Chapter 66: 3 dates in May

'inner thoughts'

Singing

Yukino's POV

After the selection, my life resumed as it had before. Heading to the botany research division and doing my work I made some stops from time to time to see Riko and sometimes Botan who taught me Suna etiquette. Learning quite a lot from my brief visits I kept a small notebook with everything I learned.

After one such lesson and hearing my coworkers talk about the nice weather outside I was convinced to walk back to the manor instead of portaling there. Window shopping on my way back I passed by a fabric shop, the beautiful colors and fabrics caught my eye and drew me to a complete stop. 'I might as well get some materials for my trial clothes.' Having been here for a month already I haven't landed on a final design for my trial clothes. I took this as a sign that I should start.

As I gathered a few neutral fabrics, colorful strings, and some sewing needles I headed to the counter to check out when I noticed the patterns for clothes and plushies. Thinking for a moment I looked back at the fabric they sold and picked out some smaller pieces that caught my eye and some stuffing. With my purchases in hand, I returned to the manor with a smile.

・・・

After spending a couple of hours designing, changing, and finalizing my design I went for something simple that reflected my style of clothes. Taking some measurements I drew out each piece onto a sheet of dressmaking paper. By the time I was done, I rolled the large sheet of paper up and took a small break by heading to the roof with the small samples of fabric, a sketchbook, scissors, and some thread.

3rd POV

In her own world, the red-haired woman sewed in the shade provided by the roof-only entrance of the manor she resided. Her nimble fingers pieced together the parts of the body of her creation. In her hands, she held the pieces that would form a cat plush. Turning to the head she looked at the markings of where the eyes would go and began to embroider it carefully. Humming she could imagine her child's face full with glee as she would gift them her handmade gift. She hoped that would be the reaction, hoping that her child would be a cat lover like the Uchiha she had known.

As sunset approached and the sky turned pink she stopped her embroidering as she looked up at the multi-colored sky.

The door to the manor opened drawing her attention to it to see who it was. Seeing the familiar face of her old friend, now Kazekage, she gave a small nod before looking back down at her creation.

Gaara, having come for some fresh air, saw and returned her nod. Heading to the railing and gazing at the sunset, he turned to look back at the woman as he heard the sound of thread going through cloth. Seeing her furrowed brows he saw as she jabbed the cloth, pulled the string out one end before puncturing it and pulling out the other end.

She worked diligently, eyes sharp with focus. It was an expression he had only remembered seeing only a few times. Those eyes of hers were ever so expressive no matter how she chose to control her facial expressions. Clutching the railing for a moment as he thought of his next steps, yes they were talking but not without the cloud of awkwardness that appeared when it was just the two of them. Taking in a deep breath he pushed himself away from the railing as he walked over to her.

"What are you working on?" He asked already knowing from just looking but seeking any excuse to build again the bridge she wanted to burn.

"..." For a moment she remained quiet and then she answered, "A cat," she said with a soft smile.

"I'm sure the one you'll gift it to will love it." He said, catching her by surprise.

"How did you know?"

"As shinobi, we have few possessions," he said as he took a seat beside her, "The last time you showed me your room I saw few possessions even though you have the freedom and time to walk to any store in the village."

Seeing his reasoning she nodded in agreement. After all the only possessions that she had were safe and in stasis but that wasn't something he knew. "You pay more attention than you should… and yes. Someone I know will be having a kid in the near future so I'm making a small welcoming gift for them. Do… you think they'll like it?" she asked as she stared at the half-completed project.

"They will love it," he said as he placed his hand on hers to take the needle she was gripping tightly. He didn't know if it was the sunset or the heat but he felt more braver. "You put so much thought into who wouldn't?"

"..." Looking at his hand she could feel her cool skin absorbing its warmth. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt her face heat up, knowing it was probably a bright pink or red she turned her face away. "Gaara…" She said, closing her eyes tightly in pain.

"Yukino." Saying her name with a soft tone she feared looking at his face. "I don't want to pretend what happened never did." He admitted. "But I also don't want to hurt you." Letting go he was trying to form the right way to say what he felt, "I want to take care of you…" Was the best way he could describe what he felt.

Slowly turning to look at his face to search for the truth, she wanted to see if he really meant it but at the same time feared knowing the answer, "...Since when?" the words slipped out from her mouth.

