Letters

Disclaimer – I don't own Naruto, Alice in Wonderland, Jigoku Shoujo, or the ideas taken from LJane Smith's Night World Series (can't wait for Strange Fate).

Ryuujin no Hikari is my character creation.

Please R&R – be kind this is my first fan fiction.

It had been 4 months since Sakura had left for Suna, and the handsome Kazekage. Sakura and Hikari had been writing steadily to each other. Their letters contained updates on their progress regarding each of their 'assignments', gossip about the people in the towns, and of course all the fun juicy details of their relationships. Hikari told Sakura about Sasuke's proposition to Naruto and how he had moved into the newly re-named "Titian District". Much to Sasuke's apprehension, who wanted it to be a surprise, Hikari had also included the fact that Sasuke would have a similar proposal for her, just so that she knew she was not being forgotten.

Sakura delighted in receiving letters from Team 7. She didn't miss them nearly as much. Her work in Suna was going well, working in the hospital, and teaching new medics made her feel that she really had progressed so much.

Whenever possible, Gaara would take her for lunch or dinner. Their relationship was very good and getting better every day. It helped out too that she was staying at the Kazekage's home with his two siblings. Which were all elated to have her and her 'mad cooking skillz'. That meant no more burnt Temari dinners and of course no more Kankuro complaining about the cooking.

"Sakura, you ready?" Gaara asked.

"Yup" Sakura replied putting her latest letter from Hikari away.

"Another letter?" Gaara asked

"Yeah" Sakura smiled at Gaara as they left "Only one month left until the Chuunin exams now and it sounds like they are more than ready."

"Doesn't surprise me" Gaara replied

They had walked the rest of the way to the restaurant in silence. Once they were seated and had ordered Gaara spoke up "In a month I will be headed to Konoha for the exams myself"

"Suna has many teams to enter this year as well" Sakura complimented.

"Yes, but I wanted to know if you would like to join me there," Gaara started "and be sort of a personal liaison for me."

"Is that all?" Sakura questioned, knowing full well his true intentions.

Gaara looked at her, knowing what she was getting at "Of course not"

Sakura smiled "Of course I will go. Not only does that allow for us to spend some more time together, but I will also get to cheer my friends on"

"And perhaps we can all go out for dinner or something one night" Gaara said providing a small smile for the beautiful blossom sitting in front of him.

When the food arrived they ate in relative silence, making a bit of small talk. They seemed to understand each other with out having to put everything into words. They fit together like pieces of a puzzle and everything about each other seemed right.

"Anything interesting in the latest letter?" Gaara asked, knowing how much she enjoyed receiving the letters.

"Not much, mostly talked about getting ready for the exams" Sakura replied.

"Are you going to tell them that you will be back for them?" Gaara inquired.

"No I don't think so" Sakura said "I think it will make for a good surprise."

"Hn" was the reply she got.

Sakura laughed at this "You sound like Sasuke when you do that"

"Then I'll be sure not to do it anymore" Gaara replied a bit irritated at the comparison.

"Gaara, I wasn't trying to compare you with him" Sakura said knowing she had hit a nerve "I know who you are, and you are the biggest reason why I accepted this mission"

Gaara looked at her a bit stunned.

Sakura didn't give him a chance to recover and continued "I love you for you. Not for the reason's I have heard people saying"

Gaara frowned at this "What do people say"

"It's not important" Sakura said reaching her hand across the table to take his hand in hers.

"I would still like to know" Gaara replied turning his hand so it was holding hers.

Sakura sighed "People think that because you attitude and demeanor can be like Sasuke's, that I might be using you for a rebound, or to replace him. But that's not true, and besides Sasuke has changed a lot since he got back."

The silence after what she had said stretched on, she looked at him reassuringly. He squeezed her hand "I know that isn't true, besides it's not in your nature to do such things."

"Do you want to go for a walk before we head home?" Sakura asked

"Home?" Gaara asked smiling a bit.

"Yes home" Sakura stood smiling back.

The two exited the restaurant after paying. Hand in hand. Enjoying the evening and each other. As they walked Sakura couldn't help but think 'Maybe I won't need a house in the Titan District'