Chapter 19: Girls Night Out

"Ahh this wind feels so good," Ayumi sighed content, walking next to Temari.

"Yeah, a breeze is welcome after training," Temari replied. "Your stamina and speed are getting good!"

"But I'm still worthless with the water jutsu. That frickin' drizzle won't even water a plant," Ayumi complained. Temari stifled a chuckle. She didn't want to admit, but it was true, Ayumi's ninjutsu skills were still poor.

"You try too hard, you know. You're using more energy than you need to mold chakra, and on top you use the chakra inefficiently as well. It's a mistake trainees often make, but for some it just takes more practicing to perfect."

"Will I ever get a hang of it," Ayumi replied with a moping pout and a frown.

"Relax..." Temari told her bumping against Ayumi's shoulder playfully. "You know what, I think that's just the problem. We haven't been relaxing enough. No offense to my brothers, but I say we need some girl time. Let's go out dancing tonight!"

Ayumi didn't have to think very long to agree with the plan. The past weeks had been intense. She had submitted herself to a gruelling training regime, starting from 7 in the morning until late in the afternoon. Gaara was overseeing her progress a few hours a week. Unfortunately, though understandably, he was mostly engaged with his duties as Kage. Outside of those few precious training hours and the diners that Temari continued to hold sacred, she regretted not having a lot of time together with Gaara. It did allow her the opportunity to get to know other people. She was glad to have found a friend in Matsuri and Suri. Gradually she started to feel like a true Suna shinobi, even though there were always some people eager to let her know she was an outsider. That Rin for example... Since the incident with the ice pillar they had met another time in a shop.

'Even though I politely greeted her, she just snarled at me to fuck off... Damn, she has anger issues.'

Suddenly Temari yanked Ayumi to the other side of the road.

"Wooa! It's a new boutique! And the only thing they sell are dresses and matching accessories. Suna needed something like this. And there's a special discount because they just opened!"

Ayumi's blood line limit allowed her to distinguish the shop but being blind in every other way she couldn't feel the same excitement over the colours or designs as Temari.

"If we're going out tonight, we're going with a bang! I want to look smashing," Temari exclaimed determinant. "Let's go in and spent some money!"
She dragged Ayumi after her into the shop.

"Welcome!" the shop lady bellowed from behind the counter. Temari instantly started browsing through the racks. She pulled out one dress after another, commenting on each one she got in her hands.

"Owh, these rhinestones are nice, but the height is up to waterline, geez," she objected and quickly got rid of it while holding on to a few others that she did like. Temari looked over to Ayumi who was calmly inspecting another rack, letting her hands glide down the fabrics rather than judging them on beauty.

"Hell no!" Temari chastised, "what you doing with dresses that look like they're designed from a quilt of sweatpants."

"It feels soft though," Ayumi tried in her defense.

"Girl, we can buy a pyjama dress somewhere cheaper. If you want to turn heads we should get you something that compliments your features."

"Maybe I can help?" the shop lady chimed in, walking over to them. She started inspecting Ayumi and pulled a tape-measure from her apron. She corrected Ayumi's posture with a few prods in her waist and shoulders and held the tape-measure across her body at various points, humming and mumbling indistinguishable things about measurements and dress types.

"Well! I'm sure I have something that suits you!" she said looking over her glasses at Ayumi. "Just follow me." They walked after the shop lady past the racks with clothing until the she stopped. "Hmm... how about... this?"

Temari jumped, shaking Ayumi's arm in excitement. "It's perfect! You're gonna gauge some eyes out tonight wearing this!"

With arms loaded with shopping bags the girls entered the house that evening. Kankuro was at home. He had been in his workshop in the basement making some adjustments to his puppets when he heard the front door slam shut. He came up to see them wearing a dirty overall.

"Ooh, you've been on a spending spree," Kankuro grinned, nudging at the bags just as the girls let them drop to the floor. "No matter how you doll yourself up Temari you won't look cute." He didn't particularly mean his offensive comment, he just liked to pull his sister's leg.

"No, I'll never be as cute as you with your cat hood," she taunted back, stepping towards him and caressing the ears on his hood in a mocking fashion, squealing ", aww kitty kitty." Ayumi giggled at them. Kankuro pushed her away and cocked up an eyebrow arrogantly.

"Don't make this cat draw his claws. Besides, this hood brings luck," he said, using his thumb to point up at the ears. "I've been busy all day with Karasu. He's still disassembled at the moment, but when he's ready let's spar so I can test him out."

