Thank all of you for the constant reviews and here's the next chapter. To ARealBloodDrinker: Gaara thinks of Nari as a pet due to his inability to understand how he really feels. The feeling an owner has to his pet is the best way he can describe how he cares for Nari. It's also because she is part-animal and I find it funny to frustrate her.
"So he didn't ask you, huh?" Temari recapped, pinning my hair up. We were getting ready for the Kazekage Initiation Ceremony. She was talking about how her little brother didn't ask me to be his date. As far as everyone knew, he'd be going alone. In truth, that wasn't surprising but it disappointed our "matchmaker".
"No."
"Does that upset you?"
"No."
"Yes, it does."
"Temari, I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to head back to Konoha. As far as I know, the next time I come to Suna will be when I'm retired and free to enjoy the world the way I please, if I even live that long. Why do you insist that I become connected to someone I may not see again after tonight?"
"I'm not insisting that you become connected, just that you admit that you already are connected." I puffed at my bangs and glanced down at my new cuffs. These were more gifts than chains. Somehow, Gaara managed to make them absorb excess chakra that might seep out of my body before a jutsu. Since I concentrated my chakra to my hands before almost every jutsu, it was pretty useful. In fact, I loved them. But love Gaara? I wasn't so sure.
"Can't you just leave me be tonight?"
"No! You just said it yourself that it could be years before we see each other again. This is my last chance. You can bet your ass that I'm going to take it." I sighed and let the issue drop. After my hair was all fancy, and the wisps hanging around my face curled, Temari headed for her closet, something my room lacked.
"Are you ready to see what you're going to wear?" she asked excitedly. The blonde kunoichi was already dressed in a dark blue, silk kimono with wind designs throwing around flowers on the bottom. If I knew Temari, mine would be similar. I gave her a nod and wasn't surprised when a dark purple, silk fabric showed. What did surprise me, on the other, was that it wasn't a kimono.
The dress was made to reveal my shoulders and collarbones, not something you'd wear during the day in Suna. It had long sleeves that were partly gloves since you're thumbs had holes made for them. It was obviously designed just for me, since it didn't contain an area for breasts. Super high metabolism meant no chest. The skirt of the dress was long, though. It'd probably skim the floor if I wore it. It was meant to be skintight up top and light and airy at the bottom. An interesting article of clothing, at the very least.
"Do I have pants to go underneath?" Temari scoffed at me and forced me over to her. She helped me to undress and then situate the dress properly. I had been right about it being made for me. It fit perfectly. "When did you get my measurements?" I demanded.
"Remember that day that we took you to a doctor because everyone thought you had been poisoned by Crow?" I nodded, grimacing. That hadn't been a fortunate experience. I didn't like doctors anymore. "I got them then." I could see that. The doctors had taken a lot of measurements to determine what dosage of antidote they should give me, even though I said I didn't need one.
"Spin for me," Temari ordered, snapping me out of my daydream. I did as she wished and she clapped her hands. "You look splendid… besides your eyes. But that's alright. I doubt it'll make that big of a difference." I touched my lower right eye sadly. It would make a difference and we all knew it. Everyone thought my eyes were creepy.
"Here are your shoes and then we can go meet our dates." I slipped into the white sandals and followed Temari down stairs. When she said "our dates", she meant her date and my "date". Kankuro would be taking me to the celebration since Gaara hadn't asked me. In truth, it worked out for everyone that Gaara didn't ask. That way Kankuro didn't have to look for a last minute date.
Temari's date was a shy boy a year or so older than her. He had black hair and wasn't a very special ninja as far as sand ninja go. He had brown eyes and a soft smile. I liked him but his lack of confidence made most people look at him like a little brother. That's how Temari saw him. She was only going with him because Shikamaru couldn't attend.
Wow, two boys' minds thought as we approached. Both Temari and I were getting equal attention. Apparently, I looked good in purple and she looked good in a kimono. "You don't look so scary dressed like that," Kankuro assured me. I laughed and shook my head. I felt exposed without pants of some sort and my exposed shoulders. But only nine days ago I had been dressed in a miniskirt and a tank-top. I didn't know why I was so uncomfortable.
"Beautiful as always, Lady Temari," her date complimented her. She smiled and we led the boys outside. Temari went off in the direction of where the ceremony would begin. She'd follow the entire procession. Kankuro and I were lucky enough that we only had to stand at the end. After the initiation, there was supposed to be a dance and then we could leave. I sat through the first part of the night patiently, smiling as though I wanted to be there even though I really didn't. I was happy for Gaara but I wasn't fond of social gatherings, for obvious reasons.
"You're silent tonight," Kankuro noted just as Gaara finished with his acceptance speech. It was short and sweet just like a speech by Gaara would be.
"I'm trying not to pay attention to any one thing," I whispered back.
"Why?"
"I'm starting to get a headache. It doesn't help that I'm sitting next to the new Kazekage's brother and the last Kazekage's son." He gave me a half smile.
