A/N: Gaara and Ino's past will be divided into two chapters. This one and the next. These two chapters reflect more on how they...noticed each other. In a future chapter, I will write about Otome's interference.

I REPEAT. THIS IS ABOUT INO AND GAARA'S PAST. THIS WHOLE CHAPTER IS A FLASHBACK!

It's been a year since Uchiha Sasuke passed away. It's been a year since the Fourth Great Ninja War ended. It was spring, and the flowers were all in full bloom, unless of course you lived in the desert. Gaara glanced at the high sitting sun the sky from his desk. His attention soon returned to the paperwork in front of him.

He really needed to do something about this lack of medical ninja. Disease was sweeping through like a torrent, and many return from missions injured. With a lack of medical staff, they all have their work cut out for them.

Gaara prayed that Tsunade would send the some back-up, just for the time being while he gets a medical teaching program set up, some way or another. He was hoping a skilled medic such as Sakura would be assigned the mission, that way the medic can teach some skills to a few kunoichi in the village – who are interested in medical ninjutsu.

A feint knock could be heard on his door.

"Come in," Gaara said calmly as he took a sip of his green tea. It was ice cold, since it was left forgotten. Gaara pulled a face. He hated cold tea.

The door opened with a loud creak and in stepped a very familiar, yet not blonde haired woman. Yamanaka Ino stepped inside Gaara's office, a brown cloak was thrown over her shoulders so that she could travel through the desert winds.

"Wow," Ino mused, "you really do wear glasses."

Gaara's non-existent eyebrow twitched as he consciously pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"Changing the subject," Gaara coughed, "I presume you're the medic the Hokage has sent on my request?"

Ino nodded, "Indeed I am, I look forward to working here."

Gaara escorted Ino to the hospital himself, leaving the office in his secretary's care. On the way, he explained some things she should know, as well as gave her a tour of the village, so that she knows how to get around. He also stated that she is welcome to stay in the guestroom of their home, since it always stands empty anyway.

Ino listened intently, asking questions and thanking him as he explained everything to her. When they finally reached the hospital, Gaara introduced her to the nurses, as well as a few medical ninja who will be assisting her in her stay here. They were all very kind and welcoming. She almost instantly felt at home.

"Are you alone?" asked Kensei, one of the male medical ninja. Ino nodded.

"Yes," Ino replied, "is that a problem?"

Gaara answered before Kensei could even respond, "The Hokage sent me a letter, stating that she has recruited someone from the Land of Sunflowers as well. An expert medic, she said."

Kensei nodded, "They should arrive tomorrow, I presume?"

Gaara nodded in response, then bid his farewells and left. Ino watched Gaara disappear outside into the village. Once he was gone, she remained where she was and stared at the space where he once stood.

Kensei cleared his throat, "Ino-sama?"

Ino snapped from her reverie and turned to face Kensei, "Oh, excuse me..."

Kensei chuckled, "Most women are like that when they see the Kazekage. Even my wife finds him dreamy."

Ino couldn't help, but blush at his comment.

Kensei offered to show Ino around the hospital. As Ino was shown all the various locations, she was trying to make a mental map. The hospital was much different than the one back in Konoha. For starters it was smaller, and not as fancy. She understood why though, Sunagakure wasn't as economically advanced as Konoha was.

After Ino had a tour of the hospital, she was invited for tea break in the staff room. She gladly complied, since she was rather thirsty now. Kensei just laughed when she complained about the dry air and intense heat.

Ino was welcomed with open arms into Gaara's home. When she left the hospital building, completely prepared to start a 'Kazekage mansion spree' since she had no idea how to get there, she was surprised to see Gaara waiting for her already. The two walked home in silence. A few glances were shot their way, as well as greetings which Gaara returned. Ino simply followed, remaining perfectly silent as she watched people bow in respect when Gaara passed.

Ino was amazed. Ever since he became Kazekage, she knew that he wasn't the same person when she first met him, but...seeing him so widely admired and respected was amazing. She couldn't help but think that he was kind of attractive as she watched him from behind.

They finally arrived at home. Ino was stunned as she stared at the large mansion before her. She knew it would be big.

But, not this BIG! She gawked at the building, causing Gaara to watch her amused.

"Not what you expected?" he asked. Ino shook her head. Gaara chuckled and led her inside. Ino was greeted by Temari, who pulled her into a tight embrace. Ino was caught off guard.

"Nice to see you too, Temari-san," Ino laughed as she remembered the package that was given to her by a certain someone just before she left Konoha, "I have something for you from someone."

Temari seemed confused as she pulled away from Ino, but quickly caught on and smiled, signaling to Ino to give it to her later. Ino nodded as Temari led her upstairs to her bedroom. Ino couldn't help, but glance at Gaara as she ascended up the stairs.

His eyes were glued to her.

Breakfast the next morning was a lively event. Temari was serving bacon and eggs, something she apparently rarely cooked, according to Kankuro. Kankuro was overjoyed since he hasn't had a proper meal in days. When Ino asked why, he simply shrugged and then glared at Temari, who gave him an angelic smile.

