Affection Blooming From A Desert (Gaara x OC)

Chapter 11: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Hana looked at her niece with pity and sadness. She had come back to the village a week ago, much earlier than Hana expected. She had been sleeping when a loud knocking woke her up a little past midnight. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see her niece collapsed into her arms, crying hysterically. She held Akina in her arms the whole night.

The next day, Akina had explained everything that happened in Konoha and why she was back earlier and the devastating news she heard. Hana was glad that Akina was able to work through her emotions and was grateful that Kimi had provided her with so much support.

Now, presently, her niece sat at the research center's counter with several folders in front of her. Akina's eyes may be on the paper but Hana knew she was not reading. It had been like this the last several days. The first few days she stayed at Hana's to wallow in her sadness some more. But afterwards, Akina decided that giving herself time to miss Gaara was not going to help her situation. What she needed was a distraction so Hana suggested that she go back to work.

Akina had vehemently protested saying that she was still not ready to face the village. Hana sighed, the situation with the rumour had not improved. Since Gaara had to leave swiftly for battle, no one was around to officially dispel the rumours that circulated the village. However, no new rumours were spread or accusations thrown, it seemed that the newspaper that printed that head line had been temporarily shut down.

However, Hana had made some progress on her own. It was easy to convince her co-workers that the rumours about Akina being a "manipulative seductress" were false because they already knew the kind, hard-working, and gentle woman that Akina truly was. The students, however, needed more convincing since they, alike the vast majority of the villagers, did not know her. When Akina heard that most of the people working in the hospital were on her side, she eased up a little and agreed to go to work although a bit apprehensive. Despite that, she still tried her best to stay within the shadows on her way to work so she didn't have to run into anyone distasteful.

"Akina, dear?" Hana said gently, laying a hand on Akina's shoulder.

Akina looked at her aunt. "Why don't you go home, I don't think the work is going to help."

Akina sighed. She knew her aunt was right but she hated it. No matter what she tried to do, she just couldn't seem to take her mind off of Gaara and constantly worried about his safety. Since she came back that night, Kankuro had dropped by her apartment a few times to make sure she was okay and to let her know that he was heading an investigation ordered by Gaara to figure out the person who was responsible for this. He assured her that they would find the culprit and that he would update her when there was anything important. She felt hopeful knowing that Gaara was mad at the individual as well and that he was thoughtful enough to have his brother look into this matter for them.

But she also felt bad for him knowing just how stressed out he was from having to deal with this drama while preparing for war! It certainly didn't help that she had run away. Now her earlier feelings of guilt came back full force. She silently vowed that when he did return she would do whatever she could to fix their relationship and reassure him that she will never pull a stunt like this again if she ever felt uncertain of their relationship.

"Yeah...maybe." Akina agreed. She turned her body and pulled her aunt in for a hug. "I'm sorry for being so distracted these last few days. I promise I'll start to be more useful."

Hana gave Akina a gentle smile. "It's okay, dear. Take as much time as you need, don't rush things."

Akina opened her mouth to reassure Hana she wouldn't need much more time but her reply died in her mouth when there was a loud commotion outside. The two ladies gave each other confused looks before moving to the door. When they opened it they were startled to see nurses and doctors sprinting down the hallway towards the entrance of the hospital.