Finally, a Love Story

by snow-bun-buns1598

We all know the story of Gaara's redemption. From a lonely child who only loved himself, to a young man who aspired to atone and create precious connections with others. Until he became the well loved and respected leader of his village. What's there more to see? When he met an unusual girl who offered him food, it might finally be the start of a love story.

13. Chapter 13

A/N: Thank you to Ukrainian Snowstorm for being my beta! This chapter won't look good without your help.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

"Um sumimasen, can I trouble one of you for directions?" Shinobu said politely to the shinobis standing at the imposing Suna gates.

"Of course. Show me your identification please."

After showing them her invitation, they checked her bags before letting her in. Suna was stricter with foreigners than Kiri. It was understandable though, they hadn't lost their caution since the Akatsuki attack three years ago.

When they were done checking, the guards finally gave her directions to the Kazekage mansion. Shinobu thanked them as she walked. She nearly stumbled at who she saw nearby though.

She made sure to bend her knees just right, keep her posture perfect and all of her fingers aligned as she bowed. Shinobu wasn't expecting that they would greet her at the village gate, at least her lady training had been good for something, since the sand siblings were considered royalty here.

"Ohayo gozaimasu minna-san, my name is Terumi Shinobu," Shinobu greeted as she lifted her head. "It is an honor to meet you."

"These are my siblings, Temari and Kankuro," Gaara jerked his head at the person on each side of him and promptly held a hand out to Shinobu. "And I officially welcome you to Sunagakure, Shinobu-san."

"Arigato."

Gaara-sama stood straight, shoulders back and his siblings flanked him, as usual. Shinobu couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated and maybe it was just the heat but Shinobu thought she saw their weapons out earlier. She had blinked and it was no longer in sight. They looked perfectly normal to her.

The siblings were polite enough but Shinobu noticed the tension they were trying to hide and it made her more nervous. She sighed softly and tugged on the red bandana Mei-sama had forced her to wear.

Everything in Sunagakure looked different, especially the clothes, Shinobu thought as she eyed Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama. Even Gaara was wearing a different outfit. The only things they had in common were her ankle-length boots and the thin fingerless gloves she always wore. Shinobu was glad that it was both stylish and practical in this weather, but the siblings' somber style made her anxious.

The siblings preferred darker colors; blacks, browns, and purple. It was a contrast to Shinobu's haltered pink floral dress. Shinobu bit her lip as she thought about her red bandana that matched the bow on her carefully braided hair. The color seemed too bright and cheerful, Shinobu was afraid she looked childish. The siblings might have their head covers but they didn't put it on. It was just casually slung over their shoulders, making them look more mature.

They were famous shinobis who belonged to an illustrious lineage. She couldn't help but compare herself to them. Mei-sama's encouragements were great but she was alone here. Though they welcomed Shinobu politely, none of them smiled at her and that just adds to her nervousness.

"It's nice to meet you too," Kankuro said as he ushered them ahead. "I'm sure you're tired. We should go to our house so you can get some rest."

Shinobu turned to Gaara, surprise in her eyes. "Your house?"

"Oh," said Temari, her expression deadpan. "Didn't Gaara tell you?"

"How can I," Gaara-sama sounded irritated. "Shinobu-san just got here."

"Details, details," a cheerful Kankuro clapped his hands and pushed his siblings as they walked. "We can talk about it when we get there."

Gaara beckoned her over and they ended up walking together while Temari and Kankuro followed behind. Shinobu arrived early and she was thankful for the cold wind on her back. Mei-sama said it wouldn't last, though.

"Is there something wrong, Shinobu-san?"

"Iye," she covered her discomfort with a smile. "I was just observing things, Gaara-sama."

"Lucky for you, it is the perfect time for that," he tilted his head and Shinobu followed suit. "Look."

Shinobu exclaimed in delight at what she saw. The sun was slowly rising over the horizon and its golden rays cast intricate patterns of light and shadow upon the sprawling dunes on Sunagakure. She marveled at the sandstone walls they passed, adorned with intricate carvings and motifs engraved over the years as they made their way around the settlement.

