"Get out of here! They will kill you to release the Tailed Beast and use it as a weapon!"

"I'd never leave you."

He wrapped his arms around the woman's smaller frame and pulled her close, wrapping his hands in her wavy, shoulder-length locks. The woman sobbed into his shoulder, fisting his shirt in her hands.

"I can't do this to you," she sobbed. "Please, just leave!"

"Your family will suffer the consequences if I leave," he murmured into her hair. "Everything will be okay."

The sounds of angry screams were getting closer, and the male released her to prepare for the fight ahead. There were three swift kicks, the third one flinging the wood door open so fast, it made a loud crack as it slammed against the wall. There stood the villagers, the most ruthless of them all standing in front. His long dark spikes and red orbs bore into the man in front of him.

"You are an enemy to us, One. You'll never get the chance to hurt us!"

"I wouldn't harm anyone!" the man yelled. "You're just a coward willing to sacrifice people from your own village. You're fucking pathetic."

His persecutor signaled for the attack as a blood-curdling scream echoed through the air.

Sakura woke to the sun's bright rays and shifted the covers over her head, but it was too late. She could now hear the birds chirping and her mind was going from groggy to awake. Damn it, why was it when she wanted to sleep in her body refused. As if to mock her, Sakura's stomach grumbled and her bladder instructed her feet to the bathroom. The ninja cursed to herself before sitting up and stretching. Sakura rubbed her eyes and stood up, slipping her feet into her slippers. It was time to grocery shop with the earnings she'd gotten from her mission.

Trudging towards the bathroom, Sakura closed the door behind her hand stripped herself of her clothes. She used the bathroom and turned on the shower. Within minutes, Sakura was underneath the warm embrace of the water. Sakura held her head underneath the stream to soak her hair and lathered shampoo into it. Her thoughts wandered to that red-headed menace. To Sakura's irritation, Gaara would stand off in the shadows close by. His presence may cause a scene if her friends ran into her with him

Despite that, Sakura realized she had questions. Was the story of him slaughtering thousands of people true? Who picked her for Gaara and why? That thought made her temperature rise. Who thought she needed someone's constant help? Sakura was one of the most powerful kunoichi in the leaf. The next time she saw Gaara, he would explain what the hell was going on.

After rinsing her hair and giving her body a good scrub, Sakura stepped out of the shower and dried off. What did she want for breakfast? When she exited her small house, Sakura swung by the Yamanaka flower shop to see if Ino would like to join her for breakfast. She wasn't in the mood to hear the latest Konoha gossip, but eating by herself just seemed too lonesome.

During her walk to the flower shop, Sakura enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her skin. It was so nice during this time of the year and she wished it would stay like this year-round. There was nothing better than the smell of the trees and the colorful flower blooming, making the surroundings pop. Nature itself was just a beautiful thing that Sakura enjoyed. It had been a while since she watched the sunset from the top of Hokage Tower. It would give her time to clear her head of her current situation with her stalker/protector guy.

Soon the small shop was in view and Sakura let herself in, a little bell dinging when she stepped in. Her eyes fell on Ino's father. He gave her a gentle smile before asking was she looking for Ino.

"Is she awake yet?" Sakura questioned while looking over the gorgeous bouquets of roses lining the right side of the entrance.

Inoichi chuckled. "I didn't have to drag her out of bed this morning. She's in the back sorting our new shipment of flowers. Go on back."

"Thank you," Sakura called as she headed towards the back of the store.

She opened a heavy door and looked around for her friend, enjoying the earthy smell that was permeating from her surroundings. The foliage made her want to try gardening again. Sakura had always wanted to grow her own fruits and vegetables. Too bad she never remembered gardens required up-keep. Hers always died from lack of water and weeding. One of these days she would get it right. She refused to get tips from Ino so she could tease her about lacking a green thumb.

"Hey, pig!" Sakura shouted. "Want to get breakfast?!"

"Stop calling me a pig, Mega Forehead!"

Sakura blinked in response. Well, that was a new one. Into came from around a corner, apron smudged with dirt along with her gloves. Her blue eyes sparkled at Sakura while she removed her gardening attire.

"Weren't expecting that, huh?" she teased, bumping her shoulder against Sakura.

"Oh hush," Sakura muttered. "Are you coming to breakfast or what?"

Ino tapped her finger on her chin. "Where did you want to go?"

