Forevermore ~Gaara~

Chapter 14

Gaara moved from bed before he even knew what he was doing. Silence was key in this situation. Honiji's scream was still bouncing around in his head, a sound he felt like he would never forget. The sound seemed to have the ability to replace his blood with ice water, considering also he couldn't feel his fever anymore. Each step he took was quiet and quick, his eagerness to make sure she was okay not being out done by his skills as a ninja.

He came up to the arch the led into the kitchen and carefully inched his head around to get a look at the situation. The back door was busted up, as someone obviously was not very patient in getting in. On the floor was a shattered bowl and glass, and two younger boys were in the kitchen. One of them had backed Honiji into the corner of the kitchen, a knife in his hand.

She was scared. So scared. Her eyes were wide and tears spilled freely as she tried to stay as small as possible, shaking. Rage filled the young Kazekage when he took in the whole situation. "Dad said they wouldn't be back until the morning. We can take all the time we need." The other boy mumbled.

"Hurry anyway. Stealing from the Kazekage makes me a little uncomfortable man."

"Just shut up, and keep the girl there. Bust her up a little if you need to." Honiji began to sob hearing this. Gaara was ready. He was just waiting for the little shit to cross the threshold of the living room. Breaking into his home he could forgive. Terrorizing Honiji was on a whole other level though. The boy's shoe had barely crossed over and Gaara's sand swooped in, trapping him in a instant.

Off balance, the boy fell to the ground and looked up. Eyes wide, face pale, the boy knew he was in a lot of trouble. The other boy tried to run after seeing the situation at hand, but was quickly captured as well. "Damn it!" He yelled as too tumbled to the ground.

"Honiji." The sound of voice was enough to make her realize... it was over. He had protected her. And Honiji instantly ran to his side and held on tight, fear and relief swirling and fighting inside of her. Gaara smoothed a hand over her hair as she cried and shook. She was safe.

Minutes after he had called the civil police, they arrived to take the boys away. Honiji remained tightly glued to Gaara's side as she gave her statement on what happened. It had been a simple break in. She had just gotten back downstairs with the dinner dishes when they kicked in the door. It was like they knew she was going to be there.

"Yeah, we've been looking for these two for awhile. The tall one is the son of Elder Amawa. From what we've gathered, he's been listening into his fathers conversations on when certain officials would be out of town and breaking in with his friend. He most likely heard that Gaara had a house guest and took that into account when planning the break in. You're one lucky little lady to have him here tonight."

She didn't have to be told twice. Honiji could only imagine what would have happened had Gaara not gotten a cold that day. They watched as the civil police took the boys away, leaving the situation behind them. Gaara was never happier to be sick in his life. And he never eased the protective arm he had around Honiji's shoulders. Hearing her scream was still fresh in his mind, as was the instant fear he himself had felt.

Honiji had stopped shaking some time ago, but realizing what had happened made something fall into place for her. Gaara had saved her, and more than that, he continued to comfort her well after she had calmed down from the initial fear. Not only was he careful and kind with her, he was honest, and willing to saying what need to be said. He understood her boundaries and let her go at her own pace. He made her feel safe. He made her feel... loved.

And it had not gone unnoticed to her how her feelings were beginning to grow. Gaara gently led her to the couch and had her sit. "Are you alright?" He asked. She looked up and nodded, not quite able to find her words. Gaara stood to get her a glass of water, but stopped when he felt a tug on his clothes. Honiji was staring up at him with wide, wet eyes.

"Stay." She breathed. Gaara didn't know what quite happened in his head, but next thing he knew, he was next to her, softly drawing her into his side. The thought of being alone was to much for Honiji, even for a split second. Just remembering the sight of the back door crashing open was almost to much. Her head rested gently against his shoulder as she came to terms with what she wanted now. More than anything. "I want to stay with you."