Chapter Five:
One Of Us
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(Y/N)

Gaara's chest rose and fell over and over again. His heart was beating in a fast pace, I could tell he was nervous. I myself felt very anxious. To be honest I had no idea what the hell I was doing. I wasn't even cold, I just wanted him to hold me. His smell was very intoxicating, I felt as if I couldn't get enough of it. This feeling reminded me of what I had with Itachi.

I couldn't imagine what Gaara was going through with that Shukaka sealed inside of him. His eyes must've felt like they had heavy weights underneath them.

My thoughts were all over the place until I finally started to fall asleep. However, I failed too when I started to think about what Pain said. He was going to kidnap Gaara and extract Shukaku. My heart began to race when I thought of what was going to happen after that.

There is no way anyone in the sand will trust me afterwards. Then for sure everyone will want me dead and I'll be alone forever.

"What are you thinking about, you're breathing really hard. Are you hyperventilating?"

Gaara's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, I did the best fake laugh I could and responded, "No no I'm fine just going to sleep."

"That was the fakest laugh I have ever heard, tell me now." Gaara ordered

I couldn't tell him entirely what I was thinking about. Instead I told him a part of my thoughts which was technically true, "I can't imagine how you're able to live with Shukaku's spirit. I attempted to imagine what it's like and how you deal with it. I don't know how you do, I feel like I would go insane from the lack of sleep." I said, he chuckled

"It wasn't easy but as I grew up I got used to it. Believe it or not I did go insane at one point."

"Oh, really?"

"Mhm."

The room was full of silence with the occasionally footsteps outside the door. I closed my eyes and ignored all the thoughts that came across my mind. I shouldn't think about it, I needed to focus on now.

★ ★ ★

My eyes shot open to reveal the darkness of the room. I moved my hand but didn't feel Gaara's body there. I sighed in disappointment and laid my arm back down. For once I didn't have a nightmare which surprised me. I haven't been able to escape those dreams for years.

"(L/N), Gaara wants you." I looked up and saw Kankuro standing in the doorway

"Please, call me (Y/N)." I said

"Ight' (Y/N)." He responded, waiting for me to get up before heading outside the room. I yawned, stretching out my arms and legs. I exited the door and followed Kankuro to Gaara's office. I walked behind Kankuro as we entered. I looked out the window and saw it was already dark. I had been sleeping for quite some time. Gaara was speaking with two old people but stopped when they realized I was present. I nervously stepped towards Gaara. One we were face to face, he reached into his pocket and pulled something out.

"You're going to need this if you're going to be one of us." He said, holding out a red sand ninja headband. I felt tears slightly prick my eyes, I truly missed belonging to a village. Although this was temporary, I was surely going to cherish the time I'll have here.

"Thank you, Gaar- I mean Lord Kazekage." I accepted the headband gratefully and bowed. I felt as if I needed to use my manners and be polite in front of the elders if I wanted to make a decent impression.

"You are very welcome, also drop the Kazekage. We're friends now there's no need for that." He replied, his lips curving upwards

"My apologizes, you're so kind I don't know how I could ever thank you enough!" I said, jumping forward without thinking to hug him. My legs wrapped around his waist and my arms were tangled around his neck.

"Goodness! Such a sweet child!" I heard one of the elder ladies exclaim

"Thank you, thank you, thank you..!" I said, hugging him tighter

"You're....Welcome." He wheezed

"Oh sorry!" I let go and he coughed, causing the old women to laugh

"So, (Y/N), how do you feel about being a official ninja of the sand?" Kankuro asked out of nowhere, putting his arm around me

'Now where the hell did he come from?!'

"It feels great!" I replied, grinning widely

"Kankuro hands off." Gaara said bluntly

"Sorry Gaara I forgot you didn't want me to touch your girl!" Kankuro joked, removing his arm, I laughed internally

Gaara's eyes narrowed.

"I was just kidding, sorry," Kankuro said "Or was I?" He said jokingly, elbowing my side. I put a hand over my mouth to conceal my laughter. My attempt failed and slight snickers slipped out.

Gaara scoffed and grabbed my arm, "Excuse me I'd like to show our newest ninja a tour of Suna. We'll be back." He dragged me out of his office and into a bedroom. It was very plain and only contained a bed, nightstand, and closet. He pulled the curtains to the side and opened the window. The wind blew the curtains back slightly as he was staring outside.

He took off the top of his gourd and sand came out and started to go outside the window. He stepped outside onto the sand and looked back at me, reaching his hand out. I took his hand and nervously stepped onto the levitating sand with him. I sat down on my knees as I told myself not to look down. Before I knew it, we were moving across the village.

"Woah!" I stumbled a little in surprise, Gaara put his arm around my waist to secure my balance, we made eye contact for a brief moment and he smiled, looking at the buildings below us

"The village looks lovely from up here." He said, nudging me to look down

I hesitated for a moment, before taking a peak. The village looked like fireflies lit up in the night. "It's beautiful." I say, with a wide smile on my face

"Indeed, too bad the people that occupy it aren't as beautiful." He replied, causing me to cackle "It might take awhile to show you everything but you're a sand ninja now, making it necessary."

"I don't mind, Gaara, show me your home." I replied

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