Chapter 15: Me, Of All People Part 2
Another month flew by like the ticking of the second hand on a clock. It was little less than a half of a year that Gaara would become the next Kazekage, the most influential person in this entire village, and one of few in the entire ninja world. It felt like he was slowly slipping away from my fingers, becoming less focused on me, and more focused on his work, his thoughts and actions becoming more secluded and almost cold. I couldn't complain though; I would never want to interfere with the work that he had to get done. I wanted to see him succeed in whatever did.
The days weren't as lifeless now, in comparison to before. Gaara allowed me to be out of the house, walking around the outskirts of the village with either Temari or Kankuro with me. It was nice; we usually finished walking just as the sun was setting across the vast desert, shooting light against the millions of grains of sands. You would think I would get bored of seeing it, but it didn't; it was a breathtaking experience every single time.
One night, we,all four of us to my surprise, actually sat down for dinner at the same time. Usually, since Gaara seemed to be working really late, I would eat very little with Temari and Kankuro, and eat later on with Gaara, so he wouldn't be alone. I was really content with this turn of events, because it felt like we were a family again, and the fact that Gaara was home from work earlier than usual.
"Not that much work today?" Kankuro asked in between mouthfuls of food, his inner lack of courtesy and manners coming across almost as childish.
"Yes." Gaara said, looking at his brother. That was the end of that conversation.
"That's good." Temari said, sighing. "Now poor Esther doesn't have to wait till late into the night to eat. You make her suffer along with you, Gaara."
"Don't say that!" I said to Temari, as I dropped my fork onto the table. "I'm not suffering. I just feel better knowing that Gaara has some company as he's eating."
"Sure." Temari and Kankuro said at the same time, looking at each other through sideways glances.
The three of us started to laugh, while Gaara just looked at each of us slowly in his blank, scrutinizing manner. It was not often that we had moments like this. It made our lives seemed so carefree, the way it used to be when we were younger.
"You guys sure love to tease me don't you?" I asked, eying them closely.
"Of course." Temari said, patting me on the shoulder. "Where else would we get our source of entertainment?"
"She has a point." Kankuro said, smiling at me with a faint twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
"Thanks." I replied, as I rolled my eyes. "I feel so loved."
"Anyway," Gaara said, getting up from the table abruptly. "I don't have to go in to work tomorrow, so I can take up some chores, as well. It would only be fair."
I smiled even wider at the news. Another day for Gaara to rest! I looked over at Temari, who was eying Kankuro. He just shrugged, and started to laugh. Temari looked at me, then started laughing again. Whatever the joke was, I probably missed it.
"Well," I said, as Gaara left the dining room. "Thank you for the great food, like always."
"No problem." Temari said, smiling. "Well, since I don't have kitchen duties for the night, I think I'll hit the sack early tonight. Have fun cleaning, 'kuro."
"Yeah, yeah." Kankuro said, sitting at the table. "Thanks for rubbing it in, 'mari. Good night."
"Good night." I said to her as she walked down the stairs.
"Night." She called. "Don't stay up talking too much, alright?"
"I'll try." I said, laughing slightly as she winked at me.
"I'll just tell you goodnight now." Kankuro said, as he got up from the table. "This is going to take a while."
"Are you sure you don't want any help?" I asked, looking at all of the plates scattered on the table around us.
"No, it's fine." He said, shaking his head. "It's my job, not yours. You did your share of chores for the day already, so you're free."
"Alright, if you say so." I replied reluctantly. "Good night, Kankuro."
"Night." He replied as I walked out of the room.
I walked into the living room, and jumped into the seat beside Gaara on the couch. I looked up at him, trying to read what he was thinking. He just looked at me, and shook his head, probably thinking I was irritating after all the work he probably had to go through today while he was cooped up in that isolated building he had to venture to seven days a week.
"What are you all happy about?" He said, looking away.
"You having a day off!" I said, laughing. "I'm glad you have a day to relax again."
"Who said I was going to relax?" He said. "I'm spending the whole day with you, so obviously that won't be the case."
"What?" I exclaimed, shaking his arm. "Are you serious?"
"When am I never serious?" He scoffed.
"Oh, thank goodness!" I squealed, hugging him. "Now I really do have reason to be extremely happy!"
"Good." He said, slipping his arm around me. "We have to go see Ana early in the morning. I spoke with her tonight, and she said your dresses were done."
"Even better." I said, leaning my head against him. "I can't wait for tomorrow, Gaara."
"Me either." Gaara said, letting go of me. "Well, I think you should be off to bed. I at least want you to be well rested. You have been losing sleep over me, or so it seems."
"Oh, not really." I said, getting up. "Well, I wouldn't mind a few extra hours of sleep. Good night, Gaara. See you in the morning."
"Good night, Esther." He replied, watching me as I left the room.
As I walked back to my room, I couldn't stop smiling as my heart beat rapidly in my chest. Tomorrow I would be spending the day with Gaara. Just the two of us, enjoying each other's company, finally. I hardly thought I would be able to fall asleep tonight with all this joy rushing through my brain.
AN: Well, here's another chapter (surprise, surprise.) I didn't want to leave my final story of my childhood show hanging, so there's one more chapter and I will be through with RTD. Thank you to those who will read this, and who have enjoyed this story.