Summary: She knew this was a bad idea. After her break up with Sasuke, why should running into another man's arms help her? Although this was just the fix she so desperately needed.

Rated M.

In Your Arms

"Healing Wounds"

"Can you stop sighing?"

Sakura looked up from her computer to see Temari standing above her. She had a look of annoyance on her face. Apparently she had been sighing all morning and it was starting to get on everyone else's nerves. "S-sorry." She mumbled, then turned her attention back to her computer.

Temari didn't ask her what was wrong. Gaara told her what happened, which was unusual. Obviously the red haired male was worried about the pinkette. This was the first time she's ever seen that, but she wasn't going to get into his business. He had his own reasons.

She left Sakura alone then, to her thoughts. Sakura had finally gotten an apartment that she could pay for, which was the best news she's received all week. After work she was going to go check it out. Hopefully the proposal she gave to Gaara was good and he wouldn't make her work overtime again. He's been a little hard on her lately, but she was sure he was just doing it for her benefit. After all, she has been distracted and he wasn't going to let her be.

That's when she sighed again; hearing a few groans of protest around her. Perhaps a little break would do her some good.

Once she made it to the break room, she stopped dead in her tracks when she heard her name in the middle of a conversation. The only thing she could make out was that they were talking about her and Sasuke. She almost fled from the scene, but instead she held her ground. She wasn't going to let this stop her.

But before she could even step in, she heard her boss yell at them both. "You two need to keep your mouths shut. This is a break room, not a gossip room! Get to work, the both of you!"

Sakura saw them both walk out the break room, though they paid no attention to her. Gaara stepped out behind them. "Sakura?"

"O-oh thank you… but I have to take a little break to clear my thoughts."

Gaara gave her a small smile, but it disappeared before she could truly see it. "Alright, just get back to work when you feel the need. Oh and that proposal was good, by the way. I think sales would go through the roof if we used your idea."

He left her then, causing her to blush and smile a little. That's the first time she's felt happy in a while. Hopefully he truly meant those words and he wasn't just saying them to make her feel better. Honestly, that wouldn't be right at all.

Sakura grabbed a can of coffee from the machine and sat down in one of the chairs by the window. So much has happened in the weeks that passed she didn't have time to keep up. Her dad almost chopped her head off when she told him she broke it off with Sasuke. He told her she needed to become his housewife, that she wasn't getting any younger. Her mom had to calm him down. He hasn't said a word to her since.

Oh man… I'm so tired… For the past few nights she had been working overtime with her boss. She was pretty sure he was just doing it because he wanted to keep her mind at ease. Sometimes it would work, but damn, she wanted a break from all of this stress!

Sighing again, the pinkette reluctantly made her way back to her desk and sat down. "SAKURA!"

"Yes?!" She yelped, standing up quickly because her boss basically screamed her name.

Gaara frowned. "Why are you still here? GO HOME."

But it wasn't even 5 o'clock yet… and before she could protest he gave her a death glare. Why on earth was he being so nice?! Or well, nice in his own way. Why was he trying to pretend like he didn't care and then when he had the chance he would help her out?

"Go home. You've been working hard all week and I've begin to notice you look a little ill…"

"Now that you mention it… she does look pale. Sakura, just go home." Temari stepped into the conversation, which again, confused her but she definitely did not argue.

Sakura gathered her things and looked back at the office one more time. She swore she saw Gaara smile at her but then she figured it was just her imagination.

The apartment she was staying in was right by her work, which she was thankful for. No more train, no more bikes or cabs… she can walk. Sighing softly one more time, the pinkette opened her apartment door and stepped in.

It was pretty nice, already furnished; which the realtor helped her find that deal. She used her own bed of course, which she took from Sasuke's house not too long ago. Surprisingly Sasuke didn't say a word to her, but she did see that red haired woman in his home. Oh well, he was single now. He could do whatever he wants. That didn't mean it didn't hurt any less.

Why couldn't he just be honest with me…? Sakura knows she didn't do anything wrong but the insecurity was definitely there.

Was she not good enough? It was true she lacked in the breast department and she was very small. That red haired woman had curves in all of the right places. Maybe that's why Sasuke left her. Before she knew what she was doing, Sakura fell to her knees and began to cry. With her door wide open.

"Sakura?"

Now there was a familiar voice. "Mr. Sabaku…" She looked up at him, shock evident on her expression.

He showed no emotion. "I live right next door. I didn't know you were living here."

Sakura almost fainted. She had to deal with him at work, now he had to live beside her?! What kind of luck was that?! Did the universe seriously hate her that much?!

"Why are you even crying?" His tone seemed emotionless… cold. He was so nice to her before, perhaps it was just a façade?

She stood up and dusted off her clothing. "No particular reason. I'm surprised you're off so early…"

"I'm not. I'm going to a meeting in a few minutes."

Then why are you at home? She wanted to ask, but she didn't open her mouth. Gaara was so mysterious, she had no idea how to react to how he was sometimes. He seemed so nice, but then again he seemed so cold and distant. Why are you putting up a front with me, Gaara?

"Anyway, get some rest. I'll see you at work tomorrow."

And that was the end of their conversation.