It was an interesting mix of defense mechanisms and a testament to the village's penchant for artistry and craft.

Now that she looked at it, Shinobu noticed that the village itself was constructed strategically, with brick buildings carefully integrated into the landscape to offer protection from the scorching desert winds and shifting sands.

She had heard a few things about Sunagakure and the rumors were right. The village was known for its distinctive architecture, with domed rooftops and intricate lattice windows that evoke a sense of both beauty and practicality. It was like an artist's paradise here, Shinobu thought to herself.

"What do you think?" Gaara asked softly.

Shinobu beamed. "Sunagakure is beautiful, Gaara-sama!"

"Arigato." He smiled. "Later, we can explore the market. Maybe you'll find rare herbs or spices there."

"I would love that."

Temari and Kankuro exchanged bewildered glances. Their little brother never smiled like that, especially not to a stranger, and a girl at that. Even when he tried to interact with more people, Gaara once complained that he found most ladies unnecessarily loud. That was why he usually gave them the perfunctory greetings.

The older siblings thought that the couple was getting too close for their comfort. So, when Kankuro frowned and tilted his head in their direction, Temari intervened.

"Hai," Temari cut in between them and lightly grasped Shinobu's hand to follow her. "Right, Kankuro?"

Shinobu looked away with a blush while Gaara glared at his sister's back. Kankuro chuckled and wrapped an arm around his brother's arm.

"Sure," he replied. "Let's show Shinobu-chan around."

"Speaking of," Temari sounded curious. "You're Mei-sama's?"

Shinobu looked confused but answered. "I am a distant cousin on her father's side. I help her out when I don't have missions."

"Right. I wonder, can you use the Terumi clan's kekei genkai?"

"I don't think it's necessary for her to answer that," Gaara said sharply.

"It's fine," Shinobu placated Gaara and turned to Temari with a polite smile. "I don't mind. Hai, I can use it and I combine it with my sword skills."

"Oh," Temari's eyes glinted as she grinned, her teeth bared menacingly. "I would like to test that."

Shinobu's shoulders hitched upwards as she stuttered. "O-Of course."

"Don't scare her off nee-san," Kankuro casually chimed in, masking his impatience with a smile. "I'm curious, how did you meet Gaara?"

"Very subtle." Temari scoffed.

"What, you were taking so long."

"I was getting there."

"I can't believe this," Gaara snapped. "You didn't even wait until she settled in. Where are your manners?"

"Excuse me?" Temari sounded incredulous.

Kankuro narrowed his eyes. "Since when did you talk about manners, ototo?"

"I'm sure we can talk about it," the siblings' gazes fell on a nervous-looking Shinobu. "I can make tea and it would go well with the snacks I brought."

After she piped in, Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama went quiet while Gaara-sama snatched her wrist and walked ahead. They reached the house and the siblings urged her to rest.

Shinobu was embarrassed to admit it but she fell asleep as soon as Temari left. She woke up late afternoon and proceeded to brew her hosts tea. She hurried down and smiled at the siblings gathered in the dining room.

"Konichiwa minna-san," she said, awkwardly holding her bag. "May I use your kitchen?"

"It's fine," said Temari. "Don't worry about a thing, you're a guest here."

"She's right, let's eat out instead." Kankuro supported his sister.

"Iye," she said shily. "It's no trouble at all."

Temari patted the seat next to her. "Just sit here and we'll handle everything."

"Oi, you sound like you want to interrogate Shinobu-chan," Kankuro chastised his sister, his voice low and eyes narrow. "She's Gaara's guest and we have to treat her nicely."

They probably intended their actions to be hospitable but Shinobu felt like Gaara's older siblings were threatening her. She gulped but resolved not to step back, she shouldn't show any weakness here.

Sabaku no Temari wasn't known to be soft. She was like a desert rose, beautiful, strong, and fierce. Kankuro meanwhile was a spy master and a famous concocter of poisons. They were civil but Shinobu can feel that they're suspicious of her.

"I really don't mind," she said again but the two ignored her in favor of sniping at each other.

