Steps (Gaara x Reader)

Chapter 40

I sat down outside the Leaf Village on a stone surrounded by the forest. We were suppose to leave this morning when Gaara was able to walk but I wasn't sure the exact time so I wanted some peace. I closed my eyes and allowed the chirping of the birds and wind to flow through my ears. It was peaceful out here.  I reopened my eyes and focused on the leaves flowing beside me. So peaceful.

"You shouldn't be about by yourself, what if someone attacks Gaara." A heavy voice filled my ears, I glanced up my eyes meeting none other than Orochimaru's. "He is in the Leaf Village..." I whispered out my body feeling weak on it's own. "The Leaf isn't safe, especially not from the Akatsuki." I let my Amber eyes close a few times. "Are they that tough? How do you expect me to save him?" I questioned, it wasn't like I could use my eyes all the time. The drawbacks are severe. The sound of leaves cracked under his feet as he approached me. Suddenly a hand touched my shoulder and squeeze pulsated through me, "Because you have a reason to save him. Genki is waiting. This last mission." I sucked in a breathe and gripped the side of the rock. "Now be a good girl, and go watch him." I felt Orochimaru's presence disappear leaving relief to wash over me.

I released the rock that held me in place and stared at my hand, it had cuts on it from gripping it. "Genki..." I whispered under my breath as sorrow filled its place, I promise I'll save you. Just give me more time. "Amaya? Who is that?" A voice piped in leaving my thoughts to evaporate. I spun around on my rock and stared into those blue eyes. "I U-Uh nobody important." A bead of sweat dripped down my temple and I gripped the hem of my shirt.

"Are you feeling okay?" I questioned as I tried to avoid him. His eye brow cocked up in confusion but I watched as his head nodded and he continued to speak with a calm tone. "I'm okay, I'm ready to get going."

I nodded and jumped to my feet, "Did you say goodbye to Naruto?" Gaara's head shook leaving confusion left in my head, he looks up to Naruto. Not even a goodbye. "Alright let's get going." I took a few strides towards the opening and came out to see Kankuro and Temari there chatting up a storm.

Temari in a swift motion turned towards me eyes wide, "I thought something was wrong you were there for a long time." I chuckled nervously and threw my hand to the back of my head. "Ya know, I just had to clear my head."

I felt the eyes of Gaara staring at the back of my head. "Are you okay?" Kankuro questioned, an honest look reflected in his eyes. It warmed my heart up to see it, "I'm all good. Let's go now shall we?" I was the first one to take off towards the Sand Village, the three behind me following suit shortly after.

Time Skip :P

Gaara's POV

As we approached the Village I couldn't help but have the thought of the name Genki run through my head. I feel as if I had heard it before, a frown situated on my lips as I raked my brain searching for the answer.

"Gaara!" A piercing scream echoed through my ears, I clutched my left ear and sent a glare at Temari causing her to jump. I took in a deep breath and relaxed my body. "Yes?" I questioned as I reopened my eyes and trained them on her. "You have been standing outside the gate for minutes now, I called your name and no response. What's wrong with you?" She questioned, I shook my head and glanced around to see I was still standing at the entrance. "I was, has Amaya ever mention a Genki before?" I wasn't going to ask her but then the thought got to me. Maybe I could rest my mind at ease if she had mentioned it before.

"No, not to my knowledge. Is this what has been bothering you? Why not just ask." Temari sighed after her words and turned away. I felt a twinge of nervousness take over, ask her that. I don't think I was even suppose to hear it. I took off and walked in front of Temari not speaking a word back as the thought continued to play in my mind.

Amaya's POV

Temari had been gone for quite awhile since she told me she was getting Gaara. I don't know what his issue even was, he seemed to have been frozen in space. I brought my hand to my hair and slowly brushed out any snarls that were caught. As I was doing so Gaara walked in his eyes solely on me. I blinked my eyes a couple times and watched as his feet approached and his form stood right before me. I cocked my head to the side in confusion. "I need to talk to you."

My heart rate picked up and I stared at him with anticipation, what could it be, did he find out? Did he hear everything. "O-Okay." I muttered out, my hand making its way to my forearm. I glanced at Temari to see her giving me an apologetic smile before she walked out the door and closed it. "What is-" I began saying before Gaara grabbed on my shoulders and pulled me into a hug, it was awkward as I stood there my arms limp at my side.

"You were upset earlier, but who is Genki?" At the sound of his name my heart shattered in pieces again.