Side story 3..

Days 3 out of 5 ..

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Chirp.. Chirp..

As soon he opened his eyes the first thing he saw was Layla's face and that made him happy already and her hand rested on his chest. It looked like she was cold until she cuddled with him..

Carefully as he can Gaara get up and slowly walk towards the bathroom without making any sound.

Gaara takes o the yukata from his body and starts cleaning his body. He forgot to shower last night because he was too tired.

After cleaning his body Gaara soaks himself inside the bathtub.

Aahhh, that feels warm ' He hummed as brushing his hair back..

Creak.. Creak..

That was a good sleep, waaaaaah" .. Layla is still half asleep stretching her body as barging into the bathroom while Gaara is startled by her.. Good morning sweetie

Hmm?!!.. Layla froze when heard a familiar voice slowly she opened her eyes and saw her husband inside the bathroom naked! And smile at her!!..

What does she do now ? If she turned back it looked like she was avoiding him but she felt so awkward when she remembered crying in front of Gaara yesterday.. Her face must be red because embarrassed..

Why are you standing there coming and joining me..

Is he for real right now? Acting like it never happened somehow irritates me.. ' She talks to herself.. ' No, thank for offer but I must decline

Don't tell me you're shy? .. Gaara teased her and made Layla feel challenged.

Wh.. Who said I am shy! .. Layla starts to undress the yukata because she is too focused and she doesn't notice Gaara gaze doesn't leave her.

All the things she does Gaara never misses it and when their eyes meet at the mirror Layla quickly avert her eyes away and he finds it so cute. Did you finish washing up?.. He asked when she wanted to take a towel.

Yes, ' Layla replied.

Do you want to soak here with me, I know you are cold.. " Gaara invited her..

Thanks but…

Sweetie please , I miss you so much " Gaara voice sounds stern but gentle at the same time.

Slipped her left foot and then her right foot, Her back rested on Gaara chest because the space was small there was no space as they could feel their body warmth . Wrapped his both of his hand secure on her waist Gaara leanes closer and kiss her back make Layla tensed up e hickey I gave you still doesn't disappearing "

Layla felt so tickled when Gaara breathed on her bare skin, 'Aren't we just supposed to take a bath.. She struggled to say those things.

I know , you know I don't do it if you don't give me permission I love you not because I want to sex with you but I love you , so don't worry..

Layla suddenly regretted her words but she kept silent. She doesn't want to say she was sorry because it will hurt him more.

Let's go out today? I want to make up for my mistake yesterday " He says playing with her hair .

I will take that as a yes " Gaara takes her silence as a yes.. 'Let get ready we leave after getting breakfast..

Could we just stay like this for a while? "

Gaara relieves Layla asking him to stay, He then takes her hand and holds it while humming a song.

A tranquil time with Gaara as his voice echoed closely to her ears, their synchronized breath making Layla calm, all the negative thoughts of yesterday faded away including Azai confession to her like a fog.

I'm sorry bout yesterday.. Layla apologized.

A smile etched on Gaara's face as he heard clearly although her voice was so low.

He was going to ask her about Azai but seeing they were in a good mood he didn't want to destroy the atmosphere between them just because of Azai so he put it on hold so he could spend time with Layla. And above all he is sure that Layla doesn't love Azai anymore.

Slipping the light purple silk kimono to her body she then proceeded to tie the obi securely to prevent her kimono loose since the yukata doesn't have any button or zip.

After she wears clothes, She then comb her hair. It became long after she cut it two years ago because the hickey can still be seen. Layla just let loose her hair today and finally she touched up her face with some makeup but lightly.

Standing in front of a full body size mirror Layla was satisfied with her look today. It looked so simple yet beautiful.. '

You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. ' He whispers while hugging from behind

You're gonna make me fall in love with you even more. ' He added and Gaara kissed her hair.

Steal a glance at Gaara from the mirror. He looks so handsome even in his usual crimson long-sleeve shirt with several buttons and pants that match the colour of his shirt especially his haired he purposely parted his spiky haired to let the tattoo visible

Why didn't you bring your sand gourd? .. ' Layla asked when she saw he didn't wear the brown belt to strapped the small sand gourd.

No, it is probably okay because we are at your village now and if something happens it won't be a problem so don't worry . He reassured her.

Well judging by the ninja performance here it doesn't look so dangerous for him to blindly goes whenever without his gourd and after all his wife was a hime in here. They will not do anything rash.

