My Bride to Be

by YumeAiHikari

The war rages and the only person who can stop this war is...Sakura. An arranged marriage pops up and she has to make a decision. Will Sakura get torn between her heart or her country? GaaSaku Please Read & Review! First story

10. An Old Flame, A New Feeling

Sorry for late update once again. Here it is! The Important scene in My Bride to be! Read. Review! Enjoy! Hint: this has a major GaaSaku scene, but a minor SasukexSakura scene:[ hope you enjoy! Thank you!

Warning: mention of rape and slight scene.

Sakura gradually exposed her emerald eyes. She groaned a little. Being groggily awake, she looked at her surroundings before broadening her eyes. She was surprised at what was in front of her. Several bouquet of flowers were scattered around the small hospital room. Many were red roses, white and purple lilacs, white lilies and several other beautiful flowers.

What the…?

The pinkette couldn't help but slightly smile at the surprise in front of her. The hospital room smelled aromatic and scented. There was a sudden knock on the door. Without an answer, a nurse with a clipboard in her hand came in. When she saw that Sakura was awake, the nurse smiled brightly.

"Haruno-san! You're awake!" she gleamed as she rushed to Sakura's side. The pinkette only smiled in return. The nurse looked at the clipboard, then at the head-medic.

"It's a relief that you woke up. You were in a coma for about 3 weeks," the nurse chimed. Sakura's eyes widened.

3 weeks?! Holy sh-

"Everyone has been worried about you! How are you feeling? Do you need any water?" the nurse said with rosy cheeks. She had black hair with purple tint in it due to the light. She was slightly plump. Her big brown eyes gleamed as she looked at the pinkette. Sakura smiled and nodded. Then all of a sudden the nurse's demeanor changed.

"Okay, please hold on a minute," was all the calm nurse said before she walked out and closed the door. A sudden yell was heard from the same nurse that came into her room.

"She's awake! Haruno-san is awake!" It was a big excited shriek in the hallway where everyone made a commotion. A few minutes later, another knock was heard. It was the same nurse. She had a clear cup of water in her hand and a clipboard in the other. This time, when she fully opened the door, the whole medical staff was standing right behind her. They had smiles and jollity among the abundant crowd. The crowd basically came rushing in Sakura's door and trampled over the poor nurse. Everyone surrounded the hospitalized pinkette.

"Are you feeling better?" a nurse asked.

"We're so worried about you!" gushed another.

"Please forgive me for not coming in time!" on and on the voices came at her. Sakura only smiled. The trampled nurse pushed people out of the way to get to Sakura. Once she was in front of Sakura's bed, she brushed her skirt. She smiled at the pinkette.

"Here is your glass of water, Haruno-san," she said sweetly. She held out the glass of water. Sakura took the glass and slowly drank it.

"Thank you," once everyone heard their head medic's engaging voice again, everyone trampled the same nurse once more.

"Whoa-!"

Sakura laughed lightheartedly.

"What I'd like to know is-who is responsible for all of these beautiful flowers in my room," Everyone smiled.

"These are from everyone in Suna Hospital," Sakura recognized the voice that belonged to her assistant, Maiko. Maiko smiled and everyone too, smiled. In unison, they all bowed.

"It's great to have you back, Haruno-san." Sakura sheepishly smiled and her eyes sparkled with delight.

"Thank you, everyone," There was a sudden knock on the door, too faint to even notice through the conversations that went in the room. So it just opened instead. There, at the door was Temari and Kankuro with bouquet of purple lilacs. When they saw that Sakura was awake, Temari immediately cut through the crowd. She rushed to Sakura's side and gave her a bear-hug, with flowers in her hand. Temari's eyes watered.

"Oh Kami! Are you okay?! We missed you so much!" Sakura only smiled and hugged her back, trying to console the older girl. The fan user cried and cried. It took only a moment before the crying stopped. The dirty-blonde haired girl looked at Sakura and smiled.

"Oh! And these are for you," Temari almost forgetting about the flowers in her hand.

"They're beautiful," her smile broadened. Kankuro cut through the crowd with difficulty before reaching Sakura's side. He saw Sakura's smiling face and immediately, he was like a soft teddy bear.

"Sakura!" he instantaneously hugged the pinkette while crying, even more than his sister. The tears were streaming down like waterfalls. The hospitalized medic hugged him back with difficulty since she has flowers in her hand. Kankuro clung onto her like a chimpanzee with its mother. It took awhile before Temari and some of the medic staff pulled him off of her. Sakura laughed with charm. It was then she noticed that their brother wasn't with them.

He's probably at the Kazekage Tower.

"So, how's Gaara?" she couldn't restrain herself from asking about him. It worried her deeply if the technique worked or not and if he was okay. Temari and Kankuro looked at each other, then as Sakura.

"He woke up a few days later, after you did operation on him," his siblings' faces where stoic, but then turned to smiles.

"His head hurted the minute he woke up, but besides that, he's been feeling good," Sakura nodded. It was good to hear that Gaara was feeling better. She had worries that he wasn't going to make it. Temari turned to the crowd.

"Can you guys give us some privacy for a moment?" the crowd faced to Sakura.

"Aren't there patients that need some of your assistance?" the pinkette said with a resolute tone. In a minute, Temari watched the medical staff left the room, groaning and complaining. When the door finally shut, Temari and Kankuro turned their attention back to Sakura.

"What were you thinking?! Are you crazy to do something like that?!" they both said in unison. Sakura frowned. Her emerald eyes cast downward. Both siblings calmed down a little.

"We were worried 24/7 about you. Why would you do something so risky as that?" Temari sat on the edge of Sakura's bed and rested a hand on her shoulder.

"We thought you were gonna…you-know…-"Kankuro said in a serious, yet sad tone. Sakura bit her bottom lip.

"Gaara is someone really important in this village. I didn't want him to die. No, I never wanted him to die. He sacrificed so much. So, I sacrificed for him," she now stared at Temari and Kankuro. They turned away from her. They both had the same thought running through there minds.

If only he knew what -he meant to her.

Temari turned her head back to Sakura. A smile on her features.

"Right now, you're the only thing that is important to us. So don't ever do that again," The older girl had an expression of fortitude. Kankuro nodded as he crossed his arms. A smirk upon his features.

"Gaara better appreciate you, or else I'll-" There was another knock on the door.

"Come in!" Sakura yelled from the other side of the room. In came an unexpected visitor. Akira. The shinobi was dressed in his ninja attire. He had a bouquet of vivid, different colors of lilies in one hand. When he saw Sakura, he had a charming smile on. He then noticed Temari and Kankuro were in the room with her. He did a small bow to show his respectfulness.

"My apologies for interrupting," he said. Temari smiled. She turned to Sakura.

He's kinda cute. Sakura smiled as if she read her mind.

"No! It's fine!" The older girl gave Sakura a playful smirk before getting up from her bed. Kankuro had a raised brow and a frown on. His arms were still crossed. Temari pulled him from the spot and dragged him out the door. Kankuro complained.

"If you need anything, we'll be outside of your room!" she chimed. Sakura smiled and nodded. When the door closed, she turned her attention to Akira. He didn't give her any attention and was looking at the flowers. His cheeks were pink from shyness.

"I heard what happened," was all he said. He then looked up at her.

"You scared me to death!" The bashfulness turned to a serious aura.

"I visited you every single day, hoping I'll see your smiling face again," he paused, his cheeks immediately turned pink again, "but instead I see a broken mistress lying in this bed!" He stared deeply into her eyes.

"Is Kazekage-sama that important to you to risk your life for?!" Sakura stayed silent. Instead, she stared into his chocolate-green eyes. She looked like she was a small lost child, about to cry. Akira softened his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell," he grabbed her pale hand.

"I was so worried about you. When news about you traveled around the village, I immediately had to go see you at the hospital," his caressed her hand gently. Sakura stared at his handsome features.

"I'm sorry I worried everyone," was all she said before putting another hand on top of his. Akira smiled. Almost forgetting the lilies, he held out the bouquet up to her.

"For you, My Lady," his expression was playful. Sakura smiled.

"Thank you," they stayed like that for a moment, looking in each other's eyes. Even though Sakura stared at his orbs, she had a different feeling than before she met him. Her heart was still pounding recklessly, but not as much as before. Does she not have the same feeling for him anymore? That she didn't know. Akira, oblivious of what she felt, looked at the clock nearby.

"Sorry, Sakura-chan, but I have to get going," he gently took hold of Sakura's hand and kissed it. The pinkette's face was tinted pink on the cheeks. He slowly walked to the door, but didn't open it.

"Good-bye," he waved as he smiled. She returned the smile and wave. He slowly opened the door. He found Temari and Kankuro stumbling to the ground as the door opened. It was clear that they had been listening on the conversation that went in the room. They sheepishly smiled. It was apparent that they were listening to the conversation. Trying to make up an excuse, Temari picked something invisible up from the floor and smiled.

"Eh, look! I found my ear ring. We don't have to look for it anymore, Kankuro," the puppet master did a fake toothy grin and nodded. Akira raised an eyebrow but smiled. He walked out of their way and whistled in the hallway as he exited the hospital room.

Temari and Kankuro got up and walked inside Sakura's room. Temari gleamed.

"Who was that? He's kinda cute," she smirked. Sakura turned pink.

"Just a friend, that's all," Temari got suspicious. She got in front of Sakura's pink-tinted face.

"Really…?" Temari teased as Kankuro crossed his arm as he sat in a nearby chair.

"Well, I don't like the looks of him," He stared at the window that was by Sakura's bed. Sakura smiled.

"Hey look! Isn't that Gaara?!" bewildered the puppet master as her pushed his painted face against the window glass.

"Huh?!" Temari rushed to Kankuro's side and pushed her pretty face against the glass also. It was not a lie that their little brother was indeed walking towards the building. Temari widened her turquoise eyes.