"Sure!" Temari replied and picked up her bags to take them upstairs. When they were halfway Kankuro looked up at them. Judging from the bags Temari and Ayumi had plans. "So, I guess there's a party tonight?"

"It's girls night out little brother!"

"Shit, that means I'm not invited," he grinned back with a shrug, "oh well, me and Gaara will keep each other entertained, maybe pop open some beers!"

"Next time then," Ayumi suggested with a brief smile, before the girls were out of sight.

After she entered her room Ayumi spread out the dress across her duvet and placed the matching high-heeled sandals next to the bed. She also bought a clutch with a thin chain strap. She remembered how Temari praised her when she tried the combination on. She was content with her haul.

'Actually, I never wore heels much before, I hope I can keep my balance,' she told herself. She figured she'd do a few walks up and down her room before heading out. She was happy about going out to dance. And secretly excited that Gaara would see her in this dress. She smiled just at the thought. If she was lucky, he'd say something to compliment her.

Gaara at that moment was looking at the results of the laboratory test conducted on the blood samples of Veeran and Gunzen, and of Snake's tail. He had also received a report from Sakura a week ago containing information on Ayumi's DNA profile. There were some interesting similarities. Veeran and Snake both had strands of DNA taken from lizard-type mammals. Through mutation these appeared artificially added to their body, transforming them physically, obtaining supernatural muscularity and leathery skin, speed, heat sensing abilities and keener eyes. At the same time, becoming vulnerable to fire. Gaara was resting his chin on his folded hands, as he always did when he was deep in thought.

'If these alterations where achieved through science, than a sample species has been used to create a hybrid human. Which means we might be able to pin down which species of lizard was picked for this mutation. Species vary across countries... if we can reconstruct the original DNA profile of the sample lizard, we should be able to narrow down the location where the lizards were obtained in theory. Of course, there always remains the possibilty that our enemy got his lizards from a different area than his base... And there's still the other thing...' His eyes wandered over the papers scattered across his table.

"Call in Rin," he commanded monotone. He had something to tell her. He watched how his bodyguard entered his room and saluted sternly without looking him in the eye. She had always been a serious person with a deeply rooted loyalty. That's one of the reasons why he had handpicked her into his personal squad.

"Rin, I've something to tell you concerning our adversary who goes by the name Snake," he said. Her body tensed, but she didn't move.

"These blood samples confirm your suspicions. Snake's blood corresponds enough with the DNA profile of your brother to say he is Miyuga."

Rin's lip startled to tremble. Her eyes fixed on the wall behind him started to fill with agony. Her brother had almost been transformed beyond recognition. Had refuted their relationship and hurted her in combat. Turned his back on Sunagakure... She clenched her fist so hard the knuckles paled and her hand trembled. Gaara almost feared she was going to have another break down. Rin took a few deep breaths and regained her composure.

"When the chance arrives, we will do our best to bring him home," Gaara continued sympathetically.

Rin swallowed hard and nodded. "Thank you Kazekage-sama."

"However..." Gaara started, with a knot in his stomach for having to share bad news, "if he continues to pose a threat to the lives of other Suna inhabitants, and doesn't surrender... He may become a casualty."

Rin squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her heart turn to ice. She wanted to deny it, scream at Gaara that he should protect Miyuga nonetheless. Wanted to favor her brother's life over other's and at the same time condemned herself for her selfishness.

"I understand," she replied bitterly. Gaara dismissed her, thinking that he should avoid another confrontation between Rin and Miyuga – or Snake as he now called himself. He feared she would let herself be slaughtered like a lamb. Unable to strike against him now it was certain he was her beloved brother. Her loyalty and love were too strong. After she had gone he continued to think how strange it was that Miyuga turned against them. He could only imagine the Suna ninja to betray his village if the enemy somehow had gained control over him.

'That metal circle embedded in their necks... Snake, Veeran and Gunzen, and even Ayumi... they all have that in common.'

It worried Gaara and he leaned back into the soft leather of his chair with brooding emerald eyes.

'What if that metal thing somehow was the key to excercising control over these people?'

He knew it was possible, he had encountered a similar thing before. All of the Pains had metallic rods inserted into their body to receive chakra from a distant location, controlling their actions. When Pain struck Naruto with one of these rods he too was almost overwhelmed by Nagato's chakra. He realized with shock that if his hypothesis held true, they could gain control over Ayumi as well! It would add another danger to her safety. He had grown to care for her, more than he wanted to admit. Often enough he caught his mind floating to thoughts about her, reminiscing small moments they shared. Like the time he bandaged her after she had an accident during training. Every now and then she was a bit clumsy, but nonetheless he felt impressed with the progress she was making. Before he could drift off musing the door opened and Baki walked in. The confident look on his half-curtained face told Gaara things were well.