Gaara?, he still doesn't answered her

Layla noticed he was in his own world .. Sabaku no Gaara?..

Yes Sabaku no Layla. " He replied playfully as his thoughts broke.

Her left eyebrow lifted up as a confused show on her face, " is there a problem? You look like you were in a deep thought earlier..

Nothing serious, ' He brushed o the topic.. "Let's go, we should greet Koyuki sama first .

He says while reaching out her hand.

Layla was hesitant to hold his hand deep inside she still was angry at him..

" Yeah, Gaara faced solemnly when Layla didn't hold his hand and just started walking by herself.

A heavy sigh escaped from him but he started following her until he was beside her.

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Good morning Layla nee. Gaara ni sama..

Good morning to you too, Miki chan. ' Layla greeted the girl as they bumped into each other on the way to Koyuki while Gaara just nodded. Are you on your way to your mother too?

Yes, let me join you, I'm so lonely ' Miki casually held Layla arm closer and act pampered with her

A veins popped on his forehead while he gritted his teeth although he knew Miki was a girl but he got really jealous when someone was close to his wife.

Sweetie let me hold you, aren't yesterday you spraining your foot..

Gaara since when I spra-..

Layla couldn't finish her words when Gaara already pulled her closer to him… ' Gaara I'm fine.

Gaara ni sama!! , why did you do that and since when Layla nee has sprained her foot. You just lied to take Layla nee from me! .. Miki let out her anger, screaming loudly in the hallway, the servants watching them.

Stop both of you!!!. ' Layla had enough of their fight " I can walk by myself..

Gaara froze and Miki, it had been a long time since she screamed like that and it surprised him.

Layla scoffs while leaving Gaara and Miki behind she didn't want to get caught in their childish fight…

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Is there something wrong between them, Layla, " Koyuki whispered to Layla. As soon her daughter and Gaara came they got each other's throats..

Layla sighed, " Well something happened but I'm sure you wouldn't be interested..

Oh, Is that so? .. How do you feel after spending two day here Gaara? .. " Koyuki started the conversation . Layla was anticipating his answer as she looked at him. "

It was beautiful country Koyuki sama and when I was on my way to the camp yesterday people welcomed me here warmly and most of all this was Layla's hometown so I love it here.

Layla's face blushing at his compliments, she happy Gaara felt that way towards her hometown..

But I didn't get used to the weather here because it was completely di erent from Sunagakure,.. Gaara added, which made Koyuki laugh while Miki rolled her eyes.

Layla once said that before to me, Isn't that right?.. Koyuki's gaze turned to Layla.

Yes , it is true Koyuki nee sama.. ' Layla replied.

Nee Layla nee, do you know Azai sama already back in his country.. Miki interrupts as she meets Gaara gaze. Her topic makes everyone awkward.

What are you thinking? " Koyuki threatened in a low voice at her daughter.

Gaara sees there an anxious inside Layla gaze and his angered rouse again when Azai topic would be back when they already fun.

" Well that sucks, I didn't even get a chance to know Azai sama well " He casually pretended he didn't bother with the topic.

Azai sama must be busy so maybe that is why he rushed back home yesterday.. ' Layla said without batting an eye.. She can guess Gaara knows about yesterday so there is no point in trying to hide it.

Hmmm, but Layla nee.

Kazahana Miki! That's enough..

Miki fell silent in an instant when Koyuki yelled at her " I'm sorry, Mother.. She whimpered..

I thought you already grew up but still you are a crybaby " Layla rushed to her niece to comfort and hug Miki. I'm sorry Layla nee, and " Miki gaze turned to Gaara.. " I'm sorry Gaara ni sama. I just want to spend more time with Layla nee.

It's okay I understand and I'm sure Gaara will too. Isn't that right Gaara? .. Layla asked as her smile calming him down

Although we two were different , we had one thing in common that was loving Layla.. ' .. Gaara patted the girl's hair and smiled at her.

I probably love Layla nee more than you '

Her announcement made everyone laugh, including Koyuki who isn't angry anymore ..

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This was supposed to be their honeymoon but nothing but tragedy came their way..

First Azai and two the uncomfortable silence between them .

Layla more willing to have Gaara asking about Azai to her than this eternal silence between them.

She is afraid he will be sad again. " Ga.. ara? .

