Forevermore ~Gaara~

Chapter 16

Honiji held the phone close to her ear as she waited patiently for her father to answer. The moment school ended she left her friends to argue, as per usual, to walk back with Gaara. Some light conversation had brought back to her mind earlier revelations that she had yet to tell her parents about her decision. But it was also true that she just missed talking to her parents on a daily basis.

Honiji was very close t her mother, that was no question. But she always made time for her father which seemed to surprise most people. And despite all of her step-mothers attempts to keep them apart, Honiji and King Ichiharu had a great relationship. He loved Honiji dearly, as much as he loved his older daughter Jun.

The call finally connected and Honiji's face lit up when she heard her fathers voice. "Honiji!" He sounded ecstatic, but was keeping his voice low.

"Hi Dad! Are you busy?"

"One moment sweetie." A muffled conversation could be heard on the other end, a womans voice, making her believe her step-mother was near by. "Okay. Sorry, had to ditch the ice queen."

"Oh pfft!" Ichiharu likes to come up with names for her. it's not that he doesn't like her, it's more that he just understands her unpleasant tendencies better than anyone.

"How have you been? Is everyone treating you well in Suna? I talked to your mom and she said she hadn't heard much of anything from you either, so-"

"Dad, calm down." She said with a small laugh. "I'm fine here. I actually made some really great friends." Honijis thoughts ran with old conversations in the library with Paku, Kaita, and Kenchi. Each one was different as sun and rain, yet they all seemed to get along perfectly. "The school is great too. Everyone really likes the little purses I make. And Gaara... has been wonderful. His family is very interesting."

"Will this arrangement be going through?" He asked cautiously.

Honiji hesitated for a moment. She wondered how he might take it? After all, his oldest daughter is getting married in three months, the old man would go grey with this news. The one thing Ichiharu has always loved more than anything is his girls. Junko was in an arranged marriage of her own, his own marriage was arranged. But perhaps he could be comforted to know that the weaker of his two daughters is already happy spending time with her arrangement partner. It wouldn't be too far down that perhaps they could really find love together.

"Well, Dad, I want to tell you about what happened the other day, and then I'll answer that." She went on to tell him the story of the two boys breaking into the house and Gaara coming to her rescues, comforting her, seeing how he is when it comes to justice and the support his people give him. Her father was quiet the entire story. "And so... after the civil police left, I felt so secure and happy. I told Gaara I want to stay with him... and try being a happy couple."

There was the sound of her father taking a long, calming deep breath before speaking on the matter. "Honiji, I can tell that you really enjoy the life you've started to make over there. Everything you just said... I feel good about your choice. He obviously seems to care about you." She internally let out a sigh of relief. "However, I would like to come to Suna to see you and talk to both you and Gaara in person. I'll bring your Mom." The last sentence was said super hush and Honiji let out a giggle. It's like they're teenagers or something.

"Okay. You talk to Mom and I'll help you set up and trip out here."

"You're the best Honiji."

"I love you Daddy."

"I love you too sweetie. Stay safe."

Once off the phone, Honiji sat back and took a deep breath. Warmth spread through her chest as it usually did after talking to her parents or sister. She knows her family is strange. But she wouldn't trade it for anything. Maybe her step-mother. But that's for obvious reasons. Finally, she stood and made her way into her room to start getting ready. Now came the hard part of the arrangement. Convincing the Suna elders of Honiji's ability to be a good arrangement partner. For other station girls, easy. For the child of an affair... not so much.

Honiji took her medicines as she sat in front of the mirror. It will be okay. It will be okay. It will be okay.