Forgive me if I'm a bit rusty :) Let me know what you think! I have to catch up on Naruto episodes as well. I heard the latest one featured Gaara and his mother! I'm dying to incorporate that soon.
Asagani looked at his daughter as their carriage blew clouds of sand and dust, speeding away from Suna and towards the central road where different pathways to different villages began. She had not said a word since they had got inside the carriage, yet Asagani was thankful that the atmosphere between them carried no resentment. This was not the time for reprimands, or new plans. For now, the ruler of Glass was content to have his daughter back, beside him and safe. At the back of his head, questions grew yet he forced himself to be patient and not blow his chance to start connecting with his daughter. So much time wasted, all those years he was away. But now he had to invest more - after all, Reiyka is next in line to govern over Glass.
The princess's brow was furrowed as she replayed the moments from last night. She felt foolish at saying those things to Gaara; it wasn't that they weren't real, but she felt silly and wished she hadn't said them at the same time if she was leaving for Glass, and possibly for good. There would be no more Gaara for her future, it wouldn't be possible. Reiyka wished she hadn't met him and come to know him. What was she thinking? It would be best to not think about him anymore and just wait until her feelings for him dissipate. Puppy love, first love, the thrill of being away, she deemed childish now. It was as if she made that decision the moment the wheels of their carriage turned.
And besides, he didn't say anything about what he feels about me... she thought slowly to herself, her eyes fixed on the sand clouds emanating from the tires of the carriage. She remained that way for another minute or so, bit her lips and closed her eyes firmly. Then she exhaled.
Asagani started when Reiyka cleared her throat all of a sudden. He turned his head towards her and timidly, yet voice growing firmer by the second she said, "What awaits me in Glass, Father?" She still had her gaze on the window, and her hands were on her lap - relaxed. Her body language was formal yet he noticed her daughter was being assertive and not in a childlike way unlike before.
"In Glass, Reiyka? Well... of course our constituents had no idea you ran away, they still think you went away for training purposes..."
"Yes, but what will be my duties? I guess I just.. well I want to take it more seriously now." She gave a short laugh and stopped. She turned and looked at her father, noticing his face had more wrinkles than she remembered. He was getting old, alright. "I have to grow up, I guess."
"Oh Reiyka, you won't be alone. It won't be so hard as you think. It's not like I expected you... well, frankly, it's not like I expected you to fail." Asagani smiled. "Reiyka, though you didn't see it, I fully believe in your capabilities. You remind me of your mother's determination, when you kept yourself busy defying me." They laughed, and Reiyka looked at the window again.
The sun shone fiercer now, starting to hurt Reiyka's eyes. She closed her eyes, and felt like dozing off.
"Alright Father. We shall see."