Part 32 Schedule and Organisation
I awoke in the morning under the covers, Gaara still sleeping soundly as the sun crept over the sand dunes in the distance filtering the sun's rays through the window. I sighed relaxing in to the soft bedding.
"Good morning Keitii-han."
"You're awake then?" I smiled at him.
"Yes, what time is it?" He yawned sleepily; I turned to look at the alarm clock.
"It's six," he moaned.
"No rest for the wicked eh."
"Seems not," I whispered then we slid out of bed. I took the covers with me and grabbed a kimono and my garments that currently lay on the floor and walked in to the bathroom. I perfected my hair and make-up wanting to make good impressions on anyone who had contact with the council, I was damned if I was letting this relationship go to pot. I came out of the bathroom in a long black kimono patterned with silver stars, Gaara had his Kazekage robes on as he obviously couldn't just 'take a day off' being Kazekage. He looked up when I re-entered the bedroom, he was sitting on the bed looking at a picture of me and my brother Sachiyo.
"Who's this?"
"Oh it was me and Sachiyo last year." He smiled and laid it back down.
"Right then lets go," he said smiling slightly. "You'll do fine don't worry." I snaked my arm around his and as we walked down the corridors the guards bowed low to us. Yeah that's right show me respect y'all! We drew up outside the meeting room where they do all the big manly talks about the meaning of life and shit. There were no council members there seeing as they most likely didn't know that we were back. Gaara paused outside the door and spoke to the guards to tell them that we were back and requesting an immediate meeting. So in the meantime Gaara and I robbed a bank, caused an international warfare and a holy war. A good morning's work I say!
Well the lazy stupid sods sidled in muttering words of greeting and apology then seated themselves around the table. "Before I went to Konoha I told you that I was going to propose to Keitii and I need your approval to do this and due to other circumstances we have arrived back early." There was a strict silence among them, all very high up in Suna clearly. I had never been to a council meeting despite living in the Hoshikage manor. "She has agreed to answer any questions you may want to ask to judge her suitability." He squeezed my hand.
"What is your background story before you arrived in Suna?" I tried to block the flashbacks from my mind for now.
"I was the Hoshikage's daughter and I lived in the Hoshikage manor till I came to Suna. The team I was put in on missions was a three man squad and the team were considered to be highly gifted individuals with my knowledge of the stars chakra, and my comrade's knowledge of poisons, medicine, sword wielding and advanced jutsus. As I got older I was sent on very high ranking missions, going after missing-nins and occasionally S-ranks. I never failed a mission once in all that time. I lived with my father, mother and brother S-Sachiyo." I took a deep breath and carried on. "Up until Iwagakure attacked my village killing my whole family and that's about it without going in to far too much detail."
"What is your opinion on the Akatsuki?" Gaara stiffened slightly.
"They're maniacs and don't think like you or I, they take pleasure in causing people as much permanent pain as possible and they're sick, twisted beings." They muttered between themselves and I surveyed them with an icy indifference.
"How are you at following guidelines we may impose on you such as formal wear at all times and going out with a guard around you 24/7?"
"I am fine with any restrictions you may impose on me and those terms are perfectly reasonable."
"And finally are you fine with a traditional Japanese wedding?"
"Perfectly so." They discussed it between them for about 5 or ten tense minutes, I bit my lip.
"We are happy to let the wedding go ahead, welcome to life as the Kazekage's wife Keitii." I got up and thanked each one personally. "When would you want to hold the wedding?"
"In about two weeks or so."
"Okay in two weeks then." I skipped out of the room and ran off to write a letter to Makaiko. I grabbed some ink and a piece of paper.
Hey Makaiko! Yup am getting married! Gaara proposed I know fantastic and the council have given me their approval! Anyways I got your last letter and incidentally two Akatsuki attacked Norio and me (an ANBU) whilst we were watching out for the entrants, well anyways I met Hidan, lovely guy and love his vocabulary if you ever do see him send him my regards! The wedding is two weeks from now so arrive a few days early so we can get a dress done for you. Anyways I am so happy I could sing! And I don't want any of the Akatsuki near Suna when my wedding is on and Hioraki is not invited!
