LOVE. ⁽ᴬᴾ⁾

ind. and sel. sabaku no gaara. by nia.

[sabakv-blog]

[sabakv-blog]

     “I appreciate everything you’ve done in teaching Suna’s medical nin, Sakura. You’ve done us a great service.”

     The Kazekage bows respectfully toward the kunoichi, uncaring toward the hierarchy that separated their titles. Gaara considered her a friend, and as such she deserved the utmost gratitude for having gone out of her way to spread her medical knowledge.

     “... Is there anything I can do to repay you?”

          // @stcnedheart

[sabakv-blog]

     “Thank you for delivering the Hokage’s message personally,” Gaara states, taking the scroll from the Hyuuga before handing it to an assistant that swiftly took it from the room. The parchment contained a trade agreement that the Kazekage himself was fully in favor of, but the Council still held the desire to going over it in excruciating detail.

     He supposes he should be thankful he isn’t required to attend that particular meeting.

     It is also in moments like these that Gaara realizes that, despite claiming to be friends, he doesn’t know much about those whom spend time with the number one most unpredictable ninja.  The Kazekage shifts a bit awkwardly in his seat. “I understand that you’re here for a few more days?”

          // @foxraged // hinata

[sabakv-blog]

dekcrin‌:

           — ❝ Ah, I see. I am sure everyone will be HAPPY to see you. ❞

She remarked with a grin, knowing that on this matter she could more or less speak for everyone. She paused, nodding her head at his latter remark. In truth, she had some free time today; there wasn’t too much on her agenda. While she didn’t know the other too well, she didn’t mind spending some time with him. Once again, she offered the other a s m i l e. 

               ❝ Oh please, you could never be a burden on us. Besides, today I am free surprisingly enough. Is there someplace, in particular, you would like to go first? ❞ She inquired thoughtfully, after all, she didn’t just want to have them walk around the village aimlessly IF there was something, or someplace that he would like to go. 

     “It is rare that I make an unannounced visit anywhere... The guards at Konoha’s gate were shocked. I’m sure Kakashi has already heard of my arrival because of it,” Gaara stated gently, chuckling lightly at the memory of the guards surprised faces when he was recognized.It wasn’t very often that he got to witness genuine emotion like that from other shinobi.

     Being the Kazekage usually meant stone faces and a distinct lack of... well, joy in his office.

     “I know it is selfish of me to ask you to do such a thing. Thank you, Sakura. I appreciate the time you’re giving me.” Nevertheless he takes a moment to consider what he has and hasn’t seen of the kunoichi’s village and, surprisingly enough, he realizes he’s only seen a fraction of it.

     “I usually only visit because of meetings so I only ever see the Hokage’s office and the room I am given. I would like to see what makes Konoha... Konoha. If that is all right.”

[chakrastring]

Blood in the Cut

[sabakv-blog]

chakrastring‌:

starter for @sabakv​

“You want me to deal with him?” Sasori asked dubiously. When he’d been called into the Kazekage’s office for a personal meeting, he’d expected something like a top-secret mission. Not glorified baby-sitting duty.

“Gaara is a vital asset for Sunagakure,” the Yondaime said, his expression unchanging. “But he can’t be used if he’s not contained.”

And who’s fault is that? Sasori wanted to ask, but he just said, “I use puppets. I’m not -”

“It means you have a better chance of escaping alive if he turns on you,” the Yondaime replied. He had a blocky, square face, one that became even harder when he was frowning like he was now. He’d stopped smiling general after the birth of his third child.  “And you have puppets designed for capture and movement, yes?”

“…yes,” Sasori said, not liking where this was going.

“If he loses control in the village -”

“- I have to get him out,” Sasori finished, already connecting the dots. The Yondaime’s eyes narrowed for his interruption but he nodded.

It made sense. Sasori didn’t like it, but it made a stupid amount of sense. There was no argument that could really get him out of something like this and besides… it was almost flattering that he was being considered the best possible guardian for their village’s jinchuuriki.

Key word being almost.

