Note: Sorry it's been a while since I updated. But exams are done, I passed, and here's a dozy of a chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 9 (Stolen Dance)

Nothing changes in the month leading up to the festival, nothing significant anyway, as Gaara leans against the wall by the door that leads to Akira's new dance room. Music gently rolls out from behind the door, and he listens as he wait by the door, fingers pressed against one of his eyes. He knows he shouldn't be peaking but he's interested and he reasons that he would only make Akira nervous if she knew. He watches with his Third Eye Jutsu as she twirls around the room, steps in time with the music and she's elegant. He's a bit awestruck as she moves and bends, and his heart leaps when she does. She is rarely here in his home aside from spending time with his sister after training, but now has started spending time dancing when Temari is busy.

Gaara lowers his hand, letting the sand fall and drift back to him quickly, as the music ends and Akira performs her final move. He turns and walks away from the room, his break finished.

Yes nothing has changed aside from her dancing more. They are still friends, and Gaara's feelings have not faded. Not in the slightness.

Temari knows this and so does Kankuro and they watch as he struggles with it. These feelings are weird and different. Part of him wants to kiss her, to hold her hand, and know his feelings are returned, and he questions his intentions, the other part of him wants things to stay the same. And it's because of the indecision that he waits. He is confident in his wants, his goals, and dreams, and this isn't something he can take lightly.

So nothing has changed, nothing has faded, but unbeknownst to them, as the festival draws closer, so do answers.


"I'VE MISSED YOU LITTLE SISTER!" Akira lets out a 'oof' as Shuichi lifts her high in the air, crushing her in a hug. He and Izumi were on an anniversary trip with an accompanying jonin to guarantee their safe return. He had asked their mother to keep it a secret and she had only told Akira that morning. Akira wraps her arms as much as she can around Shuichi giggling and grinning like she's five again. Izumi stands back a with a smile on her face as the siblings hug before Shuichi unceremoniously drops her without warning as Akira lands roughly and smacks his arm.

"You always drop me!" Akira says, trying to whine but laughing too much as Shuichi snorts.

"You're the one who always takes a hug!" he says back shoving her head a little affectionately. Akira darts away a little missing the most of it as she eyes her brother. His hair is cut short like Akira's was not too long ago, and it is nearly identical to their mother's hair, the difference being while their mother has dark violet hair, Shuichi's is a soft lavendar. He had a smooth green Konoha vest on and his headband proudly on his brow.

"If you're on vacation why are you all," she flicks his vest as Shuichi gives her a look. "Geared up?"

"He wanted to come see you and your mother right away so he didn't bother changing." Izumi says softly as Akira hums and Shuichi scoffs.

"If I had known I was gonna get ridiculed by a Suna-nin, I would have." he teases as Akira rolls her eyes and snorts at him.

"Well we Suna-nin can kick your ass any day." Akira grins at him as Shuichi laughs and starts when another voice rolls in.

"If we're comparing Suna to Konoha, Suna always does win." Akira turns to look at Temari who smirks from where she stands as Akira grins at her.

"Hey Temari! This is my brother Shuichi and his wife Izumi." She says gesturing to the pair. Shuichi grins and offers Temari a handshake while Izumi smiles at her. Temari doesn't smile back but does give a nod to Izumi.

Temari's eyes dart between the siblings slightly surprised at the similarities between the two. They had the same shaped eyes, and ears but Akira's lips were a little thinner, and while although Akira's eyes were a dark brown, Shuichi's eyes were a striking dark violet while his hair was a softer lavender, taking after their mother slightly. His nose is straighter and edged however which differed from Kana's and Akira's more rounded ones, and he is certainly taller than his mother and sister.

Shuichi looks her up and down, scanning for weapons without realizing, "I've heard about you and your brother from Akira's letters. It's nice to officially meet you."

"I can't say I'm surprised to hear that, but she speaks well of you too." She says and smirks when Akira clears her throat.

"Oh looks like someone is embarrassed." Her brother teases as Akira reddens.

"I am not. Why would I be?" she declares though her cheeks are still stained, and Shuichi simply smiles.

