AN: Well, there's not much to say on my part. It's been a year of many things folks, and I can honestly say I never forgot about this baby. I've said it once, but I want to finish this no matter what. Even if it takes me another year; I need to do it. And I thank all of you who have been patient and are still willing to read this story. Please enjoy.

Chapter 16: Touch

"No! Don't touch me," a fair woman bleats dramatically with a turn, reclaiming her held hand and pressing it against her unsteady chest. "How could you, after sending me away?"

"I understand you're hurt, but so was I. I thought it would be best for the both of us, but now I realize, I was only trying to push my feelings away," the accompanying actor gathers closer to the actress, wrapping his movie-toned arms around her, and pressing her back into his million ryó chest. "I was selfish. Forgive me."

"Takao…" the blonde actress whimpers his name longingly. Slowly, she turns to face him, tears gathering in lovely pools against her emerald eyes, "How can we possible be together? You have a wife waiting at home. Didn't that ever cross your mind before coming here?"

"Himari," the actor calls her name sweetly, brushing aside a golden strand of hair circling at her powdered cheek. "Ever since you left, I finally understood what I needed to let go. After the first week you were gone, I filed for divorce…I haven't been a married man for a while."

The tears sitting in her eyes tip over, gliding in delicate streams, "Takao…that would mean…"

"That's right, babe." The actor pinches her wet chin between his thumb and index, bringing her flushed face towards him. "It's only me and you from now on."

As their lips are about to condense, another actor appears on the scene.

"Himari," the entering actor steps in with haste, pulling the actress away and stretching a protective hand across her. The actress attempts to speak in her fluster, yet the new character intercepts her, narrowing his eyes at his competition, "And may I ask, what exactly do you want from my assistant, Takao?"

"Please, Reiuji. Don't do this," the actress pleads, tugging at the tailored material against his arms.

"Reiuji, I'm thankful for you taking care of Himari while I was gone, but now…" Takao's actor smiles with challenge, "I'm taking her back. I won't stand for us to be apart any longer."

"The book is so much better," I interrupt the movie drama with a sigh, shoving another spoonful of chocolate spread into my mouth. My chocolate speckled fingers lazily reach for the remote devoured underneath my thigh and with one click, I'm staring at a plain newscaster stating the forecast in Sungakure, which is just one word: hot.

Amid the droning of the newscaster's rehearsed voice, my violet eyes roll to stare at my roommate's flowerpot staring right back at me. I shift uncomfortably on the couch, cradling the chocolate spread tub closer to my chest.

"Don't judge me, Lee-san." I say aloud. "This is what happens when you upset a girl's heart. They have to drown their emotions in sweets to counter balance the raging urge to give up on their love life, and blame it on actors for being too hot to accept normal guys."

The picture of my roommate remains wordless; those big, ridiculous, and absolutely… perfect round eyes of his continue to gaze at me.

I have to roll my own eyes, "Okay, I'm sorry. I know I haven't said it to you directly with meaning, but I am and I promise I'll write you a letter…." my attention floats lower, past the flowerpot at a piece of parchment, bare without the hint of an attempted apology.

I point a defensive finger at his photo, "Listen, I have chocolate on my fingers, and I don't want to get it all over the letter. Because I know, if I do and you get it, you'll figure out that my waistline did get bigger. And so you would be right if you guessed it…which I don't want you to be."

A prolonged stillness is the only thing that humors me at this point. It's been a week since the event, and lucky enough for me, my heart-stealing criminal has fled the scene back to Konoha. As of late, I have yet to muster enough will to write an apology letter to my roommate, since feelings of shame (and the future destination of my letter sent to the trashcan) restrain my courage to do so. That, and my contrasting feelings competing in an epic struggle inside me: one side cries for forgiveness and reconciliation, while the other is raging and wishing to sever all ties completely.

I want to place partial blame on my menstrual cycle.