"We'll be on the dance floor soon. You won't have to worry after that." Ten minutes later, everyone who was somebody was crowded into a ballroom in the Kazekage building. The decorations were beautiful with little rain drops and wind breezes. I liked it and the floor was polished to gleam.
"I've never danced before," I admitted as the music started up and Kankuro and I went to the middle of the floor. The two Honorable Siblings had to dance first. It surprised the entire council to see me with Kankuro but the other attendees just wondered at who I was, along with who Temari's date was. Neither of us was well known it appeared.
"Just follow my lead and you'll be fine," the puppet master said. He grabbed one of my hands and put the other on his shoulder. Then he wrapped his arm around my waist. I was decently shorter than my date so the hold wasn't awkward and the dance was easy enough with him in the lead. I even enjoyed it a little. I might have liked it more if it wasn't for the raging headache. "See, perfectly fine."
"Yeah…," I agreed. Others soon joined the dance and I was granted a reprieve from being the center of attention. I took advantage of it and slumped my head backwards, letting out a tense breath. I closed my eyes and marveled at the near silence of my mind. Only Kankuro was focusing on me now.
I didn't realize this party was going to take such a toll on her otherwise I might have convinced Temari not to make her come. She looks like someone just finished drilling a kunai in her head. "I can't look that awful," I muttered, furrowing my eyebrows.
"You're expression, at least." I shrugged and lifted my head back up to stare into brown eyes. "So here's the deal. I'm going to toss you around a bit to other dancers. As an ambassador, and as my date, you have to talk to the lords and ladies here. Be respectful, dance with whoever asks you to dance at least once and, remember, if Gaara steps in…"
"He's the Kazekage and I'm to take the opportunity as soon as it arises. Yeah, yeah. I got it." He laughed.
"If you weren't such a killjoy you might have some friends." My jaw dropped.
"I have friends!"
"The sand siblings? That's not saying much."
"It's not my fault I'm stuck with either you guys or council members."
"That's true. Anyway, see you around, Nari." He handed me off to an old man in white robes. The man was kind and complimented me on my dress. He did his best to avoid staring at my eyes or commenting on them. That's how a lot of the people I danced with acted. Finally, I managed to escape altogether and got a glass of water from the refreshment bar.
"I thought you weren't a lady." I jumped at the sudden voice. I glanced up at Kio dressed in a servant's outfit.
"I thought you were a merchant," I retorted with a smile. "I'm sorry I haven't talked to you recently." When I was stationed in Suna, I had been sure to keep in touch with the merchant and his son. Still, it had been about a month since we had last spoken.
"I am but the old geezer wanted me to help at the party."
"And I'm not but Kankuro was forced to have a date. It's my last night in Suna, by the way. I would've told you sooner but I've been busy preparing for this." Kio nodded. He understood that I wasn't one to be extremely close to people. He realized that he was lucky to be told this far in advance.
"Well, I wish I could stay and chit-chat but…"
"I understand. Bye, Kio."
"Goodbye, Nari. Safe travels."
"Thanks." Well, at least I got that out of tonight. I glanced back at the dance floor and saw Temari stalking towards me. She wasn't upset or on a mission, thank the gods; she just wanted to see what I was up to.
"Good evening, Nari. How are you?" she began, also grabbing a glass of water.
"I've been better. I've been worse."
"Well that's a depressing way to put it. What's the matter?"
"I have a headache."
"Too many people?" I nodded. We gazed across the room, studying all the pretty dresses and the lords that were attending. "I still can't believe he did it." I smiled. Her awe was delightful to behold. I couldn't imagine how proud Gaara must be to have invoked it. "Have you seen him yet?"
"A few times here and there. He looks good in that garb." She laughed. "Where's your date?"
"Oh, he doesn't like social events. I let him slip off." I nodded. I wished I could slip off but Temari would have my head if I ruined her plans for the night. "Speaking of dates…" Time for step one, she thought. My head popped up and I watched as Gaara approached us. He looked as emotion drained as ever. Someone really needed to remind him that it was okay to smile. "Have fun," she winked at me and left us alone.
"Enjoying the new position?" I asked when he reached me. He cocked his head to the side and then followed Temari's back with a questioning gaze. "I don't know," I told him, understanding the unspoken inquiry. "So, how is your night going?"
"Smoothly. Yours?"
"I don't like being in a room full of people but I'll survive." He quirked a nonexistent eyebrow. "Mind reading isn't for social people." His face remained impassive but I knew part of him was amused. I was sure of it. Suddenly, he offered me his hand. My eyes opened wide. I hadn't been expecting that. "You want to dance with me?" He nodded, a small blush tinting his cheeks. I hesitated and almost declined but then I remembered my dream. I didn't want to end up crying at that pond all by myself. I took his hand and he led me to the middle of the dance floor.
"What's Lord Kazekage doing?" was one of the many harsh whispers that resounded around the room. "Wasn't that the girl with his brother earlier?" was another. Their thoughts and curiosities pounded at my headed but I suppressed a grimace and took the same position Kankuro had taught me.
