Hello, everyone! Here it is! And so soon after the third! Aren't you all proud? LOL As custom, here are my replies to chapter three's reviews:

To shonon ai girl: Thanks! Here's the next, and I can tell you, at the moment, the next chapter is the best!

To Kana090: Here it is:) And no, no one is going to. You'll see why. Most have the same reason, and Gaara has his own reason... :) Oooh! Suspense! LOL


Chapter 4: Rumors

My alarm clock woke me up. Which was strange, because I didn't even remember turning one on, but there it was, making a hell of a lot of noise. I turned it off, wondering where it came from.

It was six o'clock, which was the time I got up for school. Maybe it was a coincidence. After climbing out of bed to shut off the alarm clock on the far side of the room (which was a good thing, because otherwise I would shut it off and go back to sleep), I took an outfit out of the dresser and took it into the bathroom. I took a shower and put it on. By seven, I was completely ready (physically- my mind was in chaos), sitting in the living room.

I waited, not knowing where to go. I hoped Gaara would realize this. I waited for fifteen minutes… Gaara out on my balcony… twenty-five minutes… I was in his arms… forty-five minutes… fifty-minutes… his eyes showed-

A knock on my door snapped my out of my daydreams. I really needed to stop that. One day that habit would cause trouble for me. I hurried to the door, trying to ignore my stomach, which was doing back flips.

I opened the door, and there he was, the star of all my dreams, night as well as day. I forced my self not to hyperventilate.

"I'm sorry, Gaara-sensei," I said. "I didn't know where to go. Am I late?"

"No, he replied in his signature flatness. "Your training will begin at eight o'clock every day, excepting weekends. I knew you would need guidance, so I came here myself."

"Thank you, Gaara-sensei," I managed to say through my tied tongue. I hoped he didn't notice the effect he had on me. That could be embarrassing. If he didn't recognize it for what it was (probable), he might ask, and I'd rather not explain.

"Follow me," he said.

"Hai, Gaara-sensei," I said, then immediately decided not to say "Gaara-sensei" too often- I didn't want to sound like Matsouri. She had said little else for several episodes.

He led me through a small alley and down a few streets. I memorized them all quickly, since I had always been good at memorizing locations. Anything else, and I was sunk, but I could do locations. By the time we stopped in front of a building, neither Gaara nor I had spoken a word, but at least I would be able to get there tomorrow. I looked up at the building and almost gasped in horror. It was several stories tall, but worse was the sign above it that read "Suna Academy" in large letters. I didn't want to have to share Gaara with a bunch of kids almost two or more years younger than me.

Me sensei held the door open for me, and then led me down a hallway, up a few flights of stairs, and into a (thankfully) empty classroom. I closed the sliding doors behind me and sat down behind the center front table, the chair farthest to the right. The setup was similar as the Konoha Academy, but to me the atmosphere was vastly different.

"And so we begin," Gaara-sensei said as he used his sand to pick up a piece of chalk from the blackboard behind him. I was forcibly reminded of the time in his past when he used the sand to retrieve a ball for other children. A sad night, indeed. It had made me cry.

I looked up at him as he started drawing three blank lines on the blackboard. "What are the three main types of jutsu?" he asked.

Okay. So he was going to see what I knew before telling me anything. Probably a good idea, since I knew a lot. Calling him "Kazekage-sama" must have really had an effect on his opinion of me.

"Taijutsu, hand-to-hand techniques; ninjutsu, ninja techniques; and genjutsu, illusionary techniques," I replied obediently. He filled the blanks on the board and then abandoned the chalk.

"And what is needed to perform these jutsus?"

"Chakra."

"And what is Chakra?"

I smiled. I had committed it to memory long ago- when Konohamaru had read it from the scroll to Naruto. "Chakra is the energy you use when doing a jutsu. To do a jutsu, you must mix chakra, which is bodily energy collected from cells throughout the body, and spiritual energy, which is gained through experiences. Then, by doing the proper hand pose, the jutsu can be activated." I still smiled broadly at the end. Again I thought I saw a trace of surprise behind is eyes, but I couldn't be sure.

"Very good," he said.

I smiled still, glad that my ridiculous obsession had paid off at last. The verbal quiz went on like that for several hours. Eventually my sensei extracted everything I knew out of me. That done, he sat down at the sensei's front desk and started writing.

I waited patiently for him to finish. Perhaps this was a test of patience. I could ace that anyways, but I especially could with Gaara sitting in front of me. Ten minutes passed... my head was resting against Gaara's chest… I looked up and his eyes showed happiness…

I suddenly realized what I had been doing as Gaara stood up. I had resumed my daydreams from earlier. Whoops. I looked at the lock and half an hour had passed.

"You can go for today," he said.

"Go?"

"Go home." Ouch.

"Hai, sensei," I chimed.