That was a good question. Ino saw the confused look on the pinkette's face and laughed. "How about the eatery by the hospital?"

"What's that place called again?"

"Hell, if I know."

Sakura huffed. "Well, wash your grubby hands first."

Ino responded by rolling her eyes and heading towards the sink.

Once they got seated in the small outside shop, the two girls ordered. While they waited, Ino filled Sakura in on what's going on with Tenten and Neji. They were expecting their first child, and it outraged Neji's clan about having a child out of wedlock. It shocked Sakura to hear Tenten was pregnant at twenty, but she and Neji had been dating since they were teenagers. Sakura pondered on what that was like, tuning out Ino's banter. Sakura could see the love between her two friends whenever they looked at each other. Though Neji's his facial expressions remained constant, anyone could tell that she meant everything to him.

Sakura envied them. The one person she had ever loved did not share her feelings. True, he wouldn't mind her bearing his children to rebuild his clan, but Sakura refused to just be a baby factory. When he brought such a preposterous idea to her, she slapped him, something Sakura had never pictured herself doing. She put Sasuke on a golden pedestal in her life. As Sakura got older, she realized it was an obsession. She wanted to save him from the horrible path he was going down.

Ever since Sasuke had returned a year ago, Sakura could count on her hands the number of times they had encountered each other despite all the times she had tried to spend time with him. She tried to show Sasuke he wasn't alone, that he didn't have to shoulder all the pain he had bottled up inside him by himself, but it was too late. It corrupted him and although he was back in the Leaf, Sakura knew he'd leave again. The Konoha ninja life wouldn't suit him for much longer and this time, Sakura could live with him figuring out a life outside the village.

They figured Sasuke could tell them Orochimaru's whereabouts, but he couldn't. Inoichi searched his mind and proved it. Orochimaru destroyed his previous hideouts after leaving to better hide his trail. After using Orochimaru for his power, Sasuke left to find his brother. Sasuke claimed Orochimaru didn't object to his departure, but that may be because Sasuke's power overshadowed his.

"Hey!"

"Ouch, you brat!" Sakura shouted when she felt the sharp pinch on her arm.

Ino stuck her tongue out at her. "What's got you spacing out? You could at least pretend to listen!"

At that moment, a young girl brought their food to them. Her hands were shaking as she set Ino's tea in front of her and Sakura's orange juice. She put the plates down as fast as she could, stuttered her thanks while pushing up her glasses and scuttled away.

"She was nervous," Ino mused, picking up a slice of her grapefruit.

Sakura looked over at what Ino had chosen for her meal: a grapefruit, grilled fish, and a bowl of white rice. Then she gazed at what she had gotten which included tempura shrimp, miso soup, two rolls of sushi, and a bowl of green tea ice cream. She felt bad at first, at least until she bit into the succulent shrimp.

"And you call me the Pig," Ino smiled when Sakura growled at her. Taking a bite of her egg whites, she asked, "So when are you going to tell me what happened on your mission?"

"That's none of your business," Sakura grumbled. She picked up her toast and took a healthy bite, not envying Ino's bland toast in the slightest.

Sakura looked at the expression on her friend's face and she realized the question wasn't a question. There was something Ino already knew. Sakura heart picked up. Did she know something about Gaara?

"I hear the guy you brought back is handsome," Ino spoke.

Sakura frowned. Didn't she have enough suitors as it was to not go after their prisoners?

"He's gay," Sakura answered. He seemed a little flamboyant in her opinion.

Ino laughed. "Oh well, lost cause then."

"You're a lost cause-"

Sakura's words caught in her throat when she spotted Gaara leaning against a tree about two hundred feet away. Her heart sped up when he locked eyes with her.

"What? What are you looking at?"

Ino turned and frowned. "You're such a weirdo! There is nothing over there."

"I thought I saw something, but I guess not."

That was close. Had anyone else seen him? Gaara couldn't just show up anywhere. She knew when she went up to Hokage Tower, the One would most likely follow her there. There is where she would rip into him for his carelessness. Sakura wanted to talk to Ino about the whole Gaara situation, but that wasn't wise. Ino was the biggest blabbermouth and that was something she did not want spread throughout the entire village. Or worse, the blonde would want to meet Gaara. That encounter would end in disaster. Gaara was far too honest and Ino did not take insults well. Sakura finished her breakfast, left money on the table, and excused herself from Ino's presence.