Gaara remained silent most of the time, his eyes focused on the newspaper in front of him. Ino found herself mesmerized by his sea foam colored eyes. Ino wasn't usually attracted to men who wore glasses, but, Gaara knew how to look sexy in them.

"So," Temari quickly gained Ino's attention, "what are you planning to do today?"

Ino pondered on the question for a few seconds, "Probably re-organize the stock. Have you seen the medical store rooms? They are horrible, I tell you."

Temari laughed, "Yes, Sakura said the same thing."

Ino smirked, "Of course she did."

"What about recruits?" Kankuro asked with his mouth-full. Temari clobbered him over the head and sent him a warning with her eyes. He cringed, but quickly swallowed his food and repeated the question.

Ino smiled, "Well, I was hoping the medic from the Land of Sunflowers could give me his ideas. That way, I don't do anything."

Temari nodded, "That's a brilliant idea. Besides, we don't want you to overstress yourself."

Ino laughed nervously, "Trust me, I am nowhere near stress. I have a seven-year-old sister, now she is stress."

Temari smiled, "Of course, seven-year-olds are so hyper."

The two kunoichi laughed, leaving poor old Kankuro confused and alone, since Gaara wasn't even paying attention to the conversation.

It was midday when Gaara arrived at the hospital. Ino was called from her post where she was sorting the store rooms to the foyer. Ino excused herself and quickly headed for the foyer, where she was certain Gaara was awaiting for her arrival.

The medic from the Land of Sunflowers has probably arrived.

When Ino reached Gaara she quickly greeted him, then looked up, only to find that he was alone. There was no medic with him. Ino frowned, could the medic be late? Or perhaps got stuck somewhere and was unable to arrive on scheduled time? Gaara noticed her distress, so he pointed behind her. Ino frowned and spun around and her blue eyes landed on a woman. A tall, red-headed woman with hair so long, it probably reached her ankles. Her eyes were a shocking blue, much like Naruto's and on her forehead were two Persian red dots.

"Ino," Gaara suddenly awoke Ino from her reverie, "this is Minami, from the Land of Sunflowers."

Minami bowed. Ino did the same.

"Nice to meet you," Ino smiled, "welcome, although I am certain Gaara has already said that."

Minami smiled, "Thank you."

Ino glanced at Gaara, the same warm, fuzzy feeling she has felt since she arrived increased as she realized he was watching her with something that looked similar to a smile on his face.

Gaara excused himself, leaving the two women to acquaint themselves. Ino motioned for Minami to follow her and together the two headed for where Ino has been working all morning. Ino couldn't help, but feel somewhat lost next to the red-head.

Minami was beautiful. And not supermodel beautiful. She had this mysterious aura to her that made you feel happy by just being in her presence. Her red hair was like illuminating fire that kept burning wildly to bring warmth. Her blue eyes lured you in, inviting you to introduce yourself. Ino felt little next to such a bright figure.

The rest of the medical staff loved Minami. She quickly squeezed herself into their lives, praising them and making them feel like they were at home, despite the fact that she was the stranger who needed to feel welcome. Ino had to admit, the woman had some amazing social skills.

Minami was also very organized, quickly picking up the scattered pieces that was left for the two foreign medics to fix and had her own ideas forming in her head. Often she would turn to Ino and the two would discuss things, making sure that they were making the best choices.

When the day was finally over, the two foreign kunoichi departed from the hospital. They were greeted by Gaara, who immediately struck up a conversation with Minami as they walked home. Ino felt her heart clench as the watched the two in front of her. She felt so left out, so...unimportant. Ino sighed.

She missed Sai.

It's been two months since Ino and Minami started working at the hospital in Sunagakure. Both women have agreed to stay longer to finalize things, as well as train a small group of ninja so that when they leave, their work wasn't for nothing.

Ino worked hard and diligently. Often she found herself drawn to Gaara. The way his eyes watched her intently when she spoke, the way he commented on her suggestions, the dark circles around his eyes, the Kanji on his forehead, his red hair and tall, athletically built body. Her sexual attraction towards him was frustrating her to a point where she couldn't even focus properly with him in the same room.

And to make things worse, she has a boyfriend. A boyfriend who loved her so much, she couldn't bear to think that she was having sexual fantasies about someone else.

"How is things going at the hospital?" Temari asked when she entered the kitchen. Ino looked up from where she was working on some sandwiches for breakfast.

Ino sighed, "Proceeding."

Temari quirked an eyebrow, "You seem down?"

Ino smiled a fake smile, "Temari...have you ever felt sexually attracted to a man who wasn't...well...yours?"

Temari laughed as she poured herself some coffee, "Of course! I was once attracted to this...guy who worked at a small shop in the market. Very attractive with dark skin. I felt so guilty...after all, I was supposed to be thinking of Shikamaru – not him!"

Ino sat down at the dining table and sighed, "It still worries me."

Temari noticed Ino's pained expression and sat down next to her, "Okay, who is the guy from your sexual fantasies?"

