III. Leaving for War
The sun was barely rising. Though still half asleep, she felt a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Gaara?"
"Don't get up."
"What time is it?"
"My army is already outside waiting. We need to get moving. I just wanted to say goodbye…"
Suddenly her eyes shot open and she jumped out of bed.
"Just give me two minutes!" she said. "I just need to find my shoes."
"Harley…"
"And my jacket. Where did I put my jacket?"
"Please…"
"Forget the jacket, just shoes. I need to at least walk you out…"
"No."
"I have to!"
"It's not safe right now. It won't be until we leave the area and our enemies follow. Once we're out of the village, my trusted shinobi I'm leaving behind will watch over you and protect you."
"Please just let me come out with you!"
"No."
"You're going to war! Who knows when we'll see each other again?!"
"Harley, listen to me," he said sternly, taking her hands and looking into her eyes. "The only thing in the entire world more important to me than this village is you. Please… I need you to stay here where it's safe."
She pulled him into a hug and kissed him, tears streaming down her face.
"C-come home safe," she sobbed, barely understandable. "Please come home safe."
"I love you."
That's all he could say. Because he couldn't promise anything one way or the other.
And with a final embrace, he disappeared down the stairs.