"Shinobu is a great cook," Gaara interjected and his siblings quietened. "Let her do what she wants. We have many supplies, anyway."

"Hai, I wonder why?" his sister narrowed her eyes at Gaara, who just shrugged.

It was Kankuro who pointed her at the kitchen, at the back and just adjacent to the bathrooms. For the official residence of two generations of Kazekage, the place was a bit small. Shinobu noticed the minimalistic designs on the brick walls as she unloaded her things on the polished countertop.

Shinobu saw a few picture frames as she made her way to the kitchen. They were carefully hanged in the living room and they all looked recently taken except for the portrait of their mother who looked exactly like Temari-sama. Based on Gaara-sama and their father's reputation, she ventured that it was a house and not a home for a long time.

Shinobu pushed her swirling thoughts aside and the whispering siblings behind her to focus on her task. She brought out the buns she baked yesterday and heated them in the oven. While she waited, Shinobu washed the tea set they told her to use. As she was drying them, Shinobu noticed the familiar colors of each piece and a gentle smile curved her lips. It was the gift she gave to Gaara and it looked well cared for.

She started to brew by filling one pot with cold water and another with milk. She carefully adjusted the stove's temperature and let it boil. Sweet aroma permeated the air as she took a small, ornate, lacquered box, carefully scooping out a handful of plump wild berries harvested from the mountain near her inn. She placed the leaves in the teapot and a few minutes passed before Shinobu poured water and watched as the infusion darkened into a rich ruby color. When it had steeped enough, she added a dash of milk and stirred well.

Shinobu got the tray she prepared and placed the teapot and a plate of sweets as she walked towards the siblings. She gave them her best hostess smile as she gracefully poured each a cup and offered them bread.

Gaara quickly filled his plate and looked intrigued as he blew on his tea. "Is this a new flavor?"

"uh-hm, wild berry tea, my favorite."

"You know," Kankuro commented as he chewed. "This bread tastes familiar. Haven't we had this before?"

"You're right," Temari's brow furrowed in thought. "With the karaage."

"Shinobu gave them to me."

"Nani?" his siblings asked in unison.

Gaara casually sips his tea. "Didn't I tell you?"

"You rarely tell us things these days," Temari grumbled.

"Sumimasen for the confusion Temari-sama," Shinobu looked guilty. "It wasn't my intention."

"Iye, I'm blaming Gaara so don't worry about it."

"C'mon Temari," Kankuro grinned. "Give Gaara a break. It's his bento girl."

Shinobu flushed and averted her gaze as Temari's eyes lit in recognition. Gaara rolled his eyes in exasperation and closed his fist. Sand swirled and formed into a ball and hit Kankuro over the head.

"Oi!"

"My hand slipped."

"Stop it," snapped Temari. "We have a guest."

Shinobu laughed at the siblings' antics. She watched as Temari-sama scolded her glaring brothers till they angrily turned away. Shinobu was glad to see another side of Gaara-sama, open and casual with his siblings, unlike the formal façade he presented to the public.

"So," asked Kankuro when they finally settled. "Can you cook for us, Shinobu-chan? Since Gaara accidentally bought the whole market a few days ago."

Gaara's ears burned as he glanced anywhere but Shinobu. "We were out of groceries, I had to buy stuff."

"Right," Kankuro smirked. "Keep telling yourself that, little brother."

Gaara scowled but before he could close his fist, Temari smacked it away. "Shinobu is a guest here, why are you asking her to work? We should show her around and help her shop. Honestly, the two of you are idiots."

The brothers pointed at each other. "Just him."

"I really don't mind cooking Temari-sama," Shinobu said with a smile. "But I would love to see the market as well and the greenhouses if possible. Oh, some pots too, and a few clothes would be nice."

"Don't forget the council," Gaara reminded her. "A foreigner must pay respects to them when visiting here."

Shinobu's beaming face scrunched up into a disappointed pout and her excited gestures halted. "Shi-shoot, not those pricks."