Keitii
I sealed the letter and attached it to the leg of one of the birds and as it flew off I watched it soar effortlessly in to the sunrise. I had no idea what I was going to do until the most obvious thing hit me and I couldn't believe it hadn't sprung to my mind quicker. SHOPPING! I mean there were all sorts I had to buy and arrange food, flowers, outfits, drinks (there had to be some drinking), wedding invitations and place settings, there seemed to be too much, no doubt we had people doing most of that for themselves.
"Ouch watch where you're sticking those god damned fucking pins!" It was 2 days after the council meeting and I was stood on a little platform with people rushing around like headless chickens trying to arrange my wedding. Today I was getting fitted for the wedding kimono for the actual ceremony and all in all I was surprised I hadn't bled to death by now. The kimono was going to be made out of fine white silk and the silk had scenes and patterns of stars worked into it. I had also worked out that I would have to practically have to snap my ankles to get down the bloody isle in those shoes. I now was in a room full of women running around organising materials and all I wanted was to just curl up in bed and go back to sleep. But would they even give me a second to breath? No. There were several stylists debating about my dress, hair, hair pieces, jewellery and make-up. The scene was utter chaos and I knew that someone would have a mental breakdown before the end of the day. People started to hold pictures and material next to my face and mess about with my hair, Kotaro surveyed the seen from on top of the dresser. All up to the wedding day I had a rigid schedule from 6 o'clock in the morning till 7 o'clock at night because everything had to be rehearsed over and over again to make sure it was perfect.
6:00-7:00: Hair and make-up styling session.
07:00-08:00: meeting about wedding plans.
08:00-10:00: Invitations and arrangements for guests.
10:00-13:00: Wedding kimono fitting.
13:00-14:00: Relaxation and etiquette. (Which was severely lacking)
14:00-18:00: Kimono fittings.
18:00-19:00: Flower arrangements and decorations.
It was only 11 o'clock and people were already tearing their hair out. I knew this was probably nothing compared to Gaara running Suna and planning a wedding at the same time. To top it all off I hadn't even been drinking and I was feeling extremely nauseated and more short tempered than usual but I presumed it was the stress of arranging a wedding. Hopefully with any luck Makaiko would arrive soon and make everything a little more enjoyable, I mean seeing someone put her in a formal kimono has got to be funny. I remembered once when we were having our photo taken in Hoshigakure.
"Please can you just move your fringe lovely so we can see your eyes."
"You don't want to see my eyes."
"Please just so we can see your eyes."
"You don't want to see my god damned eyes!"
"Makaiko just do it!" Raiden yelled at her so she flicked it out of her eyes then shook it back in to place again.
"Say cheese and smile."
"No," she said flatly, I was stood near by pissing myself laughing I mean they were lucky that they could take her photo at all. She stormed out of the little corner where the photos were being taken and the look on her face told me plainly never to mention it again so naturally I told her how hilarious it had been.
I was wrenched back to reality when someone yet again stuck another needle in me.
"Will you stop fucking about with those fucking needles!" I glared at them. "If I wanted to give blood I would give it!"
"Now, now Keitii being the Kazekage's wife you're not allowed to use language like that." The etiquette tutor or as I liked to call her the evil dragon mistress.
"Yeah whatever and I'm not married yet! And never will be if everything takes this much organising." Everything was so loud, busy and cramped. I had point blank refused to let this all happen in my bedroom so we were in a massive meeting room which still couldn't fit the whole of the world in it.
"The whole of Suna and more will have their eyes on you." And didn't I know it. After the announcement we made about the engagement and wedding throngs of cards, flowers and alcohol had been winging their way towards the Kazekage manor. From Konohagakure to Amegakure, teddies to boxes of chocolates finely crafted especially and masses upon masses of letters and cards, it seemed like the whole world had been invited. Also now I had my own 4 man guard squad as chosen by Gaara and several what you could call ladies in waiting or P.As and all were entirely focused on the wedding, I just wished Makaiko would get here soon. There were 10 days of gruelling pain and torture by fluffy pink and styling products left. The door opened and no-one noticed except me, Temari entered with Kankuro, both had clearly just arrived from Konoha, they waded through the crowds to get to me.
"Hey guys!" They both looked around in horror at the scale of the organisation.
"Good lord is everyone in this room just organising you?"
"Most yes about one percent are arranging other things." Kankuro whistled in amazement.
"We just saw Gaara and he looks as stressed as you do with the wedding arrangements."