"What's he doing here? He's suppose to be at the Kazekage Tower-" she muttered. Temari took a side glance at Sakura as her face was still pressed up against the window. Sakura's eyes didn't cast to the window. Her eyes gazed at the sheets in front of her, but she just stared at particularly nothing. Meanwhile, Kankuro was still amazed at the fact that Gaara was out in public (lol). Still staring at Sakura, the dirty-blonde haired girl had a thought running through her mind.

Maybe…he's here for Sakura…?

Sakura overheard the conversation. The pinkette stayed quiet as she sat up in bed. She brought the blanket closer to her chest. The thin hospital gown was enough to give her goose bumps as the afternoon chill of air-conditioning seeped in her skin. She didn't dare look at the window to see her fiancé/husband. In matter of fact, her concerns for why he was here drifted in her head.

He couldn't possibly be here for me, couldn't he?

Sakura rested her hands on the sheets in front of here. She brought up her right pale hand (the one Gaara caressed). A feeling went a through her. A foreign sensation went from the top of her fingertips, to her whole hand. She widened her eyes. The pinkette turned their attention to Temari, who was putting her flowers in a vase and Kankuro, who was still staring out the window. Sakura quietly muttered, but loud enough that both siblings could hear.

"Not to be selfish or anything, but when I was in a coma, has Gaara ever visited the hospital?" Sakura tried not to sound self-seeking or anything. She was nothing like that. It was just curiosity that drifted to her mind. Temari looked at Kankuro, who in return, looked at Temari. The dirty blonde-haired girl walked to Sakura and sat on the edge of the bed beside the pinkette.

"Do you want the truth?" Temari hesitated before asking. Sakura slightly nodded as her emerald eyes stared at the fan user's turquoise ones. The older girl sighed.

"He saw you when he woke up from the operation, but he didn't come to the hospital after that. We tried to persuade him to visit you once in a while, but he wouldn't give in. Besides that, he says he's really busy at the Kazekage Tower and his missions, of course," Temari stared straight in her eyes. Sakura didn't look back. The older girl reached over and touched her hand.

"I'm sorry about my brother's behavior," Temari had a sincere look on her face. Sakura smiled. Even though her face showed gratitude, her eyes showed something different. Kankuro glanced over to the two girls. When he saw Sakura's face, he could see right through the fake smile. There was a sudden knock on the door. A nurse popped her head inside the room.

"Haruno-san, you have a visitor," the nurse smiled. She opened ajar the door so the visitor could walk in the room. Sakura didn't look at the visitor. She had a feeling she knew who the visitor was. The nurse bowed to all of the people in the room and left. Gaara stared at Temari and Kankuro. Then he shifted his eyes to a quiet and awake pinkette. Temari and Kankuro, knowing the awkward aura in the room decided together that they were going to leave. Kankuro got up from his chair and walked towards Gaara, who stood still. When the puppet master was face to face with his brother, he muttered something soft enough that no one, but Gaara heard.

"Don't plan on erasing her smile," with that, he walked out of the room, making Gaara feel vacuous inside.

Temari was about to get up, until she felt a tug at her wrist. Sakura was giving the fan user pleading eyes. Eyes that showed repentant. The older girl only showed a gently smile, telling Sakura that everything was going to be okay. She glanced at Gaara and gave him a small nod before walking out of the room. The former Shukaku container stood at the exact same spot as the door shut closed. There was complete silence. Everything was laconic for a brief moment. He stared at her with deep sea-foam eyes. There was nothing in his orbs that can be foreseen. Sakura didn't look back at him. Instead, she was staring at particularly nothing as she cast her eyes down on the sheets. The pinkette decided to speak first.

"How are you feeling?" Sakura still didn't look up at him. It took a moment before he non-thoroughly answered.

"Hn. I was going to ask you the same thing," His raspy monotone reverberated throughout the room. His voice that haunted her mind chimed through her head. This made her look up at him. There he was. In her eyes, he was standing in his black shirt, baggy light brown pants, and his gourd was strapped on his back. His hair was messy and his eyes bore into her. The unfathomable jade eyes that besotted in her mind showed no emotion once again. Sakura stared in his eyes as he stared at hers.

I see he recovered fast.

There was a moment of laconic silence. It was clear that the pinkette didn't want to answer.

"What did you think you were doing," his steady, yet incensed voice stung the pinkette as if there was venom dripping from every word. She winced as if she got hurt by his words.

"I healed you," simple and clean words were out of Sakura's mouth. Gaara slowly walked to Sakura's bed. Sakura was intimidated by the sudden movement from the young Kazekage. He reached to the side of her bed. The hospitalized medic looked at him with worried her heart, but her eyes showed no fear. Just standing above her, Gaara outstretched a hand towards the pinkette. She closed her eyes afraid of what was coming. Sakura would have twitched if she knew that he was going to slap her. But he didn't. Instead, he touched a strand of soft pink hair. She opened her eyes when she didn't feel the harsh slap. The pinkette had a tinge of pink of her cheeks. He just stared at her. His fingers were caressing her cherry-colored strands.

What is he doing…?

The pinkette was blushing as pink as her hair now. It was Gaara who decided to speak now.

"Even though the forbidden technique was risky, why did you do it," Sakura could feel the bedridden gaze that bore through her once again.

"I wanted to protect you. I wanted you to live, so you can protect the people in this village too. I'm returning the favor, Gaara," She smiled at him. He couldn't stop staring at her smile. Badump. Badump. There it was. A sudden feeling in his chest that stirred in him. Sakura hesitantly reached toward his hand that laid frozenly, still holding a strand of pink tresses.

When her pale, slender fingers gently touched Gaara's, a sudden feeling went through him. He pulled his hand away as if he was harshly burned by a kindled flame. He stepped back 2 feet from the bed. If he had the chance, he would look away and not see the beautiful face that was stung and hurt by his sudden movement. In an instant, he erased her smile. The sudden feeling that arose in his chest disappeared like dust being blustered away by the wind.

She looked down as she brought her hand back to her side. Gaara wouldn't dare look at her in the eyes again. After seeing her pained expression, he can't see the sadness in her gleaming orbs. There was another awkward silence that lasted for a long time. Well, for the two people in the room, it lasted for a million years (out of exaggeration, of course).

"Why are you here anyway? I thought you were busy at the Kazekage Tower," Sakura quietly muttered as Gaara stood a good distance away from her. His ears heard her, but his heart was confused about the real reason why he was here in the first place.

"Hn. I was," his monotone stated.

"Since you're feeling better, I suspect that it'd be better for you to go home," Sakura still stared at him. Her mouth was slightly opened. Was he offering her to go home…with him? Sakura nodded with a lighthearted smile. She slowly positioned herself to get off the bed. Her muscles were still frail, but she would never confess that. Once her feet touched the floor she would've stumbled over, if not from the support of the bed railings.

Damn. My legs are still weak.

Through the thin cloth of her hospital gown, the chill embraced her skin once more. She slightly shivered. It was then she noticed that she wasn't wearing a bra, therefore, making her large breasts and her naked skin become apparent through the gown. Her face turned red as the crimson blood.

She took a glance at Gaara. He, knowing the situation, was already turned away and faced the other side of the room. He gave her some privacy, which she was appreciative of since most guys were perverted. Seeing that her clothes were neatly folded and rested in a nearby chair, she tried to take a step. Once she let go of the outer bed railing, her legs gave off a weak tremble. Both of her legs provided a pain that allowed her to suddenly collapse. She shut her eyes tight, waiting for her to feel the contact of the hard, cold floor touching her skin. But she didn't feel that. She didn't feel the coldness. She didn't feel the hardness of the floorboards that would break her fall. Instead, the hospitalized girl felt warmth.

Hesitantly, the pinkette opened her emerald orbs. Instead of her face touching the ground, she faced 3 feet above the ground. She felt firm, muscular arms wrapped around her waist. Sakura turned pink before looking up to see the "savior" who caught her fall. It was Gaara, no doubt. His jade eyes cast down at her limp and petite form as his arms came around, behind her. There was a frustrated frown on his features.

"You really are reckless," his voice sounded raspy and deep above her form.

"You could've asked for help." Even though her back was facing him and they were at least, 7 inches away, she could feel his hot breath from behind her ear. It was then she felt heat on her cheeks when she felt the part under her breast pressed against his arm. Facing him and putting her slender hands on his toned chest, she tried to shove him away with little strength in her arms. Rejecting his "way of offer" was something she needed to be independent of. Sakura pouted from stubbornness.

Glancing from above, Gaara watch as Sakura tried to push him away. With no movement from the red-headed Kazekage, and no success from the pinkette, she arms and pouted like a small child. Gaara scrutinized her actions. If anyone watched close enough, there was barely (a small tint) of display of amusement in his sea-foam eyes. Barely. Sakura didn't say a word to him. Instead, her face showed her emotions since it was bright crimson. She glanced to the side to find that her clothes were transported from the chair to her bed by his sand.

"Hurry up, kunoichi. I don't have time for nuisance," the limp pinkette gave him a serious look in her eyes. Gaara ignored that and began to unfasten her gown from behind.

What the hell is he doing?!

Sakura pushed his hand away as if it was an annoying fly. Gaara didn't move a bit. He just retreated his hand. Instead just gave her a look as the pinkette's face was flushed.

"What the hell do you…think your doing?" She didn't regret the words that came out of her mouth. The former Shukaku container ignored her. Instead, he stared at the pinkette.

"You're obviously weak from lack of strength. If you dress yourself, it'll take forever," He stared at her with a stoic expression. Sakura crossed her arms as they were still "that" position (arms around waist, Sakura being supported by Gaara). The kunzite crossed her arms. Struggling and pushing to get out of the young Kazekage's grasp, Sakura finally was able to tolerate on two legs, since Gaara let go of her. It took awhile before Sakura could gain composure and stand straight. The red-headed shinobi stared at her as she tussled. Her stubbornness was making him impatient.

