Because I Met You

Chapter 16: Celebration

"I'm so glad we all made it."

I nod at Yukari and giggle. I'm really happy about it too. Now to celebrate! I really would like to celebrate alone with Gaara, but I guess that'll have to wait until later.

"So, starting tomorrow, we're finally going to learn some jutsu and how to use basic weapons!"

"That's right, Kiu!"

I start realizing how it's just Yukari and me that are talking. Gaara is still very quiet, because of Ikki being here. Ikki is, on the other hand, still a bit intimidated by Gaara. I really wish they get along soon.

The sun starts setting in the distance.

"It's getting late."

Ikki and Yukari nod at my statement. Gaara just looks at me.

"Guess it's time to go home."

Yukari responds with a yawn.

We bid our farewells to each other. Yukari and Ikki then head home together since they live in the same direction while Gaara and I head back together to the Kazekage's mansion.

We're both silent for a while. Why does it feel so awkward all of a sudden? To be honest, I feel like it's been ages since we'he been together just the two of us. Even though it was only this morning on our way to school... What is this weird feeling then? It's like when he was talking with Yukari. I felt a bit uneasy not being there. I think I even felt like I should be the only one who could talk to him and act so close to him like that. I know that is a very selfish feeling, but I can't help it. Problem is, I also want people to see that he's a kind person and not be afraid of him anymore. However, there's still this selfish part of that wants him all to myself...

I get closer to him and grab his sleeve. I want to hold his hand, but, for some reason, I feel a bit shy to do that.

Gaara looked at me, a bit surprised, but still smiled at me after his confusion was a bit gone.

"You did awesome today, Gaara!"

Gaara giggled.

"Me? You did way better. I was surprised by that jutsu you used where you controlled the nunchaku."

"Oh that..."

Should I tell him that it's jutsu I absorbed from Yashamaru? I don't want him to remember that horrible day...

"It's the jutsu you got from Yashamaru right?"

I look at him with surprise. But I shouldn't be that surprised. Of course Gaara would know. It's his own uncle. Besides he knows about my weird ability to absorb jutsu from a dead body.

"That's right."

We finally arrive to the mansion. As soon as we get in, Temari greets us with a smile. She then takes both my and Gaara's hand and drags us up to our room.

She then grabs the door handle and pauses.

"Before we go in, I want to make sure that both of you passed your exam."

She looks at us with a 'you better have both passed or else' look.

Gaara looks confused at her behaviour and, to be honest, so am I.

"Of course we both passed! Gaara did amazing as usual."

She then grins at us and opens the door wide.

"SURPRISE!"

Ah!! What? I widen my eyes at Temari an Kankuro's exclamations. I look inside the room and find Kankuro holding a cake. I look at Gaara and I see that he looks as equally surprised as me.

"What...?"

Is all that manages to escape my mouth.

"It's to celebrate both your successes, silly! You both are one step closer to becoming real ninja."

Temari then pushes us inside.

"Really? Thank you guys so much!"

I'm so moved and happy right now! I feel like I'm celebrating with my family. I really do think that Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro are my only family in this world. I look at Gaara and I'm surprised to see a little smile, barely noticeable on his face.

"Well, don't just stand there! I'm starving for some cake!"

After saying that, Kankuro starts cutting the cake and putting a piece in plates for each one of us.

I take Gaara's hand and drag him to the small table where the cake is. He hasn't said a thing since the beginning, but I can see that he's really happy about everything. He just doesn't know how to express it. Temari and Kankuro probably also noticed, because they can't get their smile off their face. 

"The cake looks so good!"

I just want to dig in!

"Yeah? Well I made it!"

Temari sounds really proud of it too.

"That's amazing! I can't wait to try it."

I take a spoonful of cake an stuff it in my mouth. Blech... what is that? Why is it... salty?!

"So how is it, Kiu?"

I look at Gaara and Kankuro and realize that I'm not the only one who feels that this cake is weird. Kankuro then motions to me to not say anything dumb. He seems very fervent about it...

"I-it's delicious! How did you make it so... good!"

Oh man, that was totally obvious! She's going to know that I'm lying about it!

Against all my expections, though, she grins widely and pats my head.

"I knew you'd like it, Kiu!"

I smile nervously and continue trying to swallow the cake in front of me.

Against all my expectations, Gaara was handling the cake pretty well. Kankuro, on the other hand, looks like he's on the verge of barfing. I think Gaara actually appreciates all the efforts his siblings have been doing lately to get on better terms with him. They really do care a lot about him.

After the eventful evening of trying to eat a salty cake, Temari and Kankuro left Gaara's room and went to their own. I go sit next to Gaara.

"How did you find it?"

"Salty."

"Not the cake, silly, the little event."

"I'm not silly! But... I liked it."

"Me too. I was surprised though at how well you handled that cake."

"It wasn't that bad. Besides, I don't really like sweet stuff."

"You don't like sweets?!"

Man that's weird! I love sweets! If I could eat sweets every meal of the day, every day, I would!

"Kiu..."

"Hm?"

Gaara then turns towards me and hugs me. Wait... Hugs me?! I'm always the on who hugs him! Why is my face feeling all warm? Am I blushing? Well, I like the hug, but... it's like I like it way too much!

"Thank you, for being my friend, Kiu."

He then lets go.

"I'm not your friend, Gaara."

He looks at me all worried.

"I'm your best friend, silly!"

He then smiles widely.

"I'm not silly!"

We both giggle happily, just living in the moment, enjoying each other's presence.