"Get it together, lady," I sigh in defeat, lifting myself from the couch and setting aside the unforgiveable size tub of chocolate spread to the side. I clean my fingers from the evidence of lacking a decent diet, and pick up the letter pen. I begin to write:

'Dear Lee-san,

How are you?

And how about that Suna weather, huh? Super hot. Like, 'Woah there mister sun! Calm down or else I might get sun burned, and act really mean to my friends!' kind of hot….'

My hands grasp the letter; crunch it up into a wasted ball of a murdered tree, and toss it behind me. My spasm exhausts me physically, and I drop my forehead against the coffee table, rolling my head over to rest on one cheek. My eyes peer dismally at the pathetic arts and crafts piece.

I bring my arms up, and bury my face in their comfort. I mumble a few more apologies before my sight is blurred with sleep, sending me to a dark place that takes me all at once.

o o o

"Sho, could I talk to you for a moment?"

My employers voice resonates from behind me, just as I'm tidying up the last of a few files. Closing the cabinet, I brush out the wrinkles from my skirt and make my way towards his desk.

"Yes, Gaara-sama?" I ask in attention, coming to stand in front of the lacquered furniture. "What is it that you would like to speak with me about?"

The Kazekage addresses me with his traditional expression, reserved with a no-nonsense appeal to his features, "Tell me what you had for lunch."

There's a brief pause in my response, where my mouth has this innate quirk to remain open for an awkward period of time, "Of course, let's see…." I regain the ability to form words, however, a new dilemma surfaces. My face flushes at the realization, "Oh, I actually didn't have lunch today."

Another silence follows my confession, which is then unsettled by a deep breath drawn by my employer. From his relaxed posture at his seat, his upper body gradually comes forward.

"Sho…" he breathes out my name in a deep sigh. "I'm sure you are aware that it is technically illegal for me to have any employee not take a break during a regular work shift. The day is almost done, why haven't you taken yours?"

"I'm so sorry. There's just been so much to do, I lost track of time and—" the words escape me amid the Kazekage's intrusive gaze. I gulp down what's left of my petty apology, and bow my head in submission, "Excuse me, Gaara-sama. I'll be taking my break now."

"Please do." As I'm about to gather my belongings to leave, my employer grabs my attention once more; "Sho…there's also something else I would like to ask of you."

"Yes, Gaara-sama?" I return, gazing back at the Kazekage.

As I stare back into his light eyes, a peculiar reserve takes over him, which forces him to momentarily shift his eyes away. Now, you may think this is a silly little observation, but from working with the Kazekage so closely, I'm well aware of how honest he carries himself. For him to not meet my gaze directly is an indication of a veiled and seemingly subtle shyness, hesitation, or overall discomfort. At least, this is how I've come to perceive it through experience.

I wait patiently for him to gather his thoughts, and when he does his gaze returns to meet mine.

"I was hoping you would consider accompanying me to the park tomorrow…" he says briefly, and I blink wildly at the invitation. I suppose my automatic uncontrollable eye movements (along with my dumbfounded silence) may have been misconstrued as a silent rejection. The Kazekage's stare shifts away from mine once more, and with but a scarce hesitation, he continues; "It's for Yoru. I decided to request a day off tomorrow in order to spend time with him. He wished to be taken to the park and demanded that I should invite you to join us. He further added that if I couldn't convince you to come…he would chew with his mouth open at dinner time every night."

The reality of a young child blackmailing him with an uncomfortable situation brings a convoluted expression to the Kazekage's features. His troubled appearance breaks my silence, as I bubble up in a fit of giggles. I'm quick to cover my mouth, yet maintain my amused smile.

"I'd love to join you and Yoru to the park tomorrow," I give my reply, easing the drawn in features of my employer. "I'll even prepare lunch's for us. How does that sound, Gaara-sama?"

"Sounds…enjoyable," he responds, with the smallest tilt pinching the left corner of his mouth. "Yoru and I will come to your apartment, so that we can accompany you to the park."