"See. I'm perfectly fine," Sakura had a triumphantly as her legs stood without wobbling. Gaara grunted at her stubbornness. She noticed that she was making him impatient. Her hand arm reached behind her head to the buttons of the gown. Before she unbuttoned anything, she looked at Gaara. Gaara turned around with saying something that made Sakura unceasingly livid.

"I wouldn't want to look at you anyway." His back faced Sakura. She was fuming within, but she decided to put that matter to the side. As she unbuttoned the small buttons behind her back, the gown immediately fell to the ground, revealing her bare, beautiful flesh. Her underwear that was already on concealed her most private part. Sakura had a beautiful body. Of course, she didn't think so much of her. With some clandestine support from the outer bed railing, she put her clothes on one by one. First her bra, then her red vest-like shirt, white skirt, shoes. She already had her underwear on. As she put each clothing on, she couldn't stop but glance at Gaara, hoping he wouldn't look. His back still faced her with his gourd strapped on. It took 10 minutes before Sakura was done.

"I'm done changing." With that, he turned back around. She stood by the bed, fully dressed. Gaara walked to the pink-haired kunoichi. Sakura was relieved that he didn't make her come to him because her legs were still giving a little wobbly feeling. When he was face to face to her, at least 1 feet away, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. She widened her emerald orbs. Her cheeks immediately turned pink.

The pinkette didn't know what was happening before her eyes. There they were. Sakura being so close to Gaara. It was then she noticed that compared to height, she was up to his chin. He was pretty tall, not mention his muscular, toned body slightly was big compared to her petite, yet tall form. She was slightly perplexed at what he was doing. She noticed that sand was creeping and slithering around both figures. Now, she knew what was going on. Gaara was going to teleport them to their mansion. The sand surrounded the close figures, making a large cocoon look-alike around them. Sakura couldn't help but shut her eyes tight as the view of the hospital room dwindled and darkness with Gaara delimited her each moment. Indeed, she was scared. Never less, she has never teleported inside sand, or with a certain red-head.

The grits of sand embraced both figures. Dimness covered their forms. Before she knew it, she felt that Gaara's hands that were placed on her waist disappeared. She didn't feel the warmth anymore. Sakura slowly opened her emerald eyes. In front of her, was their neat, tidied bedroom. Gaara walked a few feet away from her as he looked at her.

She stood at the doorway, amazed at how fast the sand transported them to their bedroom. Sakura rested a hand on her chest out of surprise.

"You should get some rest," Gaara's deep monotone reached out to her. "I have to get back to the Kazekage Tower." Sand poured out of his gourd again. It slithered on the floor like an exotic snake. Sakura slightly reached her hand out to him.

"If you need anything, call me or Temari,"

"Gaara-" Before the words came out of her mouth, she stopped. Just before the sand surrounded his from, half covering his face, she saw a strange expression. His eyes showed something she couldn't make out before. It was resentment, yet it showed pain. She paused, never finishing her sentence. The pinkette was perplexed.

Why did he have that expression just now?

The sand once again eloped his form. When she blinked, he was instantly gone. Sakura looked at the empty spot he was standing. She sighed. One moment, he was holding her by the waist. Another moment, he left her alone. Even though he held her for a brief moment, she felt like her stomach was fluttering like butterflies. It was a feeling she felt insecure about, but it was something she had been longing for from him, even though she wouldn't admit it. She was slightly glad as long as it wasn't coldness on her that left his traces behind. Clenching her fist, her eyes burned in anger.

Why am I taking shit from him?! Why do I deserve to be treated like crap?!

Just when Gaara's pained face reappeared in her mind, she softened her eyes and frowned.

But that expression, what did it mean? Why did he make a pained face?

It was then a loud erupting noise grumbled from her stomach. Her face was slightly pink. She was definitely hungry. Heading downstairs toward the kitchen, Sakura tried to move her jello-like legs. She had strength, but not enough.

Looks like it's going to take awhile before my arms and legs get enough chakra to regain my normal strength back.

Having support from the doorway frame, she gradually tried to turn around with to head out. Sakura wobbled a few times, but managed to get in the hallway. Slowly, she descended the long stairway while holding onto the railings. When she got downstairs, she leisurely walked to the kitchen. The kitchen was massive with checkered tiled floors. She walked from cabinet to cabinet, looking for ingredients to make herself something edible.

Maybe I should make dinner for me and Gaara.

It was already 6:38 p.m. and according to her calculations, it would probably take about at least 2 hours to prepare a spontaneous home-cooked meal. Getting out pans and pots, preparing boiling water, and getting out ingredients was easy, despite her condition. When she walked to the fridge, a sudden noise was heard that spiked up her attention. creak. creak. It sounded like the floor was creaking from somewhere. Sakura immediately became alert. She slowly walked around to glance in the living room. The light was slightly dim, as it was almost dark in the living room. Everything was quiet and still. No one was in the room except her. It was then she felt another chakra presence in her house. A familiar chakra, but not Gaara's. Getting a kunai out of her hidden patch in her skirt, she cautiously sauntered in the living room. She clenched the metallic kunai in her fist as she examined the room. Nothing was peculiar. Her eyes scanned left and right. She adverted her eyes everywhere. When Sakura had the sense that nothing was wrong, she turned around, ready to cook dinner. The minute she turned her head, a gasp escaped her lips and emerald orbs widened. Onyx eyes stared back at her. There in front of her was…

"Sasuke…"she breathed. She furrowed her eyes brows. Quickly, she held the kunai in front of her, the sharp part pointing to Sasuke. Her green orbs began to glistened with hate, yet perplexity.

"What are you doing here," she demanded as a question her gaze was still frenzied. The frown on the Sharigan user was replaced with an amused smirk. Sakura looked at Sasuke. His white yukata opening revealed part of his muscular toned chest. His old childhood friend still had the same black hair except it was a little longer. His eyes held no emotion as always. They were clouded with haze. He stepped up to Sakura. She, hesitantly stepped back. The kunai was still set protectively in front of her. Her eyes still burned holes in the man in front of her.

What am I doing?! I can't be scared of him now!

Sasuke's amused smirk remained still. There was no sudden movement from him after that.

"What's wrong, Sakura-chan? Is that how you speak to your Sasuke-kun?" He said in a mocking tone but his eyes still held no emotion. Sakura remained silent. She frowned at him. There was something inside of him that she saw was like the same Sasuke. He had the same monotone, except deeper. He had matured. Sasuke had gotten extremely taller. His features were handsomer, almost breath taking. Even though he was absolutely gorgeous, she knew that Gaara was absolutely more stunning (not that she would admit). Sakura immediately turned pink.

She shook her head. Sasuke was staring at her as if she was a maniac that was zoning out. He smirked one more time. He knew she was looking at him. Truth be told, he was examining her as well. Her long legs weren't too skinny like sticks any more. Over the years he realized that she had developed luscious curves. She didn't have a flat chest like she did when they were 12-year olds. Now, her breasts were considerably huge. Her face matured and loss the roundness in her cheeks. She had gotten slightly taller. She would be mistaken as a beautiful model to anyone's eyes.

Not bad… Sasuke thought without interest in his eyes. Taking one more step to her, Sasuke kept his onyx gaze on her. Sakura, only backed up a couple of steps until she suddenly felt the cold smooth wall touch her back. Sasuke blocked her escapes as he now stood in front of her within a couple of steps. The pinkette didn't want to show fear, not that she was scared. It was a surprise to see him here. The thing she was worried about was that he was here alone with her. She didn't tremble or hesitate. Sakura's emerald orbs glistened with determination.

"What do you want," she managed to get out after not speaking for awhile. He did a small chuckle. Sasuke closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened his eyes again, crimson took over its onyx color. The sharigan almost glowed in the dim light. Sakura was slightly taken back by this. Afraid that would he activated his jutsu on her, she became alert. A smirk once again appeared on his face.

"You…" was all he said. The pinkette widened her emerald orbs. She turned her head away, trying to avoid his sharigan gaze.

"No-" Sakura tightly shut her orbs. Through her closed eye lids, it was darkness, but from her ears, she heard light footsteps coming closer to her. A cold hand touched her cheeks. Warned at the sudden touch, she opened her eyes. Through her eye sight, Sasuke stared at her with once again onyx eyes. His face was sympathetic and hurt. It was the same expression Sakura had a weakness for, the same face after Orochimaru marked him with the seal. His eyes cast into her soul. Little by little, the Sharigan user inched his face closer to the pinkette's. Now, they were nearly 1 inch apart.

"Sakura-chan, I need you," When he whispered that, his breath mingled on her cheek. He caressed her cheeks with his cold hands. Sakura softened her eyes. Out of daze, the pinkette loosen her clenched first. She dropped her weapon as the metallic sound echoed through the room. The pinkette felt weak as they stared at each other. It was like she was hypnotized just by staring at an old flame's eyes. Presently, when Sasuke had a feeling that Sakura let down her guard, a smirk appeared on his face. In an instant, his eyes glowed crimson. Still staring at the dark haired beau, Sakura widened her eyes. She tried to shut her eyes, yet it wouldn't work. The pinkette attempted to get a kunai out of a hidden pocket in her skirt, but her hand wouldn't move. It was like her body wouldn't obey her. It was then she realized that Sasuke's jutsu had taken affect on her. She was paralyzed from the formidable crimson orbs that intensely stared at her.

Damn! I can't move!

The paralyzed pinkette stared at Sasuke as her eyes once again burned with hate. She had a detest frown on her features. If she had the chance to move her lips, she would cuss out the dark haired Uchiha heir. The Sharigan user looked at her with an amused smirk.

"Don't worry Sakura, you won't have to deal with that monster anymore," he whispered in her ear. Sakura widened her eyes.

What does he mean by that?

