting off assassins since you were six, and her since she came here as an immigrant. There's nothing that you two can't handle, just look at what happened in the Land of Claws! Tenbu was crushed into dust and any threat they posed to Suna no longer exists, thanks to the both of you." After a shared glance, Kankuro retracted his comforting gesture and let out a sigh. "Still, I can understand how much of a pain it is... but thanks to our family, this problem won't go away overnight."

Catching his attention from the street side at his back, Kankuro turned to see a glum-faced Meiyumi make her way towards the stall. Pulling up a seat next to him, she gave a brief smile and a nod before signalling to the busy barkeep for a bottle of sake. Surprised to see her so soon, he could not help but feel stunned.

"Huh? Meiyumi?" He raised a brow. "I thought you were with the bride–?"

After taking her first shot, she shook her head with a sigh.

"Nomasaki wasn't feeling too well so we decided to end it early."

Intrigued, Kankuro placed his hand under his chin, a slight smirk forming on his lips.

"Ah, is it cold-feet?"

"If cold-feet includes nausea."

"Poor girl. She's been stressed to the bone since her unit dissolved." Kankuro lamented, resting his arms on the counter and grasping his empty cup. "And then the wedding planning and all that nonsense... I'd be stressed, too!"

Finally, Gaara seen an out. Rising from his seat, he decided to take his leave.

"I should go home and see how she's feeling–,"

"Nope! You're staying right here!" Firmly, Kankuro grasped his shoulder and pushed him back onto his seat. "Remember, it's forbidden to see your bride on the night before the ceremony. You don't want to further piss off the village elders, do you?"

Dismayed, Gaara let out a sigh in surrender. "I have no time for headaches..."

"And neither do I!" Kankuro scoffed. Seeing the barkeep from the corner of his eye, he held out his hand and gave a wave. "Hey, can I have more sake here? The most expensive stuff you got!"

The night seemed as if it would never end...

The day had finally arrived.

It was the end of the summer, the cacti flowering in soft bursts of pinks and yellows from the sun's waning brutal heat. The village was a calming quiet on that afternoon, the wind smooth and cool as the guards stood by silently at the estate's entrance. Inside, a mere forty people were seated before a makeshift altar at the gardens. All of the Kage were in appearance with their respective bodyguards close by, as well as the Konoha shinobi who aided in the Kazekage's rescue from the hands of the Akatsuki – with the exceptions of the late Hyuga Neji and Haruno Sakura, the latter gone to the Land of Earth to be with Uchiha Sasuke on his mission of repentance. Select few Suna shinobi were permitted on the garden's grounds, with Meiyumi seated close to Kankuro and Temari. Standing near the back boundary, Baki and the revered Elder Ebizō watched the ceremony with pride, while the entourage of Kyo and his Yamagakure shinobi were situated close by. It was, to say the least, an intimate affair. Wanting the ceremony to be as secretive and intimate as possible, the Kazekage pressed for a small affair for only close friends, family, and village officials. Enemies were still lurking within the shadows waiting to strike, as was the fate of any Kazekage due to the long whispered 'curse' that lingered since near a hundred years. No Kazekage was always safe – and Gaara witnessed that firsthand. He did not want any harm to come to his bride – not ever.

A small ceremony was deemed most appropriate.

Standing before one another at the altar of desert flowers, they met each other's faces at last. Clothed in a white layered kimono with red trim along its embroidered sleeves, Nomasaki's long golden hair wisped the side of her porcelain face as it was tied neatly into a bun of swirling gold. Pinned onto it was a snow lily, its blue pedals gleaming in the sun as if the most vibrant ice. On her shoulders she shrouded herself in a white pelt of fur – a gift from her clansmen in the far reaches of the snowy lands of the north.

A human she appeared, but a wolf she was truly.

Standing across from his bride, Gaara stood clothed in the traditional garbs of the Kazekage. White and green claimed him, the cover of the Kazekage's hat shielding him from the strong sunlight of the desert lands. It was an age-old custom in the desert village for the Kazekage to be clothed as such on their wedding day if it arrived during their tenure. Rasa did the same many years ago when he wed Karura, as the council told him once. As the soft summer breeze passed them by, they found themselves lost in each other's eyes as if love graced them for the first time.

