It was close to seven so Temari figured she should probably wake up Kyuu. She crept down the hall to Gaara's room and stood in front of the door for a short moment. She didn't want to go in there; she doubted Kyuu would even still be alive. She had no idea when Gaara's patience was going to run out with the girl, but she knew clearly just how short of a fuse he had. Hesitantly she poked her head inside; still expecting to find a corpse she'd be forced to clean up. A sharp gasp instantly escaped her lips when she saw what was inside the room. No, it wasn't Kyuu's mangled corpse but what it was, was even scarier. Kyuu was lying fast asleep in Gaara's lap resting peacefully against his chest while he held her close with a blanket wrapped tightly around them.

'No fucken way!' She thought to herself; not believing her eyes. There was just no way, it's impossible. Gaara didn't do cuddling. Hell he didn't do touching anyone unless it meant to kill them. This had to be a trick.

Gaara didn't notice Temari watching in on their little moment (luckily or she'd probably be dead). He was too engrossed with watching Kyuu sleep on him to notice anything other than her. Looking at the two of them closely Temari noticed a change in his eyes. His eyes weren't filled with hate like they usually were. They were blank; like he was actually calm and not festering with hate at the moment.

Shocked out of her wits Temari snuck away from his room and quietly closed the door behind her. She crept back through the hall and went into Kankuro's room. With a well placed punch in the side she got him up and dragged his ass out of bed. Kankuro grumbled the whole time she dragged him back to Gaara's room; despite her constant shushing. She had to show him this phenomenon. He had to see their homicidal baby brother being so cute before it was too late and they never saw him like that again. This was a once in a life time opportunity. When she silently cracked the door open they found neither of them had moved at all. They remained in the same position and Kankuro gawked at it.

The two just about fainted out of shock as they watched Gaara stroke Kyuu's hair out of her face. She remained fast asleep as he did this and they noticed a slight softening in his face. Somebody who didn't know Gaara as long as they had wouldn't have been able to see the change that had overcome him but they could and were amazed; border lining completely freaked out really. Gaara's hand suddenly twitched and he stiffened up like a rock. The two instantly felt the drop in temperature and chills ran down their spines in fright. They were busted.

"I know you two are there. Don't you dare try to hide from me." Gaara hissed out and turned his head to send them a dark death glare. They jumped; nearly pissing themselves in fear before Temari opened the door completely and they came in submissively. Oh how they wished they could have booked it out of there instead, but that would have had worse end results.

"Uh…hi Gaara, I uh need to wake up Kyuu now so I'll just uh take her off you." Temari stated nervously; figuring it'd be best to explain why they were watching before he had a chance to get angry. Or angrier, as it was. Temari made a reach to touch Kyuu, but Gaara snatched her wrist away tightly; preventing movement while sending an even darker glare.

"Don't touch her." Gaara snarled; releasing her wrist from his vise like grip and she rubbed the now red skin while backing out of his reach.

"Uh, yes well she needs to get up. She has to go home." Temari tried explaining, but Gaara's glare darkened. "She left me a note saying-

"Leave us alone." Gaara ordered; cutting her off from the rest of her explanation.

Gaara didn't have to say it twice. Temari knew better then to push the matter any farther or it might cost her life. She nodded submissively and left the room in a rush; Kankuro already one step ahead of her. On the other side of the door Temari and Kankuro exchanged a confused and slightly frightful glance before heading downstairs.

When Gaara was sure the two imbeciles had left and wouldn't come back anytime soon he glanced back down at Kyuu. He brushed some more of her jet black hair out of her face again. He blinked slowly as the hair slipped through his fingers; it was soft like silk and smelt like tropical flowers. He gazed at her with slight curiosity in his eyes; he had never been so close to a girl before (or anyone for that matter). He took in all of her features; studying her. She was….pretty... He scowled as soon as that thought occurred. This creature was getting to him, he knew it. He could feel her affecting him somehow and that he did not like.

Gaara knew she was doing something to him because he didn't want her to wake up. When she'd wake she'd have to leave and for some odd reason he found that he liked her around him; her presence was comfortable and he greedily wanted to keep it that way. Leaving would make the calming feeling go. Then again, he didn't like all this feeling; he didn't want to feel anything at all; let alone all these strange new things that were bombarding him. It would be best for her to just leave and get out of his hair.