"All preparations for any possible invasion are made, Kazekage-sama," he said after saluting. "Based on intel from our ANBU-corps about our threat level, we have secured our borders. In the event anyone crosses our borders we will surely know within minutes."

"That's good to know," Gaara replied standing up from his seat. He had hoped to receive such news. Gaara walked up to his former sensei and placed a hand on his shoulder. Baki looked surprised at the gesture.

"I've asked you to carry a heavy burden for me, overlooking the emergency preparations and strengthening our connections with Saboten and the desert tribes. You should rest," he urged with a rare smile. Baki replied him with a short nod and a rugged smile of his own.

"Understood, thank you Kazekage."

Gaara walked past him towards the door to his office. According to the clock it was already past eight. Before he realized he had a twelve-hour work day behind him, and he was positively knackered.

"Well... I think it's about time to go home. I'm likely in for a scolding, as I missed diner," Gaara confided. "You? Scolded? Shoot me," Baki coughed with disbelief. He raised his visible eyebrow.

"You know my sister..." Gaara replied with a hint of humor. "Take care of your family and I will see you in two days."

The two men nodded at each other a last time and each went their way. Gaara walked through Sunagakure, glimpsing now and then through the bright lit windows upon sights of families sharing time together, finishing diner or washing the dishes. He smiled inwardly at two little boys arguing over who could hold the console controller next. Perhaps it was rude to peak, but if the citizens lived ordinary careless lives, it meant he did his job well.

'Baki's team did good work on those invasion preparations.'

Little did Gaara know, but he as shadowed by a cloaked figure. The stalker glided from one dark corner to the next, keeping just enough distance to avoid detection. The man followed Gaara just until he reached his door step. Through the windows he saw how Kankuro greeted the young Kazekage.

'I can go to the meeting now. The other's are waiting,' the figure thought, and hurried towards the slums of Sunagakure. The lights of the lampposts flickered. Here the outcasts of Sunagakure gathered to prowl the night. Groups of teenage boys and girls alternated drunk men sitting on plastic chairs, playing cards under the vivid light of the neon shop banners. The snackbars, cafes, lovehotels and casino's were open almost until dawn. Failed genin tried their fortune at blackjack or the roulette, while pimps and pushers kept guards at all the entrances to this long dark road. So many doors behind which new stories were written every night. People came to try out the new, to spent time with a secret lover, to fight boredom, to forget about daily struggles, to make shady deals... What happened in the nightlife of the slums stayed there, ignored as soon the sun climbed the sky. A lonely mantled figure hardly stood out in this crowd. Pleased he noted no one even bothered to look his way. Just to be sure, he checked behind him if he wasn't followed himself before disappearing in an alleyway. A cat jumped up and scurried off as he neared. Behind the two trash containers awaited a door. A door with a stairs to a backroom of a casino. That was the place his companions had chosen for tonight's gathering.

"You're late, what kept you so long," one of them stated irritably, a scarcely clad redhead from the casino on his lap. She wore a push up bra decorated with golden fringes, a feathered headband, and fish net stockings under a purple miniskirt with golden embroidery. She was slowly massaging his balding scalp. The just arrived companion opened the pin of his cloak and let it fall off his shoulders. Another big breasted woman in a skimpy suit took it from him.

"I arrive when I intend to," he asserted. "Everything is in order. Our plan will be a success - But what's with the girls!? They are a liability. You can't trust women, and certainly not hookers. Their silence is paid in gold. Not through loyalty."

"Relax... I arranged them – to celebrate!" the other drawled and turned to look at the girl on his lap who giggled when he pulled her closer. "Whatever someone pays you to speak, we'll pay double for your lips to remain shut," he told her, placing one of his fingers on her red-painted lips. She pretended she wanted to bite him.

The other sighed audibly and rolled his eyes. He almost wanted to gag at the sight of this old man fawning over a young girl. "Alright, but get rid of them for now. We're speaking business here."

"As you wish..." the man shrugged and signalled the girls to leave, slapping the redhead's butt just before she walked away and excited the room.

"Let's get down to business then. You say everything is in order. So, what in the events of an attack...-?" he said, gesturing with his hand suggestively. The other understood what he meant.

"Collateral damage," was his stone cold reply.

