.......... Time skip.......

It had been about three hours now and Gaara was almost done making dinner.

He gently puts down the utensils and looks up at the clock, wondering if he should wake her up. Just then, a pair of arms hug him from behind.

Manami: It smells nice...

Gaara smiles. He turns around and kisses her on the forehead.

Gaara: Slept well?

Manami: Yeah, thanks for doing this.

Gaara: I'm just glad you got to rest a bit before getting into all the upcoming festivities.

Manami and Gaara set everything on the table and take a seat.

Manami: Oooo~~~ This looks gooooddd~~~~

Gaara: Go on and try it. 

Manami happily takes a big bite.

Manami: Wow~~~ This so good Gaara! I'm proud of you! I'll never be able to cook like this!!!

Gaara smiles, feeling proud of himself.

Manami: Y'know Gaara, if you keep getting more perfect, I might even marry you! (Joking)

This catches Gaara by surprise and he chokes on his food while blushing like crazy.

Manami hands him a tissue, worried.

Manami: You Okay?

Gaara: Cough! Cough!... Ehm!... Yes... I'm fine.

Manami: Be careful.

Gaara: Yeah... sorry...

Gaara's thoughts: Did she notice?!

Gaara: So... How was your stay in Arata?

Manami: Eventful.... But y'know what? There is going to be The End of The Decade festival there very soon! And Big brother wants to invite all the Kages!!

Gaara: That sounds wonderful Manami. I'm sure everyone would love to join the King and his people for this occasion.

Manami: I hope so. I wanted to take part in the preparations too but he said no. I guess I am not part of the royal family anymore nor I live there so...

She smiles sadly which Gaara notices. 

Gaara: I'm sure that's not the reason Manami. He realizes something you don't.

Manami looks up at Gaara.

Manami: What?

Gaara: That you have a home now. You said it yourself, Leaf is your home and your new life. He couldn't make you stay when there is a festival here too. He doesn't want to trap you in your past.

Manami: So what you are saying is that I left that place so it's my fault?

Gaara didn't expect Manami to get mad.

Gaara: That's not what I meant...!

Manami: Just... let it go Gaara. You wouldn't know...

After that, they ate in complete awkward silence.

Gaara's thoughts: It's not like her to react in such a way. Something must be wrong.

Manami's thoughts: And I thought he would get me. But just like the elders, he also blames me...

Once she has done eating, she grabs her plate and goes into the kitchen. Gaara follows her. She ignores him, goes to the couch and grabs a book to read. Gaara sits beside her and grabs her hands.

Gaara: What happened Manami? Tell me.

Manami looks into his eyes and it becomes harder to talk to him.

Manami: Gaara..... Arata and Chio..... they are not safe anymore....

Gaara: Why? 

Manami: Someone has.... decided to perform an ancient ceremony to bring.... Shinimi back...

Gaara's face instantly tenses.

Gaara: Do you know who that person is?

Manami: It's not certain but...but...

Gaara: Manami, who is it?

Manami: Gaara.... it's..

Manami begins to break down.

Gaara pulls Manami closer.

Gaara: It's who Manami? Please tell me...

Manami: Sa...Satome.... Satome... He's back.....

Gaara feezes in shock.

Gaara: How...?

Manami: I don't know... All the investigation led us to him.... but he can't be....

Gaara: You saw him.... You did. Right Manami?

Manami: Gaara... I...

Gaara: Don't lie to me! You did!

Manami: Yes.... But it seemed to be a nightmare....

Gaara tightened his arms around her.

Gaara: Waiting a few years to strike isn't going to do him any good! You're still mine. If he wants a rematch then I'm ready!

Manami: Gaara...

Gaara: I won't lose Manami. I love you too much.

Gaara's thoughts: I'll protect what's mine. No one can take it away from me.

Manami's thoughts: Why..... do I not like it?..... Why do I dislike his touch? I love him! I love him more than anything! But then..... why am I hating being in his arms?! I LOVE HIM! I DO!

In a panic Manami breaks the hug, moves forward and kisses him.

Manami's thoughts: I WANT TO LOVE HIM!..... WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!

To be continued.....