A/N: Wow...3 years, huh?
Well shit. Hopefully, I still got the creative juice to continue writing this. I did, however, went through all the chapters and somewhat fixed/ change some things, so just a heads up.
Wish me luck.
(Not Beta read)
OoOo
Under the cloak of darkness, from afar and safe distance, Sasuke watches the Kyuubi rush out of Hatake's bookstore and race down the street. It was the first time Sasuke get to see the nine-tail fox in his humanoid form, the blonde demon looked like your average teenage boy. Without a second thought, Sasuke began trailing after the Kyuubi from a safe distance. It was obvious he was in a rush to get to somewhere, and judging by the worried look erected on his whiskered face, Sasuke can only guess it had something to do with his Master.
Huh, Zetus didn't mention the Kyuubi's Master was going to be away.
Sasuke's black eyes narrowed. The same goes for the Tanuki, he couldn't sense his chakra anywhere in town.
Before Sasuke could ponder further, he came to a halt when an object slipped from the Kyuubi's coat. The blonde demon, however, didn't noticed and continued running forward and out of sight. Leaving the shadows, Sasuke approaches the item on the ground and picked it up. It was a leather-clad book, that much was obvious, but it was the title of the book that caught the half-demon's attention.
"Blood Bond?"
Sasuke had never heard of such a thing. Masking his scent within the area, the half-demon quietly slipped back into the shadow.
OoOo
Gaara didn't have to venture far to find the source of the demonic chakra. The other demon had been standing across the street of the restaurant as though he had been waiting for Gaara's arrival. Gaara obliges the demon by meeting him half-way. The aura the brown-haired demon energy was shimmering, allowing Gaara to glimpse of his power. He was young, probably not much older than Naruto. The demon had messy brown hair, sharp black eyes with vertical-slit like pupils, pronounced canine teeth. Gaara's eye twitched at the sight of the distinctive red fang markings on his cheeks. Indicating to Gaara this demon belongs to a very old clan. More importantly, the demon wore no collar.
"Huh, you don't look so tough."
Gaara arched a nonexistent brow at the remark. "What is your purpose here?"
He chuckled. "No introduction?" he feigns pain, "They weren't lying when they said you get straight to the point." The demon cocked his head to the side as he observed Gaara, "Although…they didn't tell me you have that?"
Gaara glance briefly at the gourd on his back. "I will repeat myself one more time, what business do you have here?"
The demon gave a careless shrug. "I'm merely following my Master's command."
Gaara's eyes darkened as he sniffs the air for any other human around them, "And what is your Master's command?"
He smirked, revealing two pairs of fangs. "To kill you."
OoOo
Sakura was in the middle of picking up her wineglass when she felt the shocking jolt down her spine. She was surprised the delicate glass didn't break under her fingers tightening around its neck. She forced a smile at a lighthearted comment Neji made even as another shock jolted down her back like a painful tingle.
"Sakura? Are you alright?"
Sakura took in a shuddering breath. "Of course, Neji, I'm just excited to try the food!" she forced a laugh when the pain burrowed deeper into her back. Holy hell, she internally screamed. What the hell was Gaara doing out there?
Neji continued to observe her, not at all buying her little performance.
"Neji, I'm fine," she assured him after taking in another shuddering breath.
She squirmed under Neji's penetrating stare and wish with everything in her that the damn pain would go away!
"Maybe some fresh air will do you some good?" Neji suggested and stood up from his chair. It was obvious he wasn't going to take no for an answer.
Neji let the waitress know that they would return once Sakura was feeling better. Sakura gave a quick look around the restaurant before being ushered towards the front door. Despite the fear in her stomach, Sakura was grateful for the cold air. She inhaled deep and felt the pain lessen almost immediately. Neji escorted Sakura to a stone bench where she sat down, her nerves still jumping at the thought of another demon roaming around the area. Her eyes continued to scan the place for any signs of Gaara, or even Naruto.
