A/N: Thank you so much to Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
"I'm back," Shinobu exclaimed as she closed the door behind her. "Sorry I'm late, Mei-sama. You won't believe who I bumped into today!"
The Mizukage and her companions were staying in a simple yet elegant hotel /in the middle of Konoha. The suite they were assign had three rooms and a small kitchen which also served as their dining area. They were on the third floor so it took a bit of effort to navigate.
Shinobu took a chair in front of the Mizukage, placed her palm on her cheek, and sighed dreamily.
Shinobu had rushed back to the inn after she realized that she had been out longer than she was supposed to. She was one of the jonins accompanying the Mizukage in the Five Kage Summit in Konoha. They didn't allow guards in the conference room today, they said it was unnecessary. Since Mei-sama told them to relax while she was in the meeting, Shinobu decided to take advantage of the unexpected day off and explore the place for a bit. It's not every day that she got a chance to see another hidden village after all.
Due to the Kirigakure's isolation in the former Mizukage's reign, it was her first time coming to another hidden village as a tourist. This newly found peace was truly amazing. Shinobi could meet other shinobis from the five great nations without the threat of violence. Finally, finally, they can enjoy life with one another.
Shinobu walked around to visit the many different shops in Konoha. She went to the dresses first. Who knew that they have such cute clothes? Shinobu gushed and promptly lost herself in them. The styles here are very different from her home.
Konoha's colors are light and they leaned towards the pastels while in Kiri, black is the height of fashion. Most of the clothes in Kiri have sleeves but here, there were sleeveless or even one-shouldered designs. Shinobu tended to wear light colors herself and she loves to try out new styles so the clothes here really were her taste.
But, she had spent her money to buy her baking ingredients so the clothes were too expensive for her and she ended up not buying anything. She gave lingering glances at the dresses as she left. All the while chanting, 'Food is life, food is life. Food is life.' in her head.
She was just wondering aimlessly doing a bit more window shopping here and there when she saw him. That spiky red hair, it could only be, Sabaku no Gaara, the godaime Kazekage of Sunagakure.
Everything seemed to halt for Shinobu. She froze where she stood, her heart beating wildly in her chest. And then, the unexpected happened. He actually stopped near her.
Shinobu stopped breathing. If she had the guts, she could have talked to him. But what would she even say? Surely, he wouldn't talk to her. Besides, she doubts she could say anything to him. she'll probably stutter and make a fool of herself.
"Hai hai, I'm sure it's exciting and all that." Mei-sama's voice brought Shinobu back to the present. She was tapping the table between them impatiently. She looked like she had her own news to share.
Her cousin usually lets her chatter on and on, but not today it seems. Mei-sama is staring her down, her lips pursed. She's like this when she wanted Shinobu to pay attention.
"But... But... It's Gaara-sama!" Shinobu said, her voice an octave higher. "I saw him. Up close."
"Is that so? How far were you when you saw him? Did you at least see his face?"
"Of course I did. Actually, it was so much better than that! We were this close," Shinobu gestures to the space between them. "We even ate Ramen together. He was so handsome, the cool and silent type. A serious guy but polite."
"Really?" Mei's interest was piqued.
"Uh-huh," she replied, a blush tinting her fair cheeks. "Gaara-sama's seafoam eyes took my breath away."
Mei-sama sighed, "Oooh, you got it bad don't you."
"Hai."
"Well, will you finally tell me what happened? Not having details is driving me crazy!" Mei-sama frowned at her.
Shinobu just smiled and let out a happy sigh. She couldn't help but think back on their time together. It was awkward, it was brief, and it was also one of the best moments of her life.
The last time she got close to Gaara-sama, she thought she was going to die. Shinobu just saw a rock... No, a meteor heading towards them. She thought this is it. This is as far as she'll go.
Shinobu stilled herself and watched the incoming projectile calmly. She refused to cower before the enemy. She was a kunoichi and she was going to die like one, dammit!
But, no matter how hard Shinobu tried, her knees still shook, and she had to bite her lips so they wouldn't tremble. The only thing she heard was the blood roaring in her ears. Shinobu knew that she should spend her final moments well, so she prayed.
She didn't know if it could help but at least it comforted her. Before she uttered the last part of her prayer, someone had already stopped the disaster. Tsuchikage-sama and Kazekage-sama.
The two of them were bruised and beaten but still, they saved the alliance. Shinobu was a part of the fourth company, so she worked closely with them. She noticed Kazekage-sama looking after Tsuchikage-sama. He even lets him be treated first.
