(A/N: MUWAHAHA! My longest chapter yet! Sorry for the wait everyone! Anywho, I hope this chapter makes up for it! Oh and I'll give you all a fair warning, this story is "M" rated so don't flame me for putting stuff in here you aren't ok with reading. You know what you're getting yourselves into so just be ready. Complete GaaxSaku chapter! No lemons yet, sorry.)

I guess that's it really...oh yeah! Especially special thanks to mangafreak007! You rule! Ok...I'm done now...

Taste Tester

Chapter Ten: Best Chess Game Ever!

Here's the short version of what's going on. Gaara wants Sakura and Sakura wants Gaara to want her even after their first time. She wants him to love her. Gaara hasn't ever felt love before and he's basically incapable of feeling. Or at least that's how it was before he met Sakura. Sakura had been both a positive and negative thing in his life. He was more than thankful he had kept her alive. She was proving to be quite entertaining. But she was also making Gaara weak and that was something he definitely did not want happening.

Still he couldn't complain at the moment. He had never allowed himself to get so close to a woman and yet this girl had penetrated all his barriers and somehow managed to keep him on a leash. It was somewhat embarrassing. Reluctantly he admitted to himself that he actually liked the things she was doing to him. He really couldn't get enough of her. If only she felt the same way for him. If only she wanted him half as much as he wanted her. Then things could get along much more smoothly.

"Gaara?" Her familiar voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Hm?"

She smiled up at him from her position between his legs. (A/N: Now I know this sounds bad but it's not what you think. First of all they're sitting on the stairs. Secondly she is sitting on the step below him with one of his legs on either side of her head. Her back and head are against his chest while his arms are holding her firmly in place. See? Nothing bad about it.)

"You froze for a moment there."

"Sorry," he mumbled, resting his chin on top of her head.

Sakura placed her hands on top of his and traced his fingers. Gaara closed his eyes and turned his hand around so he could entwine her fingers with his.

At the moment this was perfect. They had an entire month to themselves with no interruptions. It would be so easy, too easy, to go all the way sometime within the month. The only thing stopping them was Sakura. The fact that she wants love is just too much for Gaara. He can't tell her he loves her honestly. Sure he could fake his feelings and get what he wants from her, but would it really be worth it? He wasn't so sure.

Although it was mostly Sakura keeping them from that point, there was another obstacle they had missed along the way. It had been over a month since Sakura moved in. Gaara and the others take human blood once a month. Gaara was overdue. His body craved blood, human blood, and that makes Sakura a target or easy meal. It wouldn't take much, just a quick flip of the hair and a dip of the head…

"Gaara you're too quiet again." Sakura complained, pouting.

Gaara frowned, not liking his sudden familiar urge. "Sorry, I just realized something."

"Hm? What?"

"If I tell you, you'll get angry or something."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "I won't get angry."

Gaara didn't believe it but he decided to test it out anyways. Dipping his head down, he moved the hair away from her neck with his nose. He opened his month and gave her throat a quick nip. Her reaction was expected. The sudden shiver was all he needed.

"Listen to me carefully Sakura. I told you before that once a month I need human blood. You're the nearest and weakest human around me. You're easy pickings for a vampire of my caliber. Does that clarify a few things?"

Sakura knew what he meant perfectly. He simply meant that he was the predator again and she was the prey. If he stayed around her too much longer he might not be able to hold back. 'Gaara….' She shook her head then sighed and closed her eyes.

Sakura stood up and held out her hand to him, "Come with me."

Gaara raised an eyebrow in curiosity but accepted her outstretched hand and allowed her to drag him down the stairs to the living room. He had no idea what she was doing or what she was planning and her thoughts weren't giving her away. It was a shame to have a gift he couldn't use but she caught on fast. She knew better then to think around him. He'd just read her thoughts if she did that. 'Smart woman…' He smirked at the back of petite pink-haired girl's head.