There was no backing down now as his suppressed feelings began to pour out. "From the first day, you extended a hand to me… the day I met the girl who didn't think of me as a monster." He smiled, looking down he lightly tapped her hand to draw her attention to it before holding out his hand, silently asking for permission to use it for a moment. Hesitantly she placed her hand on his palm. Holding it gently he placed it on top of his head, a light rosy color covered his face. "Since the day you did this, my heart began to beat in a way it never had before. It took too long to realize why." He admitted as she could hear his heartbeat rapidly hoping she remembered or else this would be awkward.

Looking up at her face he saw her wide azure eyes looking at him but not really, they looked zoned out for a moment before she rapidly blinked. "That happened during my first stay…" clutching the rainbow-like stone pendant on her necklace she squeezed before letting go as she looked up at him with a mixture of sadness and joy. Her face scrunching up as she didn't know what face she should be making.

Seeing her fighting herself internally he lifted her hand from his head and began to rub his thumb over the top of her hand. "After you left I tried to forget what I felt… I thought I had gotten over my feelings for you but your stay here made me realize how difficult that was. Your very presence makes my world brighter, I want to treasure you. I want to make you as happy as you make those around you." Looking at her face he saw the rosy color that brightened her face. "You know how I feel but what do I make you feel?"

"I… you…" Visibility fighting her own emotions tears began to stream from her eyes. "This is unfair…" Pulling herself to him she hid her face on his shoulder as she tearfully whispered. "I knew you felt like this but I knew my actions would not always be the righteous ones. I didn't want you to be affected. Your position was already unstable enough as it was… I tried and tried to push you away but you always keep reaching out… I don't deserve it." Hearing her pain coming out he listened as he slowly rubbed her trembling back.

・・・

By the time her crying had ceased she was on her back staring up at the stars as Gaara lay beside her. Sniffling and wiping her eyes she felt her cheeks flush after her tearful display.

"One month." she barely said above a whisper.

"What?"

Covering her face she repeated her words but much louder. "One month but that is all. I will give you my love for that time and no more. If you still like me by the end of it… then I guess you can ask again 13 years from now…" She mumbled the last part.

Hearing her response his eyes widened with surprise before softening with joy. "Thank you…"

Seeing that bright and happy smile she asked. "It will only be a month, what makes you so happy?" She asked just wanting to know just what made him so happy with such a small return for his affections. "You know I will leave so why?"

"Because that is already more than I ever thought I would have." He admitted with a small smile. His simple response caught her off guard and tore at her more. "I also know you have people that depend on you. The letter your father left for us was enough to prove that possibility. It also made me wonder why you would put yourself under such scrutiny and offer yourself to be punished in front of the other Kage. Few people know you and the Sapphire Demon Fox were the same person… you could have escaped punishment… It made me remember the time the Akatsuki came for me. You had a village to protect so you offered yourself so they could be safe." Gently brushing the bangs from her tear-streaked face he looked down at her gem-like eyes with love. "Your heart is the biggest reason I fell for you, the reason why I was so envious in the past." He admitted regretting his assassination attempt in the past.

"Ha… that's a memory I will never forget. If it ever comes to it where you want to fake your death for any reason please ask me to make it even." She teased.

Chuckling he let out a sigh. "If I ever have a need for it I'll ask."

"Good." Sitting up she picked up her belongings. "You know…" clearing her throat, "Ahem, I will be working this week on my outfit. If you want to go on a date… then I'll be available after that." Opening the roof door she looked at the auburn man who sat awkwardly as he processed the word 'date' that left her lips. "I'll wait until then, alright?" Saying that she rushed down the stairs as her face steamed from embarrassment.

Remaining on the roof for a while longer to cool down and process if what had transpired in the last hour was real or not Gaara remained on the ground with a hand to his racing heart.

A week later… small interlude

Going over shinobi resorts at the border Kankuro had noticed his brother's lighter mood in recent days but as much as he asked his brother he wouldn't reveal anything but attribute it to the lightening workload. Kankuro would have believed that had it not been for the fact that the workload hadn't changed at all in the last few days. For now, he shrugged it off.

Finishing the last few stitches of her trial clothes Yukino threw herself on the bed as she was relieved of finally finishing it. Sitting up she stared at her clothes, it had a 3/4 kimono sleeves providing her with an extra place to store items as well as space to place seals on. Her top constrained a turtleneck as usual but it had a window to allow some ventilation while running. A front flap that would go to her knees that she could use to help her carry anything such as food, or sticks while in the wild, and a back flap that would serve as a cushion of sorts if folded. The top also exposed her shoulders to allow her some shoulder mobility, and the sleeves connected to her top to prevent losing a sleeve by accident. The small decorations on her clothes and the golden silk were used for decoration as thanks to the Kinukami clan. Although the rules stated the clothes must be white I was allowed to have accessories or pants of a different color so long as the white was the major one. Still, she called her work done and decided to find and make the rest of her trail clothes another day.