"I hope you know how to dance because I sure don't," I said as the music suddenly switched to a slower melody. He simply nodded, relieving some of my fears. He led me through a slow dance, slightly different from the one Kankuro and I had shared but similar enough that I wasn't confused.
Being unable to concentrate on the mind of the person in front of me was almost as bad as being unable to find a grip when climbing a cliff. I simply had to clutch to where I was already or be thrown into a dark abyss. In this case, that abyss was the minds of curious bystanders. "Gaara, I can't take much more of this," I breathed, leaning in closer to him. "There are too many minds, too much noise that I can't block out. I feel like my head is going to explode." I knew he, of all people, would understand this pain.
"Would you like me to escort you to your room?"
"You don't have to. Just get me off this dance floor." He stared into my eyes for a moment or so before he brought our dance to an end. We stepped to the sidelines but many were still eyeing us. "Thanks," I muttered. "I think I am going to retire for the night. I'll see you in the morning." He nodded and I escaped into the halls and quickly up to my room. Over all, I had only spent two hours at the dance. I was pathetic.
"Whoa. Where's the fire?" a deep voice asked, stopping me in my tracks. I glanced up at Baki. He, too, had just left the dance. As soon as he looked into my eyes, he did a double take. "Is everything alright, Nari?"
"Yeah. I've got a major headache is all. Don't worry about me." Seriously, don't. You'd just make it worse.
"Are you sure? Do you want me to get Temari or a doctor?" I shook my head. I just needed peace and quiet without any thoughts on me. "Well, alright. If you're sure. Goodnight, Nari."
"Night." I slowed my steps after that to keep from drawing attention to myself. I got to my room and changed into something more comfortable. I sat on my bed and brought my knees to my chin, screwing my eyes shut and clamping my hands over my ears as if that could block out the noise.
Holing up in my room to meditate wasn't helping. There were still too many people wondering who I was and why I was so important that I got to dance with the new Kazekage and his brother. What did I do for Suna? Was I a friend, maybe one of theirs girlfriend? I wasn't that pretty. Kind of creepy, actually.
"No, no! Shut up! Shut up!" I cried. The more I tried to stop it, the worse it seemed to be. Suddenly, a soothing hand was placed on my shoulder. I didn't look up to take notice of my new visitor. My lack of warning to their presence told me who it was. I didn't want to cry in front of him but the pain! Someone was hammering a wedge between my skull and my brain. It hurt!
A body sank the cushion next to me and the removal of three pins allowed my hair to cascade around my body. I just barely registered the clink of them hitting the dresser. "Should I get someone?" Gaara asked, unsure of what do in the present situation. I shook my head. I didn't need another voice to be added to the mess of sound. He sat there awkwardly. I couldn't blame him. I wouldn't have a clue at what I'd do if our positions had been switched. That's when the door creaked open.
Again, I ignored the intruder. It was Temari and she was telling Gaara something but since her thoughts weren't directly on me, I was more than happy to tune them out. She left soon after without a word to me. That was perfectly fine.
Then, a hand began to stroke my hair back. It didn't register to me that Gaara, Gaara of all people, was trying to comfort me. Instead, I leaned into him almost as if on instinct. He froze momentarily but soon continued his previous action. It took nearly three hours for all the partygoers to retire and leave me in peace. That was when I finally stopped crying and pulled myself out of Gaara's grip.
"Th – thanks," I stuttered, wiping at my eyes. He said nothing and stared into space, not looking at me.
"You should rest before your journey tomorrow." I nodded in agreement and laid down on the far side of the bed from where he sat. As I got comfortable, I noticed him staring at me. "You're okay now."
"Mm-hm." He nodded and then stood and headed to leave. He paused at the door.
"Who left you at a pond?" he asked randomly.
"What?"
"When I asked you to dance, you mumbled something about not wanting to be left alone at a pond. Who did that to you?" I blushed, slightly mortified that I had said that aloud.
"It was just a dream I had," I replied.
"Who in your dream?"
"You," I admitted. "You offered me your hand and I refused so you left me at this pond that my younger self had been crying into earlier. It was just a dream though." He glanced at me and frowned.
"I wouldn't leave you to cry at a pond," he declared, sounding slightly offended. Then he was gone. I laughed in mild amusement and soon dozed off to the dreams of Temari across the hall.
I hope you guys liked this chapter and I promise it gets a whole lot sweeter. Anyway, I have a question for you all. I'm a couple chapters ahead of this one in writing and I wanted to do something I'm sure you GaaraXNari fans will love (though I can't imagine why you would be reading this story if you didn't like them...), the problem is that it might affect the original series. I'm normally kind of OCD about not changing the original story for my fan fictions but I think this might be worth it. Now, I think I can pull it off with minimal interference but I can't be sure since I haven't gotten very far in Shippuden and because you never know what those writers are up to. So would you be alright with it or should I slap the idea on the hand and say, "No!"? Well, thanks for listening to me blab and please answer! Bye bye.