The Flower Shop [A Gaara Love Story]

25: Dinner With the Sand Siblings

When Momoko walked in his office for lunch that afternoon, she didn't expect to see Temari already there. Usually people left Gaara alone at this time of day, both because it was lunch and because they had become rather aware of the fact that he always had a guest. Being his sibling did make her the exception to the rule, giving both of them access to come and go whenever they wanted, Momoko just wasn't used to seeing them there the same time she was.

Temari turned to her when the door opened and offered her a smile, which Momoko was quick to return. She closed the door and made her way to set their lunch down on the desk, then took a seat beside Temari where she sat across from it.

"Hey, Momoko. Long time no see," The sibling said as Momoko smoothed out her skirts.

"It's been a busy couple of weeks!" Momoko replied with a smile and noticed the slyness that came to the woman's smile.

"Oh, I'm sure." She shifted her eyes to Gaara, the teasing tone of her words making him roll his eyes and Momoko blush just a bit.

"There's something we need to talk about." Gaara said, turning her eyes away from his sister to Momoko, "It's about your trip to Konoha."

Her smile dropped slightly, and she looked between him and Temari.

"Is everything alright?"

"Sort of," Temari said, sitting up just a little straighter in her chair, "There's been a slight change of plans."

"Change of plans?" Momoko repeated, a small frown on her lips, "I can't leave any later or I won't make it back in time for the wedding."

"Don't worry, you'll still leave the day after tomorrow." The woman reassured her, "But I've been asked to help at the academy for the upcoming exams, so I won't be able to go with you this time."

Momoko felt her mood drop just a little. She and Temari weren't especially close (She may have been closer to Kankuro at this point, she internally groaned) but she had been looking forward to traveling with the other girl again. Temari, as stern as she could be, was good company and she had been excited about the chance to get closer to her.

That did leave the question of what she was going to do now. Momoko was not skilled enough to protect herself should anything happen, and she certainly wasn't sure if she could make the three day trip on her own. The idea of going with a random Suna ninja wasn't entirely horrible, but she would have preferred someone she knew. It wouldn't be as fun, but she knew that it was necessary and so she wouldn't complain.

"I guess someone will be assigned to take me, then?" She asked, trying not to make the disappointment she felt so clear in her words.

She didn't miss the way Temari smiled again, that slyness from before returning, and the look stumped Momoko for just a moment before Gaara spoke again.

"I'll be going with you."

Momoko nearly jumped at the words. She snapped her head to Gaara, who had his hands folded neatly on his desk and his eyes set on her. He didn't seem very phased by his own words, but she certainly was.

"You?" She repeated, clearly puzzled, "Don't you have to stay here?"

"I'm allowed to leave the village as I see fit." He reassured her, "There are things in Konoha I could see to while I'm there. The council has agreed to take over for the weeks I'm absent."

"Are you sure?" Momoko pressed, "I don't want to inconvenience you. Really, I'd be okay with just a regular escort."

"I wouldn't." Gaara replied, his words steady, "I trust my shinobi, but I won't put your safety in the hands of anyone by my siblings and myself."