It's not too late, it's never too late...

[thedeath_of_you]

((Continued from hereIn the home of the Kazekage, things are far from cheery. Gaara stands looking out a window, his siblings Kankuro and Temari looking at him from across the room. They had been surprised at such an urgent call. Botan stands near Gaara, biting her lip. Beside her was a bandaged and bruised, but otherwise okay Hinageshi. She looks

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[desert_gaara]

"Not angry, Botan. Not angry." He crouches down in front of her, resting his elbows on his knees. "More news from Hiei. Apaprently he's sending two demon shinobi to our assistance. Jin and Touya. Do you know of them?"

[thedeath_of_you]

She doesn't look like she believes him.

"Yeah. They're good people. A bit strange, but look who's talking" A forced giggle. It's that mask again. "Good friends to us, and strong."

[desert_gaara]

"Good." He nods. "Will you take a walk with me?"

[thedeath_of_you]

She nods. "Sure." She stands up, her hand near his, not sure whether or not to hold it. Did he want her relationship with him to be known by the whole village?

[desert_gaara]

Apparently so, because he takes her hand. Before they step out on the street, he halt briefly. "I was afraid. Not angry." They he opens the door and steps out.

[thedeath_of_you]

She looks up, shocked. "Afraid?" She walks out the door behind him.

[desert_gaara]

He nods, steering her in the direction of the defensive walls. The streets are empty, bathed in a golden light from the setting sun. "I don't know if you have realized. The impact you have had on me and my life."

[thedeath_of_you]

Her eyes widen even more. "Gaara..." She knows he loves her, but, you know, this is amazing. Something out of her beloved romance novels. Not really, but almost!

[desert_gaara]

Hand in hand they climb the stairs. "Then I hear you say that you would so readily sacrifice yourself." Once up, Gaara rests his elbows in the wall and looks out over the desert. "Please think of the ones you would leave behind."

[thedeath_of_you]

She thinks of what to say. Hn, this is harder to say than it seems in her head.

"I don't want people to die because of me. I...hate myself enough for death." She looks at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't think of how you and the others would feel. But..."

"I'm afraid of being alone. I'm afraid my loved ones, you, you'll die. And I'll be alone."

[desert_gaara]

"That's exactly it, Botan. I was afraid that you would go away. That you would die. And that I'd be alone again. And, after having you here, I don't know how I would do that."

He turns around, watching her in the sunlight.

"That's why I snapped. Not because I was angry."

[thedeath_of_you]

She looks at him, shaking. "I wanted to make it all stop. Why does this have to happen? I....." She takes a step towards him. Her voice is strong. "I won't think like that again. I'll live for all of you."

[desert_gaara]

He meets her half-way, wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly. "Things do happen. Dealing with it is all we can do. And we will come out on top. There's no alternative."

[thedeath_of_you]

"I trust you and the village. We can do it." She rests her head on his chest. "I guess I try to believe in good things too much. It's silly, isn't it? I guess I'm just an eternally hoping optimist."

"The sunshine is so nice and warm. I want to keep this colour forever."

[desert_gaara]

The sun is warm, but not scorching as it can be during the day. The temperature does drop quickly here, but it is still before the chill of the approaching desert night can set in.

As he stands there, looking out with the woman he loves in his arms, he can't help but to feel that this is the calm before the storm. If only he know exactly how right here is.

[thedeath_of_you]

It surely is, because not too far off, the demon lord is laying out his plan.

Suddenly, Botan lurches in Gaara's arms, grabbing her head. "Nggh." Seems like Hiei's not the only one to project images from his jagan eye.