Circe – Gaara no Sabaku

When love is suppressed…

Hate takes its place.

Havelock Ellis

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The sound of the old warehouse door being opened pierced the dark night like nails on a chalk board. The only source of light dangled from the ceiling casting shadows across the old abandoned building. A man in what seemed to be a tailored suit came forth with two other men flanking him. He said nothing as he stood in front of another. The awkward silence meant nothing if you could practically feel the fear pour out from the poor man. He was much afraid not that anyone could possibly blame him.

"I'm here, so what is it that you want?" The dim light provided a clear view of the man's stiff posture, similar to an animal ready to flee at the first sign of danger. His eyes darted around the building taking note of the men hiding in the dark shadows.

The more imposing figure in front, chuckled a dark eerie sound. "Oh my, aren't we being a bit impatient. You weren't so impatient the last time we met." In response the smaller form took an unconscious step back. His knuckles turning a paler white as he clenched his fist a bit tighter.

"I told you. I'll pay you back…I've just run into some difficulties. I need more time." It was obvious that while this man disliked the imposing man, he owed him. It was a situation that most would rather not be in.

"I wonder…what would your precious daughter say if she found out that her dear father made a deal with someone like me?...Hm. I wonder."

At this statement the man in question took a few steps forward. "Don't you dare?! You leave her out of this-!"

Suddenly the men that had been standing in the sidelines pointed their guns directly at him. "Or what? Don't forget who you're talking to. I would watch what I say. No one threatens me." Seeing that the man had calmed down a little he smirked in satisfaction. "Besides that's not why I asked you to meet me here."

"Then tell me. What is it that you want?"

The man gave out a small shrug. "It's simple really. I wish to renegotiate our partnership. What do you say Hiashi?" Even in the dimmest of lights his malicious smile could not be mistaken.

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The alleyway was dark most stores within the vicinity had closed down. The few people that littered the streets kept to themselves. While everything seemed peaceful, the wary looks passerby's sent the Sabaku siblings was unquestionable. After all they were individuals that didn't belong and everyone knows that what doesn't belong means trouble.

"Gaara you can't seriously be thinking about doing this," hissed Kankuro. The apathetic individual that made up his brother said nothing as he continued to make his way towards what looked to be a deserted building.

While normally he would leave his younger brother to his own devices on the account that he thought he was slightly unhinged he couldn't, not tonight. He didn't need his brother to voice out his destination. Oh, he already knew where he was going and he would be dammed if he was blamed for it. His frown turned into a full blown scowl when he saw that Gaara was not listening.

"Gaara listen to me!" They had reached the abandon building. Gaara's only response was to knock on the worn out metallic door. The hollow metal gave a small screech of protest before the visor over the door was pulled open.

"What do you want?" The eyes that could be seen through the visor flickered back and forth between the two. The man was obviously very distrusting.

In response Gaara sent a look that caused the poor guy to break out in a cold sweat. When Gaara wanted to he could seem as intimidating as their father Shukaku. "Open the door."

"You-yo-u-you must be the new guy," the man stuttered. "Um, give me a sec." The visor was closed with a small screech followed by the sound of a chain being removed. It only took a few moments before the door was held open for the two of them. They were led down some stairs before being directed at a small crowd. A man standing a bit off to the side noticed them the moment they entered.

"This is completely crazy, don't do this!" Kankuro pleaded, when he noticed the man begin to make his way towards them.

"Glad you could make it," smiled the man. "So you in or what?"

In response Gaara regarded the man almost in a disinterested manner before responded with a slight nod.

"Alright, now that's what I'm talking about. It will be two G's."

Gaara took out a small wad of cash making the man smile, which then proceeded to get the crowd's attention.

"Alright, listen up!" The crowd quieted down. "We've got ourselves a show." The crowd burst out in excitement. "That's right the rules are the same as always no dirty fights in my ring. The last one standing takes the cash home. We've got five G's riding on this." At this he motioned for the two fighters to come forth. Gaara made a move to go towards the stage but was stopped by Kankuro who held him back with one hand gripping his arm.

"You know what father's orders-." Kankuro tried in vain to reason with him only to have Gaara glare at him with both hatred and malice. While Kankuro was in fact older than Gaara there was no question about who's stronger. There was a good reason why even Kankuro, his own brother, feared him.

"Don't… touch me." He shrugged off Kankuro like some insect that deserved to be squashed. He shrugged off his jacked and joined the second fighter on the stage.

"Let the bets begin!" Soon the stilled crowd began thrusting money at the bookie in charge of keeping tabs on the bets.

"Gaara…," called Kankuro but it was useless. Gaara was not going to listen to him.