Lilac met turquoise in a haze of warmth and endearment.

At the back of the desert garden altar, the aged Sand Priest raised his arms towards the skies, making the red and gold of his robes ripple in the bright sunlight. "We are gathered here today before the old gods of the desert to join this man and woman in matrimony," Eyeing the couple calmly, he relaxed his arms inside his great silken sleeves. "Please join hands and repeat your vows before each other."

Taking her hand in his, a soft haze of sand surrounded where their fingers intertwined, dancing around their hold as the sand-crafted ring on her finger shone in the daylight. Smiling warmly at each other, they began their vows and forgot all about the world that lay outside of them. They said their vows together.

"Sun, moon, yin, yang–,"

Sniffling quietly, Naruto tried his best to keep his emotions at bay. Seated at the front with the others from Konoha who were invited, he could not help but feel moved at the sight before him. "I never thought I'd be a crier at wedding… but I'm so happy for Gaara…!"

"Naruto…!" Shikamaru chided from the row behind, an annoyed Temari taking notice beside him. "They're saying their vows…! Be quiet, will ya…?"

Temari agreed, her brow furrowing as it took all her will to whisper. "You better shut your trap soon or I'll be the one to make you quiet...! This is my brother's wedding, for crying out loud...!"

Irking in his seat, Naruto brushed aside his cheerful weeping with a shiver. "Jeez, alright... Relax..."

Sympathetically, Hinata smiled softly at her weeping husband. "Naruto, you really do have a big heart... but they're right, please be quiet..."

"You're right... Sorry, Hinata...!"

As their vows reached the end, they gazed adoringly into each other's eyes and spoke the final words as one.

"...Trust, love."

The Sand Priest nodded in approval, signaling them with the gesture of his palms for the next rites. "Gaara of the Kazekage clan, do you take this woman as your wife?" The priest began. "Will you in peace, through sickness and health, through love, and until death. Do you promise to be at her side, always?"

Unwavering, he smiled warmly at his blushing bride. "I do."

Turning his attention to Nomasaki, the priest said the same to her. "And do you, Nomasaki of the Yamamori clan, take this man as your husband? Will you in peace, through sickness and health, through love, and until death. Do you promise to be at his side, always?"

Looking up into Gaara's ringed tanuki-like eyes, she felt her heart swell with emotion. With a gentle smile as her lilac eyes glistened with forming tears of joy, she nodded.

"I do."

Taking in their spoken words of promise, the elderly priest rose his palms to the skies for a final time. The end of the ceremony had come to pass. "As a Sand Priest of the old gods of this desert, I pronounce this couple married!"

Sharing a loving smile with another, Gaara cradled her porcelain face gently in his hands and kissed her tenderly. As she wrapped her arms around him, the small crowd stood from their chairs and erupted into applause and cheers. When their lips parted, they could not help but smile at each other in their shared bliss. As the pedals from the flowering trees around them fells onto the gentle sand-ridden winds, they joined hands and departed from the gardens as cheering friends and allies showed them out.

A tanuki and a wolf were married on that day.

"Congratulations!"

Met with a slew of guests outside the gardens, the small reception area was lively with the presence of friends from near and far. Even in the courtyard that lay outside the garden boundary, the vibrant colors and pedals of the flowering plants and foreign trees shone through the desert sun. The guests began to take their leave as the evening drew near. Standing in hand, Gaara and Nomasaki accepted thanks and gave farewells as guests made their way to see them following the ceremony. Embracing the two strongly, Kyo was near moved to tears as he took in the sight of his daughter and son-in-law. Promising to visit shortly, the mountain chieftain departed for the northern lands of ice and snow with his personal guard.