"Until then, Gaara-sama," I smile, bowing my head politely before excusing myself out of his office.

o o o

The sun springs up from the desserts horizon the very next day, bringing the morning glow along with it. I stir early in my bed this Saturday, in order to make time to prepare the lunches for the afternoon, as promised. After that was said and done, and my grooming ritual complete; I wait patiently for the expected knocks at my door.

I hear them during the intermission of a jeopardy show, and I whisk myself away to answer. My smile stretches from ear to ear when I see my familiar company; with Yoru's round bubbly face and the Kazekage's demure expression, it's hard not to. I gasp when Yoru squeezes between the doorframe and my hip, almost popping into my apartment.

"Wow! Uncle, have you seen Yamada-sensei's house before?" He calls enthusiastically, running circles around my apartment, from the bedroom to even my bathroom. When he returns, his face is smitten with astonishment. "Uncle! Yamada-sensei's place is so small—like a dog's house!"

My employer stiffens at his nephews unfiltered comment, politely excuses himself into my apartment, and yanks him back outside onto my welcome matt.

"I'm sorry for his comment," the Kazekake verbalizes, casting a reprimanding gaze upon his nephew's head. "It isn't polite to compare a persons home to where a dog might live." His stare narrows ever more slightly, "Isn't that so…Yoru?"

"Yes, uncle," Yoru sighs, casting an embarrassed look at me. "Sorry, Yamada-sensei."

"That's alright. It's small, but it's home," I laugh whole-heartedly, striding into the kitchen and gathering the picnic basket. With a smile, I motion myself out of my apartment along with my company, "Shall we?"

"We shall," Gaara says, tilting his own lips. Without another word, the Kazekage gently takes the picnic basket from my hold, and begins walking ahead. Before I'm able to protest, Yoru is quick to intercept me.

"Here, Yamada-sensei," he says, extending his smaller palm towards me. "You can hold my hand instead."

I giggle and willingly take it, "Don't mind if I do."

Hand in hand, Yoru and I stroll close behind the Kazekage through the Sunagakure streets. I watch in fascination at many of the citizens gawking at their revered leader. With young shinobi boys claiming to one day be just as strong, and adolescent girls fawning over him with their dream like sighs, it's another reminder of how influential my employer is. Having spent an allotted amount of time with him and his nephew, I've grown considerably comfortable and situated with them in my life. It's almost no surprise how his reputation escapes me, and I simply regard my employer as a patient man with admirable qualities.

Unfortunately, amongst the surrounding crowds and conversations, I over hear a pair of older women questioning my place at the Kazekage's side. With even more inquiry of whether Yoru is the "love child" between my employer and I. It's near impossible for my ears to neglect their less than modest chitchat;

"Oh my. I never knew the Kazekage as the type of man to have a child before marriage," one almost withholds their breath. "That girl looks very plain; you would think he'd be more interested in a young woman a bit more striking, don't you think?"

"Couldn't agree more," the other woman nods firmly, crossing her arms. "If I had known he preferred simply put girls, I would've gone after him myself. Besides, she's obviously too young to be a decent mother, someone should step in; like myself."

"Oh! You're bad; I wonder what your husband would think if he heard you."

My nose involuntarily crinkles; bothered by the ridiculous assumptions that others would make. Their ignorance of my companies' personal situation was a thing that made me wonder if they were satisfied being clueless and utterly wrong. My discomfort was made apparent, and as if by some unspoken cue, the Kazekage reined his pace and turned his head towards the two women chatting from before. His pale eyes didn't falter, neither did his facial features, but he was certainly emanating a presence that had them gulping and forcing their foreheads to meet their kneecaps. Satisfied with their shaking legs from the forced stretch of their limbs, he gave a transparent grin with a sort of removal to their presence. My own lips gave way to a "polite" smile to them, and a pick up of my heels as I securely squeeze Yoru's hand in mine.

