Destiny of the Cursed
Chapter 39: The Night before War (Part 2)
"…You eat fast."
The side comment from the person beside her made her snap her head to the side, her eyebrows raised in incredulity as the girl tried to chew everything inside her mouth. Swallowing the noodles, Katana gave the redhead a glance and smiled sheepishly, her hands fumbling consciously with the chopsticks.
"Hah, sorry." She said with an embarrassed laugh, her face tainted with pink. Seemingly amused, the Kazekage chuckled with mirth, his stare fixed on the brunette. "You don't choke on the noodles?" He asked her with a hint of curiosity and Katana merely beamed in answer and shook her head, her chopsticks pushing yet another string of noodles inside her mouth.
"Nope. Naruto and I would always eat here back then." She proudly explained around a bite of ramen, a faraway smile plastered on her face as she recalled the past times. "We'd have a ramen eating contest and the loser would pay the bill. So I kind of got used to eating this fast…Still, he eats even faster than I do, you know?" Katana said, her smile faltering slightly at the mention of the blonde's name.
"Now that I think about it, I never did win any of our contests…" She muttered with an inaudible puff of breath, something in her chest constricting painfully. "I wonder…if he still remembers any of that now…"
Seeing melancholy flash through her gaze for the nth time that day, Gaara frowned and inwardly cursed, the creases on his forehead deepening. With a feeling of utter helplessness, the boy hesitantly placed his free hand over hers, his thumb tracing random circles on her skin soothingly. "He's fine. I read a narrative report about his training in the hidden island yesterday. Yamato—the jounin-in-charge—said he had improved greatly." He droned out carefully, his attention quickly shifting to the small, lopsided beam on her lips.
"The jounin also included in the report that Naruto misses both you and Sakura-san terribly that he even murmurs your names in his dreams."
The sound of Katana's chuckle made him relax slightly. He watched her shake her head and sigh heavily, her mouth molded into a relieved grin. "That baka." She said as she toyed with her ramen using her chopsticks, her other hand twisting so that it intertwined with his. "He'll never change."
"Yes…He never will."
Squeezing his hand gratefully, Katana flashed the redhead a grateful beam before resuming her eating, this time in a much slower and controlled pace. Silence took its place over them as the two ate in relative peace, their braided hands never letting go.
The busy crowd could be heard bustling from outside the ramen stand, civilians and shinobi passing by behind them, but the young couple could hardly care less. Noises fell on deaf ears that registered only the steady beating of their hearts, grey and aquamarine sneaking glances at one another every now and then, secret smiles sent to each time their gazes connect.
"Here." Gaara told the old man gently as he handed his payment and beside him, Katana stood up, breaking their locked hands in the process. The brunette walked out of the shop calmly and stopped right in front of the entrance, a small beam etched on her face as she waited for the boy.
Seeing him back away from the counter and approach her slowly, she extended a hand towards him, her smile softening when he took it wordlessly. Hands interlaced once more as their feet scuffled along the street, the duo bypassing villagers and shinobi easily.
This kind of warmth, this feeling of safety… thought Katana silently, her gaze unfocused on the road ahead, her fingers nonchalantly drumming on the backside of Gaara's hand, only you could make me feel this secure, Gaara.
Sandals scraped noisily against the cement as they trudged on without a care, both of them too at-eased to even bother silencing their footsteps. Before either of them realized it, they found themselves staring in front of the Hokage Mansion, the sight making their hearts sink. Feeling the redhead beside her stiffen, Katana nudged him gently, offering him a weak smile when he dejectedly glanced down at her.
Seeing misery take over his previously contented expression, Katana sighed and shook her head softly, taking the initiative to resume their pace and tugging the unhappy Kazekage behind her. "Are you free later at dinner?" He asked her out of the blue, his deep voice breaking the silence and startling her.
She turned to look at him and blinked before frowning slightly, a thought dawning into her. "No. Sakura invited me for dinner." She answered as they walked and then paused hesitantly, her teeth worrying her lower lip at the sound of his disappointed sigh. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." He reassured her quickly, rich crimson locks swaying as he shook his head. "It's fine. I understand that you have to spend time with your friends as well…"
"But—"
"Ah, Kazekage-sama. So this is why you're missing."