As the men were softly discussing their plans, Gaara heated up his meal in the microwave, and Temari and Ayumi were getting dressed up, a cell of three people stepped out of from the borders near the crying land. Amegakure, the country of perpetual rainfall. They too were cloaked, for now, and resting after a long day marching. They sat down near some coarse bushes clinging to life at the edge of the desert, offering them shelter from unwelcome eyes. They were full of spikes and dark purple leafs, and offered them no solace for the mind as the lush green from the lands behind them did. One of them drew back his hood. It was Snake. He stared at the endless dunes before him from under his scaled brow and touched the metal plug on the back of his neck.

'Snake, our new information indicates that a team of ninja from both The Sand and The Leaf scavenged the coast area of our destroyed underwater base.' It was doctor Heero, speaking through him via the radio wave chip that planted on his eardrum.

'B26 has never been recovered, so it is possible that she has fallen in the hands of either The Sand or The Leaf. Gunzen and Veeran succeeded in finding the coördinates of Sunagakure. Therefore you go there to infiltrate. Do not draw attention to yourself. Focus on finding B26 if she is there, and claim her as soon as the opportunity arrives. You have the necessary equipment to start her device.'

Snake growled. He agreed keeping low-key. He didn't like trouble either. He couldn't explain how or why, but a tension had built up inside him ever since they made way to the Land of Wind. Everything was vaguely familiar about the place before him. The smell of dust, the drought, the dunes and how the drowning sun created long shadows while setting them ablaze. It was like a dream he couldn't fully remember. His tail twitched left and right irritably. A speck in the distance. Movement. Their scout was returning.

"Crock is back," Snake grunted to the other four. Crock, just as the other three a hybrid form between man and lizard, could move on his belly while his leathery clawed fingers hacked into the sand, pushing him forward swiftly.

"Good newsss," Crock hissed, staring at Snake and the others with yellow slit eyes. "I came upon a rock formation and almost stepped on a trap-"

"-how the hell is that good news!" Viper snapped, the impatient one of the bunch. Crock slammed his tail up and down the ground angry at being interrupted. Dust whirled up around him.

"Why do you never let someone finissh ssspeaking?" he spat back, "it's good news because it was amateurissshly ssset-up. If all the traps are like that, they'll be eassss-y to evade."

The fourth remained silent.

Snake looked away from his companions and flexed the muscles in his back and shoulders. His path was almost linear, straight forward to where the sun was bleeding at the horizon. Somewhere there, a demon awaited him. That hungry beast was already lurking within the confines of his heart. But he was a warrior reborn and had no place for fickle emotion. He lowered himself to the ground. Onwards the four chimaera's went.

"We're ready! Here we come!" Temari yelled down the stairs cheerfully. She stepped into view wearing a midnight blue midi-dress with a V-neckline and a draped low back. Behind her came Ayumi, holding herself onto the railing like a lifeboat. Temari chuckled at her friend.

"Come on, Ayumi. You have to wear those shoes the whole night! Do you need a cane? Our geriatric neighbour might have a spare."

"I don't know, I might just kick 'em off at a certain point," Ayumi snorted back.

Kankuro and Gaara gathered at the bottom of the stairs. His heart skipped a beat when Gaara looked up at Ayumi. She had struck him as someone of above average beauty before. However, she did look different outside her training outfit. He wasn't prepared that she could look this mesmerizing. Her lavender hair was curled nonchalantly, giving more volume. The curls playfully framed her face. Her lips looked honey dewy from gloss. He was unable to take his eyes off her but he said nothing.

Kankuro whistled slowly at them. "You sure you girls don't need a chaperon?"

'Not a bad idea,' Gaara thought. When girls look this beautiful they always get hit on. He knew guys could be very pushy. He didn't like the idea someone might be harassing Ayumi or Temari tonight. Although he was certain his sister could stand her ground. But Ayumi - she was a little naïve and insecure at times. A man to keep an eye on the girls wasn't so bad.

"Ahh Kankuro, thanks for the compliment, but don't be silly," Temari refuted waving her hand at him, "everyone is still scared for Gaara's wrath. They all think he'll do a Desert Coffin on them if they annoy me. Geez, that's why I never could get a date in this city. Sorry Gaara!"

Somehow Gaara wasn't insulted. He was quite happy about letting Temari abuse his former bloodthirsty imago if it improved her safety.

"Besides," Temari continued, "everyone knows not to mess with a kunoichi."

