Chapter Two

Yumiko woke up about an hour earlier than what the Kazekage's bodyguard should, but waking up early was just a habit. For five in the morning, it was bright. The sun's rays shown through the blinds and Gaara was still asleep. He looked a peaceful at the moment; she could still remember when he was never aloud to sleep and how tense he seemed. After a moment she noticed that she was somewhat staring so she decided to get up and start getting ready. As soon as her back left the mattress, her limbs started to ache and a burning sensation sprang up her right arm. 'Injuries… Duh,' she scolded herself for forgetting to be careful. Her hand touched the bandages but she flinched at light contact. Two minutes later she flung her legs over the bed with her back facing Gaara. He was awake now, watching her check her wrappings. Once the cringe was seen his eyes narrowed, mostly because he felt like it was his fault. Yumiko felt eyes boring into her back so she tilted her head back to see him.

"Good morning Kazekage-sama," she smiled.

He nodded and gave a somewhat sad smile that caused Yumiko to sigh. Did she do something wrong? Probably. It was her first day as his bodyguard and she already made him upset for an unknown reason. Before she could go into deep thought on the subject, Yumiko went to take a shower and rewrap her injuries. Gaara went to get ready as she did not looking at her directly. Once she was finished Yumiko went to open the blinds and once she did she smiled at the rising sun. The village looked quiet aside from the few people that started to set up small stands to sell trinkets. Many might think that the yellow dunes that flow over the desert would become a dull sight but it was like the ocean in golden colors. Gaara's bathroom door opened and he stood in his pants topless. Yumiko's eyes turned toward the sound of the door gently hitting the wall. The blood rushed to her cheeks and the only place she could transfer her look was forward.

"Um-You've done a-a wonderful job as Kazekage," she stuttered.

Gaara wasn't exactly buff, but he had a well built body. She wasn't really flustered about him being shirtless in front of her-she'd seen that before. She had lived in the same room as him for five years, but the fact that his chest was still wet and the sun made him glisten was what sent her over the edge. He nodded to her compliment and searched around the room for a shirt.

"What is today's date?" Yumiko asked toying with a string on the curtains.

"October fifth. Why do you ask?" he asked, still looking for a shirt.

It seemed that all of his shirts weren't where they were supposed to be. But something in Yumiko's mind clicked. The fifth… of October?

"Did you know that it's been fifteen years since we met?" she asked smiling down at children who were running to the academy.

He froze, still shirtless. (Hehe XP) Had it really been that long? That means it's been eight years since they were reunited right? He was different back then…

"I remember when I met your brother, before the Chunin exams. I kicked his ass," she chuckled.

"I know, I watched it…. I didn't even remember you," he sighed.

He didn't even remember her until she practically told him. That scar, it was still there and so was his. She didn't hide it anymore, and that made him feel happy because he was the one who gave it to her. Sure, she did ask him to but he still did it. She was silent for a while, her gaze still plastered to the now bustling streets.

"I still remember the written portion, 'Sorry Ibiki. But, you are kind of scary.'" He chuckled.

"Yes and when you were in the hospital I was yelling at the doctors to get a damn backbone."

Her giggle echoed in the room as Gaara still couldn't find a shirt. ( :3 ) He grinned from ear to ear as he remembered that day. He had asked her what would happen if he didn't want to leave and she said something about Naruto. Did she still think that? That it was his friendship that made him wish to stay?

"It was you," he stated, stalling his search for a moment.

She had to look at him for that since she wasn't exactly sure what it meant. What was her? Oh, how she wished she hadn't because now she didn't want to look away.

"What are you talking about?" she asked with her face contorted with confusion.

"You were the reason I wanted to stay back then."

She smiled and turned back to the village to remember. It was such a different time then, most of it wasn't good but it was sure different. After the exams he was a different person. But he was a different person during them too. He would come to her room after dark and sometimes they would talk, other times they would sit in silence and then sometimes she would sleep and he sat in the corner watching. That scared her a little bit but she knew he wouldn't kill her… well most of the time she was just praying it wouldn't happen. Shukaku was unpredictable, insane, and relentless. But it was more so when he was younger, since he had no clue how to control it. Yumiko was always his friend, and now look at them. Two extremely close friends in the same room, facing God knows what outside those walls. The young medic-now bodyguard-sighed and began to walk into Gaara's bathroom and checked herself in the mirror. It was the same girl as before, but why did she feel so different? She glanced back at the Kazekage, watching him rummage through pants and socks. His eyes were focused in a glare, but it was really cute in her opinion. And the smirk, God's the smirk always made her blush…

"Where are my shirts?" Gaara asked aloud, slightly annoyed.

She grinned and started toward the door ready to start the new day. The red-head was still sifting through clothes growling from irritation. Yumiko giggled while she grabbed her jacket off the coat rack and put it on.

"Try the top right hand drawer, dear."