Sakura released his hand and walked over to the chess table. She glanced over her shoulder and caught his eye before nodding toward the fireplace. Taking the hint, he went to start a fire while she set up the chessboard. Again he was confused yet curious. He really wasn't expecting to play chess with her and seeing as he had the advantage, he couldn't see why she'd want to play with him either.

Finishing up with the fire, he dusted off his hands and walked over to where Sakura now sat at the chess table. "I have no idea what you're planning but you do realize that chess is probably the last thing you want to play with me. I'll just read your mind before you move. Chess takes thinking and thinking is something you shouldn't do around a vampire," he explained, taking his seat across from her.

Smirking she rested her head on her folded hands, "Gaara, do you honestly think I have no idea what I'm doing?"

"I never said that, I just don't think you've put any thought into it. If you had, I would've known about it."

"Indeed…"

Gaara raised his eyebrow again before sighing and holding up his hands in defeat, "Alright, I give up. Tell me what's going on. I just confessed that I see you as a meal for the night and now you wanna play chess? You must be planning something."

Sakura giggled, "Oh I am but you'll have to listen without interruption."

"Deal."

"Good, now we're gonna play chess. This isn't like the chess Kankuro and Temari were playing, this is my own version. The stakes are a bit higher in this game. If I win, you go hunt elsewhere but if you win…" Sakura tilted her head to the side and flipped her hair behind her shoulder revealing her arched throat.

Gaara gulped and slowly closed his eyes with a hiss, "You…. fiendish woman!"

Sakura chuckled lightly, "Come now Gaara, let's play."

"Are you out of your mind?! Do you honestly want me to bite you?! No human wants that and you shouldn't either!" Gaara exclaimed, glaring at her.

"I'm not afraid of you."

Ok, now that was a shocker. Never in his whole life had anyone ever claimed that they weren't afraid of him. Everyone feared him, even Temari and Kankuro to some point. But this woman…she honestly admitted she wasn't scared of him and her thoughts didn't betray her. Either she was crazy to trust a vampire or she was brave, extremely brave. Either way, Gaara found it oddly appealing.

With a smirk he lifted his hand and moved his pawn forward. "Your turn."

Sakura smirked and nodded before glancing down at the board.

"You better take my warning seriously. Keep your thoughts off the game or I will win."

Sakura met his gaze before nodding, "I will."

"Good, your move."

Without giving it any thought at all, she moved. It was a smart move and without using her brains it was even more brilliant. This was going to be a tough game, for both of them.

"Want to make things a bit more interesting?"

Sakura's head snapped up as he finished his play. "How so?"

"How bout every time we lose a piece, the other person gets to kiss the loser anywhere they want?"

For a moment she just stared at him before her face slowly broke out into a beautiful smile. "I'm in."

"Really?"

"Yes but I do have one rule, no removing clothing."

Gaara sighed, "Fine, fine."

Sakura nodded, "Good, looks like I took the first piece." To prove her point, she pushed his pawn off the board letting it clink lightly on the floor.

Gaara leaned back in his chair and smirked at her, "Alright, go ahead. Anywhere you want."

She didn't need to be told twice. Pushing her chair back, she stood up and moved around the table slowly, teasingly. She walked right around him only to stop behind him. Gaara didn't turn around and stayed perfectly calm, totally thinking he'd stay in control no matter what she did. That was until he felt her kiss the spot behind his ear. Blushing was something Gaara never did and yet he couldn't hold it back. Coughing he turned his head away making her giggle and go back to her seat.

"Did I find it?"

His face was still hot but he peeked through his bangs at her, "Find what?"

"Your sensitive spot. I heard that a lot of people either hate or love to get kissed there. Seems to me like you rather liked it," she commented, winking at him.

Gaara snorted, "That was nothing. Wait until I get your pieces."

"I can't wait."

He glanced up then, hearing a totally serious tone. She wasn't looking at him but she didn't have to be. He could tell that she meant that. She really was looking forward to what he offered. 'Alright, maybe I can get somewhere with her yet.'