Kazekage-sama is just her age and yet, he's already doing so much. He delivered a heartfelt speech that joined the shinobis from the five great nations. All of them hated one another. But because of what he said and how he said it, they were willing to set their grudges aside and trust each other.
Shinobu knew about Suna's Kazekage even before that moment. He was a ruthless killer, but rumor has it that he turned a new leaf. She didn't believe it, until then. He's so cool and amazing. If they survive this war, she'll join Gaara-sama's fan club!
Shinobu was standing in front and the Kages were just a few paces away from her. They looked tired but she can see that they will never rest. And neither would she. As long as Gaara-sama's fighting, so will Shinobu.
That was the first time she watched him and Shinobu hasn't stop since. She did join the fan club and pestering Mei-sama for news about Gaara-sama became a hobby.
Shinobu sighed again, she couldn't help herself. What happened today was permanently etched in her memory. She'll never forget it as long as she lived.
Mei-sama gasped, "D-Did you actually kiss him or something?" she grabbed Shinobu's shoulders and promptly shook her. "Tell me!"
"Iye! Iye!" she flailed in the Mizukage's hold. "How could you even say such a thing, Mei-sama? I have manners you know. Or did you forget?"
Mei-sama released her and shrugged. "You just look so happy, so I assumed."
Shinobu scowled at that. She was still a member of a noble clan; albeit a minor branch. Honestly, Mei-sama was really irritating sometimes. To think that she is Shinobu's favorite cousin.
Seeing that Mei-sama was glaring at her again, Shinobu decided to continue her story.
"I admit, I was kind of, sort of, a bit forward with him." Shinobu started to fidget with her hands. But a heartbeat passed and she showed her resolve by raising her head again to meet Mei-sama's eyes. "But I thought it was my only chance! I had to make it count, so I did."
"Shinobu-chan, just tell me, what did you do exactly?" Mei-sama asked, folding her arms and pinning her with a menacing glare.
Shinobu leaned back and twirled the ends of her hair with a finger. "I was just there, minding my own business when I saw him. He was alone and he walked by me. That's when I heard it, his stomach growling. My poor, poor Gaara-sama." She wailed the last part like she was the one who went hungry.
Mei-sama rolled her eyes. "Please, cut out the fangirling bits, I really don't want to hear that."
"I don't tell you to shut up when you talk about m-" Shinobu started to speak but quickly backtracks at the look on the Mizukage's face. "A-Ah, alright, I get it, I get it." she waved her hands rapidly, as if to ward the Kage off.
"Anyway, I approached him and offered him a snack. I babbled and stuttered like an idiot. Now that I think about it, he might have thought I was crazy. How embarrassing!"
"Hai, it is."
Shinobu chose to ignore her cousin's lack of sympathy. Though that was embarrassing, it had already happened and she can't do anything about it. She was on cloud nine right now and not even Mei-sama's bad mood will dampen her spirits.
Now that Shinobu thought of it, she was okay, sort of. At least, she said what she wanted. She didn't think she could do it back then, to approach Gaara-sama and actually speak to him. But she did and Shinobu was proud of herself for that.
"When he took one of my mocha buns and ate it, Gaara-sama said it was delicious. The man certainly has good tastes if you ask me." Shinobu placed a hand on her cheek, a dreamy smile was perched on her lips and she just stared into space. She's in her fangirl mode again.
After some time, she blinked and saw that Mei-sama was snapping her fingers in front of her. From the irritated look on her face, Shinobu guessed that she had been doing it a few times now without a result.
"And then what happened?"
"Oh, he tried to walk past me again so naturally, I followed him and offered him more bread." Shinobu was about to swoon again but resumed her story once she sees the unamused look on her cousin's face. "We got to Ichiraku Ramen, it was the best ramen ever by the way. You should try it Mei-sama."
"Okay, okay. Just get to the good parts would you!" Mei-sama snapped, her perfect eyebrow twitching in annoyance.
"Well, we ordered and then he asked me where I bought my mocha buns. I told him I just baked it and that it's my hobby and that I also bake when I'm stressed."
The redhead rubbed her face with her hand. "That's too much information if you ask me."
"Iiiiiiiii! You think so? Oh my goodness." Shinobu shrieked and dropped her head on the table like a puppet whose strings had just been cut.
If Mei-sama said she was too much, it must be the truth. She knew Shinobu inside and out. Oh, she messed up big time.
"You're being too dramatic; don't you think?"
"But you said I was too much."
"Hai, it's true."
