JapanEmoGirl
"How long has it been?" Temari asked. She was pacing in the stables, her hands trembling, and her eyes red from tears. She looked at Kankuro, then back out the window, wanting to see her little brother again.
Ever since Gaara's been gone, the security has been tight. Guards had doubled in the town, all looking for a familiar redhead with aquatic eyes. Temari was almost to the point where she wanted to double the coins. Then, maybe more people will be on to finding Gaara.
"It hasn't even been three days, sister," Kankuro groaned. He was sitting on a stool, trying to feed Shukaku some carrots. Someone needed to tend to the horse while Gaara was away, and, sadly, Kankuro was that someone, "he'll be back. Do not worry. He's been gone before."
"Not during the night!" Temari panicked, "He's never left during the night! What if he was kidnapped? That has to be it!" The blonde female started to cry again, "W-What if it's too late? Oh, our poor, little brother, taken from us by whoever!"
"Temari!" Kankuro stood up, and walked over to his sister. Wrapping an arm around her, he shushed her silently, "He's fine. I'm sure he is, they didn't put him through all that training for nothing. He's probably coming back right now."
Temari put her face into Kankuro's shoulder, sobbing and hacking, "I didn't get to tell him that I loved him. He was my brother! Your brother! Now he's gone for God knows how long..."
XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara's dismay, the guards were even more populous than before. He had to constantly be in the shadows to keep from being seen from the cavalry that trotted the streets, not to mention the foot soldiers. This was getting bad, the prince new that he would have to leave with Lee sooner than expected if they were to avoid getting caught. Tension was high, as the guards marched in the streets. The worse thing was it was deserted out. No one was out at this time of night. This was going to be harder than he thought. His absence was starting to catch the attention of the castle, and they will only up the amps to try and get him back alive and safe.
The sneaky prince managed to dodge his way through the streets, jumping into multiple alleyways during moments where the guards back was turned. It took twice as long to get there than he had planned, but he had finally made it to the castle walls, where he knew separated him and the stables. If he could scale the wall, it would bring him right to the stables located on the other side, and hopefully without any problems. This side of the castle was less protected than the front gates, so if he was quick and quite, he should manage to make it across.
The wall was around twelve feet tall, perhaps taller, as he began to climb it. He knew of a smaller fence-line located near the end of the paddock that was around seven feet tall. Behind that fence was a dense forest, he knew that if he managed to slip in there, they would never find him. No other horse had the skills that his had to maneuver through tough terrain. There was a reason why his horse was number one when it came to cross country courses. Along with that, Shukaku was the only one to ever clear something along the lines of seven whole feet. There was no way he could be caught, unless he fell off then he was a goner.
With a grunt, he managed to reach the top of the tall wall, and gulped as he looked down from the height. He didn't realize he was scared of heights until he was faced with this one. He slowly made his way down the wall, but as he was around half-way down, his feet slipped and he fell.
The prince landed with a whoosh of air escaping his lungs, as he was knocked on his back. He laid there just trying to catch his breath, rolling over on his stomach, and managing to stand after a few minutes. Inside of the castle walls were not as guarded, thankfully, probably because most of them were patrolling the streets in search of him.
Quickly, and quietly, he ran across the polo pasture and towards the stables where he knew his horse was at, waiting for its master to return. He didn't barge in, only because he saw a light from the barn, and knew that someone was in there. It was normal, since there was thieves out there who would love to steal a prized animal and sell it for a profit. He didn't doubt that there was at least a few people patrolling the stables.
He pressed his back to the wooden wall, and slowly peeked his head in to see if it was clear, making sure that they wouldn't notice him there. What shocked the young prince was seeing his siblings there. Shouldn't they be inside, asleep? It seems not, since his older sister was weeping in Kankuro's arms. Why was she so upset? Was it because of his disappearance? He decided to keep hidden, and await for them to leave. If they didn't, he could at least run up to them and give them a quick farewell, before grabbing Shukaku and dashing off. Although he was skeptical to go ahead and try and sneak his horse out, since they were right in front of his stall. It would be impossible to sneak him out unnoticed.
