Chapter 7

Gaara looked up from his mug of tea as several plates of hot food were placed before him. Rice, eggs, sliced pork, and a small cup of miso soup, the aromas invaded his senses. He looked up at the pink haired woman beside him and smiled slightly. She kissed his cheek before turning back to busy herself in the kitchen. He put his hands together, giving silent thanks before picking up his chopsticks. He ate slowly savoring the flavors. There was no doubt that Sakura was a skilled cook. But this morning, his mind was not on the delicious food before him.

His jade orbs watched Sakura move around the kitchen. Today was her last day here and the look in her eyes made it clear about how she felt about that. Unshed tears were evident, but when she caught his gaze, she smiled warmly at him. So much had changed in his life since her arrival in Suna. He never thought that he'd ever find himself emotionally attached to a woman, but she proved him wrong.

The last week and a half had flown by, much to both of their dismay. Since the end of the festival, they spent the majority of their free time together. He would go to work as usual, but when he came home, she was always their waiting. Often he would find her sitting on the couch in the living room, bent over a medical journal, just waiting for him to walk in the door. Sometimes, from there, he would grab a book and join her. Other times, they would go out and train. They even took the trip to the spa as Tsunade had instructed. No matter what they did, every night was always the same. He would take her up to his room where they would make love until they fell asleep in each others' arms. And each morning, she awoke before him, making sure he had a delicious breakfast before work.

Gaara took a sip of his tea. He had to admit, things between them were amazing. There had been a couple women in his bed before Sakura, but none had ever been as satisfying as Sakura. Nor had he ever felt so connected to a woman. And he was sure they had connected because a few nights he could swear he saw someone else in her eyes while they made love. It happened so quickly, but he hadn't been able to shake Temari's words. An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break. Fate has brought her to you. Do not waste this opportunity. Who knows when fate will bring her back around to you again.

Gaara had to admit. He wasn't sure how to proceed. Or if he even should, despite Temari's words. Between the elders, being Kazekage, and living in different villages, he didn't know what to do. In fact, he wasn't exactly sure how he felt about her. Sure, he liked her… and she would make a fine wife. But it only sounded great. A woman always in his bed, the promise of a hot meal, at least twice a day… but was that all she was to him? And he was already behind at work with her being here. How was he supposed to juggle keeping her entertained and caring for his people? And what about when she desired a family? Gaara's hairless brow furrowed. If the thought of being a husband was worrisome, being a father was absolutely terrifying.

His duty was to his village and to his people, he decided as she stood up. He bowed slightly to Sakura, thanking her for the wonderful meal. She smiled and rushed forward, planting a kiss on his cheek again. He felt her eyes on him as he slipped into his shoes and raincoat. With one last glance, he walked out the door, guilt welling in his chest. It was surreal having her here, a fantasy and nothing more. He could not let his desires get in the way of his responsibilities. Fate or not, he had to let her go…

*~*~*~*~*~*

It was after noon and Sakura was in the kitchen cooking again. She nibbled her lip as she reflected on the past two weeks, including this morning. She had noticed how distracted Gaara seemed this morning. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but figured he was feeling rather disappointed about her leaving. She'd never felt like this about anyone before, not even Sasuke. She knew she should tell him, but he was working. And wouldn't it be cliché if she waited until they were together in bed?

Sakura closed the lid to the bento she had just made for Gaara and wrapped it in a handkerchief. She smiled at the box. She had a plan and it just couldn't fail. She was going to bring him lunch and confess her feelings for him. So her idea was still terribly cliché, she thought with a smile. Perhaps Gaara brought out the hopeless romantic in her. She hadn't felt this giddy since she was a child. It was silly, yes, but she couldn't help but be grateful that Sasuke hadn't completely robbed her of her heart.

She picked up the lunch and went to the door, slipping on her shoes. She put on a rain coat and headed out. Despite the rain, the warmth in her heart made her feel as if the sun was beating down on her back. The last two weeks had been amazing. She felt so connected to Gaara, a feeling she had never experienced with anyone before. She felt safe and secure with him. And she had given her virginity up to him, not to mention her heart. She was falling for him hard.

She reached the Kazekage's tower and walked inside. She smiled at the receptionist behind the front desk. The room was rather similar to the entrance of the Hokage tower. Painting and pictures of past Kazekages lined the walls. A sand ninja was standing watch in front of the stairs leading to the many offices and meeting rooms.

"Hi. I'm Haruno Sakura and I've brought the Kazekage his lunch." She said cheerfully. The receptionist nodded and asked her to sign in. After doing so, Sakura was instructed to follow the guard up to the Kazekage's office. Sakura thanked the woman before following the young ninja up the stairs. The young ninja knocked on the door and waited for a response.

"Enter." Gaara's commanding voice boomed. The young ninja opened the door for Sakura, allowing her to pass him, waiting by the door to be dismissed. Gaara looked up from the papers on his desk and looked a bit surprised. He waved the young ninja out of the room, leaving him and Sakura alone. He got to his feet and walked around his desk. Sakura met him half way, a nervous smile on her face.

