Hi, ZelgadisGW here.

This is it. The very ending of Evolution of the Bond. I hope you will enjoy this last chapter.

Evolution of the Bond

(Gaara x Matsuri)

Epilogue

"Why are we discussing this topic again?!" the Raikage asked loudly, looking at the other Kages on the Summit. On Tsunade, who sighed loudly. On Gaara, who didn't react in any way. On Onoki, who just shrugged. And on Mei Terumi, who was having a very stern expression on her face, the deadly aura emanating from her and threatening to consume everyone who dares to approach her.

"Because…" Tsunade started firmly "It's a very pressing issue, considering how closer the Five Great Ninja Villages have grown to each other"

"How so? It looks to me that it is just an issue between these two" the massive man answered back, obviously mentioning Shikamaru and Temari, who were among Jounin guards for Tsunade and Gaara respectively. The two young Jounin concerned kept they poker face on, although one could swear that the etiquette was the only thing that prevented the Kazekage's sister to spat something in return.

"It's not only between them!" the Hokage has raised her voice "Cross-village marriage is a topic that is going to become issue even in Kumogakure!"

"Hokage has the point, Raikage" Gaara added and looked at the Tsuchikage and seeking support. It would be best to solve the topic quickly, but the old man just shrugged again. All that he cared, apparently.

"In Kumogakure? No way!" the Raikage responded "None of my subordinates have problem like that!"

"Excuse me boss…" Darui, who was standing behind Ay, started in apologetic tone.

"What it is?"

"Karui" the Jounin simply stated. In response, the ruler of Kumogakure cursed under his breath.

"See? Just like I said, Raikage" the Legendary Sannin stated with a smile of triumph on her face. "The sooner we discuss it and come up with something, the earlier can we end this summit today."

The other Kages nodded in response (with exception of the Mizukage). Tsunade had a point. The time was especially important for Gaara. Even though the summit took place in Sunagakure, time was very precious to the Kazekage. The Five Kage summit aside, this day was important for him for whole different reason.

And that reason was Matsuri's 20th birthday…

The summit ended two hours later. As a result, it was decided that Shikamaru and Temari's incoming weeding would serve as a "test" for basic laws the Kages have outlined. They decided cross-village marriages to be legal, but there would be laws the married couples would have to obey.

Speaking of couples, Gaara's thoughts directed towards Matsuri and her birthday. It was already five years since they started dating. It was very awkward at first. For the redhead, it was because of his utter inexperience on the topic. He often didn't know what to do, or how to act towards her. The girl herself had some problems on her part, too. Becoming the Kazekage's girlfriend had its own consequences, such as wide public attention, which was something the girl wasn't used to. She also needed to be aware that, being the Kazekage's girlfriend and all, she can become potential target for enemies like nukenins. To this end, after becoming Jounin, the girl started working in Sunagakure's security department, effectively being able to protect the village and also herself.

As he walked towards Sunagakure's streets, the Kazekage smiled lightly to himself. Their relationship started also was initially difficult for a different reason. Earlier, the former Jinchuuriki rarely talked with the brunette outside of official matters or training. Hence he lacked much knowledge about her habit and hobbies. As it turned out, the girl loved something Gaara never really enjoyed at all. And that was dancing. But up until now, the smile on her face was much more important to him that his own attitude towards dance in general. In result, through years the young Kazekage learned how to dance. At least to small extent.

Gaara approached the Kazekage's mansion. Matsuri's birthday party was about to start soon.

The young Kazekage was not very fond of any kind of parties. It was just not his thing. That was yet another difference between him and his girlfriend. His birthday parties were involved only very few people, Matsuri and his siblings among them. But with Matsuri, it was different story.

He looked at her pretty, happy face. She was sitting next to him at the large table in a living room. Then, his eyes wandered around the guests.

Sari, Matsuri's old friend was also sitting next to her, and the girls were engaged in some gossip. Soon after, Yukata, another of Matsuri's friends, who was sitting next to Sari joined them. Since Yukata was there, it was only logical that Mikoshi came along, even though the boy probably wasn't really eager to join the party. On Gaara's left side was sitting Shira, who was one of the most skilled taijutsu users the redhead has ever met. Equal to likes of Rock Lee, but naturally less capable than Might Guy. Yome, the petite girl who still looked almost like a child, was admiring him like a beautiful rainbow. Shira's other female teammate, Sen, was busy listening to Kankuro, with not much enthusiasm, but still. Of course, the Kazekage's sister was also there. And she also managed to drag Shikamaru to the party as well, making Gaara wonder what Hokage is doing right now… probably gambling in one of Sunagakure's casinos. Of course, Shikamaru wasn't looking particularly enthusiastic about Matsuri's birthday, but having as bossy girlfriend as Temari was, he had little choice.

In total, there were eleven people at Matsuri's party, but Gaara was convinced that if it wasn't for him, the brunette would invite even more guests. That was very thoughtful of her.