The sudden statement made the two teenagers whirl back with tense bodies, the redhead immediately relaxing after seeing who it was. Beside him, Katana bowed hastily, her head hanging low and her shoulders squared stiffly. "Mizukage-sama." She regarded politely and heard the middle-aged woman chuckle with fondness, her melodic voice offering the brunette much relief. "At ease, kunoichi." The long-haired Kage said in an amused tone, her gaze watching the girl with mirth as she scooped up.
"Mizukage-sama", Gaara began, his unexpressive façade back in place almost immediately, "you were looking for me? Is something the matter?" Mei shook her head calmly, her smile soft and composed. "Nothing's wrong, Gaara-sama. We were just wondering where you've gone." She explained reassuringly to him as one hand tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, "There's a meeting that will be held again an hour later this afternoon. Do you remember?" She inquired him distractedly, her gaze shifting back to the girl beside the Kazekage.
Noticing the brunette squirm uncomfortably under the close scrutiny, Mei softened her stare, her mint green orbs flickering to Gaara teasingly afterwards. "So this is the lucky young lady…" She drawled out, chuckling when Katana shrunk back with a violent blush.
"Hai…" Gaara replied tentatively as he glanced at Katana, his hand letting go of hers temporarily and choosing to encircle her waist instead. Pulling her an inch closer, relief washed over his system the minute she relaxed against his sturdier frame, her arm dangling loosely over his hip, "Mizukage-sama, meet my fiancée, Yotsuki Katana. Katana, meet Mei-sama."
Releasing a thoughtful hum, the grin on the woman's face widened, her eyes twinkling with obvious glee. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sweetheart." The woman greeted lightheartedly, extending a hand to the younger girl. Grey eyes dropped down to the friendly hand before snapping up to stare boldly at green orbs, a curt smile taking over her features. "The pleasure's all mine, Mizukage-sama."
"Aw", The Mizukage chuckled after dropping the handshake, the sudden change in her tone surprising both of them, "aren't you two just cute?" Blinking as the words registered into his mind, Gaara's poker face twitched for a quick second, mortification visible in his reddening cheeks. "Cute…?" He asked hoarsely, his normally strong voice sounding an octave higher than usual.
Glancing at the redhead in surprise, Katana bit back the chuckle that threatened to escape her as she rubbed his back comfortingly, the blush on her face growing even darker. "Hai, hai!" Mei added cheerfully as if to take away the doubtful edge on his voice, her beam wide and her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You match each other quite well, you know." She stated warmly, cradling her arms together.
"I…That's…W-We uh…Th—"
Preventing the smile that tugged insistently at the corners of her lips at the sound of the flustered and broken stutters, Katana coughed lightly, turning her attention up at the red-faced Kage.
"I think what Kazekage-sama meant to say was…", Katana started, startling Gaara into looking down at her, aquamarine eyes focusing on her grey orbs as if in a trance. Breaking eye contact with the boy momentarily to glance at the Mizukage, the kunoichi beamed at her, "Thank you, Mizukage-sama." She said softly, her gaze on the older woman soft and grateful. "Not all people approve of our relationship. It's good to know someone actually does."
Smiling brightly, the woman placed her hands up, shaking her head. "No need to thank me, sweetheart. I was just telling the tr—"
"Mizukage-sama, Kazekage-sama!"
At the sound of the rough voice laced with irritation, both Kages turned towards the owner of the voice, their expressions seemingly unhappy with the newcomer. "Tsuchikage-sama. What a…pleasure to have you join us here." Gaara acknowledged dryly, a smirk pulling at the sides of his mouth when he saw the teasing grin on the Mizukage's face and heard the brunette beside him bite back a chortle.
"Enough with your sarcasm, brat." The old man snapped in annoyance as he gave off an insulted 'hmph', further encouraging the wicked grin on the redhead's expression to develop. "We have a meeting to attend to and you and the Mizukage are the only ones missing in it! Now hurry! We don't have all day, you know!"