Gaara tilting his head at her, " What is it Sweetie? .

the words were hard to come out from her mouth, " Nothing ' She smiled at him. "Shall we go then? ' ..

Gaara relieves Layla by holding his hand when he reaches out to her this time .

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Waaa , " As soon as they arrived at the village town Layla looked more sparkling and got excited. " It's been so long I think I'm gonna cry ..

Don't try to run sweetie you gonna fall " Gaara controls his wife when she likes that.

Gazing the snow town atmosphere exciting her until she forget about Gaara and just o by herself without knowing there a eyes was watching closer to her

Where could she be? It was only just a sec. He took his eyes from her and she already disappeared ?.. Anxiety shows on Gaara's face when Layla is not in his sights anymore .. Excuse me! Let me through " The crowd grew even merrier Slipping through the crowded place while his heart is about to burst, worried about Layla he knows this was her hometown but she can't be that off guard.

After searching for a while, Gaara took a sigh of relief as he spotted Layla not too far from him.

Hurmmm!!! at was delicious, really there no can beat Mister takoyaki in this whole world ' ..

I'm glad you like it Layla sama.. " The man recognizes Layla.

Sweetie don't run off by yourself like this you scared the hell outta me… Gaara said after successfully catching his Layla.

Mmmhr … mhr .. " She is trying to speak but her mouth is full of food until she can't speak properly.

Don't talk while your mouth is full.. " He reached to pocket and took his handkerchief .. You got the sauce on your face " He wipes at her puffy cheeks ..

Layla gulped the takoyaki down to her throat, " I got too excited, sorry Gaara. Next time don't do this again " ..

Yeah.. ' She replied nonchalantly and continued to eat the remaining takoyaki.. So this person was Layla sama husband you look so perfect for each other.. " The uncle complimented the couple.

Yeah isn't he handsome?.. He was my lovely husband

Ba dump..

His heart so pounding at Layla complimented he could feel his face was beat read .. When his eye met her crystal gaze his knee went weak.. "Arghh, his wife really knows how to make him weak like this. "

Do you want some?.. Clueless Layla continues to tease Gaara. " Let go " He held her hand and pulled her to follow him.. " Bye mister " Before leaving the place Layla had a chance to say goodbye to the stall owner.

What should I do boss? The Kazekage never left his wife. "

Change plan let see tomorrow Ididn't want to lose my life if I rushed charge to the hime.

You're lucky hime, spend the beautiful memories with your husband today before I take your life. Signaling to his subordinate they retreated for today..

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" Where should I go next.. " She asked Gaara.

He still doesn't recovered yet from the blows earlier and yet Layla acting cute towards him is she not angry at him anymore or this was just her act Wh.. Whe.. Where do- , going ne.. next" .. He was nervous until stuttered his words.

Hmmm, should we go have a simple lunch? ..I hungry"

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Slurp .. Slurp..

Are you hungry? You make messy Sweetie " .. He whispered softly at Layla. They were inside the restaurant because Layla said she was hungry.

I cannot help it because Azai sama came so I don't have much appetite to eat at the castle. "

Hmm, you've been bothered by him? Gaara's voice sounds so deep as he tries to control his facial expressions. Cursed herself for not realizing she mentioned that man's name on their date, ' Sorry Gaara.

It's okay sweetie I just worried if he tries to do anything with you.. He added.

Set the chopsticks down Layla gaze watch Gaara " .. I know you know about yesterday so there is no point to hide it from you I understand you just don't want to fuss between us..

Azai sama was only my childhood crush nothing more so be more confident " Gaara suddenly gets shy at her confession as their hands intertwine to each other. Gaara's eyes can't take o from her " Are you not mad at me anymore?..

Hmm " Layla rolls her eyes as pretended to think about his question. 'Of course I--..

Kyaa!! Did you see the Kazekage here!!..

Layla and Gaara both turned their gaze at the person sound so excited calling her husband name, " Good evening Kazekage sama!! .. The girls greeted them, most likely Gaara, giggles.

What could I help you with?..

Could we take a picture together

Gaara turned his gaze to Layla, " Go, it is rare for you to have an admirer… Layla encourages him and awkwardly Gaara takes the picture with his fan.. Oh my god, Thank you Kazekage sama!!..

You welcome gurls.. ' Layla replied instead.

Oh, we're sorry for not noticing you, Layla hime" .. quickly the girls bow their heads.

Shaking her hand, " It's okay , don't mind me.

