Freedom ~Gaara~

Chapter 7

I was afraid. Gaara left the room with the others and I found myself alone with the Mizukage, Tsuchikage, and their guards. Sasuke Uchiha... His very name brought so much pain and dug up many horrible memories I would have rather forgotten. Especially... But I saw the bottle peaking out from under his collar. I know it was a long time ago. But sometimes it still hurts to think about that time.

A hand fell on my shoulder as I felt my fear level rise with the dredging of those old wounds. Looking up I could see the Mizukage's kind smile. "You look like you could use a friend."

My smile inched back up. "Do I?"

"That fake smile isn't going to work on me. I know the look of worry for a loved one better than anyone." Oh... oh man. I really suck at hiding my emotions don't I. Sitting on the edge of the desk, I subconsciously began to rub my stomach. She sat next to me, giving an air of peace. Her two guards were close by, the one with the eye patch who raised a fuss earlier looked a little peeved. Yet I had the strangest sense that was just how he looked. The other one was so young and innocent looking. He had this little grin that was just so adorable! "How far along are you?"

"Almost six months!" All negative thoughts flew out the window as she asked about my precious little baby!

Her laugh trickled out, lighting up her face. "Having a baby at your age seems a little fast doesn't it?"

"No, not really. I mean... it would have been nice to wait a little longer I guess. But my husband and I don't regret it." Splaying my hand over my belly I thought about Gaara. "He was so happy when I told him. I'd never seen him so happy."

"Married too. At your age." Her face had grown slightly darker and, frankly, a little scary. Her two guards noticed and began trying to console her, only for eyepatch to begin yelling at the kid. And then she wapped both of them. It was... a little funny actually.

"Heph. Traveling this distance in your condition. Shouldn't you be at home where your husband can keep an eye on you?" Oonoki said, a little gruffly.

"Well... it's true I had to talk him into letting me come here. But he knows better than anyone how much I would have worried if I didn't get to come, and I'm very good at reading people. It's what makes me a good advisor. And anyway, my baby is just fine! Everyone... can take care of Sasuke... he can't hurt us this time..."

"This time?" The Mizukage asked.

That is when the world became a dark, desperate place to once again. I didn't know this would ever happen. I was so afraid and frozen stiff. Why? Why? He came here for a reason. We all know that... But he took the time to... What does he have against us?