"Yeah, you'll knife them won't you," Kankuro jested. "Always agressive, Temari-pig."

"Ohh ha ha," she fake laughed, rolling her eyes at him and walking down the stairs.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm proud my sister takes care of herself," Kankuro smiled. "I was just checking."

Ayumi started to walk down as well. Now that Temari didn't block his view, Gaara could appreciate Ayumi fully. She was wearing a strapless sweetheart dress in soft peach, tightfitting with a chiffon draping loosely layered over it. It was decorated with silver beads and crystal stones above the sweetheart neckline and as a belt that disappeared under the draping around the slimmest part of her waist. Ayumi finished the look with an envelope white purse and white strappy heels. His eyes wandered, trying to glimpse through the half see-through draping to catch her silhouette, and he was reminded of the time they had bumped into each other when she was wearing a towel. Underneath those layers of fabric – he imagined soft skin, a few freckles here and there. A restless feeling began to bubble up within him. Temari and Kankuro shared a short look of realization. Ayumi was nearing the final steps of the stairs when she didn't set her foot right and felt herself loose balance.

"Owh!" she yelped. She reached out to break her fall. Gaara caught her hand in his and her waist with his other. He looked down at her face and the urge to do something to those sweet pink lips became too much. He instantly removed himself from her when she had stabilized herself. It was so unlike him for his hormones to rush through his body like this.

"Don't break your neck!" Temari grinned at her with a poke.

Gaara blinked a few times and moved his head away. God, if this feeling continued, he might need a cold shower.

'Why am I such an animal?' he scolded himself, 'I'm her bloody sensei. I need to protect her from others, not myself.' It didn't occur to him that she could feel attracted to him as well. He had already convinced himself not to keep such hopes up since that time in the lunch cafe.

Ayumi ran her hand through her hair and smiled without knowing how it moved Gaara. He knew his attraction had become too strong to look at her the same as before. Yet it was complicated. He had never been in anything besides short romances. Girls that he could easily evade and forget. Like that one girl from Iwagakure. He had his needs after all... But he had never fully been able to accept someone into his heart. Because it would mean having to share a deep and dark part of him. And now he was suddenly overcome with the fear that someone like Ayumi could only turn away appalled if that truth was ever revealed. And he would rather not risk that, as it was already bad enough to carry the burden of those traumas. He blinked a few times in confusion, hearing himself mutter goodbye to the girls as the front door fell shut. Kankuro walked to the window and peered past the curtains to see if the girls had yet crossed the streets. Then he walked back to his brother.

"Dude," he marveled, placing a hand on Gaara's shoulder shaking him roughly, "that look on your face. You were drilling a hole through her with your eyes, man. Be glad she's sorta blind, because any fool would've spotted what that look meant."

"What do you mean?" Gaara retorted a bit annoyed at his brother's drama and swept Kankuro's hand away.

"Gaara, just saying... If you need advise, I'm here."

"Well I don't need it," Gaara declared monotone, irritated that his brother had understood so quickly and not wanting to admit his own feelings.

"Okay then!" Kankuro quasi-shrugged giving up. If Gaara didn't want to talk, there was no forcing him. "I'll get the beers and snacks. You do the DVD settings."

"WOO-yeah!" Temari yelled when they arrived at the club. It was in the best part of town, with clean swept boulevards and a few palm trees lining the street.

"I always go out here. It's popular with ninja's and the locals, I like the mix," she explained and dragged Ayumi along.

"Sexyyy babe," a guy slurred at them just before they entered. Temari glanced over at him and raised her eyebrows with a grimace as if to say she'd never consider him. Then she turned to Ayumi whispering, "I don't think I saw him before. What a douchebag! Would've been fun to see Shikamaru mess with him with his shadow possession jutsu. He wouldn't stand a chance! Ha!"

They walked up to the bar and ordered two drinks.

"Who is Shikamaru?" Ayumi asked.

"Ohhh right, I never told you?" Temari sheepishly uttered. "He's this guy from Konoha, he's their ambassador and since I'm Suna's we work together sometimes. That's all."

Ayumi could tell from her voice that she was lying. Temari had suddenly become all nervous and couldn't stop fumbling the cord of her purse.

"Riiight, sounded like he was quite the guy the way you spoke about him earlier," Ayumi replied with a short giggle.

"Yea well- He's lazy, he's always bored, he only plays chess-games, and he's such a smart ass. Ugh!"

"Hmm..." Ayumi smiled, continuing slyly, "I think you really like him Temari!"

"No! I don't!" she objected getting hot in her face.