Before the girls leave the place they lower their heads to the couple and leave with excitement showing on their faces " I'm gonna brag this to others..

Stealing a glance to Gaara he seems still shocked, It looks like he doesn't notice that he has many fans.. " Are you okay?.. Yeah,.. He replied shortly but there was a sadness in his voice.

Should we go for a short walk before we go back? I want to digest my food ..

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The scenery in snow country were always white and pure, the grass that full of green was tainted by the pure white snow, the crystal like snow keep falling from skies hide the color of the flower the cold air coming out from her mouth. " We should really get back as soon as she sees the snow gets heavier..

Wrapped his jacket around her shoulder " wear this I cannot get you had a fever .

Snuggles herself in the warm Gaara jacket, it was warm until she flushed at his being a gentleman, tugging at his white shirt while looking at him " I felt guilty to warm myself , aren't you cold?..

I have this so don't worry sweetie " He shows the scarf on his neck before they go out earlier. Layla makes him wear a scarf because worried he might be cold.

He is more tedious than she thinks, they start walking as they hold hands.. " Say Gaara, after two years of marriage, are you happy? She asked as stare out of space.

Of course you don't need to ask that " He answers without an ounce of hesitation. Layla laugh and happy to hear his answer " that's good to hear,

He suddenly stops the tracks and Layla does it too, Gaara looking to the desert place on the way to the castle " Do you remember that place? " He spoke as his finger pointed at the place.

Following his fingers, a smile etched on her face " yes, that was the place where you found me after I left Sunagakure three years ago right??.. (refer chapter 47).

Remember back , I was too scared back then when I saw you with Kiryuu ..

Bwahahahahahaha really?, " She laughed until her eyes swan with tears while holding her stomach.. Ah".. My stomach hurts from laughing too much " .. She takes a deep breath.

You're hurting my feelings sweetie, " .. Gaara acts pitiful in front of her.

I just kidding" .. layla in tip toe and casually kiss Gaara cheeks ' I'm happy that you want to bringing me back that day A.. na.. taa" .. She said and started.

Layla gave him a second blow, his face instantly red shy when Layla called my dear " that no fair sweetie..(ath: if you don't know anata in english was my dear it often use by the married couple. )

Welcome home you guys..

We back Koyuki sama " Gaara replied while layla just nodded behind him.. "Are you guys having some fun today?

Yeah, Gaara even had fans at the town and invited him to get pictures with them. " Layla said while tugging his shirt. "Seems the Kazekage was famous, " Koyuki teased him.

It's nothing special Koyuki sama… "

Days were almost dark and became colder. It is best for both of you to take a shower and soak into warm water.

Then excuse us " Gaara and Layla slipped to empty space and walked towards the room while Layla kept laughing at him for being formal.

Koyuki looks at them happy to see the smile on Layla's face. She felt relieved when the person she hated at first could make her little sister happy and she knew Gaara will continue to take care of Layla even though she is no longer here.

Koyuki sama!!!

After Layla and Gaara not in her sight Garu and Kiryuu run faster towards her with their faces looking frightening. " Is there a problem? She asked calmly to both of them

Keeping an exchange gaze, Kiryuu gulped back his saliva to wet his throat. " Layla is in danger.

What?!.. Koyuki cannot believe, " Why did you say that?

Garu received information that there was some suspicious group inside the town earlier and When I asked the ninja on the border and they were suspected there, some ninja came inside the country without being checked. " Kiryuu explained without taking a breath.

Koyuki felt so light headed after hearing the news but luckily Garu supported her and prevented her from falling " Are you okay your grace? He said as worried about Koyuki.

Shaking her head, Koyuki quickly regained her composure , " What is the proof that the suspicious group has to do with Layla?.

We are not sure yet who they could target but when the Kazekage and Layla were in the town that was the last place we tracked them.. "

A heavy signed escape from Koyuki, " This must be Azai doing! I didn't know he wiling to do until this extent

What shall we do now, Koyuki sama? " should I go inform the Kazekage as well?.. " Kiryuu said while watching their queen making decisions. Don't do that, we shall clean this mess by ourselves. I want the best ninja to meet me tonight. We will make a plan.

We understand Koyuki sama " Garu and Kiryuu lower their heads at her orders. " Don't forget to hide this from Gaara and Layla as well and Miki. I don't want them to worry " .. She instructed before leaving the place.

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Day four on the next chapter..