"I don't think you want to know," Ino deadpanned.

"Oh God," Temari shrieked, "It's not Kankuro, is it?"

Ino gawked at Temari, "Hell no!"

Temari sighed in relief, "I can you tell this now, he is not your type."

"I know," Ino confessed, "I fall for the melancholy ones."

Temari laughed, "Ah, yes, Sasuke and Sai. Typical. So, who is the lucky Suna melancholy man?"

Ino gave Temari a 'you-haven't-noticed-look'? Temari quirked an eyebrow. A odd silence befell the two blonde kunoichi, followed by Temari suddenly understanding. Her mouth formed an 'o' as she put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Oh," Temari breathed, "oh."

Ino smiled sarcastically, but didn't dare say a word.

Temari grinned, "At least you have taste."

He kissed her, over and over. His kisses were deep, passionate, so filled with longing and love and lust that it smothered Ino under his touches. His fingers brushed her gentle cheeks, then buried themselves in her blonde hair. His lips trailed down, over her collar bone and down her neck where she felt his teeth sink into her skin. She squirmed under his feathery touches. She bit down on her cheeks to prevent any complaining to escape her lips. He pushed her down on the desk.

And then Ino opened her eyes and shot up. She was in bed. There was no desk. No Gaara's office...and no Gaara about having to have sex with her. She glanced next to her, expecting to see the side on the bed to be empty.

It wasn't. There right next to her, with his back turned to her lay Sai. Her eyes widened. She didn't even notice him come inside.

When did he get in Suna, anyway? Her heart that has been yearning for a red-head the past few months suddenly swelled when her eyes landed on the dark-headed man's pale skin. She lay back down and snuggled closer to him, a smile gracing her features as she pressed herself against him. He stirred, turned around and wrapped his arms around her. She found herself sighing contently when his lips pressed against her forehead.

Yet, when sleep came, so came Gaara of her dreams.

When Ino had to leave to report to Gaara on her process, Sai insisted on escorting her. The two walked through the dusty streets of Suna silently, hand-in-hand. They didn't speak, they didn't gaze at each other lovingly like many love-driven couples did. They simply walked.

Ino knocked on Gaara's office door. No response. Ino frowned. Was he not in, yet? No, that was impossible. Gaara was not present at breakfast that morning and that clearly meant that he was either at work late or he left early. She decided to knock again.

Still no response. Ino could not think of any place possible where he could be right now. It frightened her, but in the two months she has spent here, she has gotten so accustomed to Gaara's schedule she knows almost exactly what he was doing and when. She glanced at Sai from the corner of her eye, hoping that she will be distracted with the self-loathing that boiled inside of her.

It didn't work. When she looked at Sai, she smiled, but her heart did not flutter. Her heart didn't swell up like it usually did when she saw him. She didn't feel the happiness she felt the previous night with him. Heck, she didn't even feel anything when they had sex.

There was defiantly something wrong with her.

"Come in," Gaara's voice suddenly came from inside. Ino was awoken from her reverie. She quickly entered. The minute her eyes landed on Minami, casually sitting on Gaara's desk, worsened her mood by ten-fold. Gaara's eyes landed on Ino's hand and she quickly pulled away from Sai's grasp, much to his surprise. She mentally slapped herself.

What was she doing? Ino glanced at Minami, who herself seemed not to be in the best of circumstances. Her hair was an absolute mess. There were bags under her eyes and her smile was fake. Ino couldn't help but think that perhaps Minami and Gaara did more than they expected when the door was closed.

"I have come to deliver my report," Ino stated. Gaara nodded and took the scroll from Ino. He thanked her, nodded in Sai's general direction and then glanced at Minami. Ino's fist tightened when she realized the two of them were having something along the lines of a silent conversation.

"I'll see you at the hospital," Ino told Minami and then she ran from that office. The same one she always saw in her illicit dreams. The same office where she found herself feeling attracted to Gaara.

And the same office where she realized she was in love with him.

Ino didn't bother to catch up with Sai who was walking slightly ahead of her. Her head was held down as her eyes stared at her feet as it slouched through the sand. Her blonde hair was filthy, her body was tired and her mind felt violated.

Ino stumbled backwards when she crash-landed into Sai, who has stopped and turned around to face Ino.

"What's wrong?" she asked when she realized he was looking at her pained. Sai wasn't one to show emotion, so now that he was, it worried her. She reached out to touch him, but was stopped by his cold hand pushing her away. She frowned.

"Don't push yourself," he stated, calmly. Ino watched him, shocked.

"What do you mean?" Ino asked.

"I know that we don't have what we used to have," Sai confessed. Ino froze. Her blood ran cold. She took a step back, tears threatened to flow down her cheeks as she watched Sai, horrified reach out and pat her shoulder.

"Ino," he breathed, "I love you. I love you so much, which is why I am letting you go."

Ino stared at him. She opened her mouth to say something, but her words had been blown away.

That was the first time he told her that he loved her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched him in horror. How could she have done this to him?

How could she?