"What are you searching for, Sakura?"
Sakura gave a start. She didn't realize Neji had sat down close to her until his words brush against the shell of her ear. She flashed him an apologetic smile, "Sorry, just taking in the scenery."
He arched a brow. "You seem trouble. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Sakura brushes off his concern with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry about me, Neji. I'm more concerned for you," she reaches over and took his hand in hers.
"Same old Sakura," Neji whispered, his fingers brushing against her flushed cheek. "More worry about others than herself."
Despite the playfulness in his tone, Sakura couldn't help but noticed the tightening of his lips. It almost seemed as though just saying it hurt him. "I'm serious, Neji," she took on a firm tone, hoping to let him know she meant business. "I hate to pry into your personal life, but you're my friend and I'm worried about you."
Neji's pale eyes continued to stare at her. Sakura didn't know what was running thought Neji's mind, his stare didn't feel like someone who was looking at a love interest, but a mystery puzzle that needed to be solved.
Clearing her throat roughly, Sakura gave a playful tap to his cheek, hoping to snap him out of it. "There's already enough moody people in my life, Neji," she chuckled humorlessly, "Don't go becoming one."
Her words caught him off guard and he let out a light laugh. "Apologies, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," his smile became warm and so did Sakura's cheeks. It was hard not to blush at one of Neji's smiles. "It just feels like I haven't seen you in years."
She gaped and then frown, "Well you did go M.I.A. on me for weeks," she gave a careless shrug, though the hurt in her eyes belied her action. "Before you left you mentioned something about having illness and I thought…" she looked away from him to gather her composure. "I thought you were in a hospital somewhere seeking treatment."
"And would you have come?"
Sakura gave a start at the sudden seriousness in his tone. "What?"
There was a hardness in his eyes she'd never seen before. "If I was in the hospital would you have come?"
She scowled, his words were just about the stupidest thing she'd ever heard!
Not counting Naruto's.
"Of course, idiot!" she couldn't help but snap. What kind of friend would she be to ignore his request?
"And stayed?" his voice was monotone, but Sakura glimpsed desperation in his eyes. "Would you have stayed if I asked?"
Calling him stupid, Sakura grasp his cold hands in hers and gave them a firm shake. "What do you think, Neji?" she asked, her eyes glaring up at him.
Sakura didn't realize how close she was to Neji until she noticed something interesting. His eyes, normally silver, had a hint of lavender in them. When he didn't answer her, she sighs and forgoes his hands in favor of cupping his cheeks, just like his hands they were cold.
"You're a silly man," she smiled playfully, her thumbs caressing his cheekbones.
"A fool," he corrected with a whisper, his silver eyes starting to shimmer once more.
Without thinking, Sakura brushes a small kiss to his forehead. He shudders and so does she. "I would have come if you just asked."
The man before her smile, the hands in his lap curled into fists. "You may regret those words one day…"
Sakura sighs, her hands dropping back down to grasp his fists in hers, she didn't like this side of Neji. For all the years she has known him, it was true he was serious around his peers when he brought them to eat at the restaurant, but with her…he didn't have to play pretend. What brought on this defensive shield was mind-blowing, but Sakura was certain about one thing. This demeanor, this new Neji, somehow involved his uncle. She wished he would just talk to her.
"I understand your family is going through some hard time. But you should also take care of your health as well, I mean before you left town you barely sleep—"
The large hand around hers tighten, halting her words. Her eyes widen at the coldness growing within Neji's silver eyes. Sakura doesn't think she'd ever seen her friend look at her with those eyes.
"I don't wish to speak about my family," he said through gritted teeth.
Sakura flinched and lower her head. It was making her chest ache to see him look at her like this. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to upset you."
Neji sucked in a startling breath before releasing Sakura's hand. "No, Sakura. You don't upset me at all…" he turned away, his eyes glinting with shame. "I blame this on my wretched bloodline."
Sakura frown, but nodded. The hurt still lingered in her chest.