"Ah, that smells so good." After her bath, Sakura decided to cook dinner. She decided to make sushi, but it seemed she made too much. Perhaps she should ask…

No! You shouldn't ask your boss to have dinner with you! But the thought still remained. She wanted to thank him properly for helping her out when he found her that night. The next day was pretty good too. Lately he's been so hard on her at work, that her mind has been on work instead of on Sasuke. Maybe he was trying to show her kindness…?

Summing up her courage, Sakura made her way out her apartment and went next door to his. Hesitating a little, she finally knocked on the door. He answered almost immediately. Though Sakura had wished he hadn't.

He was wearing a tanktop with red sweatpants, his muscles glinting with sweat. That must have meant he was working out? How embarrassing! She was not used to seeing him without a suit! Her face flushed, which caused him to blink confusedly.

"What is it?"

Sakura coughed and looked away. "I was wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner. I wanted to thank you for when you helped me out so many times and you didn't have to."

Gaara stared at her for a moment, hesitated, but then he finally agreed. "Yes, just let me shower. I will be at your apartment in ten minutes."

Before she had a chance to reply, he had already shut the door in her face. What in the hell was that? Why was her heart beating so damn hard?! She never knew how handsome her boss really was. He had muscles everywhere

Geez, I'm going to have a heart attack with him as my neighbor! She said, sighing again as she stepped into her apartment. Ten minutes, huh?

After those minutes ticked by, Sakura heard a knock on the door. She didn't want to rush but she didn't want to be slow either. So she quickly went to the door and opened it; seeing him stand there with black sweatpants and a white long-sleeve shirt. What he was wearing before was so different to this. Perhaps he didn't like showing off his muscles?

She showed him in and led him to the living room, where they'd be eating. She figured it would be a little awkward between them, so she thought a t.v. show during dinner would lighten things up a bit.

Gaara sat down and looked at the food suspiciously. "Sushi?" He asked, as he began to poke it with his chopsticks.

"Y-yes. Do you not like sushi?" Perhaps she should have asked what he wanted first…

He blinked. "No, I do. It just looks a little weird…"

When he said that, she almost choked on the piece she bit off of. What the hell was that supposed to mean?! Her mom taught her how to cook this! What a jerk! "You should try it."

Gaara almost looked as if he was protesting, but finally he took a bite. "…Delicious." He said, as if it was the most surprising thing in the world.

Wow, he really knows how to insult a girl. She thought to herself, while they both ate in silence. The t.v. echoed in the background, but she wasn't really listening. Being so close to Gaara while he was dressed in his normal attire was sort of intimidating. It was no secret that he was a very handsome man, but she only just noticed this until now. Perhaps it's because she was lonely?

"Sakura?"

She dropped her chopsticks when he suddenly called her name. "O-oh! I'm sorry."

As she reached for it, Gaara was thinking the same thing; especially since he was the cause of her dropping them. That's when their fingers brushed against one another, causing her to jump back with a jolt. What the hell is wrong with you?! She asked herself, her face flushing a little. This is just Gaara! He isn't going to bite your damn head off! Geez, pull it together…

Gaara handed her the chopsticks, with a small smile on his face. "You're just a klutz, aren't you?"

That smile… Sakura's heart leapt to her throat as she stared at his lips. This one was more relaxed and it was so beautiful, she was entranced. Why didn't he smile like that more often?

"Sakura?"

"OH!" She blushed and took them from his grasp. "T-thank you…"

He gave her a look of confusion, before turning his attention back towards the t.v. The news was on, but she wasn't focused on that. She was looking at her boss, who was sitting beside her; in normal clothing, just having dinner and a casual conversation. It feels like they were getting to know each other better. Was it just her or should she not read so much into it? Why was she thinking like this anyway?

Gaara was definitely a mystery, perhaps she should just not get involved. Easier said than done, however. Especially with how kind he was being to her…

His eyes were gentle now, but so very cold at work. Was it because of her or was it something else? Did he have a girlfriend? Oops, she didn't even think of that! But maybe he wouldn't have accepted if he did. Or not, she knew how untrustworthy some people were…

Sasuke's face popped into her mind, but she shook it away. Now was not the time to be thinking of such a hurtful man!

"You need to stop thinking of him so much, it will only cause you pain further. Give yourself time to heal."

She blinked at him as he stood up with his plate. "Thank you for dinner, Sakura."

And as he walked away, she looked down and blushed again. That was the first time he's ever said her name with such a gentle tone.

Her heart pounded within her chest wildly, surprising her a little bit. What was this feeling? Nervousness? Anxiousness? She had no idea and she didn't really want to find out either. Perhaps he was right and she just needed to focus on her healing her broken heart.

"Gaara! Don't worry about those, I'll get them!"

He looked at her for a moment. "It's the least I can do…"

"Your eyes are beautiful, did you know that?"

He froze and she almost smacked herself in the face. She couldn't help it, his eyes were just so green and big… so beautiful. It was like the words were out of her mouth before her mind could process such a thing. Why, why did she have to be so stupid?

"…Thanks." He said, despite the awkward atmosphere in the air.

Sakura sighed and watched him clean the rest of the dishes before he left her apartment. "I appreciate the food." He told her as she watched him go. His voice didn't sound gentle at all.

Maybe she just needed to keep her mouth shut from now on.

But… just exactly why did she say that?

She stayed up all night and couldn't figure out the answer.