"Well you've probably seen him more than I have recently what with his normal duties and the wedding." I sighed heavily, this was true over the last few days you wouldn't have guessed that we even knew of each others existence.
"Where is Makaiko in all of this?"
"She'll arrive soon and when I least expect it like always."
"God I am dreading my fitting for my kimono if this what it's going to be like."
"At least you only have 4 days of it I have up until the wedding!"
"Well I'm going shopping so do you want anything?"
"Some strong alcohol and a punch bag!" I had to yell over the noise.
"Okay now then where's my accursed singleton little brother gone?!" I scanned the crowd and at the same time I found him so did Temari, Kankuro seemed to be chatting up one of the younger stylists. Temari dragged him away from his new mistress and out of the door.
It was one o'clock and I had changed into a more comfortable attire than a great pin cushion. This also meant relaxation today finally. I had an instructor who was helping me relax through some yoga and other very flexible forms of exercise which I found surprisingly calming and these sessions had been ordered to take place due to my naturally short temper according to the council. But I wasn't complaining because this also meant massage and pampering time. I was laid down on the special kind of table/ bed thing and I was having a back massage which was bloody brilliant. I was in an in between stage of sleep and consciousness. My chakra was flowing smoothly and evenly, my breathing had become slower and deeper.
"I thought you might have disappeared off of the face of the earth," I recognised the whisper in my ear and turned my head.
"Hello stranger long time no see." I smiled sleepily.
"How are the preparations going?"
"Stressful and so tiring I swear it's making me feel queasy."
"Probably just nerves and it'll all be worth it and I'm sure you'll look stunning." I felt another pang of nausea in my stomach, this was from stress is what I say. "You do look pale though do you want me to get anything?" I opened my mouth. "Non alcoholic I meant."
"Tch always ruin my fun, well in that case lets go down to the kitchen god knows I need something smothered in chocolate." I let the beauticians off early as Gaara and I travelled down with my guard to the kitchen. I felt uncomfortable with them around us all the time, I never felt I could show any affection with people watching.
"Guard the door and only let people in with our permission."
"Yes Kazekage-sama." He closed the door and sat down next to me.
"Why do I have to travel around everywhere with them?"
"You know why Keitii-han."
"Explain again because I still see no sufficient danger." He sighed but knew my fuse was even shorter with stress and it wouldn't kill him to explain to me.
"There are enemies of Suna, enemy villages surely you know that and that if they ever wanted to destroy Suna you would most likely be a primary target. Also there are many S-rank organisations who are set on domination."
"The Akatsuki pose no threat-"
"I'm not talking about the bleeding Akatsuki!" He ran a hand through his hair. "It's not just the Akatsuki but it's more the fact that you're weakening and I don't want to have your life cut short even more than it already is being." We looked each other straight in the eyes.
"But do the guard need to be surrounding me wherever I go?"
"Yes there can even be spies infiltrating our system like in the case of what happened to me and I can't risk something like that happening to you."
"That was different and you know it!"
"How was it Keitii?"
"You were the host for the Shukaku for god's sakes and you were bound to get set upon by the Akatsuki!" His eyes flashed dangerously and it seemed that some of the Shukaku's power still lingered in him and just to see that glint was frightening enough. Another one of the pains shot through me and my hands shifted and aged again. I clutched them close to my chest and sank to my knees it seemed to be speeding up almost. Gaara rushed over to my side and touched my shoulder.
"Keitii-" I jerked away from him feeling as cold and distant as the moon. "Come here," he drew me in close, "I'm sorry I just hate seeing you in such a state at the moment and you don't seem like your normal self." I stayed there taking in his scent which seemed more comforting than anything. But there was a knock on the door and we drew apart. "Come in."
"Keitii is needed for the kimono fittings Kazekage-sama." I stood a bit shakily but I just strode out of the door leaving Gaara alone.
"Finally the bride-to-be is here," one of the stylists said.
"Yeah sorry I lost track of the time." They all busied themselves and I nodded and shook my head, making random comments on questions they were asking me but only half my mind was focused the other half was drifting towards Gaara and I felt a wave of guilt spread over me. When finally the schedule finished I was left alone in the room just thinking. I decided to go for a walk with my guard, "I'm just going for a walk around Suna." They nodded and followed me but when we reached the outside they jumped on to the roofs to get a better view of the surroundings. I went to the park and sat alone except for the guard on a swing looking up to the moon. I sat there for about and hour just staring then trudged the lonely path back to the Kazekage manor all of the lights were on making them twinkle against the pitch black sky. Kotaro soared down on to my shoulder.
