Chapter 3: The Emo Lad

Temari talked non-stop all the way to the large building in the center of the village. I was half-listening, because my thoughts were on Gaara. Did he change a lot? Was he really busy? Did he love someone else?

I shook the last question out of mu head just as we got to the building. I followed behind Temari, who had suddenly stopped talking. Oh Boggy, that made everything a whole lot more stressful than it probably had to be.

Temari stopped outside of a closed door, and I practically ran into her because I wasn't paying attention. I sighed, and Temari turned to me. "Can you wait here? It'd be great if we could surprise him."

I nodded, making her smile. She gave me a thumbs up and opened up the door. I forced myself to breathe, because I was so scared of what Gaara was going to say when he saw me. Oh dear Boggy Jones and Tammy Dodger!! Please help me!!

Luckily, Temari had left the door open, so I could hear their entire conversation:

"Hey, Gaara." Temari said, her voice actually maintaining its regular pitch.

"Temari? What are you doing here?" Gaara's voice came. It sounded deeper, making him seem much older than he was 4 years ago.

"I brought the visitor who came to see you today."

He moaned. "What visitor? I don't like visitors. Tell them to go away."

My heart gave a sad little pang. Gaara didn't want to see me? I guess that he was way over me. I'm sure that there are some much pretty girls in the-

"Gaara, if you knew who it was, you wouldn't be saying this." Temari said with an edge of attitude dripping from her comment. She coughed loudly, letting me know that that was my cue.

I gave a deep breath, trying to wipe out all the doubts I had on my mind. With the skittle size courage I had, I made my feet work and lead me into the room.

Gaara was standing in the middle of the room. He was much taller, but still had that warm red hair that made my heart twist and turn like a 70s dancer. The gaze his bluish eyes held was shockingly cold and irritated, but soon softened as we locked eyes.

He turned to look at me more closely. "Esther? Is that you?" He asked, probably not believing his eyes.

Oh Boggy Jones!! It was so good to see him! I started to tear up, and I ran over to him. I wrapped my arms around him, catching him off guard.

He gave a small "Oomph.." , but ended up hugging me back tightly.

I started to cry out of joy. "I missed you so much!" I cried, my tears running onto the fabric on his shoulder. He patted me on the back, hushing my tears.

We hugged for a few more moments, and then remembered that Temari was still in the room. We let go and I wiped the tears with the back of my hands.

Gaara brought me a chair and we all sat down in the quaint little office. We just started chatting about anything that we could. I told them about life back in our world, while they filled me in on things that had happened in their world.

Four years had passed in both worlds, so Gaara was 20 and Temari was 22.(Sheesh.. We're getting really old!) I was glad that there wasn't a time thingy mabobber that I had to force into my already packed brain.

"Any idea why you came back?" Gaara asked.

I gave a light shrug. "It was through another painting, but this time there was a note attached. It said that I should make the right decisions, and that will decide what will happen to me."

He nodded and turned to Temari. "Did you offer Esther anything before you left?"

Temari gasped, and gave herself a smack on the head. (AKA Face Palm!) "I'm so sorry! I'll go home and finish cooking!" With that, she got up and left the room in a hurry. After she left, Gaara let out a small chuckle.

"What's so funny?" I demanded, crossing my arms.

He pointed to my dress. "You are. Last time I remember, your favorite color was blue, not green."

I blushed. He remembered what my favorite color was! "I felt like wearing green. If you want, I'll wear my blue dress tomorrow."

His face turned beet red and he looked away. I giggled, letting him know that it was alright. His face turned back to its regular shade and her got up. "We should get going before it gets too dark."

I nodded and got up from the chair. We walked out of the building, in a some what awkward silence. We couldn't say what we really wanted to say since we were out in public. It seemed like such a long walk back to the house.

Gaara opened the door and let me in. I stepped inside with him, where I smelled the mouth-watering aroma. "Wow! Was Temari always such a good cook?? I forget so easily!" I squealed.

Gaara just snorted and walked off to the kitchen. I walked off behind him, wondering if it was true or not.

AN: Sorry to all! I wasn't feeling well so I didn't post soon! Thanks to all who review!! I'd really like some candy, if you don't mind!XD