Before Sakura could muffle out words, Sasuke closed the gap between the two. His lips were on hers. She stiffed out a surprised squeak. He forcefully shoved his tongue in her mouth. Sakura widened her eyes. His tongue wrested with her motionless tongue.

What the hell is he doing?!

The pinkette shut her eyes. She was afraid to look at his amused face, when her own showed pain and vulnerability. Sasuke aggressively shoved his tongue in Sakura's throat. She suppressed a gasp. He kept on kissing her, wrestling his tongue against hers. It was then all of sudden she felt something go down her throat. She swallowed out of idiocy of not knowing what it was. The Sharigan user smirked as his lips were still pressed up against Sakura's. Sakura, tired of Sasuke's sudden surprise of the kiss, harshly bit his tongue.

He immediately pulled away from her. While grunting, he wiped the blood on his lips with his forearm. The bite stung his tongue as if there was a swollen taste to it. He glared at her with detest as he growled at her sudden action. Sakura stared at him back with the same look in her eyes. She was still against the wall, as her whole body wouldn't move. Sasuke suddenly changed demeanor as he did his appalling smirk once again. The pinkette didn't know what was going on. Why was he smirking like that? What did he shove down her throat? A sudden shock emerged from her body. Her eye sight became blurry. Her head was spinning in circles.

What's going on?

Through her eyes, she saw multiple bodies of a smirking Sasuke as he looked like he had an agility manifold times. Her cranium started to give off a hurtful vibe as she stared at the dark haired man with half lidded eyes. It was then she realized that the object that was shoved down her throat was probably a drug or pill that made her feel drowsy. The drug was strong and it was taking a fast effect on her. In an instant, all of her systems shut down like a mindless robot and she immediately became somnolent. Her eyes shut closed and she collapsed on the floor. Sakura laid on her back motionlessly. Her state was unconscious as Sasuke stood above her form. Crouching down on his knees, he carried the cataleptic pinkette bridal style before standing up. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he stared at her.

"Hn. You're the same weak Sakura three years ago. No wonder why that monster wouldn't love you," he looked at her angelic expression as she was unconscious. "Not even in an arranged marriage," with that, he stood up with a sleeping Sakura in his arms and disappeared in a blink of the eye.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gaara intently sat in his office as the pen moved with his finger movements. All was laconic in his office. The only sound that echoed through the vast room was the ticks of the clock across the room. He pondered inside his head. Even though he should be focusing him mind on Suna's village issues, his thoughts were wondering to a certain pink-haired beauty. His mind commemorated back to the time at the hospital and in their mansion. He didn't know why, but the pained and hurt expression on Sakura's face made his heart sink as it was a damaged ship in the azure ocean. It struck him so hard that he didn't want to see it anymore, but can avoiding her make any difference?

When Sakura was in a coma, he didn't want to visit her. It was only because everywhere he turned, her smile, her eyes, her gorgeous face appeared. It was driving him insane. It was making him, dare he say it, weak. That was the reason why he didn't want to see her. In her condition during the coma, he couldn't stand the sight of seeing her being half dead. He wanted to forget that the woman haunting his soul, but he couldn't. He hated her. He truly abhorred her for making him feel so weak. Gaara dropped his motioning pen and clenched his fist.

Stupid woman.

He closed his eyes trying to concentrate and block her out of his mind, but it wouldn't work. Her face abruptly appeared.

"I want to protect you-" Her voice echoed through his thoughts. The former Shukaku container grunted as his hands clenched his head. His forehead was throbbing out of anticipation, out confusion. The kanji mark stung with every thought that emerged in his head. He wanted to forget her. He wanted to pretend she was no one. So how come everywhere he turned all he saw was Sakura? He growled at how much pain vibe through his head. It hurt him in everyway possible just because he didn't want to admit that she made him feel weak. Just a small touch from her made him fuming. Fuming at the fact that she made him feel this way. After a brief moment, the headache stopped.

Was it guilt? Was it sympathy? What was it that he felt about this damn woman? He stopped and looked at the clock. 7:38. It would be early to go home, but there's an unexplained reason why he wanted to go home. Home to his wife. He couldn't be worried, could he?

If that woman needed help with anything, she would've called. He thought in his head. It was a reason why he had to stay at the Kazekage tower and not see the annoying pinkette that plagued his thoughts. But then again, what if she needed help walking to the phone? Or the kitchen? Or down the stairs?. She was still weak in the legs after giving so much chakra and energy away to him. After all, he was the reason why she was hospitalized.

He grabbed the papers in front of him and stacked them neatly. All of a sudden, a sensation felt through him. It slightly stung. He looked at his index finger, where crimson liquid was slightly dripping from his finger. Staring at it keenly, he brought his finger up to his lips where he intently sucked the cut, tasting the metallic, yet sweet taste of blood on his tongue. His blood didn't taste like this. It was then he realized that Sakura gave her blood to him. Even though he wouldn't admit it, her blood flowed within him. She flowed within his body. He sucked on it for several seconds before pulling the finger out of his mouth. He stared at it for a while. He clenched his fist and grunted a vicious growl. Sand surround his form. It eloped him like a cocoon. In an instant, he was gone. No traces of him were left behind. All of his paperwork were abandoned on the desk.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The sand user appeared in the dark aspects of his bedroom. His sand slithered back in his gourd on his back. He looked in the room. All was empty. Gaara shifted his jade eyes around the room. There was no sign of Sakura. Gradually walking downstairs, he took his time looking for the pinkette. When he reached living room, it was oddly quiet and dark. There was no sign of the pinkette.

Where'd that woman go…

It was then a scent wandered to his nose. The scent of blood. He gazed down at the floor. Even though it was the slightest drop, there was a small amount of blood underneath him. He just examined it for several minutes. Although it was a small drop, he can smell the aroma. It didn't smell like Sakura's blood.

Good enough, it wasn't Sakura's sweet scent. That relieved his stoic heart, just a little. The blood dropping left a chakra presence behind. It seemed familiar, but unrecognizable. His gaze followed to something near the dropping. If he had eyebrows, he would furrow them. A couple of fee away, a "clue" was left behind. A Konoha headband was on the floor. Through the sign of the Hidden Leaf Village, there was a slash mark through it. One thought appeared in his head.

Uchiha Sasuke…He growled.

Gaara clenched his fist. It all made sense now. The familiar chakra, the metallic and acrimonious scent. After all, Sasuke is a traitor. Since he was accompany Sound, Gaara hates him. Now that he kidnapped the one woman who made him weak (although he would never admit it), the former Shukaku container abhors Sasuke with such detest, he would only be satisfied if he could kill the Uchiha heir. Looking at headband, a thought occurred to him.

Why would Uchiha leave something obvious behind. Could he be setting something…What is he planning with Haruno-

Taking a deep inhale of the smell of Uchiha's blood, his body mentally writhed out of disgust. He clenched his fist and grunted. His sand violently surrounded him. In a blink of an eye, he was gone once again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sakura groaned. She slowly opened her eyes to a light that shone above her. She blinked several times at the brightness. When realization approached her, she instantly shot up. Her head began to throb with agony. She groaned as she clenched her head. Looking around, she noticed that it was darkness all around except for the dazzling light that shone above.

Where am I?

The perplexed pinkette held her head in her hands. All of a sudden she sensed another chakra with her.

"I see you're awake," a mysterious, monotone voice reached out to her. Already recognizing the voice, she became alert and stood up in fighting position.

"What do you want with me Sasuke," she didn't question him, it was a statement. Her firm, serious voice would make anyone scared. She knew that Sasuke wouldn't just kidnap her because he wanted her. Besides, she was over him years ago. Through the darkness, she can see his piercing crimson eyes that emphasized through the light, but she couldn't see his face.

"What's wrong, Sakura? I thought you'd be happy to be with me," the cynicism in his amusement tone made her clench her fist. Sakura heard footsteps that went closer to her. Several moments later, she saw Sasuke's face come into view from the bright light. He was face to face with her, only 2 feet away.

"Don't worry I won't do anything to you," he reached his hand to caress her cheeks, but she slapped his hand away as if it was an annoying fly. Sasuke retreated his hand back as it was swollen red. He grunted. Vicious red Sharigan eyes glared at her. She frowned.

"What are you planning to do with me," Sasuke managed to smirk.

"Simple question, my cherry blossom," he walked closer to her.

"You are the Kazekage's wife, am I correct?" Sakura didn't say anything. Instead, she just glared at him.

"I was hoping he'll come to your rescue as a hero people see him as," He smirked at the captive pinkette in front of him.

"I guess you heard that Sound had ambushed his squad 3 weeks ago," Even though Sakura knew that Sasuke knew, she still didn't say anything. Sasuke kept on proceeding.

"Well, I'm afraid that after that incident, the Kazekage would have to agree to surrender his army and put his beloved village under Sound's control. Or else something bad might happen to his precious flower," he walked closer to Sakura and cupped her chin. The pinkette didn't pull away.

"So you're just going to hold me as a hostage? Real manly. Gaara would never give up this war. He wouldn't do something as ignorant as that," the pink-haired kunoichi finally spoke as she spat in his face.

"And what if he doesn't surrender? What are you going to do?" it was a way to declare a challenge to the Uchiha heir. His smirk had widened. His face inched hers, yet their faces were barely touching. Sakura didn't dare wince or became shock, she was ready at what was going to be said to her.

"Then I guess you'll have to find out, won't you Sakura-chan?" he purred in her ear. This made a shiver go down her spine. Her heart thumped rapidly. Her mind was confused as it was clouded with haze. Her eyes suddenly widened.

Does he mean…rape?

Sakura pressed her palms against his chest and pushed the man in front of her. She glared at him with a vicious look.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, let's just say, if he doesn't agree to this, he won't be able to see your precious face again," a small chuckle escaped from Sasuke's lips. Sakura didn't tremble from the outside, which made her confident. In truth, she wasn't scared of the Uchiha heir. She believed that she was the strong, independent woman trained under Godaime Tsunade and no one would make her insecure. But on the inside, something small stirred in her. Something that gave her doubt. She wanted to ignore it because Sasuke might see through her.

