The Sands of Time
A Gaara Love Story
Part Two New Assignment Old Pain
It had been almost five months since Lady Tsunade had told me the harsh truth about Sasuke going to study with Orochimaru. Still I beat myself up about it. If only I had stayed then maybe he wouldnt have left and I would have him here with me. After thinking for a long time I taken Lady Tsunade's offer to become a chunin here in the village. She knew how much power I had since I had once trained with her and she said that the village could use somebody like me around. After I had accepted I had gotten placed on team Kakashi. As soon as I met my teammates I recognized them as Sasuke's old team. I had been placed there because if there was any word on my brother we would be the first team on the mission. We all had our connections to him.
I still remember the first day I had met them. I had walked to the training grounds early wanting to get a feel of the place. I had visited here before with Sasuke and my father to train when I was younger. I ran my hands along the old beat up post smiling to myself. It was here that I learned how to preform the Sharingan. It seems like such a long time ago that I had trained here.
I turned around quickly as I heard someone approaching and I gasped a little. It was Sasuke's old teacher and somebod I knew about since he had my cousins sharingan eye. "Why you must be Karia the new member of our team. You really do look like your brother." he said putting the book he had away. I looked him over a bit taken back he talked so freely about my brother in front of me. Not even Lady Tsunade did.
"Yes I know thank you. My mom always said growing up my eyes were the only thing that made me stand out from him though my father said it was my power. And you must be Kakshi if I remember you use to train Sasuke and you tried to help him. Thank you for that. I only wish I could have done the same." I said sadly remembering watching them train from afar.
He raised an eyebrow at me since he knew I shouldnt have known his relationship with my brother. "Oh im sorry I should explain how I know this. You see when ever he and the rest of your team went on missions out of the village and I was nearby if I heard about it I would go and watch over him. I'm sorry it must sound horrible that I never let him know that I was nearby but … hes my brother and I thought that if I kept my distance he would be ok. I never thought that me being out of his life was putting him in this sort of fate." I said shaking my head. I was trying to empty all the what if questions out of my head.
Kakshi put a hand on my shoulder and even though I couldn't see his face I knew he was smiling at me "Dont blame yourself. Naruto, one of your new team mates, was like his brother and even though they were always competing Sasuke always protected him couldn't stop him and neither could Sakura who even though he didn't admit it he loved. He almost killed Naruto and in the state he was in he probably would have left you in the same state. But were trying our best to get him back now which is the only thing that matters." he said and I knew he was speaking the truth. I nodded my head and smiled back. I didn't know why but he did make me feel better.
Soon after this two other people showed up. The blonde haired boy and the pink haired girl. I figured these must be Sakura and Naruto. Obviously they didn't have the slightest clue I was to be joining them because when they walked up to us they were looking at me shocked. They just stared at me for awhile till Naruto said "Um Kakashi who is this?"
"This is our new member of the team and I think your going to find that all three of you have a lot in common. One thing espically but I think it would be better if she explained because im not sure how much she is willing to tell." Kakashi said then they all looked at me expectantly. I wasn't use to be putting on the spot like this so I froze but only for a few minutes.
I took a deep breath and said "You may not believe me or maybe Sasuke never mentioned me but my name is Karia Uchiha and I am his younger sister. When our clan was killed I ran away not being able to stand the pain. I'm not sure if Sasuke knew I was alive or not but I think he did because a couple of times he was only a few feet away from me when all of you were on missions. Im sorry its horrible but I spied on all of you when you were anywhere near me because I had to see my brother again. And in some cases I even helped you all though you probably don't know it. I could even help in ways that you wouldn't be able to know. You see when I left my goal was to learn everything I could and be stronger so I could someday kill Itachi and my brother and I could be a family again so when he was in dier trouble and I was around I simply put all of you under a strong genjutsu then took care of things. I even put Kakashi under it a couple times. Thats why I have been made a chunin and considered one of the strongest ninja's my age. And im sorry that I wasn't there to help when he left … I really wish I could have been but for now im going to do everything I can to help bring him back."
They all looked at me shocked and obviously thinking about times on missions that something didn't make sense and then thought about me. It was Sakura who finally spoke sadly "I believe you. I remember the first day we were a team he said that his goal was to kill a certain someone and to also find a certain someone. You must have been the person he was looking for because sometimes at night on missions he would just walk away then come back looking almost happy.I think he knew you were close by."