"We have spotted him. He's following a girl named Sakura Haruno from the Leaf Village."

The being stood from his place in the universe, watching the display before him. Next, they had to located the One of Determination, the main being he was after. He was in the Leaf Village and with Gaara there, he would surface. All the plans were being set in motion and soon, he would collect every single one of the Tailed Beasts. With that, he turned away to plan his next move.

Sakura finished running all her errands like getting food and cleaning up her place. Unsure what to do next, Sakura headed towards the hospital. Sakura knew she'd get to help someone. She walked through the double doors into the chaos. One of their newer nurses helped push a patient on a gurney into surgery. Her hands were shaking as she tried to hold pressure on a gushing wound. Sakura caught up and placed her hand over the other nurse's.

"Try mending the artery with your chakra to slow the bleeding, then hold pressure."

She gave a grateful smile and followed Sakura's advice. Within a few seconds, her smile brightened as the bleeding slowed. "Thank you, Miss Sakura!"

"I told you to stop calling me Miss!" Sakura hollered after her.

Sakura felt a grin spread across her face as she watched them head towards surgery. She loved the medical field. There was something about healing a fatal injury. You meant everything to them while trying to save their lives and sometimes, it was the medic's expertise whether they lived or died.

"Sakura! Please help with this patient! He's gone into cardiac arrest!"

The medic sprinted toward the voice and grabbed a bag-valve mask off the gurney.

Sakura left the hospital around five sighed with consent. Her patients today cured her boredom. She helped revive a man in cardiac arrest, treated a broken pelvis, help heal a head injury, and delivered a healthy baby girl to a mother who didn't know she was pregnant. Sakura had a difficult time holding in laughter at the woman's shocked expression. Women who knew they were pregnant had nine months to prepare. Imagine having thirty minutes. She handled herself well after getting past the initial shock.

Sakura traveled to Hokage Mountain. It took about five minutes before she enjoyed the beautiful view of Konoha. The sun was setting and a gentle breeze whipped around her. She laid down and gazed at the sky. The only sounds she heard were that of nature: the wind, birds chirping in the distance, and the rustle of the green leaves.

Sakura turned her head a little. "Come on out Gaara."

The redhead moved from his spot behind a tree and stood next to her. He didn't speak, cyan eyes like vortexes ready to swallow her. Sakura locked eyes with the powerful being. Despite that he could crush her into dust, she felt no fear. She sensed no malice toward; however, it festered within him. her. She wondered what happened to him. He was the One of Hatred, but she couldn't remember the story behind him. It was crazy; here was someone in written books as a myth standing before her. It was so overwhelming and if she hadn't tried to wake herself up from the dream she thought she was in, Sakura wouldn't believe it herself.

Her eyes moved over his features: silky hair the same color as blood, smooth pale skin, bright colored eyes, and thin lips. Dark circles lined his eyes, making her believe he didn't sleep, just like he said. Sakura's curious gaze confused Gaara. She wasn't looking at him like he was a monster or with hate.

Gaara broke their eye contact and turned to face the view. "What did you call me for?"

Sakura snapped out of her trance, cleared her throat, and stood up. She put on her best pissed off face and placed her hands on her slender hips. "What the hell were you doing in town?! Someone could have seen you!"

"I was careful to hide my presence," he answered. "I must know your location at all times."

"Why?!"

"Because I have-"

"Oh, stop it already with the protecting thing!" Sakura shouted, throwing her hands in the air out of exasperation. "I don't want your help nor do I need it! Why don't you help someone who needs it?!"

Gaara's expression did not change. "I did not choose you, Madara did."

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed. "Who is he and why did he choose me?"

"I do not know."

Sakura was becoming frustrated. "What do I have to do to get rid of you?! Turn you into my village? Of course, they'll all think I'm a lunatic saying that a One has been following me around."

Gaara did not answer. His expression was answer enough. She would regret making that a decision. Sakura didn't doubt that if she made him mad enough, he would kill her. What a hassle. Sakura racked her brain for another option. He had made a horrible first impression so friendship seemed impossible. Maybe she should play nice for now, but he claimed his time to "protect her" was five years….

Sakura sighed and ran her fingers through her pink hair that now had a purple hue with the lack of light. Perhaps getting to know a celestial type being could prove interesting. She gazed up at Gaara, who had turned and cast her an inquisitive look. His arms were at his side instead of being crossed over his chest.