It was a known fact that Gaara had an appetite for drawing blood. Out of the three of them he was the one with the least amount of control. There were some who compared him to a wild animal. Something that is uncontrollable. Sometimes the jobs their father sent them out to do weren't enough. Kankuro was the first to figure out how Gaara spent his sleepless nights. The first time he figured that Gaara had simply gotten into some random brawl with a bunch of guys. It wasn't until later that he figured out that Gaara had become a famous street fighter back in Suna.

From his position he could already began to see the bloodlust begin to take over. If he lost control then Gaara would kill again.

"That's right why don't you listen to your keeper kid." Kankuro turned to look at Gaara's competitor. The guy looked tough but looks could always be deceiving, he should know. If the guy kept up with the smart mouth he might not live long enough to see the sun tomorrow.

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She watched him from her position at the door. She marveled at his craft-full hands, as nimble fingers caressed and smoothed out the chipped wood. Idly she recalled how he had first captured her attention. The way his eyes focused on his work had left her wanting the same attention. It was an unconscious action that had brought her here. She hadn't meant to seek him out but she had.

For so long she had suppressed her desire, her need that it was a welcome feeling to just give in. That's why it came as no surprise that she would follow her instincts and give herself to her desire again. With a few well placed steps she was in front of him. For a moment, for one inconceivable moment she held her breath, almost afraid but afraid of what?

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He was aware of her presence long before her eyes found him. He was also aware of her demeanor, she was afraid. He resisted the urge to pull her towards him and waited for her to make a choice. If she wanted him, she would come to him. He didn't need to look up to know that she was coming towards him. It was only when she was standing in front of him that he looked up.

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She felt trapped under those eyes. She felt exposed. It wasn't until he looked at her that she figured out what she was afraid of. She was afraid he would no longer be interested, that he would no longer be captivated by her. It was a silly fear, a childish fear, but a fear nonetheless.

"It's been a while." He commented offhandedly. It had been a while. She had spent so much time with Kushimaru and Itachi that she had neglected to visit Sasori. Childishly, she had assumed that he would look for her.

She wondered if maybe she had played with him too much. Had she been so selfish as to think that he would be okay with what she offered? Selfishly, she thought that perhaps he was like her simply looking for a thrill. Perhaps it had been a mistake to come.

"I shouldn't have come." Swiftly she turned away ready to run. She needed to get away. She shouldn't have come.

Before she could get too far she was stopped by a hand wrapped around her wrist. She turned to find herself caught once more by his eyes.

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"You know that you are always welcomed here." His words, while spoken softly rang true. The intensity he portrayed in the pools of honey brown eyes made her both fearful and thrilled. He never released her from his intense gaze when he proceeded to pull her towards him. He watched her quiver under his intense gaze. He watched her transform once more into the licentious creature he had come to worship.

She held his gaze for a second longer before she leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. He didn't stop her from pulling away or attempt to demand more instead he watched her, willing to wait for her to come to him.

"I was waiting…" he spoke softly. He feared that if he were to raise his voice she would vanish much like she did in his dreams. He would be lying if he said that he didn't quiver at the feeling of her fingertips on his skin or that he didn't practically drown at the thought of her luscious lips against his.

This time when she kissed him she didn't pull away. She dwelled into his mouth like so many times before. She raised herself so that she could wrap her arms around his neck. He kissed her back slowly afraid that she would leave. Then slowly his kiss became more desperate. He let his hands travel down the side of her dress feeling the soft fabric before he was allowed to touch her unblemished skin. He picked her up and placed her on his desk as he continued to bask in the taste of her lips. His lips traced the intricate curve that made her neck. He wanted her. He had been waiting.

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She felt wanted, needed by this person, who had helped her open up to what she was. He was the one that opened the gate to her desire. He was the one that had awakened her senses to this uncontrollable craving.

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He slipped the dress off her flush skin one aching inch at a time. She shivered and mewed as he continued to worship every inch of her body. If he was damned to become a slave to her touch then he would gladly walk down those fiery steps himself.

"Sasori," she breathed. He closed his eyes as he basked at the sound of his name leaving her luscious lips. He kissed her the way a man who loves a woman more than life itself would. He caressed as if it were the first and the last time.

He felt her touch him with that same mix of wonder and daring that she had when she first touched him so long ago. Slowly, so achingly slow he scrapped his teeth down her ivory neck savoring the taste of her succulent flesh.

He knew that he was playing with something that was far more dangerous than some little fire. He was playing with something that could irrevocably break him. He wanted her, all of her. With every kiss, every caress he became more aware of his growing obsession with her. He was far in too deep now to survive but it couldn't be helped for as long as she wanted him he would wait.

