Sleeping Soundly – Request from DreamsXReality

Gaara/Sakura

Sakura had been staying in Suna for the last month on a medical mission. It seemed that a group of bandits had started using a new type of poison on the sand ninja, and it was her job to investigate and find an antidote. During this time, she was staying in the Kazekage's mansion. Being friends with Naruto had caused her to meet this Kazekage before, and she had even become friends with him…after they had all gotten past the whole "Chuunin exams, let's destroy Konoha" ordeal. His name? Gaara. His name seemed to roll off her tongue so easily…and his flaming red hair was burned into her mind. This…infectious feeling, she knew it well. With Sasuke…but this was different…deeper. This was love…and she knew it.

Sakura couldn't sleep, not at all. The image of the newest Kazekage was glued into her brain and had driven her to isomnia. "I hate love," she mumbled. Opening the door to the balcony in this area of the mansion, she stepped out into the hot Suna air. "Good evening Sakura," said a voice near her. She looked up to see the cause of her sleep deprivation staring at her. "Gaara? Why are you awake…?"

"Same to you."

"I couldn't sleep."

"Well, I don't sleep." Her eyes grew wide at this…

"Is that possible?"

"Do you take me for a liar Sakura?" Sakura shook her head rapidly and mumbled an apology.

"No…why…when did you stop?"

"When I was five." Again, Sakura's eyes grew huge and she took his hand in hers, pulling him inside. "Why not Gaara?"

"My father…had ninja trying to kill me around the clock. Sleeping would have been fatal."

"I'm sorry Gaara…" They had reached her bedroom, and Sakura hopped on to the bed, patting the spot next to her. The Kazekage turned red as his hair and stared at her in confusion. "W-what?"
"Just trust me…" He moved slowly, still unsure of what she was doing and sat next to her, on the other side of the bed. "Lay down and get comfy silly!" Still rather nervous, he followed her instructions. "Now close your eyes." He shut them, and seconds later felt a pair off arms wrap around him…Gaara's eyes shot up, to see Sakura smiling at him. "S-sakura what are you d-doing?"

"Making you feel safe, so you can sleep. I won't let anyone hurt you."

"Why…why are you doing this?" She smiled somewhat sadly, and simply answered, "because I care."

"You…what?"
"Care for, want to protect…love." He slowly reached his hand up and brushed some hair away out of her eyes. "I…don't know what this feeling is…but I think I feel the same." Sakura's eyes widened and her face lit up. "Really?" He turned red and slowly moved his face closer to hers. "Yes." Their lips touched and for a moment, Gaara had never been happier.

For the first time since he was 5, Gaara slept soundly, knowing that someone loved him and would keep him safe. He fell asleep near instantly, but mumbled. "I love you Sakura…thank you." She smiled, and rested her head on his back before falling asleep also.

(A/N: I loved writing this…lol. Hope it makes you happy DreamsXReality.)