JapanEmoGirl
"Temari, look at me," Kankuro grabbed his sisters arms, and forced her to look at him. He wiped the blonde's tears, and pushed his now wet bangs from her eyes, "sister, he'll come back. If he was taken, he'll find away. But... have it ever occurred to you that he might of... ran away?"
Temari grew angry at nothing, and pushed Kankuro away. She huffed and her eyebrows formed together, "What are you talking about? Why would Gaara run away?! He wasn't unhappy in the slightest, every time you and I saw him, he had the same expression. Surely, if something was wrong, he'd tell one of us!" The female started to pace again, missing Gaara at the door each time she looked towards it.
XxGaaraloverxX
Listening to his older sisters crying made the poor redhead think a bit about his decision to run off. He had no idea that his siblings would be this upset about his disappearance. He thought that they wouldn't care, and simply go on with their duties. Besides, if he were out of the picture, then a spot could open up for either one of them to fill in for the throne. The prince didn't like the fact that he was chosen to become the prince and take over the castle. His older sister was even able to marry whom she wanted. It wasn't fair.
If only Kankuro knew how right he was. No matter how badly his sister denied it, he knew that deep down he has secretly wished to run free from these castle walls. Although, he never told anyone, due to the fact that they could rat him out, or to dim the heartache. He wished that he wasn't so special, and that he could be free. The prince has made a promise, and he plans to keep it.
Slowly, Gaara slid down the wall to sit down on the floor resting an elbow on his knee. He hated to hear his family so upset about him being gone. He was starting to think about actually going in there to say a final good-bye to his siblings before taking his horse and leaving. What would happen, though? Would Kankuro sound the alarm and guards would come around every corner to try and capture him? Or would his siblings accept the fact that their younger brother had a dream to be away from the castle walls, and live outside of royalty?
JapanEmoGirl
Kankuro sighed at his sister, and continued trying to calm her down, "Temari, do you remember when you were chosen to be ruler? You didn't like it, did you? You had more bravery to stand up to father that you didn't want it. He told you that he'd accept your denial. Obviously, I wasn't fit to be King, that's where Gaara came in."
"Kankuro, where are you going with this?" Temari asked, done with his rambling and such.
"Well, you being next in line was painful, was it not? You didn't like it. I remember that you told me, once in the past, that you wanted to run away... what if Gaara did the same? But, he didn't want to tell us in fear?"
Temari huffed, and grumbled, crossing her arms, "Why would he be afraid? What would he be afraid of?"
This got Kankuro thinking for awhile. He gently rested his hand on his chin. His eyes lit up when he finally came to a conclusion, "Us," he said, "that we'd be angry with him for not doing what he is supposed to. He doesn't know that you were originally supposed to be Queen, so of course he would be scared to face his siblings with the truth."
Temari wanted to argue. She wanted to tell Kankuro that he was wrong, that Gaara would have told them. Would have told her. But, what he said made perfect sense. Of course! She fell to the ground, and huffed once more, "I hate when your right," she said quietly, "but he shouldn't be afraid. I- we, would never be angry with him."
XxGaaraloverxX
Saddened aquatic eyes closed when Kankuro confirmed Gaara's silent message. He was afraid. He was afraid of the anger towards him, about abandoning the throne to be king. It was just easier to run away. Even before the prince was old enough to understand the responsibilities, his own sister even wanted to run away just like he did. Gaara was never one to back-talk, so he simply accepted his position as prince, and cried behind closed doors. He hated all of the responsibilities and everything to become a king. It seems that his siblings understood his scenario.
With a dreadful sigh, he stood up and patted his clothes of dirt. He made sure that his hood was still on, as he took a deep breath. He only hoped that his siblings would be reasonable and allow him to make his escape. It will be hard for them to see their brother run off into the distance, but he had a dream that he promised, and it cannot be broken.
