Sakura decided it was time to take a much needed small vacation. Life had been kicking her ever since the man with red hair showed up. Although they were on better terms, Sakura needed a break. Time to pamper herself before returning to the ruthless shinobi world. After routing it through Tsunade, Sakura wasn't accepting missions Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was now Thursday evening, and she was in her room packing for the weekend. The pinkette made reservations at a spa in a nearby village. She heard from Ino that it was nice and she couldn't wait to get a pedicure and facial. A massage didn't sound half bad either. Her shoulders had been feeling a little stiff, but she had to carry a three hundred pound patient a few days prior. That patient had uncontrolled high cholesterol and diabetes, yet she refused to change her eating habits or exercise.
Sakura cleared her mind as she finished closing her large backpack. She padded to the bathroom and did a quick mental check. Her deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste were still sitting on the counter for the next morning. She hoped she wouldn't forget them. The young woman shuffled back to her room and dove underneath the covers, reaching on the side of the bed to grab a book she kept telling herself she would finish.
Sakura looked up. "What is it Gaara?"
The kunoichi had gotten used to him appearing in her apartment. The first time Gaara did, he got various items hurled in his direction. It was astounding how comfortable she was around him now. Sakura noticed she expected his visits and to her confusion, it disappointed her when he didn't drop by. Her looking forward to seeing him was still as confusing as the moment she noticed it.
"I would like company."
Sakura rolled her eyes.
"You're a bold and needy celestial being."
She motioned for him to have a seat on her bed. She sat up and crossed her legs underneath the blanket and gazed into his cyan orbs. It seemed like he grew more attractive every day. No matter how much Sakura tried to push those thoughts away, they kept returning. How could she develop feelings for someone who forced his presence on her? It frustrated her. Gaara sat down and placed his gourd on the floor. He crossed his arms over his chest, a look of deep thought etching his features. Sakura's eyebrows furrowed. He was contemplating something, but what?
"Everything okay?" she questioned, placing her book down next to her.
Gaara's expression remained serious. "Yes, I'm uncertain on a lot of things."
"Anything you want to talk about?"
Gaara shook his head and Sakura decided not to pry. She believed Gaara would either lash out when pressured or withdraw. They had made progress with their "tolerance" of each other. No reason to revert. Ever since that night where he almost lost control, he seemed lost in thought. Sakura wanted to ask him who he was talking about with his outburst and who his best friend was, but she would wait. He would tell her when he was ready.
The One laid back on her bed, linking his fingers behind his head. "So, you're going to the spa tomorrow?"
"Yes," Sakura answered, moving to lean her back against her headboard. "I'm super excited."
Gaara turned his gaze to her. "It is a place of relaxation, correct?"
"Right," Sakura responded with a grin. "Keeps me from going crazy."
"Going crazy may sound bad, but it is a release."
Sakura mulled over his words. Sometimes she went ballistic on whoever upset her, but it solved nothing. Sakura mentioned that to Gaara and he nodded in agreement.
"Still, it makes you feel better," he responded.
Once ten o'clock rolled around, Sakura said her good nights, and the One disappeared in a whirl of sand. The more she talked to Gaara, the more she wanted to learn about him. He was so full of mystery and Sakura hated not knowing. As bad as she wanted to learn more about his past and him as a person, she wondered if his past would change how she saw him. Sakura tried to quiet her mind by turning off the light and closing her eyes.
The young woman woke the next morning to the sun's rays on her face. She could hear birds chirping outside her window and from the brightness of her room, she was guessing it was around nine o'clock in the morning. It was so nice sleeping in. Someone else could deal with patients who complained about their ailments but refused to take the advice of the provider.
After a big yawn and stretching, Sakura threw the covers back and moved to the bathroom to brush her teeth and hair. She packed them and got dressed. Sakura headed toward the kitchen with her backpack for breakfast. When she reached the fridge door, Sakura paused. Why not have breakfast there? She enjoyed trying new places. Sakura smiled, locked up her apartment, and began her journey. The village was a thirty-minute walk so with her abilities; she took ten. Sakura looked down at a piece of paper she had with Ino's poorly drawn map and the name of the spa. Its name was Serenity Spa. That sounded fantastic to Sakura and she couldn't wait to start her day. She would locate the spa then food. She was in the mood for traditional a Japanese breakfast that morning.