"My move," he mumbled, gazing back down at the board. He couldn't win a piece this time but next time…hopefully.

He moved making her smirk, "Too bad, maybe next time."

Gaara grinned at her, "You might want to rethink that."

Sakura held up a finger and wagged it at him, "I never thought of it."

"Whatever," he mumbled, rolling his eyes.

Sakura giggled then made her move.

Gaara glanced down at the board and chuckled as he knocked her pawn to the ground, not caring if it would cost him a horse. He stood up and moved toward her, his eyes narrowing as she stared at him fearlessly.

"You could at least act afraid."

She smirked, "I'm afraid."

He chuckled then turned her around in her chair so she was facing him. He knelt down in front of her and took her face between his hands. "Ready?"

"Just kiss me dammit."

Gaara chuckled then pulled her down and kissed her passionately. His lips moved with hers in a slow, seductive dance. It was sensual and made them both ache for more. His mouth opened as he breathed her in. Taking the hint, her own mouth opened and their tongues met in a fiery passion.

Sakura whimpered as his tongue dove into her mouth and totally ravaged her. She had been expecting a needy kiss from him but nothing this…. HOT! She wasn't sure how long she could keep up this game before she'd forfeit and just let him win. If she didn't, she have to experience more intense kisses like this. She wasn't sure she could handle it.

Finally Gaara broke the kiss but held her face close to his. He stared at her for a minute before he stood up and walked back to seat without a word.

Sakura leaned back in her chair, panting slightly. "My turn right?"

He nodded then waved his hand to the board.

She leaned over the board and easily took the horse he had offered her.

Gaara grinned and leaned back in his chair again, "I don't think you can match my kiss."

Sakura rolled her eyes and stood up, "Careful, you might regret it."

"No, I don't think I will."

Smirking, she strode over to him and grinned mischievously. She was going to play with him, toy with him until he was the one on the edge of losing control.

Gaara's eyes widened in surprise as she straddled him and hung her arms over the back of the chair. She leaned into him, pressing her body flush against him. He hissed at the feeling and quickly wrapped his arms around her.

She chuckled, "Don't get carried away."

"I could say the same to you."

"Go ahead but I still get my kiss."

Gaara smirked up at her, waiting. He figured she'd go for his mouth this time but he was wrong.

Sakura dipped her head and pressed and open-mouthed kiss to his neck. Gaara hissed as her mouth moved opened and closed on his skin while her tongue made shapeless patterns on his throat. 'Damn woman! She knows I can't kiss her neck! Ugh!' He growled but didn't push her away. He didn't want too either; it felt too good.

She bit his neck sharply, knowing full well that he'd barely feel anything from it. She got a good reaction though as his body jumped. She knew he wanted to be doing this to her but he couldn't, not without the risk of taking her blood. It was the perfect payback. There was no way he could top this.

Giving his neck one last kiss, she moved off of him and stared down at his red neck.

He caught her eye and rolled his, "Go sit down."

She smirked then did as she was told.

He ignored her as she crossed her arms over her chest and watched him with an amused smirk on her face. He could tell she was proud of herself but she was getting ahead of herself. The game was far from over and there were many pieces still on the board. 'The more pieces, the more kisses. I will get my revenge for that neck kiss…just wait,' he smirked and took a look at the board.

Seeing an opportunity, he knocked another one of her pieces to the floor. Standing up, he pushed the chair aside and marched toward her.

Sakura raised an eyebrow at him, "Do you really think you can match my last kiss?"

"Oh my dear, naive, Sakura…You shouldn't flatter yourself too much. Once I win this little game of yours, you'll get to see first hand what a real throat kiss is like. Now sit back and relax, for this game has just begun…"

After a half an hour the game had morphed. It was no longer about winning but about taking pieces. Getting to kiss each other anywhere they wanted had turned out to be a great idea and both were enjoying themselves. But the board was clearing up and Sakura had lost more pieces. It was only a matter of time before one of them finally won or gave up.