"Hey, Kotaro what's wrong with me?" He tilted his head to the side trying to understand, I sighed how would a bird possibly know the answer? As I fell on to my bed Kotaro fluttered on to my stomach and folded his wings and I let my eyelids flutter closed.
The next morning I thought that perhaps the nausea may have gone, along with the stupid etiquette coach! But when I woke up I almost tripped over the bed covers running towards the bathroom and I hurriedly locked the door then in a very nice fashion displayed the contents of my stomach in the toilet basin, it was my piece de resistance you could say. I couldn't even tear myself away from the toilet when there was a soft knock on the door.
"Keitii-han?" I gave a groan in response which was more than sufficient in my current state. "Are you okay in there?"
"I'm just dying is all don't worry," I said sarcastically.
"Do you want me to go get someone?"
"No I'll be fine in a minute," I was lying, "Maybe an hour." I stumbled to the door and opened it then promptly fell flat on my face (note to self not a good look.)
"Do you want me to get you anything?"
"For a start you can get me some bloody alcohol!" I said just raising my head enough to say it then flopped it back down. There was a loud knock on the door.
"Keitii you need to get a move on!"
"Piss off you old friggin hag!" I yelled from the floor and grabbed a pillow and shoved my head under it. Gaara went to the door to explain my current state of fouled mouthness from the floor. I did a weird kind of shuffled army crawl over to my wardrobe and yanked out some clothes then flung them on whilst acting like some kind of contortionist. Meanwhile Gaara had vacated the room which was a good move. I sidled out an hour late much to the annoyance of my P.As, coach and stylists. Everything was behind schedule but I didn't much care and when it finally came to the so called etiquette I stormed out of the room it a posh floor length kimono and went to go sit in a tiny fake garden that had been put their in 'honour of the happy couple' mind you things couldn't have been worse.
But when I rounded the corner I saw something that I swore was a mirage. A silver haired neko girl was sat with her chin on her hand with her brow furrowed and this could only be one person.
"Now then what was I doing here again?" She looked up at the sky.
"It's about time you bloody got here!" I was ready to throttle her and she looked round at me.
"Hey Keitii!" She stopped then looked me up and down. "Nice outfit," she tried to cover her laughter.
"Oh shut up," I snapped at her.
"Well if you're gonna be like that I better-"
"You are not going anywhere till I have tied the knot." She sat back down and I sat next to her.
"How are the wedding plans going with out me then?"
"Horrible it's all made worse by that stupid arrogant slapper faced wrinkly old tortoise of a bitch-"
"Oh come one Keitii tell me what you really think don't hold back."
"She's an etiquette coach." I glared at the ground as though it had done me a personal wrong too. She smothered her laughter.
"You-etiquette, that I would pay to see my dear friend there are downsides to marrying the Kazekage you know." She looked up, "Who are your delightful scary looking friends Keitii-chan?"
"Oh them well they're another downside and are called my personal guard."
"Are you positive you want to marry Gaara?"
"Y-yes of course I do and it's just all these wedding preparations it's just so stressful and tiring."
"I have to say Keitii-chan you look like death warmed up, not that my brother would mind of course." She smiled dryly.
"I feel like it too, oh well at least your here now which makes it much more enjoyable seeing you on a tight schedule as well." She blanched.
"I am doing what?!"
"Oh don't worry it'll all be made better by the lovely fact of make-up, jewels and other frilly things you love and adore with the red hot burning passion of a thousand suns." I looked at her suspiciously. "How did you get in here anyway?"
"The advantage of being an annoying bird which reminds me send me one of those god forsaken carrying birds again and there'll be hell to pay." She grinned at me. "You know what I am surprised you haven't asked me to get pissed again?"
"For once I don't feel like it and another I can't because I am meant to be now going through plans and fittings."
"It's a sign off the apocalypse!" She gasped. "You not wanting to drink what have you done with the real Keitii?" I laughed then we went back up to the safety (away from the etiquette coach) of my room.