He groaned at the feel of her small tongue touching his flesh. He gripped her arms as he continued to suck and kiss this wondrous creature.

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Her head tilted back as he entered her aching core. She mewed and groaned as he inserted himself slowly inside of her. His breath ghosted across her bare chest as he lifted her off his desk so that she was forced to wrap her arms and legs around him. Even with her eyes closed the recognizable smell of pinewood and musk invaded her senses causing her to shiver with a wantonness need. With each stroke she became wetter. She bit her lip afraid to cry out.

"It's okay," he whispered. His breath ghosted across her earlobe as he sucked the delicate skin below her ear. "Scream for me," he coaxed. As he continued to speak loving words into her ears so did his strokes. Even when her nails dug into his back he never changed pace.

"Sasori…" she breathed. Another luscious moan, before a small whimpered "…please," left her lips. It was the please that perhaps destroyed his calm. One moment he was the same gentle lover she had met and the next he was a deprived man. He sunk deeper, his strokes became harder and his kisses more bruised.

It wasn't long before she cried out but he wasn't done. His pace did not stop as he continued to have her. He didn't stop even when his muscles began to tremble it wasn't until she screamed his name that his movements stilled and he released himself inside her hot core. The feeling left him breathless and empty. He pulled out of her slowly then gathered her up in arms. They said nothing for what seemed like hours.

"Sasori…?"

He didn't need to look at her to see the questioning look. In response he pulled her closer afraid that if he let go she might disappear but this time would be the last.

"Just stay," he begged softly.

She didn't say anything except bury herself deeper into his embrace.

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She was walking down the street deep in thought. She watched as young couple about her age passed her completely enthralled with one another. It reminded her of the conversation she had with Sasori not so long ago.

"You know…I can't give more than what I have already offered."

"…I know." He let out a small breath and turned away, "but you knew…eventually it wouldn't be enough." She wanted to say something but she was afraid. "It's not like I planned for it."

"You know that I can't-," she started.

He cut her off. "Can't or won't?" Seeing her distress clearly written on her face he continued. "I'm not demanding you for more. You made it clear that day about the…circumstances surrounding our …relationship."

"Then why?" She could feel her throat begin to constrict.

"Because… things change. I don't just want you, I want all of you." The look he sent her made her shrink back afraid of what it could mean.

"You ask for too much," she stated calmly.

He chuckled in response. "Perhaps you're right but…it's what I want."

"I'm sorry," she replied. She turned to walk away but was stopped by his next words.

"You know…eventually you'll want it as well. You may not want it from me but from someone. Eventually you'll realize that what you have isn't enough. Eventually…you'll want love."

Her eyes shifted as she recalled his words. If she was honest with herself she would say that his words left an imprint in her mind. They were thoughts that left her afraid. For now she would ignore his words because thinking of the possibility that he may be right was too terrifying to ponder.

Just as she was about to cross the street she saw a flash of red. For a moment she thought it might be Sasori but with a closer look she realized that the color was too…intense to be the same. Unconsciously her eyes wandered from the mass of red hair to his eyes. His eyes are what caught her by surprise they were the most vibrant green she had ever seen. One moment he was there and in the next he was gone. She wondered if she had imagined him.

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His palms felt clammy but no matter how many times he tried to assure himself nothing changed. No matter how much the seconds ticked he felt more afraid and a lone than ever before. His stomach gave an unpleasant churn as he was again reminded of how he had to lie to both his daughter and nephew. It was wrong of him he knew but at the same time he couldn't bring himself to do otherwise. His musings were cut short by a small knock on his door.

"Come in," he called.

A petit woman no older than twenty-five stepped inside. She looked terrified, "um, Sir…there is someone here t-to see you."

His throat felt dry, "let them in."

In moments he was being confronted by a group of men being led by a woman. She looked about his daughter's age. She had dark blonde hair but that wasn't what caught her attention it was her eyes that frightened him. He recognized those eyes, those frightful eyes.

"Hiashi, we have some business to attend to." Her eyes gleamed with maliciousness.

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It's time, Gaara.

Pools of green shift in the dark watching the shadows play across the barren walls of his confinement.

It was dark much like most nights and much like other nights he was unable to find sleep. He was just walking down the same darkened streets he was used to. He always walked when his nightmares wouldn't leave him in peace. The hatred, the anger and the fear always haunted his mind. He was just about to pass another street when he heard it. It was the sound of a terrified pitch he had accustomed to but this time it wasn't directed at him. His green eyes followed the sound.

