91 Epilogue Part 2

The mirror held a friend, someone who had seen darkness and light at war within herself. She'd walked through worlds of nightmare, battled the enemy of fear in her clients and emerged victorious in the end.

She was shaped by cruelty, resurrected by love and polished by responsibility.

But, more importantly than all of that, the woman in the mirror was happy.

That happiness was quietly playing with her dolls on the bed her parents shared, creating vast stories that would someday make her famous in the Sand.

Rin brushed a comb through her wild hair, taming it into a twisted bun at the back of her head, tenderly embracing the dangling flower pin that stayed as a companion of her past life.

Her eyes flicked to the little girl behind her. "Misa, remember what we're going to do tonight?"

"Go to a party!"

"Mm hm and what do we do at a party?"

She looked up from her dolls. "Um… party?"

Rin chuckled. "Well, you're not wrong. However, is this a grown-up party or a kid party?"

Misa groaned. "Grown up."

"That's right and what do we do at a grown-up party?"

Her daughter held up a doll, whom Rin had the sneaking suspicion was supposed to be her, by the nagging voice she donned. "Mind your manners. Don't run around and bump into people. Be the daughter of the Kazekage. Blah blah blah."

Rin twisted around in her chair, mouth agape. "That's not how I sound!"

Misa's crooked smile caught her. "It is so, Mommy. Blah blah blah."

She thought about it for a moment and stood up, sitting beside her daughter and removing the mother doll from her hands. "Hm, okay, well how do I sound when I say this?"

She took the doll that was supposed to be Misa and placed it in her small hands, moving the woman doll as she spoke. "Mommy is very proud of you."

Misa smiled up at her and back at the dolls.

Rin lifted the mother doll's hand to brush down the hair of the daughter. "You are the daughter of the Kazekage, but you're also my daughter and we love to make some trouble now and then, don't we?"

Her spunky little girl nodded. "Yes!"

Rin's eyes warmed, bringing the dolls to embrace each other. "Never lose that spark, my firefly, but tonight isn't about us, it's about other little kids, right?"

Misa nodded. "Right."

"So, we're going to mind our manners and…?"

Her daughter's cool green eyes rolled, looking so much like Gaara, it sometimes took her breath away. "Not bump into people or yell loud."

"And?"

"Not bring in snakes from outside."

Rin suppressed a shiver at the last event where her daughter presented her with the largest brown snake she'd ever seen. "Bleh, and?"

"Listen to big brother."

"And?"

Misa's brow furled. "And… um…"

The door opened, a familiar voice answering for her. "Remember that Mom and Dad love you, silly."

"Big brother!"

"Correct. Well said, Koji."

She took a moment to marvel at the fine young man her son had become. It took very little convincing of Gaara for her to make the adoption official, though the council, of course, was another matter entirely.

Questions of his lineage and whether he would take the Kazekage seat someday, were argued for weeks, the council splitting in half over it.

Koji had no interest in such things.

All he wanted was to belong to somebody and it was clear, from the first day they met, that somebody was Rin. It had always been Rin.

His interest blossomed into the way of the shinobi, perfecting the tai-jutsu that consumed his days. That discipline bled into every other aspect of his life, including the massive study he took to correct his stammer, which only surfaced when he was nervous or exhausted.

Oddly enough, a part of Rin missed it.

It made him seem more like that little boy she cared for versus the young man he'd become, though she knew he didn't like to be reminded of it.

He came to stand by the bed, holding out his hand to Misa. "Come on, sis, let's let Mom finish getting ready."

She scrambled out of her mother's grasp and took his extended hand. "Do you like my new dress?"

He gave her a slow twirl. "Very nice. Uncle will be pleased you like that one the best."

"He's supposed to ask something tonight. Do you know what it is? No one will tell me."

Koji's eyes flashed to Rin's, who subtly shook her head.