Wasn’t the Kazekage’s youngest child ten? Or was it eight? Twelve? Sasori didn’t really keep track of children; he just wanted them out of his way unless they were good enough for the Puppet Troupe, and even then, he’d rather they just did everything out of sight until they became respectable adults who could cross the street alone. What did children even do at that age? Play? Eat sand? Back when he had been eight, he’d been fighting a war.

Today’s youth. Tch.

“…is there anything else I need to know?” he asked.

“No. Gaara’s waiting for you in the anteroom.” The Yondaime jerked his head towards the smaller room adjacent to his office. Sasori thought he saw sand trickling under the door. He narrowed his eyes and the door shifted, closing.

     Only a fool would have failed to realize Gaara’s listening in to the conversation happening in the room adjacent to the one he’d be placed in. Sand had trickled under the door, easily forming a Third Eye that had quickly allowed the boy the gist of the situation.

     He was being handed off, it seemed...

     Gaara couldn’t call the decision an uneducated one -- he’d lost control in the past, and even now the whispers in his ear urged him to do so again. Yet the sight of his father, if he could even call the man that, made his lip curl in disgust. Attention was quickly shifted to the other one.

     The Yondaime’s guest was about as familiar to him as any other Sungakure shinobi. Gaara had long since ignored the faces and names of others. They didn’t matter; they were nothing more than a means to an end, a way for a monster to prove he existed in a sacrifice of blood.

     Satisfied, or perhaps annoyed, with the discovery of the Yondaime’s plans, the Third Eye was released and sand slowly began trickling back underneath the door. Gaara scoffed to no one in particular, his arms crossing over his chest.

     When the door finally opened, revealing the man Gaara had been observing, he responded with nothing but silence. Sasori wasn’t the only one dreading what was to come.

[sabakv-blog]

     ok its time for bed for me. i have work again tomorrow. i’ll be back to finish up my drafts!

     also consider this a starter call!! i really want to start this blog up again so id love to work on more things. if you have an idea i’d love to hear! and multis, please specify!

[sabakv-blog]

variantia‌:

@sabakv

   Almost immediately, a flood of EMBARRASSMENT overwhelms Misaki’s entire body.  Bright crimson blooms over her cheeks, standing out against the silver of her hair.  Her fingers ball into nervous fists beneath the sleeves of her furisode.  Not only is the man she was casually insulting the brother of the Kazekage – isn’t that just her luck – now the Kazekage himself is subtly berating her in a way that reminds her of her father.

   Talk about the CALM BEFORE THE STORM.

   And she’s sure as hell not sticking around for this man’s storm.  Even with her abilities, she’s certain she’s nowhere near as powerful as any Kage.

          ❝  I’m – I’m sorry, sir …  I apologize … this – this was a mistake.                   Please, forgive me, and I’ll take my leave now and let you get                   back to your work–  ❞    All that confidence and entitlement she had has melted away in an instant, revealing a very different person than the woman who walked into the room just a moment ago.  Now she looks more like a frightened child who knows she’s going to punished than a high-status heiress who should know how to behave herself.  Any words she had about that other man turn to ash in her mouth.

   For whatever reason, she’s none too keen to turn her back on the Kazekage.  Instead she takes a step back, fumbling for the door knob – before the door opens by itself.

   Or not, seeing as a man with hair that’s just as snow white as Misaki’s and bright blue eyes to match hers marches into the room and takes her by the wrist.           ❝  MISAKI !  What on Earth do you think you are doing, young lady ?                   And you two !  ❞    he barks at the women who are following behind him ; both with the same hair and eyes.

          ❝  W-we’re sorry, Uncle !  ❞    the shorter of the women stammers.

          ❝  She walked away and told us to stay where we were !  ❞

          ❝  She told us not to follow her and then she never came                   back !  ❞

          ❝  ENOUGH, both of you !  ❞    the man snaps, quieting the two of them instantly.  Then he turns his attention toward Gaara.           ❝  You must be the Kazekage.  I am Kazuo Namigata, and  I                   deeply apologize for my daughter’s childish behavior.  She                   is old enough to know how to act like a GUEST instead of a                   PEST, but apparently she needs a revision of that lesson.  ❞

   Meanwhile, Misaki has her eyes pointing down, trying weakly to free her wrist.  Aside from that, she’s standing still, utterly complacent, as if she thinks she deserves to be admonished and dragged out of here.           ❝  F-Father, please, I’m sorry … I already apologized … I was just                   leaving, I swear …  ❞

     “Enough.”