With a turn of his heel, he walked towards the middle of the entryway to the stables, which was wide open. He knew that if his siblings saw him, they would only see a silhouette, perhaps a small bit of color from the lantern that they had near them.
Shukaku's ears perked up as he jerked his head up high from his stall. Gaara knew that his horse knew who was standing there. His master had returned. It brought a smile on his face to see his beloved animal clearly excited after sensing and smelling the scent of its owner again. With a high-pitched neigh, Shukaku stomped the ground with a shoed hoof, and bobbed his head. If his siblings couldn't see him, they would surely notice Shukaku's abnormal behavior and look to where the animal was looking.
JapanEmoGirl
"Shukaku, is something wrong?" Temari asked the animal, standing up again to calm him. She placed a hand on his neck, and shushed him, "are you hungry?" She asked a second question, reaching for the carrots again.
She was stopped when Kankuro tapped her shoulder. She looked at him, questionable, only to see he was not looking at her, but in front of him. She followed his gaze, and saw what he saw. A small, shinning light. It looks like a lantern. Someone's here, but the guards don't use them, and everyone is asleep. Temari raised an eyebrow in confusion, squinting her eyes to see better. Only to widen her eyes when she saw a figure holding it.
Kankuro seemed to do the same. He stepped forward, ready for attack, and to defend if necessary, "Who goes there?" He shouted at the figure, a stern, brave look in his eye.
XxGaaraloverxX
With a slow stride, the hidden prince walked towards the two, who were frightened. The moment he started moving, he could see Shukaku try his hardest to reach down to lip, and bite at the metal hatch that holds the door to his stall closed. Gaara could hear him tap dance in his stall, practically cheering for joy that he gets to see his master after nearly two days of him missing.
Gaara stopped a few yards away from them, and lifted his gaze to look at his brother. With slow movements, he reached up and gripped at his hood, not pulling it down yet. "It is I, nii-chan…" With a flick of his wrist, he pulled his hood down, revealing those sapphire eyes, and unforgettable red hair, that now had golden highlights from the lantern. "Prince of Suna, Gaara-sama."
As he revealed himself, he couldn't help that pang of relief of seeing his brother and sister once more before he would dash off forever into the night. It was nice to at least say good-bye.
JapanEmoGirl
Temari wasted no time in running over and hugging her brother. She nearly knocked him down, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly. Not wanting to let go for awhile, "Gaara," she began to sob again, "w-where were you? Y-You scared us, we thought you were kidnapped!"
Relief of seeing his brother again, Kankuro fast-walked over to his hugging siblings. He patted his young brothers head softly, a small smile on his face, "You did give us quite a scare. Shukaku barely ate anything when you left. We didn't want to lose two family members."
XxGaaraloverxX
Before the prince managed to get another word out, he was suddenly tackled by his older sister. Soon after, his brother joined in the family reunion, patting him firmly on the back, they all huddled together. Even the stoic prince hugged his siblings, which was a rare sight. Rarely, did he show such emotion to his family, most of the time he would either nod their way, or barely noticed their existence.
All-in-all, it was nice to see them again. "Temari-chan… I am sorry for worrying you all with my absence." He proclaimed sadly. "It is nice to see you both again." The prince would love to stay and chat, but he had to hurry back before sunrise, he was unsure of the actual time, but it would take him a while to transport Shukaku back to Lee's farm unnoticed.
"Worry not my dear siblings. I was not kidnapped at all." He knew that he had to explain at least a little bit to his disappearance. "I have run away on my own free will to attain to a dream that I wish to achieve. I have made a promise to a very special person for my safe return, I cannot stay." He knew that if his siblings missed him this much, he might have thought twice about leaving the castle in the first place, but he had already made up his mind.
