Chapter 18
Temari and Kankurou walked through the festival, a little confused. They had thought that their master plan would be put into action tonight, however…when they got home…it really didn't seem necessary. They walked into the house only to see Shia curled comfortably against their younger brother's side, arm laying over his stomach, with his arm resting lazily around her waist. Perhaps things would be easier than they'd first thought, even though it had seemed pretty easy already.
"That had to be the cutest thing I've ever seen," Temari whispered to her brother so that the two behind wouldn't hear.
"I have to admit they look good together. Well, we can still help you know. Let's disappear," Kankurou suggested, and his older sister nodded. Temari looked around and spotted a little game.
"Let's go over here Kankurou!" she said, loud enough for the other two to hear, and dragged her brother off to the game. Gaara and Shia exchanged confused looks and just continued on.
"Is it just me or have they been acting weird lately?" Shia asked, turning her dark blue eyes on him. He sighed.
"Well…weirder than usual," he answered quietly. She giggled.
"I wonder what's gotten into them," she said. He 'hn'd' and continued walking.
"I'm kind of hungry, wanna stop to get some dinner?" the brunette asked, and he nodded, turning into the nearest food stand.
Mission Neji/Tenten(a/n: /headset radio talking/)
/Panda, is the target in sight?/ a male voice said over her headset.
/Hai Raven!…he is entering the pub./ she answered.
/Move out…/ was his order.
/Understood…Panda out./ she answered.
/Raven out…/ he said.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tenten watched as her teammate activated his Byakugan to search the pub. She knew he'd laid eyes on the target when he fixed his stare and entered the pub. She was to wait ten minutes for Neji to secure the area, then walk in and do her part. She transformed into an older version of herself, wearing a short black kimono with no sleeves and a little open diamond to reveal her fuller cleavage. She undid the buns on her head and began combing her fingers through her hair. Her job was simple, get the man into a private room for questioning. With seduction in mind, she began to apply some makeup.
In the Pub
Neji scoped out the dingy little bar for any signs of trouble. He found no one that he thought his two man cell couldn't handle, and turned his eyes back on the target. He was a large, round man, with dusty gray hair and probably about two teeth. He had a very weak presence, and the Hyuuga could already see he wouldn't be too hard to get information out of. He had the look of a coward. Cowards are the easiest to pry information out of.
/This is Panda to Raven…I'm ready./ Tenten's soft, feminine voice called over the headset. He looked over the bar once more with his Byakugan, and answered.
/Clear Panda…target is sitting on the third stool at the bar….gray hair, black eyes, robust…commence 'Operation Red Cloud'/ he answered softly enough not to be heard by anyone around him.
/Hai!…Panda out../ she said.
/Be cautious…Raven out../ he said, and watched the door.
In walked a slightly taller, older version of his teammate. Her long tan legs were shown nicely by the short, revealing kimono she now wore. Her hair hung a little past her shoulder blades in chestnut ringlets. She wore red lipstick over her full, pouty lips; and black eye liner around her big, chocolate eyes. The Hyuuga's breath hitched…she was beautiful.
He watched silently as she walked over to the fat ugly man she'd be seducing. She batted her mascara clad, full eyelashes a few times, smiling slyly and looking lustily at the man. The fat man bit immediately, flirting back with the pretty girl. A few words were exchanged, and Neji saw the man pat the seat next to him. Tenten slid onto the stool, and lifted a nicely toned leg to cross over the other one excruciatingly slowly. Two pairs of eyes followed her movement intently.
"So you wanna go somewhere a little more…private," Tenten said in a breathy whisper, smiling flirtatiously.
"Where do you suggest we go my little vixen?" the man asked, moving closer to her. She chuckled in a melodious, seductive tone.
"We could rent a room for the night," she suggested, tracing a finger over his fat, sweaty chest, "I heard this place has an Inn upstairs."
She looked at him intensely, rubbing her finger in the whipped cream of his 'fat man's' pie, and bringing her finger slowly to her lips. She wrapped her tongue around her index finger suggestively, swirling it along the top, and then taking the entire finger into her mouth. When she pulled it out she made sure to hollow her cheeks, and stare into his eyes lustily. She smirked when she saw him shudder. 'Got him!' she thought.
"OI BAR KEEP!" the fat man roared, causing the owner of the place to turn and glare.
"Can I help you?" he asked forcibly civil.
"I need a room for the evening. No disturbances," he said, and the other man nodded.
The owner scribbled the man's name in the 'check in' book, and handed him a key. While he was preoccupied, Tenten turned and made brief eye contact with her partner, who blinked deliberately once, signaling he understood. Faster than anyone in the bar could possibly see, he took out the legs of the chair of the person sitting nearest to him. The man fell to the floor and drunkenly cried out in pain. Tenten took her cue.
"Oh no! He might be hurt! You go on ahead, I used to be a nurse, so I'm just gonna make sure he's alright," she said, throwing puppy dog eyes on as extra conviction.
"Mmm…smart too eh? I caught a good little vixen tonight. Alright then, we're in room fifteen, I'll be waiting," he said in a low, attempted sexy voice. Tenten found herself wanting to gag, however, she opted to smile slyly at him again.
"What's your name hon?" he asked, she grinned and made a claw motion with her hand while hissing like a cat.
"I'm Katherine, but you can call me Kitty," she purred, and he growled.
"Don't be too long," he said into her ear, and she could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"It'll only take a second," she said, and walked over to the injured man.