It was Gaara's turn again and both were getting anxious. They were playing better now and it had been over five turns since someone took a piece. Sakura was impatient enough to let him have one of her pieces but she'd have to wait until her next turn.

"Damn…I can't get a piece," he murmured, moving some random piece.

Sakura shrugged, "This game can't go on forever."

"No I suppose it cannot. Well, make your move."

She didn't need to be told twice. Moving a piece forward at random, Gaara immediately noticed that she had put it right in his line of fire. 'What's she playing at?'

He shook his head then grinned at her, "I don't know what you're planning but I know a stupid move when I see one. You're supposed to be trying to win, not lose."

"Like I care anymore. We haven't been trying to win since our first move," Sakura pointed out.

"Indeed…well you asked for this," Gaara mumbled, knocking her piece aside and standing up.

Sakura watched him approach with a smirk. She wasn't worried or nervous around him anymore. She was excited, anxious to see what he would do next.

Gaara knew exactly where he was going to kiss her. They had been kissing each other on all visible places: cheek, lips, neck, shoulder, ear…and a lot more. Now he was going to go somewhere else. He remembered Sakura's rule but he also found a way around it. He was sick of just plain kissing. He wanted to make her squirm and moan. This was the perfect opportunity.

Gaara knelt down on the floor in front of her and placed his hands on her waist, his fingers curling under her shirt. Sakura didn't look surprised or worried until he began to lift her shirt.

"Hey, hey! I said no removing clothing!" she exclaimed, trying to remove his hands.

"Who said I was taking it off?"

Sakura gulped as her hands relaxed and let him lift her shirt up higher. He was right, he hadn't said that. Still, she was a little worried. So far they hadn't done anything like this but now…now Gaara was taking everything to a whole new level. She was a bit nervous.

Gaara stopped when his fingers brushed the bottom of her bra. He glanced up only to see her staring down at him warily.

Smirking, he licked his lips, "I'm gonna make you squirm."

Sakura shivered in response.

Liking her reaction to his words, he lifted her shirt up to her neck, revealing her bra. Sakura blushed as his gaze practically burned through the material. She didn't know what he was planning but a part of her wanted to find out. The other smarter part wanted her to push him away. This time…she stayed put.

Gaara moved one hand to the center of her bra and gently pulled it upward to where her shirt stayed trapped beneath his fingers. Sakura inhaled sharply as the cold air reached her bare chest. Her gaze stuck to him as she watched his reaction to her newly revealed upper body. She didn't catch much, just a tiny smirk as his gaze took in her form.

Chuckling he lifted his gaze to meet hers, "Ready?"

She gulped. "For what?"

"For my kiss of course," he replied leaning closer.

Sakura shivered again and let out a gasp as his free hand cupped her left breast. Her eyes shut tightly as new sensations flew through her body. Sure he had done this before but not to her bare chest. Maybe that's why she wasn't so worried.

Gaara kneaded her breast gently making her tremble. He knew she would fight him and herself. She wouldn't give into his actions. She would fight and refuse her own emotions and desires. 'That's fine; I'll take my time. In the end she will moan for me.'

"Don't fight your own body Sakura. We're alone, you can voice your pleasure."

She snorted and glanced down at him, "No thanks, I'll pass."

"Suit yourself, you'll be moaning in no time." With that said he leaned down and kissed her other breast.

Sakura gasped and shivered against him. 'I won't give in…'

'You will, just wait.'

Sakura glanced down at him to see him watching her, "We'll see."

With a chuckle he closed his eyes and began to suckle on her breast. Sakura grasped the arms of her chair tightly, desperately. Her nails raked the poor wood, leaving indents. She had always wondered what it would feel like to have someone else touching her this way but she never expected it to feel…. like this! It was unbelievable and yet she wouldn't let him know that.