Soon after, the Kage each gave their tidings before setting off back to their respective lands, from the crisp farewell of Ōnoki the Tsuchikage to the happy-but-backhanded parting handshake of Mei the Mizukage. The Sixth Hokage Kakashi had the warmest tidings, smiling gratefully under the shroud of his mask as he shook each of their hands. Their parting wishes were received with well-gripped handshakes, but it was the handshake of the Raikage that stood out above the rest. "Sometimes I don't realize my own strength!" was all that could be made out from A's booming guffaw as Gaara's sand nearly appeared to counter such strength. Much easier to deal with, Killer B gave them each a fist-bump as he rapped a parting farewell, "Best wishes on your wedding day! Let's hope this happiness is here to stay! YEAH!". The Raikage then promptly struck him over the head, striking the watching couple into awkward silence.

As the elder Ebizō took his leave with Baki, the senior shinobi and councilman clasped both their hands and wished them a blessed union. Their stances changed from the last encounter, the council of elders departed from the wedding satisfied, wishing them the same.

A pleasant change, if anything.

The last to leave after the departure of the councillors and Kage were the guests from Konohagakure. Greeting them with warm smiles, Rock Lee and TenTen gave their well wishes before sending off with Kakashi and Might Guy to their homeland. While Rock Lee started off with a cheery wave to join Guy, TenTen became awed by the detail of the bride's fabrics. The silken embroidery of the kimono appeared as soft as powdery snow, the fur slung over her shoulders bringing it all together.

"Nomasaki, your kimono is so beautiful!"

"Thank you. It's from Yama, it was once my mother's."

"Wow, that's so far! What's the village like?"

Drawing Gaara's attention, he saw Shikamaru approach with Temari from the corner of his eye. In a distant memory from months passed, it seemed only weeks ago that he found himself at the Nara estate in the midst of a falling out with his future bride. And he was supposed to marry someone else – someone he did not even know. How the times have changed, he realized.

"Congratulations, Gaara." Temari smiled, a smug tone on her lips. "I must say... Seeing my youngest brother marry one of my friends nearly made me tear up."

Gaara nodded, lightly smiling back.

"We're glad you two were able to make the trip from Konoha, it means a lot to us."

"It was a nice wedding for sure," Shikamaru sighed with a smile, taking in the sights of the garden around him. "I mean, Naruto's was great and all – but way too many people…"

Striking her memory as she saw Nomasaki return from conversation, Temari shot her brother a familiar sisterly smirk, placing her hands on her hips. "Don't forget! Our wedding is in a few months back in Konohagakure. So we expect you both to be there, too!"

Stoic-faced, he smiled as he placed his arm over Nomasaki's shoulder.

"We wouldn't miss it."

Taking in her friend for a final goodbye, Temari hugged Nomasaki strongly and wished her well before leaving with Shikamaru to join the other Konoha shinobi who were waiting at the gates. Sensing an approaching presence of a strong and fiery chakra, Nomasaki smiled widely as she saw the brief glimpse of blonde and orange draw near. Noticing her reaction, Gaara hardly had any time to register the realization before they approached.

"Gaara!" Giving him a brotherly hug, Naruto grinned from ear to ear as he held the surprised Kazekage in his arms. "Congratulations!" He beamed, letting go with a chuckle as he stood before the newlywed couple. "I can't tell you how happy I am for the two of you!"

"Thanks, Naruto." Gaara said, his face washed with calm. "It means a lot coming from you."

"Eh?"

With a nod, Gaara met his curious expression with a glance firm with belief and gratitude. "If it weren't for that battle during the Konoha Crush those years ago… who knows what would've become of me. I most likely would have stayed within the darkness... never to escape." Looking to his wife at his side who held his hand, he could not help but smile softly upon seeing her. "I never thought I deserved to be loved by anyone… or even love anyone myself." Meeting his surprised blue eyes, he smiled. "You helped me change my life path, and I'm forever indebted to that as your friend."

Stunned for a moment, Naruto let out a blushing humble laugh. "It was nothing, really!" He smiled back, brushing the back of his head. "I also think she changed your life, too."

Looking to Nomasaki at his side, they shared a loving smile. "She has."

"Naruto, the others are waiting for you!" Hinata's voice.