Invisible eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, a displeased frown replacing Gaara's earlier smirk. "Meeting…? Right now? But I thought—"
"Well, you thought wrong, Kazekage-sama." Scowling darkly at the comment, Gaara sent a cold glare towards the small shinobi and the Tsuchikage merely scoffed. "What? You thought you're the only one with the smart aleck remarks?" Grinning infuriatingly, the old man turned his back on the group and began to walk back to the conference room again. "Oh, and", Craning his head back, the Tsuchikage glanced at Katana pointedly, smirking, "that's a fine woman you got there, Kazekage-sama. The Raikage's daughter, eh? Good job." With that said, he rounded a corner and disappeared from their sight.
Sighing with evident tiredness, the Mizukage sent the young couple one last beam before walking away, one of her hands rising up to wave goodbye as she followed the Tsuchikage's tracks. Staring at the empty hallway for a few seconds, Katana bit her lip and cleared her throat, her gaze shifting encouragingly at Gaara. "Hey, you better go join them. I don't think the other Kages would like it if you keep them waiting." She watched him exhale heavily and take in a slow breath, his face once again becoming expressionless.
"Hai." He answered with a sharp nod, the hand on her waist falling as he pulled away slowly. He turned to her, letting just a sliver of concern to flash through his eyes. "Are you going to be alright?"
"Yeah", Katana replied reassuringly, nodding and smiling despite the hollow feeling that crept up inside her chest again, "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." Pushing herself to stand on her tiptoes, pressed her lips against his in a short kiss, the intimate gesture warming her insides even for just a moment. "I'll see you…tomorrow." The last word made her breath hitch, a heavy lump constricting at the back of her throat. As the feeling of dread and loneliness filled her once more, she turned and jogged away, her heart beating erratically against her chest. Goodbye…
"What?"
The chorus of incredulous reactions made the blonde in the middle grin even wider, with her hands on her hips and her body swaying as they walked along the road. "Uh huh." Ino confirmed with a proud nod and she gave all four a quick glance, one of her hands rising and flicking back her long ponytail. Mouth agape, Sakura shook her head in shock and crossed her arms across her chest, snorting, "No way, Pig."
"Yes waaay, Forehead." The Yamanaka replied again, much to the amusement of the other two. Chuckling as the two infamous friends began to bicker childishly, Tenten scratched the back of her head before turning to the indigo-haired girl walking on her right side.
"So…", she started and hid a smile when the younger kunoichi stifled a giggle at the hilarity of it all, "Ino and Kiba used to be a 'thing', huh?" With a large grin, Tenten shrugged easily, tucking a strand of loose hair on the back of her ear. "Who knew, right?" She asked and nudged the Hyuuga, earning a surprised squeak. "Did you know about that Hinata?"
Innocently blinking with her pearl-like lavender eyes, Hinata shook her head and looked up thoughtfully, placing a finger at her chin. "N- No…I don't recall Kiba-kun s-saying anything about t-that." She told them, the faint blush on her cheeks seemingly gone in the dim surroundings. "D-Demo, t-there used to be a time w-when he always b-blushed w-whenever Ino-chan was around."
"Ah…" Tenten said as the realization dawned into her, her arms swinging rather carelessly as she bounced along the street. "I guess that explains all the awkwardness between them back when we were still genin, ne, Kat—Katana-chan?" The weapon's mistress's light tone dropped in concern the minute she turned back to look at the silent brunette, her eyebrows creasing. "You okay back there?"
The sound of the bun-haired girl's voice snapped Katana off her thoughts and brought her back to reality, her head rushing up and her grey eyes blinking into focus. "Tenten." She regarded feebly, mustering up a faltering beam at both the doe-eyed kunoichi and the Hyuuga heiress beside her. "I'm fine. Just tired I guess." Tired of all this fuss, she added mentally, her smile turning stable as she approached them. "This day's been exhausting, ne? But I'm really glad I got to spend time with you guys before we depart for Kumo."
"Hai, I'm glad too." Tenten agreed with a nod, her tone turning soft and mellow at the change in topic. "War, huh…?" She asked them and the two could only nod their heads dubiously, unable to think of anything further to say. Sharply inhaling, Katana dropped her smile, a serene expression taking over her features as she craned her head up, fixing her gaze on the darkening horizon above them.
"Don't worry." Tenten reassured them a little too cheerfully, trying to hide the uncertainty and doubt in her own voice. "I'm sure everything will be fine…we're together in this after all. Right, Hinata-chan?"