He twirled his tongue around her perky nipple earning another gasp from her. Her back arched, pressing her breast firmly against his mouth. Gaara took it in, kissing and sucking tenderly. She fought hard, holding down every moan that threatened to come out. She wouldn't lose to him. She would stand strong, no matter what.

Well that was the plan until she felt his fangs rake her breast. Her head tilted back as a small yet audible moan escaped her lips. That was all he needed to hear. He released her completely and stood up. Sakura panted below him, her eyes half lidded in undeniable pleasure. He was the one to make her look like this. It was all his doing. 'Damn…' He sighed and raked a hand through his hair, not sure what do anymore. He only planned on continuing until she moaned but…she looked so beautiful! He didn't want to stop…

"Gaara?"

He met her gaze and watched half-heartedly as she lowered her shirt and bra back into place. 'Nevermind then…next time for sure.'

"Come on, let's finish this game," he muttered, turning to return to his chair.

"Wait!"

Gaara glanced back at her only to see her on her feet. The next thing she did totally caught him off guard. She grabbed the chessboard and flung it aside, tossing pieces all over the floor.

"You win…I give up," she breathed.

His eyes widened in response. 'Ok…. was not expecting that one…'

"Wait…that means you lose so...?"

Sakura nodded, "Exactly, my blood is yours." To prove her point she tossed her hair aside, revealing her neck.

Gaara gulped, "W-wait this isn't how I wanted to win…"

"I admit that I'm nervous and a little afraid to get bit but if its you I don't mind as much. For some reason I can't explain, I kind of want you to bite me, just so I can see what its like. Please Gaara? Just accept that you won."

"You don't understand, if I bite you I could…." He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

"You won't kill me, Gaara. I trust you," she murmured, smiling at him.

Gaara glanced away as his body moved forward. Even if he didn't want to bite her, his body craved blood and that's what she was offering. He couldn't fight his blood lust, not even it meant biting Sakura.

He approached her cautiously as she stepped toward him. One arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her close while his other hand cupped the back of her neck. His fangs felt heavy as his head began to pound. He could feel her veins beneath his hand. He needed this…desired this…

Sakura craned her neck to the side and eyed him, "Will it hurt?"

"….Yes…"

She nodded then closed her eyes and waited. She really was too good to him.

He sighed then leaned down and licked the length of her neck. She shivered against him making him growl in response. His feral side was coming out and soon he wouldn't even be able to speak to her. But she wouldn't be able to speak either once she fainted from blood loss.

His eyes began to glow as his mouth opened and pressed his fangs to her throat. She didn't move, didn't even shiver in fear. Either she was really brave or just faking it really well. Either way, it didn't matter. Nothing mattered…just her blood… Giving her neck a gentle, comforting squeeze, he bit down, digging his fangs deep into her neck and vein.

Her body jumped in surprise and pain. She expected it to hurt like a bitch but…it only hurt for that first second. After that she couldn't feel anything. She was numb, almost like she was floating. But that only lasted until she heard it, the sound of him drawing in her blood, drinking and taking her blood into him. She never would've found it arousing before but for some odd reason, it was totally turning her on!

She grabbed him desperately, feeling as if her legs could give out at any second. Her head was spinning but not from blood loss, more like from pleasure. It actually felt good! She was in utter ecstasy and she never wanted to leave.

For Gaara it was nearly the same feeling. Her blood was rich, pure, and absolutely delicious! He had tasted virgin blood before but he had never tasted anything like this! It was unbelievable! He wanted so much more but he knew there was a limit. He could only take so much if he wanted to keep her alive. Still, she tasted like heaven and he wanted to taste it over and over again.

Gaara drank deeply, running his tongue over her throat to catch any loose trails of blood. His fangs were in as deep as they could go and yet it felt like it wasn't enough. Temari had explained that it would never be enough until you reached the point of bliss. More specifically you must have be having sex with someone then right at the point of climax, if you bite them you'll taste the most satisfying and most delicious blood in the entire world. Gaara wanted that and he wanted to try it with Sakura.