"Right, I'll be right there!" Turning back to them, Naruto gave them a quick smile. "See you two soon! And congratulations!"

As Naruto and the Konoha shinobi departed through the gates, Gaara watched their backs disappear into the strong sun of summer haze. The evening was fast approaching.

"We should be leaving, too."

"We should?" Nomasaki repeated, curiously. "Where are we going?"

He nodded, smiling down at her. "Our honeymoon."

The desert winds grew cool and soft by the time they reached the southern valley.

Eclipsed behind them were endless dunes and the statues of old near swallowed whole by the desert's reach. Remaining human for the journey, Nomasaki stepped carefully as she clutched onto Gaara's arm for support as they walked onwards over the sinking hot sands at their feet. She was unsure of where they were going, but Gaara's eyes locked on the horizon seemed set in stone – so she followed willingly and did not question their destination. She trusted him fully. A rumble suddenly sounded behind them. Pausing, he turned towards the noise as he felt her hold flinch upon him.

"What is it? Can you sense anything?"

Faintly, Nomasaki felt the chakra lingering around them.

Warmed by the chakra, she smiled towards it. "A friend."

The rumble returned, quaking under the desert before them. Within a burst of winds and sands, a great creature suddenly rose out from the desert as its piercing bellow struck against the gusting air. Emerging from the infinite grains of sand, the massive one-tailed tanuki adorned in purple seal markings made its appearance. Digging its paws into the sands, Shukaku leaned its great head closer to the humans before it.

"If you think you can sneak past me in these sands you've got another thing coming!" He guffawed with a snide grin. "It's good to see you unscathed, runt. I take it you're both still alive? Unless my thousand-year eyesight is beginning to finally fail me."

"Shukaku," Gaara smiled lightly. "Seeing you here is both unexpected yet not surprising in the least. How have you been?"

The beast ignored his question. Noticing their appearances in robes of white, the tanuki gestured a clawed finger towards them. "Eh? What's with the get-up on you two? A special occasion or–?" Shocked, the beast near stunned itself in silence. "Wait – don't tell me–?! Are you...–?!"

Nodding up at the tailed-beast, Nomasaki smiled. "We were married today, Shukaku."

"Married?!" Seeing the gleaming ring of sand and gold upon her finger, the beast leaned away as he absorbed the sight. "Well, I'll be damned! Congratulations, runt!" Looking down at the two, Shukaku could not help but let out a snicker through its fanged jaws. "I must say... Never in my thousand years had I thought of any jinchuriki blessed with my chakra would gain a wife – let alone... a wolf for a wife." A sudden thought crossed its mind. "Hey, wait a second – I wasn't invited! Hmm... Then again, those measly humans of your village wouldn't take kindly to me – or else I'd have to revert to my old ways..."

Brushing aside the comment and the tanuki's ramblings, Gaara accepted its blessing.

"Thanks, Shukaku. We should be on our way, it was nice seeing you."

"You're leaving already?" Shukaku sneered. "What's got you in such a hurry? Enemies on your tail again?"

"Not exactly, but we have somewhere to be–,"

"Ah, I see how it is." Shukaku interrupted with a scoff. "Newlyweds, and all. Well then..." With a loud rumble, the tanuki laid its body down onto the sands as if for them to mount. "Consider this my gift to you, get on before I change my mind!"

Taking in the beast's change in character humbled him.

It had been four years since they separated as jinchuriki and tailed-beast, where their only bonds were a mutual hatred and loathing. Years later, the hatred was replaced by a mutual respect and understanding. Friendship. Looking down in his thoughts, a smile formed across Gaara's lips. As his sand lifted him to the tanuki's back, he looked back to where Nomasaki stood. Hesitantly, she remained on the desert with a timid nervousness to her eyes as she examined the beast's size. Assuringly, he held out his hand for her to take. Looking up to meet his face, the winds fluttered against the shroud of the Kazekage's hat he wore on his head. Even under the guise of a light shadow, she could clearly see the soft smile he had for her and the adoration that marked his ringed-eyes. Comforting her shyness, she reached out and joined him as the sands grew and lifted her to him. A rumble sounded from below, and soon the great creature of sand swept against the dunes as if in waves. Holding onto his arm, the cooling winds of late summer flew against them as they embarked. Realizing her sudden grasp, he remembered her quirk fondly. Whenever she was nervous or scared – even if she was merely startled, she would also grab onto him as if by pure instinct. Even in times of war. As the winds passed them by, he looked down at her by his side. Her vision was locked onto the landscape, watching each wave of sand disappear over the golden hills as her fluttering hair kissed her cheeks.

