XIX. Biggest Supporter

Gaara's inauguration day was getting closer.

It was both exciting and nerve-wracking. There was no telling how it would go. He had gained many supporters by this point, but there were also those strongly opposed. The day was supposed to be a celebration. Suna would have a Kazekage again, and it's what he's been working so hard for. But would the opposers outweigh those who trusted him? Would this be a day of terror for those who still feared him?

No matter. His siblings would be there. Baki would be there. The girls would be there. They would have his back no matter what, even if he felt he didn't deserve it.

In short: he would be loved through the best and worst of it all.

And at the end of the day, he knew it ultimately wasn't about him. It's about the village he swears to protect. He would gladly lay down his life even for the people who hate him.

Harley was taking a week off school to attend, as the inauguration fell on an inconvenient day for her in the middle of the semester. He insisted that she didn't have to do that, to which she and Hayley doubly insisted, "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

Harley made one last visit before then. She took a seat next to Gaara on the steps of the estate. Only another month-ish until he would be allowed to take the seat of honor inside.

"Here," she said, handing him a magazine.

"What's this?"

"Your inauguration gift."

"Oh, you don't have to get me anything. Just your presence at the ceremony means the world to me."

"Don't try to resist, mister. You're getting a gift."

He smiled in defeat and started flipping through it.

"I circled some furniture and things that I think would look awesome in your office. But of course, it's totally your choice. There's also a section in the middle full of American houseplants that you can't get here in Japan, but will still thrive in this environment if well cared for."

The plants section intrigued him. Naturally.

"You really don't have to do this…"

"I know. That's why it's fun."

They looked at each other and exchanged sweet smiles, completely oblivious to what would have been obvious to any onlooker in that moment.

"Thank you, Harley."

"Look it over and let me know what you want before I leave and I'll order it. I want to make sure it gets here by the big day."