Speaking of Sakura, her head was falling backwards and her body was beginning to grow limp. She was nearing her limit meaning he had to stop. Taking one last gulp he removed his fangs and licked the puncture wounds on her neck. They closed instantly leaving only a few specks of blood. Sakura leaned heavily against him but she was still conscious.

"Sakura?"

Her body trembled against him making him worry. 'Did I go too far?'

He grabbed her face and tilted it back so he could see what was wrong. To his surprise she wasn't crying or shaking in fear. Instead she was laughing!

"…Gaara!" she exclaimed, hugging him weakly around the neck.

"Uh…are you alright?" He had no idea what was going on. Usually whenever he bit someone they would be in so much pain that they'd be screaming and crying. But then again, he had never bitten a woman before, only men.

"I'm fine, a little weak, but fine."

"Are you in pain at all? Didn't it hurt?" Gaara had to ask. This was too weird.

Sakura shook her head, "Nope. It hurt a little at first but after that…. ugh! Gaara that felt so good! I've never felt anything so amazing as that! I was in complete bliss."

"It felt good? Are you sure you're sane?"

Sakura laughed and smiled at him, "I'm sane, I swear."

Gaara stared at her for a long time, not sure if he should believe her or not. But she seemed perfectly fine, maybe even better than before. Relieved, he hugged her to him and buried his face in her hair.

Sakura froze for a moment before she hugged him back. "I'm ok Gaara. You didn't hurt me at all."

"I'm glad you're so relieved and happy but I am curious about something," Sakura murmured, leaning back to look him in the eye.

"Hm? What?"

She smirked, "How did it taste?"

Gaara blinked a few times before he chuckled and patted her head, "You're crazy. What kind of human asks a vampire that?"

"This kind of human, now answer me."

He nodded, "Alright, alright. Your blood is amazing. I've never tasted anything quite like that. You're absolutely delicious."

Sakura smiled, "So it was good?"

"Better than good. It was excellent."

"So have you tasted a lot of different blood?" she asked, removing herself from his grasp.

Gaara shrugged, "Enough, why?"

"I just want to know how I stand compared to all of them."

"You're worried about that? Woman, you are insane. But if really must know, your blood is the best thing I've ever tasted," he replied, giving her a quick peck to her lips.

Sakura yawned, "Is that right?"

"Yes but I think this ordeal took too much out of you. You're tired and weak."

She glared at him, "I am not weak."

He chuckled and scooped her up in his arms, "Of course you're not. Now be a good girl and shut up."

She huffed but kept quiet as he carried her back to her bedroom. He laid her down on her bed and made a move to leave when she lashed out and grabbed his wrist.

He glanced down at her and raised an eyebrow, "Yes?"

"Stay with me, please?" she pleaded.

Gaara wasn't one to give into anyone or anything. He didn't take orders from anyone or comply with anyone's wishes. And yet, when this plain, human, girl asked him this one little request, he found it impossible to refuse.

With a nod he crawled into bed beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her against him.

"You do realize this is a once in a lifetime thing, right? I won't do this again."

Sakura nodded and yawned, "I know."

"Good," he mumbled, resting his chin on top of her head.

She nuzzled her face into his chest and sighed, "Thank you Gaara."

He stiffened for a moment before he sighed, "Yeah…"

(W00T! All finished! I hope you're all satisfied with that chapter because I'm not rewritting it again! Stupid computer deleted it once already... Next chapter...uh...not really sure, probably some more SakuxGaa stuff and I'll probably skip ahead again. I have to get through this month quickly because I've got a bunch of ideas for the future. Those ideas involve demons (Sasuke, Itachi, Naruto, and others) and also demon slayers (Neji, Tenten, Kakashi, and others). So yeah, I need to get going. Thanks for reading! And thank you my lovely reviewers!! You all rock!!)