"Well because all you do is talk nonstop about how nice your new friends are and-."

"Anyway, why don't we all have some tea?" Izumi interrupts, her voice gentle as Akira grins at her grateful and Temari side eyes Akira.

"Sure. But I would be very interested to hear all the good things she's said." Temari says and Akira flushes.

"It's nothing I wouldn't say in person!" she admonishes and Temari and Shuichi laugh. As the four head inside Temari decides as she watches Shuichi sling an arm and press a kiss to his wife's cheek she likes this man. A part of her always took Akira's words about him with a grain of salt considering her own brothers, but he seemed to be a good role model.

"So what brings you over Temari?" Izumi asks gently as she pours some tea for the four of them. Temari smiles gently as she takes the cup from her.

"Just coming over before Akira's mission to make sure we're set for the festival tonight." She says as Shuichi looks at his sister surprised.

"You have a mission today? Akira, it's festival day!" he whines as Akira rolls her eyes.

"You don't even know what the festival is for!" she counters smiling as Shuichi laughs, although she is right.

"It's just a celebration for the village. Nothing too important. But you better come straight to my room after your mission." Temari glares, not flustered from the shouting as Akira winces and Shuichi looks at Temari.

"Just make sure her scars are covered. No one really minds them but her-." Akira elbows him hard and he grunts in pain as Izumi sips her tea and Temari smiles.

"I've already made some alterations don't worry." She says with a wink as Akira looks at her. She's trying hard not to smile but her eyes are grateful and so are Shuichi's.

"Well I better get going." Akira says glancing at a clock as Temari nods and stands.

"Same, knowing my brothers they probably haven't even looked at their clothes." She makes a face and Izumi giggles.

"Well it was a pleasure meeting you." She says softly and Shuichi nods smiling.

"We'll see you guys later. But have you seen mom?" he asks as Akira shrugs and tilts her head a little.

"I think she grabbed Kenji and went shopping. Thank Kami." She mutters and Temari tilts her head a questioning smirk on her face.

"Who is Kenji?" she asks smiling and Akira flushes as Shuichi's grins.

"He's-."

"No one let's go-."

"You'll see him tonight!" Shuichi promises as the two flee the house and Akira grimaces.

"Well hopefully we don't but see you Temari!"

"Good luck!" she waves before turning toward her home. Temari frowns to herself as she sets off hoping that whoever this Kenji is, he doesn't put a damper on her plans.


Akira is covered in sand, dirt, mud, and some blood. Her hair is plastered to her face and her clothes are on the verge of being ruined. She sighs when she knocks on the door and Kankuro answers and he smiles.

"Temari is going to flip shit." He mutters stepping to the side as he cocks his hip and leans against the door as Akira smiles wryly.

"I know." She mutters bacl stepping inside just as Temari rounds the corner and her mouth drops open.

"Oh Kami- Akira!" she almost yells and Akira winces.

"I know it's bad but-." She starts but Temari shakes her head and grabs her wrist pulling her behind her.

"Come on we don't have much time!" she says angrily and Kankuro laughs behind them.

When all is said and done the sun has dipped below the horizon and Temari has worked, what Akira considers, a miracle. Akira's once knee-length forest green dress, now has longer sleeves with cuts in them to expose enough skin but cover her scars. They end in a point at her middle finger and the dress is shorter to allow tight black trousers underneath. Her black sandals complete the look and her dark brown hair is curled and clean. Akira looks in the mirror at herself as Temari stands back and smiles.

"I knew you would look amazing but I have to say I think I've outdone myself." Temari says smiling with her eyes closed, proud of herself and hands on her hips. Her own hair is up on either said of her head, gather in just two bundles now, and a formal purple dress is her outfit. She looks young and gorgeous next to Akira who shifts a little and Temari places a hand on her shoulder.

"Look I know you might be uncomfortable but we are two badass women who just want to have a good night. And I say we will have that good night!" Temari says with a wink as Akira blinks before laughing and nodding.

"Ok!" she exclaims and Temari squeezes her shoulder once before dropping her hand.

"Although I do have a question, it's been a while, how do you feel about Gaara?" she asks arms crossed as Akira sighs.