Kyuu moved a bit in her sleep and snuggled against Gaara; burying her face in his chest with a content sigh. As she did this Gaara felt a strange twisting feeling in his gut. He blinked down at himself and her, confused by the strange sensation in his stomach. His frown worsened in response to it. He didn't like all this confusion she was bringing him; it was driving him completely insane but he couldn't bring himself to get rid of her. In fact he almost wanted her to stay. This only added to his unyielding confusion. It would be so simple just to end all this confusion all together. It would be easy. So why couldn't he?

"What are you doing to me? Why don't I want to kill you?" He hissed at the sleeping figure in frustration and she moved again.

Kyuu shifted her head against him and so her bangs ended up falling across her face from the movement. Hesitantly Gaara reached out a hand and brushed her hair out of her face. His fingers brushed against her cheek and he felt that same strange jolt of cold he felt whenever he touched her; she had such little body heat.

Kyuu twitched a bit in response to his touching and she fluttered her eyes open sleepily. She blinked a few times; blinking the grogginess away and looked up at Gaara in confusion. She blushed brightly as she became aware that he had one arm around her, holding her while the other was on her face and she was lying in his lap. As her blush intensified she moved out of his lap hurriedly. She stood up fast while rubbing her eyes to get the sleep out and yawning.

Kyuu looked around Gaara's room while she tried to get her blush to go away. Anything to not look at him while she was so embarrassed. She could not believe she actually fell asleep on him!

"So uh was I sleeping on you all night?" Kyuu asked; scratching the back of her head embarrassed and still not looking at him.

Gaara was silent so she braved herself and turned to look at him. He didn't say anything as she looked at him expectantly; just stared at her with his emotionless mask. It made her nervous and self conscious. His gaze was unwavering and blank. She couldn't read any emotion on his face or in his eyes; they both looked empty. Suddenly she grew a sudden childish desire to poke him with a stick and see if he was still alive but refrained from doing so.

A knock on the door pulled Kyuu out of her musing and Gaara out of his staring. They both turned to see Temari poke her head in. Gaara's features instantly darkened as she entered the room. He stared her down like an animal to be killed.

"Gaara I know you told me to leave you two alone but uh it's just its seven thirty now and Kyuu really needs to get ready." She started nervously and quickly noticed Kyuu was now awake. "Oh you're awake. Well ok then, here I washed these for you." She added and handed Kyuu her ninja clothes. She had forgotten she was still in the outfit Temari gave her to wear yesterday.

"Thanks, do you want me to give this back to you?" Kyuu responded and pointed at what she was wearing while taking her clothes from Temari and speaking.

"No keep it. It's too small for me anyway." She replied and Kyuu said quick thanks as she left out the door in a rush.

"I'm uh going to go get dressed." Kyuu stated awkwardly and went to the bathroom to change. When she came back out Gaara was sitting on his bed in deep thought. 'Oh my God, he moved!' She mentally joked before getting serious "You ok Gaara?" She asked; coming closer to him.

Gaara nodded and they both left the room. Kyuu decided she'd be nice to everyone and made breakfast for them as thanks for letting her stay the night. With some help around the kitchen from Temari she was able to make waffles for the three siblings and herself. After breakfast she stayed to clean up the dishes and the mess she made in the kitchen. She said her goodbyes to Temari and Kankuro, but Gaara had disappeared right after he finished eating. She sighed, she had wanted to tell him goodbye before she left. He was nowhere in sight though. She tried to make her way to the door to leave, but got stopped by Temari on her way out. Temari said she wanted to talk to her for a moment and started fixing her hair and putting on a bit of makeup on her while she talked. She complied so that she'd be able to leave faster rather than arguing about it for awhile (and maybe if she delayed she'd run into Gaara before she left).

"It was nice having you here. We don't get guests much." Temari stated as she brushed Kyuu's hair.

"Thank you for letting me stay. It was nice meeting you guys. You're pretty cool people." Kyuu responded. 'Though you could work on being a bit nicer to your brother.' She added mentally.

"Same to you. I'm amazed that Gaara actually likes you too." Temari replied.

"I'd say tolerates me, not likes." Kyuu stated with a shake of her head and a smile.

"No, trust me. He tolerates me and Kankuro, he likes you. You've known him what four days now? Already you're closer to him then we are." She responded.

'I think that's more on your part as well if you don't make an effort.' Kyuu thought before speaking. "We understand each other a bit I guess." She replied.

"Well if you're ever in Suna again, hit me up. It gets annoying being the only girl in this house. You can stay here again if you ever visit."

"Ha thanks, if you guys are ever in Konoha we need to chill then too. I'd say you could stay at my place but it's only a two bedroom apartment." She laughed.