     He finally speaks in order to quell the argument burning through his office. Annoyance leaks into his tone accidentally, the idea of having to explain as to why he was pulled from a meeting grating at his will to continue being seated. Walking away would have been so easy... but dealing with petty feuds was, unfortunately, also the duty of a Kage. One he was hard pressed to enjoy.

     Gaara waits until all four pairs of eyes are on him before he begins again, though he takes a moment to study each of them. It was painfully clear who was in charge among them, and why that was.

     “... Is it common for you to barge into another’s office uninvited while a conversation is taking place?” he asks, question directed solely at the elder man. The Kazekage has dealt with many men like him during his time in this position. Men that believe blood gives them the right to own others, that big words and loud voices scream power, that cannot allow their control to slip for even a moment due to their own insecurities buried deep within themselves.

     Gaara quite despised men like that. He was thankful the experience had forced him to learn how to handle them correctly and effectively. By wounding their pride.

     “I would have thought the head of such a prominent clan would have been taught otherwise, but that must be my mistake for assuming incorrectly,” the Kage begins flatly. “... But, I would like to continue that conversation I was having -- uninterrupted. If you would be so kind as to leave... I’ll have my assistant inform you when it is your turn, Namigata-sama.”

[sabakv-blog]

variantia‌:

@sabakv

   Not only is she aware that she has everyone’s attention, but much more importantly – SHE DOESN’T CARE.  Having everyone’s eyes on her in the past has given her significant anxiety and problems in holding herself any other way.  Now, however, she carries herself like her father would have ; a confident, kind ruler.  It doesn’t matter that this isn’t her land.  She is still a queen.

   Everyone can stare if they want.  They can IGNORE HER if they want.  As long as she has the attention of the person she’s speaking to, anyone else’s focus is inconsequential.

   It’s like she’s been placed here for emphasis ; the symbolism and contrast of someone FROZEN wearing sharp blues and whites against the soft beige and gold of the SEARING DESERT.  Her heart, at least, beats with a warmth that her hands don’t seem to have.

   She pulls away quickly – as soon as he does.  Her gaze instead shifts to his hair instead of his eyes.  Those are things she would rather avoid if it seems to make him uncomfortable.  Doing that is the opposite of what she’s trying to achieve.

   Her own hair, snowy white pulled into a loose plait, falls over her shoulder as she rearranges herself.  Lips curve up into a patient smile, and more ice crystals trail from her sleeves only to evaporate once as they do.  It almost looks like snow is falling and melting all around her.

          ❝  I’m sorry,  ❞    she chuckles.  Her tone is soft, even, and low.  No surprises.  No tricks.  No forcing.  She sounds SAFE.           ❝  My hands are cold, aren’t they ?  I didn’t think about that.  Can you tell                   me why you’re sitting over here all by yourself ?  ❞

     ‘Why is she being so nice to me?’ Gaara thinks, surprised by her softness even though he’d purposefully avoided her just moments before. Honestly, he hadn’t thought about the temperature of her hands until after she’d spoken about them -- that hadn’t been the reason he’d pulled away so quickly from her.

     Gaara had overheard his father and his assistants speaking about a ruler visiting, a queen from a far away country that supposedly held considerable power. A meeting had been scheduled to discuss something a little too complicated for Gaara to understand, and he’d learned to stop listening to conversations when that happened. This must have been that queen they were speaking about.

     And Gaara’s last desire was to hurt a queen, purposefully or not. Surely he would receive a punishment unlike any other should that happen.

     Reflective... sparkles, he would call them, had caught his eye even before she had even decided to head in his direction. Now that he were closer, he could see they were practically falling off her form in a manner he couldn’t put his finger on. At this distance he could see them more clearly, but Gaara was still unable to figure out what it was.

     “... Why are you sparkling..?” he asks, forgoing the question posed to him in favor of asking his own. He would have preferred to avoid that topic as much as possible. She would look at him differently if she discovered the reason. Her warm gaze would become nothing more than a cold stare.