After asking around and getting lost for twenty minutes, Sakura found the Spa. The was an eatery nearby. She moved toward it with ravenous hunger. Once Sakura reached the shop, she walked in and a sweet hostess greeted her. Sakura followed her to a table and sat down with the menu. It pleased her to see they had traditional options. She was in the mood for rice, Tamagoyaki, and broiled fish. When the hostess brought out her food, Sakura stared at the beautiful display. The different scents that invaded her nostrils were almost too much to handle. Sakura dug into her plate and enjoyed the skills of the chef.
After paying for her breakfast, the kunoichi headed back towards Serenity Spa, her stomach tying itself in knots from excitement. She entered and found the inside to be beautiful. Red carpet lined its way from the entrance to the back of the building. There was a large foundation in the area's middle. Comfy looking couches lined each side and there were large windows letting in the sun's bright rays.
Sakura walked up to the front desk to check in. "Hi, my name is Sakura Haruno. I ordered the deluxe spa day treatment."
The receptionist also gave her a warm smile. "Yes, ma'am! We'll start you off with a massage, then a manicure and pedicure along with a facial. We also have a free complimentary lunch and access to the hot springs."
"Sounds amazing!" Sakura exclaimed. "Can you show me my room?"
"Of course!" the woman moved from behind the counter and placed a "will return in five minutes" sign up. "Please follow me."
They headed down a hallway together. Sakura's gaze bounced around at the beautiful decor until they stopped at a room marked 203. The woman unlocked it and handed Sakura a key.
"Enjoy Miss Haruno!"
With that, she returned to the check-in desk. She didn't realize it would be so nice. When she walked in, she was in a living room area. Sakura padded toward a large bedroom. A huge bed sat in the middle with two tall lamps on either side of the room. Sakura wanted to fall asleep in the comfy-looking bed, but she had some pampering to do. After placing her pack down, the pinkette turned to ask the front desk where to find her massage therapist, but a piece of paper on the bedroom dresser caught her attention. Sakura realized it was a map of their building. Massage therapy was on the first floor. Today would be an amazing day.
After a wonderful day of relaxing, the pinkette was enjoying a warm soak in the hot springs. The heat penetrated her already loose muscles to where Sakura thought she would turn into a bowl of jello. She watched the beautiful sunset in the distance. Nature was breath-taking. It was just the break she needed from her shinobi life. Even still her guard was up. Preparation remained engraved in her brain from when she was a young gennin. As the sun continued to sink behind the horizon, Sakura thought about that messy red hair she had grown accustomed to. She hated him at first, but now, his absence left an unusual shift in the air.
Sakura soaked a little longer then stood, ringing the water out of her hair. She wrapped herself in a towel as the gentle breeze chilled her. She stepped out and slid on sandals then her clothes. The relaxed woman returned to her room. A deep sigh escaped her lips as she got comfortable on the large, fluffy bed. The day's events left Sakura content. Being a kunoichi was stressful, and she needed to recharge or she'd burn out. She'd seen shinobi killed themselves because of the mental burden associated with the ninja world. Sakura never wanted to be that hopeless. She glanced up when she recognized Gaara nearby. The One entered and placed his gourd down before running his fingers through his red tresses. Sakura believed he put his gourd down because he trusted her a little. That was a good thing.
Their eyes locked and sparks jolted Sakura's heart. Sakura admitted her attraction to the celestial being with anger issues. Sakura wanted to smack herself. He was handsome, and they were getting along well now. She was almost ready to reveal his presence to Ino if Gaara allowed.
Sakura looked away as a blush formed over her cheeks. "Hey, Gaara."
He didn't answer but instead sat down on the bed close to her. "Sakura, I want to ask you something."
She returned her gaze to him. "What is it?"
His bright orbs searched hers for a moment. "What is this feeling I get when I'm around you?"
"Can you describe it?" she questioned, drawing her legs up to her chest.
"I'm comfortable around you," he started. "I've never had someone other than my best friend accept me. I'm grateful for that. I look forward to seeing you and enjoy our time."
Sakura's heart swelled. Gaara liked her too. She moved closer to Gaara, placing a hand on his lap.
"It's the same for me," she whispered. "I can't stop thinking about you. It's affection."
Gaara studied the hand on his lap. Is this what Naruto had for that woman? His "affection" for her got him killed... or whatever. He still had no answers and would demand them from Madara. Gaara's mind was in turmoil. He refused to end up like Naruto, but when he gazed at Sakura, Gaara sensed she would never betray him.
He placed his hand over hers. "I am glad you feel the same."
Sakura smiled at him. "Me too."
Gaara prepared to leave for the evening, but Sakura grasped his hand. He turned to witness the softest green eyes staring up at him through long lashes. She moved over a little, allowing Gaara space to lie down.