Once we reach Sunagakure's park, we settle underneath a sprouting oasis tree with an expansive view of the playground in front. Preparing a blanket for seating, the Kazekage and I relax next to one another, while allowing his nephew to enjoy his time with a few other children playing tag. I pour a cup of tea for us, tending cautious eyes over the scenery in case of any potential dangers or accidents.

"Sho…" I hear the Kazekage call my name, and fix my attention towards him. Once I do, he slips a hand inside his elegant robe, pulling out a novel. "Would you mind reading where I had left off to me? I don't want to take my sight off of Yoru, but I would like to know what happens next in this chapter."

"Gladly, Gaara-sama," I smile, taking the book and opening it at its bookmark.

As I read, I notice it's a 'coming of age' novel, focusing on a young ninja growing and learning from his experiences as a shinobi; whilst desperately wanting to maintain whom he is without sacrificing much at all. However, the moral could be stated as such; "What ever is lost, there is something gained to take its place. What ever is gained, there is something that is lost, perhaps for the better."

Finishing the chapter, I close the book, and glance at my employer. I blink, noticing how relaxed he is against the base of the tree. So comfortable in fact, that his otherwise light eyes have been clouded by his dusky lids. The Kazekage is perfectly asleep, and I cast my attention out to the playground to spot Yoru struggling through the playground's sand to catch another child by the arm. I sigh in content at my surroundings, willingly taking responsibility of watching Yoru while my employer catches his needed rest.

Some time passes, and Yoru comes bounding from the distance, perspiring and clearly out of breath.

"Yamada-sensei," he drags his breath, flopping onto his hands and knees on the blanket. "I'm so thirsty and hungry!"

"Then let's have our snacks then," I say, reaching into my picnic basket and pulling out a container of filled rice cakes and bottle of iced water. I turn to view my employer, and shift closer to wake him, "Gaara-sama," I speak softly. "It's time to have something to eat."

The Kazekage lifts his lids lethargically, taking a moment to assess how he became so relaxed to have fallen soundly asleep. There's a troubled pause before he speaks, "I shouldn't have—"

"This one's for you, Gaara-sama," I cut him off with a smile, passing him a neatly wrapped rice cake. "I hope you like fruit fillings."

Taking one form myself, my lips meet the prepared rice cake. I take a bite into its soft fleshy texture, tasting the traces of the fresh strawberry puree I had placed inside this morning.

"Delicious…" the Kazekage remarks monotonously after taking his own bite.

"Yamada-sensei makes yummy snacks," Yoru adds in, taking another enthusiastic mouthful of the strawberry rice cake. I smile at the compliment, offering more to my company, "I could eat a bazzilion!" Yoru readily takes another, stuffing the white roll into his mouth.

"Oh, be careful. Make sure you chew it before you swallow," I giggle, noticing Yoru's cheeks have plumped with an adorable roundness.

"Thank you…" The Kazekage states quietly as he takes another rice cake. Just before placing it against his lips, he pauses watching his nephew chew with gusto, "Yoru, have you thanked your Sensei for the food?"

"Mmm—" Yoru swallows the lump in his cheeks, and breaths out a sigh of content, "Thank you, Yamada-sensei."

"It was no trouble at all," I say honestly, waving my free hand dismissively. "If anything, I should be thanking you two for taking such good care of me. Making lunch was the least I could do."

The Kazekage nods in a silent understanding, taking this opportunity to appreciate his second helping of my rice cakes. I can't help but watch the Kazekage peacefully go about his business, his sea foam hues brushing against the park view and the many passing patrons. Amid my tactless staring, I notice an insignificant spec of sweet residue cling to the skin of his lower cheek. How did that get all the way there? It's amusing to think that the Kazekage; despite his stiff form and calculating demeanor, would be a messy eater. He continues to savor his food without any inclination, which encourages my humble amusement.

"You have a little something there, Gaara-sama," I note with a small laugh, mindlessly reaching a hand to his face.

