Gaara
A paper was once again set aside, untouched and unread. For the tenth time that day, Gaara sighed. The new set of papers in his hands were gently laid down on the table. He gave them a brief blank stare before turning his head to eye the view outside through the circular windows.
The howls of various animals- mainly dogs- and the whooshing of violent winds didn’t fall upon deaf ears. It’s just another peaceful night, like the previous days. Nothing treacherous going on. Yet.
All things reported to him for the whole month had been trivial. But Gaara nevertheless couldn’t find himself relaxing too much for a day. A paper somehow flew to his place, landing on his lap. Gaara found it weird how the object ended up on his lap. The enormous symbols written on the report screamed for attention.
The council is getting more and more desperate to have the Kazekage a woman to bear his heir. Gaara of course wouldn’t let them have their way. They already tried an arranged marriage a few months ago and it ended up in a disaster. The woman he was supposed to marry already had a man she deeply loves. The couple had planned to elope in the beginning.
The Kazekage had helped them, sending them off to Konoha with new identities, he also had Shikamaru to thank as the guy also lent a helping hand.
‘Political marriage is truly problematic’ Gaara had thought whilst he watched the couple make their way to their new home. The two had grateful smiles on their faces as they bid him goodbye.
The events that took place a few days ago suddenly came to mind. He can’t help but smile from the memory.
~~
3 days ago, in the evening, someone unexpected entered his office. Gaara wondered for a minute why exactly the person is there, before recalling the time he went to visit their shop, taking interest in a plant and asking it to be delivered to him. But he didn’t expect her to convey it herself.
When he asked about this, the Yamanaka told him that the people in Konoha are busy and she couldn’t find someone to deliver it for her, she also added that she wanted to visit the village because it’s been a while since she last came.
Gaara prepared her a place to stay in after knowing that the blonde would stay only until tomorrow, then she’d leave the day after. He bid her goodnight after escorting her to her room.
The next day, the Kazekage volunteered to accompany the girl in her walk around the village. She didn’t disagree but he sensed her uncertainty.
The female-nin was surprisingly not talkative like what he’d expected. Naruto and the others as well as his siblings would always tell him how the blonde never shuts her mouth. So, it was a surprise to him when she rarely talked during their walk. The kunoichi’s formality surprisingly made him uncomfortable.
The two visited various shops, Ino ended up buying a few pieces of clothing that she liked and souvenirs for her friends and mother. She couldn’t forget to also get ones for her father, teacher, and other people close to her for when she visits them. She felt giddy at the thought of visiting them with gifts in hand.
Gaara helped carry the bags, surprising the Yamanaka. She wanted to refuse, but couldn’t find herself doing so because of the firm look he gave her. They ended up receiving lots of curious stares from the people passing by. Ino couldn’t be more embarrassed.
~
The two stopped at a food stand for lunch, both ordering gyudon.
“I’m surprised, Kazekage-sama” she suddenly said while they were eating. The redhead was quick to pick up on what she’s implying.
“It’s nothing. Consider it as a ‘thanks’ for delivering the cactus in such a distance.”
“Yes, Kazekage-sama”
“……..”
“But I hope I’m not wasting your time”
“Please rest assured, you’re certainly not wasting my time. It’s my decision to accompany you, Ms. Yamanaka”
The two had a small exchange while they ate, wherein the Kunoichi became more at ease.
After lunch, they continued on their walk. Gaara decided to show the blonde parts of the village that he always loved to go to, Ino felt contented upon knowing this fact.
At 5 pm, Gaara led the Yamanaka to a place he’d always go to, to relieve stress. It’s a quiet and not so special area but it was still peaceful, and that’s all she needed after all those stressful works in Konoha. Being head of the Yamanaka clan certainly isn’t easy.
There was a lone bench under a tall tree, and in front is a view of the village. Both occupied the bench and were silent for a while until the woman spoke.
“This place isn’t so bad. A lonely bench under a lonely tree? I couldn’t ask for more” she said.
Her words ended up emitting a chuckle from the man beside her, which greatly shocked her.
Both told the other about their work and how they were doing in their respective village. Gaara learning that the Kunoichi also has a lot to carry on her shoulders, and Ino finding out about Suna’s council being desperate to have their leader in an arranged marriage as the first didn’t quite work out. Ino scoffed at the absurdity of forced marriage.
“That’s right! The council shouldn’t involve themselves in your personal life! That’s just disrespectful! It’s up to you if you want to marry someone- it’s your decision! Not theirs!”
Gaara stared at the angry blonde who’s mumbling about with fists punching the air.
‘I found her’ he thought to himself, delighted that he got to see what his friends were seeing.
~~
The two surprisingly got along. The next day, Gaara and Kankuro went to see her off. Kankuro teased the two about hanging out together yesterday, he said that rumors were spreading around the village about the two walking together, people guessed that they were dating. Those who saw their leader and the Kunoichi said that they looked really happy together and that they both acted close.
The Yamanaka blushed, “Not true! Kazekage-sama only accompanied me!”
Gaara coughed, “She’s right. Kankuro you should learn not to believe everything you hear.”
The older brother only laughed in response.
“Great… I guess I’m off. It’s nice meeting you two again. Also, thank you for your hospitality, Kazekage-sama” Ino bowed in respect.
“Please! Don’t act so formal now you two! Ne, blondie, just call little bro by his name, our friends are starting to do so too” Kankuro exclaimed.
Ino turned to the younger of the two and received a nod in response.
“Hai… Then I’m off. I’ll see you soon then, Kaze- Gaara-sama and Kankuro”
The brothers watched the disappearing figure of the kunoichi. A minute later, Kankuro turned to his younger brother with a knowing look plastered on his face.
“So what do you have there in your hand, little brother? Planning to get down on one knee already?” he nodded his head towards the paper in the Kazekage’s hand.
“Don’t come up with nonsensical ideas, Kankuro” Gaara warned and turned to head back to the tower.
~~
Gaara sighed at the memory. Muttering his brother’s name like he’s ready to murder someone, he didn’t expect his brother’s words to affect him.
But all murdering Kankuro aside, he looks forward to the next time they meet.
~Meanwhile with Ino~
Ino was surprised how she occasionally thought of the day she hung out with the Kazekage and how he wasn’t as scary as he looks.
But thoughts of him greatly distracted her from her work and the Kunoichi wanted to get rid of these as soon as possible. She wondered one day, why he occasionally invades her mind and was flabbergasted at one possible thought.
With weary eyes, she asked herself,
‘Is it real or just another crush?’.