20 Deception's Desire

The two men stared Rin down, their expressions impossible to read, even for her. "You'll need to come with us."

She maintained her stance. "Where?"

They moved out of the doorway, so she could pass. "The Kazekage has summoned you."

Rin felt the urge to be snarky, despite her previous fears. "Has he, now? He sent two guards to retrieve me? Am I suddenly that dangerous?"

Silence answered her.

"Splendid. Lead the way, then. Deadly Sound assassin coming through."

She knew she shouldn't even joke about it, but the fact that they were taking her directly to Gaara, made her feel braver.

If there was anyone in this hostile village who would protect her, it was him.

Mobs and pitchforks seemed far less intimidating than a sand that could crush its enemies in one blow. She wasn't sure if she should feel pride or terror, but it laid somewhere in the middle.

The guards didn't put hands on her, however, she felt them on high alert the entire time.

A raised edge of the carpet caught her foot and she stumbled.

Both men were quick to catch and seize her back under control, as if she were a deadly viper.

Rin shrugged their hold off. "Calm down, boys. I'm not going to make a run for it or anything. What exactly do you think is going to happen here? It's not as if I could give you the slip or anything."

They didn't answer, but quickened their speed.

Rin had to skip her steps to keep up with them.

Clearly a sense of humor wasn't valued amongst the private guard.

Noted.

Twisting hallways and hidden passages, led her around and up the stairs to a pair of doors, she hadn't seen before. They were far more ornate than anything she'd experienced in the entire house, even more so than the private quarters of the Kazekage.

"Where are we?"

"Dining room."

Rin glanced behind her and back to the guards. "I needed an armed escort and a labyrinth tour to go to the dining room?"

"Protocol, ma'am."

She rolled her eyes, biting down on her lip to avoid yet another sarcastic comment. It was clear her welcome was long over-stayed.

They knocked on the door once and the voice behind it made her shiver, her previous bravado fading.

"Enter."

Gaara didn't sound warm, like she'd come to know him.

Even when she first arrived, he was professional, but still curious. This voice belonged to someone who was beyond her reach.

The guards opened the doors for her, pushing her inside with one hard shove.

She stumbled a few steps, temper begging to be unleashed on the cretins who were treating her like a prisoner.

"I can walk just fine on my own. Thank you."

Gaara stood from his chair, his voice strong and commanding. "That will be all. Leave us."

They bowed to him and quickly retreated, closing the doors with little more than a slam.

Rin jumped at the unexpected noise and turned around to face the man, who looked like Gaara, but stopped at that.

The highborn status radiated off him in waves, his posture rigid and expecting.

He wore a face she didn't recognize.

It wasn't inquisitive or tender, vulnerable or friendly. His face was a stone mask of regality and it made her feel like she was on the other side of the world, instead of just across the table.

He stared her down, unwavering, and for the first time since they met, she felt lacking in his hard gaze.

Rin's fingers came up to her ponytail, stroking the edges of it.

"Hello, Gaara."

"Ms. Ito."

Her last name sounded foreign on his lips, almost derogatory.

He pulled out a chair from a massive dining table and gestured for her to sit.

When she didn't move right away, he cleared his throat. "Please, have a seat."

She looked from the chair, to his face and shuffled over, her eyes never leaving him.

He didn't push it back in for her, but instead, took his own seat, at the other end of the table.

Rin sat with her hands in her lap.

She looked down the long length of wood between them. "Gaara, wha..."

Before she had a chance to speak, he cut her off. "I apologize for my swift departure today. I'm sure you're now aware of the trouble in my village and my immediate response was necessary. I hope you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'd hate to misrepresent the Sand's hospitality."

"Of course not."

He grabbed a glass of water and took a sip.

Rin focused on his hands and saw a slight tremor that wasn't there before.

"He's nervous," she thought to herself, "what does he have to be nervous about?"

Gaara set the glass down and addressed her again, his professional tone gnawing away at her with every word. "I have information to share with you, Ms. Ito. There was a spy from the Sound apprehended outside the walls yesterday. The explosion is believed to be a direct result of his capture. While we have no solid proof of this, more evidence has come to light, heavily suggesting the Sound's involvement."

"A headband."

He seemed surprised she knew, but continued. "Yes, a headband with the Sound's insignia, was found at the scene of the explosion, but the prisoner still has his own in his possession. This leads us to believe it's not a single incident and we could be in danger of further attacks."

"What did he say when you asked him?"

Gaara leaned forward on his elbows. "There is an issue regarding that prisoner. It appears his tongue has been removed. Whether this is by his own doing or an outside force, is unknown at this time."

Rin felt her stomach lurch at the thought. No one she knew in the village was born without a tongue. She had no idea who it could be or what could drive them to such an act.

Gaara's voice rang hollow in her ears. "The Sand is requesting your services in addressing this issue."

"My services?"

He hadn't moved from his spot, but his voice came out a fraction quieter. "Your Sleep-Walker Jutsu."

Her mouth fell open, breath catching in her lungs.

