The next day,

Manami gets straight into her duties as a leaf ninja. That is, managing security in the crowded streets.  Even though she was doing her job patrolling the Konoha streets, her mind was in a different zone.

Manami's thoughts: It was so weird... I never thought I'd feel this way towards Gaara. I love him. I know I do! But then why didn't I feel it? Am I thinking too much? 

Deep in her thoughts, she doesn't realize whom she just walked past in the crowd.

Sakura: Manami!

Manami turns around.

Manami: Sakura! I didn't see you there!

Sakura: It's okay. When did you come back?

Manami: Just yesterday. I thought you must've heard it from Gaara.

Sakura: No. I was out on a mission actually and just returned this morning.

Manami: I see. How did it go?

Sakura: Good, it was pretty easy. Hey, wanna get a cup of coffee? It's been a while since we hung out.

Manami: Of course!

Manami and Sakura head on to a nearby cafe. As expected, it is packed but they manage to find a spot. They order their drinks and wait.

Sakura: So, how's everyone in Arata?
Manami: They're all well. Fortunately, both the kingdoms have been revived to their former glory.

Sakura: I'm glad. Did you already see others by the way?

Manami: No, just Gaara. I thought it's best not to waste any time and get to work.

Sakura: You work too much girl! You need to loosen up a bit!... How're things with Gaara going?

Manami: I don't know...

Sakura: You don't know? What's that supposed to mean? 

Manami sighs.

Manami: I just..... 

Sakura: Did something happen Manami? You look upset.

Manami: Can... we fall out of love? Like... out of nowhere you just stop loving someone?

Sakura: I don't get where you're going with this. Did you two fight or something?

Manami: N..No... It just doesn't feel right anymore...

Sakura holds Manami's hand. 

Sakura: Tell me what's on your mind. Maybe I can help. 

Manami: Sakura,... last night me and Gaara were together... and usually I feel so much love for him. I just want to cuddle with him and shower him with love. But... I couldn't feel it. I couldn't feel any love for him. I even felt uneasy in his embrace... I don't know what's wrong with me!

Manami looked at Sakura, desperate for an answer.

Sakura: Manami, you're just overthinking this. Everyone knows how much you two love each other.
Manami: But then why?!
Sakura: Manami, you guys have been apart for too long. You literally live in different villages and because you're so busy, you barely visit each other! That's it. It happens to everyone.

Manami: Are you sure?

Sakura: Yes and I have a good solution for you. Spend time together. Go on dates, talk, be a couple for once!
Manami: But you know how busy we both are so...!
Sakura: Listen, relationships need work and attention... just like a flower! It will wilt away if not taken care of. No matter how much one loves their partner, distance can ruin the best relationships. I often go on missions with Sasuke for the same reason.
Manami: So that's it? That's why I was feeling like that?
Sakura: Most probably. And maybe Gaara feels it too and is making an effort to spend more time with you. Now it's your turn.

Manami: It's true that I have been putting our relationship to the side. I always have something "more important " to do. I was thinking... Gaara has always waited for me but for how much longer? It's not fair right? I can't give him nearly as much love as he gives me...

Sakura: Hey, instead of beating yourself up over it, do something about it. It's never too late to show love.
Manami nods with a smile.
Manami: Thank you Sakura, I don't know what I'd do without you.
Sakura: Anytime.
They spend the next hour chatting after which they go their separate ways.

Manami's thoughts:  I've been ignoring him for too long... I have to make up for lost time! I should plan a picnic date for him! I can make those cookies he likes and we can spend some quality time at the park! I should hurry up and finish work then!

Manami excitedly begins to complete all the work assigned to her.

.....Kages' residence...

Gaara is working fast to complete some of his paperwork.

Tamari: You look overly focused today what's the rush?

Gaara: I was hoping to see Manami after this. Speaking of which, can you tell Manami to see me at the flower field this afternoon?

Gaara's thoughts: Its been a while since we went on a date. A picnic in the fields would be nice.

Tamari smiles.

Tamari: Sure.

Tamari leaves his room and bumps into Shikamaru and Konohamaru on her way to Manami's.

Shikamaru: I was looking for you. Did you get the report? 

Tamari: Yes, I was going to bring it to the Hokage actually.

Shikamaru: Yeah, he is waiting. Let's go.

Tamari: Ok! Hey Konohamaru, do me a favor, tell Manami to see Gaara at the flower fields this afternoon.

Konohamaru:  Ok!

Tamari and Shikamaru leave. Konohamaru leaves the building to meet Manami but bumps into Naruto.

Naruto: Hey Konohamaru! Why aren't you on duty huh?!