Did she really just call him that? She did didn't she?… 'Dear' that just seemed so… so… well Yumiko didn't really know how to explain it. Gaara didn't seem so bothered by it; his smirk was replaced with a smile if that counted for anything. Deciding to brush it off while keeping her flush down, Yumiko flipped her hair out that was trapped in her jacket. Sure enough Gaara found a shirt, right where she said. He slipped it on and mused his messy hair once more feeling his scare and wondering if Yumiko's scar felt the same way. His friend was standing by the door waiting while he grabbed his white robes. Shorty after, he joined her and saw that her professional façade had returned. A white and blue hat was in her small delicate hands and a small smile was kept hidden behind long brunette hair.

"Are you ready Kazekage-sama?" she asked raising his hat higher to place it on his head.

He watched her small frame reach up and smiled softly. She was so innocent and small and he was bigger than her in height and in build. She was his small angel. Seconds before the hat touched his head, he grabbed her hands and placed the hat atop of hers. She let out a confused noise and smiled brightly. The door was open and both headed to Gaara's office. It was only seven and they already knew it was going to be a long day.

Eleven o'clock had come around and Yumiko was still wearing his hat. At the moment she was searching his shelves for something to read while her friend finished up some paperwork. Of course her favorite book had to be on the top shelf. She reached up and barley skimmed the spine with her fingertips. The bandaged arm was stinging and Yumiko had to bite her lip to keep from whimpering. Gaara had looked up and watched her struggle for a moment until he finally saw that she wasn't going to reach. His sand swirled around her lower half and lifted her off of the ground. Her gasp of surprise made him grin as he returned to his task.

"I thought that you didn't carry your sand around anymore," she stated skimming through the pages of the newly attained book.

"I leave it here in case of emergencies."

When was the last emergency in Suna? Oh, that's right. When he was captured! Did he think it would happen again? The Akatsuki has been gone for years, or was it for her sake? Damn, here she goes again. The thought of him not believing she can kick ass and take names for herself. Sand was still swirling and Gaara's scribbles were drowned out because of it. While Yumiko was turning to page thirteen there was a loud slam and then she felt the book being pulled from her hands. Kiyohiko was kneeling before her and holding her hands close to his face. Her eyes were about the size of dinner plates and Gaara had sprung up from his chair and slammed his hands on the desk.

"You are Yumiko?" Kiyohiko asked.

"Um… yes."

"May I ask why the hell you came into my office unannounced?" Gaara asked calmly, walking around his desk.

"Father wished for us to stay here and get the chance to know Yumiko-chan better," he stated rising from his position.

This was all quite sickening at the moment. In Yumiko's opinion he was trying too hard. And well, Gaara was mad about two things; someone coming in his office that he didn't like and someone trying to flirt with his best friend. The sand was tugging Yumiko towards its master and she was more than happy to follow it.

"Well I'm very busy at the moment… Maybe later?"

His frown said it all. A prince wouldn't take a 'no' for an answer so she knew that what she said next would be critical.

"I'll be free at four. Would you join me for dinner?"

I think that we should all give Temari a round of applause because she came bursting through the door and started screaming. The prince had jumped out of his skin before he could answer just like she planned. Yeah she was eavesdropping and it felt freaking awesome to ruin that mans day!

"Yumiko! This evening, you, me and the girls are going shopping!" she stated.

"Um… the girls?"

Temari didn't have that many friends in Suna because she was always on missions. And Yumiko talked to others but never really had any close relationships with them. So that could only mean…

"Yumiko-chan!" Sakura, Ino, Tenten, and Hinata screamed.

All four came in behind Temari and were jumping up and down hugging their friend. Gaara was speaking with Kiyohiko, saying that if he ever embarrassed his friend like that again, he would never make it to twenty three years of age. Her friends were the same happy people they once were but the looked different. Sakura had grown taller and kept her hair short, wearing a dark red shirt with fishnet underneath and light tan shorts. Ino had the same shade of purple throughout her outfit. Purple tank top and a similar skirt with fishnet gloves. Tenten with her normal traditional attire. And Hinata's dark blue dress with maroon flowers up the sides. 'Look like women, act like school girls.' She laughed to herself.

"It looks like I'll be busy this afternoon," Yumiko smiled inwardly.

Gaara would let her go for the evening and escort the prince back to his room personally. His brother Akihiko was out for the evening and would probably see the group of girls. He hoped that he wasn't as forward as his idiot sibling. He would just have to hope. But in the meantime Temari had dragged her friends into shops and going over a list for the wedding. Apparently Shikamaru's plan was to have a wedding in Suna and then back in Konoha. All the guys were there too and that made Yumiko jumpy. She couldn't wait to see them all again, especially since everyone was dating someone. Tenten and Neji, Hinata and Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke, Ino and Choji. Even Lee, Shino, and Kiba had girlfriends, but all of their dates were going to be late because of missions they had to complete. As Yumiko was looking at color schemes with her friends, she couldn't help but feel like someone was watching her.