Getting up she picked up her mess of string and small pieces of cloth. As she finished cleaning up she heard a knock at her door. Sensing who it was, a smile spread across her face as she went to greet the young man on the other side. "Are you ready to go?" He asked, having a place in mind to show her.

・・・

With a wide smile, he opened the doors to a room located on the upper floor of the manor. Squinting at the incoming light she stared in awe as she slowly stepped in, before her was a room with large glass windows and a slightly slanted roof. How she hadn't noticed the glass section from outside before she didn't know, what she did know was that she stood inside the Kazekage's private greenhouse.

"You planted all this?" She asked as she walked in staring at all the cacti and plants she could see. Going to the other side of the room she stared off at the village outside and the vast desert beyond. 'Sand… as far as the eye can see…' barely any trees other than the ones in the greenhouses she tended to as part of her job. Her eyes glazed as her memories of her home in Uzushio and Konoha began to play in her mind for a moment. Two months had passed since her arrival and although she had reconnected and made new connections there were times when she felt a bit lonely. Although she had agreed to stay here to recuperate she wanted nothing more but to go home.

To taste the food.

To interact with her people.

To run among the trees.

To run barefoot in the grass.

'That same greenery can be recreated with some time and resources in a greenhouse here in Suna but it will not be the same… I want my children to grow up with the rush of running between the trees. To run as far as their little feet can carry them until they get tired.'

Noticing her sudden silence and far-off look towards the outside, yet not the scenery on the other side of the glass Gaara approached carefully, "Yukino? Is something going on outside?" He gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Huh?" Snapping out of it she shook her head and turned her attention to the young man. "Sorry, I was just thinking of a few things… you know my friend, Emi, right? Black hair, green eyes…" Seeing him nod as he remembered her companion that was with her at the trial. "As you know she's expecting," she brought up the lie from the trial, "I already missed out on three years of my life and even though I'm back I know very little about the changes that happened back home. I know already the major events the world faced in my sleep but my home is isolationist. What happens here is not the same."

"You're feeling homesick?" He realized, feeling a pang of guilt for the role he played in her current situation, and another for not knowing what he could do to ease her homesickness.

"I guess you can say that." Walking away she looked down at the plants. "Let's change the subject… this topic can be put aside for another day. Speaking of children, what's up with everyone suddenly having one?"

Putting a pin on it for another day he moved on. "I'm not too sure either, it seems that most of our generation has begun to settle."

"I guess with all the events people realized life is too short, ha, even these guys got the memo," she joked as she approached a cactus with some offshoots. "What about you? Do you think you'll ever want to have children?"

"...No." surprised she looked at him wanting to know more. Seeing this curiosity he admitted something he hadn't confessed to his siblings about yet. "I'm afraid I won't be a good father and… I also don't think I want children." He admitted. If the council had heard they would have most likely thought he was out of his mind.

"Oh…" Feeling a pang in her chest she brushed it off. "Is it because of your father?" She asked, referring to his upbringing. Nodding once he kept his distance checking on some of the other plants. "That makes sense." Noticing his reluctance to add more she changed the topic to herself. "Hm… as for me well… I learned later that my upbringing wasn't normal by any means but I definitely had more freedom than most."

"I could tell," he chuckled as he sent her a glance. "You always seemed to do whatever you wanted."

"Haha, true but there is one thing I'm sure you didn't expect. I was made aware of the fact that I would marry and have to have an heir from a young age."

"!" Surprised he looked up from his plants as he stared at her face to gauge how she felt about that. When he only saw calm on her face curiosity got the better of him, so he asked. "How did that make you feel?" He couldn't imagine growing up being told that constantly. He already had to deal with this headache recently he couldn't fathom how he would respond to that if he was that young.

"How did that make me feel…" humming in thought she traced her memories from the time. "Well at that age I didn't understand what that meant at the time I felt like as long as it was with someone kind I would be ok with that. But of course, now I know better and won't tie the knot with just anyone. There has to be something more to it… you know?" She said and before any questions could be asked she brought up something she remembered. "You know ever since back then the foxes have made profiles of promising shinobi around my age in Konoha."

"Did you know who was on it?"

"Yup, and everyone on the list was someone I had interacted with at one point or connected to someone I knew from the academy. You might even recognize a few names.

