Forevermore ~Gaara~

Chapter 27

It was horribly silent as Honiji's story hung in the air. Gaara had no idea. He understood now why she couldn't control her magic anymore. He understood now why she took those medications. He understood why she chose to leave her home village for a possible new life with him. He understood. But he didn't know what to do with his new knowledge.

Honiji kept her eyes on the running water, feeling the pain of the past. But truly, her heart was becoming ever lighter the more she let him know. "I spent the next two weeks in my room. Taiga and my mom begged me to talk to someone, but I couldn't accept what had happened. The first time I left my room after that... I tried to throw myself in the river. Naruto and Tomoe stopped me. That's when I started seeking help." Her eyes lifted to the sky, enjoying the bright blue that peaked through the trees. "When you came into town and offered to give me a chance... I was skeptical at first. Why on Earth would you want me? I'm not much of anyone. But then... I figured that's what you wanted. You wanted someone who wasn't going to kick up a fuss, who would lead a calm life with you. And I suddenly saw my chance. I told you from the beginning, I was being selfish. I didn't want you to be hurt if it didn't work later on."

She turned to him, happy to see that he had been drinking in her every word. He really is a pure soul. Each at this point had laid out their demons, explaining why they are the way they are. There was no turning back in this strange relationship. Gaara knew better now, he wanted Honiji. Despite her shadowed past, she was a bright light, a beacon that lead his heart. His hand gently cupped her cheek. Her eyes closed as the warmth and scent of his skin penetrated her senses. Honiji wasn't afraid of moving forward with Gaara. Gods she wanted them to become closer, to have a bright future together. She wanted the happiness she saw with him.

"Honiji..." Gaara's voice was low, the gravel of his deep tone sending a shiver through Honiji's spine. "Your choice to come with me was not selfish. It as most certainly self preserving. Taking a choice to help yourself when you have through something so traumatic could never be selfish." Honiji's grey eyes quivered with emotion as her hands came up to hold Gaara's that cupped her cheek. "You are strong. I believe this completely. And I know how hard it was for you to tell me what happened."

"My Dad doesn't know what Hotaka did to me. And neither does Junko. Please don't tell them."

"Why wouldn't you want to tell them?"

"Because Mitsuko... She would use what Hotaka did against me in every way possible, him and her together would make it seem like that's what I do. They would pull me through the mud and have me labeled... a whore... In royal families, virginity is important. If you choose to get close to someone, you have to make sure they are discreet about the relation or you are going to marry them. Otherwise..." Gaara's thumb moved gently across her skin, clearing away a stray tear. "That's... that's another reason I was so afraid to tell you..."

"You thought I would want to end our engagement once I learned you weren't a virgin." It wasn't a question. Honiji looked down, cheeks flushed as embarrassment creped in. "Honiji. The day I met you, I had given up on the idea of marriage. I didn't believe in it to begin with in truth. Naruto, Tomoe, Kankuro, and Temari talked me into it. I had met and spent time with fifteen women from Konohas' high society. But Tomoe insisted on just one more. And you walked in. You didn't look at me or treat me any differently once you learned who I was. You were willing to spend your time helping me. You took what I wanted into consideration and asked me about myself. Not once was that even a question. The state of your virginity is no business of mine or anyone else. What matters to me, is you."

"Gaara..." Another tear silently rolled down her cheek. Surprising Gaara, Honiji wrapped her arms around his neck, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. He supposed affection was something he could start to get used to. After all, being close to Honiji was calming. Truthfully, he enjoyed holding her. Her hair slipped through his fingers as he placed one hand on the back of her head and the other on the curve of her back. They stayed that way until Kaita's voice called out to them from the house. It was time to face the family and show off Honiji's hard work.