"Or we can have another type of agreement, and I won't bring Gaara into this," Bringing his hands to her cheeks, he caressed them. Sakura had a abominate frowned. She was so deep in thought that she didn't realize that Sasuke's hands traveled downward. Gradually, his hands slid to her shoulders, feeling her soft skin. Then his hand slyly yet slowly reached for her breasts. Sakura was still in a daze, thinking about her situation. Then all of a sudden, Sasuke groped her big breasts. That was where he crossed the line. Clenching her fist, the pinkette was going to punch him as hard as she can despite the fact her arms were still weak from being hospitalized. Sasuke, knowing what was coming, easily dodged to the side. Sakura widened her eyes.

All of a sudden, he lurched forward to the pinkette and pinned her against the cold wall. Her wrists were held above her head as they were pinned by Sasuke's rough hands. She whimpered at how much force he put into her wrists. He inched his face closer to hers.

"You shouldn't do ignorant things that would cost your life, Sakura," he whispered in her ear. He brought out his tongue and slightly licked her earlobe that made her shutter from disgust.

"You should obey me, or else I'll kill you whether Gaara agrees to the surrender or not," He stood really close to Sakura. She gave him another glare that would scare anyone away. He didn't care because he's the one in control. With one hand, he held both of her wrists above her head like indestructible handcuffs. With his other hand, he wondrously traced the outline of her clothing starting from the center of her neck. He slowly wondered his hand downward, past her collarbone, in the middle of her chest and he kept on going. When he reached the zipper of her vest/shirt, he pulled it down leisurely. He started from the top and unzipped it to the bottom. He knew it was making her uncomfortable.

When the vest opening was fully ajar, revealing the bare front of Sakura chest, she couldn't help but shiver at the coldness that embraced her exposed skin. Sasuke's eyes wandered at Sakura's bare chest. She was truly breath taking. Under the white lacy bra were big beautiful mounds. She had a gorgeous body. Sakura wasn't fat. Instead, she had a flat stomach with small developing, womanized abs. His eyes immediately clouded with a lusty haze and a heated gaze. As his onyx eyes were still examining her, he whispered to Sakura.

"You sure have grown over the years," his breath mingled on her exposed neck. There were now goose bumps on her exposed skin. She knew that he meant her whole body. She grunted out of disapproval. How could she let Sasuke do this to her? She was furious. The Sharigan user reached his hand towards one of her untouched breasts. Groping it slightly, Sakura shut her eyes and had a gasp escaped from her lips. The Uchiha heir smirked. He groped the mound again. This time he squeezed harder. She let out a surprised grunt from deep within of her throat. She widened her eyes at what she just did. She felt revolted. She felt vulnerable. Why would she let Sasuke do these kind of things to her? He couldn't help but feel pleased.

"Just hearing you react to my touches and with an untouched body like this, I can't help but wonder about something. Are you…a virgin?" he asked curiously as he rose an eyebrow. A smirk appeared in his features. Sakura winced at disgust in her emerald eyes. She said nothing, but gave him a repellent look. He slightly chuckled. Looking at her body again, his crimson eyes wandered to her neck, down her collarbone, past her chest, and upon two immense breasts that were hidden under her garment. He licked his lips.

Sakura was furious. Her face was tinted red. Trying to struggle free, she tussled out of his grasp, but the Sharigan user's grip was too tight. She felt hopeless. If she doesn't let him do what he wants to with her, she'll be killed. Her legs were slightly weak still and it would probably take a couple of days to recover, so she can't run away. Her arms were slightly weak also, so she couldn't put enough chakra into her fist to create a crater. Plus, Sakura couldn't even escape free.

Damn! Why am I so weak?!

While Sakura was deep in thought, Sasuke's naughty hand trailed down to her long legs. Under the white knee-length skirt was were her silk crème colored legs. He placed his hand on her cloth covered thigh and gradually trailed downward to the end of her skirt. It created a eccentric and odd sensation to Sakura, which shocked her. She glared at Sasuke as she watched what he was doing to her helpless body. From the opening bottom of her skirt, he put his hand in the gap. He traced his hand to her inner thighs in her skirt. Sakura couldn't see what he was doing, but she can feel it. She felt disgusted at what was happening.

He traced upward towards her underwear. It was cotton underwear. He smirked. He put his whole palm against her cotton covered vagina. He grasped it firmly as if it was going to run away. Sakura whimpered in the odd feeling.

"Uhn…" was a groan from her throat. That was when realization hit her. She shot open her eyes. Sakura began thrashing against Sasuke's will.

"Stop! Don't do this!" Sasuke just smirked. This time, his fingers traced circle like patterns on her woman hood. His hand traveled further up to the top of the underwear edges and he pulled it down to Sakura's knees. Now, she had nothing to cover her woman hood with. She was shocked and scared. His hand traced her top inner thighs, all the way to her "untouched treasure" Even though he couldn't see what he was doing, he knew what he was doing. That made Sakura worry. When her woman hood was fully exposed to the chilling air, the pinkette shivered at the sudden cool contact. One of his index fingers traced the opening/slit of her vagina. Sakura gasped. Sasuke smirked. There was an unfamiliar sensation. She thrashed her body, trying to stop what he was doing, but instead, he kept on going.

"Let see of you're really a virgin," he spoke to her gently, but Sakura knew that there was an evil curiosity in his voice. Sakura grunted and frowned. Now, she really hated him. Before she could even think about spitting in his face, he slowly insert his index finger inside her slit. She gasped at the sudden foreign feeling that vibe through her body. She thrashed some more to make him stop, but it wouldn't work. Instead, it just made the sensation worse. Sasuke slightly chuckled. He wasn't satisfied yet, no. He only inserted his index finger half way though the slit. Since it was slowly at first, he decided to jab the whole finger in her slit roughly this time. When he did that violently, Sakura shut her eyes tight, did a small shriek and groan at the pain that shot through her, and left her mouth partially open.

"Ahh…!" It was a weird kind of pain. It felt horrible, like a bullet shot through her. Even though it hurts, it felt weird…in a good way. She didn't want anymore of his torture. She felt like a whore. Again, she thrashed some more, but it just created an even more strange sensation that shot pain through her body.

"Ah…!Stop! Don't-!" She begged. She opened her orbs and looked at Sasuke's face to see if he was even listening, but instead, he just stared at her with a lusty and heated gaze. He licked his lips as he memorized how she reacted to the sensation. Even though she knew that Sasuke was just beginning with his torture, her face was tinted pink and she was sweating a little. Sasuke didn't listen to her pleas. Instead, he just chuckled. His face inched closer to Sakura's face and he kissed her harshly on the lips. Sakura muffled noise out of disapproval. She slightly thrashed her head, but their lips wouldn't separate. Keeping her distracted, he slowly pulled his finger halfway out of her vaginal hole. The sensation vibe through her again. Sakura groaned deep within her throat out of surprise. Her legs slightly quivered. Instantly, he rammed his finger inside her again. He did it harshly and hard. Sakura disconnected the kiss forcefully and groaned out of surprise.

"Ahhh!" Since her mouth was wide open, so Sasuke decided to use that as an advantage. He forcefully kissed her again, this time, he added his tongue. His tongue wrested her motionless one in a violent game. As that was happening, he brutally fingered her slit, in a pattern like manner. In, out, in, out. She yelped from her throat and wiggled a little at the pain that shot through her. When her mouth was wide open again, he stuck his tongue in her mouth and licked up everything in her mouth like a hungry dog. Sakura, furious at everything at was happening, bit his tongue. He retreated back with a grunt. Sasuke was mad. Instead of retreating his finger from her womanhood, he secondly inserted his middle finger and rammed harshly inside vagina. She screamed at the sudden pain and thrashed some more. He was ramming into her deep and violently like it was a jack hammer trying to make a crack upon the concrete sidewalk.

"Ahhhhhh!" she screamed at the sudden pain sensation that ranged through her. Sasuke smirked. Sakura's face was tinted red and she shut her eyes. Just when the Uchiha heir was about to insert another finger, a knock was at the door somewhere. When that happened, Sasuke grunted. Someone unknown to Sakura walked in. He looked at least 25 years old with dark brown hair. He had a scar on his left cheek. Sasuke grunted.

"What is it," he growled, mad that there was a disturbance in his torture. The unknown Sound shinobi bowed to him.

"There has been a disturbance from many Sound shinobi about 7 yards away. Sasuke turned to the Sound nin and nodded. With that, the unknown shinobi disappeared. Then, Sasuke's frown was replaced with a smirk. He turned to Sakura, who was breathing heavily, her face was pink. In an instant, he loosen his grip on her wrist and Sakura exhaustedly fell on the ground as if she was a immobile theatre puppet after someone let go of her strings. When she was helpless limp on the ground, Sasuke bent down to lower himself to whisper in her ear.

"Hn. It's no surprise that you're a virgin, Sakura," with that, he did a small chuckle. Sakura was still breathing heavily and her face was flushed. She was furiously fuming. Sasuke got up from his spot and walked to the door. Before he walked through it, he turned around to face the exhausted, helpless pinkette.

"I'll continue this later. Stay where you are. We wouldn't want to have a bloody mess, would we?" In an instant, he was gone. Sakura stared in the darkness as her eyes were an empty green color. She looked like a hot mess. Her hair was slightly sticking up, her vest opened, underwear slid down on her knees and worst of all, she felt like a disgusting whore. Slowly, began to zip her vest, and slid her underwear to up to where it was suppose to be. After tidying herself up, she brought her knees up to her chest. Tears threatened to fall down.

Why am I so weak? Why am I so helpless?!

Tears began to fall down from her cheeks, past her lips.

What if Gaara doesn't save me? Does he even know if I'm gone? Does he even care?