When his older brother mentioned his horse, a bit of worry struck his gaze at the thought of his precious animal not eating because he was depressed. With the tilt of his head, he looked over at his beloved animal, "Shukaku… Were you not eating because you missed me?" He asked the sweet creature, not expecting an answer. The prince walked over to the large Frisian, expecting his siblings to fallow in his footsteps. He has missed his family, and his horse. But he had to take only one of them with him.
Gaara raised a hand to pet his stallion on the muzzle, and he could feel Shukaku desperately sniff his hand now knowing for a fact that this was his master. He gently bobbed his head, as if agreeing to what Gaara had said, and whinnied happily. "I am sorry for the sudden appearance, but I must be getting on my way. I have returned for Shukaku, he will be coming with me." The prince said softly, as he opened the stall, and turned to face his siblings. He didn't need to lead the horse; he would simply fallow him over to the tacking post to be saddled. Although, he awaited for a response, not planning on leaving his siblings in the dust without a fair say in what he had just proclaimed.
JapanEmoGirl
Temaris arms slowly slipped off of Gaara, a look of disbelief over her face. Kankuro matched her look, as both of their eyes followed their little brother to his horse. They watched him talk to Shukaku, and then talk to them. Temari was the first to snap out of the trance they were put under, and took a step towards Gaara, "Little brother," she said, softly, "where are you going? Who did you make a promise to?"
Kankuro also took a step at this point, "Do you mean you won't stay here? If it is because you do not want to be King, we can fix that. You don't have to, I could take over," his eyebrows went up, and a sad frown on his face told everyone that, even he, did not want his brother to leave without a good reason, "why are you leaving?"
The siblings knew they didn't spend much time with their brother, but they always have been worried about him. They have always wanted to help Gaara, in any way they could. But, now he was leaving without telling the reason why, other then he 'promised somebody special'. Somebody special? Who could that be? Temari and Kankuro wanted to know more on why Gaara was leaving.
XxGaaraloverxX
It hurt to see his older sibling's reaction to his sudden leave. He already left once without a word, but this time he was leaving for good and wasn't coming back. "I-I… c-cannot say…" he knew that if he gave out Lee's identity, word could get out as his lover becoming a criminal. "I am sorry, sister dear. The chances of us meeting again will not happen after this moment. I plan to run far away from the kingdom." He told his sister. He hoped that she would understand, but it did hurt him to see them so upset.
Aquatic eyes looked over at his older brother. He was a strong man, but even now he could see that he is starting to break at his defenses. "I am sorry, Kankuro, I can't stay. I am not happy here… It is not your fault at all, do not blame yourselves. Even if you become King my happiness lies within another, and I will not be happy without that one person in my life." He understood what he brother meant. Gaara didn't mind becoming king. It was the fact that he would be separated from his one true love. They could never be truly happy, due to the law that separates them. If Lee could be with him in the castle, then he would stay. But because of that, he cannot.
"I am leaving for good because I am in love." He finally said with a tinge in his chest and a shallow breath. "Society will not accept us together, due to me being a prince. We have decided to run away and not look back. Live a life of freedom and happiness." The prince had to keep track of his words that he was saying. He wasn't sure if his siblings would accept the fact that he was gay. It was a sin and a crime punishable by stoning, or the guillotine.
The prince walked over to the tack room, listening to his horses hoof beats fallow closely behind him, waiting for his master to come out. Gaara retrieved Shukaku's saddle, boots, saddle pad, martingale, bridle and halter. He was making sure that his horse was ready for that long leap over that fence.
As he walked out, Shukaku tapped his hoof on the ground excited about seeing that saddle. He knew that he was going for a ride. The prince could already imagine what he was thinking "Where are we going? Are we going on a trail ride? Are we going jumping? Are we doing polo?" He might have to warm him up before that gallop towards the fence, didn't want to strain him after not being ridden in almost two days.
Grabbing a brush, Gaara began to clean the horse off from the dirt sticking to his coat, still listening to his siblings if they had a comeback to try and convince him to stay or to hear a reaction. Taking the time to pick out any dirt from Shukaku's hoofs as he prepared his animal for the trip to Lee's farm.