The time spent on gossiping and eating went rather quickly, and soon the time has come for Matsuri to receive her birthday gifts. New rope dart from Shira, new dress from Sari and Yukata, small puppets of her and Gaara from Kankuro, new, black kimono from Temari and also collection of her favourite music tapes from Yome, Sen and Mikoshi. And then there was Gaara's turn.

"Matsuri…" Gaara started, standing in front of her. She was wearing very pretty, green dress "About my gift, I reserved it for some time later. I hope it is not a problem."

"It's okay, sweetheart" Matsuri smiled in return and kissed him on the cheek "Buuut….."

"But what?" the redhead asked with anticipation.

"Are you going to do something for me?" she asked sweetly.

"You mean dance with you?" Gaara asked back and Matsuri nodded in return. The Kazekage sighed inwardly, but nodded nonetheless and he was awarded with yet another peek on the cheek.

"You're so sweet, Gaara" she said joyfully.

And not even half an hour later, danced they did. After turning on the music, the very first eager to engage in dance was Temari, contrary to her boyfriend. He agreed and started dancing with her, but looking at him people could tell that he was screaming internally. Soon, Yukata and Mikoshi joined them. It seemed it was inevitable and after that, Gaara and Matsuri exchanged gazes. They joined the rest of the birthday guests and also started dancing. Of course, Matsuri was leading.

This might work in Gaara's favour, after all…

The first song was terrible, utterly not in the redhead's taste. Its melody was much too quick for his liking. The next song was little better. Actually, with this one the Kazekage managed to get into the flow and now he was able to appreciate the very best thing associated with dancing: Matsuri and her happiness.

Was it the right time? No, not yet…

The next song sounded promising, though.

"Do you recognize it, Gaara?" Matsuri asked, holding his hands. "It's our song".

"Yes, I do" was the redhead's reply. He wouldn't forget this song. It's the same one that played on festival, five years ago, at the same time that he received very first kiss from Matsuri. It was perfect.

After a minute. Two. Or maybe even three, the song started to slow down. It was this time, years ago, that Matsuri decided to confess to him, albeit non verbarly. This time, however it was Gaara's turn to bestow kiss on the brunette's soft lips. The kiss was slow, gentle and almost utterly innocent.

"Aw, what wonderful lovebirds, don't you all agree? " Temari teased, still holding hands with Shikamaru. Gaara didn't respond, but Matsuri did.

"And what about you two? Not active much?" she teased back.

"Oh, you know, he is too lazy for that!"

"Hey!" Shikamaru protested and Temari chuckled in return.

"So… I guess it's tme to drink something, don't you think? The black-eyed girl asked her boyfriend. She was ready to practically drag him to the table, but he stopped her.

"Wait, Matsuri…" he started, making her look askance at him "About my birthday gift…"

"It's alright!" she said "You can give it to me after the party" she claimed, smiling sweetly.

"No" Gaara, protested "I would like to give it to you right here and now" he said firmly.

"Oh, really? What it is?" she asked, raising her brows. After that, there was moment of silence, during which the young couple managed to get an attention from all the guests.

"Matsuri…" Gaara started. Was there slight shade of pink on his cheeks?

"Yes…?" she asked uncertainly.

"You know… we are dating for five years by now"

"Yes"

"… And I want to say I love you very much…" he confessed, looking deeply in her dark orbs."

"I love you too, Gaara" she answered, smiling widely.

"You know…" the Kazekage started again "Deserts are desolate places. It is hard to find anything valuable there. Like a pearl, for example. You, Matsuri, are the pearl of my life…"

At that point, Matsuri's face reddened instantly, she averted her gaze.

"G- Gaara…" she mumbled…

"That is why Matsuri… will you…. will you marry me?" he uttered deeply, trying to remain calm. The girl instantly looked to him again, her eyes widened, her face red and warm, and her lips parted in surprise. The silence has fallen, both between the young couple and the party guests alike.

Finally and without warning, Matsuri practically threw herself at Gaara, aggressively attacking his mouth with her lips, almost tripping the redhead from his balance. When he recovered enough, he wrapped his arms around her waist, as she embraced him tighter.

"I guess that is a "yes"" Temari stated with a wide grin on her face, and started clapping slowly. Soon, the rest of the guests followed her example.

Finally, Matsuri pulled off, letting both her and her fiancé breathe. She looked at Gaara and saw wonderful smile on his lips. The girl just now realized she was crying small tears of joy, and Gaara erased them with his thumb, while caressing her cheek.

This was the best birthday present she has ever received.

Still smiling widely, she cuddled to the redhead, who wrapped his arms around her again. She was planning to tell him something today, but that might be overkill for one day. Yes, it would definitely be overkill.

She decided she is going to tell him that she now bore a wonderful result of their most recent common day off some other time.

So, that's all folks. Thanks for managing it so far. Thank you for your patience - I know you had to have a lot of it to make it that far. Also, special thanks for Kitsune1978 for an inspiration, and also for my beta-reading brother, who always found a way to remind me of my duties here :).

What I plan to do in the future? One shots from time to time. I think that my first story having multiple chapters was a mistake. I'm glad that I finally was able to finish Evolution of the Bond, even if in the end it was more like a revolution.

Happy New Year everyone and thank you :)