Kankuro burst out laughing while Temari's smile became genuine. Gaara shook his head at her but didn't bother to hide his twitching lips. Shinobu meanwhile, covered her face in embarrassment.

"Sumimasen, I… uh," she glared at an amused Gaara. "It just slipped out."

"Not all of them are like that you know," Gaara said, with a touch of fondness in his voice.

"Most of them are," she retorted. "That seems to be the case in every hidden village."

"I think I'm going to like you, Terumi Shinobu." Temari patted her hand warmly.

"I agree," Kankuro got over his laughter and smiled at Shinobu. "Great choice, ototo."

"Right," Gaara stood and collected the dishes. "Shinobu-san and I will make dinner. Can one of you invite Baki-san over?"

"Oi, what did I say about making our guest work?"

"Tell me what you want and I'd be happy to make them for you," Shinobu offered. "Besides, the more the merrier."

"Sure, I can do that," Kankuro stood, "if you cook me hamburger steak?"

Shinobu nodded and with a resigned look, Temari made her own request. Temari was still reluctant to make her work but Kankuro dragged his sister out the door while he whispered in her ear. The older siblings were still arguing as they left.

Gaara washed the dishes while Shinobu inspected the kitchen. It was the first time that they were alone and a lot of things needed to be said.

"I assume that Mei-sama told you everything?"

Shinobu stilled and kept her back to him as she answered. "Hai."

"I'm sorry for the secrecy," Gaara turned to her, his voice sounded weak and vulnerable. It tugged on Shinobu's heartstrings and her shoulders relaxed a fraction. "I had a bad experience before so, I chose to keep this as private as possible."

Shinobu faced him and crossed her arms. "I don't like lies, I thought you knew that."

"I did." he nodded, looking extremely guilty.

"And I came here, didn't I?"

"Hai, I'm glad that you did, Shinobu-san."

She sighed. "I don't agree with your reason but I understand it."

"That's all I ask."

"However," Shinobu pointed an angry finger at him. "I may not be as understanding the next time."

Gaara captured her hand to entwine his pinky finger along with Shinobu's with a serious expression. "I promise never to lie to you again, Shinobu-san. Please forgive me?"

"Alright."

"Arigato gozaimasu."

Shinobu stepped back, disentangled her hand, and turned around to hide her blushing cheeks. She bustled away, clanging pots and pans in her wake.

"Anyway, where are your spices?" her voice was a higher pitch than usual. "We need to do a lot of things."

Temari and Kankuro peeked at the kitchen window while Baki wished he was anywhere but there. He got a message that the siblings were inviting him for dinner but when he showed up, these two quickly grabbed him in order to spy on their little brother. Gaara-sama might have mellowed out over the years and he loved his siblings but this was overboard.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Baki whispered for the umpteenth time. "I strongly advise you to talk it over with Gaara-sama."

"I didn't think that frilly and delicate was his type?" Kankuro sounded bewildered.

"She doesn't look fragile to me," Temari mused. "She carries herself well in fact. Do you remember her bow earlier and that tea-pouring skills?"

"You have a point."

Unfortunately for Baki, his former students weren't listening to him. They were too busy observing the kunoichi from Kirigakure and berating Gaara-sama for thinking that he could keep a secret from his older siblings.

Baki had concerns when Gaara-sama first proposed this plan but he also realized that no one could stop the Kazekage when he put his mind to something. All he could do was caution the young man and he had promised to be careful. Unlike the Hoki clan incident, Gaara-sama personally chose this lady and that was the only reason that Baki had high hopes for its success.

From their location, they couldn't hear voices but they could catch a glimpse of what they were doing. Baki sighed and finally looked through the window. Gaara-sama and Terumi-san was busy cooking dinner. It looks like she was handling most of the tasks while he assisted her.

"Gaara cooks now?" Kankuro looked confused. "Last time I checked, he can't cut a vegetable to save his life."

"I can't believe he pestered me to teach him just for her," Temari grumbled.