"H-Hai…Tenten-chan's right." Hinata timidly added from in between them, her fingers fumbling together in a habitual manner as she pinned her eyes down on the cement road. "We…W-We can't back down now." Instead of relieving her of her burden, the strong stress at the last statement only made Katana's heart weigh down further, her gaze narrowing straight ahead as her lips formed a thin line. "W-We're doing t-this for K-Konoha…for Naruto-kun…" Tentatively peering from underneath her dark bangs, Hinata laid a comforting hand down the latter's stiff shoulder, the Hyuuga tensing nervously when the brunette jerked back in reflex.
"Sorry, Hinata." Katana whispered hoarsely, forcing herself to relax under the girl's touch with much difficulty. "You're right." She told the dark-haired kunoichi, nodding and swallowing heavily, letting herself believe the pathetic excuse for just a while longer. "We're not kids anymore…we shouldn't hide or be protected", she said, her eyes lowered as to avoid glancing at her friends' downcast faces, her tone desperately trying to convince herself as well, "Rather, this time, it's our lives that are on the line for the sake of others."
Craning her head up and flicking her gaze back onto the path ahead, she took the initiative to resume their pace, her insides feeling frozen and hollow as she uttered the next words, "We are shinobi…and shinobi do not know fear." She muttered bitterly, the ugly truth leaving a burning trail down her tongue as it rolled off her mouth.
Hearing the sharp inhales from beside her, the brunette whirled her head to the side, her eyebrows shooting up when she saw all of them, including Ino and Sakura, staring at her with wide eyes, their faces morphed into concerned expressions.
"Katana…" Sakura began after sharing a look with Ino, the pink-haired kunoichi stepped forward to approach her, her hand immediately going up to feel the latter's forehead. "Are you feeling well? You feel warm. Also, you've been pale all day."
"Forehead's right, Katana." Ino piped in worriedly, her arms crossing over her chest in an attempt to look indignant. "Seriously", she said, a crease on her forehead deepening as her lips fell into a frown, "what's bothering you, tough girl? Is this about Gaara?" Green eyes widened with evident concern then, the medic's infamous fists balling angrily. Scowling, Sakura clamped her hands on Katana's shoulders, meeting the girl's gaze intensely. "What did he do now?" She demanded, tone indignant and protective. "Did he hurt you again? Want me to—"
"What? No! I—"
"I-Iie, Sakura-chan. I-It's n-not about K-Kazekage-sama." Hinata supplied hastily, her soft fingers gently prying Sakura's grip off Katana. With a snarl, Sakura dropped her hands and stomped her feet, her glare making Hinata cower down. "Then what is it abou—"
"War, Sakura—"
"Tenten." Katana bit out warningly but it was already too late; the damage had been done. Hearing the weapons mistress's answer, both Ino and Sakura froze, their previously outraged expressions melting into dejection and something that closely resembled fear. Seeing her friend's reaction made Katana close her eyes tightly, her hands fisting the fabric of her shorts in frustration.
Tense silence fell upon the group and Katana let out a sigh, her hand brushing back her hair to lessen the pounding in her head. "No, it's nothing, Sakura." Katana dismissed eagerly as she pulled back, hastily trying to wave away the unwanted attention directed to her.
"I'm fine." She told them firmly, relief filling her slowly when she noticed them gradually relax again, "I was just…trying to voice out my opinions. Y'know, trying to reassure you guys." She said as if it was the most normal thing in the world to talk about war and shrugged easily, placing her hands at the back of her head and turning her back on them.
"Ah, I see my house over there." Katana cut off quickly, making a show of pointing a red gate that stood not so far away from where they were situated. "I guess I'll be going then, ne?"
Silence was the only reply she received and so, with a heavy heart inside her chest, Katana trudged forward, her feet scraping against the ground in an almost painful manner. She slowed her steps on purpose, her ears straining to hear something, anything…
"Katana!"
She halted. Waited…
"…Yes?"
"Have…Have a safe trip home."
Her eyebrows rising slowly in sync with the pained smile that grew on her face, she languidly raised a hand, waving it in a mocking salute. "Will do, Sakura. Will do…"
"Tou-san, I'm home!"