[sabakv-blog]

shadcwchasm‌:

      difficult wasn’t really the word to describe it. everyone in konoha knew his mother’s reputation. he was the silent momma’s boy. even though he won the exams, it still bothered him how he hadn’t gotten an apology. a small scowl turn the boy’s lips down — a rather haughty look showing on his face; chin up, green eyes piercing, squinting. he respected his uncle but the way the shinobi went about it was wrong and he wasn’t afraid to say it. 

    ❛ sure, it was taunting, but even some provocations have their lines that shouldn’t be crossed. throwing my mom into the occasion was crossing my line as well as hers. i’m pretty sure if she were here she wouldn’t let it bother her, but it does to me. it’s not like i’m asking for a whole lot, uncle, just an apology from that chic. ❜ shikadai didn’t mean to sound demanding. he was known in some way or another to be blunt and he took time thinking about this ordeal

                                  a sigh was then heaved as he began rubbing at the back of his neck.   ❝ spend time with you, sure. other people ? not likely. i wanted to practice out more strategies with shogi today and i don’t really want any distractions. ❞

     “Trading words with other shinobi is just as useful of a skill as throwing shuriken or using Ninjutsu,” Gaara explains further. “Knowing that words can get a reaction out of an enemy could mean life or death, and one wrong move because of an exchange of words could turn the tide in anyone’s favor. Clearly Yodo understood that and used it in her favor -- she obviously hit quite the nerve wishath you, Shikadai...”

     The Kazekage can only hope that his nephew is allowing the words to sink in. If Shikadai became this upset during a mere exam, he finds himself fearful of what may come.

     “... But I will attempt to speak with her for you.”

     It was the least he could do. Not as the Kazekage, but as Shikadai’s family.

     “I’m not nearly as proficient in shogi as your father is, but if you wish to practice I will do my best to keep up with you.”

[sabakv-blog]

karrura‌:

// Gaara; @sabakv

Homeward bound.  Dusted, dirty and drentched. Though forrest trails and dessert wastelands she had travelled. All just to get home. 

However as she entered the gates to the village she once called home, she realised more and more that she no longer recognized it for what it had once been. 

It was – Lively.

So much more so then it had been in the past. Shuffling through streets she b-lined it to the kage’s tower, not once stopping until she was indoors. She had come so far but finally. 

She was home.

     Reports of a Reanimation approaching the village had quickly reached the Kazekage’s desk and Gaara had reached the gates with even more of an urgency. Memories of the war, of the battles that had been fought against those whom had earned the right to rest were still fresh in the village’s mind. They would not sit on their hands if the threat of that happening again loomed on the horizon.

     A Third Eye had quickly been dispatched in order to determine not only the location, but the identity of the trespasser.

     Except, as Gaara’s vision became clear through the sand and wind, he felt his heart pound uncomfortably against his ribs. At first he had nearly thought it had been Yashamaru, with that golden hair, but the picture framed in Gaara’s home quickly surfaced in his thoughts.

     “... -- Mother..?”

[sabakv-blog]

variantia‌:

   That’s the one thing that isn’t sitting well with Riley about this village ; that they’re all calling a normal little kid a MONSTER.  That’s so … mean.  Why is everybody treating this child like so badly ?

   Sure, he looks different than anyone she’s ever seen – with that shocking red hair and dark black rings around his eyes – but that doesn’t mean anything.  He’s still just a kid.  He doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.  Everybody’s avoiding him and spreading gossip and it’s just … it’s so WRONG.

          ❝  Well, it’s nice to meet you.  ❞    Obviously unafraid, she walks over to the side of the swing he’s on and lightly grips one of the chains.           ❝  I just moved here today.  My mom and dad are busy setting up                   stuff in our new house and junk like that, so I came out here to                   look around and play and make friends.  Then those kids over                   there told me to stay away from you.  Which, of course,  ❞    she grins,           ❝  meant I HAD to come over and talk to you.  Those guys are just                   so – ugh, jerks.  Hey, want me to push you on the swing here ?                   I won’t do it too hard, promise !  ❞

     Avoiding the other children his age had become something of a habit for the boy. Remaining just out of earshot, but still within sight was about as close as he would get without them moving away in fear of his attempts at connection, though he had made due. The games they had played were watched closely in order to figure out the rules he wasn’t able to hear.