"So, can't you tell that I'm having a moment here Mei-sama?"
"Oh hai, I certainly can." she replied, "I just don't care."
"You're so mean today," Shinobu whined, her voice muffled by the table.
Mei-sama lightly tugged Shinobu's ponytail. "And you should finish telling your story before I get bored."
A few moments passed and Shinobu recovered as if nothing happened. she lifted her face and gestured excitedly. "He told me about his hobby though. You'll never guess what it is, Mei-sama. It's so cute!"
"Gaara-sama... Cute? Uh-huh."
"It's true!"
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"Hmph." Shinobu crossed her arms and looked away.
Mei-sama smiled a little, "Oh, I was just teasing you Shinobu-chan." When Shinobu still didn't speak, Mei-sama let out a sigh and said, "Alright, Gaara-sama is cute and nice and polite. So, what happened next?"
Shinobu's ears perked at what her cousin said. Of course, her words were true, Shinobu had experienced it first-hand. Though she's crushing on him, Shinobu wouldn't lie about such a thing. Really, Mei-sama could be insensitive sometimes. Maybe, that's why she doesn't have a boyfriend.
Shinobu bit her lips to stop herself from saying her thoughts out loud, she'd rather not die, thank you very much!
"You know what Mei-sama? I, actually told him that I'm glad that he has a hobby," Shinobu said, thoughtfulness entering her voice. "And that I'm worried about him and that working too hard is not good for his health so he should rest once in a while."
The Mizukage's emerald eyes widened at this. "Wait, you did?"
"Hai! I can't believe it either." She slumped in her chair and covered her eyes with her arm. "To think that I actually said that to his face."
"That's too forward of you Shinobu-chan. He might take it the wrong way," Mei-sama scolded her, a scowl marring her pretty face.
"Hai," Shinobu mumbled dejectedly. "He... Uh, actually told me off. Said that my concern is appreciated but unnecessary."
Mei-sama nodded at this but Shinobu continued, "I didn't give up though. I told him what I really thought of him and my feelings. All of it. Again, I might never have the chance to talk to Gaara-sama so I let everything out."
She's talking to Mei-sama about Gaara-sama without so much as a stutter. Shinobu's voice was strong and her back was straight. She feels strongly about this so she needs to make her point across.
Mei-sama's eyes were like saucers- "You confessed?" she whispered and covered her mouth.
"Iye, iye, iye!" she shrieked, looking thoroughly flustered. "why do you think I would say such a thing? I mean, he's just my crush, you know that! I won't actually do it. As if he'll pay attention to me. I probably didn't make a good impression anyway." Shinobu franticly waved a hand in front of her face, trying to cool down her overheating cheeks. "I'm not even a member of the main family and can he even marry a girl from another village? Not that I thought of marrying him or anything."
"So, you wouldn't marry him given the chance?" Mei-sama asked, looking Shinobu straight in the eyes.
Violet eyes locked with green ones for a moment. Shinobu was the first to look away, turning her gaze at the open window.
"I didn't say that!" she replied. Shinobu's shoulders tensed, but when Mei-sama didn't say anything, she relaxed gradually. She took a deep breath before explaining herself. "Well, if given a chance... I'll certainly try my hardest to win his heart. He deserves someone who'll love him, you know?" she finally looked back at Mei-sama, steel glimmering in her eyes.
"How did you come to that conclusion Shinobu-chan?" Mei-sama asked, slumping a little in her chair.
"Through his eyes," Shinobu replied without hesitation. "Though his face is always expressionless, his eyes more than make up for it. If you only pay attention and look hard enough, you'll probably see it too... The deep loneliness in them."
"I see." Mei-sama's mouth curved upwards but she forced it down.
Shinobu was about to ask what is the matter but Mei-sama held up a hand. She let out a breath, "Shinobu-chan, I need to tell you something."
"Hmm?" Shinobu leaned forward when she saw the serious look on Mei-sama's face. Then, something clanks in her pocket. She couldn't resist, she had to check what it was.
"Huh? Wait a minute." she rummaged in her pockets. "Why do I still have money?"
She stilled and suddenly shot out of her seat and scramble straight to the door. "Ah, kuso! Just tell me later Mei-sama! I need to take care of something. I can't believe I forgot," she berated herself.
Cold air rushed past Shinobu as she sprinted on the busy streets of Konoha, she felt like there was tiny sharp stones lodge in her stomach. This had never happened to her before, to be so completely obsessed with someone that she forgot everything else. Shinobu could only blame herself for this and she intended to do that after settling her debt.