Temari and Kyuu chatted idly while Temari finished her hair and went onto make up. Kyuu didn't like how Kankuro and Temari were with their brother, but she liked Temari. Temari was pretty damn cool; she was tough and had an attitude. She was pretty and put some effort into her appearance but she wasn't girly like most of the girls back home. She had more in common with her than she ever did with Ino or Sakura that was for sure.

Temari finished putting on a tiny bit of eyeliner and mascara on Kyuu before giving her some lip gloss and then deemed her ready to leave. Kyuu said her goodbyes once more and asked Temari and Kankuro to tell Gaara goodbye for her. She then left the house before she could get distracted again.

As Kyuu shut the front door and started down the steps of the porch she felt someone watching her and picked up a familiar scent. She walked a few feet in front of the house and then turned around; looking up at the roof to see Gaara sitting there and glaring down at her. Kyuu grinned and hopped up onto the roof next to him. She could say bye herself after all.

"Hey, I wondered where you went." She stated casually; sitting down beside him.

"..."

"…."

"…."

"….Well I just wanted to say bye...So bye I guess; hope we see each other again sometime." Kyuu stated awkwardly.

"Hn."

"Come on, can't you even say bye or something or at least show some sort of emotion?"

"..."

"Fine don't say anything, see if I care!" Kyuu snapped; huffing in annoyance and looking away from him.

Gaara didn't react like she had hoped he might've so she sighed and looked back over at him. She decided to go for a new approach. "Just so you know, I do consider you a friend. So you know, if you ever need help or just want to hang out or something I'm here for you...well not here as in right here on this spot, but you know you can count on me and such." Kyuu explained; smiling slightly and he looked slightly surprised.

"You consider me a friend?" He demanded not believing her in the slightest. He didn't have friends. People didn't want to be friends with him.

"Yup! So if you ever need anything at all I'm here for you; if ever you need me." Kyuu answered nodding.

"I don't believe you." He hissed while looking her dead square in the eyes.

Kyuu looked at him carefully; holding his gaze. He was so broken.

"Gaara, I promise. I care about you and I mean it. If you ever need me just call my name. I'll come running, I promise." Kyuu stated comfortingly and stood up.

Kyuu dusted herself off and smiled down at Gaara. She blushed lightly and bent down; placing a hand on one of his cheeks and planting a quick peck on his other.

Gaara's eyes widened considerately and his face began to burn as she placed a kiss on his cheek; only an inch or so away from the corner of his mouth. Kyuu moved away from him and smiled at him once more before running off; shouting goodbye with a bright blush on her face.

Gaara sat there in utter shock for quite awhile after she had left He was still trying to register what just happened. '….She just...kissed me...'
She literally had just kissed him on the cheek. What the hell was that all about? Why in the world would she do that? Why the hell didn't he kill her for that? Everything had come to a complete standstill as soon as that happened.

Gaara shook his head; trying to clear it before he got up, hopped off the roof, and went back inside. Gaara passed the living room in his retreat to his room and Temari and Kankuro both looked at him as he did so. They stared at him in wide eyed shock when they saw his face.

"What?" Gaara demanded; annoyed at their staring.

"She kissed you!?" Kankuro exclaimed in shock.

"NO SHE DIDN'T!" Gaara snarled cursing himself when he felt his face burn again. What the hell was wrong with him?

"Yes she did, you have lip gloss on your cheek." Temari pointed out.

Gaara sent them a murderous glare and they silenced immediately. They didn't dare tease him any farther. Once Gaara got them to shut up he continued on to his room. He was still brooding over these new...feelings that were arising with connection to that accursed girl. This was all wrong. He was glad she left, she was tainting him. Now that he didn't have to deal with her he could push her and everything she stirred up out of his mind. Out of sight; out of mind. He'd be his normal self in no time and never waste another thought on her again.

Kyuu headed out of the village at a very fast pace. Once she was on the other side of the gates she slowed down to a walk and felt the blush cool from her face. She actually just did that? She couldn't believe she kissed his cheek. She didn't know what overcame her. He just looked so lost and broken. He looked so sad and she wanted him to understand she was telling him the truth. She'd admit he was cute, cuter than most guys she's seen. Still that was a bold move for her.

Kyuu gazed at the seemingly endless desert that spread out in front of her. She sighed heavily before marching off into the sand dunes for the long and boring walk back. Now that she by herself though, she wasn't hindered by going someone else's pace and started off at an extremely fast pace thanks to her vampiric nature.