"Who was on it?"

"It won't be that easy to get that out of me. But I will tell you this, I had encountered them a few times while training but I wouldn't say we were close, and some were family of friends." She partially lied, as she dropped some blood into the soil.

"And… do you think I might have been on that list?"

Caught off guard by the question her mind took a moment before processing before looking at him wondering if she heard right. Seeing him begin to shake his head as if he wanted to take back the question Yukino answered. "You were actually. How did you know?" She asked probing for a response. Seeing his head turn as subtly as he could, she added. "Yeah since the day we met, they added you immediately to their list." Chuckling she walked over and stood before him taking in his flushed expression.

"I… what did they see that they thought I was worthy to be in it?" He asked, remembering how he was when he was young. All the comments and rumors that the villagers whispered, most of which were warranted as Shukaku lashed out a lot back then.

"Well… you were a jinchūriki and not just anyone can be a vessel for one."

"They didn't mind?"

"No. You may not know this but so far, only members of the Uzumaki clan have been hosts for the nine-tails. From what I read to be chosen was seen as prestigious by those around them, it was living proof of what the clan was known for. The seals, the longevity, the chakra, and the willpower. Contrary to the other nations, being a jinchūriki wasn't seen as such a negative thing. Though the same can't be said about the hosts… It'd be like being locked in a cage with the person you hated most and fighting every chance you got, eventually, you both would become tired and just engage when an opportunity presented itself."

Going quiet as he heard this he felt happy and envious at the same time. Happy at knowing there were people who accepted, but sad knowing the fact that that culture was gone and few records of what had transpired. "That is beautiful," he murmured before remembering another thing she let slip out. "Wait… were? I'm no longer in it?"

"Oh yeah. The moment you became the Kazekage they must have scratched you off that list." She chuckled before elaborating. "After all they couldn't have their precious heir remain in a village that was out of their reach. That and I haven't heard a peep about it so I guess they stopped and left that decision for me to make." Stepping away from him she walked back to the big window and stretched out a hand. "You know this week I'm going to make it my mission to cook for you guys some dishes I like!"

"Then don't worry about grocery money use as much as you need to make it." Seeing her bright smile he felt conflicted, a part of him knew it would be futile to try to convince her to stay but a small part hoped that she would come to love it just as much as she loved her home. He hated the part that craved it so he kept it hidden and didn't let it show.

Yukino's POV

After checking out his greenery I returned to the first floor and laid out my materials to continue on my side project as Gaara was called to the office once more. Unaware of how much time had passed I finished the black cat plush by sewing onto it a red and white ribbon on the back of its neck. Holding up the small toy I looked at its embroidered green eyes with a smile. Looking over at the material I still had I reached for the white fabric with a pattern already in mind and began to cut out my new idea.

Sewing and sewing for hours my hands carefully stitched each part with care that at one point I fell asleep and when I woke up I continued sewing as if I never stopped. I was so into it that I didn't even notice when my hair had turned white telling me of the full moon the coming night. I was so focused that she didn't even notice when Gaara had finally returned.

"Your hair is white today." He said with a bit of surprise and he placed down his gourd and took off his coat.

"Mhm. It seems like there will be a full moon soon." I said as I finished one last stitch for now, before placing it on the table. Looking up she saw the heavy bags under his eyes. "Busy day?"

With a heavy nod, he laid himself on the couch embracing the break. Opening his eyes he looked at me before reaching out. Hingerly holding a strand of my long hair between his index and thumb he twirled it for a moment. "You mentioned before that this was a family thing. Did your aunt go through the same thing?"

Letting him play with my hair I leaned against the couch and tilted slightly in his direction. "Mmmm… no, probably because she had black hair."

"I didn't think it was so selective. Have you met anyone else who shared the same trait?"

"Ha! If I did I would have to fight them. Why do you think it's so selective?" I joked but not really since if someone did come out claiming the throne was their right I would have to fight for it. Though the shrine would know the procedure I could care less I was certain that no matter the situation I would be able to win. 'I just want what is best for the village. I want some power-hungry nobody to trample what we worked so hard to achieve.'

"Can you tell me more about your clan?"

"Oh? Where did this come from?"

"I want to know more about you."

"Ah," Surprised she nearly fell to the side as she didn't expect that response. 'He probably didn't mean it that way.' Clearing her throat she sat up properly. "Well, you were here when Kitaro-kun talked about my clan. I'm…" Sighing she rubbed the back of her neck, "I'm embarrassed to admit that you know as much about them as I do. I spent most of my childhood training, studying… I didn't really learn any particular traditions I can think of except for maybe Hinamatsuri… I celebrated it once when I was young but it ended on a bad omen so we didn't celebrate it anymore after that." I forced out a laugh at the memory.