His hands found his head when he felt the crippling pain cross his skull. It was always these types of memories that were the worst. It was painful because he could still feel the pain that the moment caused like if it were a fresh wound that cut across his chest, piercing his skin.

It was a woman who was being surrounded by a couple of thugs. He felt his fist clench. He knew what he needed to do. He needed to turn away and leave. Pretend that he saw nothing and walk away. It was so simple…yet.

He needed to leave. If he stayed inside this confinement any longer he was going to loose it. He needed some fresh air.

He should have walked away but he didn't. He found himself walking towards the small group.

"Help me…please, help me," the woman begged. The man who held her hair and face laughed. He found her pleading and begging to be amusing. He could practically feel her fear pour out of her in waves. He should just walk away but he can't or doesn't want to. In seconds he grabs the guy of the right and smashes his fist against his face breaking the soft tissue of this nose. He doesn't hesitate when he picks up his leg and kick the guy coming from behind him. He moves like a lethal predator. The fools don't even see it coming. He doesn't stop when he has what appears to be the leader of the group in a tight grip. He loses sight of what he is doing and can't stop.

His breath is coming out in short puffs. He stops walking and begins to run. The fear grips him. The anger intoxicates and the hatred is blinding.

There's blood, so much blood. The thing underneath him is no longer recognizable it is not until he hears her gasp and short sobs that his mind becomes clear. He slowly retracts and the sound of her sobbing becomes clear. She is afraid again but this time it's not them that she fears…it's him. He is what she fears now.

His heart pounds, his breathing becomes shorter more labored.

He turns towards her. He blinks back the fog that has settled over him. He can feel the blood slowly drip from his clenched fist but makes no moved to wipe it. He watches her, watch him with unbidden fear. Then she runs she runs away from him because she thinks that he is something worse, something that should be feared. He catches a sudden movement. Its one of the other thugs, he is awake and is also afraid.

"What are you?" he asks as his body trembles in fear.

He turns to look at the sky, as the image of her face stricken in pure terror continues to haunt him.

"Freak! Don't come closer you monster."

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The corridors are crowded. Students are bustling around trying to catch a glimpse of the new transfers. He doesn't bother to even spare any of them a simple glance. He walks ahead of his other siblings. He can hear the whispers of the students; each, trying to figure out more about him because they have nothing better to do.

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Its lunch time and he can already feel his patience running thin. He closes his eyes hoping to block out the world around him but he can't.

"It's not so bad. Still, Suna is better." It's Temari who speaks first. She is the eldest and the one least afraid of him.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." It's Kankuro who speaks next. "Guess what though?" He is the only one out of the three that is sociable. There isn't a moment that Kankuro isn't looking for some poor girl to ruin.

"Everything is interesting with you," says Temari with a roll of her eyes.

"Yeah, but this time it's something that would even interest you." He shoots back with confidence.

"Oh, is that so?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Yup, there is this chick that goes around giving sex lessons." He says with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Temari scoffs, "it figures you would be interested."

"It sounds kinky don't you think." He gives a cheeky smile.

"Kankuro you're such a-."

"Enough," it's the first time he speaks but they can clearly hear the threat underling his one word.

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There was a sudden gasp and once more the occupant of the room was awakened. Sweat dripped from her forehead and her cheeks. She had, had the same dream once more.

That dream again! Her hands fisted the sheets that lay beneath her hands as she attempted to clear her mind. It was the same dream that was plaguing her again.

I can't, I can't be dreaming about that again. She could almost hear their sick laughter rebound against her white walls. Without a second thought she grabbed her jeans and sweater from off the floor and threw them on before leaving out the door.

The first thing that pierced through her mental fog was the chill of the night air. She ignored the cold and walked down the streets of Konoha.

It was just a dream, Hinata would try to remind herself. It never helped that those dreams always seemed too vivid that it made her afraid to even close her eyes.

She was just about to turn back when she heard the sound of a glass bottle clatter onto the pavement sidewalk. Startled, she looked up to find three men begin to surround her. Ignoring their leers she attempted to push her way through.

"What do we have here," taunted the slender of the three.

She glared at him in response.

"Oh ho, look it here, we got ourselves a little bird. What's wrong gorgeous can't talk?" The second man standing to her right is the one who asks. She could feel his eyes travel their way down from her lips to her ass.

Instead of answering any of their jeers she looks around to see if anyone can help her. She silently curses when she doesn't find a single soul outside.

"I think she's a mute. What do you think?"

In response her heart began to thump a little harder just when the remaining memories of her latest nightmare assaulted her. She could feel the fear grip her suffocating her.

"I think…we should see if she can scream?"

They advance.