"I don't know he's like my best friend besides you. You're like the older sister I never had, and I love you for that, but I don't think of him as a brother. I don't know what he is honestly, but he is cute." She mumbles the last part more to herself and blushes when Temari raises a brow.

"You like him. Tell him. If he doesn't feel the same way, he will be touched and honestly he'll help you move on if anything." She smiles at Akira who shifts.

"I know but I still am not sure if it is just a crush or more I know it's been a while and it hasn't falter but…" Temari smiles and walks around Akira before opening the door to her room.

"You do what you feel is right, but you can't be afraid to take a chance. Now let's go dance our asses off!" she shouts raising a fist in the air for Akira to fist bump and Akira grins as she accepts the fist bump. Temari closes the door behind them and grins to herself at the thought of her plan falling into place.


The music is loud, fast and everything Akira wants it to be as she dances with Temari in the middle of the square. The village people who are usually quiet and conservative are now loud and wild as Temari and Akira move in time with each other and the song. Akira doesn't feel as awkward as she would have, and she knows it's probably due to the nature of the song. Temari laughs next to her and they join hands as they spin in circles and match each other's actions and moves.

Akira moves out of the crowd with Temari once the song ends and quickly they find a table. Temari and Akira collapse in the chairs laughing and exhausted even though they haven't danced long, the intensity is taxing. Shuichi is laughing with Izumi when he spots his sister and tilts his head in her direction. Izumi nods once and the pair head up to the girls. Temari waves as Akira smiles at her brother.

"Hey Shuichi, hey Izumi! Are you guys liking the festival?" she asks and Shuichi nods.

"Everything is amazing!" Izumi shouts over the music and Temari grins.

"Good to hear! I helped with a lot of preparations. Oh look there's Kankuro, Gaara should be around here soon." Temari says pointing to her dark-haired brother as Akira tilts her head to see.

"What does Gaara looks like?" Shuichi shouts as Akira shrugs.

"Red hair mint eyes-."

"They're green!" Temari shouts backward over her shoulder and blinks a minute before laughing.

"Mint is a plant Akira! I know it's a color but- come on let's finish this dance." She says dragging Akira up and toward the dance floor and Shuichi laughs as Akira makes a face at him. Izumi giggles to his side and he take a moment to press another kiss to his wife's temple.

"Hello." A voice behind says and he turns to find a tall young man with red hair and green eyes with dark circle around his eyes. Shuichi feels his wife jump beside him and he's mouth runs dry but he manages a grin to spread on his face.

How his sister befriended the Desert Demon is beyond him but they are friends and so he manages to keep a grip on his flight-or-fight response. He's not the type to run, and he doesn't want to punch his sister's friend.

"Hey you must be Gaara, I'm Shuichi, Akira's brother. This is my wife Izumi." He says gesturing to Izumi who has had the same pleasant smile on her face. Gaara's eyes light up and he nods in greeting.

"Nice to meet you."

"So my sister told me you meet on mission, and I'm glad you're friends but I should warn you." Gaara looks at Shuichi surprised and concerned as he looks down and sighs. "Kenji is an old friend of mine, and he's had his eye on my sister for a while. And I know you two are just friends but Akira is really fond of you, and Kenji gets jealous really easily. Just keep an eye on her for me and let me know if Kenji steps out of line. Akira can take care of herself but Kenji is my responsibility." Shuichi finishes and Gaara tilts his head, partly surprised at the turn of events. He half expected Shuichi to threaten him about his sister.

"So you're friend is interested in Akira, and Akira doesn't know?"

"Oh she knows, she just wants no part of it. She doesn't like him like that, and he embarrasses her more than she cares to admit. Normally I just tease her but she's turning fifteen soon and he wants to be serious about dating her. I don't like it and she doesn't like it, but he requested a chance to just ask her, so just let me know if he acts up. She says no and she probably will, and that's it." He says nodding and places a hand on Gaara's shoulder.

"I appreciate you being there for her when I can't. And I, for one, hope that you and Akira get together-."

"Shuichi!" Izumi says, and he winces when she swats his arm and he laughs and blushes.