     It was no wonder they had been the ones to warn Riley of the monster in their midst.

     “...” Gaara remained quiet as the girl spoke her part. He listened closely, holding onto her every word despite still appearing like a frightened child. Still the idea of a threat loomed at the back of his thoughts.

     Quickly, that expression of fear grew more pronounced when she gripped the chain connected to the swing he was sitting on. Her unexpected closeness had triggered a shift in the sand -- it moved on its own with shocking precision, pushing Riley back with enough force to send her careening into the sandbox a generous number of feet away.

     Immediately, Gaara stumbled off the swing and distanced himself further in order to quell the beast lurking within the sand.

     “I-I’m sorry, I--...”

[sabakv-blog]

inumbratte‌:

@sabakv liked for a pokemon starter!

“So, you’re the gym leader huh?” And the other two..? Were they not going to join in? 

     “That I am,” he responds, nodding. “Temari tells me you’re visiting -- should I look forward to your challenge?”

[sabakv-blog]

karukv‌:

@sabakv 

All confidence was lost, fingertips cautiously shadowed the door nob, not quite turning, not quite taking the first move to enter into his space. This came with years of avoidance in the hopes of furthering survival. BUT now none of that mattered, not with their father dead, his legacy climaxing in DEATH && betrayal. Gaara had been alone for too long, not just since their failed mission, but so long before that. He’d been alone their whole childhood && the weight of that was something she’d always carry with her. Finally finding her courage, something that was not often amiss in the young ninja. “-Gaara? Can I come in?” Are you okay? Please be okay, the words weren’t said.  Not yet, but she didn’t want him to carry on alone, didn’t want them to carry on in the way that their father had led them. 

     Having long since felt Temari’s presence outside his door, Gaara had merely waited for her to decide if she was going to speak. This world of siblings was new and strange; before there were only harsh words and threats, but now... Now Gaara was facing the idea of these blood ties growing into relationships that should have been.

     The idea had made him... uncomfortable, to say the least. Not the end result, but the journey to get there.

     For a brief second as Temari speaks Gaara realizes that his siblings haven’t seen what lay within his room for what could have easily been years. It was... plain. Simple and minimalist, with only the necessary furniture and a few shelves for a collection of succulents he was growing. Never mind the tattered stuffed bear sitting in the corner. He wonders what she will think of it.

     “... You can.”

[sabakv-blog]

Listen if Gar ever found out his nephew, son(s), shinki or metals team, or any of his friends kids were being bullied he would absolutely use every right he has as Kazekage to show them true fear and the results of being an ugly bully

[sabakv-blog]

Himawari offers up a jar of prickly pear jam for the Kazekage, a wide smile on her face. "Oji Gaara-sama!! Oka-san and I made this from the fruit from the cactuses you gave us! It's jam!!"

     “--... Thank you, Himawari,” he says, taking the jaw and studying its contents through the glass. Prickly pear jam was very common in Sunagakure (and perhaps it was a little too sweet for his tastes), but the fact that this was made specially for him made the sweetness irrelevant. He would treasure this for as long as Kankurou was able to keep his hands off it.

     Who knew how long it would last in the puppeteer’s grasp.

     “I hope you managed to keep a jar for yourself... I will be sure to bring you more fruit on my next visit. Perhaps I can find something else for you to make into jam as well.”

          // @cosmos-of-characters // himawari 

[sabakv-blog]

dekcrin‌:

❀ // ACCEPTING

                 Some time had passed since the WAR, and an even LONGER time had passed since she last saw the Suna shinobi. Of course, she had seen him on the battlefield but that was different. A hand was extended in greeting, and with a slight movement of her wrist; Sakura found herself waving to the other in greeting. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips. ❝ It’s been some time, to what do we owe this visit? ❞ She inquired after a moment. She hadn’t heard any news of their arrival; So she deduced that it was either above her rank, or Gaara was here on pleasantries. 

