Ruka Hiden : Tangled Paths, Love's Redemption

Thirteen

The dining room exuded warmth and comfort, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight as Gaara, Ruka, Ayumi, Ota, and their daughter Akira gathered around the table.

As the conversation flowed, Ruka couldn't help but notice Akira's restless movements. The little girl fidgeted anxiously in her seat, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. Concern etched upon her features, Ruka shifted her attention to Akira, silently pondering the cause of her unease.

However, before Ruka could delve deeper into her thoughts, Ayumi's inquiry hung in the air like a weighty presence, causing both her and Gaara to freeze in place. "So, how did you guys meet?" Ayumi's curiosity pierced the air, her expectant gaze fixed on the couple.

Ruka cursed inwardly at the inevitable question, realizing she should have anticipated it. Before she could muster a response, Gaara interjected, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "We were both children when we first met," he began, his words drawing Ruka's attention like a magnet. "My father and her grandfather had a meeting with each other."

Ruka's eyes widened in surprise as Gaara recounted their initial encounter, memories of that fateful day flooding back to her mind. She remembered sitting quietly in the corner of the room, sulking over her grandfather forcing her to joined the Kage meeting.

Ayumi's delighted clap interrupted the reverie, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What made you fall in love with her then?" she asked, her tone playful yet persistent .

Ruka's heart skipped a beat at the question, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she searched for a response. But Gaara's unwavering gaze held her captive, his words resonating with a depth of emotion that left her speechless.

Ruka let out an awkward laugh, feeling the weight of Ayumi's inquiry bearing down on her. "Tha-that's a bit much, don't you think?" she stammered, her words betraying her panic.

Ayumi's smile took on a slightly eerie quality as she leaned forward, her curiosity unabated. "Much? I don't think so," she insisted, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I think it's adorable to see another couple in love, don't you?"

Ruka's cheeks flushed even deeper, her discomfort palpable in the air. But before she could protest further, Gaara's gentle voice broke through the tension, offering a heartfelt response that left her breathless with emotion.

Gaara's voice carried a weight of sincerity as he spoke, his words resonating in the hushed atmosphere of the dining room. "It's not something I can easily put into words," he began, his gaze steady as he met the curious eyes of the others gathered around the table. "It wasn't one specific moment, but rather a culmination of experiences that drew me to her."

His pause invited a moment of reflection, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. As Gaara delved into his memories, his voice softened with admiration as he recalled Ruka's selfless acts of kindness. "Her capacity for kindness is unparalleled," he continued, his tone laced with genuine admiration. "Just like her grandfather, she has a way of seeing the good in people, even when they struggle to see it in themselves."

Ruka listened in stunned silence, her eyes widening with disbelief at Gaara's heartfelt words.

"And she's... she's strong," Gaara went on, his voice tinged with emotion as he recounted Ruka's unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. Memories of the Fourth Shinobi War flooded his mind, vivid images of Ruka standing tall against overwhelming odds, her determination unwavering even in the face of the most formidable foes, Uchiha Madara

Ruka's eyes brimmed with tears as she met Gaara's gaze, overwhelmed by the depth of his understanding and appreciation for her strength. She felt a surge of gratitude wash over her, knowing that he had witnessed her struggles and triumphs, and yet he still saw her for who she truly was.