The creak of the door hinges echoed loudly inside the apartment as Katana kicked herself inside tiredly, her shoulders slumped and her back slouching as she took off her sandals. Barefooted, Katana roamed into the living room, her aching feet throbbing insistently every time she took a step. Grey eyes swept around the empty house, searching for any sign of life.
"Tou-san?" Katana called out again, her eyes narrowing. "Tou-san, are you there?" Slowly, her orbs traveled down to the coffee table and found a note taped to the smooth wooden surface, the thin, scribbled handwriting belonging to none other than Hatake Kakashi.
Yo, Kat-chan.
Sorry that this letter's all I can do for now; Hokage-sama insisted that I join their urgent meeting concerning the war strategy as soon as possible or she'd drag my sorry ass to the office herself. Anyway, I've just gone home to change clothes and grab a few things before leaving again. I'm not going to be able to come home today, so don't bother staying up and waiting for me. I left the summoning scrolls on your bedside table. Summon Pakkun if the need arises, ne? I trust that you can take care of yourself just fine. Stay safe.
~Kakashi
Crumpling the note softly with a grimace, the brunette shook her head in dismay and sauntered over to the kitchen, stopping in front of the fridge and her fingers coiling around the handle. The kunoichi opened it with a tug, her eyes closing the minute the wave of cool breeze brushed over her face.
Squinting to see through the haze of cold air, Katana grabbed a pitcher of water and turned around, the door of the fridge clicking shut when her foot sent it a dull kick. Pulling out a glass, she poured a generous amount of water and waited until it filled almost up to the brim before setting aside the jug, her other hand bringing the glass up to her parted lips eagerly.
Gasping as her dry throat was relieved, the girl ignored the painful squeeze of her empty stomach and placed the used glass in the sink. Dragging her feet to get herself moving, she wandered over to her room, turning the knob open and switching the lights on. Her gaze traveled all over the place, her frown softening at the familiar feeling of warmth that it gave off.
This room, this house…She murmured internally, her hands reaching out to caress the pastel blue walls, I wonder if I'll ever see it again after this day…Will I be able to go back here again?
Releasing a sigh, she flicked the door shut, killed the lights and discarded her clothes stiffly, folding them and stacking them it a corner before snatching a clean shirt and a pair of shorts, tugging it on simultaneously. Without further delay, she threw herself on her bed carelessly, glancing at the scrolls by her bedside table. Now that she was all alone inside the confines of her room, the girl felt even more disheartened if possible, a raw ache left inside her chest and eating her insides away little by little.
This was stupid, she knew. She was stupid. Shinobi didn't have fears. Shinobi weren't supposed to be scared or frightened by anything. Shinobi were emotionless; they were tools and tools weren't supposed to be afraid of death. Fear was weakness; it was unneeded, she kept telling herself, but the fact that she was still afraid, that she was still too weak to stand up against the illusions that could possibly never happen remained behind.
Banishing the thoughts in her pounding head, she sighed once more, fingers pressing against her temples. Closing her eyes, she leaned back, allowing her head to take comfort in the softness of her pillow. It's fine…We're going to be just fine…
It was raining. That much Katana could observe, just from the coldness and dampness of their surroundings, not to mention that the atmosphere around them was but a heavy cloud of mist. It's still early in the morning, she mused silently as she strained her eyes to see, or late in the afternoon, I suppose. It's hard to distinguish the time with weather like this. Anyway…what am I doing here? She inquired mentally, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion, together with another feeling that she couldn't quite place. The fact that everyone was wearing all black, including herself, didn't do anything to lessen her dread.
"What's happening…?" She breathed out in question to no one in particular and jumped when she received a humorless bark of laughter in reply, her body tensing as she craned her head to the side.
"Do you not know?" The person asked back, his voice cracking with hysteria. "And here I thought you were the closest one to him, jan." Grey orbs widening, Katana's breath hitched, a chilling sensation running down her spine. "K-Kankuro?" She voiced out with incredulity lacing her tone, his appearance enough to make color drain away from her face.
His normally clean face marked with neat purple design was nowhere to be found; in its place, instead, were dried wounds and scars, some of them still deep, ugly red in color. Stubble grew from his once smooth jaw, heavy, dark bags present underneath his stormy green eyes. The puppeteer looked nothing like the Kankuro Katana once knew.
