For the next six weeks Gaara practice with Rin whenever they had free time; and thanks to him Rin was getting even better.

"Gaara, thank you so much!" Rin was lying down in the hot sand and enjoyed the warm breeze that blew by. Finally after weeks she was used to the heat and even enjoyed it a bit; not to mention her tan was beautiful. Or that's what she thought at least. Gaara sat next to her and she smiled as she saw a small grin play at the corner of his lips.

"I'm serious Gaara look!" Rin flexed and showed off the new muscles that had formed over the last few weeks of training.

"If it wasn't for everyone's help I wouldn't even be this good. The leaders have even seen my potential. Also, I talked to Chiyo like you said and she agreed to teach me the basic of healing and poison's." Rin sat up and rested her head against her knees, looking to Gaara.

"I even been thinking…I don't think I want to be a medical ninja anymore. I mean I want to learn some basic healing in honor of my father, but I like the fighting, I like the running around and all the action. I also want to focus on poisons. Maybe that could be my focus." She searched Gaara's eyes for any sign of disapproval; but she didn't see any.

"I think you should do what you feel is the best for you. Your progress has been very good so far; and your speed is one of the best in the village. In fact you're almost as fast as this boy I fought in the Hidden Leaf. If you keep training there is no doubt you can become powerful." Gaara stood up; the setting sun making his face and clothing shine purple and red.

"Come on, you should get ready to rest. Tomorrow were going to spar to see how you can put everything together, it will also be the last day you use a mock weapon. You are going to finally get one right?" Rin smiled and nodded.

"Yup! I know it's been forever but I been saving for a lot of different things and I wanted this certain one that the shot I took you to has. I already asked for it to be on hold for me. Also I think I can begin training in my charka control now, Kankuro has been helping me but I think it would be great to learn it from different people…and since you are already helping me so much anyways…" Rin held her breath and hope Gaara would continue helping her. She knew she was using a lot of his time but she was beginning to grow attached to him since they spent so much time together. The only person she really told was her father, but she felt that didn't really count.

"Are you going to be heading home Gaara? I thought maybe you could come over for a meal or some hot chocolate again." Rin played with her hands, making her fingers circle each other. She noticed she developed the habit weeks after showing up to the village.

" …Or maybe I can see you tomorrow if your free…Temari said its time I have my signature style; so I'm going to be over there anyways." She knew she was being a bit pushy but she didn't want to leave his side yet. They have been hanging out so much yet Rin still didn't know much about him.

"If I know Temari, you won't be free until late; but if we can find the time maybe we can get a meal. Tonight I have to meet with the elders about something important." Gaara's eyes darted down, He didn't want to talk about it yet.

"Alright..then afterwards then…I don't know. Maybe you can come see me…" Rin whispered but Gaara already begun walking away, she wasn't sure if he even heard her. It wasn't long before the sun had finally set and Rin was at her door that they both said they good bye's.

"I'll see you tomorrow Gaara. Good luck with the elders."

"Thank you. Bye." Gaara walked off leaving alone with her thoughts.

I wish I knew how he felt…sometimes that boy can be so confusing… Rin let out a sigh and threw herself onto the carpeted floor, staring at her father's picture.

"hey dad..." She knew it was silly to talk to a picture of her father, but she still wasn't ready to let go. "I wanted to tell you something very important. I just hope you're not upset with me too much. I decided not to be a medi ninja anymore." Rin waited almost afraid his picture would show signs of his existence, when nothing happened she continued.

"I know you must be disappointed with me, but I think I could serve a better purpose protecting the people in the first place with my skills. Do you remember that boy I told you about?" Her cheeks slightly heated up.

"Gaara…he thinks I could become someone very powerful, someone that I hope he can see as his future one day. Dad I know I might be too young; but…I…I think…-" Rin fumbled on her woods but didn't have to finish her sentence because someone was suddenly at the door.

I hope that's him… Her heart raced as she opened the door only to stop short when Kankuro stood there.