                 She paused, studying him for a moment. ❝ I hope that you are not here for any issues, and while I cannot speak for everyone I can say that Konoha will do it’s best to help with whatever. ❞ She stated after a moment, and she KNEW that it was true. The two villages had grown rather close over the decades; And for a short time they had their problems, they had sorted themselves out more or less. 

     “Hello, Sakura,” he greets in return, offering a nod in response to her friendly wave. Honestly he couldn’t say that he knew the kunoichi terribly well, but as a close and trusted friend of Naruto, he knew that by being greeted by her that he would be in good hands. After all, she had saved Kankurou’s life as well. Gaara would never be able to repay her for that kindness. “Actually... This is more of a personal visit. I haven’t been able to visit my friends in Konoha for some time...”

     Gaara had worked incredibly hard in order to be able to take just a few days away from his office -- long and sleepless nights, however, were a common occurrence for the Kazekage, though they were very much worth it in this case.

     “I understand that my arrival is a surprise, so many of you must be busy... I do not wish to be a burden on anyone -- I can show myself around the village if you have others things to do today.”

[sabakv-blog]

beastgale‌:

          Lee chews on the inside of his cheek thoughtfully (maybe a bit too roughly, too), trying to decide on what to do.  His heart beat frantically, its way of saying, ‘I’m uncomfortable and excited at the same time.’  His brain experienced the same turmoil: One side told him that his self-consciousness was well placed and that he should flee. The other side said ‘SUCK IT UP, be a man. ‘  In the end, the latter side one.  That, and his legs suddenly felt like jelly and Lee didn’t think he’d be able to move even if he wanted to.

                    “All right.”  Lee said, equipping his face with a small smile as he briefly looked up at the Kazekage.  After, he would shift to the side, allowing Gaara some space to rest his back against the training log he was propped against.  All the while, his bare hand clenched the white wrappings inside his bag.  

          Should he just— Should he just pull his arm out and begin wrapping? Act as if it wasn’t something he loathed and thought was ugly, weak? That’s what cool guys like Ibiki would do— Reveal their scars as if they didn’t bother them ( and Lee assumed they did ).  No one ever questioned Ibiki about his scars.  Perhaps Lee was just thinking too much— Perhaps Gaara wouldn’t pay any mind.  Gaara is the Kazekage, His mind continues to give him a little pep talk. He has seen many battle wounds. He will not even notice.

                    And so, while trembling ( and after several moments of silence ), Lee lifts his marred arm from his bag and attempts to toss the roll of wrappings nonchalantly up and down in his palm.  His voice is shaky as he starts speaking.  “I-It has never been a goal of mine to be a Kage.” Up goes the roll, down comes the roll.  “It sounds like it is a lot of paperwork, and I am not very good at reading.”

     Awkwardly, Gaara remained standing near the edge of the training grounds for just a few moments longer than would have been considered acceptable. Lee was obviously uncomfortable with the circumstances regarding their encounter... And it was no secret that he was struggling with the idea of the Kazekage having seen the damage done to his arm.

     Damage that Gaara himself had caused.

     Gaara inhaled quietly and swallowed his own nerves, finally closing the distance between himself and Lee with measured steps. He ensured they remained separated at least measurably, sitting against the log ninety degrees from where Lee sat with his legs crossed and hands resting on his lap. Gaara found himself subconsciously fiddling with his fingers.

     He can even hear the nervousness in Lee’s words. Gaara had only heard the man speak joyously and confidently, of the future he looked forward to and the springtime of youth he was submersed in. How saddened Gaara felt knowing he was the cause of the pain Lee was feeling now. He averted his eyes from the scarring, instead focusing on his own hands.

     “... Yes, it’s a lot more paperwork than others realize, I think. -- But I think you would make a wonderful Hokage if that were your goal... You’re inspirational, Lee... Kage must be strong, but they also have the hearts of their village in their hands.”

     Lips purse gently when he finishes speaking, a glance offered in Lee’s direction. He catches sight of bandages wrapping around fingers and he feels his shoulders fall.

     “... Does it still hurt?” he asks before he realizes he is speaking, and his eyes widen when the words reach his ears. “-- I’m sorry, I--... I should not pry...”