Naruto looked me over trying to find something though im not sure what. He finally said "You have to be related to Sasuke. I mean just look at you! You obviously have tons of power to even fool Kakashi and you must have all the guys following you around. Yep your defiantly his sister! Lets just hope your not as hard headed as he was."
I laughed and smiled at Naruto. I had heard about him from my traveling around and I knew that he held the ninetails within him. He must have been lonely growing up and that enough would have made him a brother to Sasuke. And Sakura she was beautiful and I could tell from her eyes she held great compassion so I could see how my brother could love her. I smiled at them and said "You know what I can tell that you both care deeply about my brother and it couldn't have been easy for you to see him leave so thank you for being there for him when I wasn't. You may not know it but it was hard for him to leave you both." They both looked at me taken back and I could tell we were going to be a great team.
I smiled at myself thinking about that and how much fun we had had since then. They had both instantly become my best friends. Sakura was the one I hung out with all the time and helped her with her medical training. I also talked to her about love. I even told her about who I loved and she was the only one who knew. Naruto was the on I went to when I needed to spar or I needed to laugh. He also took on the role o my big brother though he showed more interest in me then just brotherly love. In my own way I accepted them as my family along with Kakashi and a few other people. One of these people was Shikamaru who even though was slightly mad I lied to him was still happy that I was living there now.
It was nice having a daily routine after so long. I went and talked with Sakura over breakfast, had lunch and sparred with Naruto, and spent the rest of my day either playing shoji with Shikamaru, playing with Akamaru and talking to Kiba, or just walking around and enjoying being back home. Though today was different because Lady Tsunade said she needed to see me right away for something important so that's where I was heading to now.
I walked threw the building with the usual whispers, since now everyone knew who I was and what my story was, a couple of the guys stopping to say high or ask me what I was doing later. I blew them off as nicely as I could and walked into Lady Tsunade's office. There was a couple of other people there including Shikamaru, Shizune, and a couple of advisers I had seen around the office. I was greeted with a warm smile from Shikamaru who was obviously happy that I was there.
"Finally Karia now we are all here and I can tell you what is going on. Next week is a meeting between the leaf village and the sand village. The Kazekage has offered hospitality to us and wants us to come stay in there village till then. I how ever can not leave the village do to some complicated matters which I have explained to him so he agreed that I could send a hand picked group of ninja's to represent our best interest. And im happy to inform you that all of you are going if you agree of course." she said looking at us daring any of us to tell her no. We all agreed but I hesitated. We were told to go collect anything we needed then meet at the gates in an hour.
After everyone left I stayed behind with a look of curiosity from Lady Tsunade. "Milady why did you choose me to go I haven't even been here half a year. don't you think that somebody else deserves this honor?" I said. This although it was a minor concern it was not my biggest fear. Though the look on my face must of convinced her this was my greatest concern.
"Karia I met you even before you came and I knew you were something special or I wouldn't have let you train under me. The people I am sending have to be both smart and strong and you could probably beat any of them in a physical or mental fight so naturally you were my first choice. Don't worry your going to make me proud I know it." She said giving me a reassuring smile. I was flattered and it made me feel great to know that she felt that way about me.
I started to walk out but before I left the room I asked "Will the Kazekage be at that meeting personally?" Part of me was hopeful but the other part of me was hoping he wouldnt be. Though I think I knew the answer even before I asked. I wasn't afraid of him or anything like that but it was something I needed to know.
"Yes of course. Gaara is a very hands on Kazekage. He cares about his village very much and don't worry im sure you have heard rumors about him but most are not true. Gaara is not a monster if he was he wouldn't be Kazekage. So don't worry and enjoy the village while you are there it is beautiful." she said though not with a lot of feeling since she was busy with paperwork.
I walked back to my apartment my heart racing thinking about Gaara. I knew him well and thought about him often and I am sure he did the same but I had to hope that he had forgotten about me. I got home and packed a small pack with a few weapons some clothes and emergency supplies. Also a new picture that Sakura had given me. It was of her, Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke. She had given it to me because she had a copy of the one she had and thought I would like to have. It was the best gift I had ever gotten.
I hurried to the gates with everyone there waiting for me since I was late but no body was mad at me. Then we began our trip to the Hidden Sand Village. It wasn't really a rushed trip so we went along at a steady pace and stopping every once in awhile to rest or eat. It was actually a very peaceful trip and I spent most of my time joking and talking with Shikamaru. It took my mind almost completely off of what we were doing. That was till we reached the village.