"The desert," She said, awed. "Sometimes it appears endless."

"It has an end. That's where we're going."

Catching her curiosity, she looked up to meet his land-locked gaze. "An end?"

Without saying a word, he rested his head against hers and watched the departing horizon as the desert swallowed the sun.

When nightfall came, they reached the end at last.

"So," Shukaku sighed, taking in the unusual sight before him as the two humans dismounted. "This is must be the ocean I've heard about..."

Stunned and in surprised silence, Nomasaki marveled at the waters that lingered beyond the endless sands. Against the blue tinted sands of the desert, the waters ahead lay covered in a blanket of rippling moonlight. It was unlike anything she had ever seen. Unlike the sands of the south and the snows of the north, the waters were alive – moving with the tides and drinking the moon above. Gaara kept his promise – the same promise she made to Shinto those many years ago. She wondered what he would make of it, if it was everything he hoped it would be. As her eyes glistened with her forming tears, a gentle smile marked her face as she stared out into the waves in the distance.

The ocean.

"It's the silver waters, or so they say." Turning back to the tanuki, a grateful air marked his stoic expression. "It was good seeing you, Shukaku."

"Keh!" The beast scoffed, averting its glance. "I was only passing through, you know! It's not like I was looking for you or anything..."

Even a tanuki has its pride, Gaara remembered.

A small smile formed on his lips. "Until next time, Shukaku."

Turning towards the desert's blue horizon in the night, the towering beast whipped its tail behind it. In a burst of sands and wind, the giant tanuki merged with the desert once more in a rumble, disappearing into the countless grains that marked the land. Hearing footsteps approach, Nomasaki turned to see Gaara at her side. Looking back to the ocean, her eyes gazed off into the endless distance while his gaze followed. "This is... the ocean. I've never seen it before – it's so big," She said, her voice even and strong. Sorrow crept in. "Shinto would have loved to see this..." Looking back to her husband, she smiled from the heart as her purple eyes shone from her forming tears. "Thank you, Gaara."

He could sense the grief behind her soft voice. Giving a nod of silence in understanding, he turned to her. "This way," He spoke, gesturing to the sands. "There's something I want to show you."

Following him down the sand-covered hill that lay closer to the waters, she saw the tiny estate grow larger in her sights. It was a quaint cottage, built directly on the beach with a sprawling gateway that guarded its front and flowering courtyard in the back. It appeared nearly as large as a house – even closer to the size of the mountainside home where she grew up. Awed by the craftsmanship, she was near speechless at the sight.

"It's our wedding gift from your father. Let me show you the inside,"

As the porch doors closed behind them, she took in the tapestries that lay upon its paper walls and the tatami that covered the floor where they walked. There was a hearth in the living room area, a decent sized kitchen, a spacious bathroom, and multiple bedrooms scattered throughout the hall. Pausing before the final door, Gaara slid it open and she was awed from what she saw. All along the windows were snow lilies, their vibrant blue pedals illuminated by the moonlight that entered the room. Even the bed had its pedals scattered upon it in pools, decorating the seaside home in a shroud of smooth frost.

When she turned around to meet him, she could not find any words to say.

Under the cover of moonlight, their lips met softly in the dark.

