I Fade Away [Gaara II]

Chapter 31

Azmaria's body tensed, eyes shooting open and gasping for breath. A scream tore from the throat, trashing around on the bed. Aslan yowled, rushing under the dresser in a panic. A searing pain shot through the teen's spine from the movement, but didn't care in a desperate attempt to escape whatever it was that frightened her. The door to the bedroom swung open as Gaara rushed in.

"Azmaria. Azmaria. Azmaria!"

His hands helped steady her as the cries died down. Though her breath was still shaky, eyes darting around frantically.

"I'm alright, I'm alright," she gasped out. He didn't believe her. "I'm sorry I woke you."

"That wasn't nothing, Azmaria. You were having a nightmare."

She groaned in annoyance trying to block out the pain that rolled over her from the harsh movements.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

"Why bother? It's the same thing every time. It's Goya and his goons. It always is. I just... I just can't stop seeing him."

Despite the fact that the man was never going to see the light of day again, he still tormented her. The Council and jury had decided a life sentence for the leader of rogues. For his crimes against the Villages. The verdict should've been a relief, yet nights like this continued to happen.

"I know."

She licked her lips, throat clearing. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Are you sure you're alright?"

Her head nodded slightly.

"Do you need more pain medication?"

"No..."

Gaara slowly stood to give her space and went to leave the room.

"Wait..." Azmaria called out.

He glanced over a shoulder.

"Could you... please stay?"

Closing the door, he crawled under the now untangled covers beside her. The Soldier pressed up against his side, head lying against his chest. She could hear the steady beating of his heart, which help calmed her own. Aslan peeked out from his hiding place and joined them on the bed. Comfortably settling against the back of Azmaria's neck.

Breath slowing, Gaara watched her fall asleep. One of his arms wrapped around her back and carefully caressed the cloth of her shirt. He could feel some of the bandages that still lingered over the wounds that had yet to fully heal. Sakura had left a week ago to return to the Leaf at the request of the Hokage. But that was all right, seeing as Tamahome had been following the pink-haired ninja carefully and learned everything he could to help his teammate through the rest of her rehabilitation. Two months she had spent in the hospital after awakening before being allowed to come home. And even then, all movements were very limited. She even needed help moving down the stairs to not fully irritate the injuries. Bending over was out of the question.

One of his fingers touched an abnormal bump along an exposed area of skin. He paused. A scar. One of many that had puckered. Sakura had left a jar, containing a lotion of sorts that had to be applied to the skin in the morning and at night. Over time it would smooth down to not be as prominent. But the color, the brown tint to show the sign of an old wound would never disappear.

Gaara sighed heavily, causing some strands of Azmaria's dark hair to flutter. Brushing the locks back into place he lightly scratched Aslan behind the ears. The kitten purred softly, before the Kazekage closed his eyes.