She helped him into a new seat, and after a quick look over, assured him he would be fine. Although…she did advise him not to drink anymore. The brunette spared a glance at the Hyuuga leaning unnoticed against a far wall. She walked passed him, and brushed him on accident (coughpurposecough).
"Gomen…" she said softly, pushing a piece of paper with the room number into his hand and walking gracefully up towards the stairs.
"It's fine…" he answered, tucking the paper into his hand discreetly, and watching her disappear into the stairwell.
Tenten knocked softly on the door to room fifteen which was opened by the robust man she was currently seducing. She was grabbed roughly by her arm and thrown non too gracefully onto the bed. The fat man hovered over her, breathing heavily and sweating. He'd pinned her arms over her head in one strong hand, of course she knew she could get away if she needed too. Her job was to keep him occupied until Neji was able to sneak upstairs without a room key, and get into the room which she'd made sure to leave open.
A pair of revolting lips attached themselves to her neck, and she felt herself shudder in disgust. Of course, said movement which was taken for arousal, made the gross man groan loudly. She let perfectly faked moans tumble from her lips, as the dirty old man made a slimy path down her neck. She keened falsely and stretched her neck to give him more access. The man was ready, she could feel his erection against her thigh, along with some gelatinous fat. He tugged at the ties of her kimono, and opened it to reveal her bare chest.
He kissed down the valley of her breasts, and Tenten covered up her revulsion expertly. Inside she wanted to cry. No one had ever seen her the least bit naked save her own mother, and here this man was licking and nibbling at parts of her that were personal. She knew it was her job as a shinobi to complete the mission no matter what, so she dealt with it. She moaned and writhed in forged pleasure, secretly wishing Neji would hurry. The man pushed her legs open, and she felt him rip her underwear off. She struggled, enough to keep him at bay for a few seconds, but not enough to turn him off. She craftily covered it as playing hard to get.
"Don't be scared my little vixen…I won't hurt you," he said, fear causing a shiver to course through her body.
She felt his fingers trace the lips of her sex. Quickly she threw up a small genjutsu that made it seem as if she were aroused. She trembled nervously as he pressed the tip of his finger against her entrance. She squeezed her eyes shut, begging the heavens for him to stop. His finger receded and she heard some shuffling. There was a zipping sound and then a soft thud of his pants flying somewhere into the room. Soon something much bigger was pressing against her opening. She drew in a sharp breath, tears only covered by her genjutsu. 'Where are you Neji? Neji…Neji! NEJI!" she cried in her head. Suddenly a gust of air hit her, and the fat man was flung harshly against the nearest wall.
"Tenten?…" she heard her partner's voice say quietly. She opened her brown eyes, dropping the henge and the genjutsu. She pulled the covers over her exposed form.
"It's okay…I'm here….I'm here. I'm sorry," he said, his usually unreadable white eyes filled with concern for her.
'If I'd been a second later…he would have…' he threw the thought out of his mind, and helped his teammate wrap the blanket over herself. She looked scared, and embarrassed. He felt guilt gurgle in his stomach. He lifted her silently and brought her into the bathroom, setting her on the closed toilet seat gently.
"Take a few minutes to calm yourself. Shower, I'll find some clothing for you, I'll take it from here. You did amazing…I'm so sorry," he said, leaving the still in shock girl in the bathroom. He closed the door silently, and walked into the room where a chakra string tied , very scared looking version of their target sat. 'At least I know she was prepared to attack. She managed to get the chakra strings around him without his noticing,' the Hyuuga thought.
"So Mr. Hokkaido….what do you know about Akatsuki?" Neji began, and the man trembled at the name.
Sunagakure Kazekage Festival
Shia hugged a giant plushy teddy bear to her lovingly, and stared up at Gaara with happy eyes. He felt his heartbeat quicken at that look. He felt completed looking at her like that…with her slender arm hooked in his, and a happy smile set across her face. He had a fleeting thought that he could go on forever like that. Of course, she was expected to be Head of an important clan in Konoha, and he was going to be Kazekage; so that idea was really just a bit of fantasy.
"Thanks for winning me this…it's so cute! You really didn't have to," she squealed in obvious excitement. He pondered the way that women could say things, yet mean the exact opposite of what they were saying at the same time. He knew she'd wanted him to win her the bear, that's why he'd done it.
"I wanted to," he said, and she smiled even brighter. He felt his lips quirk up in a tiny smile.
"Say…do you remember the panda doll you got me for my thirteenth birthday?" she asked. He nodded remembering how ridiculous he'd felt handing it to her.
"I still have it you know…and the card too. 'Happy Birthday Shia….I wish you happiness, Gaara'" she quoted the card. He felt his heart do an odd fluttering motion inside his chest. 'I can't believe she remembers that,' he thought.
"I thought it was so sweet. That really was one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I feel so at home here with you and your family. It's weird huh?" she asked, and he shook his head. Gaara didn't think it was weird at all.
He remembered the night of her birthday as well. It was the night of his first kiss. The first night where someone had dared to get so close to him. Shia hadn't even worried about herself. She'd just wanted to make sure he enjoyed it. It was something he'd never forget, and he found himself wanting to repeat it. He felt Shia's arm slide out of his, and her hand wrap shyly around his. If he weren't in public he would've blushed. He wasn't quite sure if he should pretend he hadn't noticed, or squeeze back. This whole girl + boy thing was still a little confusing for him.