"Yumiko was it?" a male asked from behind.

She turned to see the other young prince Akihiko. Just by first glance he was a lot more timid and nervous than his brother. At the same time though he was secure looking, a very good contrast. She nodded and listened to the small giggles coming from her friends. A blush rose to his face after that and the young woman felt sorry for him. Now it seemed like her friends were being complete asses.

"Can I help you with anything Akihiko-sama?"

"Please, drop the formalities," he smiled reaching out his hand to shake her own.

She took it and was surprised by how gentle it was. His brother's was overly caring and it just seemed fake and she knew that the only reason he did that was because he needed to marry to get the kingdom. The thought made her sick, being married to the most powerful person in the country and having people do everything they ask… wasn't that like Gaara? He wasn't power hungry but he was in control, and the village loved him. So were they really that different? Yes of course they were. Gaara's demon tortured him for years and she could still see the regret in his eyes. The regret for killing innocent people even made her eyes sting with tears. But now a young nervous looking man was standing before her like a nerd about to ask a cheerleader to the prom. His short spiked dirty blonde hair and blue eyes seemed cliché in this moment and because of that she rolled her eyes.

"I heard about my brother's outburst today and I would like to apologize."

"Ah, well it's an honor for someone as power crazed as a foreign prince," sarcasm laced every word as she started to turn her back towards him.

"Please, know that all because someone says their blood is better than others does not mean it is true."

He grabbed her wrist firmly and twirled her to look at him again. Akihiko gave her a look that almost made her afraid and for some screwed up reason… she liked it. Not too many people gave her a true view of their feelings like that. Gaara hardly spoke so it was hard to understand what he felt. But this was unexpected. Yumiko wanted to speak but it all came out in incomprehensible pieces. The prince grinned and lifted her hand to kiss it.

"Would you like to see me again? Say tomorrow at breakfast, seven o'clock?"

The young woman nodded and watched as the charmer left the shop. The intense giggling of friends had stopped and they were crowded around her.

"It seems like someone's got a date with a ~hottie~!" Ino sang.

"What? I do?" Yumiko asked still unable to comprehend what just happened.

"Well Gaara's falling behind it seems," Sakura's voice boomed from behind them all.

"Oh my god I'm practically cheating!" the young medic thought aloud.

"No you're not. Remember you told me that it was strictly professional. Besides my brother hasn't made a move or so I've been told."

Temari's rambling seemed to strike a chord in her jumbled brain. He wouldn't mind since he was now showing no interest in her so it would be fine… right? Why was she second guessing herself if all the information she needed was right in front of her? That's it she was going to do it!

"So what does one do on 'dates'?"

All five girls seemed to have exploded from surprise. Yeah, she seriously didn't know and it was going to be the death of her. Hands grabbed her and tugged her out of the store and advise was loudly shouted in her ears. Thank god Gaara had decided to come and look for them. He stopped a few feet from the group and called Yumiko's name and she perked up at the mere sound.

"Hai Kazekage-sama?"

"I'm here to take you home, let's go," he demanded.

The truth was, Gaara had been watching his small baffled medic-nin saying yes to something. Now was the perfect time to find out what that something was. She rushed over to his side and the two calmly walked to the Kazekage mansion. It was a short walk but that short walked crumbled the wall between them if only a little.

"What was it that you agreed to back there, in the last shop?" the red-head asked through the silence.

"Hm? Oh it was nothing. I just have a date tomorrow that's all," she grinned.

"With Akihiko? You have a date with him? Why are you so happy about that?"

"Well after a few words with him it seems that I was wrong to assume that it would be hell spending time with one of them."

"I don't like the idea. You don't even know very much about him, neither do I," Gaara stated trying to find every excuse there was to keep her from seeing him tomorrow.

"Then it's a perfect time to find out something isn't it?"

They were now standing on the steps to the Sand Siblings home and she was meeting his gaze with her own, one brow raised as if knowing something. A smirk was also set on her face that made him return one. He'd never seen this side of her before, confident and exceptionally witty for the moment. Their faces were inches apart and Gaara's hand was moving to find hers. Yumiko saw this and decided to humor him a little. A sly smile couldn't help but make it's way up as her lips slowly grew closer to him. His eyes closed and Yumiko's hand slid up his cheek. Her breath mingled with his and finally her other hand found the door knob. The soft click of the door unlatching rang.

"Well, I'm exhausted Kazekage-sama. You should get some sleep too," she stated patting his cheek and pulling away from him quickly.

The sly woman winked as she ascended the stairs and Gaara's smirk was evident. His eyes were still closed and he felt… in a way used? He wasn't quite sure why but he liked that feeling just now. Yumiko was toying with him. 'This is new,' he chuckled inwardly. He went up to their shared room to see Yumiko's bathroom door shut. She had to have practice because she seemed to fluster him easily today. There is no way he could let her go now, and he was wondering if she knew that.