Mmmmm warm were Sakura's first thought as she snuggled close to whatever was generating heat. However, as she woke further she became aware of three things, firstly, whatever, or whoever she was snuggling had a heartbeat, secondly it had an arm draped across her torso and thirdly was snoring, in a definate masculine way. Carefully she peeked upwards, shock made her eyes widen as none other than Gaara was asleep on her sofa, his arms wrapped around her securely.

well...this is awkward...

Kind of cute though

Sakura bit back a sigh We probably just fell like this, theres no way Gaara is interested in me...I mean...he's the Kazekage for goodness sake.

Inner rolled her eyes Cha, whatever Sakura

Hey, I'm not going to see romance where there might not be any, he only just started actually talking to me, and he's not the most socially apt person.

Whatever. Are you going to wake him up?

Sigh

"Gaara?" Sakura asked softly, trying to untangle herself "Gaara"

The sand master stirred slightly, suddenly he stiffened and his eyes snapped open.

-

Sakura, face to face with him gasped in shock as she was surveyed with red eyes.

"Hello"

"Uh" that's not Gaara's voice or his eyes... "Shukaku!?"

Gaara chuckled "You are smart, Gaara is not awake yet, can I assist you?"

"I...You could let me go" The grip he had of her arms had strengthened when she had woken him, and was starting to hurt

"huh?" Shukaku/Gaara looked at her arm fascinated by the bruising forming beneath his grip

"Let me Go" Sakura said firmly

Gaara's eyes flickered suddenly cerulean, then back to red and he seemed confused

"Gaara - You are Hurting me!"

Red eyes suddenly snapped Cerulean and Sakura was released as Gaara launched himself across the room.

-

SHUKAKU Gaara snarled inside WHAT DID YOU DO

The demon was pacing frenzied around his cage I didn't mean to! I didn't! I forgot, I forgot Gaara...I forgot!

Gaara winced and rested his head against the wall already feeling a pounding headache coming on what? that you possess superhuman strength?

I forgot how frail humans are...Suddenly the demon looked up, Sakura, is she alright?

Opening his eyes Gaara was relieved to see Sakura stood leaning against the wall opposite him "Want to explain what that ws about?" She asked raising an eyebrow at the crouched sand-nin

"I..." Gaara's throat was dry, seeing the large bruises now spreading across Sakura's upper arms he was overwhelmed by guilt.

-

Sakura shrugged seeing that Gaara wasn't going to speak again anytime soon "You can either crouch in that corner, or come sit on the sofa" she said flopping onto the nearest end

Carfully Gaara crept forward perching on the edge furthest away from Sakura watching as she wiped the bruises from her arms using a jutsu. "Now you can stop looking at my arms and look at my face instead" she said breaking the silence. "Gaara..."

"I don't know" He quickly interrupted her "For certain...that is...but, Shukaku forgot how frail humans are...he did not wish to harm you, he can only do things I also want to do...if that makes sense..."

This information was absorbed in silence, Sakura regarding him with a thoughtful expression after the moment stretched Gaara stood "I shouldn't have stayed, I'm sorry to have intruded on your time and exposed you to Shukaku, I'll leave"

-

The pink haired medic however, had beaten him to the door and stood there arms crossed

"Wait" She asked stopping him in his tracks. Gaara didn't look up, merely stood there looking down.

I can't believe I allowed you to touch her. he thought guiltily

Ugh, it wasn't your fault. Gaara I am sorry

She probably won't even want to see us again after we leave here

Shukaku howled quietly

Gaara jumped as a hand gently tilted his head up till he was looking into a pair of worried green eyes. "Gaara....are you alright?"

He laughed bitterly "I injure you and you ask me if I'm alright?"

"Accidents happen....I'm fine" She placed her other hand on the sside of his face to make sure she had his attention "Gaara....I had a good afternoon yesterday" Gaara's eyes widened at this admission "You...enjoyed yourself?"

Sakura nodded and she blushed very faintly "I enjoyed being around you"

Gobsmacked Gaara stared before asking "So you...you'd find it acceptable to go out again sometime, even with..."

A finger stopped him speaking and Sakura looked up at him "Gaara, would you accept an apology in advance?" Gaara frowned "Well...yes...but what..."

Without another word Sakura stepped forward and sliding her hand into his hair, brought his lips down to meet hers.