They watched as Shinobu stirred the pot and Gaara dutifully chopped onions. The two of them worked and chatted seamlessly. While they were talking, Terumi-san's emotions were displayed on her face and Gaara either nodded or shook his head in response. He was far from a perfect helper but Shinobu was always there to correct him.

"She seems nice," Baki commented. "The lady is graceful too. Can we leave them alone now?"

"Baki," Temari shot him a glare. "It was you who always told us that looks can be deceiving."

"Hai," Baki looked like he swallowed a particularly sour lemon. "But…"

"We're not sure but she might be an expert on poison."

Baki scowled. "I thought you liked her?"

"Hai," Kankuro replied. "But we can never be too careful, you know."

"While I understand your worries, Gaara-sama himself chose Terumi-san out of all the candidates. So, the incident with the Hoki clan will not happen. Also, if you have concerns, please just ask your brother about it. I know he would appreciate it more."

"You're right, Baki-san," they heard a deep voice say behind them.

"Wait," Kankuro's eyes narrowed in a furious glare.

"What, do you mean by, other candidates?" Temari ground out her words.

The three of them stiffened as they turned to see Gaara behind them, his arms crossed and eyebrow raised. Temari and Kankuro mirrored his posture while Baki cast his gaze downward. Why, oh why was he here again?

Gaara waved his hand. "That's not important right now."

"Excuse me," Temari placed a hand on her hip. "I get to decide that."

Kankuro nodded at his sister's words. "This is not like you, Gaara."

"You two should stop this," Gaara scolded, avoiding eye contact. "It's embarrassing."

"Oh-ho," Kankuro smirked. "You're embarrassed now, are you?"

"Look, we're just suspicious because we care about you Gaara," Temari uncrossed her arms and sighed. "We mean you and your guest no disrespect."

"Why were you spying then?"

"Because you don't tell us things," Temari said with a frown.

"Ever since the Hoki incident, you flip out at every little thing," he replied with a frown.

"Because it's the older siblings' job to make younger siblings' life miserable, silly." Kankuro's grin was ear to ear. "Shinobu-chan, is dinner ready?"

Gaara stared blankly as he saw his brother through the window. It turned out that Kankuro had put a puppet in his place and was already inside, calling out to Shinobu. He was on his way to the kitchen while gleefully carrying a thick album. Gaara's eyes widened while Temari chuckled beside Baki who shook his head.

"Kankuro, don't you dare," Gaara growled and promptly used his sand to go after his brother.

"Revenge is a dish best served cold," mused Temari as she followed her brothers inside. "That's for making us worry, ototo."

Baki waited a minute before knocking on the door. He had never thought that he would see his former students act like a normal family but here he was. Life was truly full of surprises. He gave the befuddled young woman who let him in one of his rare smiles. She was one of the reasons why all of this is happening and Baki really hoped that this relationship goes well.

"My name is Baki," he introduced himself. "I was invited for dinner?"

"Welcome, I am Terumi Shinobu," she smiled graciously and moved aside, gesturing to the kitchen. "The food is ready, I'm just waiting for them to finish bickering. Hopefully, they don't break anything."

"Don't worry Terumi-san my students would never…"

A shattering noise was heard from the kitchen and then silence. Baki cringed while Shinobu gazed anxiously at the sand-enclosed door. A whooshing sound and angry shouting filled the house.

"Oh," Baki shook his head with an exasperated sigh. "Never mind."

Crispy fried tofu, hand-made hamburger steak soaked in garlic sauce, beef soba, and sweet red bean buns are on the table. The rice came out white and fluffy and the cucumber juice Shinobu prepared smelled appetizing. However, none of the occupants were poised to eat. They were too busy looking anywhere but each other as Baki-san tapped his foot impatiently while Shinobu wrung her hands beside him.

"Really," Baki's tone was flat. "Of all the times to do this, you choose now?"

"Kankuro started it." Gaara grumbled.

"You, Insulted Temari's intelligence." Kankuro pointed an accusing finger at his brother.

"Both of you got on my last nerve," Temari snapped.

"Enough," Baki ran frustrated fingers through his hair and glared menacingly at his former students. "I don't want to hear it. Just, clean this up."