"Please don't go. Just stay a little longer."
Sakura awoke the next morning and stretched. She sat up in bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes. She realized Gaara disappeared. Even still, the woman smiled. Sakura did most of the talking, but she knew Gaara listened to every word. It was time to get back to reality. She had a shift at the hospital the following day. Despite having aseptic habits when caring for her patients, at home, she often left things out. Sakura threw her legs over the side and headed for the bathroom. She dispersed her clothes while the water's steam warmed the air. Once she was in the water's embrace, she placed her head in the stream. Sakura wanted to introduce Gaara to her close friends. She talked to him about revealing himself to Ino and he refused.
She also wanted to know more about Gaara. Sakura knew better than to push, but she guessed a large mystery encircled him. The way he would ask about Naruto raised red flags, too. He said he never met him, but Sakura noticed his expression when asking about the Jinchuriki. His eyes held pain and loss, but why? Maybe she was overthinking things. The pinkette stepped out of the shower. Sakura got dressed and checked out. Her beautiful weekend of relaxation came to a fast close. Sadness weighed on her mind, but she was ready to push forward. Once she traveled the short distance home, Sakura realized she needed to clean her place. Today was laundry day so might as well wash her sheets, too. The living room, kitchen, and bedroom all needed sweeping. There were still dishes sitting in the sink and the stove needed a thorough wipe down. She had medical books thrown around the living room so she needed to put them away.
Sakura hummed to herself while washing her clothes in the basin behind her apartment. She had butterflies in her stomach just thinking about seeing Gaara later that night. It was nice that they become friends and they were blooming into something more. It was also unique that he was a celestial being. She may find information in the library about them. That would be easier than asking. Sakura bit her lip. What if it made him angry? Sakura exhaled while pulling her wet clothes out of the basin and placing them in a basket. She would just have to stay patient.
Gaara had gone back to the realm of the Ones. The vast white location made it easier for him to think. This girl, this human girl had affections for him. How was that possible? He didn't treat her well enough for her to develop an attraction to him. Sakura's raging temper didn't scream beautiful maiden, yet she'd grown to mean something to him. He thought about her often. Those thoughts caused the Shukaku to calm, his bloodlust for once under control. Gaara welcomed this new state.
"Is everything going all right, Gaara?"
He turned to acknowledge the voice. Madara was standing behind him, red orbs glowing. Gaara frowned and stood. "I want answers from you about Naruto."
"In due time," Madara stated.
"That's not good enough!" Gaara shouted. "He's alive and I demand to know what happened! I've been miserable for so long without him!"
"I understand that Gaara," Madara responded, "but you need to protect Naruto right now. There is someone after him."
Gaara's demeanor changed. "Who is after him and why?"
"Obito Uchiha," Madara spoke. "He is a descendant from my bloodline who wants to control the Kyuubi. They plan to awaken his memories, which will unleash his power, and then take the Kyuubi."
"So, he lost his memory," Gaara murmured.
That would make sense why he didn't seem to know he was a One. He didn't question why he had a tailed beast inside him either. How did he lose his memory? Gaara remembered his chakra fading to nothing when he located Naruto's mangled body. Everything he knew about the situation was unraveling. He killed dozens of villagers. Were their deaths based on lies? Gaara's inner turmoil rose. He didn't kill without provocation. This raised more questions to throw onto the ever-growing mass he had. Then there was this Obito hunting Naruto. He would not let that happen.
"Gaara." The male broke himself out of his thoughts. Madara took a step closer. "You are the main target, but Naruto is also on their list so be careful. Sakura may get pulled into this."
Gaara would allow no one to harm Sakura, Naruto, or himself. They were all that mattered.
Sakura had finished cleaning and went grocery shopping. She paused when she heard knocking. Sakura placed the broccoli in her hand into the fridge before answering. She opened it and the medic's mouth dropped.
"Sasuke?"
"I need to speak with you Sakura."
He walked by her without a second glance. That ticked Sakura off and she grasped him by his sleeve. "I do not remember inviting you in. Get out."
His ebony orbs turned to her while he turned to face her. "You're bold now. I don't think you've ever spoken to me in that tone before."
"Get used to it," she snapped. "Now what do you want?"
"Who is the man with red hair?"
Sakura's heart stopped. How did Sasuke know about Gaara? No one can see him unless he allows them to, and he makes sure that no one can. How would she answer his question? She couldn't say he was a One. Sasuke would know if Sakura lied.
"Why do you ask?"