Releasing a snort of hilarity, the jounin faced forward, a bitter smirk gracing his lips. "Hai. It's me, jan. 'S a wonder what war can do to a person, ne?"
"W-War?" Katana stuttered out rather nervously, goose bumps appearing down the length of her arms. "War has already—"
"Shh. It's starting."
"What?"
"The ceremony."
Turning to where Kankuro's finger had pointed, Katana's mouth fell agape when her gaze landed on a blonde girl with four pigtails, the formal black kimono that hugged her body wrinkling as she stepped up onto the makeshift stage in front.
Grey eyes followed Temari's hollow form, the brunette's heart clenching tightly when she noticed the kunoichi's desolated and blank stare at the crowd. Murmurs and hushed whispers filled the area as Temari scanned her audience with an expressionless façade, her once intense orbs dull and lifeless, her mouth set in a straight line.
"Shinobi."
The crowd fell into a dead silence once Temari spoke, all their attention shifting all at once at her then. Inhaling deeply, the blonde opened her mouth again and resumed her speech, "Before anything else…I want to thank everyone present here today for attending this ceremony. He—", she halted in the middle of her statement, moisture gathering in her eyelids, "He would have thanked you all so deeply if he was here…"
Eyebrows creased slightly as a frown took over Katana's features, the dread that she felt earlier doubling in intensity. "Kankuro…" she began distractedly, sending the older boy a quick glance before turning to the blonde speaker once more, "What is she talking about?"
"What, you say…" The puppeteer rumbled in reply, his tone low and silent as he fixed his eyes on his sister. "Isn't the question 'who' more appropriate?" Hearing his answer, Katana whirled around and faced him fully, obvious anxiety scribbled in her expression as her heart thundered inside her chest. "What do you mean?"
"He was…a good man." The brunette heard Temari say with a shaky voice, the stutters by themselves an indicator that she was nearing her breaking point. "A good leader…A good brother." Katana's heart stopped as the words registered in her ears, realization hitting her like a ton of bricks. Fear entered her heart the minute she deciphered their meaning and Katana felt her world gradually crumble apart.
"Kankuro." She snapped hurriedly, the desperation and alarm clear in her voice. "…Where's Gaara?"
"Ah…Gaara? Well, jan—"
"Cut the crap, Kankuro." She hissed and balled her fists angrily, rage flashing through her gaze as she glowered at him through narrowed eyes. "Tell me the truth!" The people didn't matter anymore. Temari didn't matter. The tense silence that surrounded the two of them as eyes fixed their gazes on their forms didn't matter to Katana at all.
"Where is Gaara?" She asked for the second time around, stressing each word to make the older shinobi understand faster. "Kankuro!"
"He's dead, jan."
"No…No…You're lying. Stop it. Just tell me—"
"No?" Interrupted Kankuro mockingly, though his face was anything but amused. He was livid, his face red with indignation and shame, his eyes welling with unshed tears. "Then why don't you go over there and see for yourself, jan?" He bit out as tears rolled down his scarred cheeks, her calm demeanor breaking down.
"You're the one who keeps lying to herself, Katana." He said with a dismayed shake of his head, his hand wiping the tears that fell unconsciously. "He's dead, jan. He's dead and he'll never come back!"
"You're lying! You're lying!" Katana snarled out in uncontrollable rage, her knuckles turning white from the pressure.
"Gaara's fine! You're lying!"
She ran, tore away from the crowd forcefully, pushing people out of her way as she called out his name.
"Gaara! Gaara, where are you?!"
"Gaara, answer me!"
"Gaara…"
Soon, all her screams toned down into mere whispers, the flow of tears from her eyes seemingly unstoppable.
"GAARA!"
The frantic call echoed inside the darkness of the room as the girl on the bed bolted up, wrecking the dead silence of the midnight. Tears and sweat ran down the sides of her chalk white face, her features looking even paler in the streams of moonlight.
Choking back a sob as she found herself back in the safety of her room, the girl curled up into a ball, her arms going around her legs and hugging them close to her body. "Gaara…" she croaked out weakly in despair, trying to erase the image of him dead inside her mind.
