Next day, almost sunrise;

Manami puts the last of her belongings in her bag. She was going to leave for the leaf village with the sunrise. She turns to look out her window with sadness in her eyes.

Manami: I really wanted to be excited to go back..... but I don't wanna go back.... even though I want to see him..... 

Just then Lia walks into her room.

Lia: Manami, let's go.

Manami nods, grabs her bag and they both head to the palace garden portal where Dai and Yuki are waiting. She had already said her goodbye to Dai's kids at night.

Dai: Manami, thank you for coming. We couldn't have done it without you.

Manami: Why so formal? You make me feel like I really don't belong here.

Dai: You know that's not true!

Just then, Lady Asuka and Yoshiko (Two of the elders) walk towards them.

Dai: Lady Asuka, Lady Yoshiko!

Dai, Lia, and Yuki bow in respect but are completely ignored by Asuka. Yoshiko nods at them. Asuka stares directly into Manami's eyes.

Asuka: So you are finally going home. (sarcastically)

Manami: Weren't you in Chio?

Asuka: Well I suppose since you don't have much to do with this place, you wouldn't remember.

Manami gives her a confused look.

Yoshiko: It's almost time for the GREAT DECADE CELEBRATION. THE SPIRIT FESTIVAL, Manami dear.

Manami: We....do that?

Manami gave Dai a questioning look.

Dai: It wasn't continued after Shinimi but the elders wished for it to be revived this end of the decade so...

Manami: And you never told me?!

Yuki: We were going to invite you...

Manami: Invite?! I'm supposed to be preparing for it!

Lia: No, you should be off to leaf so you can celebrate the leaf festival with them. We can handle the preparations. There's still a lot of time anyways. 

Manami: But!

Dai: Manami, I have already thought of what you must do.

Manami: What?

Dai: I want you to be the official ambassador for the two worlds and make sure all kages attend the festival.

Manami: You are inviting them?!

Manami's eyes lit up with excitement.

Dai: Of course. It is them because of whom we were able to win the war. They are our allies.

Asuka: Letting those ninjas come here! How foolish!

Manami: It's decided! I'm just so excited!

Yoshiko: Whatever makes you happy dear.

Dai: Well go on now, he's probably waiting for you. I'll send formal invitations to them but you can inform them beforehand. Oh! and you can invite your friends from leaf too if you like.

Manami hugs Dai. 

Manami: Thank you so much! This means a lot!

Dai: Anything for my sister.

With that, Manami sets off for home.

......time skip.....

As soon as the gate comes in sight, Manami begins to rush towards it. For some reason, she had missed it a lot more than before. As she enters, she sees Gaara standing there, waiting for her. She happily runs to him and hugs him tightly.

Gaara smiles and hugs her back but this smile soon fades as he realizes that she is crying, her body shaking in his arms. Worried, he tries to break the hug and face her but she just tightens the hug.

Manami: Don't!.... Please.... let's just stay like this a little more.....

Gaara lets out a sigh and lovingly holds her in his arms, closing his eyes.

Manami's thoughts: Why am I crying?....... I know I've missed him.... missed his touch.... but why is my heart aching? 

Gaara: What's the matter, my love? Is everything okay?

Manami: I... I missed you Gaara.... a lot...

They finally let go and stare into each other's eyes. Gaara smiles at her.

Gaara: I've missed you too but why are you acting this way? Did something happen back there?

A lot had happened but for some reason, the only thing that came to her mind was HIS face.

Manami: S...Sa... It's okay Gaara, I'll tell you about it later. I just felt really bad about missing one week of the festival.

Gaara: ok, we can talk about it later. Come on, you must be tired. Rest for a while.

Gaara's thoughts: Something is definitely wrong. I just hope it's not too wrong.

Manami: Yeah you're right, it's been an exhausting week for me. 

Gaara and Manami go to Manami's house.

Manami opens the door to her bedroom, jumps on the bed, and begins to snuggle her pillow.

Manami: Ahhhh~~ I've missed this place! 

(She was sighing! Keep your dirty minds shut!!)

Gaara smiles at her, leaning by the doorframe.

Gaara: Get some sleep. I'll make dinner for you.

Manami looks at Gaara surprised.

Manami: When did you learn to cook?!

Gaara: I've been practicing. You can tell me how good I am once you eat it.

Manami: Woah! You're serious?! That's actually really cool Gaara, I'd love to eat your cooking!!

Gaara: Great, then you rest and I'll get to work.

Manami: I'll help too!

Manami begins to get up from the bed but Gaara pushes her back, making her fall backwards onto the bed.

Gaara: Sweet dreams.

He then leaves the room, closing the door behind.

Manami: Sigh.... I love him....

Manami smiles to herself and drifts off to sleep.

 .............................

Hey! Sorry for a short chap! But the next one is coming soon. So..... The world is going through stuff huh? I hope you are doing good and taking good care of yourself. I'm at home taking online classes so I'm still busy but it's better than actually attending Uni. What I'm trying to say is that I'm sorry for late updates!

Please take care and stay healthy! Be your best introvert self.

Love, Mary.