Shia relaxed when she felt his initial surprised tension fade. She'd been debating for about fifteen minutes on whether she should try holding his hand or not. She was actually quite happy that she'd decided to. He hadn't drawn back, and he hadn't freaked out, which was a good sign. There was one more thing on her mind, however…she really wanted to re-enact the night of her birthday with him. To feel his matured body pressed against hers, his strong arms hugged around her waist, his skin against hers...and maybe ins…..'Hold on to your horses girlie! One step at a time. First you see if he's interested in kissing you…then we can worry about the other stuff,' her conscience scolded her, effectively cutting off her rapidly guttering thoughts. She damned her hormones for the fifty millionth time that week.
"Gaara-kun…I'm getting a little bored here, and kind of tired…can we go home?" she asked, looking up at him through wide pleading eyes. 'Looks like that puppy dog look got stronger as well,' he thought.
"Hn…" he said, turning them down the street that led to his home.
They walked in a comfortable silence, hand in hand, and Gaara decided to test his luck a little. He had a strange feeling in his heart every time Shia was near, and every time she touched him. It was a foreign emotion that confused him to no end. He wanted her help in finding out what it was, however, he had to know if she was willing. So…he laced his fingers through hers as he turned the key into the lock of his house. He was positive he heard a small gasp from the brunette girl beside him. He casually pretended he hadn't done anything while he led her up the stairs.
Gaara felt his heart leap strangely when her warm fingers grasped his hand lightly…almost shyly. He thought the best place to start was on the couch in front of the television. That seemed to be the place she was most comfortable being close to him. He sat lounging across the couch with one leg across the cushions and one hanging over the edge. One arm lay over the top of the couch with the remote in hand as the other lay to his side, his head against one of the throw pillows.
Shia wondered if she should go to her room like she was planning, or if she should lay on the couch with the Gaara. She was a little tired, but the main reason she wanted to come back to the house was because she wanted to be alone with him. She hesitated for just a little longer, before taking a step forward and deciding to watch TV with him for a little while.
The redhead felt his friend settle herself between his legs. It was a little more than he'd expected. She laid with him, stomach to stomach, her chest on his upper abdomen, and her head laying snuggly against his chest. One of her hands rested around his waist as far as it could reach with his back against the sofa. The other rested on his left pectoral, fingers splayed wide and drumming softly. When she seemed comfortable enough, he brought his the arm on the top of the sofa to wrap around her lithe waist, and his other hand to cup the one on his chest. He felt her heart speed up against him, but eventually she relaxed, breathing hot even breaths over his chest.
The future Kazekage felt amazing laying with a beautiful woman who cared about him. The warmth of her body seemed to leak into his heart and fill in the missing pieces. It was such an intimate moment, and he wondered if she felt the same. 'What is this feeling? I know lust is a part of it…I know what lust is…but it's such a minuscule, insignificant part of the grander scheme of this emotion. I don't understand. I'll have to ask Kankurou about this later,' he thought.
Gaara spared a glance down at the girl who was on top of him. He was surprised to see her staring right back at him, with something he couldn't quite pin in her dark blue eyes. Whatever it was, it was like a magnet. He wanted to get closer. He wanted to take those rouge colored, pouty lips underneath his. To feel….whatever this emotion was, it made him feel…like…he was needed. She continued to look at him, and he couldn't break away from her gaze. It was so intense…he felt his stomach flutter…pleasantly?
He felt her hand fist in his shirt, and her muscles tensed against him as she pulled herself closer. Gaara tightened the arm around her waist, pulling her tighter against him. Their faces came within inches of each other. The hand that was underneath his on his chest moved to cup his face gently. He felt the pad of her thumb brush over his cheek in a soft caress. He fought to keep his heart at a normal pace as he felt hers thudding erratically against his chest. Gaara closed the distance, wanting to see if she would push him away. If she did, he knew they were destined to be only friends, and he hoped she would forgive him. But if she didn't…then perhaps they could be more…whatever that was.
Shia felt the pressure of his warm lips against her own, and felt her heart jump up to her throat. She bit back a moan enough to edit it into a soft, almost inaudible whimper. Her hands jumped to his hair, weaving in and pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. She hadn't realized how much she'd been craving this. She nearly jumped him on the spot, but he refused. He held back…teasing…brushing his lips tortuously slowly over hers. She shuddered. It was almost shy, the way he kissed her. It was like he wasn't quite sure what to do; but by the way he held control…she knew he wanted to dominate the kiss this time. Shia lightened her grip on his hair, and allowed him full range over her lips.
Gaara's heart leapt happily at her eager reaction, but he held his patient pace. Going slow made him feel more confident that he wouldn't make any mistakes. She'd let out a little whine when he refused her offer to ravage his mouth. It was cute…and he felt his body heat up immediately in response. He sat up, pushing her into a kneeling position on the couch where he scattered a few light kisses over her face, neck and shoulder. Her breaths were coming out in short uneven rasps. Her arms wrapped around his neck to pull him closer to her as she let her back rest against the couch. Gaara let his hands move up the sides of her body to her neck where he caressed softly over the expanse. The skin was soft and warm under his fingertips. He memorized the most sensitive places. Her nap, the hollow, her pulse point, and that space right behind her earlobe. When he pressed his fingers there, she'd keened and arched against him.
The medic sat as a puddle of pleasure against the couch. She knew right now he was just exploring. He was just finding the places that made her head swim…and she allowed him this. Without trying, he was making her melt into nothingness. She felt a familiar dampness between her legs, and squeezed her thighs together. It was forgotten however, when his mouth found hers again. It started soft…at that cruel but oh so delicious pace he seemed so fond of. She whined again, a long, pleading one and felt him shiver slightly against her.