Cupping her face into his hands, he kissed her tenderly as he felt his control slipping away. It was all over – and now they could finally be alone. Once their lips parted, Gaara removed the Kazekage's hat from his head and disrobed the white and blue garbs with his bride's help and her delicate fingers. Keeping on his pants, he placed his clothes off to the side, placing them on the dresser across from the bed. Standing behind her, he carefully removed the snow lily from her hair and watched as the long woven gold strands fell over her shoulders and against the back of her white kimono. Smoothly, he removed the pelt of white fur that shrouded her shoulders, placing it on the bedside dresser. Her obi was next. Silently, the layers of her wedding kimono pooled to the floor as he untied the red obi from her waist and gently pushed back the layers off her shoulders. Left in the final layer of red silk, she could not help but laugh to herself for a moment.

It amused him.

"What is it?"

"This is the second time you've seen me in red," She smiled, turning to meet his face. "Only this time it's not considered 'bad luck'."

Softly, he kissed her. Holding him close, she felt the warmth of his chest as their lips met in the moonlight. With gentle and careful hands, she could feel his touch follow the curves of her waist. It had been weeks since they were alone together and their beachside cottage had everything they wanted. No one could dare to bother them – at least for a week.

They had all the time in the world.

As their lips parted from another, he gazed lovingly into her eyes of gentle lilac. Brushing aside a stray strand of gold hair from her face, he smiled. "I have something for you. Wait here,"

Seating herself on the edge of the bed, she watched curiously as Gaara briefly left the room. When he returned, he had a bottle of sake in hand and two cups for them each. On the bottle, she could clearly see the character for 'mountain' printed on its side. Yamagakure alcohol was her favorite. Sitting on the floor, he prepared the drinks.

"I don't normally drink, but I made sure to get your favorite kind." He said, passing her a cup. "We're married now, we're allowed to have a toast to ourselves."

Warmed by the gesture, she gave a soft smile but the guilt was still painted in her eyes. "That's kind of you, Gaara, but...–," Gathering the strength, her smile pushed away the guilt completely as the nervousness fled. "I… won't be drinking sake tonight, actually."

"Did you have any at the reception?" He asked, joining her on the bed, leaving the sake on the floor. "It's not like you to turn this down."

Looking down at the tatami floor at her feet, Nomasaki tried to piece her words together in her mind. As her happiness grew, so did the warming of her heart. Containing herself, she breathed easy and let her heart speak. "You see… something has – happened. It was what I wanted to tell you yesterday… about when I seen the doctor." She began. "After that time in Yama, and then – when we… were in your office – and the desk – my fainting–," Feeling the tears beginning to swell, she gingerly placed a palm over her abdomen. "It's been more than a month, and I… haven't bled."

Stunned by her gesture, Gaara's eyes turned wide.

"What are you… saying? Nomasaki–,"

Turning to him, she smiled and gave a nod as the tears glistened in her violet eyes.

A nod was all he needed to understand.

"It seems the council won't need to be kept waiting for that heir, after all. Gaara, I'm with child – your child. I'm–?!"

Before she could finish, Gaara held her close against him. Surprising her from his sudden embrace, she welcomed his grasp and wrapped her arms around him as the tears silently fell to her cheeks. As their foreheads met in embrace, his ringed tanuki-like eyes looked into hers as he grappled with the emotions he felt. It was the closest to excitement he had ever been. His stoic-nature was near broken by the joy that entered his heart from her words.

"You've given me so much already…" He spoke, holding her closer. "I love you… so much…"

"Forever?" She asked.

He nodded. "Forever."

(2020/08/06) Notes: In Japanese mythology, tanuki and ōkami have a rivalry similar to that of tanuki and kitsune.

Tanuki (狸) are the yokai that resemble real-life raccoon-dogs and are well-known for being tricksters and for their magical abilities. Ōkami (狼), on the other hand, are yokai that were once believed to be the guardians of the mountains and were said to have served the mountain deities. The rivalry comes from the fact that the tanuki wants to be the most recognized yokai - so they see kitsune, and in turn ōkami, as rivals. In real-life, raccoon-dogs are preyed upon by wolves in some habitats, so the mythology surrounding the two's rivalry may be influenced by nature as well.

Aside from mythology, the name for this chapter is actually the original name of this fic when it was first reposted to FFN after Quizilla got shut down.