"I made you lunch, Gaara-kun." She said, handing him the box. A smile played across his lips momentarily as he took the lunch and placed it on his desk. He turned back to her, giving her a quizzical look.

"It that all?" Sakura took a deep breath and wrung her hands together. She was suddenly very nervous. Gaara placed an arm around her shoulders, leading her to the chair in front of his desk. "Sakura-chan. Is everything alright?" Sakura stopped him by placing a hand on his chest. His display of concern was enough to give her the courage she needed.

"Gaara-kun, I'm alright." She assured him. She smiled up at him, he large green eyes filled with mixed emotions. She took his large hand in her small one and continued. "As you know, I leave tomorrow. But, I have something I wanted to say before I go." Sakura took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. Gaara shifted uncomfortably, fearing what was coming next.

"These last two weeks have been nothing short of amazing. And I've come to realize that I've never felt this way about anyone, not even Sasuke. But I'm very sure of this… And that is, that I'm falling in love with you."

For a moment, the whole room was still. The air was so thick that Gaara felt like he couldn't breathe. How could he not see this coming? How could he not have prepared for this? He didn't know what to tell her. He wanted her to be his; he knew she should be his… But, his job, his people… He owed so much to them to just toss it to the side for his emotions. In the end, it was his sense of duty that overtook his wish to be loved. He took a deep breath, finally preparing to speak.

"Sakura…" He started, taking his hand from her. Her expression went blank as he turned from her and walked behind his desk. He found the paperwork on his desk suddenly very interesting. He began shuffling through it, sorting it into piles on his desk. Sakura clenched her jaw, waiting for him to say something, anything. Finally he opened his mouth to continue.

"You have to understand, Sakura, I do not have the time to spend on you. I am Kazekage. My people must come first. Surely you can understand with working directly under Tsunade-sama. I cannot and will not reciprocate your feelings. I apologize."

Sakura could hardly believe her ears. He had been the one making advances on her originally and he had the nerve to tell her that he didn't have time for her? Sakura forced a smile on her face, determined not to cry in front of him. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"Ah, r-right. We both have responsibilities to our people, don't we?" She managed out, barely keeping the quiver out of her voice. She couldn't stop the tears from welling up in her eyes though. She had to get out of there and fast. She turned sharply from him, walking to the door. "Sorry to have bothered you." She whispered before storming from his office.

Gaara sighed, looking down at the bento box before him. He unwrapped it and pulled off the lid. The lunch was beautiful and looked delicious, but in the center, two slices of red bell pepper formed the shape of a heart. He started at the lunch a moment longer, his heart pounding painfully, before sinking into his chair, burying his face in his hands.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura felt dead as she walked through the door. She had managed not to cry as she walked home. How could she have been so off? Could Gaara really not feel anything for her? Was everything they shared been all for naught? She just couldn't understand it.

"I'm home." She said dully.

"Welcome back!" Temari called from the kitchen. Sakura took off her shoes and carried them as she walked passed the kitchen. Both Temari and Shikamaru were busy, Temari on the cutting vegetables and Shikamaru manning the stove. Both were too distracted to see the crestfallen look on Sakura's face. For this, she was grateful, padding softly towards the stairs. "Gaara should be home early so we can have a nice family dinner!" Tears of agony and embarrassment filled Sakura's eyes.

"I'll be in my room." She choked out, sounding as normal as she could. Before Temari could answer, she bolted up the stairs. She quickly fled to her room and closed the door before sinking to her knees. The flood gates opened as sobs racked her chest. She curled up on the floor, his response playing over in her head.

How could she be so stupid? She came to Suna for a good time and here she was, crying with a broken heart… again. At least with Sasuke, she had the excuse of being a silly teenage girl. But now, she was a grown woman. She was successful and bright, without the help or complication of a man in her life. She had done so well to follow in her shishou's foot steps, not letting a man hold her back.

You and I both know how lonely you are…

Sakura sat up with a start. It had been years since she had reverted to talking to her inner self. She shook her head, trying to ignore the little voice in her head.

It hurts worse because you know there was an undeniable connection but he's trying to ignore it. Sakura narrowed her eyes.

"Who asked you?" She growled to herself. "I miscalculated. He wouldn't have said no if there was such a connection. Gaara is no coward."

CHA!! Are you really trying to lie to yourself? You know the truth!

"Just shut up!" She moaned, clutching her head. "Just go away! I don't need you!" Sakura took a deep breath and focused on drowning the voice to the back of her mind until she was once again, left alone in her silent room.

With her tears slowing now, she shakily got back onto her feet. She walked over to the dresser that held her belonging and began to empty its contents onto her bed.

"I have to get out of here…" She said out load to no one. She quickly grabbed her backpack out from under the bed and began filling it with her clothes and supplies. She realized quickly, she was not going to be able to fit all the clothes she bought in Suna in her backpack. She looked longingly at the dress Gaara had bought for her. Tears began to hinder her vision again. Gently, she took the dress and laid it across the bed. With a sob, she stroked the material, wishing she could bring it with her. But she had to be logical about it.