When we did my heart began to race. We walked down the all to familiar streets and the closer we got to the Kazekage's office the more I felt like I was going to faint. "Shikamaru I thought the meeting wasn't till next week why are we going to the Kazekage's office?" I said trying to keep my voice from shaking.
"I was told that we needed to go there first to have a short meeting with him and his advisers to figure out where we would be saying and so he could see who Tsunade had sent. I know its troublesome but don't worry it shouldn't take long." He said reassuring me probably thinking I was just tired.
"Ok but do me a favor and sit in front of me? Your bigger then I am and if I uh … start to drift of no one will be able to see. Please Shika-kun?" I said giving him my puppy dog eyes. I always used this on him when I wanted something and it never failed. I hope this wouldn't be the one time it did.
He blushed and said "Of course but please don't call me that in public … don't get me wrong its cute, well from you its cute, but its so embarrassing!" I grinned at him and gave him a hug making him blush even more. Though this he didn't seem to mind everyone seeing.
We finally got to the office and I ducked behind Shikamaru the whole way but luckily no one but a few advisers were in there. I made Shikamaru sit farthest away from the spot where I guessed the Kazekage would sit and hid best as I could behind him. The best as I could without looking to obvious. After a few minutes when I though my heart would explode the Kazekage along with his head advisers, his older brother and sister, walked in and took there seats. I snuck a look at Gaara and so many memories flooded back to me. It took all my will power not to look him in the eyes and smile.
I saw him look over in my direction a few times but never lingered since he was paying attention to everyone when they talked. I smiled thinking about how much he really cared. But wiped my smile off when I saw Kankuro glaring over in my direction. Kankuro glared a lot so I wasn't sure if he recognized me or not but I thought it was a good chance he did. I don't think he would have forgotten me that easily. I saw him whisper something to Temari who also took to glaring at me but I was glad that neither of them said a word to Gaara.
Finally the meeting was over. I tried to drag Shikamaru out but he told me he had to talk to Gaara. Deliver a personal message from Tsunade and also one from Naruto, who I had learned was sort of close to him as well. I decided to sneak out quickly and hoped that no one would notice me leave. I got out the door and was about to round the corner when I ran into someone who was sanding right there. Two someone's to b exact. I looked in horror at Kankuro and Temari who looked ready to kill.
"I um hey its been awhile h-how have both of you been?" I said backing away slowly but I knew they weren't going to let me go anywhere. I wasn't one to scare easy but in this situation I was terrified and wanted nothing more then to run and crawl into a hole. I tried to think of anyway out of this situation without hurting them but I could think of nothing.
"Oh cut the crap Karia and don't speak to us like we are friends any more. After what you did not only to us but to Gaara do you think that we even have any reason to like you. You should be glad we don't tie you up and lock you up right now." Kankuro said with venom in his voice. I knew he meant it but I doubt he would get away with it.
"You better believe we would to if it wasn't for the fact that if Gaara found out he would kill us for not telling him you were so close to him. I cant believe you would come back and not even try to see him! You better be glad he didn't see you in there. God I just hate you so much right now! I thought you actually loved him but then you ran away from him breaking his heart. He still hasn't gotten over you and now your just going to open up his wounds by showing up here as part of the leaf village! No he could forgive you for that but you weren't even planning on talking to him were you?" Temari asked even more harshly then Kankuro.
But then I snapped. "What! You think that I don't love him. How dare you say something like that! I love him more then you know and more then even he knows. The reason I left was because if my older brother ever found out that I had someone I loved espically the holder of the one tailed demon he would him. Now which would you rather have a heartbroken Gaara or a dead one. And you don't know how hard it is to see him so close to me but know that I cant touch him. I cant hug or kiss him or talk to him. It hurts me more then anything ever has but I have to do it to keep him safe. Now do you understand!" I screamed at them crying. And I meant every word I was saying.
Kankuro who never could stand to see me upset said "Karia Gaara is one of the strongest people in the world. He is the Kazekage and has everyone in the sand village who would give there lives to protect him. Do you really think any one could get close to hurting him?"
"Kankuro you don't know what my brother and the Akatsuki are capable of … They are already after him and if they knew what he meant to me it would just speed up there plan to get to him. I wont be responsible for another persons death again. I lost my family and the only family I have left have turned evil. Everyone I love either dies or ends up with a terrible fate. Im cursed its better if Gaara doesn't know im here so please Kankuro, Temari don't tell him. Let him live without me like I know he can … I may not be able to live without seeing him and trust I have kept my eye on him but he can live without seeing me. Its the only way he can live." I said trying to dry my eyes though it only failed.