"What happened?" He asked, having never heard of this festival before.

"Well before the day comes to an end it is tradition to put away everything because if even one piece is left out it is a sign that the girl's marriage will be delayed at the worst she may never marry. It just so happened that I accidentally held a piece when I fell asleep and nobody was able to find it until I woke up. By then, however, it was a new day… I guess maybe there was a reason to be so afraid." I said as I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. 'Kind of silly but yet here I am… the father of my kid gone. His only uncle on a path of repentance with no memory of who I am and with me with no way to explain any of this…' Chuckling, I let out a sigh. "Eh… enough about something I have very little knowledge about. Looking at him once more and his heavy eyes I patted my lap. "Come, I'm in the mood to talk and reminisce so I'll answer whatever if you promise to sleep right after."

Hesitantly and stiffly he laid his head on my lap trying to not place as much of his weight on it as he could. Feeling it I was tempted to laugh or press his head down but refrained.

"Then…" he started thinking about it. "Can you tell me more about your land?"

"Alright, but I will tell you in the same cryptic way the foxes answer me when I ask about something I really want to know," I said for the purpose of being able to slow down my speaking and pick my words carefully. Closing my eyes I started with the memory of my arrival. "The land I hail from is by the sea. Its shores are quiet and covered by beautiful white sand. Away from the shore are hills and a mountain giving volume to the land. The place I reside is further within…" I told him as I passed my fingers through his hair, making him relax enough to settle on my lap. "…located in the center of a massive forest is my home. In the center of that place, my office resides overlooking the tree I planted. Although the sunset there doesn't compare to the ones here, the night sky is absolutely gorgeous with no comparison that I know of so far. That precious land is home to the village I once wished to bring my brothers to." Realizing what I said I opened my eyes and turned my head away. Hoping. Just hoped that he hadn't heard it.

"You have siblings?"

"I only think of them as such before they…" Remembering that they no longer remember me I clutched a hand to my chest and sighed. "They're better off with the lives that they chose."

"Who–?"

"No." I stopped him. "It doesn't matter, our lives split long ago." Standing up I picked up my materials. "I finished telling you about my land, you should go to sleep."

3rd POV

From reading a woman's magazine that his taijutsu sensei's wife dropped, getting some sand he had specially ordered, to sending his brother away on a very reasonable mission. Everything seemed to line up perfectly now all that was left was to put it into action. That was how Gaara now stood in the manor quietly fretting over how he should ask Yukino to go with him to a popular restaurant that had a varied menu of dishes from other nations.

As he wondered, Yukino walked into the living room as he was lost in thought. "Hey, Gaara." She said still thinking of their abrupt end from last night.

Taking a deep breath he spoke, "I'm sorry about last night. I hope I didn't cross a line yesterday."

"Oh, no no no. There's no need to say that the fault is mine for leaving things like that." She panicked trying to make sure he didn't feel guilty. "Hey, you like gizzards right? I can make that for dinner if you'd like."

"No, that's ok." He said, noticing the disappointed look in her eyes, "Let's change the scenery. I got some reservations at a restaurant."

"Alright that sounds good," she perked up. "Should we wait for Kankuro?"

・・・

"I realize now that this is a date," she cleared her throat as the two sat across from each other in the private booth. Holding up the menu she hid her smile as she looked over the dishes, seeing a few she recognized and happened to be craving for. "Thank you."

"There's no need to thank me, I'm just glad to not be here alone." Glancing at her he saw her face duck into the menu to hide her flushed face, now clearer as it stood out much clearer against her white hair.

As the waiter came in to get their orders for the movement that the door was opened their eyes met the elderly man who was about to go into the booth across from them.

"Yukino, dear!" The old man beamed as he came to see them. "To think we only saw each other a week ago. May I join you two?" Inviting himself, Gaara reluctantly accepted. A bit disappointed at first his mood quickly switched when the elder brought up stories of Yukino in her youth.

・・・

The moment they crossed the front door they relaxed and began to chuckle at the turn their night alone turned out.

With a hum, Yukino spoke softly as she stood close to the hall that would lead to her side, "I'm sorry things didn't turn out how you wanted them to but thank you for tonight I enjoyed it. I needed that." Hesitantly taking a step forward she rocked back and stepped towards her hall. "Goodnight."