Finally he opened his mouth over hers, and licked gently at her lips. She granted him entrance almost immediately, groaning as that hot muscle dragged itself slowly around her mouth. 'He's torturing me. That's what this is! He's torturing me slowly but…ooooh it's so good…' she managed to think through her heat. She felt him withdraw, sucking her bottom lip into his hot mouth and nipping at it before letting it snap back. She moaned again, tilting her head to the side, and exposing her neck.
Gaara quietly congratulated himself for doing well so far. He'd never kissed a girl before, he'd been kissed by Shia, but he'd never been in control before. It felt great to have her trembling against him, and making those delightful little noises against his mouth that went straight to his loins. He looked over her now. Face flushed, lips hanging open as she panted, and her neck arched toward him in invitation…she wanted him to do this.
He placed his lips at the juncture between her ear and her neck, reveling in how she shivered against him. He felt her hands weave themselves into his hair again and massage little circles into his scalp. The redhead let loose a low moan, vibrating through his lips against her exposed neck. She whimpered again, pressing his head closer. Gaara wanted to hear her do it again…those noises…they were addictive. He ran his tongue over her pulse point, wrapped his lips around it, and sucked gently. She moaned again, and he could feel a certain part of his body, despite his fighting to control it, hardening. He pulled back immediately, not wanting to take this too far. Guilt struck him hard when her confused blue eyes opened on him.
"I…I think we should stop now," he said. She looked a little hurt. He leaned down to kiss her again. It was soft…and tender, letting her know he didn't want to stop.
"Gaara-kun…" she murmured against his lips. That breathy tone in her voice made him want to give into his body's desires...but he knew he had to stop.
"I don't want to push you too far. We have to be sure we want this. I want you to be positive. My brother told me that your first time should be with someone you are in love with," Gaara explained, and Shia nodded in understanding. They moved away from each other, the redhead happy he was wearing loose fitting robes, and the brunette slightly disappointed, but understanding.
"I understand. I want you to know indefinitely that this is what you want Gaara-kun," she said softly.
"I want the same from you. I want you to be sure that you want it to be me that is your first," he said, and she nodded, placing a light kiss on his lips.
"I think I should go to bed now. Good night Gaara-kun," she said smiling at him.
"Good night Shia," he said, and they both went off into their respective rooms.
Mission Neji/Tenten
Tenten came out of the bathroom wrapped in a short fluffy towel, and sat on the bed quietly. Her brown eyes flicked over to the bruised, knocked out version of the man who'd almost raped her. It was obvious that Neji had beaten him a little more than was necessary. She almost smiled at the thought. Neji wasn't as open with his emotions as Lee and Gai were...but all her boys were highly protective of her in their own ways. She didn't know why she hadn't been able to pull him off with her chakra strings. She'd been frozen in fear…not a good trait for a shinobi. Silently she scolded herself for her lack of nerve. The door opened and closed softly to her left. She turned her gaze onto her teammate. He had a plate of food, and what looked like clothing draped over his arm.
"Are you alright?" he asked, sitting next to her on the bed. She nodded, and smiled weakly at him.
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect myself. A ninja is supposed to be able to stay on task no matter what. I almost blew it for us," she said, looking down in shame. She felt a strong finger lift her chin gently to look at him. His white eyes were serious, the look both guilty and slightly scolding.
"No…that was almost really bad Tenten. If I was a little later…he could have…I don't even want to think about it. You had every right to be afraid. Ninja or no ninja, we're still people…don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. Maybe you wouldn't have had to go so far. There was a fight in the bar, and I had to wrestle my way through without the bar keep realizing where I was hea…." he began but she cut him off.
"You don't have to apologize. I should have been able to protect myself. Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I'm incapable of doing so," she said, looking at him with that independent glint in her eyes.
"That's not what I meant. I know you can protect yourself…but as your teammate…and your friend…I will always be here to protect you when you need it," he said, letting a small smile grace his handsome face. Tenten felt her heart stumble for a second, and leaned in, brushing her rouged lips against his. Neji froze, startled by her actions, but did not pull back.
"Arigato…Neji-kun," she said in almost a whisper.
The sound of the affectionate suffix attached to his name coming out of her mouth made his heart thump hard and fast against his ribcage. She moved back, not wanting confusion to destroy this perfect moment between her and the boy she'd loved ever since their genin days. He seemed content with doing the same, not looking upset at her boldness, which made her relax a little. He pushed the clothes towards her, and laid the plate of food on the nightstand.
"Here, I found these in your bag, you should get dressed and then have something to eat," he said. She nodded, walking back towards the bathroom with her clothes in hand. She emerged feeling much more comfortable and refreshed. With Neji in the room, she felt safe, no matter how much her independent side hated the way it happened like that.
"So, what did he say?" the girl asked, looking into the pearly eyes of her teammate.
"He said he doesn't know much about the missing-nin from this village that was reported to be in Akatsuki. The Tsuchikage had the whole incident covered up very well. He did say, however, that the kid was the last of his clan. An artist whose belief is that art is beautiful, but short lived. He used to create amazing sculptures. He a prodigy among the villagers for his artistic skill, but then he'd blow them to pieces because he thought the destruction was even more beautiful..." Neji explained softly, pushing the plate of finger food towards Tenten.
"So, that's the best we can get on him?" she asked, he nodded.