Sakura frowned as more tears began to fall down.

Yeah, he's my husband, but he doesn't even love me. Why am I trying so hard to make him care? What am I saying? I don't even care about him!

It was then the pinkette began to feel like she was a broken doll, trying to fix the puzzle of her life. She clenched her fist.

What am I doing waiting here?! Why am I being helpless, trying to wait for Gaara to save me? He'll never come!

Sakura, building her determination and no longer wants to wait for a rescue, slowly stood up. But once that happened, she softened her eyes out of sadness.

Why can't I help but feel like there's hope that he's coming?

When that thought occurred, she shook her head and clenched her fist.

"What am I saying? I need to get out of here," she muttered to herself. Walking slyly, she opened the hidden door to where the unknown shinobi had entered. When she opened the door, and peeped her head out, she was surprised no one was guarding the door, but she guessed it was just luck, because she didn't have enough strength to handle fighting anyway. Sakura examined her surroundings. The time was night and dark outside, probably midnight. She figured that she was trapped in a forest because of tree surroundings and the vines. Strolling slowly, she wandered around the exotic setting. Although her legs were still weak, she still had enough energy to walk Then, a loud explosion was heard and several shrieks echoed throughout the jungle.

The pinkette curiously, wandered hastily around. She hid herself behind tress careful to spot any Sound nins around. Thank goodness there weren't any around.

The intruder must be hard to handle for all of the Sound shinobi to go missing.

Curious enough, she wandered to the explosions and screams that created a bloody vibe in the surrounding. It would've been an unthinkable idea, but she wanted to know who would be causing all of this. Mysteriously, she followed the sounds of the destruction. She saw several Sound shinobilaying down motionlessly on the ground. They were bloodied and wounded. Sakura walked across the limp bodies, trying not to step on them. When she looked across from her, a few shuriken were flying to her. Having quick reflexes, she dodged them, ducking onto the ground. When the shuriken hit the tree barks, she stood up once again. Carefully, she cautiously walked ahead. To her surprise the battle scene was in front of her, 2 yards away. She quietly hid behind a nearby tree that was big enough to hide her form completely. She took a peek at the scene.

There was Sasuke, somewhat bruised. There were dead bodies surrounding him. A deep, monotone voice reached out to the Sharigan user.

"It's foolish to make your pathetic hideout on the borders between Suna and Otogakure."

Sasuke was still glaring at something, or rather someone. When Sakura followed his gaze, she widened her emerald orbs. There was a figure who was fighting Sasuke, but the opponent's back was facing towards Sakura. From what the pinkette could see, he had messy rust colored hair and a big gourd was strapped on his back. The small glimpse of him would be able to give away who Sasuke was fighting. Sakura widened her eyes.

"Gaara…" the pinkette whispered. The sand user heard a sweet, yet quivered voice behind him. His ears perked up at the quiet voice that reached out to him. He slightly turned his head to take a glimpse at the person who called his name. To his surprise he saw Sakura. The pinkette met his gaze and her eyes watered. She looked down on the ground and she quickly wiped the tears away.

Why am I crying? Am I happy that Gaara actually came for me?

She lightly smiled to herself before looking at Gaara again. When she looked up, he didn't look at her. Instead he was focusing on his opponent, which in this case, was Sasuke. Sakura walked out from the shadows of the massive tree. Sasuke looked at the figure that emerged from the shadows. He smirked. Then he turned his attention to Gaara.

"So what do you say? Is it a deal, Kazekage?" Sasuke quirked an eyebrow as Gaara didn't say anything. He just stared at the Uchiha heir. The pinkette didn't know what to do. Stay and watch the intense aura that was about to collapse like an explosive volcano, or walk towards Gaara and feel protected. Starting to take a step forward, Sakura started walking towards Gaara. The sand user's voice reached out to her.

"Stay there," he commanded. The pinkette just stayed stopped what she was doing like a scared puppy obeying its master. Then a thought occurred to her.

He's right. I will probably just stand in his way.

She watched as both opponents stepped forward each other. Sasuke was the one who ran towards Gaara first, activating the Sharigan. Gaara stood where he was. Sasuke activated his chidori as he did so. When he was attacked the sand user, immediately, sand began to perform a sand wall between Gaara and the Sharigan user. It created a perilous explosion that echoed throughout the forest. Smoke arose to the sky and any open gap there was. Sakura shield her eyes with her arm, careful not to inhale the smoke. When most of it cleared, she opened her eyes again. There in front of her was where the battle began.

Sasuke, with the Sharigan, expertly threw ten daggers at Gaara, who easily shield it with his sand. The sand surrounding him made a large fist around his arm. He reached over and aimed his large sand fist towards Sasuke. He barely dodged it. They were at each other violently. When Sakura was watching intently, she noticed that it was more than a fight. It was practically a war between the two. Sasuke did a shadow clone jutsu that made his form multiply by 100. Gaara was surrounded by hundreds of Sasuke-look-alikes. At once, most of them lurched him. Most of them threw daggers or shuriken at him. Sakura knew that his sand wasn't quick enough to dodge everything. There was a sudden explosion before her eyes. Once again, she shield her eyes. When the smoke was out of view she looked up to see if Gaara was still there.

Thank goodness enough, he was. Sakura gave a sigh of relief, but when she looked at Gaara carefully, he was injured. His arm was bleeding. The former Shukaku container, knowing that he was injured, ordered his sand to lurched forward at Sasuke. The Uchiha heir knew what was coming, dodged the attack and leaped up in the air. Up there, he activated his chidori. When he expertly landed on the ground with is two feet, he couldn't find Gaara anyway. Activating his Sharigan, he looked through the forest, from trees to bushes. A couple of feet away, he spotted moving sand slithering on the ground like a snake. He smirked.

Bingo.

Following the slithering sand, he spotted the back of Gaara's head and attacked it with his ongoing chidori. When the powerful chakra hit the figure, Gaara immediately dispersed and sand crawled away, making a fake sand clone from the grits. Sasuke growled and clenched his fist at the sudden trap that he fell for. It was then he didn't notice that a large sand palm was behind him. Sensing the presence, he jumped on a nearby tree branch before the sand could attack him. The sand slithered and disappeared away. Sasuke made several more clones and all of them spread out, searching for the sand master who were playing dirty tricks.

Sakura was trying to follow the battle with Gaara and Sasuke. She couldn't find them. Then a loud explosion was heard and the sounds of birds fluttering away caught her attention. Searching for the two men, she walked intently along the path, trying to spot them. She walked several minutes. There was another loud explosion. Up in the sky, there was smoke. Following the obvious clues, she found them again, a couple of yards away. Both were heaving hard, facing each other. All of Sasuke's clones were gone and now, it was a fair battle between him and Gaara.

Deep sea foam eyes stared into activated crimson ones. With no count, both ran forward each other the same time. Both lurched upon each other again. Sasuke used his chidori one last time while Gaara was about to use his sand coffin. Sasuke didn't miss when he used the chidori, but even though it hit Gaara and made him bleed, Gaara still acted like it was nothing. He used his sand coffin on Sasuke so it would trap him. The sand coffin squeezed him so tight that he was knocked out unconscious. Everything happened with a leap in the sky. When both figures landed on the ground, the Sharigan user was trapped with sand and Gaara stood unsteadily. His hand was grasping his chest. He winced his eyes. Sakura immediately saw this. She was worried out of her wits.

"Gaara!" She came out of the shadows of the trees. Even with her weak legs, she ran up to Gaara, stumbling as she did so. She rested her hands on his shoulders, making sure he was alright. Gaara abruptly glared at her with a frown.

"I thought I told you to stay where you were," he growled. She knew that he was mad and that the pain was hurting him, but being stubborn was what she was known for. She didn't want to hide under his shadow anymore. She didn't want to take his ignorant tone towards her anymore. Hell, she's tired of watching other people get hurt.

"How can I stay and watch while you're in pain?!" she yelled at him. Gaara was slightly taken back by her attitude and how she disobeyed him. But since was hurt, he wouldn't want to let out his anger on her. Sakura gently pushed his shoulder down so he was seated on the soft dirt of the ground. She crouched down beside him. Her hand immediately glowed green. Gaara knew what she was doing. He stared at her as she healed his bloodied chest. She just ignored his gaze and examined the injury.

"You shouldn't be healing within your condition," he stated simply. Sakura just frowned. She looked at him with deep emerald eyes.

"I don't care," Her tone was firm and serious. There was laconic silence for a minute before both figures heard the sky rumbling. It was as if the sky was angry and shouted. A few moments later, one by one, a couple droplets of water fell from the sky. Then as moments pass, the droplets increased and it started raining hard within minutes. Sakura didn't care. Even though her hair and whole body was soaked, along with Gaara and his sand, she didn't mind. Instead, she just healed the injury in front of her. The rain helped by cleaning the wound. After moments, the injury was beginning to slightly heal, but the pinkette had to use a massive amount of energy. Sakura knew she didn't have a whole lot of chakra to heal his chest. Apparently, Gaara knew that too. He pulled away from her and stood up. Sakura just gave him a confused look.

"What are you-"

"I do not want to weaken you by losing your chakra to me," his icy monotone gave her chills. Although he was right, she still wouldn't give up. She was about to refuse, but when he walked over to Sasuke, she knew fighting wouldn't help. The sand that was tightened around the unconscious man began to loosen and became damp. Therefore, not holding him tightly enough. The sand was about to disperse and become weak. So what was Gaara going to do? Sasuke's face began to moisten with the rain, making him wake up suddenly. He opened his onyx eyes to see rain and the a figure in front of him. Gaara was staring at him. Sasuke's eyes immediately changed to red again.

Trying to get free from the sand's grasp, he struggled, but the sand was still tight. The sand user's jade eyes just stared down at him.

"I won't give up the war, no matter what you intend to do," he said. Sasuke smirked. Thunder roared and the rain kept on drizzling unstop.