Before she could completely leave he raised his hand to the gourd he had placed there earlier and let the sand engulf the hall she headed to momentarily. Confused Yukino just covered her eyes before uncovering them to see the sand hanging off the roof in the shape of wisteria flowers. With a big smile spreading on her face she began to giggle as she weaved through them as if they were real. When she reached the end she spun around to look at them, only to be surprised at the man who popped out after her.

Equally surprised, his face flushed as she gingerly held his chin and placed a peck on his cheek. "Sweet dreams Gaara." Letting go she skipped away, turning to look at him once more before she went around the corner into her room.

When her eyes left him as she turned in for the night the sand around him began to hiss as it softly fell around him and mindlessly returned to the gourd. In a daze, he turned around and walked back to his room, a soft smile across his face as his hand cupped his warm cheek. As he left the hall she stopped in his tracks as he remembered the finishing touch he had planned for the date.

Jogging over to her room a small portion of white sand he had acquired trickled from his gourd and began to form something on the palm of his hand. Reaching the door he was about to knock when the door opened abruptly as Yukino opened. White long hair followed the flow of the short jellyfish-shaped white dress she put on. Stunned, his mind blanked out as he had his hands held out.

Letting out a laugh she tilted her head. "You saw me less than 5 minutes ago, I didn't think you missed me that much." Playfully winking, she noticed the thing he held in her hand.

Straightening his posture he cleared his throat. "I forgot to give you this." He held out the small sand sculpture.

Extending a hand the small white rose sculpture was gently placed on it. Bringing it up to her face in awe she looked at the way the petals furled slightly at the ends. There was a natural pattern to it that one would think that a real rose was dipped in glue and covered in sand. "It's beautiful." She said in awe. Looking up at him with a smile she reached out for his hands stopping halfway.

Closing the gap they held hands and they stared at each other. Moving closer she rested her head on his chest hearing his rapidly beating heart with a smile. "Thank you…" She said, placing a small peck on his lips.

That small peck led to another and then another, each slowly becoming longer. One thing left to another and it ended with both waking up together.

Small timeskip…

Standing in the room she was in when the lights were off Yukino picked up one of the many tiny cacti that were on Gaara's dresser. "Is this really the same one I gave you?" She asked, holding a small star cactus.

"Yes," walking over he picked up one of its offspring. "You don't understand how much your gift helped me… When I cared for it it was the only thing that quelled my bloodlust for a moment. Those small moments felt so relieving." Placing it down he turned to her and cupped her hands that held the start of it all. "Thank you."

"!" Face flushed and unable to cover her face she lowered her head and nodded hiding behind her red bangs. She turned her face and slipped her hands from his to focus instead on the old teddy bear on the other side of the dresser. ' ' she remembered the old thing's name.

"Since we are on the topic of the past… there is something I need to tell you."

"What is it?" He asked worried that it was bad from her tone.

"Back then I placed a mark on you. It was a secret technique meant to share pain, the marked can share their pain with the user but not the other way around. They can also share their chakra to heal the injured even through impossible distances. The only condition to activate it is a serious injury." Rubbing her shoulder she took in a deep breath. "I only heard about what happened but when the Chidori hit you I felt it too. I could have shared my chakra with you to speed up your healing but I was still hurt by the fact that you tried to kill me and that was what severed the connection." Unable to look at him, not even through the reflection she felt the pang on her shoulder once more. "I'm sorry."

In the quiet room, an exhale could be heard, and then two steps as he walked forward and held her tightly in a hug. "I think that was a fair punishment so don't feel bad."

"...you are too forgiving."

"I would say the same about you. There are still people who haven't forgiven me for my past actions and they have every right for it."

"...There were many times where I was responsible for taking lives. They were missions but sometimes there were just people who did unforgivable things for greed… I reasoned that it was better for everyone if I was the one to cover my hands with blood." Resting his weight more on her she held his hand. "I still do… to have no regrets but… I will admit there are days when I wonder what I would be like if I never took that step."

"Thinking about that 'what if' will make you feel more regret." He said softly. "Take it from me."

"Alright…" She sighed and closed her eyes. "I'm feeling tired. Can I sleep for a moment?" Before she could receive an answer her eyes didn't open and her breathing slowed down dramatically.

Limp body in his arms, the auburn-haired man gently picked her up and placed her on his bed tucking her in. Looking at the time he saw the hour that she mentioned before that she had become used to sleeping. Sitting next to her he brushed the hair from her face about to stand up and leave he heard a quiet mumbling. Sitting back down he stayed wondering what dreams she was having.