"Well, Hokkaido here is the only person in the village who knows anything. According to him…all those who knew what happened have been threatened into silence or killed. I would've been able to tell if he was lying. He did say, however, that it was the Akatsuki that came and recruited the artist into their ranks…a man with long dark hair…and a man who resembled a shark," Neji said. Tenten's eyes widened in realization.
"Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame…" she murmured, receiving a nod of assent from the raven.
"Hokkaido said that the boy was no older than seventeen when he left, and probably would have been a candidate for Tsuchikage in a couple of years. He was highly skilled then, and is definitely even more so now," the Hyuuga explained, closing his lavender tinted eyes in thought.
"Well, I guess we got some good information out of this. Did he know anything about the type of jutsu this artist used?" Tenten asked. Neji opened his eyes just a slit looking thoughtful. 'God he's gorgeous…' she thought.
"Ah…he did…now that I think of it. He said the kid used to be an assassin, and that every person he killed was found in pieces, as if they'd been exploded. There was never any evidence left, and the crime scene was always destroyed…charred even," the Hyuuga prodigy explained.
"Then it's safe to assume he uses explosive jutsu…even if we can not decipher exactly how, or what he uses to do it. This will be some useful information for Hokage-sama!" Tenten exclaimed happily, smiling adorably and biting into a finger sandwich.
"Hai…" Neji replied, watching her eat contentedly…happy to see she looked better.
"Ne…Neji-kun?" she said.
"Hn…"
"Aren't you going to eat?" she asked, worry evident on her features. He graced her with a smile.
"I'm not very hungry. I had something earlier. You go ahead," he said. She looked skeptical for a moment, but he relaxed when she seemed to have bought it.
"You know Neji-kun. I don't think I've seen you smile so much since we've known each other," Tenten said, his expression turned into a shocked one before he frowned in thought.
"No! Don't stop!" she exclaimed, shaking her head and causing the soft chestnut ringlets to bounce around her face gracefully. Her hands flew to his face and he felt the corners of his mouth go up with her thumbs. He stared at her incredulously.
"It's nice…you should smile all the time," she said, a little blush adorning her pretty face.
Her brown eyes avoided his, and focused on the plate of food she was suddenly keenly interested in. 'She's so cute. I…I don't know when I started feeling this way. Perhaps at the Chuunin exams two years ago when that Sand Kunoichi almost killed her, but…maybe…she can be my happiness…maybe…she is my destined one…' Neji thought to himself, knowing that fate was decided by one's own actions, but kind of hoping that he was right at the same time.
He'd really changed since his fight with Naruto two years ago…in a good way he'd like to think. He'd learned from the blond loudmouth. Idiot he may be, but Uzumaki Naruto had an uncanny ability to provide everyone he came in contact with not only hope, but a new outlook on life. Neji had adopted his now friend's 'way of the ninja'. Never back down…fight for the ones who are precious to you. He attributed his Jounin rank to his new outlook…his patched relationship with Hinata-sama, and Hiashi-sama…now he was ready to form new bonds. New precious bonds to protect.
"Tenten…" he said, she looked up at him with wide chocolate eyes.
"H…hai?" she said, a dark flush forming on the ridge of her nose. He smiled at her genuinely, fully enjoying the way her face lit up like a tomato.
"You are very precious to me…" he said, still smiling. Her brown eyes widened to the size of saucers, and her heart beat sped up almost impossibly. After a few moments of silence, he rose and strode towards the bathroom. He'd let her think on it for a little while.
(Three days later: Kazekage Inauguration Ceremony)
"When's the Kazekage coming?" Shia asked excitedly. She'd never been to one of these before. Sandaime's inauguration was about a hundred years before she was born, and she hadn't been born quite yet when Yondaime was inaugurated. She was in Sunagakure when Tsunade was inaugurated. It was all very exciting.
"Soon…soon…calm down Shia-chan! You're like a five year old at the village fair!" Temari laughed.
"Gomen! I've never been to one of these! The village is so pumped! It's invigorating. Where's Gaara-kun? He's missing it!" she answered over the cheering crowd.
"He'll be here soon enough. He had some things to take care of first," Kankurou said.
"You'll see him soon enough!" Temari said in a sing song voice, barely able to hold the secret for much longer. Fortunately, the head of the Elder council came out in all of his old and crusty glory. He raised his hands, and the crowd was instantly silent.
"Good afternoon villagers of Sunagakure. We are all gathered here in front of Kazekage Tower to pass the title of Kazekage on to the next deserving shinobi. Unfortunately Yondaime-sama was murdered by the enemy…but…we have been searching and testing all of our elite shinobi. We the Council of Elders, have decided unanimously that there is no ninja in Sunagakure stronger than our chosen Godaime Kazekage. He has worked hard, he has exceeded what many had once thought was humanly impossible. We have noticed him above all others to be the best, and so should you. Here to take his place, and oath as our Godaime Kazekage…is…Sabaku no Gaara," the Elder said, and out strolled Gaara wearing a long elegant robe of blue and white.
He stood tall, and proud, daring the village to challenge his accomplishment. The villagers stared in silence at the fifteen year old in Kage robes, hat perched perfectly over his fiery red hair. Shia stared…awed…stunned at what she saw. 'K…kazekage? H..he's even stronger than I though he'd be…' she thought.
"YEAH! GAARA!" Kankurou's voice echoed through the silence.
"WAY TO GO BABY BROTHER! YOU SHOW'EM!" Temari screamed up at the redhead. His green eyes looked down at them with pride and happiness swirling in their depths. He'd made it. He was Kazekage, and now he could prove to this village that he was worth their acknowledgement. He wasn't a monster.