He instead shrugged. "Eh, boring adult stuff. Don't worry about it. Besides, I heard that Ikki and Kazue are going to be at the party. Which would you like to be your escort for the evening?"

This made Misa's eyes light up with a mischief that was dangerous to all who saw it. "Kazzy."

Rin felt sorry for the serious man. He was going to have his hands full tonight.

She stood up off the bed and held her arms out. "Okay, I need a proper hug before you go."

Koji smirked. "'Cause you're nervous, aren't you?"

"Does a mother need an excuse to hug her children?"

"No, but I can tell you are."

He stepped into her embrace, his head just as tall as hers now and Rin sighed. "Well, let's just hope no one else notices."

"You'll be great. No worries."

Misa exclaimed, squeezing her legs. "Go get 'em, Mommy!"

She hugged her children once more and waved as they left, feeling her thoughts buzz in her head at the silence.

Sitting back at the vanity mirror, she finished the last bit of her makeup and focused on her breathing. "Okay, Rin, deep breaths. This is three years' worth of work. All the meetings, the planning, everything has come to this night."

Her eyes drifted to the bedroom table where a stack of drawings had been made for her, each precious, every one valued and kept, with writing that came from small hands. "Thank you, Ms. Rin!"

She looked back in the mirror once more, exhaling a quick breath through her nostrils and nodding her head. "Here we go."

~~~

The sounds of the party drifted up the staircase.

Rin stood around the corner, running her speech through her mind for the hundredth time.

"Lady Kazekage?"

She jumped at the voice of her head guard, who seemed to appear like a faithful shadow and always had the ability to sneak up on her. "Kumi."

"Everything okay?"

Rin nodded. "Yes. I'm fine."

"Are you ready for me to announce you or do you need a minute?"

She shook her head, smiling at the spunky girl. "No, the sooner this is over with, the sooner I can breathe again."

"Got it. Don't worry, the Houki Clan supports your goal and we've taken over security for the event tonight."

"And you provided that special escort I requested?"

She saluted. "Yes ma'am, they're all accounted for."

"Wonderful as always. I don't know what I'd do without you, my friend."

Kumi lowered her hand, giving the charming smile she was could wield as easily as a sword. "My pleasure. Okay, lets get this show on the road."

Rin took a breath and stepped into the light, right as Kumi declared. "Lords and Ladies, honored guests, presenting Lady Rin, Madam Kazekage."

There was a quiet buzz of applause from a room that was suddenly much smaller than she remembered, the splattering of faces from all different villages painting the crowd in various colors foreign to the Sand.

She saw the whites of the Cloud and the browns of the Stone, she also saw the grey from the Mist and the green from the Leaf, but, more importantly, the bright white of the Kazekage's robe, who was coming to meet her at the top of the staircase.

His cool hand found hers and squeezed softly, as he lifted it to his lips. "Steady, love, steady."

She gave him an elegant nod, though her heart was pounding in her chest. "Let's stop halfway, so everyone can hear me."

"Perfect."

They made their descent, Gaara refined and calm, Rin trying desperately to match his regality, even though all she could focus on was the cold sweat dripping down her back.

When they reached the middle step, Gaara lowered her hand and spoke to the crowd. "Friends, we welcome you and appreciate your presence this evening. This is a matter that has captured the heart of the Sand and, we hope, will touch yours as well. I ask that you give your attention to my wife and hear her words well. Lady Kazekage?"

Rin gave him a smile and cleared her throat. "Thank you, my Lord and welcome again, friends and allies. Our village is blessed by your presence. Some of you know me, though I'm sure all have heard my name at least once on the breeze. I created quite a stir when I first arrived in this village."

Her eyes found the council, who were waiting to the side of the room in their finery. She didn't miss how Kaba smiled, nostalgic at their previous feud.

Rin looked back to the crowd, her eyes brushing over the various faces. "The Sand held a reputation once. Hostile, unwelcoming, fierce as the desert winds and as unforgiving as its sun. I also believed this reputation myself, though, as a member of the Sound, I understand how dangerous believing such rumors can be, before you meet the people behind them."

She noticed the slight tension at the mention of her former village. Though the years had been kind and they were making progress every year towards a better relationship, it would take time still to create unbiased friendship.

"I stand before you, as proof that with love, understanding and kindness, we can erase the sins of the past and work together for a brighter future. If a woman from the Sound, " her eyes found her husband, so proud and regal in his livery, "can be joined with the head of the Sand and their love be celebrated, instead of bound to tradition and protocol, then the rest of the world can learn to love as well."

Rin looked to the left and motioned with her hand at the group waiting in the wings.

All eyes turned to the assembly of at least fifteen children, of various ages, who joined her on the staircase.

Rin dipped down to pick up the smallest of the group, a young girl, who sucked her thumb and rested her head on her shoulder, the hour clearly past her bedtime.

She kissed her forehead and addressed the guests again. "I present to you the heart of the Sand; her children. Through war or famine or tragedy, these precious ones have been left alone in the world, with nothing more than the bare attention of the adults around them. I have it on good authority, that's it's not only the Sand who shares this tradition, but other villages as well."