"I guess to make things fair, I won't give up either," a small chuckle escaped from his lips. He then took a glanced at the figure behind Gaara, which in this case, was Sakura's soaked form.

"It was strange that you came in time. If you were careless like the person you are, I would've raped Sakura," he muttered so that only Gaara could hear. Gaara winced his eyes out of hate. He clenched his fist. Rain was falling more hard than ever.

"Then after that, I would've killed her," the moment he said that, the strings broke loose inside of the sand user. Grabbing a kunai from his patch, Gaara was about to stab and kill the Uchiha right there as he was trapped helplessly. He brought the kunai and aimed it towards the Sharigan user. Sakura, knowing what was going to happen, immediately ran up to Gaara. She can't stand to see another person get killed. Especially if someone were to get killed by Gaara, a respected leader. His back was faced to her. She immediately wrapped her arms around Gaara's back and hugged him from behind. Her face was compressed with his cold back as her arms wrapped around with her hands on his chest.

"Please, don't do this Gaara…"she whispered quiet enough to hear through the pouring rain. Before he could blink, the kunai stopped just one centimeter away from Sasuke's forehead. The dark haired man let out his breath. What he saw in front of him was two hands on his chest, wrapped around from Gaara's back. He smirked.

So the monster does have a weakness.

Sasuke stared at Gaara with hidden deep eyes as Gaara stared at Sasuke with so much hate that he practically growled at the Uchiha. All three figures stayed like that for a moment. Sakura was embracing Gaara from behind, Gaara was holding a kunai one centimeter away from Sasuke's forehead and Sasuke was looking at the monster in front of him. Soon, the rain became light and no longer drizzled. The thunder cleared and now it was sprinkling imperceptibly.

Slowly, Gaara withdrew his weapon, as he dropped the kunai on the soft, moist ground. Within that, Sakura gently let him go. Even though the sand was still wet, Sasuke still couldn't get out of its grasp. Gaara still stared at the Uchiha with detest, deep jade eyes. He grunted.

"Next time, I won't let you live, Uchiha," with that, he walked away, with Sakura following close behind him. They left Sasuke trapped in a sand barrier. The Uchiha heir chuckled slightly

"That monster actually has a weakness for her. How pathetic," he muttered quietly. The pair left the Uchiha heir stuck in sand as they descended away through the forest. Sakura weakly followed Gaara through the forest. No one said anything. It was a strange moment to recollect. The rain had stopped. Everything was wet, dripping, and moist. She walked a few away behind him, her pace slowing down each moment she took a couple of steps. The sand user in front of her was walking at a fine, yet fast pace despite his injuries. Sakura's legs gave a quick tremble. When she ran to Gaara, stopping him from killing her former teammate, she practically lost her energy. All of a sudden, she collapsed. She knew that Gaara had probably didn't know and left her. Her legs were trembling and wouldn't move. Sakura squeezed her eyes shut at the sudden pain that shot through her.

Why am I so weak?!

She mentally screamed at herself for falling after such an incident. Resting a hand on her legs, she tried to heal it, but there wasn't enough chakra. A tall large shadow cast over her. The pinkette looked up at the figure. Deep jade eyes stared down at her with an intense glare. Sakura couldn't help but feel like a helpless puppy. Gaara didn't say anything as he looked at her with fervent eyes. Slowly, he crouched down beside Sakura. She was watching him do this as she laid helplessly on the moist ground. Carefully, the former Shukaku container easily scooped her in his arms before standing up, bridal style. Sakura's face was tinted pink.

"What are you doing…?" she breathed as her head was against his chest. She looked up at him with light eyes. He just ignored her for a minute. Instead, he walked forward with Sakura in his arms. She just stayed there limply as her face was still pink. How can Gaara carry her in his pained condition? That question struck her.

"Gaara, how can you carry me when you're hurt?!" she questioned him as her eyes gleamed with worry. The stoic man looked ahead as he kept walking, ignoring her question. Sakura furrowed her eye brows out of disbelief. She squirmed, trying to get out of his strong hold of her. She pounded her palms on his hard chest.

"Put me down! Let me go! You're still hurt!" she pounded her fist on his chest some more. He didn't even flinch. Not even once. Instead, he stopped walking and peered down at the woman in his arms. He was giving her a "shut-up and stop being annoying" look. She stared at him with the same glare in her eyes. The glare-down lasted for a brief moment. Then Gaara monotonously said something with his deep stoic voice.

"Returning the favor of healing me," Sakura widened her emerald orbs with the same perplexed expression. The sand user disconnected their gaze and walked straight ahead. The pinkette slightly opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. She didn't want to give Gaara a hard time.

Besides, he went through all the trouble to save me. His kazekage duties must be in jeopardy because of the things he missed out on.

Sakura couldn't help but slightly smile at that fact. Even if it was just a little moment or while, she felt safe in his arms. She felt enlightened by the fact that even if it was just a tiny bit, he cared for her. Unknowingly to herself, she lightly rested her head on his hard chest. She closed her eyes. All she could hear were the soft motion steps of Gaara's foot. Another thing she could hear was his heartbeat. Thump. Thump. She smiled. It created a soothing sound, almost like a melody, trying to cradle a baby to sleep. Even though his personality was cold, his touch was warm. The way his arms carried her bridal style didn't make her shiver from the rain. Instead, it heated her whole body with the warmth's embrace. The sudden sensation didn't just go through only Sakura, but Gaara as well. He slightly peered down at her form as he kept on walking. Her body was petite and she was light as a feather.

The sand user noticed that her eyes were shut closed and a small (barely) visible smile appeared on her features. He couldn't stop staring at her sleeping form. If people thought she looked beautiful when she was lively, they would've thought she looked like

An innocent angel.

He stared at her sleeping form. Her soft breathing was the only thing he heard from her. Would people think she looked cute(?) He shook his head and grunted. He didn't want to feel like a weakling. Her warmth towards him was going to make him melt like ice. Under the coldness towards her, he didn't know that everything was slowly melting away.

Stupid kunoichi. I hate you.

He knew that if he kept on repeating those words, they would replace the strange feelings stirring inside his stomach. Then again, he also knew that sooner or later, he was lying to himself. When she was missing, he couldn't help but feel slightly frustrated. No, angry. It took him a while to find the location where she was held captive. Much less, it took a while to persuade the Suna's elders to rid of him from his Kazekage office. It was a while before he transported out of Suna's borders, heading towards Otogakure. The young Kazekage had followed some of the Sound shinobi who were discussing matters about the Uchiha heir and a woman named Sakura. He couldn't help but stealthy follow the shinobis. Letting himself appear when they reached the hideouts, he battled many nin. Much less, killed them. Most remarks were being shouted at him such as, "Son of a bitch" or "Monster". When the Uchiha appeared, he gave Gaara a choice: To surrender his army and village and save the pinkette, or not giving up the war and letting her get killed. Gaara was wise enough not to say anything. He was smart not to make the right or wrong choice. His village was everything. This war meant everything. But what did Sakura mean to him? He looked at her sleeping form. He growled.

The things you do to me.

Gaara noticed that everything was almost dry. He looked around. Activating his sand from his opened gourd, the sand surrounded his and Sakura's form. The light from the sun was shield with darkness as the sand encircled their bodies. Gaara blinked. In an instant, he, with Sakura in his arms, was in their bedroom. He stood at the bedroom doorway. Walking quietly, he made it to the end of his bed and gently laid the pinkette down. As she rested on her back, he stared at her. Her soft breathing flowed every time her chest slightly heaved. Looking at her pale skin, he could tell that she was exhausted. Without knowingly, he slowly reached a hand out towards her. When that happened, a sharp pain jabbed through his arm, from his chest. Gaara winced his sea foam eyes and grunted. He looked at the injury. There was a small amount of blood on his shirt where he was stabbed by the Uchiha.

Slowly and carefully, he took off his shirt. He examined his injuries. On his exposed, well toned chest, was a bloody gash. He walked to the bathroom that was located inside his master bedroom. He opened one of the cabinets under the sink and pulled out antibiotics, band aid wrapping, and cotton balls. It was basically a kit. Walking back into the bedroom, he put the materials on the edge of the bed. Standing, Gaara put on the antibiotic on the cotton ball and dabbed it onto his injury. It stung like hell. He winced his eyes at the small sensation that stung through. Then he put another cotton ball on. The blood overfilled the fluffy, white material. He looked at his injury and it was a bright red color around the gash as if it was a reddish-pink radiant.

All of a sudden, he felt a warm hand on his muscular arm. Slim, warm fingers made contact with his skin. He looked up to the side to find Sakura with a concerned face. Her eyes glimmered with worries as the pain was still throbbing through Gaara. She quietly walked and stood in front of him. She looked at the beautiful man in front of her. Without saying anything, she got a few cotton balls and gently dabbed the gash. Gaara stared at the pink haired angel in front of him. He had a stoic expression. When most of the blood was gone and soaked in the cotton balls, she gently rested both of her hands on his muscular chest. It was then the sand user noticed that a pink color was slowly going to her cheeks. Her hands glowed green/blue. She was kindly healing him, treating him as gently as possible. They stayed like that for a couple of moments. Her touch was making him slightly fuzzy in the head, and tingly in the stomach area. He couldn't take it anymore. Quickly, he put his hand on top of hers and pushed her hand away. The warm sensation was gone and his gash was gone too. He looked down at Sakura. She had a hurt expression her face. Gaara turned away. He walked past her, to get his shirt that laid abandoned on the cold ground. His back was now facing a slightly furious pinkette. A voice reached out to him.

"What's your problem?" she asked in a serious tone. Gaara stopped walking, his back was still towards her. His monotone simply answered that question.

"You." Sakura widened her eyes and clenched her fist. She now began to raise her voice.

"I didn't do anything to you. Ever since I've gotten here, you've been acting like a total ass hole-" when realization hit her she noticed what she said, but she didn't regret it. Gaara still didn't face her.