JapanEmoGirl
Kankuro opened his mouth to respond to Gaara, but shut it as quickly as he opened it when he heard Gaara say he was in love. Love? Gaara? Who? The questions only built up more, they wanted to know. They wanted to see their brother again. They didn't want this to be the last goodbye; they didn't want this to be the last words. There are still so much Kankuro and Temari both wished to tell him, their brother.
Temari slowly walked up to Gaara, and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him from behind, stopping Gaara from doing anymore things to his horse, "Gaara," she whispered, "please, tell us what happened. We promise we will not tell a soul, why would we? If you're as happy as you say you are with this person, we would never tell a soul where you went."
Kankuro walked over to his siblings, and also whispered, "We don't want this to be our last goodbye. At least tell us where you're going, so we can visit every once and awhile. Then, we won't be as... sad when you're gone forever."
XxGaaraloverxX
This is what the prince was afraid of. Heartache. He wanted to disappear from this castle without so much as a good-bye, but now he has to tell his siblings the heart-wrenching words of his farewell. It hurt. He hated to leave his siblings like this. He could feel his heart constrict with sadness, when his sister held him from behind, making him stop in mid-brush. He remained speechless, though. Should he tell them who has stolen his heart? He was afraid of the reaction he would receive.
The prince placed the brush back on the little stool that Kankuro was sitting on earlier, and looked up at his brother in sadness. "I don't want this to be our final farewell, either. But, I don't know where we are going. I can promise you that I will write to you, at least making sure that I am alright. When we settle, I will give you an address to go by; chances are we will be going south to greener pastures." He told his brother, making sure that it was another promise. He would see them again soon. This would not be the end
With a sigh, he looked up at his siblings and whispered softly, his secret "I have fallen for a man… That is why I cannot stay… I will be found out if I do, and he will be executed for suspicion of harboring a prince." Gaara said with sad aqua eyes. He didn't know if his siblings would be disgusted with him or would shun him from their lives. They both knew homosexuality was illegal.
JapanEmoGirl
Temari let go of Gaara once more, and stood beside Kankuro, awaiting the answer to their question. So far, they only know that whoever Gaara had fallen for and him are leaving the kingdom soon, that Gaara had fallen for someone, and that he didn't know where they were going. That wasn't good enough. Why was he leaving, was the most important question. Why was their little brother leaving, if he wasn't unhappy here? They wanted to know so much, like who was the person he loved, or when they are leaving, but 'why' was the most important thing they wanted to know.
Then, they got their answer. A man... Gaara had fallen for a man. That's why he had to leave. Homosexuality was strictly forbidden in the kingdom. He'd rather give up his life as a Prince, then to give up his love for this mystery person. Somehow, thinking this, Temari smiled slowly, "So, that's why? Gaara, brother, you don't have to be scared to tell us that... we still love you. I understand why you have to leave, now. We won't stop you, right, Kankuro?" She turned to her brother, who was trembling.
Kankuro stared at the hay on the ground, trembling and tears threatening to leave his eyes. He couldn't believe it. How could- why did- ... Kankuro didn't hate his brother for liking men. He loved him, and respected him even more now, actually. He just wished... "Gaara," he said, "don't even think about hesitating when you leave. I want you to follow this man, stay with him as long as you can. Make sure he treats you right, and don't you dare think about leaving him. This is a big thing you're doing. I respect you more for doing it. I wish I had your courage to do this when I was your age, brother. Follow your dream, and live a happy life. With him." Kankuro looked up at his younger sibling, the tears staining his eyes. He shocked himself, why the Hell was he about to cry. Well, he knew why, but they didn't. He needed to look strong, he can cry like a baby later.
XxGaaraloverxX
When his brother spoke, he was sure to be ridiculed. To be banished by his own family, for his safety. If they wanted him safe, then they would have to exile him from the kingdom to keep from getting killed. Completely opposite to what he was thinking, Kankuro said that he was happy for him, and that he wanted only his happiness.