His words sounded far away, like she was underwater in her favorite river at home, but this silence wasn't precious to her; it was dangerous.

"You want me to use my jutsu for... interrogation?"

His face wavered slightly at her tone. "Yes. It would greatly benefit the Sand and absolve you of any possible involvement in the attack."

"Absolve me? You think I'm involved? You honestly believe I would do anything to harm the people of your village? Or you?"

His silence spoke volumes.

The heavy, suffocating feeling of what he was implying, sucked the air out of the room and left her breathless.

She looked down, her face forming the worst expression Gaara could think of.

It wasn't anger or contempt, those things he could manage. Her face held an expression of hurt and, far worse, disappointment.

He could handle most anything in this world, but not her disappointment in him. "Ms. Ito..."

"Rin."

"Pardon?"

Her gaze rose from the floor and focused on him.

The fire he'd fallen for, the first time he saw her, swelled in her eyes and held him hostage.

"My name is Rin. You call me Rin and I call you Gaara. I don't understand why that's changed. I don't understand why you're acting like this. I don't know what I've done to lose your trust, but..."

To his horror, she knelt on the ground, her head bowed before him. "I'm sorry."

"What?"

Tears poured down her face, as she dipped her head lower. "I'm sorry, Gaara. For whatever I did to offend you. Whatever involvement you think I have in this, or what my village has done, I'm sorry. I'm so..."

She didn't get a chance to finish.

The chair clamored in the vast room, as he shot out of it and knelt on the ground, his arms coming around her.

Rin's eyes widened at his embrace, something that only yesterday, was so difficult for him.

Gaara held her tight, his arms a secure cage, heart thundering in his chest. "No, Rin, I'm sorry. I never should have treated you like that."

She felt like she'd lose control if she said anything, so she remained silent.

Gaara placed his hand on the back of her head, treasuring the softness of her hair. "I'm bad at this friendship thing. I'm still learning. Please, please, forgive me. From the moment I returned home, I've been met with hostility and suspicion; my council, my sister, my people, everyone is looking to me for answers."

Her face stayed in his shoulder and he sighed. "But that doesn't give me any right to take it out on you. I was trying to push you away from me."

"Why would you do that?"

He shook his head at his own stupidity, when it was said aloud. "Because I'm scared. I'm worried that the rumors will only grow and you'll face the brunt of my failure to act when I should have. I tried to push you away, so you'd choose to go home and I wouldn't be the one having to send you. Whether by my request or by my demeanor, because I'm worried for your safety here, I tried to act as a Kazekage should."

She sniffled and his heart ached.

Gaara rested his cheek against the top of her head. "But I can't do it. I can't pretend like you're anything less, than what you are to me."

"And that is?"

He pulled back and caressed her face in his hands, turning her eyes up to look at him. "You're my angel and I'm a fool for treating you as anything less. Can you forgive me for what I asked, Rin?"

Her fingers came up to brush away her tears and she nodded, still not trusting her voice.

Gaara's forehead pressed against hers. "Thank you."

They stayed like that for a moment, the gravity of their conversation feeling lighter.

It amazed Rin how one man could make her feel less and so much more, at the same time.

Perhaps she wasn't the only one who could understand another's feelings, before they, themselves did?

Gaara stood and helped her to her feet, brushing her hair behind her ear. His eyes searched hers, trying to figure out what he should say next.

She looked at the table and back at him. "Gaara?"

"Yes?"

"Do I still get to eat this dinner, even if I don't agree to your request, or is it strictly a blackmail meal?"

He looked at the impressive display and found himself laughing at the question. "It does look like I'm bribing you, doesn't it?"

"Mm hm."

He held out her chair for her again and she seated herself, but didn't miss that he pushed it back in this time.

It was such a small thing, but the action made her feel special.

Gaara took his plate from across the table and sat next to her, as if it were any other meal and not their last, as he pictured. "Let me serve you. You like grapes, yes?"

She watched him reach for a delicious looking bunch and placed her hand on his.

Gaara looked at her. "No? Did I get it wrong?"

She pulled his hand away from the table and placed it to her face, treasuring the way it felt against her skin. "Gaara?"

"Yes?"

Her eyes opened and held him. "I know why you wanted me to leave. I know you're worried and to tell you the truth, I am as well."

His thumb traced her lips, his words coming out distracted and absent. "What are you worried about?"

The sensations of his touch against her lips, sent tingles through her. "I worried about the villagers harming me, but not anymore. I know you'll protect me."

"I will."

She smiled, leaning her face further into his hand. "I was also worried I'd distract you and cause problems with your council."

He leaned closer to her. "That can't be helped. I'll be distracted, regardless."

Rin's gaze traveled from his eyes to his lips, her voice a breathy whisper. "But, mostly, I'm worried that if I stay any longer..."

"Yes?"

He was so close, she could smell the wonderful musk and spice scent of Gaara's skin.

Rin inhaled it and nearly moaned. "I won't be able to leave you."

His whisper was hot against her mouth. "Then don't."