"G…Gaara-kun?…" Shia managed. He couldn't hear what she'd said, but her eyes gave him all the support he needed. He walked to the edge of the balcony, and raised his right hand in the air.
"I Sabaku no Gaara…promise to protect the people in this village…Iie…the people of Wind Country, from all enemies with my life. I vow to bring this village to back to its former glory. Every citizen shall have food, shelter, water…and a source of income. I will make sure our Medical Facilities are staffed with the best, and given the best equipment. Finally, I will re-establish Sunagakure's respect within the five villages," he said in the smooth, calm voice of a diplomat.
The crowd stayed quiet for a moment. No one really seemed to know how to react to the news for a long while. The shocked silence seemed to stretch on forever. For a long time everyone just stared at Gaara... and then something amazing happened.
"A..ano H..he's so cool…" the voice of a boy no older than eight said from beside Shia.
"H..he doesn't look that much older than us!" another cried out.
"He's the same age as my older brother…a…and niisan is only a Chuunin! He must be strong!" a little girl shouted.
"H..hai!" her friend exclaimed from beside her.
The children in the crowd soon started cheering loudly. Shia found herself joining them jovially. Kankurou and Temari danced in circles together in happiness. The adults in the crowd looked confused for a moment…but eventually some of them….at least the younger ones started to join in. Gaara bowed his head in acknowledgment, and threw a wave as he left the balcony of Kazekage Tower. 'It's a start…' he thought.
Sabaku Residence
"Ano….Gaara…Kankurou and I are going out for some sake…are you sure you don't wanna come?" Temari asked, knowing he'd say no.
"Temari…I'm not old enough to drink and neither are either of you…however…I won't stop you if that's what you want to do," he said quietly. She shrugged, and walked through the door her brother was holding open for her.
"Suit yourself. Well…at least you won't be alone…Shia-chan refused our offer too. Kill joys," Kankurou said, closing the door behind him.
Gaara walked into the kitchen, where his brunette friend was currently cooking them something to eat. He watched her bustle around the kitchen, imagining she'd make someone a good wife someday. Then he pushed the thought out, because her and marriage didn't bring up happy thoughts for him. He wondered…had she decided?
"Kazekage….ne?" he heard her say, a little chuckle escaping her.
"Hn…" he answered, watching her stir some ingredients.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, placing the bowl on the counter and serving some food onto two plates.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," he answered evenly. She laughed again.
"Well, I'm certainly surprised," she answered, placing a plate of food in front of him and taking a seat next to his with her own.
"I'm proud of you Gaara-kun," she said, wrapping her fingers around his wrist lightly, and smiling at him. His heart did that weird fluttery thing again. He'd really have to remember to ask one of his siblings why the hell that happened.
"Arigato.." he said, picking up his chopsticks and beginning his dinner.
They ate in silence, and when they were both finished, Shia cleaned up. He offered to do the dishes since she cooked. Shia said something about changing into more comfortable clothing, and he watched her leave for her room. When he was done with the dishes, he sat down on the couch to watch some Television. He'd never been really interested in it before, but it seemed the only thing do at the moment. The movie was called 'Arachnophobia' and currently there were giant spiders attacking unsuspecting village folk.
"Oh my god! Ew!" he heard, as the other side of the couch became occupied with his friend.
She looked at him, hesitated, and then positioned herself between his legs with her back to his front. Gaara wrapped his arms around her, and felt his body well up with that strange emotion again as they relaxed against each other. Her thumb was rubbing little circles over his knuckles affectionately. He glanced down at her. Shia was staring at the screen with a revolted expression on her face. 'She really hates spiders,' he thought.
The movie wasn't long, and the special affects weren't too great, so he focused on other things. Like the way Shia's lips caressed over his knuckles every once and a while. He wondered if she realized she was doing it. He leaned down and kissed her temple, trying to give back at least a little of the affection she was showing him. He wasn't used to such intimate actions, but he felt like he could get used to them. He heard her sigh contentedly as the movie ended. It was late, and he had to be up early for his first day as Kazekage in the morning.
"Shia…I think I'll retire for the night," he said. He didn't sleep, but simulated sleep (meditation) was good enough for him.
"Hai…" she said, rising with him. She placed a little kiss on his kanji.
"Good night Gaara-kun," she said, hugging him.
"Good night Shia," he answered, holding her for a second and then watching her walk off to her room after they broke apart.
He walked into his room over to the closet. Quickly he dressed in a pair of baggy black pants and a tank top…his night clothes. He walked over to his bed, pondering many things. His relationship with Shia had changed when she'd returned. It's like…as they'd matured, so did their friendship. It had become something more….he just didn't know what that something was. The feelings…emotions…it was still difficult for him to grasp it. Emotions were something he'd just started allowing in the past two years. It was a subject he was still learning in. He heard a soft knock on the door.
"Enter…" he said softly, and the subject of his previous thoughts entered the room.
She wore a long robe, and had let her long chocolate hair down. She seemed a little nervous…anxious even. Gaara didn't know what to make of it. It's not that he was angry that she'd disturbed him. It's just…he wondered why is all. Usually when he said he was retiring, she left him for the night. So what was with tonight?…and why did she look so nervous?
"Is there something wrong?" he asked. She shook her head.
"Gaara-kun, there's something I wanted to give to you," she said, causing him to tilt his head in confusion.
"I've decided…that I can not love whomever it is that is chosen for me to marry," she began, "I can not be with the person I love…but Gaara-kun…this is something I trust only to you. This part of me…belongs to you," she said, and he still wasn't getting it.