"Sorry I got carried away, couldn't resist. I'm just teasing. I honestly have no idea what her preferences are." He mutters the last part more to himself but Gaara tries not to blush at the image that comes to mind. "Anyway what I'm saying is that I trust you. And-ah nevermind, she's over there, if you're looking for her. I think your sister did an awesome job on her." He says pointing through the crowd and Gaara's eyes widen as his jaw slackens a little bit. Izumi giggles quietly next to her husband who winks at her.

Gaara's eyes land on Akira who is still dancing with Temari just as the light hits her, illuminating her for a moment. Her dark chocolate hair is curled and down and lovely against her skin, and her lips have taken on a sinful shade of pink that reminds him of when they ate pomegranates. Her eyes are lined in kohl and her outfit is lovely on her. Gaara is suddenly aware why Temari had wanted it to be a surprise. His outfit is a light gray almost silver with black trim and black seams for contrast. Kankuro's own outfit had been completely black and allowed him to wear his cap without being too much out of place. Gaara realizes he's been staring a minute too long, and he is being rude as he nods a thanks to Shuichi and Izumi and moves towards Akira.


"You look like an upside-down tree." Kankuro says after finding Temari and Akira resting after their song ended. Akira frowns and glances at Kankuro.

"I didn't realize trees were black, and at least I don't look like a walking void." She mutters and Kankuro glances at her once more surprised and laughs.

"I was talking about your brown hair idiot." He chuckles and Akira feels her ears warm and her throat dry as she clears it. Temari blinks and laughs, muttering that Kankuro isn't wrong for once and Akira begrudgingly grins.

"I guess I'll give you that one." She smiles at him and Kankuro smiles as he sips his drink before he lowers it and frowns eyes darting past Akira.

Akira blinks at the sudden change when a hand presses into her shoulder and she resists the urge to jump at the sudden contact. She turns and she feels her face twist with disgust before she can stop it.

Kenji is one of Shuichi's childhood friends, despite being two years younger than Shuichi. He excels at genjutsu, and taijutsu but his ninjutsu has always been lacking. He also has started looking at her like he wants to eat her after she turned thirteen. Her skin crawls from the contact of his hand on her shoulder but she doesn't move from her seat instead brushing off the limb as she schools her face. Kenji's bright orange hair falls over one of his dark cobalt eyes and he grins when he looks at her. It would be comforting if it didn't look so unnatural and with so many teeth as Akira rolls her shoulders.

"What do you want Kenji?" she asks as he moves to stand in front of her.

"To meet your companions and to ask for a dance." He says smoothly, and Akira fights a grimace.

"This is Temari and Kankuro. Temari, Kankuro, this is Kenji, he's Shuichi's childhood friend." She says gesturing between the parties as Kenji holds up a finger.

"Actually I am also Akira's friend."

"Nope you're Shuichi's," she says smoothly and Temari sips her water brows raised as Kenji laughs a little forcibly. Kankuro eyes the orange-haired man and decides that if he tries something he will personally remove him from the festival. The thought doesn't give him pause considering Akira is uncomfortable and Gaara's friend as well as his sister's. Even if he didn't like the girl, she didn't deserve this.

"Oh come on Akira we've had good times." He says and Akira nods at that.

"Yeah we did, but then you started looking at me like you wanted to eat me. Like now." She says and glares at him. This was discussed so many times before and she wasn't willing to go through this again. He promised to stop, still stared at her, and Shuichi even had to tell him to stop. She didn't entirely understand what was going on but it didn't matter, all that did was that she didn't like him.

"I wanted to talk to you about why that is if you will. But first how about a dance?" he asks and Akira blinks before shaking her head.

"I already agreed to save a dance for someone." She says and Temari smiles and nods.

"Gaara will be here soon too." She mutters and Kankuro gives a nod as Kenji frowns.

"And who is this Gaara?" he asks eyes narrowing before a small wave of sand brushes Akira's shoulder, as though a warning and question and Akira inclines her head slightly as Gaara approaches from behind her.

"That is me." He says bluntly and Kankuro looks between Akira and Gaara and laughs.

