Tojuro chokes out as he struggles to get out of the sand coffin, feeling suffocated as each second passed by. While most of the seniors are pleading for Gaara to release their colleague, the Sand Siblings, Baki and Ebizo stays silent. Today, Tojuro has overstepped his boundary. Ignoring the fact that he wishes Kankuro to overtake the Kazekage position, the man just insulted Tenten, the woman Gaara loves.

Tojuro, an elite member of the Sand Council, holds the number two spot among the seniors. The man has odd ways of ensuring the prosperity of the Sand Village, he is an ambitious man who wants to advance even further politically. Different from Baki, who stands alongside Lord Kazekage and the Sand Siblings, he seems to despise the Kazekage clan to the point of opposing almost everything Gaara has to say during their meetings.

He is wise enough not to get on Gaara's bad side as Lord Kazekage usually ignores him whenever conflicts start to rise. However, it seems that luck is not on his side today. By openly admitting that he would never approve of the woman the young Lord choose, he has awakened the sleeping beast inside Gaara. And now, in front of everyone, he insulted his woman.

Even when Sukaku no longer resides in him, Gaara still has the tremendous strength to wipe out the entire Sand Council if he so chooses.

"You seem to have a lot of opinions about the woman I choose to be with." the young Lord tightens his grip, making Tojuro cry out in pain "I have told you many times to never call her such degraded names ever again, but it seems like you prefer dying than accepting my request."

"L-Lord Kazekage, y-you dare to kill a senior member of the Sand Council?" Ikanago speaks up, her voice shaking in fear.

"You are next when I'm done with him."

The woman flinches as she runs away, fleeing for her life. However, she is stopped by Temari, who blocks the door, trapping her inside.

"What happened, Ikanago-san? You were so determined to let us know our duty as members of the Kazekage family and now, you're running away?" Temari grits her teeth "Cat got your tongue or something?"

Tenten looks at the scene in front of her eyes. Her body is shaking as she watches in terror what is happening. Gaara is ready to kill someone because he insulted her. While she is grateful he cares that much for her, something still feels wrong. Gaara is not the beast he used to be, he's an honorable Lord Kazekage of the Sand Village. For a leader to kill his council member just because of a small argument, how would people think about him…?

She knows that Gaara is doing this for her sake. In front of everyone, he called her his woman. The thought of it makes her face turn red, but it's not important anymore. Tojuro is going to die and no one seems to be bothered about it. Some of the seniors are crawling on the floor, fearful for their lives. Kankuro and Temari seem to side with the idea to eliminate Tojuro and Ikanago. Lee and Shikamaru don't speak up, shinobis of the Leaf Village should not be involved in the conflict of other villages.

And her…?

Tenten feels like she is in a weird limbo right now. She's a kunoichi of the Leaf Village and yet, she shares a special connection with Gaara. If she doesn't do anything, someone will die because of her. But if she decides to step in, then Tenten has acknowledged the fact that Gaara sees her as his.

If she has to be honest, Tenten thinks she is walking on cloud nine the moment he tells everyone who she is to him. Such a bold move coming from Lord Kazekage of the Sand Village and yet, the confirmation somehow eases her heart.

He wants her…

Gaara accepts the good-for-nothing Tenten…

Just like how Neji accepted her years ago…

Neji…

If she accepts Gaara's affection, does that make her an unfaithful person?

She keeps telling herself that she loves Neji, that he's the only man in her life, and that she will not be with anyone besides him. But now, she is conflicted with her own feelings.

These past months, Gaara showered her with such affection and kindness, she took it for granted. She never thought that the young Lord is seeing her that way and let him do things that only lovers do. And then, there's that night…

Tenten believes she is a faithful person, her heart is for Neji and no one else. But along with being a loyal person, she becomes insane. Haunted by the nightmares of Neji's lifeless body, those horrible voices that want her to end herself, and that little girl who keeps crying out for help. The death of Neji causes her to lose not only the person she loves the most but she also gives up on herself.

Tenten loses her self-identity…

No longer the bright and beautiful flower of Team Guy, she drowns herself in tears and self-blame. Asking over and over again the same question, why taking him but not her?