"Why don't we start over if you're not planning on leaving me alone?"

"What do you mean?"

"Let's get along."

Gaara's expression clouded. "You mean become friends?"

Sakura thought for a moment before speaking. "Yes, like friends. You like to piss me off so let's at least try for acquaintances first."

Her words shocked Gaara. No one ever wanted to be his friend besides Naruto. That thought brought the pain in his chest back. He wanted to confront Naruto, but he didn't seem like himself. Something was off. He'd spent all night pacing about it. Naruto was affectionate and sometimes goofy, but not to this extent. His eyes held an innocence that seemed uncharacteristic of him, like none of the events of their past happened. He returned his gaze to Sakura and realized she was the key to the answers he sought. The One of Spite came to him and said Madara did not want him to approach Naruto. He tied Gaara's hands while his mind died for answers, for closure. This woman was the most irritating yet brave mortal he had ever met, and he longed for some companionship after spending so much time isolated and alone.

"Alright."

Sakura gave him a smile. "Good and you can call me by my name. I notice you never say it."

That was true. Gaara had always been very impersonal with his previous humans. If he did not get involved with them, he would not get attached… or kill them.

"I will, Sakura Haruno."

Sakura stomach growled. "I'm going home to eat. Would you like something?"

"Immortals do not require sustenance."

Sakura huffed. "That's not what I asked. You can still eat though, can't you? If I remember right, you guys just don't get hungry."

She was right and the smug grin plastered on her face proved her awareness. It wouldn't hurt. Gaara had to admit that he was having a hard time transitioning from her usual abusive attitude. It was throwing him off.

"You are a strange human."

"How so?" Sakura's face showed she was interested in an answer.

Gaara remained silent, unsure of how to express his thoughts.

Instead, he turned his back to her and said, "Let's go."

He evaporated into sand and disappeared. Sakura rolled her eyes at his way of avoiding her question. It looked like he wanted to speak, but he stopped. Sakura followed suit and headed towards her house. She entered and searched for his chakra; he was already in the kitchen. Sakura removed her shoes and padded down the wooden floors of her small house to the kitchen. Gaara surprised her by lining up spices on the counter. He had the salmon she bought earlier laid on the counter, the oven preheating, a bag of white rice on the counter, and mixed vegetables already rinsed sitting in the sink.

Gaara looked over his shoulder. "Where are your knives?"

She pointed at the small drawer to the right of her oven. He walked over and rummaged through the drawer before settling on the knife he wanted to use. Gaara placed it on the counter next to the salmon and reached for the seasoning, placing an even amount on each side of the six pieces of fish. He looked around the kitchen again for a pan and placed the fish into it. Gaara glanced over his shoulder.

"Are you going to just stand there?"

Sakura sucked in her cheeks. "I thought you didn't have to eat!"

"That does not mean I can't enjoy cooking."

Sakura wanted to smack him for being such a smart ass. She growled and stomped towards the vegetables that were still sitting in the sink. Sakura picked up the knife and grabbed a green pepper. She chopped it all the while mumbling under her breath about what a jerk Gaara was. He ignored her, just like she knew he would.

Soon the salmon was baking in the oven, the rice boiling on the stove, and the vegetables sautéing in a pan. The smells that were wafting from the stove and oven were enough to make her stomach sound like it was trying to eat its way out of her body. Her eyes kept turning to look at the clock, wishing the time to pass faster. She even bounced on the balls of her feet with impatience.

"This sucks," she said, moving to flop down in a chair before standing back up again and pacing the kitchen floor.

Humor danced in Gaara's eyes. Sakura frowned at him and moved to stand in front of him. "Is something amusing?"

"You."

Sakura poked him in the chest. "Hey don't make fun of me."

Gaara caught her hand and held it to his chest. Sakura's heart sped up. She couldn't help gazing into those unique eyes of his again for a second before pulling away, hoping he didn't see the red tinge her face had developed.

"What are you doing?!" she exclaimed without turning to look at him.

"I don't like being touched."

Sakura sucked her teeth. "Shut up Gaara."

After their delicious meal, to Sakura's surprise concluded, Gaara left. No goodbye or anything. Sakura huffed in annoyance. He was not a people person. Sakura rubbed her full stomach, got up, and cleaned the kitchen. Once it was spotless, she headed to her room to get some well-deserved rest. The red-haired menace plagued her mind until the moment she fell asleep.