Kagome groaned loudly as she drew her arms above her head in a much need stretch. She set her arms back at her side, then she took note of Sasuke stretching as well. She zoned in on the strip of exposed skin on his abdomen. Looking away, she tried to ignore the fire she felt in her own stomach. She took in the busy scenery around her at the gates to the village. It was just like Konaha, except... In a desert. Beyond the immaculate wooden entryway, you could see women and their children grocery shopping. Shinobi visiting from foreign villages. Vendors advertising their products through loud shouting. It was a very busy, lively scene. With a rush of pure excitement, she recalled that she was no longer a prisoner. So she could explore! Try things! Meet people who hadn't heard she was a criminal!
She jumped as Sasuke placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kagome." She turned to him and held his hand between her own.
She smiled largely up at him, a shine in her eyes. "Sasuke! Look at how fun everything looks!" She saw Kiba shake his head in her peripheral vision.
"Sorry, Kagome, we need to visit the Kazekage first before we do any exploring." He said. "Then after that you both need to get settled into where you'll be staying." She scrunched her nose in displeasure. Her eyes roamed over the large village, seeking out the Kazekage's tower. She groaned.
It was so far away! And who knew how long this visit would take! Plus, the sun was already setting!
She frowned deeply as she realized that no exploring would be done today. "Fine," she sighed sadly. "Lead the way." She quickly climbed onto Sasuke's back once more.
"Lord Kazekage! The prisoners from Konaha have arrived!" Gaara propped his jaw into his palm, a dry expression on his face.
"Really, Haruka, for the last time, there is no need to shout at me."
The new subordinate nodded vigorously. "Y-yes, sir, Kazekage. I humbly apologize." Haruka bowed before turning to let the group of three into the Kazekage's large office, then leaving.
Gaara's eyes instantly met with Kagome's. He was amused as he saw her scrutinizing as much of him as she could. She looked surprised at something. He couldn't even begin to fathom what it was that had shocked her. Reluctantly, he looked away from the beautiful woman to his ex lover.
Sasuke looked... Different from the last time Gaara had seen him. He had a shine in his eyes that wasn't there before. Gaara knew it had to have been because of Kagome. Even despite the obvious twinkle in hir black orbs, Sasuke still wore his signature scowl. Gaara had assumed having to visit him in exchange for Sasuke's freedom would annoy the avenger. He was correct, it seemed.
Gaara stood from his position behind his large mahogany desk."Welcome, friends," He turned to the woman. "Kagome. This is your first time in Sunagakure, correct?"
She squeaked in surprise. "Yes... Uh, sir?" Gaara chuckled as he waved a dismissing hand.
Sitting once more, he replied, "There's no need for that." She smiled faintly, nodding once. Gaara glanced at Kiba. "You're dismissed, Kiba, Thank you for delivering these two here safely. Our own ANBU quarters are welcome to you. Feel free to rest there for as long as you wish."
Kiba bowed, then stood. He took Kagome in his arms, and shook hands with Sasuke behind her back. "Bye guys, have fun being free!"
Kagome smiled and kissed Kiba's cheek, causing him to turn red. "It was great meeting you, Kiba. You'll visit us, won't you?" He nodded, smiling.
"When lord Kazekage allows it, yes." Gaara snorted.
"Please, Kiba, you are always welcome." Kiba smiled at Gaara, then flashed in departure. "Well, now that he's gone..."
Sasuke glared. "Gaara, what do you want?" The redhead blinked.
"So blunt. What makes you think I want anything, exactly?"
"Don't play dumb with me. Releasing us from prison, then demanding we come to Suna in exchange? There's something you want. I want to know what it is."
Gaara sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You've always been impatient. Anyways, in all reality, I wanted to meet Kagome." Kagome's eyes widened in surprise.
She pointed at herself. "Me?" she inquired with a soft squeak. "W-why me?" She blushed.
He chuckled. "Kagome, I'd like to invite you to dinner with me tonight. Just you and I. Then, I'll answer all your questions. All you have to do is say yes." Sasuke growled.
"No, not until you-"
"I can speak for myself, Sasuke." Kagome interrupted. She placed a pacifying hand on Sasuke's arm. "Yes, I'll meet you tonight, Gaara. But! You have to answer all of my questions!"
Gaara saluted her good naturedly. "Yes, ma'am! I promise to answer each and every one!"
She paused for a moment. "Wait... I can't... I- I don't know where anything here is..."
He shook his head. "No matter. I'll have you escorted by my personal guards."
She smiled. "Thank you!" Sasuke motioned her that they should leave, and she went to follow him out the door. She stopped abruptly. "Wait! What time?"
"Hmm... seven. Dress nicely." He watched her turn and follow his ex lover out the door.
He smiled, pleased at how smoothly that went. His grin turned sour when his assistant, Haruka, returned to the office with a particularly large stack of paperwork he needed to fill out.
"L-lord Kazekage, you need to fi-" Gaara cut him off with a raised hand.
"I'm aware of what to do with... those..."
The Kazekage shivered in revulsion.
Only two hours until seven...
Kagome squealed in pure euphoria as she took in sight of the room she and Sasuke would be staying in. It was huge! Despite the lights being out, Kagome could see all the details. A king bed, with a fluffy red feather blanket, and an endless supply of matching red pillows in varying sizes. Above the bed was an odd, framed piece of art made of... sand? Taking a closer look, Kagome noticed it was a type of abstract with beautiful lines and swirls. She wondered how the artist had gotten the sand to stay in place like that...
There were several huge windows, showing a beautiful view of Suna at dusk. A glass table with two chairs. She took notice of three doors. Behind one door was a kitchen with a red bar. Behind the second was a bathroom nearly the size of the kitchen. Inside was a shower with translucent red tinted glass doors, a separate red jacuzzi bath, and two separate sinks. Not to mention mirrors galore... Behind the third door was a closet, the same size, divided in two.
In each room, Kagome noticed all their necessities and appliances were already there for them. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothes, shoes, etc.
Kagome returned to the closet to check the size on the clothes and shoes. Yupp, all correct, even Sasuke's. "Weird... Oh well. Maybe it's lady Tsunade's doing?"
Sasuke, leaning on the entryway, chuckled when Kagome returned. "You're like a little kid in a candy store. It's adorable." Kagome gasped.
"How does all of this not faze you? It's so... so... just, amazing! I've never seen anything so nice in my whole life! I don't want to even mess the bed up!"
Sasuke shrugged. "I had a room almost nicer than this back at Orochimaru's lair. I was there for years, so I suppose I'm used to this."
She scowled. "I would think having just gotten out of jail would make you a bit more appreciative..."
He stood and took steps towards her. "Not really," He said, still walking. He stopped in front of her, their noses nearly touching. "Now, about the bed... What do you say about breaking it in a bit, hm?"
That said, he pushed her on to the comforter and has his wicked way with her body.