A big and bright smile decorated the prince's expression, as he openly smiled at them for the first time in years. "T-Thank you…!" Gaara said softly as he reached up and hugged both of his siblings in a heartfelt hug. He would see them again for sure. Even if Gaara had to travel hundreds of miles just to see them. This wouldn't be their final good-bye. They respected his decision to leave the castle and the kingdom, and even supported it. Best of all, they still loved him after he had confessed his love for another man. "I-I will make sure he treats me like the king I was supposed to be. Thank you for everything, dear brother and sister…"
With that, he let go, and turned back around to an eager horse. Shukaku was tap dancing in place as he awaited to be saddled and ridden by his loving master once more. Gaara grabbed his special made saddle and lifted it up to put onto his back. With a girth on one side attached, the prince reached under the horse to pull it on the other side and tighten the saddle on the horse's back. The prince kneeled down and placed Shukaku's boots on his front and back legs, making sure to place bell-boots on his front two feet, for safety. Last but not least, he walked to the front of his lovely Frisian and attached a bridal to his face. Shukaku bucked his head happily, chewing at the bit in excitement. Gaara placed the halter overtop of the bridle, for safe-keeping, and turned around to greet his siblings. "Fallow me outside for a proper good-bye. This will not be the last time we meet."
JapanEmoGirl
Temari stared at Kankuro for awhile, knowing full and well she'll have to talk to him soon after. She turned her head to look back at Gaara, watching him put the last touches on his horse, and getting ready to leave. A small wave of sadness washed over her, but was quickly gone when Gaara turned back around to speak. She and Kankuro both nodded, and quickly followed Gaara quietly. They helped with the searching of knights, but thanked the Heavens when half of them were sleep in their beds, and the other half were asleep on the job. Kankuro made a mental note to scold them later for doing so.
Kankuro looked at the back of Gaara's head as he walked behind him. Gaara was following his dream, being with the man he wanted, and not having second thoughts about it. Not afraid of getting caught. Nothing like himself. When Kankuro was Gaara's age, he was afraid of getting caught. He was afraid of running about with his special someone. He was afraid of everything his little brother wasn't. Which is why he will push Gaara to do it. Do it for himself, and do it for Kankuro. Because he never got to be happy, but Gaara will. Even if the make-up wearing males life was a trade for it.
XxGaaraloverxX
The prince pulled the reins up to rest on the horse's withers, as he simply walked along without leading. There was no need to, as Shukaku fallowed nonetheless. Gaara walked outside of the barn, and took a deep breath of fresh mid-night air. He had never felt so free before this moment. His siblings were happy for him, and he finally gets to live out his dream.
Once outside, he stopped, making Shukaku do the same. Gaara turned around to either side of his horse to pull out the stirrups, ending at the left side. With his hands on either side of the saddle, Gaara placed his left foot in the stirrup and hoisted himself up in the seat. The prince situated himself, placing his other foot securely inside of the stirrup, and grasped firmly onto the reins to keep Shukaku from darting off into a happy trot to have his master atop his back once more. He looked over at his siblings with a happy smile "I bid you farewell, Temari, Kankuro. I shall promise that we will see each other again."
JapanEmoGirl
Both siblings watched their brother get on the horse, and adjust quickly. Temari and Kankuro both said their goodbyes, happy to know that they will meet each other again. They could only wish that it will be soon. With a wave, the brother and sister watched the Prince ride off, both still whispering silent goodbyes, and stared off to where he left when he was no longer in sight.
After a moment, Temari turned her head to Kankuro, wonder in her eyes, "Brother," she said, "why... back there in the stable, why were you...?"
Kankuro kept staring in the direction Gaara left, a small smile on his face, "Because I know what it's like to lose the person you love to the law. I was forced to never see my special person ever again. I will not have the same for Gaara."