While Kyuu headed back to the village she thought about a bunch of different things. She thought about Gaara and his strangeness for quite some time, but after awhile her thoughts drifted to her friends. She didn't get a chance to tell Naruto she was leaving for a mission, last she saw him they had split up from their prank on Sasuke. She felt a bit bad about that, she left him alone to deal with such an angry Sasuke. She also wondered if Sasuke dyed his hair back to black since then. By the time she would get back to the village she would have been gone for close to a week.

When Kyuu finally arrived back at the village she headed straight to the Hokage to give her report. "I have returned!" She declared when she entered his office.

"I can see that." He responded with amusement. "How did the mission go?"

"Well other then getting hounded by some less then skillful ninja left and right for that package it went fine."

"So you were pursued."

"Yeah, but it was nothing the two of us couldn't handle."

"That's good to hear, I didn't think you would have much of a problem."

"Nope plus that boy you sent me with has some major skills. He's passed Genin level."

The Hokage nodded before continuing. "So the package was delivered and you returned in one piece." He concluded.

"Yup. You know Suna is boring as hell. It's nothing but dirt and sand. Plus that God awful heat, horrible place really." She replied and complained a bit.

"I suppose for someone like you it would be." He agreed.

Kyuu nodded and placed her hands behind her head while shifting her weight all onto one leg. "So where's my team? Did you give them time off while I was gone?" She asked curiously.

"No I had them work on some low level missions while you were gone, but Naruto started to complain too much." He began to explain.

"Sounds like him." She agreed; she complained about most of the missions as well.

"Yes, so Naruto got tired of all the D rank missions I've been giving you all, so I sent them on a C rank mission. It was unexpected, but I was sure you wouldn't mind me sending them off without you." He explained. "Considering the solo mission you just went on." He added.

"I don't really care I guess." Kyuu replied with a shrug. "Hey, uh, what color was Sasuke's hair?" She asked suddenly; remembering about that.

"Black, same as always, why?" He asked confused.

"Oh, no reason." 'Damn he must've dyed it black again.' She thought in disappointment; she wanted to see the pink hair one more time. "So uh, where did you send my team? I might be able to catch up to them." She asked; changing the subject and hoping they weren't too far ahead.

"They're going to the Land of the Waves. They didn't leave that long ago so you should be able to catch up to them if you hurry." He answered and Kyuu nodded a thanks and left.

This time Kyuu made sure to pack for this mission and packed most of her blood packets and some spare clothes before heading off. She wasn't sure of the details of this mission so she didn't know how long she'd be gone.

Luckily Kyuu roamed around a lot before she moved to the Leaf Village and knew her way around. She started off at a very fast pace and didn't make any stops for rest. She figured she'd have no real problem with it; her endurance was much greater than that of a human's, she could go for quite some time without needing rest. She pushed on hard and didn't pay much attention to the time that went by, but after quite some time of running she made it to the sea where a bridge was being built. Another perk that came with her being a vampire was she learned things quicker than others and knew the ability to walk on water so she pumped more energy into her now starting to numb legs and just ran across the sea instead of waiting to catch a boat.

That was a struggle for her; she was feeling the strain in her legs and body but pushed on, she couldn't collapse in the middle of the sea. When she had made it over she kept going anyway. She was afraid if she stopped to rest she wouldn't be able to keep going. She wanted to catch up with the others soon so she didn't stop. She knew she should've; she didn't bother to rest after her trip back from Suna and hadn't taken a rest on this trip either. She wasn't sure why she was pushing herself so hard and she was going to crash soon. She'd keep going until she found them or collapsed, one of the two.

As Kyuu pressed on and ignored her body trying to shut down and rest, she sensed her team nearby as well as traces of other scents. She had a hunch there had been a battle and that made her worry. What if something had happened? She pumped more power into her aching legs and rushed to where she was picking up their scents.

When Kyuu finally reached her team she came to a dead stop. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were standing next to Kakashi and he was unconscious on the ground. An old man was standing beside them as well and judging by the sudden change in landscape there was definitely a battle here and a big one. Not a standard C rank goon battle either by the looks of it.

"W-what h-happened?" Kyuu panted out when she reached her team. Now that she wasn't moving she was feeling the result of her stupidity. The others quickly turned around to look at her in surprise, but before they could answer her question her body gave her a nice big "F you!" and shut itself down. Kyuu's eyes lost focus and her head swam, she felt her legs give out under her and she fell forward; passing out from exhaustion. Before she completely blacked out she felt Naruto catch her and then she slipped into unconsciousness and everything went black.