"Man, you did that on purpose, huh Temari?" He snickers and Akira blinks before turning in her seat to realize that Gaara is terribly handsome tonight. His flaming locks are still wild and long and pushed to reveal the symbol on his brow. The outfit makes his gleaming mint eyes mesmerizing and her breath catches in her throat when they met her own dark brown. Akira looks away with a dry throat and resists the urge to clear it as she smiles at Kenji.

"Kenji this is my friend Gaara, who I promised a dance with." She says and stands but before the pair can leave Temari stops them.

"Hey, no, no, I want a picture of the two of you. It's Akira's first festival come over here!" she yells and Akira sweat drops at the proposal as Gaara nods. Kankuro grumbles as he waves over someone with a camera he shifts the bulky contraption over, meeting them half way from the table and away from a dejected Kenji. Temari grins as the four of them take a picture before she and Kankuro move out of the way for Gaara and Akira.

"You look really handsome tonight Gaara." Akira mumbles as she moves a little closer to Gaara who looks pleased as she grins for the picture. He's staring at her and the flash takes before he can turn, and he barely manages to look for the second.

"You don't look like a tree." He mumbles and Akira looks at him sharply before laughing and thanks him.

Kenji watches the pair, watches as Gaara looks at her, as he gently grabs her hand and inclines his head towards the music. Temari waves them off before asking for all takes of their pictures, and he watches as Akira grins and grips his hand tighter. She smiles at him more, she looks at him with an emotion he has rarely seen. She looks at Shuichi with admiration, at Kana with aspiration, and even at Izumi with wonder. But never him and now she looks at Gaara with something he can't place, but it's reciprocated, and that's all that really matters.

"Did you know that Gaara asked her to dance?" Temari asks Kankuro thinking Kenji is out of ear shot, but he isn't and he perks up at this.

"No I had no idea, maybe he had asked her before the festival." he reasons and Temari sighs as she looks out toward the crowd. "Wait does that mean you guessed?" he snorts as Temari shrugs.

"A little, I mean I figured, but anyway a slower song is starting soon. Something for the tourists and as long as they don't dance the last dance I'm sure village talk will cease." Kenji raises a brow at that.

"Oh Temari you know that it's an old superstition, I mean you don't have to marry the person you dance the last festival dance with. Just because that's how father and mother met-."

"I know but the village-."

"Will talk no matter what, let's just enjoy the festival eh?" he suggests and he hears the blond haired woman sigh as Kenji frowns. He always thought at some point he would be able to get her to be with him, but now this last dance would ruin that for good.


After they managed to blend into the crowd, Akira yanks Gaara away from the music and away from both his siblings and Kenji when they find a table she finally sighs and relaxes. Gaara offers her some water from a passing tray and she gladly accepts it, gulping a bit down before sipping the rest as he drinks from his own.

"I used to be friends with him. When we were kids, then when I turned thirteen he started looking at me like he wanted to eat me. I kept telling him to stop and he would quit for a few days but…" she sighs trailing off and Gaara nods once in understanding. Kenji had glared at him while Akira had her back turned and while Kankuro and Temari looked at the two of them. Kankuro then nodded when they met eyes as though agreeing to help get rid of him if he started anything. Gaara appreciated the gesture more than he knew, but thankfully they had fled before it came to that.

"Shuichi told me if he tried anything-."

"I can take care of him myself." Akira says firmly and Gaara raises a brow and gestures to her outfit. "Ok it might be a little hard in this, but I could." She insists, and he gives her a semi-smile.

"Shuichi said that Kenji is his friend. His responsibility." He mutters, and Akira tilts her head in acknowledgement. Her brother had a point even if she didn't want to admit it herself.

"Ok but did you really want to dance? And did you even ask anyone else?" Akira asks her eyes shining once more and there was a gentle curve to her mouth.

"With you yes, and no." he says taking a drink as Akira sips her own water trying to fight off a blush.

"Why me? And why didn't you ask?" she asks gently and Gaara lifts a shoulder. He is getting popular in the village after joining the troops. Not as many people fear him and he even helped teach a class at the academy. But he is still nervous still awkward at this interaction between humans and-.