My fingers touch his pale skin, and without any inclination at all, a cracking noise erupts underneath. I watch with a widened stare as an uneven line, which resembles a break in glass, stretch from my touch to the middle of his cheek. Before I can retake my hand, my employer hastily captures it. Turning to face me fully, I assumed I would be met with an angry expression. Instead, it matches my look of shock completely. We continue to stare at each other, with no words but shallow breaths, and possibly an uncomfortable bead of sweat running down each temple.

"Ahhh," Yoru draws out his words, pointing a lazy finger at my employer. "You broke Uncle."

At Yoru's instigation, I lower my eyes at the grains of sand falling from the perfectly hollow line on the Kazekage's features, down to the picnic blanket. D-Did I really break him? I can't seem to settle calmly on my previous actions.

"I'm so sorry, Gaara-sama." I blurt out, humiliation rising as heat inside my cheeks. "I had no idea that would happen. I'm really—" I cut myself short, witnessing for the first time, a pink shade staining the Kazekage's complexion.

"I…" his mouth moves rigidly, and he turns his chin away, retaking his hand and covering his cheek, "…you don't have to apologize."

"Uncle doesn't like to be touched," Yoru pipes up, before sprawling out on his full stomach and pushing a messy finger against my employer's bent knee. "You know, when I was smaller, Dad said I grabbed his nose and it almost fell off!"

"Oh!" I cover my mouth before a chuckle escapes me. Though, judging by my employers tightly gathered features, that experience wasn't something to laugh about.

"Yoru," Gaara says his nephews name in a low yet stern manner. His hand falls from his face, and the crack that had been present has vanished entirely, leaving not even a single trace. The same hand lowers towards Yoru, and unexpectedly catches his nephew's underarms, "If I remember correctly, you don't like to be touched either."

Yoru squeals out a laugh, tightening his arms to his sides, and wobbling back and forth.

"Wah! S-stop it," Yoru cries on his wails of laughter. He's giggling so much, tears well up at the corners of his eyes, "Yamada-sensei, help!"

"I'm sorry, Yoru," I chuckle, watching the display in delight. "The Kazekage's actions are law, I have no power over him. In fact, as his secretary, it seems more fit for me to—" I reach out my own hand, and attack Yoru's other underarm, "join him!"

"Ah! Y-You meanies!" Yoru cries louder, moving his whole entire body like a wiggling worm.

The tickle fight continues for some time, before it subsides into harmonious laughter. For the rest of our time, we continue to eat various snacks and keep hydrated. A yawn erupts from Yoru's mouth; plopping on his side he rests his head against my lap. With a few rubs of his full tummy, his awareness wanes till he's well into his nap.

"I'm sorry…if I startled you," The Kazekage finally speaks.

"Hm?" I lift my lavender hues from Yoru's precious sleeping face to the Kazekage. I have to take a moment to realize what he's referring to, and as it sinks, I simply shake my head, "No, it's fine. I mean, I was surprised but I was mostly worried about you. I thought I had done something wrong, something that I wasn't supposed to…" I draw my attention back to the spot where the line had first appeared on his smooth skin, "Does that happen often?"

"No," his answer comes briskly. "Not at all." His light eyes shift to take my gaze, "I can't control it willingly. It's a protective barrier…a gift from my mother. For it to break on its own is entirely new to me," his attention drifts to his nephew's resting features before continuing. "So far, only two people have broken it without needing to use violence towards me," his hand lifts to touch Yoru's brown hair, rustling it softly. "My nephew would be one of those people."

A faint, yet full smile presents itself against his mouth, "the second would be you."

"Gaara-sama…" I'm at a loss for the proper words. The significant results from my actions are difficult to take in, and perhaps, it fills me with some sort of need to take responsibility.

Before I can gather more words to speak, the Kazekage clears his throat and begins to gather the items on the picnic blanket, "the suns just about to go down. We should pack up everything."