The guests looked at one another, the shame and embarrassment thick in the room.

Rin gave her best smile. "Please, my Lords and Ladies, understand this is not a lecture to scold the wrongs of the past. This is an opportunity to take part in building our future. We are all shinobi and even in these peaceful times, our lives are filled with danger. That's a truth that no one can escape. What we can do, is protect those left behind."

She hiked the little girl up on her hip and placed her hand on a boy's head. "Look upon the faces gathered here tonight and think of the children in your own village. Those who have lost their families but should never lose the love their people have for them."

Her eyes turned to Koji, who was holding Misa in his arms, smiling up at her.

Rin returned his expression. "I'm proposing a home for orphans that will welcome all villages, all people, from Sand, to Leaf, to Sound. Open doors that will welcome any child who requires a home. These facilities will offer beds, meals, schooling, counseling and, most importantly, the love and care each child requires."

She gave the little girl in her arms to one of the older orphans and raised her arms towards the guests. "So please, join me in showing love to those who need it most. Demonstrate to the next generation the way of the shinobi and how our friendship and our appreciation for each other, will bring a new day, a new dream and a new way of life to our future. Thank you."

The riotous applause startled her. Rin placed a hand over her heart and tried to hold back the cheers at the standing ovation that came after.

She'd hoped they would hear her and consider her dream, but the level of support shook the Grand Hall, though that could have been her own relief and nerves shaking her.

She gently directed the children to go enjoy the banquet and nearly collapsed into her husband's arms, when he rose to meet her.

"Wonderfully done, my desert rose. Perfection."

"Get me off the stairs."

"Got it."

They brushed their way to the floor, Gaara seating Rin in her chair and motioning for someone to bring her some water.

She'd done it. She'd gotten her message out and by the sound of the response and the excited chatter, she'd believed it wouldn't be long before plans and funds would come together to achieve her dream.

A tiny hand found hers. "Are you okay, Mommy?"

She opened her eyes and brushed a hand over her daughter's hair. "Yes, baby."

"Then why are you crying?"

Rin raised her fingers up to her face and indeed found tears there. "Good tears, love, good tears. Mommy is fine. Why don't you go ask Daddy for that dance?"

She nodded and rushed to find her father in the throng of adults, clearly forgetting their past conversation about running in the hall.

Rin leaned back and focused on calming down, her eyes finding Gaara, who was standing on the edge of the dance floor, talking to a man with blonde hair and clear, crystal blue eyes.

"Well, look at you, Lord Kazekage."

Gaara knew that voice anywhere. It was the first truly kind one in his world and he turned to meet it. "Naruto Uzumaki."

"This is quite an event, almost as big as your wedding day."

He looked around at the variety of faces. "Indeed, Rin certainly knows how to fill a room."

Naruto looked past Gaara and gave a polite nod to the Lady Kazekage, who was resting from her speech. "She's something, isn't she?"

Gaara didn't need to look, he felt her presence with him always. "She's the best of my life."

Suddenly, a small voice and a tug on his robe, caught his attention. "Daddy?"

The Kazekage looked down and smiled at the girl, before picking her up to hold in his arms. "Well, Rin and this little one as well. My girls."

Naruto gently pinched her cheek. "That can't be Misa! She's gotten so big!"

"It's me, Mr. Naruto!"

"Have you been practicing that jutsu I showed you?"

Gaara's brow furled. "Which jutsu?"

Naruto laughed. "Don't worry, nothing you wouldn't approve of. I'm just giving your girl a leg up on the rest of her class. And the justu is called?"

Misa put her hands together. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Gaara felt the rush of her chakra, but a second Misa hadn't appeared and he would be lying if he didn't say he was grateful for that. One of her was enough to keep up with most days.

Misa looked down. "I can't do it yet. But I'm practicing! I swear!"

Naruto ruffled up her hair. "I have no doubt. Keep at it and you'll win! Though, maybe, you'll have your dad or mom's jutsu instead? We'll just have to see."

She smiled as bright as the desert sun. "Daddy, will you come dance with me?"

Gaara looked to Naruto. "Well…"

He held up a hand. "Trust me, I wouldn't dream of interrupting. Besides, you can't deny a lady a dance, that's what Iruka Sensei taught me, at least."

Misa let out a giggle and scurried out of his arms, ready to pull him to the dance floor.

Naruto caught Gaara's shoulder before she succeeded. "Hey Gaara?"

"Yes?"

His smile was warm. "You sure found out what love was, didn't you?"

He looked from the tiny girl who held his hand, to the lovely woman who held his heart. "I did indeed. Thank you, my friend."

"I'm glad. I'll catch up with you later."

Misa succeeding in pulling him away, treasuring how he let her stand on his feet to dance together.

A slow dance, but one that would stay in her memories and would resurface again when she was nearly as tall as he, with a white veil covering her head.

The future would come quicker than either parent would be ready for, but the happiness of the journey and two more children to follow, would be worth every step along the way.