"Hey Rin. I know it's a bit late but I wanted to talk…can I come in?" Kankuro body was relaxed but his face was tight with emotion. She opened the door more and let him inside.

"Do you think you're going to be long? I can make some tea." Rin wanted to be polite but she also wanted him to leave soon; in case Gaara showed up. Kankuro closed the door and walked behind Rin to the kitchen.

"Tea is fine, do you got any honey?" He reached into the cabinets, and checked inside. For the past 10 or so weeks Kankuro had made himself a part of her life, and made a habit of making himself at home; not that she minded. Rin liked the closeness they had and wanted to be on good terms if she even got to really be with Gaara. He pulled out the honey and Rin set up the cups letting the tea seep into the water.

"Come on, it's a nice night, let's sit outside." Rin walked out and grabbed a small crocheted blanket, wrapping it around herself and Kankuro who sat in the next chair.

"I don't know why you like the cold so much!" Kankuro sipped his tea, letting the heat of it warm him up.

"It reminds me of home. It was always cool there. Do you think it will snow?" It was the beginning of December and although the weather had cool down a lot since she first appeared, people were still able to get away wearing short sleeves and shorts during the day. Only during the night did the real coolness of winter begin to set in.

"I would love to go see where you grew up; maybe we can go visit one day…anyways I wanted to talk…" Kankuro looked into his tea and everywhere else besides Rin's eyes.

"You know we been friends the longest. I think out of the village I know you best." HE paused and let out a long sigh. Rin begun to feel just a bit uncomfortable as Kankuro finally managed to make eye contact.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I…like you. You know I think maybe if you're fine with it we can try dating." Kankuros eyes turned down and his cheeks turn a bit pink. Rin was confused and embarrassed. She liked Kankuro, just not like that.

"Oh…I…-" Rin put her cup down and swallowed the lump in her throat. She had to tell him no.

"Kankuro I'm sorry…" As soon as she said it he let his head fall; what baffled her was he let a small laugh escape.

"Ah, I knew it. What's the excuse?" He stared at Rin but his eyes show hurt.

"Its not you Kankuro. I do love you. I do; just as a friend; or maybe even a brother…no wait please let me talk…There is another person I actually like." She lowered her head trying to make eye contact and beg Kankuro to forgive her betrayed.

"So who do I got to beat up?" At that they both laughed.

"I am sorry…Are you upset?"

"Yea im upset…I mean somebody beat me to the punch. So who is it?" Kankuro smiled but his eyes told another story still. She hope she would forget it and pretend like nothing happened.

"I can't say yet…I don't think the person even knows yet." She smiled and her cheeks warmed. This was the closest she has come to tell anyone.

"The person….oh man…It is a girl?" He face was confused and a bit shocked.

"No wonder you don't want all this…" Again he tried to joke the subject off.

"Ahaha no! No I Like a guy Kankuro! I just don't know if he really see me…If I even existed to him." How could she explain that although she was always with Gaara she felt he didn't see her as a good, as somebody that wanted to be with him?

"Fine. I guess it can't be helped. It was a good try anyways. Just don't let things get weird now that I confessed Rin. If they do, I will beat you up." Again they both fell silent and finished their teas. It was Kankuro that broke the calmness.

"When you tell him, you'll tell me too yea? And if things don't go as planned; I will be here Rin, as whatever you need me to be alright?" He eyes held the most sincere look Rin almost wanted to cry.

"I will." They both got up and finished talking inside. He even helped clean up their mess before leaving.

"So I will see you tomorrow right? Temari said you both ar going out together?"

"Yea, I been saving almost all my money from work, Temari wants me to finally dress the part; were going all out. Hair cut maybe face paint, weapons and even clothes. I never have been so nervous. I don't know what she is going to do to me." Kankuro chuckled and hugged Rin goodnight. It was a bit award but she knew things would go back to normal soon.

"Alright, Goodnight Rin. I'll see you tomorrow.