"Shia, I don't understand," he said, and she untied the robe, letting it fall to the ground.
Gaara's sea foam eyes widened, and his body reacted immediately. Shia walked to him…naked, and pushed him down on the bed. She took his lips under hers gently, caressing them with her own. Her small hands ran up his chest, as she straddled his hips. The redhead reacted to her kiss by thrusting his tongue into her mouth, and tasting the sweetness that was Shia. He rolled them over, pressing her into the mattress, not quite sure what to do; but staring into her deep, lust filled, yet affectionate eyes.
"Shia…why are you doing this? You said you'd fight," he said, she nodded, looking a little teary eyed.
"Gaara-kun…Gaara-kun…I can never love anyone as long as I love you," she said, and his Sea-god like eyes filled with confusion.
Her hands moved to his face. She cupped his cheeks, and brought him down for a tender kiss. Slow, deliberate, and full of affection. Love…she loved him. 'She loves me…but….I…I…' Shia swept her warm tongue through his mouth, running her fingers through his hair. Her lips pressed over the 'ai' scar on his head lovingly; then over his cheeks and then back to his lips again.
"I don't expect you to say it back…even if you did feel the same…I'm positive you would be confused. You wouldn't understand right away," she said, and his heart clenched. He wanted to say it back…but he didn't know.
"I…I care for you…you are precious to me," he said, "but…I…"
"Shh.." she hushed, pressing her soft lips to his.
"You don't have to explain. Knowing that I am precious to you is enough for me. I can never love anyone the way I love you Gaara-kun. This…" she spread her legs under him, and his clothed member came in contact with her naked sex, "belongs to you…and you alone," she finished. He held back a groan.
Gaara was unsure of what to do, but she wanted this. She wanted him to be her first. She'd proclaimed her love for him. Even if he wasn't sure…even if he was still confused; he knew that he wanted her to be his first as well. He couldn't think of anyone that was more worthy. She'd been there for him…she'd healed him…befriended him, even after he'd hurt her…tried to kill her. She still came back and agreed to be his friend. After she left, she'd stayed in contact with him…even though he didn't write back right away.
"Gaara-kun…please…I don't want my first time to be with a man I don't know…I don't love. Please…" she pleaded, and he caved.
"H…hai," he said, leaning down and capturing her soft lips with his.
Her hands came to the hem of his shirt, and he lifted his arms to help her get it off. She tossed it somewhere in the room, attaching her mouth to the newly exposed flesh. Gaara's ivory skin was smooth and flawless. He had beautifully defined muscle, not an ounce of fat in sight. His arms were lean but built, and the lines of his biceps showed as he leaned back on his elbows to allow her more access. Shia made a path over his toned chest, running her tongue over a nipple, and enjoying the feel of his rippling abdomen under her curious hands.
Gaara gasped as he felt a hot mouth suck and lick over his chest. He felt her tongue making a searing outline of his abdominal muscles. Each one twitched and flexed under her ministrations. His blood pooled itself between two places. His flushed face, and his aroused member. Her tongue laved at the dip of his navel, circling his belly button, and showing her expert knowledge of the human nervous system. Her hand brushed him through his pants, and he hissed at the sensation. Gaara grabbed Shia by the upper arms, pulling her up to engage a passionate kiss. He flipped her on her back, devouring her mouth with his own, pouring everything he felt into the kiss. Even if he didn't exactly understand what that was, he knew that if he could convey it physically, she'd understand.
Shia moaned loudly against the redhead's mouth. She could feel his hands wandering over her nude form, and brought hers forth to guide him. She moved his warm hand to cup her breast, arching into the touch to convey her need. At first he didn't seem to know what he was supposed to do with it, but his curiosity and instincts helped him. The pad of his thumb brushed over a hardened peak causing her to moan and arch. The wetness between her legs was becoming hot and swollen. It was almost unbearable. Little jolts of pleasure pierced her lower belly in her arousal as she felt his hardness against the sensitive inside of her thigh.
"Gaara-kun…" she whimpered, and he shuddered at the sound of his name being whispered with such need.
He attached his mouth to the base of her neck, nipping and sucking a path to her pulse. He laved said area roughly, then bit down causing a needy groan to escape the brunette's mouth. Shia's hands wove into his hair and pushed down. He took the signal, kissing his way down her heated skin until he reached the two soft mounds on her chest. Gaara was really just making this up as he went, but it'd felt good when she'd done it to him, and the taste of her skin was as addictive as the little mewls falling from her lips.
"Ahh!" she cried out as his hot mouth surrounded a pink nipple.
Her fingers tightened in his hair as her body arched into his mouth. Without realizing it, she spread her legs wider, brushing their sexes together and eliciting a hiss from both. Gaara could smell the arousal coming from her, it was intoxicating his demon enhanced senses. He lavished her hard nipple with attention and blew on the moistened nub, watching a shiver course through Shia's body. Her silken skin was sweet like the most coveted candy, and it was addictive. He made a mental note of the effects of his little experiment before he claimed her lips again. Her skin was like fire against his, and she'd begun grinding her hips into his slowly. He ground back gasping at the sensation.
"Nnnng…Gaara-kun…I..I need…pant" she started, he looked down at her flushed state.
Her hair laid strewn over the pillow beneath her head; a lovely flush covered her sensitized skin. Her lips hung open in a choppy pant as her half lidded eyes stared up at him with affection, what he assumed was love, lust, and need. His hard cock dripped at the sight of her. He kissed her again, not understanding what she needed.