~~~

The party raged on into the night, guests leaving happy, full and with the promise of support for the cause.

For months after, there would be plans, meetings and building, but tonight was done.

Tonight was for Rin and Gaara.

Misa passed out in her brother's arms hours prior, happily tucked in her bed.

Kankuro had managed to squeak out his proposal to Ani Choi, who wasn't surprised in the least, but pretended for his sake.

Temari and Shikamaru shared a few dances before retiring for the evening, much to his relief.

The only one left, was Rin on the balcony, breathing deep the scent of the warm night.

The moon hung in the sky; silver and cool, welcoming the creatures who came alive with its light and those who nestled safely beneath it.

Rin let out her held breath. "It's done. I did it."

"Yes, you sure did."

She didn't need to look to know it was him, her body felt him with every beat of her heart. "Gaara."

His arms came around her waist, holding her tight to himself, his chin nestled in the crook of her neck. "I didn't get my dance with you tonight."

Rin laughed. "Well no, our daughter wasn't going to be denied."

Gaara's hands slid down her shoulders, past her elbows and gently took her hand, spinning her around to face him. "May I have this dance?"

"You may, Lord Kazekage."

He assumed the waltz position and slowly swayed her back and forth, admiring how the moon lit up her eyes, which always looked at him with passion and fire and all the things he craved.

"What are you thinking?" She asked, resting on his shoulder.

He shook his head. "How could I have ever deserved this?"

"Deserved what?"

"This love. This warm, incredible love."

Rin kissed his neck, the side of his chin and brushed her lips against his. "Because you loved me first."

He stopped swaying and caressed her face, memorizing the love in her eyes. "Always?"

She rose to meet his waiting kiss.

"Always."

~The end~