When Gaara came into her life, she was at her lowest. But his kindness helped her. The way he stayed by her side no matter how many times she pushed him away, how he whispered warm and encouraging words in her ears, how his fingers always gently comb her hair, how he held her close in his arms whenever they were together. Those past months, it was his shoulder she cries on, it was his advice she listened to, it was his encouragement that made her laugh. It wasn't Neji who got her back on her own feet, it was Gaara…

She admires him for that, how committed he is to keeping his promise. And along the way, something blooms in her, warm and fuzzy. Suddenly, she looks forward to every meeting they have, her heart feels warm when he's by her side, and her eyes always fall on him wherever they go.

Tenten opens her eyes, looking past the horrific scene in front of her. She sees them, how the birds outside are chirping brightly. Looking at them reminds her of Neji.

Neji always thought of himself as those birds, caged and unable to escape their fate. In his mind, fate was absolute and no one could have the power to change it. He, the Hyuga genius, was chained by the expectation of his family. To protect the main family, protect Lady Hinata, even if it means to lay down his life. That was his fate…

But Naruto showed him something different, he told Neji to 'have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.'

After the death of Neji, Tenten always assumes that she will never be happy, that fate has taken away her beloved person and she is destined to be alone forever…

But these birds…

They are flying at their own will, just like how Neji finally understood that his fate is how he chooses it to be.

So this time, she is choosing her own fate.

You're worthless, pathetic girl… You will never find happiness… NEVER!

She knows those voices inside her are pulling her back into the pit of darkness, they don't want her to escape. That dark figure is behind her, digging their nails into her shoulders, forcing her to stay. Why bother changing it when she doesn't even know what the future is holding for her? It's better that she stays here, rotten with them in this dark and empty void.

She feels a soft gust of wing circling her wrist, pulling her toward the scene. Tenten thought she is imagining things, because for a split second, she sees a familiar face smiling at her, holding her hand and guiding her to where she needed to be. A little bird spreads its wing, soaring to the sky. A small smile forms on her lips…

"Thank you, Neji."

Shikamaru reaches out his hand, trying to grab her. He doesn't want Tenten to get involved in the Sand Village political matter. However, Lee stops him. He doesn't know why, but he understands that if anyone can stop him right now, it's Tenten.

Gaara flinches when he feels someone holds onto his hand gently. This hand, this warmth, this lovely jasmine scent, he knows them very well. There's a hint of tenderness in his eyes as he looks at her brown orbs. To him, she has always been a beautiful person and yet, today, something feels different.

"Gaara…" instead of using his title, she calls him by his name, soft and sweet, like a lullaby that brings his mind back to its peaceful place "Please, don't do this."

He still keeps a soft and steady gaze on her, somehow he just can't put his finger on it. The way she holds his calloused hand in her small palms, the way she speaks to him, how deep her eyes are when she stares back at his mint-colored one. She is asking him to spare the life of the man who just insulted her…

"Please?"

He grunts a bit, almost wanting to deny her request. Gaara might be an honorable Lord Kazekage, commander in chief of a whole army, and yet, he feels weak in front of Tenten. Lighten up his grip, the sand coffin slowly dissolve, leaving Tojuro on the floor, wheezing for air. Tojuro should be grateful that he spares his life, if it's not for Tenten asking, Gaara would make sure that this man won't live to see tomorrow's sunrise.

"L-lord Kazekage, h-how noble of you…"

But Baki steps in, knocking the man unconscious. If that's the first thing that comes out of his mouth, then it's better for Tojuro to not awake at all.

"That was quite a ruckus we had…" Ebizo chuckles under his breath, his words hold an underlying tone as he looks at Tenten and Gaara.

"Kankuro, escort Lord Kazekage back to his quarter." Baki stops for a moment, turning his attention to Tenten "And please, take care of him, Lady Tenten."

Tenten blushes, surprised at the new title. This sounds too formal, too foreign for her, and yet, hearing it warms her heart. For the first time after many years of drowning in darkness, she can finally say that she is proud of herself.

Medics are sent to check on Gaara's health after the commotion. Temari, Lee and Shikamaru are there to assist him.

"Excuse me, Lord Kazekage…"

One of them asks him to take off his shirt, she needs to put the antidotes on his wound. Tenten is standing not far away from the bed, watching in silence. While the wound is slowly healed, she can still see the slight swelling and some bruises on his pale skin, the injuries from his last fight.

"Thank you."

The medic blushes at his words as she pulls out a roll of bandage, ready to cover his wound. Temari observes the situation before stepping in, stopping the medic from finishing her job.

"L-Lady Temari?"

