I do not own Naruto or Tokyo Mew Mew
A/N: Sorry, it's been a while. Stupid writer's block. XD The reason Ichigo is weak in this chapter is going to be revealed in later chapters so please read on. :) Enjoy.
It had been about a week since their first encounter and Gaara couldn't keep his mind off that girl, Ichigo Momomiya. The way his heart beat when he saw her. It was pure ecstasy. One day Ichigo showed up again. It was a hot windy day, and she came walking up the sandy path that goes by Gaara's favorite tree, looking at her feet. She looked up and saw Gaara and she immediately smiled.
"Gaara-kun!" she called.
Gaara looked up and saw her and immediately his heart began to beat. He went to meet her.
"Gaara-kun," Ichigo smiled. "I found you, nya."
Gaara looked at her questioningly.
"I wanted to see some more of your sand," Ichigo said quietly.
Gaara widened his eyes in amusement.
Suddenly a hard wind blew and sand rushed everywhere.
Ichigo screamed, grabbing on to Gaara.
Gaara grabbed her hand and led her to his house.
Once they were safely inside Gaara sat Ichigo down to rest on the black, wooden divan in the dark, tan living room.
"Are you thirsty?" he asked her, getting up.
Ichigo didn't reply.
Gaara looked down at her.
She was in a fetal position shaking, her eyes welling with tears.
Gaara was confused.
Why was she so upset? Was it the sandy gusts? Did they hurt her or anything? No, that was impossible. What was it?
"The wind," she wept. "It's scary."
"Scary?" Gaara asked.
Ichigo nodded slowly.
"Like on that day," she said, still crying. "H-he died."
Gaara had no idea what she was talking about but she guessed it was that Masaya guy she'd mentioned before. He sat down next to her and put his arms around her shaking body, bringing her into a hug.
Soon she began to calm down.
"Gaara-kun," she said, getting closer to him. "I don't want you to die."
"I'm not going anywhere," he replied. "If you don't want me to leave I'll stay with you."
They stayed together for a while after that and Ichigo soon fell asleep.
Gaara laid her down on the divan and sat next to her in deep thought.
Obliviousy she was holding quite a burden on her shoulders. Was it like his? He wanted to know more about her. He wanted to help her.
Not out of pity but because just her presence was helping his burden lift so much.
Thanks for reading.
~Katsuki Shizenno