For this to happen in front of Gaara-sama of all people... Oh, she could die of shame.
Shinobu continued to lament while weaving through the modestly-sized crowd. The restaurant's lights served as her beacon, a little more... A little more, and then...
Shinobu burst in straight to the counter. She cut through the line and promptly clasped her hands together and bowed her head in contrition. "Gomenasai. I truly didn't mean to eat without paying, please forgive me. I have money, I'll pay you back right now."
"Huh? What are you talking about, miss?" A shocked Ayame asked.
"Don't you remember me? I just ate here a while ago," Shinobu said as she raised her head. "In my hurry, I forgot to pay for my meal."
"I know you, you're the girl with the red-haired guy who had an ai tattoo, on his forehead right?" Their waitress from earlier called from behind the owner.
Shinobu's face reddened at this, "H-Hai. Uh, iye. I-I mean, we're not together-together..." she stuttered, her pitch rising by the moment.
"Yeah... I actually didn't imply anything," the other girl said dryly.
Ayame elbowed her employee and smiled at the girl, "Oh, you're with the Kazekage? He already paid for your food so don't worry about it."
"I just saw him walking and..." She continued but halts on Ayame's words. "Naaaniiiii?" H-he p-payed for it?" Shinobu shouted, all the colors drained from her face.
"Hai," Ayame confirmed, "Uh miss, are you alright?" Shinobu looked like she was going to faint.
"Hai, hai, " she said, disgruntled, before stumbling out. "I'm just going to die of horror and shame somewhere. Arigato gozaimasu, sayonara."
"Uh... Come again!" Ayame said. That girl changed emotions at a drop of a hat. How weird.
"Of all the people in the world, why does this have to happen to me?" Shinobu muttered to herself, her hands on her flaming face. "I did not just stalk a Kage, I harassed, lectured, and used him to pay for my expenses. This. Is. Such a disgrace! How could I show my face to him after this? Unforgivable!" she screamed, using her fists to muffle the sound.
Shinobu saw that people were giving her strange looks so she hunched her shoulders and quickened her pace. She took the first turn she saw; she needs to get out of there. When Shinobu stop feeling the stares, she finally slowed. Just great, who knew what they thought of her back there?
She sighed mournfully. 'So much for an impression... I only made bad once. It's either I'm crazy or I don't pay for my food or I'm forgetful. Why me?' Shinobu ran her fingers through her hair, messing it up in the process.
Shinobu was trotting listlessly, there was a heaviness in her step that was not there before. The bright lights of Konoha seemed dimmer to her now, the previously idle background chatter was now a noise that grits on her suddenly sensitive ears.
She was not yet ready to see Mei-sama. Shinobu knew that her cousin had something important to say to her, but she was so disappointed right now, she doubts she could listen to a word of it.
When she remembered what she told her cousin earlier, it made her cringe. Coldness seeped in her insides, and there was a pressure settling behind her eyes. She really had no chance after that.
After taking a few wrong turns due to her aimless trudging, Shinobu's spirit finally lifted when she was hit with a sudden realization. "I can make it up to him somehow."
She stopped walking to contemplate her thoughts. Shinobu noticed that she ended up near the Yamanaka Flower Shop. Though it's getting late, people still formed a line to get in. She moved to the side so she won't be jostled by the crowd and so she could smell the flowers. Their sweet scent always calmed her down and helped her think.
"But how? Hmmm." Shinobu tapped a finger on her lips. She closed her eyes and thought hard.
If she apologized, he might brush it off and say that it's nothing. She didn't think that he would make a big deal out of it but still, she prefers not to be remembered as the girl who escaped her tab. Besides, Shinobu wants to do something for him regardless. Sending him a gift was out of the question. He might think she was really a stalker then. Not to mention that it might start unwanted rumors. Shinobu didn't think Gaara-sama would like that.
"How about... I know, I'll just make him a bento box!" Shinobu clapped her hands in delight.
This is perfect! Shinobu had it on good authority that she is a great cook so Gaara-sama won't be disappointed with her gift. The chance to see him again was just a bonus.
She promised to cook for him after all. Since he paid for her food, she'll just make good on her word earlier than planned.
With this firmly in mind, Shinobu heads for their hotel with a determined look on her face and a steadily growing mental list of what she'll need. She can't fail, she won't allow herself to.
Shinobu's head was high and her shoulders were straight back. She's walking with purpose now and she couldn't afford any more detours. She had important work to do.
A/N: Is it good? Bad? Tell me your thoughts in the reviews.