"You look beautiful tonight," Neji whispered, his eyes still staring off into the distance. "I always image us together on a night like this. Just us, finally having dinner together and connecting…" he turned back to her, and Sakura gasps at the pain in his eyes. "I wish I hadn't been so focused on work and more on…you."
Sakura's breath hitched when Neji suddenly pulled her into his arms. It almost seemed natural to return his embrace. His words had been so heartfelt, yet so full of pain. Sakura didn't know what was going through Neji's head, but it was obvious tonight he was hurting. Her friend was in pain and the trembling in his body broke her heart.
"I want to take you away. Leave all this bullshit behind!"
"Dammit, Neji, tell me what's wrong?" she cursed him even as her arm tightened around him.
"I wish we had more time," he whispered into her neck. "I wish I wasn't a Hyūga."
Sakura's frown deepened into confusion. "Neji?"
Her heart gave a nervous jerk as Neji pulled back, his eyes staring down at her intently. His eyes, Sakura noticed, was almost a translucent silver, it was oddly perplexing. It was shimmering as they glaze into her own eyes. They were begging her, for what? She didn't know…
Sakura gave a startled gasp when, without warning, Neji slammed his lips against hers. Her eyes widened at the sudden flare of energy shifting between their bodies. She felt as though they were being embraced in a blanket of chakra. Her eyes flutter closed, it felt as though Neji was trying to devour her very soul. The kiss held both hunger and anger, something Sakura should have stopped. But it had been so long, she hadn't been kissed since middle school. Even then it was an innocent peck compare to this. She should stop this, Neji obvious wasn't in his right mind. He was distraught about something and he was hiding it from her. Unfortunately, it didn't stop her fingers from combing through the silkiness of his hair and matching his ferocity with her own. They both fought for dominance, Sakura bit his lower lip and Neji answered by tightening his fingers in the root of her hair with a growl. A delicious shiver ran down her back and she moaned into his mouth, who knew Sakura liked it…rough.
Sakura had been so caught up in the kiss she hadn't noticed Neji had pulled her on to his lap. It was only when she felt his rough hand running under her dress and up her thigh did she finally pulled back with a loud, shaking breath. Neji made a move to pull her back into a kiss only to stop when she presses a delicate hand against his chest. They were both panting heavily, their eyes still locked on to one another. Sakura brought her trembling fingers to her swollen lips, she was still in shock that she had let her body take over. Neji's lips were swollen from where her teeth had nibbled on. Sakura felt her pulse quicken when he grasps her hand and brought it towards his mouth.
"Neji…"
The ground beneath them began to rumble and without warning a dark figure landed hard into the ground ten feet from them. Sakura gave a startled cry and made a move to leave Neji's lap only to have him tightened his arms around her.
"Neji!" Sakura protested, her eyes still on the man who just fell from the sky.
The figure on the ground let out a pained groan as he rolled on to his hands and knees, his bones popping and cracking back into place as he did so. Sakura's eyes widened in shock and then narrow in suspicion…the man wasn't human. Could this be the demon Gaara had gone after? Before Sakura could grab Neji's hand and pull them to safety, Neji gave a dry chuckle.
Neji, who had his face pressed against her neck, casually pull back and stared at the mysterious figure with cold eyes. Sakura stiffened at the sight, it almost felt as though she was watching him transform into a different person before her very eyes.
"I gave you one order." When Neji spoke, his voice no longer held the same warmth and familiarity she had come to known. "And you come back to me like this?"
The shaggy brown-haired demon stumbled to his feet, spitting out pebbles as he did so. His black silted eyes stared in mute defiance at Neji. "He's a lot stronger then he looks. Master."
Sakura's eyes snapped back at Neji in disbelief, her heart sinking into her stomach. Since when? She thought back to all the time she known Neji and never once had he indicated any signs of any demon connection. Did he figure it out when he first spotted Naruto? Or Gaara in that matter? No! Neji was a sweet human man!