With a shuddering sigh, she slipped back into her shoes. She slung her backpack on and walked to the window. The sky seemed incredibly dark, thanks to the pouring rain. But she knew she had to leave now, because Gaara would be home shortly, and she needed all the head start she could get. She slid open the window and jumped to the ground, sprinting towards the front gates.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Gaara walked slowly in the rain, the afternoon's events playing in this head. Her green eyes looked so hurt, just before she had fed. His chest ached as her sad eyes burned in his brain. It was even a little hard to breathe as he watched the video memory of her fleeing from his cruelty. He stumbled into the house, soaking wet.

"Welcome back, little brother! You're just in time! Mind getting Sakura from her room? Dinner is nearly ready!" Temari greeted cheerfully. Unaware of the events that had played out between Sakura and Gaara, she sent her little brother to do a painful task.

"Hnn." Gaara responded. He needed to change and perhaps he could use this opportunity to apologize again. Anything to lessen the guilt growing in his belly. He headed up the stairs, his heart pounding in his ears as he approached her door. He swallowed thickly and knocked on Sakura's door.

"Sakura. Dinner is ready." He waited for a reply, but none came. "Sakura? Did you hear me?" He listened for a minute more, but heard nothing. The room was uncannily silent. No rustling, so breathing, just empty quiet.

Panicked, Gaara burst through the door. His eyes searched the dark room. Dresser drawers were ajar, clothing strewn across the bed, not a personal item in sight. His eyes hovered to the open window, where the curtains moved in ironic peacefulness in the wind. The air left his lungs like a punch to the stomach. He swayed until he found the wall for support. This feeling in his chest was unbearable. He clutched his shirt over his heart, closing his eyes. He hadn't felt such sorrow and loneliness since he was a child. He was lost and unsure what to do, so he did something he never did before.

"Temari!" He cried out desperately. It was only a minute before she came padding into the room with Shikamaru trailing behind her. A look of concern was on her face as she glanced around the empty room. Her expression turned to horrified realization. She turned quickly to Gaara, placing her hand on his arm.

"Gaara..?"

"She's gone…"

*~*~*~*~*~*

It was well after midnight when Sakura slipped a stamina pill into her mouth. She felt her chakra level rise and energy surge through her as she ran. She wanted, no needed, to get as far as she could in one night. She wasn't sure about Gaara, but she knew Shikamaru would insist on going after her. She didn't want to take her chances. And she was sure that she did not want to Gaara again for a very long time.

She accelerated with her newly found energy, legs bringing her closer yet to the tree line in the distance. She was happy that the rain had stopped a few miles back, for as she drew closer to River Country, the air cooled. A chill caused her to shiver as she ran into the line of trees. With a sad smile, she jumped into the trees. This chapter of her life was over. Suna and Gaara were over and she had no choice but to move on.

Despite the energy soaring through her body, she was exhausted. Emotionally drained and depressed, she longed to be in her bed, where she planned to stay the next few days. But more than that, she wished she could be in Gaara's bed, wrapped in his strong arms, even if it was only for one last night.

Yeah, well, I brought this on myself. She through wryly, tears stinging her eyes again. I could have just ignored my heart and enjoyed myself like Ino always said. But no, I'm such an idiot! Furiously, she wiped the tears that had begun to stain her cheeks. As hurt and sad she was about Gaara, she more angry with herself.

"Crying again, Sakura?" A low voice mocked behind her. She gasped; shocked that she had been so unaware of anyone following her. She cursed herself under her breath before jumping to the ground to turn and face her assailant. Ebony eyes met hers, a mocking smile on his face.

"Sasuke!" she growled, poising herself to fight. She wasn't sure if she could beat Sasuke, but maybe she could catch him off guard and escape. "What do you want?" Sasuke chuckled darkly, causing Sakura's blood to boil.

She gathered chakra to her fists and flew at him, striking the ground with super human strength. The ground shattered and a tree uprooted as she missed Sasuke. She turned and threw a few normal attacks at Sasuke, but he blocked them all skillfully. Sasuke punched her, sending Sakura flying back.

She winced, but jumped back into the fray. She whipped out some shruiken and launched them at him. He deftly blocked them with his katana. Frustrated, she ran toward him still, kunai in her hand. They crossed weapons, Sakura struggling against him with all her might.

"How's your knee, Sasuke-kun? She spat out. He smirked before kicking her roughly in the stomach. The wind flew out of her and she hit the ground.

'You still keep yourself too open, Sakura." He replied, saying her name as is it left a bitter taste in his mouth. She managed to sit up and remove her backpack so she could move more quickly. But when her eyes focused in front of her, he was no longer standing there. She quickly looked around searching for his chakra. Unfortunately, she found it too late.

"You've improved, but not good enough." Her eyes widened in fear as his voice came whispered in her ear. Before she could react, she felt herself blacking out. Defenseless, she fell into Sasuke's waiting arms.


Well, there you have it. Chapter 7. Sorry about the wait. My husband and I just opened up a store for our business, so for the last month or so, all we've done is set up the store and sell at a couple local conventions. it's been exhausting, but we're finally open! hopefully, I'll have a bit more time to get through this story. I have Chapter 8 written, just need to be typed, which is the worst part in my opinion. So Take care and review, please!!! I love reviews so much! until next time.