"...for you all…a life I had." Face contorting as if holding back tears her body turned to the side and began to curl up. "A peace I could never get back…" Rubbing small circles on her back he felt her body tremble under the blankets but no sniffling as even in her dreams she held back the pain.

For three hours he sat there rubbing her back.

For three hours he wondered if their conversation brought back memories she had pushed back.

For three hours he whispered comforting words in an attempt to change her dreams. First, he described her home as she had described it but that made the shaking get worse, he then described Konoha with no change. It wasn't until he began to talk about his day and everything mundane he could think of that her mind settled. Talking of groceries, of a new store that opened on his way home, something new he saw on the TV… ordinary things that brought her mind to a sense of normalcy. Once he found the solution he began to talk about the plants in his garden and the names he gave each one when he ran out of plants he began to describe a pen he accidentally stole on his visit to Kumogakure, he left out the name of the village but kept the details. Even admitting to her sleeping self that he still had it and used it from time to time when he was alone.

Once those three hours passed he felt how she took in a deep breath and her eyes snapped open. Sitting up she let out a yawn. "I had the nicest dream I've had in a while."

"What was it about?"

"Nothing really." She hummed. "Just some memories from long ago. It was uneventful yet it made me happy. I can't quite remember exactly what it was about."

"I'm happy then." He smiled, keeping her mumblings a secret. "When I sleep can you keep me company?"

With a smirk, she tilted her head. "My my my, was that your plan all along?"

He gave a small shrug as he let her come to her own conclusion. "Maybe," he teased.

"Alright then," patting the space beside her, she invited him to take a rest. "Sleep now and I will sing."

Taking off his robes he entered the blankets and laid down obediently to listen. "Ready?" Nodding he looked up at her as she rested her head on her hand. "Tailed beast counting song–!" Just as those words quickly left her mouth he shook his head quickly. "Okay okay, I was just kidding. It's hard to think of one on the spot." Humming in thought she remembered one. "Ah… I heard this one a while ago." Clearing her throat she closed her eyes and began to quietly sing.

Why? I wonder why

We cry when we're born

Some day will our tears flow

Until it reaches the stars

Singing quietly for the next few minutes she kept going even after he had fallen asleep. When she sang the last line she opened her eyes and rested her head properly on the pillow to take a moment to take in his features to engrave his face in her memory. Reaching out she moved a loose strand on his face and for a moment she felt the temptation to check his mind. As she wondered she saw his face tilted more towards her hand and heard a small quiet happy sigh.

'Why? You know it won't last long.' Slowly pulling her hand away she clutched her chest as she tried to keep her feelings down. Before she had realized it a month had flown by and she had to keep her word or they would both suffer for it more down the road.

Slowly slipping out of bed she leaned over and placed a kiss on him for the last time. "I keep my promises… I'm sorry."

Going to the door she looked back at the sleeping young man before she turned off the lights and walked back to her room. As she did, thoughts kept pestering her to turn back, to make things real, to keep things how they were, to continue that happiness she shared with another. But as tempting as they were, she knew falling in love once again would deter her from her mission she would end up repeating the past of leading a double life and eventually fall back on her growth.

She had seen the warnings of what was to come, visitors from above would come to reclaim what was theirs. To be precise what they claimed was theirs. Right now there were only two in this world who would have the power to go against such a being and as soon as she thought that a terrifying thought surfaced. 'But what if they weren't? What if they never come during their time?' Newly awakened and with that thought she knew what she needed.

No distractions, which meant no double life.

She needed to cut herself from those who weren't in the know to work on a seal that matched that of the sage of six paths to be able to at least seal away such a being. However, thinking of that was easier said than done, she needed information, she needed the skill, and importantly she needed to create it so someone would be able to use it. If the criteria was to be of someone at her level at the moment she manages to create it then her only hope would be that her village produces the best of the best to be able to have this key to have a chance to save the world. But if there was no one then her years and research would be nothing but a waste. Like every seal she learned, she needed to create the right conditions for it to work.

'If sacrificing my freedom can better your future then it will be worth it.' Mindlessly stroking her stomach she closed the door to her room. Walking to her bed she sat down and opened a small portal to a small table that stood in the middle of her library. Grabbing a large scroll with the new scribed copies of some old texts that were found. Grabbing a pencil she walked over to the vanity to begin her night of trying to translate them knowing that the chance of finding something that could be important was slim. Clicking the lead pencil she cracked open the book and began to read the first page.