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No, her mind screamed. The flashes of memory were making her clumsy. They were causing her to mix reality with fantasy. It was at this moment that one of them was able to catch her arm. The feel of his slimy hand on her arm made her begin to thrash violently.

I won't let them. I won't. When his grip slipped she kicked him before trying to get away. Another tackled her causing her to fall in a small pool of dirty rain water. She managed to kick her attacker in the head before scrambling away from them. She was just about to escape their grasp when she crashed into a fourth.

I have to get out. I have to. It was then that her eyes became round with panic. To think she was about to be taken advantage of by a bunch of drunks made her shudder in disgust.

She closed her eyes when she felt him throw her back into the hands of her three attackers. Her mind is racing. She knows that while her situation looks quite futile she wants to try even if it's only out of desperation.

One of them grabs her arms and the other is busy unbuckling his pants. Just when one of them reaches for her sweater she hears the sound of footsteps.

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Another sleepless night, he thinks. He covers himself with the hood of his sweater before heading out. Lifting his head towards the sky he catches the remaining smell of rain water from earlier. He looks around not bothering to commit anything to memory simply enjoying the quiet of the night.

Suna, regardless of the memories his city leaves he still misses it. It's his home. He has only walked a few blocks before he catches the sight of some guy. Even from this distance it's clear that the man is nervous. He seems to be up to something. He thinks he might be a drug dealer until he saw her. He saw the guy catch her. He also saw her frightened face when she realized that her only chance at escape was throttled. For a moment he felt compelled to help her but thought better of it.

He continued to cross the street. As he moves closer to where they are he can start to catch snippets of their conversation.

"Look at her isn't she just dying to let us near-ah! That Bitch! She bit me!"

He can hear the sound of flesh meeting flesh. The smack they give her is loud and clear and for a moment he thinks that she will finally begin to scream and shout but nothing. The sound of silence makes him pause in his steps. He thinks perhaps that she is a mute. Without thinking he begins making his way towards the group. He doesn't alert them to his presence he simply grabs the first and knocks him to the ground with a right hook.

He hears the shouts of surprise but he doesn't stop before getting to the second and the third. The only one left is the largest of the three. He doesn't see him until its too late.

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She had just felt the stinging blow across her cheek when she felt something change. She heard the sound of more foot steps. Her version is a bit blurry and the first thing she can recognize is the flash of red. Without thinking she thinks its Sasori.

She sees him grab the first and knock him to the ground with a single blow. She feels both exhaustion and relief.

Her eyes catch his every move. It doesn't take her long to realize that he is not Sasori but the guy from a few nights ago. She wonders why she has never heard of him before.

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The kick he receives in his lower back makes him cringe. He turns to the left and manages to catch the guy off guard. The big guy stumbles forward when he misses; Gaara takes the opportunity to deliver a left punch to his left check. The guy stumbles before going at him once more. He punches in the nose before he can get to close. The fourth punch manages to draw blood. He knows he should stop but he ignores his thoughts. Its too late he has felt his opponent's blood and much like a wild animal it only fuels his adrenaline.

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He is standing over the fourth half crazed. He clenches and unclenches his knuckles as the blood of his opponent drips from his clenched hands. Part of her knows that she should be afraid but she's not. She watches him turn his face up. Its not until he has taken a few breathes that he moves. He doesn't even look at her when he begins to walk away.

Before she can stop herself she calls out to him. He stops just outside of the darken alleyway. "What?" he asks. His voice sends a chill down her spine.

"Thank you,…" she responds. She watches him walk away without a word but she knows that he heard her.

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Have you heard?

The classrooms are all the same. The people are all the same to him. They just waste their time doing nothing. He doesn't bother voicing his hatred for this place.

Would you be willing?

He hears whispers here and there. He hears the name Circe at the tip of the tongue of many. He hears the stories but doesn't believe.

Aren't you curious?

He sees her in the corridors. It's the girl he helped. She looks a bit different but he can recognize her without a second look. He thinks that maybe it's because he has heard her voice. He wonders why she looks so different but doesn't ask.

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He finds the card in his locker.

Circe.

He reaches the classroom and wonders why he came. He looks at the small card in his hand once more before making up his mind.

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Will you come to me?

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Will you accept me?

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Yes…

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A/N: Okay! I'm so sorry this took forever but I hope you like it. I will be working on the next part and SHOULD have it DONE by Thursday 11! Oh and one more thing thanks to all of those who are still reading my fic.

The count as of 1/29/12

Itachi: 38

Gaara: 32

Sasori: 29

Sasuke: 18

Kushimaru: 6

Kakashi: 1

Shikamaru: 1