Empty Eyes: Book 1

Chapter 18

For a long time we trekked around the colorful and festive town, taking in the extremely foreign culture whilst politely greeting any citizens from Sunagakure who were brave enough to approach the strange and pale visitors. Stalls lined the walkways, decorated with brilliant lights and cloths and offering an array of items or services.

Itachi and Temari eventually split from the group to, I assume, spend some time alone. Kankuro's non-stop blabbering simply began fading into the background and I wished eagerly that he'd follow their example and go somewhere else.

Ino and Sai were sharing a kebab of some sort as they blatantly ignored the Suna Prince's attempts to join their conversation. Sasuke and I were following behind them with Gaara on my other side. His bright eyes remained locked emotionlessly ahead. He and his outgoing brother are complete opposites in demeanor.

I felt Sasuke's larger hand squeeze mine slightly and it drew me out of my worries. He gestured with a nod and I noticed the stall Ino and Sai'd opted to stop at was serving alcohol. I glanced over to see Gaara accepting one of the tall glasses from a beautiful young woman with dark hair and skin.

I couldn't help but recall how awful my first and only experience with alcohol had been. My eyes traveled back to Sasuke's and I felt my anxiety melt away. Madara isn't here to cause any trouble and Gaara backed off when I'd asked him to earlier, so maybe I should just try to relax and have a good time.

I gave the quiet and handsome prince the go ahead and followed closely behind him as he ordered a drink for us each. Soon, we were once again walking casually through the crowds.

I noticed Gaara and Kankuro both glancing as I tasted the clear liquid. It burnt as though I'd swallowed a mild medicinal rubbing alcohol and I nearly coughed, but a suddenly tangy aftertaste ended the discomfort and my eyebrows rose in confusion at the odd sensation. I kind of liked it.

Kankuro let out a loud laugh, "You Haruno girls continue to impress me!"

I looked up to see that Ino'd had a similar reaction. I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment, inching closer to Sasuke, who gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

Before long, we'd each finished our drinks and one of the guards collected our glasses before disappearing to return them to the stall from which they'd come.

A heat had risen to my cheeks and my movements felt slightly lighter than usual. The feeling wasn't unwelcome. It was the enjoyable place I'd been in before I eventually drank too much at the ball. The desert wind was chillier than I imagined it'd be, but the alcohol was keeping me warm.

We approached a large decorated gazebo that had a group of people playing music I've never heard before. People were dancing energetically while some others stood around, clapping along to the music and cheering on the dancers.

Kankuro was approached by no less than five beautiful women and allowed himself to be pulled out to the middle of the floor where he joined them in the dance, taking turns twirling each girl around. He did little to hide the giddy look on his face. It was starting to fall into place why he acts the way he always does.

I noticed that almost every female in the area was eyeing Gaara, as well, but none of them dared approach. I couldn't imagine him accepting any invitations and imagine they felt the same way.

Ino and Sai gave each other an agreeable look before skipping out to join the other couples in dancing. I heard Kankuro cheer when he noticed them. Sasuke's hand slipped from mine and I turned to see him walking over to lean against the railing of the gazebo, a look of discomfort easily readable on his features. This type of thing's definitely not up his alley.