"You've been so distant towards me! I can't believe you're such an arrogant person! You're the coldest person ever!" She rose her voice out anger. Gaara stood still, never looking at her. His back was the only thing she saw. Mentally, he flinched at what she said.

"Why do you hate me so much? Why are you being so bitter towards to me?!" She couldn't help it any longer. She wanted to express what she wanted to say. She was angry. Sakura's face was slightly red from yelling at him. He still ignored her. He just stayed still. Before she could even think about it, furious words sipped from her mouth.

"I hate you," she muttered. Her eyes were a deep emerald color. Her face showed anger, but her eyes showed sadness for a different reason. Before she knew it, she was harshly slammed against the wall. A small yelp escaped her lips. Two large rough hands gripped her shoulders as they tightly held her against the wall. He had put pressure on her shoulders. She winced. When she opened her eyes again, Gaara (still without a shirt) was in front of her with a malicious look. He looked like he was ready to kill someone. She slightly whimpered. His deep voice was aggressive and harsh.

"You want to know why I hate you so much?" He roughly said to her in a tone that send her chills down her spine. His face was inches away from hers. His grip tightened on her shoulders. A small whimpered escaped her lips as tears threatened to fall.

"You want to know why I think of you as nothing but a nuisance?" His raspy voice reached out to her as his breath mingled on her cheek. Her arms and legs were paralyzed and Gaara's mad and intense stare was making her feel smaller. She closed her eyes at the pain that shot through her.

"Look at me," he demanded. Gradually, she opened her eyes as more tears fell down. Gaara had the same angry face on. His eyes bore into her. They stayed like that for a moment before Gaara proceeded.

"I hate you so much," he paused for a moment. Sakura's eyes were still determined to show that she wasn't completely afraid of him. Her emerald orbs still showed pain.

"It's only because you make me feel like a weakling." he stated in a serious tone. Sakura widened her eyes. There was a moment of silence that vibe throughout the room. The only noise was the ticks and tocks of the clock nearby. Her voice quivered as she spoke up to him.

"W-what?" He still stared at her. She knew that he wouldn't repeat the words that he just said. Her orbs connected to his. They stared at each other for a long time. Sakura could tell that under those orbs is a lost soul, waiting to connect to another one. At first, she didn't understand what he meant by that. A realization hit her. All of a sudden, Gaara's grip tightened on her again. It was a deathly grip as stealthy sand surrounded both forms. He inched his face closer to hers. His eyes became malicious again.

"Tell me, kunoichi. Do you still hate me," his eyes bore deep into Sakura's watery ones. The pinkette stayed quiet, still looking at him. Deep down, she knew the correct answer to that question. She knew that her hate for him was never true. When Sakura didn't answer, Gaara's grip tightened in a harsh way. Sakura whimpered. She didn't want to answer that right away. When she still didn't say anything, something unexpected happened. A sharp pain jabbed through Gaara's head. He immediately let go of the pinkette's shoulders and clenched his head. The headache was so painful. Sakura limply slid onto the floor, watching the man in front of her with wide eyes. He growled.

Why is this happening!

All of a sudden, a flashback came to him. His uncle's, Yashamaru, face appeared. Yashamaru had a ominous face on. It was as if he was going to kill him. Blood was smeared on his face.

"I don't love you! I never did love a monster like you!" Those words echoed in his thoughts. The sand user grunted some more before falling to his knees. Sand was slithering around him strangely. It was as if the sand was out of control. For once, it didn't come to its master for help. It was only because he was in emotional and mental pain, not physical pain. Yashamaru's face still stayed there as haunting memories came back.

"Monster!"

"No one would ever love you!" voices yelled in his head. He did a raspy scream that had echoed through the house.

"Everyone hates you! You kill people out of bloodlust!" Gaara crouched down in a position as he still clenched his head.

"Yashamaru," he grunted under his breath. His knees were still on the floor. He buried his face in his hands as he grunted.

"Shut the fuck up!" Gaara was shaking uncontrollably. The pinkette still stared wide eyed at the crouching man in front of her.

He's having horrible flashbacks…his pain, for some reason, I can feel it seeping within me. The past is catching up with him. Could it be that I'm the one causing all of this? Am I the one who reminded him of his uncle?

Sakura couldn't stand it any longer. She quietly and limply crawled to Gaara's crouching form. She couldn't see his face. Her emerald orbs showed fear and sympathy. When she reached him, a hand was about to touch his back.

"Get away from me!" he screamed. His face was buried in his hands. Sakura hesitated about reaching forward, but she didn't give up. Her warm, gentle hands touched his large hands that were covering his face. Gaara felt the soft touch of the pinkette. Slowly, she removed his hands from his face. Gently, her hands cupped his cheeks to make him look up at her. Sakura stared at Gaara's face. His expression was no longer menacing. His eyes were clouded and lost like a child's. Jade eyes had widened out of fear. She laid her hands on his head to lay on her lap. Once she did so, she soothed Gaara's ruffled red hair.

"It's okay, Gaara. Everything is going to be okay." She gently whispered to him. Sakura didn't say anything after that. She just let her actions do the talking. One hand paved down on his hair as the other on his exposed back. Her warm touch on his cold back made a clash. She did that for a moment. Gaara laid there, his head on her lap, his body still was in a crouch like position.

"I won't let anything happen to you," she whispered in a sweet, gentle voice. The pinkette was still soothing him in her own way. Her eyes showed sympathy towards the man. Slowly, muscular arms wrapped around her small waist. Sakura was surprised and looked at the redhead. Arms tightened around her. Her delicate fingers gently brushed his hair as she smiled. Her eyes began to water too. She felt happy that she was finally able to console him and he accepted it. She stopped soothing his hair and looked at his form. Sakura rested her palms on his cheeks. Slowly, she lifted his face up to look at her. When she saw his deep eyes and his frown, she couldn't help but smile. Gradually, she leaned forward. Her soft pink lips made contact with his forehead.

"I can never hate you," she whispered. Gaara widened his eyes.

She opened her arms and gently wrapped them around his head. His head leaned into her bosom of her chest, in the gap between her breast. He can feel and hear the steady beats of her heart. Sakura began crying. Tears were streaming down her face. One litre of tear fell on the floor. He felt the tears she was giving off. Gaara moved around a bit.

Sakura put her arms back to her side and let go of the redhead. The sand user slowly rose his face to look at the pinkette in front of him. Her eyes showed sympathy and her cheeks were slightly red. Tears stained her cheeks. Gaara sat up from his position. He stared straight at her. Slowly, he brought his hands up to her cheeks. His thumb slightly brushed away the tears that were streaming down. They both stared at each other for quite a moment.

"I never want to see you cry anymore," his deep raspy voice muttered to her. His eyes now showed something that was hidden enigmatically. He slowly got up from his spot. Sakura watched as he did so. Gaara lend a hand towards her. She looked at it. Then, she hesitantly took hold of his hand. Gaara lifted her up from her spot. They held hands for a minute. There was a tingly sensation that went through, but this time, neither of them let go. Gaara led the way to the deserted bed. He stood beside her as she slowly got under the cold sheets. She laid on her side and looked at the man in front of her. The sand user slightly nodded his head as if it was a "good night" sign. When he slightly turned his body to leave, a hand grasped his arm. He turned around to look at Sakura. She had a soft, insistent look on her face.

"Please don't leave," she pleaded. Her eyes were still watery. "At least, stay a little longer." Today, she had faced the past once more. It was so real, that it scared her to see Sasuke's face after he left marks of betrayal among her village of Konoha. Gaara gave her a strange look. But it was a strange look because it was lightly full of sympathy. Slowly walking around the bed, he got to the other side of the bed. He shifted under the covers. Sakura didn't want to turn around to look at him. Her cheeks were tinted pink.

It was then she shuttered from the draftiness of the room. The coldness hugged her ivory skin under the covers. Gaara noticed her shivers. He slightly moved a little closer to Sakura. The pinkette widened her eyes and had tensed at the sudden movement. Slowly, she turned her head around to look behind her. Her eyes abruptly made contact with jade orbs staring back at her. Gaara was looking at her with a stoic expression. Sakura turned pink at how close they were. She now turned her whole body around. Her body faced Gaara as his faced hers. Even though it wasn't the first time they shared the bed, this time, it felt…different. It was a different that twinge her stomach, a stirring as if butterflies fluttered their wings abruptly. She stared at Gaara as he stared at her. They just kept on staring at each other. Even though they didn't speak, their orbs spoke it all. Emerald jewels glistened as they stared at the jade sea. His expression was stoic, but his orbs was showing sympathy for once. It wasn't showing a whole lot of sympathy, but there was feeling inside them.

She no longer felt the cold embrace her skin. Instead, she could feel the warmth and that the heated radiant Gaara was given off. It soothed her for some unknown reason. Gradually, Sakura's eyes began to droop. Her eye lids became heavier. Then all of a sudden, her emerald eyes were hidden. She breathed soundlessly. Gaara still stared at her. He was wide awake. With his hand, he reached forward and caressed her soft cheek. Even though it was tentatively, his fingers made contact with her skin. He admired her angelic expression. It was hypnotizing. Everything about her was perfect.

"I will never hate you." her voice suddenly echoed in his head. He thought for a moment. Was that the only evidence that she had affection for him? He shook his head.

Yeah, right.

He had always thought that no one would ever love a monster such as himself. He stared at her once more. Her hair spawlled on her face, on the pillow. He couldn't help but have something stir inside of him. Gaara couldn't look away. After what she had done, to comfort, to console him, he didn't want to see her hurt expression again. That was a promise he was going to give.

Woah! What just happened? Gaara and Sakura realize that they have a connection that cannot be mistaken...is this the beginning of a kindled flame? read and find out on Chapter 11! If you think this chapter has a sweet GaaSaku scene, just wait until chapter 11:]