I stood and walked through the sliding doors. I paused at the threshold, and looked up at the doorpost above me. I remembered the trick that Naruto had played on Kakashi the first time he saw his jounin sensei. I smiled as I remembered that Inner Sakura loved tricks like that, though Sakura wouldn't admit it. I almost laughed out loud was I picture the eraser falling and hitting the jounin's head. Kakashi could be so gullible sometimes. Or perhaps he was just playing along, because it had happened later with the Gai and Lee impersonators. Shaking my head, I continued though the door and slid the door closed slowly, prolonging my view of Gaara who was sitting down again.

Out in the hall, a line our small children led by a chuunin passed by. They each stared at me as they passed. Even the chuunin gave me a funny look. Not menacing, just partly curious and partly something else. Fear? Why? Did he see my sensei? Did I look dangerous? I doubted it.

I deliberately returned his stare. He looked away, never breaking his step, and the class went on. I looked at the room number of my classroom. Room number 413. I could remember that. I went down the stairs slowly, taking my time. What time was it? I was starving, I realized as I reached the first floor. I looked around that last hallway for a clock. Just before the door was a typical school clock. It was ten after two. No wonder I was hungry! I hadn't noticed when I was with Gaara, but now that my mind was functioning normally, it was obvious. I sauntered slowly with my hands in my pockets, minding my own business.

I made it to my house and went inside. I went upstairs to my room and brought out the brown cloak I had bought yesterday. I didn't know why I needed it, but after the incident at the Academy, I thought I may need a disguise.

After I had donned the cloak and hidden my face in the shadow of its hood, I made my way to the northern wall of Suna. I memorized the streets as I went. Soon I would have the entire northern half of Suna memorized. I stuck to the wall, walking toward the east, looking for a place to eat. I settled for a dark-looking tavern/restaurant place. I figured that it wouldn't reveal my identity.

Inside, a bored-looking waitress with long black hair showed me to a small table near several booths. The restaurant reminded me of something, but I couldn't quite remember what. I sat down and began to look at the menu she handed me. She bowed her head slightly and hurried away.

I decided to lay it safe with a few Japanese dishes I'd tried before- basic chicken teriyaki with rice and a mug of tea. Not adventurous, but it would do.

I put the menu down and looked around. There was a booth filled with a group of non-ninja girls, a few couples and families, and a table with two jounins nearby. They were inclined over the table, engaged in a serious conversation. I strained my ears to listen.

"Have you heard the latest news?" asked a youngish, brown-haired man at the jounin table. He was probably six feet tall, and had a large nose.

"No, but you'd better spill it," said the female jounin. She was almost as tall as the man, with white-blonde hair and long fingers.

The man laughed. "Well, anyway, remember that bright light that came from the sky, oh, I don't know, two days ago?" My breath caught. They were talking about me. I pulled my hood farther down in front of my face and strained to listen. "Well," the man continued. "The Kazekage-sama went to investigate. Apparently, the council thought it was an enemy or supernatural entity." I giggled through my hood, but no one would hear- the tavern was too loud. "There were no enemy ninjas, but the Kazekage-sama came back with a young woman wearing a white dress."

"Yes, I saw her," said the woman. "She and the Kazekage-sama walked by near here. I hear he took her to the council."

"He did. I don't know the particulars of the meeting, but there are rumors that now she lives among us and is being tutored as a shinobi by the Kazekage-sama himself."

"But likewise are there rumors that she was a demon and was killed," replied the woman. "Which are true?"

The man shrugged. "I think the rumors that she lives are true. There's more evidence. Yesterday, a few shopkeepers came in here saying that the Kazekage-sama's sister, Temari, was with a stranger, and today, a friend of mine, a chuunin who teaches at the Academy, said he saw a young woman who looked like the on from the light walking out of an Academy classroom. He said he couldn't stop to investigate since he had a class, but when he went back, no one was in the room."

"Interesting," the woman said thoughtfully.

I closed my eyes and stopped listening. So I was some kind of powerful demon freak? Great. Granted, my entrance to Suna was dramatic, but did it warrant such rumors? I felt the need to wear my cloak more often. And the chuunin from the Academy had spilled the beans on me. If anyone saw me, I might get the celebrity reaction, and I didn't want to be bombarded with questions anytime soon. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to be famous, or be just an average shinobi with a mysterious past.

I heard footsteps coming my way and opened my eyes. The waitress was back, but I could only see her waist down because of my cloak.

"Have you decided what you wanted?" shad asked in a falsely cheerful tone.

I nodded and gave her my order. She hurried away, taking my menu with her. I decided to listen to the conversation that could potentially reveal more rumors about me. The with-blond woman was speaking.

"But if she lives, the council must have deemed her harmless."

"Yes," replied the man. "And that is why she was possibly seen in the Academy. She was not a shinobi, and therefore posed little threat."

"True. I think you are right- she is somewhere in Suna at this very moment." There was a very brief pause. "Is that all the news then?"