He stops the thought before it can finish. He has found proof in texts, studies, and in different genres that he is human. He just needs to start acting more like it.

Akira gently touches his arm dragging him out of his thoughts. "Hey just ignore what I asked, those were bad questions anyway. I'm your friend that's why, and I get the other part." She says with a wink and Gaara exhales a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

He wants to say something, wants to tell her how he feels because it's moments like this one that has him so damn thankful for her understanding. But the music changes and Akira smiles and nods in the direction of the music.

"Are you ready?" she asks and Gaara looks at her a moment, dark eyes and dark hair, gleaming and shining and he gives her a small smile before nodding.

"Yes."

The music is slow as the two begin to dance. Temari and Kankuro watch from the sidelines along with Shuichi and Izumi. Kenji is also watching annoyed it's not him, but neither Gaara and Akira notice them as much as they should. Akira is at a loss for words as the dance begins and she waits for herself to feel awkward, and small against him. She could easily hide behind his broad shoulders and yet he's always been easy to hug. He's taller than her now and she has to crane her neck a little to see him and he is looking at her like he knows something she doesn't.

"What?" she asks after a moment her cheeks are hot and Gaara twirls her away before pulling her back in.

"You look beautiful tonight." He says and it's like he's mentioning the weather as Akira blinks surprised. "I like your hair." He says and this time it sounds awkward and he knows it but Akira smiles and looks at him.

"Your eyes look really pretty tonight. Almost like they are blue and it's lovely." She says and he isn't sure what to do or respond so he just guides them into another portion of the dance.

"Dance with me again?" he asks as the music begins the crescendo and Akira smiles and nods.

"Of course." She says and Gaara smiles at her.


Temari listens to the crowd next to her as she watches Gaara and Akira finish up the dance and freezes. She looks at Kankuro alarmed who merely bites his lip and shrugs. They can't do anything as the beat picks up a bit and Akira looks at Gaara surprised.

"What song is this?" she asks and Gaara looks at her surprised.

"It's a traditional Suna song, couples dance to it a lot. We don't have to if your uncomfortable." He says and Akira looks at him and frowns.

"I wouldn't mind but I've never danced to something like this before." She admits and Gaara thinks about it for a moment before looking at her.

"Do you trust me?" he asks and Akira tilts her head and makes a face at him.

"Of course I do."

"Then follow my lead." He says taking her hand in his and Akira sighs and smiles as he raises her arm to cross his. She stands in front of him and they wait until the count drops before he moves.

Gaara can't do much to physically guide her since they start the dance facing each other so sand gently guides her feet in the proper direction. It only takes a few times before she gets the hang of the beginning and as it speeds up Gaara moves taking her hand and pulling her close. Akira's breath catches at the proximity, but she remembers where she is and moves in time with him. It's almost like a tease, drawing closer to each other before flirting away and once more their arms cross as they circle each other. This time however sand guides Akira to act first as she grabs Gaara's hand and twirls under it. She grins at him when she catches his eye and his heart skips a beat now.

The rest of a dance is a blur to them Gaara is vaguely aware of the sand still gently ushering Akira in the correct direction and moves, but it's almost natural to the girl. The one thing Gaara has ever seen her excel at naturally is dance, and yes, she has excelled at being a shinobi but that was through hard work and grit. This was all her.

When the dance is done, and as they walk away, Akira turns and grins at him one final time. Maybe it's the way they dance that has left her hair in a gentle mess than the perfect curls it once was in. Maybe it's the gleam in her dark eyes or the shine on her beautiful lips but his heart beats harder than it should. He's staring at her more than he should, and he knows deep down that he needs to tell her. He moves to catch up to her as she's a few paces ahead, moves to finally tell her to admit his feelings-.

"Maybe you're wrong and you're having a heart attack. Since you're human suddenly." Shukaku cackles and Gaara falters and Kenji moves.