"What…tell me…" he said grinding into her again, she groaned loudly.
"I need you…" she said, implying both meanings of her words at once. His heart thudded hard, and he felt long forgotten tears sting his lids. 'She wants me...she needs me…' He forced them back however.
"T..tell me what to do," he said, too aroused to be embarrassed about not knowing. Luckily she was a doctor, so she most likely knew already.
Gaara felt her trembling hand grasp his and move it down to her moist sex. She placed his forefinger at the opening to her body, and shivered a little bit. The redhead explored her folds with his fingers for a few seconds, enjoying the way she keened and thrashed her head in pleasure. He kissed the inside of her thigh, up to the juncture between her leg and her pelvis. She trembled violently.
"Nnn…Gaara-kun…y..you have to…stretch me," she said, pressing her entrance against his finger. He looked at her confused.
"I'm…nnngg….it's going to hurt if you don't prepare me first. Y..you have to use your fingers first," she said, and he understood. His finger traced Shia's opening, he was nervous. He didn't want to do it wrong.
"Please…." he heard her whine, and he pushed his forefinger slowly into her.
It was tight and hot. It worried him to think he'd have to fit himself in there. He pumped the finger into her, rubbing at a swollen nub with the pad of his thumb experimentally. She cried out and ground her hips down, taking his finger in deep. Gaara continued to massage her point of pleasure, eventually adding another finger and doing a stretching motion within her. She tensed briefly, and though it worried him that he might be hurting her, he knew she'd at least have to fit three fingers in there if she was going to take him.
"Faster," she breathed, and he quickened the pace, adding a third finger as he jiggled her clitoris with his thumb quickly. She had no time to feel the pain as the pleasure hit her swiftly. It coursed over her body in tingling waves, pooling in her lower abdomen.
"Gaara-kun…I need you now," she moaned. He looked down at her while removing his three fingers.
"Hai…" he murmured, dropping his loose pants and kicking them somewhere far away.
Shia stared at the exposed Kazekage. He was beautiful. There was no other way he could be described. Every muscle wove perfectly together; flexing and rippling under the smooth flawless alabaster skin that seemed to glow in the moonlight. His blood red hair lay matted to his face, covering the kanji on his head slightly. His aqua eyes stared intensely down at her glinting with the silver light of the moon. Her eyes traveled over his firm chest, perfectly defined stomach, and down to his rather large, erect cock dripping with precum. She shuddered visibly.
"Shia…stop me now if you want. Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked.
"I love you Sabaku no Gaara, and I always will. This is what I want…" she said, and his heart swelled wonderfully at her words.
"You're so beautiful," he said as he positioned himself at her entrance.
"You are so precious," he murmured, and drove in swiftly.
She cried out, tensing in pain, but he thought that the quicker the pain ended, the less he would hurt her. He'd been gentle, but swift, and now stayed still to let her get used to his girth. His length was squeezed inside an impossibly tight, hot pressure that had his head swimming. Gaara willed himself to remain still, feeling as if he may finish right then and there. He took long, deep breaths as he waited for his new lover to adjust to him. Fortunately, Shia relaxed around him, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.
"I'm ready…" she whispered, bucking her hips and taking him in deeper.
Gaara started with a slow pace, still afraid of hurting her. Her hot inner muscles contracted and caressed every nerve…every inch of him. It was an amazing feeling, to be connected to someone in the most intimate of ways. She trembled against him, head lolled to the side in her pleasure, mouth hanging open as moans fell from it. He steadily increased his pace, allowing her to rest her leg over his shoulder for the better angle.
"Harder…" she said, and he pulled back so that the tip was the only part of him still inside.
He pounded in hard, the sound of flesh hitting flesh flooding his ears, and the loud cry of the woman beneath him causing him to quicken his pace. He knew he wouldn't last much longer. This was his first time as well, and the tight heat surrounding him was making it difficult for him to keep control. He reached his hand down and rubbed that swollen jewel he'd found earlier, determined to have her finish first.
"Ahnn!" she cried loudly…body bouncing in time with his thrusts. Suddenly she arched up, throwing her head back, her chocolate curls cascading behind her beautifully as she clamped around him tightly.
"Gaara-kun!" she cried out, and he felt a gush of hot liquid as she came.
The pressure was too much for him. He couldn't hold on anymore, and they had forgotten all about the proper precautions. He looked down at her with worried eyes, but she just nodded to him. He came hard, spurting his hot seed deep inside of her. Both knew what the repercussions of this could be. Both knew and yet….both wished secretly that it would. If that was so…she could stay with him. She would be able to stay….because no one would keep a father from his child. Gaara collapsed on top of her, wary not to hurt her with his weight. They lay in silence for a few moments.
He felt her gentle hands playing affectionately with his hair. He moved up to kiss her softly on the lips…still inside of her. Neither really wanted him to withdraw, but he did, moving off the bed into the bathroom. He emerged with a wet hand towel to clean up just a little. After he finished, he lay on the bed, wrapping his arms possessively around the brunette. She sighed into his naked chest, cuddling into him, and pulling the blanket over the both of them. She'd always remember this moment…even if she was forced to marry another. Scratch that...she wouldn't marry someone else. Shia would fight when she returned to Konoha. She wanted Gaara…no on else…and if the Council couldn't see that…she'd leave.
"I love you Gaara-kun," she said, letting sleep take her. He wanted so badly to say those words back to her. But…he didn't know the meaning of those words, and he wanted to mean it when he said it to her.