Konohamaru: I was just going there! Plus, you aren't working either big brother Naruto!

Naruto ruffles his hair.

Naruto: I'm already doing my job!

Konohamaru: You take too much advantage of your clones!

Naruto: My clones are me too y' know!

Konohamaru rolls his eyes and begins walking to work.

Konohamaru: Since you have so much time on your hands, go and tell Manami onee-chan that the Kazekage wants to see her!

Naruto: Yeah yeah!

After reporting at the Hokage's office, Naruto heads towards Manami's house but ends up bumping into her a few streets away. She seemed to be returning from the grocery store.

Naruto: Hey Manami-chan!

Manami: Hey Naruto, what's up?

Naruto: I was coming to see you actually.

Manami: Really? For what?

Naruto: Konohamaru said Gaara was looking forward to seeing you or something like that.

Manami: Oh, I guess Choji told him about the picnic in the park.

Naruto: Yeah, maybe... I have to go now, Hinata must be waiting for me. See ya around!

Manami nods and Naruto runs off. 

Manami enters her house and puts everything on the kitchen counter.

Manami: Hopefully I bought everything for the picnic. Let's get started on the cookies then! 

..... Time skip

As the sun begins to set, Manami sets everything for the picnic under a tree by the park lake.

Manami: All done! Hopefully, Gaara will be here soon!

On the other hand, Gaara is also done preparing a date in the flower fields.

(Couldn't find an anime pic)

Gaara: I hope she likes it.

Manami and Gaara both patiently wait for each other. Slowly, the sun sets completely and darkness takes over the sky. 

It's already been two hours of waiting.

Manami: Did he forget?.....

Gaara: Why isn't she here yet? I hope she is okay...

They both continued to wait for another hour before heading to each other's houses.

Manami's thoughts: Does he not care? He could've at least told me he wasn't coming!

Gaara's thoughts: Why would she not come? Is she mad at me? She could've at least told me...

As Manami walks through the glimmering and crowded streets of Konoha, she begins to tear up a bit.

Manami's thoughts: We're not gonna work out... This love isn't working anymore... but how can I give up on him?! 

Soon she is standing in front of the Kages' residence. As she is about to enter, Tamari walks out.

Tamari: Oh Manami! You're done with the date so soon?

Manami: He... He never showed up!

Tamari: What? He left for the flower fields hours ago!

Manami: Flower fields? But I set the picnic in the park!

Tamari: What are you talking about? Gaara had planned a date in the fields. Didn't Konohamaru tell you?

Manami: I thought... Didn't Choji tell Gaara about my plan?!

Tamari: Choji had an urgent mission. He hasn't been in the village since noon.

Manami immediately starts running towards the fields. 

Flashback;

Sakura: Maybe Gaara feels it too and is making an effort to spend more time with you. 

.................

Manami's thoughts: He's been trying... All this time he has been constantly trying for this love! What am I even doing?!

Manami reaches the dark fields, out of breath. She looks around and calls his name.

Manami: Gaara! Gaara!!

After looking around a while, she gives up and falls to her knees.

Gaara also reaches the fields out of breath.

Gaara: Manami!

Flashback;

As soon as Manami leaves, Gaara arrives back.

Tamari: Gaara! Manami was just here, she ran to the fields looking for you! It seems like there was a misunderstanding. Manami was waiting for you at the park for the date she had planned!

Gaara immediately follows Manami.

Gaara's thoughts: Manami..... 

...........................

Manami turns around to see the person she wanted to see the most. She immediately runs into his arms.

Manami: I'm sorry......

Gaara: Manami, it was just a misunderstanding. It's okay.

Manami: I promise... I promise you won't have to wait for me anymore!

Gaara: Hey, I can wait for you for eternity because I love you. I chose to love you and wait for you. Don't blame yourself for it. The most important thing is that you are happy.

Manami: Gaara, I don't give you nearly as much love as you give me...

Gaara: Manami, you make me feel loved. I couldn't be happier, trust me.  

Manami: I love you Gaara. I'll love you till my last breath!

Gaara lovingly smiles at her and slowly kisses her.

Manami's thoughts: There's no way my love for him will wither away... This means everything to me. I came back to life for this love. The least I can do is try for this love...

Gaara's thoughts: Manami, I'm too deep in love to ever stop. Just knowing that you are mine gives me happiness. As long as you and I are one, no amount of time or distance can pull us apart.

..................

Hey people!

So sorry for the late update. I was actually sick with you know what. But I am well now. So is everyone around me. I hope you enjoyed the chap. Don't forget to vote and comment. Stay safe and healthy!

Love, Mary