Akira blinks realizing Gaara isn't behind her anymore when Kenji appears in front of her. His usual smile isn't on his face and for once he doesn't look unnerving, her eyes narrow as she watches him sigh. He looks at her again with concern filling his blue eyes and she remembers when they were young and when she first met him. The three of them, Kenji, Shuichi and herself were as thick as thieves back in the day. Then they got older, Shuichi met Izumi on his team, Kenji started to look at her like meat even when she beat the shit out of him in training, and then she left. Akira sighs and walks toward him, frowning and wondering when they had all changed.

Gaara watches from the background ready to move if need be. Even if he was shaken by Shukaku's words he would be there for Akira. They were friends. It was the least he could do.

Kenji smiles softly at her and sighs, "I fucked up a lot huh?" he asks and Akira nods once arms crossed in front of her chest.

"Yeah I miss when we were friends. What changed?" she asked and Kenji closes his eyes and smiles at her and Gaara sees her tense as Kankuro comes up claps him on the shoulder.

"Yeah you know what you should start to do?" he looks at Gaara with a gleam in his eyes and mutters his idea and Gaara raises a brow.

Akira shifts uncomfortably as Kenji smiles at her and closes his eyes. It's a little better when his eyes are closed but she isn't entirely sure when his smile changed from heartwarming to creepy.

"Look Akira I know I have fucked up a lot." Akira's eyes widen as a circle of sand is carefully drawn around Kenji and he slowly begins to move backward as though on a conveyor belt. She fights off a snicker as he slowly moves away from her. "I want to go back to being friends but I can't. I just want you to know why though-Am I moving backwards?" he asks and looks at her as Gaara walks forward and next to Akira.

"N-no-." She starts but fails to hold in a snort of laughter when he steps off the circle and glares at Gaara. Gaara quietly swears next to Akira at the action and she barely restrains doubling over as she snorts again.

"I'm sorry." She mutters to him but her eyes are thankful as she covers a hand with her mouth and Kenji looks at them.

"Akira I've been looking at you like that because I love you. I'm in love with you and I want to know-." He stops at Akira's surprised face and she takes a step backwards and catches Gaara's hand with hers.

Time slows as everyone gauges the situation. Gaara looking surprised at Akira's actions, Akira at Kenji's words, and Kenji at the gesture. Blue eyes fill with a mixture of anger and sadness as he looks at Akira again who drops Gaara's hand and shakes her head.

"I don't love you and I'm not ready for that." She breathes, and the truth hits her. Her doubt with Gaara and her own feelings suddenly make sense as she looks at Kenji.

"I have a lot of things to work out Kenji I need to focus on fixing myself. And it might not make sense to you, but even if I did like you like that. I still need to put myself first." She says and Gaara listens to her words and stares at her.

He was just like Kenji. He didn't understand her own pasts, and traumas. With her help he has dealt with some of his issues, but when had they talked about hers? They didn't even talk about her nightmare, and that was already a month ago, and now here he was. Gaara takes a breath at the realization and decides that he doesn't need to tell her.

But he does need to be a better friend.

Kenji looks between the two of them and sees Gaara's face at the declaration before he nods. He isn't the only one who is surprised by Akira's words and that takes the sting away a little.

"I wish we were still friends. But I dunno if we will be again." She admits and Kenji nods and pulls out a picture of the three of them as kids.

"I take it you want this then?" he asks and Akira shakes her head.

"Even if we aren't friends anymore I still cherish the memories of when we were." She admits and presses the picture into his hands. She doesn't smile but nods once to him and Kenji smiles begrudgingly before waving goodbye to them. He turns and leaves the festival heading back to the inn Shuichi, Izumi and him were staying at.

Akira relaxes completely for a moment exhausted before looking at Gaara amused. "Did you really think of that on your own?" she asks and Gaara shakes his head and points to where his siblings are watching.

"They're not even trying to hide." She mutters and Gaara 'hmms' in agreement.

"Still thank you. Is there anything left at the festival to do though?" she asks looking at him and Gaara nods once and offers his hand. Akira raises a brow before taking it and sand encircles them.


Akira opens her eyes up on top of a building, the festival is a few blocks over and down below them. She looks at Gaara surprised before he tilts his head to follow her. They walk across rooftops leisurely and silently enjoying each other's presence. Gaara waits and watches as she balances on the edges of a building before looking at him.

