Mixing of Snow and Sand

Chapter 51: The Akatsuki Strike

After we had finished talking I stayed with Gaara while he did his work, before we headed home. I curled up against him in our now shared room with Okami. Every time I felt his heart beat I felt safe and at peace, no matter what would come. Little did I know that this peace and serenity wouldn't last forever...

*two years later*

The books Temari had brought on my family held nothing of interest. It was simply an intricate coding that took hours to decipher. The Akatsuki had started making their moves attacking the jinchurkis. Soon from what I heard there were only three left: Fuu, Naruto and Gaara. I had done everything in my power to stop any attempts to take Shukaku, stopping several attempts so far. Though they were after me as well, my life was not in jeopardy.

"Gaara, we talked about this." I zoned back into reality as Gaara lectured me once more about taking unnecessary risks to protect him.

"No, you talked and you refuse to listen to me." He demanded.

"I'm not going to let you die!" I spat back.

"They're after you too and I don't want to see what happens if they get their hands on the Osore again." I frowned.

"Is that what you're worried about? You're not worried about me? Just that my powers will fall into the enemies hands?" This caused my chest to ache with sadness.

"Of course I'm worried about you, Mia. But--"

"But nothing! I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe." I turned to leave.

"Mia." His firmness made me want to turn, but I knew if I did I would cave and I wasn't about to let him win.

"No. I've made my decision Gaara." And with that I left his office, where Kankuro was listening in.

"Mia..."

"Are you going to try and stop me too?"

"No...but you have to understand where Gaara is coming from too. He doesn't want to lose you either."

"I know..." I sighed and walked away. Once I was outside I felt much better, but I still could feel the lingering sadness of Gaara's words.

He was worried about me but he was more worried about what would happen in the Osore were placed in their hands...

"Mia?" I looked up and saw Temari standing there.

"Temari, welcome back." I smiled cheerfully. "How was the Leaf Village?" She had become a liaison between our two villages and it seemed to be going well.

"It was good, the others told me to pass on their hellos. I know they really miss you, its been two years since you saw any of them. I think you would be okay to leave Gaara for a few days to--" I shook my head to cut her off. "Right...stupid of me to ask." She sighed.

"I'm sorry, Temari. I know you mean well. But I have to protect Gaara."

"I know. That's what you always say." She walked past me and into the building.

I'm sorry, Temari...really I am...

I headed into the direction of the cemetery to visit my mother once more. I had been going to see her a lot lately since Gaara and I had been getting into so many arguments like today. I sat down at her tombstone and sighed.

"Mom...I don't know what to do anymore. Am I really doing the right thing? I honestly don't know anymore..." I muttered.

"Well if you don't know I'm sure we could help you decide." I jumped to my feet as Deidara's voice came from behind me. He had a wild smirk on his face as he leaned against a tree.