I smile softly and nod, doing what I can to help place everything inside the picnic basket with a 4 year-old sleeping against my lap.

o o o

The suns late afternoon orange glow beats warmly against our backs as the Kazekage and I walk almost shoulder to shoulder through Sunagakure. Since my employer had offered to carry Yoru, I made it a point to help by carrying the picnic basket. Continuing to trail the streets in a pleasant silence, we soon reach my rental apartment complex. As I stand in front of the door, I smile fully at the Kazekage.

"Thank you and Yoru for inviting me to the park today," I give my polite regards. "It was really refreshing."

"Mm," the Kazekage nods. "Of course."

At the sounds of our voice, Yoru stirs from his sleep, and lifts his head from my employers shoulder. With a yawn, he rubs a small fist against his half lidded brown eyes, and says softly; "Are we home uncle?"

"Not yet," he responds monotonously. Adjusting the 4 year-old supported by his arms, "We had to walk your Sensei home. You should say good-bye properly."

"Goodbye, Yoru." I smile at his nephew, with a playful wave of my hand. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yamada-sensei," Yoru says my name in a yearning manner. "Come back to our house and stay over. So when I wake up from my nap, we can play more."

"Oh, I don't think I could do that." I glance at my employer whose returning my uncomfortable expression with something of equal value. "It wouldn't be appropriate, you see. Since I work for your Uncle—"

"Uncle," Yoru cuts me off, furrowing his eyebrows at the Kazekage and pointing a tiny finger in my direction. "Marry Yamada-sensei," he states in a demanding tone. "Right now. So she can stay over forever and ever."

"Yoru…" Gaara speaks with a serious line drawn against his lips. "You shouldn't speak lightly of those things."

"Your Uncle's right," I flush. "It's not that easy. You have to love that person first and—"

"Uncle," I'm cut off yet again by Yoru, whose now taking his hands and squishing the Kazekage's face together. "Kiss Yamada-sensei," he states flatly. "That's how grown-up's show love, right? Love Yamada-sensei!"

The Kazekage makes an unpleasant noise in the back of his throat, and shakes his head away from Yoru's attacking hands, "We'll be leaving now…"

"Ah! Wait," Yoru pipes up, stretching his hands towards me. "I want to hug Yamada-sensei good-bye."

"Oh, okay. I do love hugs," I smile, and ease my employer whose sending me a look of fault.

The Kazekage sighs, yet abides by his nephew's wants, and steps closer to me for Yoru to reach. I bend forward to make it easier for Yoru to lean in, and he does. Except, instead of wrapping his arms around my neck, he brings one hand to the back of my head, while simultaneously bringing the other behind my employer's. Before I know what Yoru's intentions are, pressure is applied and my face draws closer to the Kazekage's. So close, that in fact our lips condense into one another's. The shock of the event keeps us there for an incredibly long second, before our automatic restraints separate us. A silence fills our wide-eyed stares before Yoru pipes up.

"Ah," he gasps. "You both broke."

"Sorry," the Kazekage speaks quickly soon after. As heat rises like a balloon in the peeks of his cheeks, he places a hand to cover his mouth whilst turning his head away. "We're leaving. Now."

Before my own mouth can form the proper words, my employer hurriedly leaves the crime scene. My feet move to the edge of my front balcony, watching the criminal and his partner in crime fade away into the town. Before disappearing completely from my sight, Yoru turns and waves his arms in the air, shouting the words; "Now you have to marry my uncle, Yamada-sensei! Don't forget or else I won't do my homework!"

"Jeez…" I exhale the built up air in my own flushed cheeks. The rush of blood to my face slowly dissipates, and leaves me leaning tiredly against the complex railing. I rest my head against the inside of my palm, gazing at the sun peacefully setting beneath the sandy summits surrounding the village. The orange afterglow reflects from my eyes something promising for me in the distance. Before I can decide what that is it sinks below the highest point of the dessert, leaving me with no time left. I realize that it has been a sunset of many since my time here, and an invasive thought crosses my mind; my summer vacation is almost over.