Thought I'd re-write an old one-shot. Warning: Self harm (sort of) and blood

Temari's POV

Five days. Five days Gaara had be isolated in his room and five days since the failed attempt of the Konoha invasion. How did I know that? I no longer heard the squeaks of the stairs or Gaara's bedroom door or window being opened during night when he sat on the roof top to stare at the moon. We'd usually see Gaara at least a few times a day but now it's almost like he disappeared. As bad as this sounds, both me and Kankuro haven't been on edge or having to hold our breathe whenever Gaara entered a room or even spoke to us at the thought of him threatening to kill us. You'd think we would of been used to it by now, but honestly, it never got easier.

Without Gaara the house was full of empty serenity, a daunting feeling of what was happening to the monster we call our brother who lived up stairs. I was so afraid to build the courage to enter his room or even speak to him for that matter.

I was so petrified of him, of my own brother. I had to do something even If it killed me.

"Anyone must have a death wish to even have the guts to walk into his room Temari..." Kankuro had said to me after I suggested one of us should go check on him. Kankuro did have a point.

"I know Kankuro, but his our brother and it's our job to take care of him whether we like it or not"

Normal POV

12:00 AM. Temari knocked on the door.

"Gaara...?" She gave a knock at the door pressing her ear against it.

No answer. Maybe that was a good thing?

"Gaara... it's me..let me in,talk to me" She knocked harder as she held her breath, a small whimper was heard from room

Still no answer.

"Leave..." The voice trembled with silent rage from within the darkness, Temari could sense a hint of pain from the monster.

She knocked harder, her body trembling and sweating 'he's my brother...I shouldn't be afraid of my own flesh and blood!' Temari thought to her self.

"Let me in Gaara! I know you're in pain...I can help..please"

"G-go a-awayy." The cry turned into an agonising scream. His voice sent a shiver down her spine.

"Gaara I-" The door opened with a eerie screech. Just breathe Temari.

Temari stepped into the dark and cold room were the only light source was the moon.

Her heart sank. The image in front of her caused her heart to skip a beat. Gaara...

Her little brother sat on his bed with his knees close to his chest and his face was hidden behind them like a frighted child hiding away, one of his hands clutching the side of his head. He was a child at the end of the day. A child deprived of love. But there was something else that caught Temari's eyes.

Blood.

Blood staining the white lining, blood staining the carpet.

Blood staining Gaara's wrist.

His other hand was laid beside him on the white sheet.

Temari was speechless. He's my brother goddammit, my brother! Not a monster!

She walked closer "Gaara you're hurt, let me see" she crouched down reaching for his bleeding wrist but he yanked his arm away in a violet protest.

"Leave Temari. It'll kill you!" Temari could hear the pain in the malice of his voice.

"I'll be back" Temari left the room and within seconds she came back with the first aid kit. Gaara didn't move or even lift his head to face her. There was sand on the floor that was beginning to swirl around where she stood. Shit..

Temari grabbed his wrist quickly but as gentle as she could. "What happened Gaara?" She took out a white cloth and placed it on his wrist. No answer.

"Did you...er.. do this yourself?" She placed her hand on the white cloth on his wrist, he flinched from her touch

"I had..no choice" He lifted his head up meeting his sister's gentle gaze. There was no usual cold violence in his eyes. Instead he almost looked tired. So tired and lifeless.

There was a few minutes silence between them as Temari had began to stitch his wrist, she could see deep multiple scars on Gaara's other wrist.

Gaara stared up, watching Temari.

"Why?.." Gaara decided to speak, forcing the words out.

"Gaara you're hurt...I cant leave you bleeding" Temari was trying hard not to tremble in fear of her little brother, her hands were also sweating and shaking as she was stitching him up.

"Are you afraid?" His voice had turned distant and cold as normal which made Temari tremble even more.

"No..no I'm not afraid..just c-"

"Do not lie to me. You are afraid of me. You're trembling in fear." His body tensed up in anger. Her heart sank again seeing pain in his sea-foam eyes. The sand around her feet swirled faster.

She changed the subject "Why did you hurt yourself..what did you use?"

Silence entered once again. "I had..no choice..it made me...the sand."

"No Gaara, it doesn't control you, you're strong...don't let it win. I care about you, Kankuro cares about you"

"Why would you care for the likes of something like me?" Something...not someone.

"Because you're my brother, we're family and family take care of each other" She had finished stitching him up and stood up. A sigh of relief came from her as the sand stopped moving at last.

"I'll leave you alone now" She picked up the first aid kit but a ice cold hand grabbed her wrist.

"Don't...stay.." His words were choked. "don't leave me.."

Temari felt tears build up in her eyes and sat on Gaara's bed.

She nodded and moved further on the bed next to Gaara, she finally stopped trembling and relaxed, their shoulders just an inch apart. What the hell happened with that leaf shinobi?

"Temari..."

"What is it, Gaara?"

"I'm sorry"

This was the second time he had ever apologised and meant every word.

"It's okay don't mention it." Temari gave a gentle smile.

Gaara relaxed his eyes and closed them. A few minutes past and he called her name again.

"Temari.."

"Yea?"

"Thank you."


I may write more but idk yet. Reviews are appreciated