"She can take it from here."

Tenten blinks her eyes a couple of times, trying to process what the older woman is saying. Her face grows a shade of pink, understands what she means as she walks closer, accepting the white cloth roll from the medic.

"And, we should leave now." Kankuro sings "Can't just interrupt the two love birds like that, right?"

The brunette jumps at his words, her cheeks become redder as they take their leave. Lee seems to be hesitant at first, but Shikamaru is smart enough to pull the guy out before he can bother them with his wild and lively outbursts.

"Oh, and I also put the carnation vase on the table. You might want to tell him, lady Tenten."

With a soft and lighthearted laugh, they leave the room, allowing Tenten and Gaara to have their time together. Somehow, being alone with Lord Kazekage in his room makes her nervous reaches maximum level. She has finally come down from her high moment and just realized that she calls him by his first name in front of the whole Sand Council.

"I-I'm sorry, Lord Kazekage. I-it was…" she stops for a moment, fumbling with her words "It was inappropriate for me to c-call you by your name l-like that…"

Silence takes over the room as none of them say anything to each other and as it grows louder, so is her embarrassment. She shakes her head, now it's not the time for her to think silly thoughts, Gaara needs medical attention and she should be focusing on that now.

"Carnations?"

"I-it was mine. I brought it when you were out…" she almost wants to turn her head away, hiding the blush.

Rolling the bandage carefully over his wound, she does it with care and gently seals the ends, making sure that it won't come off. When Tenten finishes her work, a satisfied smile appears on her face as she looks at her creation, feeling proud of her ability. It's only when Gaara cups her cheek with one hand that she realizes that she is sitting on his bed, her hand rests on his chest and how close she is to him right now.

"Lord Kazekage…"

"Gaara!"

She looks at him again, a blush adorns her face upon hearing his request.

"Call me Gaara."

He strokes her cheek, feeling the softness of her skin and that lovely jasmine scent he has missed so much. Gaara thinks that he's dreaming, being away from her for so long makes him wonder if this person in front of him is real or not.

His hand travels down a bit more, stroking her lips with his thumb. The action makes Tenten shifts in her seat, almost pulling herself back, trying to escape his hold. But Gaara isn't having it, he's not going to let her go that easily, not when she's here after all those months of separation.

"I love you."

She stares at him, in awe. Tenten is not dreaming, is she?

She can feel a swarm of butterflies in her stomach, her face heats up at the confession and her chest feels warm, the bubbly feeling keeps rising, making her heart beat faster. It's so sudden and yet, Gaara only speaks the truth.

"I-I…"

Tenten doesn't understand why, but she finds it difficult to say it back. She knows how she feels, the increasing heartbeat, the warm and tingling feeling in her chest, how her cheek flustered whenever she's with him, how his touches always light up a small flame on her skin, making her want more.

"I…I…"

She bites her lips in frustration, why can't she say it back? What if Gaara thinks that she doesn't feel the same?

She opens her mouth, trying to get those words out, to get her feelings out. It's so much, that warm and fuzzy feeling, she feels like her heart is going to burst. But Gaara is faster. Instead of forcing them out of her lips, he's doing something else instead.

He pulls her in, planting a kiss on her lips. His kiss is soft and gentle, making her weak on her knees. Her hands are on his chest, feeling his heartbeat rising. Despite wearing such a calm expression, Gaara is as nervous as she is right now. But his kiss makes her feel safe, he has his arms around her, pulling her closer, allowing Tenten to relax in his embrace. There are butterflies in her stomach, a burst of fireworks in her heart. The way he kisses her makes her feel so loved, so cherished.

Gaara pulls away, admiring her flustered face. Stroking her cheeks, he moves his hand down, resting his palm between her chin and neck, feeling how warm her skin is against his. He looks at her, searching for any sign of disapproval before gently guiding her down onto his bed. His eyes never once left her.

When Tenten's back touches the softness of his bed, her breath hitched. He has her braided hair in his hand as Gaara kisses the brown locks, untying the ribbon and letting it flows down and spread across the pillow. The brunette has her hands on his chest, with one being close to his wound. She rests her hand there, looking at the white bandage and silently asks him if everything is okay,

"It's not hurting anymore."

A rare smile forms on his lips as he holds onto her hand, kissing her palm gently.