I need to see him…She thought desperately as she wiped away the moisture on her face, her lips pursed in a determined frown, I need to see him…even just for one last time. I need to know that he's alright. Throwing the sheets off her body, she grabbed the knob and swung the door open, her legs running in an alarming rate as she repeated an inner mantra, I need to see Gaara…I need to see Gaara...
Staring at the smooth white door of the Kazekage's Quarters, Katana swallowed the lump in her throat, her jaws clenching as she grimaced uncertainly. Way to go, ba~ka…she silently admonished herself in frustration, a groan escaping her as she thumped her head gently on the large doors.
Well, you're here now. What's next? He probably is already sleeping, you idiot! You and your stupid nightmares…
Scoffing with bitterness, she pushed herself away from the door and took in a sharp inhale, releasing it as an exhausted sigh. Come on, Katana, you're being unreasonable again…
Shaking her head as if to clear it, the brunette brushed back her hair and took a step back, her determination falling apart for good. Sighing once more, she turned on her heel, her legs already positioned to run.
"Katana."
She froze, her breath catching inside her throat, her shoulders tensing reflexively and hope washing over her like a bucket of cold water. That voice…he's okay..he's okay… She repeated over and over internally as she turned back to face him, the sight of him leaning against the doorway with his crimson hair tousled enough to make Katana cry from obvious relief.
Forcing herself to maintain her composure, she mustered a faltering beam at him, her watery gaze meeting his. "Hey." She greeted shakily in a casual tone, as if her presence was something ordinary.
Blinking, the redhead drowsily ruffled his hair, his mouth tugging down in a confused grimace. "What are you doing here?" He asked her slowly and stepped forward to approach her but she stiffened and took a step backwards, tripping over her two feet. Startled, Gaara reclaimed his previous spot, his frown deepening. "Katana…what's wrong?"
"Iie, it's nothing."
"Tell me."
"It's nothing, Gaara…I'm fine." Katana told him stubbornly, offering him a weak smile. Seeing him back down made her relax a little, her shoulders sagging down. "Please, go back to sleep. I don't want to bother you any longer…" Smiling for the last time, she gave him a mock bow before turning around and beginning to walk away, almost tripping for the second time around as she realized that sand glued her feet to the ground.
Preventing an aggravated hiss from escaping her, Katana clenched her jaw and scowled, her hands balling into fists by her sides. "You should really stop this habit of yours, Gaara." She bit out in annoyance, forcibly tugging off the grip on her leg. "Let go, will you?"
"No." Came the equally stubborn answer as the redhead grasped her arm, the sand's grip on her ankle loosening as he whirled her around gently. "Not until you tell me what's wrong with you." He said, worry entering his monotone voice. Grey eyes looked away when they met aquamarine, her firm resolve crumbling like dust whenever she was with him. Flexing her balled hands, she sighed explosively and leaned back into his touch, a wave of emotions crashing to her system the minute she felt his arms encircle her waist protectively.
"Nothing's wrong, baka." She voiced out again, this time in a weaker tone.
"Why are you here then?"
"I wanted to see you."
"Why?"
"Because", she began and swallowed heavily, tears stinging the corner of her eyes as she recalled the horrific scenes of her nightmare. Turning back to face him, she dropped all her control and promptly tackled him into a hug, ignoring the pained grunt he emitted when they bumped against the wall.
Tears left her eyes as she buried her face into his black shirt, the brunette sighing again when she felt lips press against the top of her head. The warmth that radiated off him was enough to make her feel safe, his arms reassuring her that everything would be alright. "…I'm scared, Gaara." She admitted hoarsely from inside his embrace, her hands clutching his back tightly, unwilling to let go for even just a second. "I'm scared…"
"Don't be." Gaara murmured and he held her even closer if possible, his dark-ringed orbs closing as he settled his head down her shoulder. "I'm here…I'll always be here, Katana." Pulling away, he lowered his head, sea foam eyes staring back at ash-colored orbs. "I promise…" He whispered sincerely, his lips descending on hers gently.
"I promise…"
And chapter 39 ends there. I hope I haven't disappointed you. ^^" Sorry, I know my chapters haven't been the best lately. I still do hope you keep reading..! XD Don't worry, I'll update again as soon as possible!