"So I asked Temari what the festival was for, like if it had a meaning, and she said it was just a fun way for the village to relax." She says and Gaara nods where he stands.

"You know I heard Temari say that dancing the last song with someone means you marry them." Akira says standing on one leg, back to Gaara who looks over at her curious where this is leading.

"Well it seems," she says and she leans backward and looks at him upside down her leg raised for balance. "We danced the last dance together." She says and Gaara looks at her shocked as she twirls and laughs.

"You didn't realize?" she asks as she wipes her eyes. "Oh I'm sorry your face was amazing, but I don't believe a dance determines anything." She says as Gaara makes a face at her as she looks at him and sighs.

"Ok I'm sorry and if it's about the song, if we are still single around I don't know thirty? Let's get married." She says with a sigh and Gaara blinks at her surprised.

"Why?" he asks and Akira sighs and looks at him. The kohl has smeared enough that she matches his own dark lids and his mouth quirks at that.

"Why not? I mean you're my best friend, and it would annoy the elders." She admits before looking at Gaara a moment. "And I don't think being married to you would be bad honestly." She considers this as Gaara's mouth twitches upwards again.

That is until an explosion sounds over the village and Akira jumps out of her skin and almost falls off the edge of the building. She manages to catch herself and Gaara's sand hovers around her as he looks at her concerned as the light of fireworks illuminates from above. Akira laughs then and places a hand over her heart as she steps away from the edge of the building.

"I thought the village was being attacked, I didn't know the festival ended with fireworks." She sighs and places a hand on Gaara's arm as she looks up in amazement.

Gaara looks at her, really looks at her, some of her thin white scars can be seen through the silts on her sleeves. Her hair is messy now, and her colored lips are faded from water. He knows her favorite color is the sky when night is approaching, knows that she wants to be an instructor at the academy, he knows she clears her throat when she's embarrassed and her ears turn red before her cheeks do. He knows that she can't remember some of her past and knows her for who she is. Even if the scars are unsightly, if he's honest with himself, he doesn't care.

"Akira?" he says and she hums but doesn't tear her eyes from the sky. "I want to be a better friend to you." He earnestly enough that she looks at him then surprised. Fireworks illuminate behind him and the beautiful eyes of his seems to glow.

"You have given me your space, have-."

"You've done the same. You gave me a dance studio that's almost completely private." She winks and Gaara feels his face heat. "Your family is like my own. I just haven't opened up the way you have. And I'm glad you have never pushed me." She turns to face him fully and grabs his hands in hers.

"I will open up to you. You are truly the greatest friend I could have ever asked for. And tonight has been amazing Gaara." She finishes and Gaara feels the worry in his chest slide away. He pulls her close and Akira barely as a second to catch her breath as they tumble away. She blinks her eyes open as she pulls back slightly. They are in her room as she glances around and turns to smile-.

Only to have one hand gently catch her chin and Gaara's lips brush against her cheek. Her mind stops and heat rises to her ears and face as he pulls back from the peck and looks at her once over.

"You looked beautiful tonight." He mutters and steps back from her. "I'll tell Temari you had a great time, and Akira," she blinks still dazed as he smiles at her and her heart skips another damn beat. "You're my best friend too. Thank you for tonight." And like that he's gone.

Akira's face is warm and she closes her window before collapsing to the floor and realizing two things.

She is an idiot.

And she has a crush on Gaara.

Akira moans loudly and lays on the floor of her bedroom and curses her life since she had just sworn off romance until she is fixed. And she still had a mission report to deliver, and another mission two days from now.

She moans again before moving to the bed this time and curses this world. And curses her idiot of a best friend for being so damn annoyingly wonderful and giving her every right to love him.

-End- Song Choice: Stolen Dance by Milky Chance was the lead song for this chapter although FRIENDS by Marshmellow and Anne-Marie, and Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran certainly played their own roles in some cuts of the chapter. (Props to anyone who figures out the respective scenes for these). Well now that Shukaku's plan in getting Gaara to fall for Akira is working and Akira wants Gaara in return, we are getting close to finishing Arc 1, are you ready?!

Well I hope you enjoyed it. Until next time!