We're nearing towards the ending guys. Do you have any idea of what will happen next? Gasp! Ö Haha.

I still haven't written the last part for the ending. I don't want it to end! Who can help me hahaha.

Also, I'm thinking, for the second part/sequel to the story, I'll include Naruto and the others. Think I should? Ü

The sun shone with an unusual light the next day. Reiyka had in fact woken up very early, and just watched the rays of sunlight cascade down the windows. Gaara looked so handsome and peaceful that she didn't want to wake him up, fearing that the slightest noise would disturb him. Oh Gaara… she thought sadly, feeling her chest hurt.

She sighed weakly, and gently pulled herself away from him. She walked over and stood in front of the large windows, rubbing her eyes. The passersby on the ground looked so small. Do they know about the sadness in my heart? This is the day I'll grow up. This is the day that… will change me. I shall return to Glass and see it in a new light. I have a responsibility. Will I be up to it? Will I be able to govern my village and make it a better one?

So many questions! Reiyka thought to herself.

Reiyka thought about Haide, her coronation, her 18th birthday, her father, but she also thought about Suna, Temari, Kankurou, and yes, Gaara. Is it forbidden to love the leader of the rival village?

No. And besides, that rivalry was a long time ago. It doesn't exist now.

Reiyka shook her head to rid herself of her fears. She looked at Gaara's sleeping figure. What will he say when he wakes up? Heck, what will I say? Should I wake him up? Will he be alright? Will he stop me from leaving? Argh!

There were so many questions that plagued Reiyka's mind , but even so, she did not cry. The princess had become stronger. There's no more turning back and running away for her now.

Glancing at Gaara, she went back to him slowly.

Actually, Gaara had already woken up when he felt her stand up, but kept his eyes closed. Still feeling somnolent, he had wondered why she didn't wake him up, and now he knew.

"I love you." she heard her whisper in his ear.

This surprised Gaara, and he really wanted to sit up and say those words to her also, but he felt like he shouldn't yet.

It seemed that she was bending over him, because he could feel her hair falling softly on his face. Her voice faltered. "You taught me how to be strong, and how to have courage, Gaara. Thank you. Thank you so much." She then fell silent. He could only hear her faint breathing now. He was about to open his eyes when she kissed him lightly on his forehead. "I love you."

Gaara felt her move away and heard soft noises. Finally the sound of a door opening and closing softly was all that he heard. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, feeling quiet.

Reiyka's bag was gone.

Gaara sat up, but remained motionless. He felt a flood of sadness wash over him. It seemed it had already been forever since Reiyka had left. He yearned to see the door open and see her again, laughing by the doorway and assuring him that she wasn't going to leave. But he knew better. So after closing his eyes tightly to resist the urge to stare at the door, he stood up groggily and went down to his office, where he had hoped to think. Turns out, someone was waiting for him there.

"Good, you're finally here." Van stood up from the chair. "How was last night? Care to divulge?

Gaara was not expecting him. Somehow, he looked more refined. His hair was swept to the side, and he wore a white long-sleeved shirt with white pants. The sleeveless shirt over it was dark blue and had black details over it and it reached up to his thighs.

"What's up with the outfit?" said Gaara, recovering, and deciding not to answer his question. "I apologize if I made you wait."

"It's ok. I guess I'm too early, I forgot that you must have slept late." Said Van teasingly. "Actually, I just came from Glass." Gaara wondered how he had traveled so fast, clearly, he was underestimating him again. "Asagani will be arriving in around noon, and he's planning to meet you."

Gaara stared at him in disbelief, and checked the clock. It was already 11:15 am. What a thing to start the day with. "What for?" Now Gaara faced many things in his life, but somehow, meeting Reiyka's father made him scared.

Van shrugged and shifted his feet. "Have you seen Reiyka or something?" Van noticed how Gaara's expression changed. When he told him that Asagani was going to meet him, his eyes became nervous. But then he mentioned Reiyka, his eyes became sad. Man, Reiyka, what did you do to this guy?

"No… I don't know where she went, I'm sorry. She left before I could wake up." Gaara cleared his throat and looked away. He must really love her, Van thought to himself.

"It's ok. She'll be fine." Van said brightly. "I guess I'll just find her. I'll take the rest of her stuff and take it to the guard post at the gate." But the Kazekage didn't respond. Van whistled. "My family has served the Hagensa clan for generations as their bodyguards. I have just been given the position of commander for the Glass shinobi. She'll be safe, I promise you that."

So that explains the outfit, thought Gaara. He cleared his throat again. "Yes, I think Reiyka still has some stuff upstairs. It's the room at the very top. And I'll tell Baki to provide the provisions for your trip back home."

"Alright then, thanks." said Van and walked to the door. "It seems you really care about Reiyka. Thank you for taking care of her."

Gaara fell silent and nodded.

"Don't worry about her. She knows what she has to do."

"I know." Gaara surprised Van by smiling bravely, a proud glint in his eyes. "Thank you." He bowed down.

Van bowed down also, and left. But as he closed the door, Gaara felt the loneliness all around him as if it was closing in on him, suffocating him. He walked over to the terrace and breathed deeply. He felt something in his eyes, the same feeling that he felt when he and Reiyka took their pictures together. He felt it pierce his heart. Just then a fierce wind blew, calming him slightly, carrying the smell of the desert far away.

Reiyka's hair ruffled and blew in the wind. She could see from the village gate a huge white and gold rustic carriage approach, drawn by massive anteater-like creatures. Gliding through the golden sand, it was as if someone had pushed MUTE on the television and mdade it go to slow motion.

She continued to watch it in anticipation. She felt no fear as it finally stopped beside her. And she didn't feel nervous when the driver opened the door. Reiyka looked at the man who calmly stepped out before her.

After looking at him straight in the eyes, Reiyka bowed down. "Father," she said, remaining in that position. From her point of view, she could only see his feet move around uneasily. Then, she felt him put his hands on her shoulders.

Baki had appeared just moments ago, summoned by the shinobi guards on duty. He and the other ninjas watched with awe at the scene before them. Baki smiled silently.

"Reiyka…" Asagani said sternly. Reiyka braced herself. But then he spoke again, and his voice wavered. "I… I was so worried!" He gently pulled her daughter up. Looking closely at her surprised daughter, he noticed a change in her daughter's face. It was as if he had not looked at her in a long time. He realized, that she was no longer the girl who always wanted to run away. He embraced her tearfully, mumbling his apology and Reiyka, still taken aback but definitely relieved and happy, embraced him as well.

Reiyka had turned into a girl who wanted to stay.

Note: In this story, Gaara is 20 yrs old, while Reiyka is turning 18. Here in the Philippines, a girl's 18th birthday is also called her 'debut'. I'm not sure why, though. Your 18th is the time when you're considered to be an adult. So technically, it's Reiyka's debut ü