Next day… June

Gaara's POV

Before he had realized a month had passed as much as he tried to ignore it he knew that the time was up. After he wrapped up with his work he headed to the roof a part of them knowing that that was where he would expect to find her.

Pushing open the door I saw her. Leaning against the railings staring out into the village. Taking in a deep breath I brought it up first when I reached her.

"I enjoyed the month we shared… and I know it is time. How was it for you?" I asked, having some sort of hope that she might say she wanted it to continue, that he might be stronger than the pull her home had. But he knew better and as much as his desires were he knew the answer from the depth of his heart.

"It's been so long since I last felt like this. You made me so happy that I feel awful having to tell you this." Turning to face him she sighed. "You can do so much better than me. Someone who would be more accepted, who isn't embroiled in issues of their own making. For the love of Kami, I am going to be under house arrest for more than a decade."

Hearing her argument. I remained quiet for a moment to think about it. "Then are you saying there is a chance after you complete your punishment?"

"I, uh, what?" Utterly confused she was at a loss for words before laughing. "Gaara I'm trying to be serious here."

"So am I. You know my past and I believe that your actions aren't as unforgivable as mine. Why should I feel like you are less than what you are for actions that don't even match in severity as mine?"

Hanging her head she laughed as she let out a huge sigh. "Will you really still feel the same way a decade from now?"

"I waited 3 years, I feel like I can wait 13 more."

"We'll see." Pushing herself off the railing she wore a smile. "Well, then I guess I should get better soon to speed up the punishment. I'll see if you keep your word on that."

"I'll wait for that day then… Yukino."

Yukino's POV

Leaving the roof lighter than I had expected I felt a smile on my lips at the promise he offered. Unbeknownst to him his words gave her something to look forward to in the future but she knew better than to keep her hopes up the future was unpredictable and had a twisted way of playing with her.

Reaching the first floor I saw the Kankuro. One of the rare times this month I came across him. "How was the investigation at the border? Nothing serious I hope."

"Hey, Yukino," he waved as he put down a piece he was working on. "Nah nothing serious, just another group thinking they can overthrow the Kazekage." He said stating it as a genin would about finding another lost cat.

"Geez, good luck with that. By the way, were any of them connected to the guys captured a while back?" I asked, referring to those who targeted me when I was with the princess.

"Oh… uhm."

"What happened?"

"Before our interrogators arrived the two prisoners took some poison, they are currently looking into it and trying to trace its origin but so far we're back at square one."

"Hmm… I guess leaving the village is out of the schedule for now. I'll try to change up my patterns just in case."

"That would be smart."

"I hope they get caught soon." Parting ways I headed to my room to clear my mind, but as I had finished translating, weaving, and sewing my clothes my hands were itching to do something. Looking over at the two finished plushies on the bed I checked the materials I had, seeing some fabric I could use. By the color, an idea immediately came to mind as I began to sew together a fox plush. 'Who could be after me?' She asked herself, the high of moments ago dragged down from the low of that somewhere someone was waiting to get her.

Taking in a deep breath she shook her head like a dog getting out of the rain to shake away the thoughts. 'Happy thought. Happy thoughts. My baby's toy can't be full of negativity.' Even as she thought that she couldn't help but shake off the ominous feeling she was having. 'I hope this is solved before my trial begins.' Little did she know the events that would take place the next day.

A/N: To start I wish everyone, happy holidays!

Finals are over for me and I'm on break now. I can't believe it's been more than four years since I started this series and I want to thank everyone who has been reading so far. For me, this has been more than a series, it's been a product of my imagination given life. Though my technique was bad at the beginning I'm glad to have seen some improvement over these years. To be honest, looking back on some chapters I realized some parts would have been better left off as shorts but I weaved them too much already in the main story for it to be removed. So it's very unlikely that I will be going back to rewrite it. Still, I made sure to trim things here and there for the coming chapters. Speaking of older chapters, my Tumblr hasn't had an update as I mentioned in my most earlier chapters. A while ago I finally checked my drawings folders and realized how many works I've left unfinished from years ago that I have decided to scrap or work on more. Once I wrap up this series I'll try to finish a few and work on that (no guarantees that there will be many drawings posted, just a few here and there).

On another note, over the years I have dipped my toes into other fandoms and found joy in them some more than others enough to get me to write outlines for them. For those, I plan to write another series once I conclude Yukino's story. I know now after years of writing to have a couple of chapters ready before release just to go back to make sure they are satisfactory.