"Ahh... aren't you denying a little too hard?"

"Okay! So I like him! But he hasn't made the move," Temari scowled and took a big gulp from her drink. "Ugh! He has me hanging on a string. His IQ is that of a frickin' genius, so how can he be so dim-witted? Hello~~! Ask me out on a date will you? Instead of frickin' work lunches," she complained and finished with a mutter, "now I really need a drink."

Ayumi couldn't help but chuckle. She had never witnessed Temari get so worked up over something. She already wanted to meet this Shikamaru. Just to meet a man who could get cool Temari's head spinning.

"Well, so we already know I won't be looking for any romances tonight, but how about you Ayumi?" Temari asked, curious how she would respond.

"Hmm I don't want to get involved with guys now," she said, thinking that the man she was starting to like wasn't here anyway. Her heart was still a bit shaken from falling into Gaara's chest from the stairs. His warm hand resting on her waist... Whenever they touched it made her heart flutter. A small fire blazed up that had smouldered inside her for a few weeks. Too bad he didn't say anything about her looks. Rather than a guest or a student, she hoped Gaara could view her as a woman. She couldn't confess her feelings to Temari yet. She was Gaara's sister after all. And Gaara was Kazekage. Ayumi was... not even a genin yet. Her skill was so insignificant, how could she dream of standing next to him? He deserved better than her. She was selfish if she would try to claim him. But even if she could only dissapoint herself, Ayumi didn't think it was possible to stop craving his attention.

'Now I'm starting to feel depressed as well...' she thought gloomy, sucking on the straw of her drink until the glass was half empty.

"Hey! You wanna get drunk or something?" Temari accusingly smiled. Hypocritically since she finished half her own glass as well.

"Would that be a problem?" Ayumi mumbled half-joking. Temari poked her and she nearly lost balance again. She had an inkling why Ayumi looked so sullen, but decided to keep that to herself.

"I know you are joking. Come let's dance!" she said instead.

The music was blasting loud, ringing in her ears. They danced to several songs and Temari introduced Ayumi to some friends or acquaintances they came across. Both of them didn't have this much fun in a long while. After two hours Ayumi started to feel woozy. It took quite a chunk of her concentration to distinguish Temari in a large crowd of people, with nothing but their bodymasses to go on. Together with the fog machine, the sweaty bodies bumping against her, beer being spilled. The water molecules danced all around the place. The impulses were getting a bit too much. Temari was talking to another jounin when Ayumi nudged her.

"I'm going to take some fresh air, is that okay?" she asked.

"Sure! Are you alright? Need me to come with you?" Temari replied concerned, screaming over the music.

"No, no, I'll find you. But just promise to stay here okay? I'll be back in ten or fifteen minutes," Ayumi promised.

Once she was outside the fresh night was a welcome change from the warm damp air inside the club. In the end she had only drank two glasses of alcohol, so her mind cleared up quickly in the cold. Still the music was loud even from outside on the sidewalk. And too many people brushed past her to enter. It was annoying.

'Let's go for a short walk,' she told herself and started to move away. She got a few whistles from other guys on the boulevard and one even tried to stop her. Irritated she took a turn into a different street, glad to be somewhere quiet. During the night her field of vision extended further than at day, when the hot sun interfered. It was lovely taking a breather, observing the shapes of the buildings. Before long she was walking through a residential area, humming a catchy club song. Suddenly she stopped her tracks and pressed her back against a building.

'Right above me... someone is standing on the roof,' she realized anxiously. Judging from the shape of this person, they might have met before. 'How many people are there in Suna with a tail?' she cringed in thought, trying to work her brain to remember anyone that fit that description. She shot her hands to her mouth afraid to make noise – to even breathe loudly! – feeling cold fear wash over her. There was no denying.

'What's he doing in Suna!?' she starting to panic. She had her back pressed against the wall, but he was moving close to the edge of the roof. She tried to shuffle quietly to a place deeper in a corner, fervently hoping the darkness would conceal her, cursing at every sound her back scraping against the cold stone made. If he saw her... would he take her away? Kill her? Was she ready to defend herself? He threw Rin away like a rag doll. Destroyed Kankuro's puppet. And she barely was able to deflect a thrown ninja star. Her confidence dropped.

Badum – badum – badum. The beating of her heart.

Stifled with fear she realized, 'in a matter of seconds, he'll see me! Oh God, someone come quickly!'

A/N: Thanks for reading! And I loved to read your comments :) Thanks for taking the time to review!