"Hai Baki-sensei," they said in unison and quickly got to work.

Everything but the table was a mess. Vases were shattered, jars were overturned and chairs were in disarray. Temari's iron fan was out while puppet strings and sand were everywhere.

"Um," Shinobu's voice was soft. "I can help?"

Baki shook his head and led her to the receiving room. "Let's just wait for them to finish, Shinobu-sama, then we can have dinner."

The two sat and listened as the siblings righted the kitchen. A few awkward moments passed before Shinobu finally spoke.

"Do they fight a lot?" she was twisting her fingers on her lap, looking worried. "Or, is it about me?"

The former sensei closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's not your fault. This was a long time coming, believe me."

Shinobu looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Everyone knows that Gaara-sama's siblings stayed by his side since the failed invasion of Konoha. He had changed after that incident but it wasn't easy for them. They… We were afraid of Gaara-sama for so long and forgetting that took some time. I watched those three walk on eggshells around each other and they would hesitate to offer a kind word or a helping hand."

"That's perfectly understandable Baki-sensei," Shinobu nodded. "Adjusting is difficult and it takes time and effort from both parties to succeed."

"Hai," Baki gave her a warm glance that he transferred to the closed kitchen door. "Little by little, Temari-sama and Kankuro-sama got comfortable to show affection to their brother and Gaara-sama learned to accept them. It's just recently that he finally chose to reciprocate. So when they lecture, tease, or joke with one another, I am proud."

"Oh, I see."

"It's giving me headaches but I'm glad that the siblings are having petty squabbles like this now," Baki mused. "All of them are stubborn so, this was inevitable. At least, they are free to act as they will."

Shinobu stopped fidgeting to giggle. "You are a caring man, Baki-san."

Baki looked away. "I'm just doing my job, my lady."

"If you say so."

"Anyway," he adjusted his collar. "I heard from Gaara-sama that you are interested in flowers and plants?"

"Hai," Shinobu smiled. "Taking care of them is one of my hobbies."

"If you ever visit the greenhouse, please come to the pottery nearby. Those three haven't been there either, I'm certain you would enjoy it."

"Arigato Baki-san."

"Shinobu-san, Baki-sensei," Gaara called. "It's time for dinner."

Shinobu let out a relieved breath when she saw the smiling faces of the siblings as they came in. The place was spotless, like the previous incident never happened. The siblings looked relaxed now and their expressions were genuine. The food was neatly placed on the table with the chopsticks in a straight row.

Shinobu clasped her hands to give thanks and shyly said, "I hope you like my cooking."

"Just the smell is making my mouth water Shinobu-chan," Kankuro replied with a reassuring smile. "Arigato."

"Kankuro is right," said Temari. "Please teach me a few recipes when you have the time."

"Arigato." Shinobu visibly brightened. "And I would love to teach you."

"Hai," Gaara said, his eyes twinkled mischievously. "They really need your guidance Shinobu-san."

"Watch it, you brat." Temari and Kankuro snapped in unison.

Baki-san cleared his throat with a frown and the siblings froze at his dark expression. But before things got awkward, Shinobu suddenly burst out laughing. She was covering her mouth with her hand but her shoulders were shaking and tears almost came out of her eyes.

"It's not polite to laugh at your hosts, Shinobu-sama."

"Sumimasen Baki-san!"

Baki chuckled at her flustered face while the siblings shared a soft smile. The dinner was a silent affair for the most part after that with Temari or Kankuro asking Shinobu a few questions. They mostly asked about what she did, her hobbies, and preferences, and Shinobu was more than willing to answer them.

Though it was still a form of interrogation, Shinobu no longer felt intimidated. Temari-sama's smiles and Kankuro-sama's jokes also helped her feel at ease. Gaara and Baki-san commented here and there and gradually, Shinobu relaxed enough to start conversations on her own.

It was a pleasant time and Shinobu enjoyed their company. Everyone was happy and ate a lot. As she prepared for bed, Shinobu remembered the siblings' soft expression earlier. Though they didn't look alike, their smiles were identical.