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I stood at the grave of my sensei Katsu quietly. People had left the funeral an hour or so ago. Ren and Kano had stayed with me until the sun had started setting. Though I enjoyed their company, being alone to mourn was ideal for me. I was tired of those sympathies; I didn't need them. They weren't going to bring Katsu back. I got on my knees and bowed my head. I was going to miss everything about him: his cocky grin, his spiky orange hair, and especially his energetic green eyes.

Bandages covering every inch of him, his eyes filled with agony as the life left them…

"NO!" I screamed and clutched my head. I didn't want to remember him like that! I wanted to remember the man who took over as somewhat of a father figure for me a few months ago.

"You should let it out. It'll be good for you." I turned and stood to see Gaara approaching me.

"You seem to enjoy catching me alone at night. This is the forth time this week."

He shrugged and looked at Katsu's grave. "I can't sleep. You're the only other person up." His voice was calm, almost soothing as he spoke to me.

"Yea, well, I can't seem to sleep either lately." I turned back to the headstone in the shape of Suna's symbol. I shook my head to stop any tears from escaping. "I keep having nightmares. All about the day my father died…" My attempts failed and I felt moisture fall from my eyes. I couldn't handle it anymore. I wanted comfort, to feel safe. I turned and threw my arms around him tightly, much to his surprise. I buried my head into his shoulder and cried. "I want to forget…" I felt his body stiffen for a moment then he gently held me.

"It's not always easy to forget the bad in life, but you shouldn't let it deter you, Ami. Through hardships, we only grow stronger. Hold on to the people you lose; let their experiences teach you how to live." I felt his hand slowly travel up my back to the top of my head and stroke my hair soothingly. "Just make sure not to dwell on the fact that they're gone." I nodded slowly, my tears getting his shirt wet.

"I wish it could be easier though, losing people," I said between sobs.

"Life wasn't made to be easy. If it was then no one would learn anything. But having someone to be there for you can ease the burden."

It was at that moment I realized just how warm his embrace was. How safe it felt. It felt as if I was in another world, where there was less pain and more happiness… I tightened the hug slightly and whispered to him, "Will you be there for me… if I will be there for you?"

He hesitated and I bit my lower lip. That was way too much to expect. I was rushing it; I shouldn't have asked such a stupid thing. Then, very quietly he said, "Yes, I promise." Every part of my body seemed to glow with happiness. He seemed to feel it, and showed me by giving me a smile. A true, genuine, smile.

xXx

Several weeks later I was walking through town with Gaara. There were clouds forming in the sky, dark ones. "It looks like there's going to be a rainstorm tonight. Judging by the wind, it's coming from the east," I said, excitedly. It had been ages since the last rain, and everyone looked forward to the small break from the glaring sun.

"Yes, it would seem." He didn't seem all that enthused. After all, sand and water really don't mix. I half smiled at him.

"We don't have to go outside you know." We arrived at our destination, the training grounds.

He looked at me. "You don't have to stay inside just for me. You should enjoy it."

I laughed. "What kind of friend would I be if I just left you? It's fine." Gaara gave me a smile as a crack of thunder roared from above. "It's starting," I said, "I guess we're stuck in here until it's over." Outside there was the sound of children laughing as they ran through the sprinkling rain. I was a bit envious, but easily hid it. "C'mon, let's get started. I bet if we work hard enough we can create a good combo jutsu." I made the proper hand signs and wind started swirling around me.

Sand poured out of his gourd as he spoke. "So why do you want to create a combo jutsu anyway?"

I shrugged. "In case we ever have to work together again. That way we'll be ready." He nodded as the sand took position around his body. "I think I might have an idea, but it might take a lot of work."

"Let's give it a try. If it doesn't work, we'll try something new."

"Alright then. Kaze Shihai!"

xXx

An hour past. Maybe two. Gaara and I were breathing heavily from the strain. "Okay," I said, "one last try." He nodded and the sand rose again. My wind swirled and became sharp, like scythes. "On my mark. Alright… Go!" His sand flew out and mixed in with my wind. It took the form of the scythes as it combined and erupted into a giant sandstorm. We cried out together, "Sand scythe storm!" The training dummies we were using were immediately obliterated from the force and we dropped the jutsu. I wiped my brow with a gloved hand and grinned. "That worked out rather well I'd say."

He half smiled at me. "I'd have to agree. It's the perfect jutsu if we get out numbered."

I laughed. "As if we'd ever let that happen, but you're right. I sat down on the bench and tried to catch my breath. He came over slowly and sat beside me.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about something." I looked at him.

Could this have something to do with the last mission he was on…? When he went to help Konoha retrieve a runaway shinobi…? I thought.

He met my eyes. "I want to become the next Kazekage." My eyes widened then I smiled.

"You should put yourself in for consideration. You love Suna as much as I do, and I know you would be a great leader." I reached out and took his hand. "Have you discussed it with anyone else?"

"Yes, Kankuro. He seemed supportive enough. But the reason I want to is because…" He hesitated. "I want to protect this village and show people that I can accomplish good things. That I'm not just a monster." His icy blue eyes were serious. I nodded.

"I'll help you in any way I can. That's a strong reason to do it. People need to learn what kind of person you are; a strong, protective, and caring one."

He sighed in what seemed to be relief. "I was worried that you wouldn't agree with my choice."

"That's silly." I squeezed his hand gently. "I think it's the best thing you can do. I'll always support your choices, Gaara."

"Ami…" He looked like he was going to say something but dropped it. He looked up at the ceiling where raindrops were still falling. "If you'd like, we can still go outside and enjoy the rain." I grinned.

"Awesome! Let's go!" I pulled him outside where we were met with cold, wet drops. It was refreshing after training. I let go of his hand and twirled around, my long hair getting heavy from the water. I laughed and looked over at Gaara. His eyes were locked on me with an unfamiliar expression on his face. I walked over to him and brushed his red hair out of his eyes. "Is something wrong?"

"No… I've just never seen anything so amazing in my life…" My face felt hot as I blushed. He took a few white strands in his hand and examined them. "You're hair shines in the rain. It's…" He looked a little embarrassed, "beautiful."

A/N: Tee hee! Sorry, this chapter was a bit short. But hey, you can see Ami and Gaara's relationship developing. Of course, neither of them is quite ready to confess their feelings yet… Also, yes, I know the time isn't accurate. I told you this was going to be slight AU. Also, in a bit I'm going to do a time skip. Just warning you. And when that happens I'm afraid that the rating will have to change to M. There are going to be a few elements in there that I can't really keep T. Sorry readers who won't read M. It's not going to be explicit though, PROMISE! I wouldn't do that to my wonderful readers! Once again, mega thanks to AnnaMayLover, she is amazing! You should all read her story, Broken. Maybe if enough people do she'll update! And thank you to everyone who reviewed and favorited this story. Hell, thank you for just reading all the chapters! Gaara plushies for everyone! Love you all!

-MelloDramatic