"Yes."

A waitress appeared at their table. When she left, the two got up and left the tavern.

Soon enough, my waitress returned to my table with my order. I thanked her. "Itadakimasu," I said dully, then began to eat thoughtfully.

So I was the main topic of today's rumors. Some thought I was dead, and others believed the truth, but probably with varying shades of truth. Fascinating what a little light and a mysterious stranger girl could do.

When I had finished my meal, my waitress returned swiftly. I paid and left the restaurant. When I was outside, I looked at the place from the outside. The place was called the "Kuro Yabun." Fitting.

The sky was just starting to get a tinge of orange. I suddenly had an idea- I would watch the Suna sunset from the top of the council building. It was tall enough to see over the top of the wall, and then I might be able to feel the desert breeze that you only felt in certain places below the wall.

I couldn't foresee any other important things to do at the moment, so I went straight to the building. After several flights of stairs (I wasn't yet a good enough shinobi to jump to the top, I figured), I emerged through an unlocked trap door onto the flat roof.

The breezed was refreshing, and it made my cloak billow furiously behind me and my hood fall. I approached the western railing and looked out over Suna to see the sun. A chunk of the western side of the city was already in the shadows because of the wall.

Below me, Suna continued its business, unaware that I was watching. I thought I could even recognize a few people leaving this building as the council members I had seen a few days ago. I wondered if Gaara was among them.

But them my question was answered for me- a creaking noise alerted me that someone was coming. I turned, and there he was. I had been half wishing, half fearing he would come, but whether I wished or feared it most, I could hardly tell.

But as he closed the door and began to walk my way, my feelings because apparent. Of course I wished for it more. How stupid of me to think otherwise. I smiled at my sensei and then turned back toward the sunset, resting my elbows on the rail and my head in my hands. Gaara stood beside me, hands on the railing.

I tried to force myself to keep my eyes on the colors of the sunset. Needless to day, I failed miserably. I turned to look at him as he began to speak.

"I'm sorry, am I intruding?"

I almost laughed. Gaara was welcome to intrude almost any time he wanted! Like I cared if he came up here with me. In fact, I desired it!

"No, not at all," I answered, stifling the thoughts in my head.

"Thank you," he said.

I wanted to break the silence that I felt coming, but was at a loss how. What do you say to a guy who is your sensei as well as your crush, and who isn't what you'd call normal? I wanted to introduce my discovery of the rumors also, but wasn't sure how he'd react. And I'd need a way to introduce the subject, anyway.

Desperate for conversation, I decided to say something. "The landscape of Suna is beautiful," I said, looking away form the sunset to the city. Deidara was right, I thought. The layout of the city is indeed artful.

"Yes, it is," he agreed. I almost groaned. Small talk wasn't going to get us anywhere.

"The people are very-" I stopped. Gaara had started saying something, too. I inclined my head to let him speak.

"So you like Suna?" he asked.

Almost as much as you. I nodded.

"That is good. A student should be proud of the village they live in."

I nodded again. "I have memorized half of the streets," I said proudly. I chuckled. I sounded like a student proud of their efforts. It fit me perfectly, only I was older than that. Or so I thought.

Gaara looked at me, confused again. I guessed I was a confusing person.

"Never mind," I said, shaking my head. "Sorry. I was just thinking. I really do like Suna."

"Is that right?" I winced at his words. A typical Gaara reaction. I guess I was expecting a little much for today- I guessed one furrowed brow was he limit. But I hoped I could change it. A little emotion would do him good, I thought. He might not be so intimidating if he displayed normal emotions.

I turned my attention back to the sunset, but surreptitiously stole a few glances at Gaara. Ever so still, he kept his attention forward. He was so melancholy. It broke my heart. It wasn't fair that he should have to live like this. Someone his age should be hanging out with his friends and making his parents worry. He should be flirting with some girl, like a normal fifteen-year-old. Not living with his siblings (who were the only ones in the village who aren't dead scared of him) and having to battle the Ichibi while carrying out the duties of Kazekage. I caught myself staring at him.

So did he.

Oops.

He also noticed the sad look on my face.

"What's wrong?" he asked me.

More emotion? I forced myself to hold his gaze. It was surprisingly hard.

"Nothing," I mumbled, looking down.

"No, really. Something's wrong. I can tell."

I smiled feebly and stood up straight, looking into his eyes.

"I just… just…" How was I supposed to tell him that I was contemplating the tragic abnormity of his life? It really did break my heart. "This is so impossible!" I said, putting my forehead in my hands. "I don't know how to say it!" I almost laughed at my difficulty.

"But will you tell me?" He leaned closer, now standing straight as well. He even took a couple of steps closer. I was electrically aware that he was a mere foot away.


Sorry, everyone, for the cliffhanger, but I wanted to keep you interested! And chapter 5 needed its own space. So, title preview-

Chapter 5: Did He Really - ?