"I love you…"

She stares at his mint-colored eyes, admiring. Tenten used to think how flat and cold they were, holding little to no emotion. But now, he looks at her with such warmth and tenderness, she feels like she's walking on cloud nine. Guiding his hand and resting it on her left chest, allowing him to feel her heart pounding. This is her answer to him, a silent answer to his confession…

Gaara kisses her lips again, slow and sweet, allowing her to wrap her arms around him, pulling the young Lord close. There's no regret, no going back this time…

They lay on his bed, clothes scattering on the floor, with Gaara's arm wrapped around her protectively. None of them say anything, afraid that even a small sound can ruin this lovely moment they share together.

Tenten rests her head on his chest, listening to the soft thumping sound. It always brings peace to her mind whenever she listens to his heartbeat. For a man who was deemed a beast, Gaara has been nothing but kind and gentle to her.

The way he holds her in his arms, or how his hands trail on her body, or how he whispers such kind and loving words in her ears, or how he kisses her softly, everything he does makes her feel euphoric, throwing her head back as she calls out his name in pleasure.

Gaara is the first man she has in her life after all…

Tenten sits up on the bed, holding the blanket with her as she gazes at the night sky hazily. Gaara follows her, resting his back on the headboard, looking at her as she observes the sky. The night view coming from his quarter feels somewhat different than through the small casement of her apartment. The wide window in his room offers a breathtaking view of the village beyond.

The blanket of stars stretches beyond the horizon, twinkling and dazzling, carrying a soft radiance that lights up the vast, velvety space. Tenten looks out to the sleeping village, a sense of peace and tranquility emerges in her heart. It has been a while since she is able to admire a beautiful view like this.

Back then, she used to view these sights as boring, dull and almost lifeless in a sense. She wasn't able to see through anything but sadness and sorrow, so the scenery always brought a somber vibe instead of a lively one. But now, she cherishes it, this quiet night sky, this peaceful town, and these hands that have held her dearly.

"It's beautiful, right?"

"It is." she turns around, smiling at him.

Who would have thought that just these shimmering stars in the sky can paint such a lovely picture like this?

"You seem awfully quiet…" he wraps his arm around her as she rests her head on his shoulder, still enjoying the view "Something you want to talk about?"

"I… I just find it funny, how fate brought us together."

Gaara almost can't hold back his chuckle. From Lee complaining to him about Tenten, to him confronting her about her life choices, then that night they shared together, how he's fighting a senior who dares to insult his woman, and now, here they are on his bed, enjoying each other's company. Everything seems to come around in a full circle.

"You know, I always thought that I would end up alone…" she plays with his fingers "The thought of being with someone else besides him scares me…"

To fall in love with another person, not knowing where the future holds scares her. She is afraid, haunted by her own shadows as she thinks of what happened to her beloved Neji. She is afraid that if she loves that person, he might end up leaving her behind again.

It's always the person who got left behind that hurts the most…

Gaara squeezes her hand, letting her know that he is not going anywhere. Tenten giggles at this, finding his action quite reassuring.

"In the end, after everything I have been through, I realize something…" her gaze softens as she meets his eyes "I just want to be happy. To be with someone I hold dear to my heart and spend my life with them. That's what I want…"

Somehow, she feels like she wants to cry. Such a small wish and yet, it always seems so far away from her grasp. So when Gaara walks into her life, her defense mechanisms don't allow her to see how sincere his feelings are. She has been walking around with a mask that blocks her from seeing how much people care for her that even now, Tenten wonders how her life would become had Gaara not come in and offered her a helping hand.

Gaara turns to her, holding her hands in his as she drops the blanket, revealing herself in front of him. The young Kage looks at her, the woman he loves dearly. He plants soft pecks on her forehead, her eyelid, her cheeks, her nose, then he kisses her lips gently.

"It doesn't matter, because I would come back to you again and again until you let me in."

She stares at him, in awe. He always knows how to read her mind. His response makes her giggle softly and yet, her eyes begin to swim in tears. Gaara has never once given up on her…

"Hold me?"

Such a small request from her, how can he deny it? The Kazekage embraces her, his hand combs her hair like always as he whispers loving words in her ears. Tenten smiles against his skin, she can see it, a reflection in the mirror.

That little girl is smiling, holding onto someone's hand. She looks at Tenten, joy filled her brown orbs as she finally finds a place she calls home.

"Thank you, Gaara." a lovely smile forms on her lips "Thanks to you, I found my happiness again."