They didn't look angry any more but they looked sad. Temari hugged me and I let Kankuro brush the hair out of my eyes. "Damn it Karia why do you make it so hard to be mad at you. I mean not even Gaara stayed mad at you after you left and beat both our butts. But you should see him some days. He stands out on the balcony and stares at your rin … your picture. He misses you and he worries about you all the time. Most of the time your all he talks about is you. Please I understand why your concerned but just seem him one last time. Do whatever you have to do to make him get over you but don't make have to wonder any more if your alive or dead." Temari said after I had stopped crying.
I thought about what she said then answered with a sigh "Fine ill talk to him. But you two are not to tell him I am here. I do this on my terms and if he finds out im here he will find me on his own and if he catch's me off guard the first thing he will do is kiss me and if he does I don't think I would be able to keep my emotions in check any more. Understand?" I said smiling slightly remembering his favorite way of greeting me was by a kiss.
They both agreed and Kankuro walked away after giving me a hug saying he had things he had to do. But Temari and I went for a walk as we often did when I was staying here. The last time I was here she had adopted me as her younger sister and I had adopted her as my older sister. As we were walking she said "Karia I know why you are worried about Gaara but I don't think that's the main reason your trying so hard to push him out of your life. I think deep down you know that your trying to protect yourself from getting hurt. You said it yourself everyone you loved has either died or turned bad and that has caused you a lot of pain. You don't want that happening to you again."
She wasn't asking me a question or telling me what I should do but just trying to point out to me what she knew was going on. The sad part was I knew she was right. I did know deep down it was next to impossible to even make a scratch on Gaara but for me I didn't care if I was physically injured but I didn't want to me emotionally hurt any more. I was more afraid Gaara would stop loving me one day then I was about him getting hurt.
"Temari I love you but I also hate right now. You always have a way of making me double think my moves. Damn it Temari now look what you have done now im not sure what I want to do!" I pouted though I wasn't really mad at her. She knew that and I saw her smiling her cocky smile. We eventually sat down at our favorite cafe and had some lunch. I listened to her, somewhat, go on about what had happened since I left while I thought about Gaara. When I had first agreed to talk to him I knew I was planning on making him believe that I had someone knew and that he should find someone else but now I wasn't sure. Temari's words had really gotten to me and now I was beginning to think that maybe I should let Gaara be in my life. Maybe I shouldn't live without love any more. After all next to my brother Gaara was the one I loved more then anything in the world.
After an hour or so Temari walked me to where I was going to be staying. It was only a few blocks away from Gaara's which I was sure was no accident. I laid in my bed thinking about Gaara until I finally made my decision. I knew that if I had Gaara out of my life forever I would always be miserable and I had been miserable for to long. Everything in my life was changing, I now had a permanent home, I was making friends and smiling all the time, I was now even a ninja in my old home, it was time that this changed to. I was going to tell Gaara how sorry I was and how much I loved him and hope that he would take me back.
I smiled to myself as I got up and began walking to his house knowing that he was still up, since he never slept, it soon however turned into a run. I reached his apartment and reaching into my pocket pulled out the key. Even after all these years I had still hung onto it. I opened the door but I knew he wasn't going to be inside. I walked out to the balcony and there he was. But instead of looking up at the stars which he usually did he was looking at something in his hands and I heard him whisper "Karia … if only you knew how much I loved you then maybe you wouldn't have left."
I looked at him lovingly and took a step forward. Slowly I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist and said "Gaara I don't know how much you love me but I know that I came back because I love you" I felt him freeze but then he started to shake ever so lightly. He placed his hands on mine as if he wasn't sure they were real. Then he slowly turned around his eyes wide and looked at me.
I smiled sweetly at him and just looked over all his perfect features that I loved so much. He put his hand on my cheek and stroked it gently as I leaned my head into it. "Karia I cant believe its really you … im still not sure if it really is." he said not moving his hand and using his other hand to move the hair out of my eyes.
I smiled at him and said "Maybe this will prove to you that its me." Then standing on my tiptoes and wrapping my arms around his neck I pulled him into a long kiss. I knew I took him by surprise but he soon wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me closer to him. It felt to good to be back in his arms after so long and I never wanted this night to end. But then I thought since hes going to be in my life for a long time maybe this night doesn't have to end.