"I wish I wasn't a Hyūga."
Sakura's eyes dimmed at his pained words. Was that what he meant? Did his bloodline had a connection to the Demon World? Something must have triggered it for him to form his bond with this shaggy-haired demon.
His silver eyes continued to stare at her as he spoke to his demon, "So…Gaara of the Desert is still alive?"
They know about Gaara! She thought frantically, but more importantly, they were talking about harming one of her demons. She felt her own eyes hardening. "Call off you demon, Neji."
He arched a brow at her, his jaw clenching. "No."
"You don't want to do this, Neji," she whispered, her eyes begging him to reconsider. "Gaara has done nothing to you…"
"Stop!" Neji snapped, his eyes hardening like a pair of glaciers.
She flinched.
"Your precious demon has done enough! The minute he and that nine-tail-"
Neji never got the chance to finish his sentence, Sakura was suddenly yanked away and Neji was thrown back when a wave of sand materialized in between the two. The brown-haired demon was quick to catch Neji before he could hit the ground. Enraged, Neji pushed himself away from his demon to glare at the familiar red demon. Sakura, on the other hand, suddenly found herself in a pair of arms she's come to know.
Gaara.
Gaara was dressed in something she had never seen before. He had on a long-sleeved crimson coat and full-length dark trousers. Over the coat, he had on two buckled belts, a gray vest held in place by a single strap over his left shoulder, and two buckled belts which he also used to carry a gourd that was the half the size as he was.
Sakura had been so engrossed in Gaara's appearance she didn't realize the spec of sands floating around the pair.
"I told you to stay within the establishment," Gaara's disapproval growl was directed at her, but kept his eyes on the enemies in front.
Sakura shook her head, her eyes turning back to Neji who was staring daggers at her demon. Her heart wrenched at the sight, this wasn't the Neji she'd grown close to all these years. What happened to him during those weeks of him being gone? What the hell could of cause this change in him?
Gaara head tilted to the side as he observes the interesting scene before him. It was a mystery as to how Hyūga obtained a demon, and Gaara didn't care. The human had sent his demon to kill him and had put his Master's life in danger.
"Gaara…"
His Master calls….
The red demon unwillingly shifted his eyes towards the petite female and growled. She was practically covered in Hyūga's scent, he didn't have to guess why her lips were swollen and her cheeks flushed. Sakura breath hitched as Gaara cupped her cheek and wipe her lips with the pad of his thumb. The act hadn't been an affectionate one, but one trying to wipe away an ugly stain. The dark scowl on Gaara told Sakura she had to tread lightly with her demon. Any wrong word and he would snap.
"Let them go."
The raccoon demon stiffened and snarled, his fangs lengthening within his gum. "He's a threat to you, Master."
"He's my friend," she whispered, her eyes glowing with determination.
"No," he hissed, his eyes staring at her bruised lips in accusation, "Hyūga is no longer your friend."
This wasn't Naruto she was trying to coax, this was Gaara. Unpredictable Gaara, the one who can easily wrap his fingers around her throat and crush it. The one who hated the thought of being tied down to another human. Gaara, the one who tried to kill her several times!
Just as quickly as those thoughts came, she pushed them back and shut the door. Now wasn't the time to show any weakness, especially in front of Gaara. Sakura's eyes hardened and so did her resolved, "You will let them leave, I order it."
At her words, Gaara's lips stretched into a bitter smirk. It would seem the little human was starting to grow some backbone after all.
"I knew there was something about that human I didn't like," Gaara hissed toward Hyūga, his pale eyes shifting from green to yellow.
Neji brush passes his demon, his cold eyes still locked on with Gaara's. "Give her to me, demon," he spat.
Sakura gave a small cry when Gaara pushed her behind him, the spec of sands floating around them were starting to vibrate, much to Sakura's horror. Gaara teeth clenched at the chakra the dark-haired human was emitting. The aura surrounding Hyūga was in perfect sync with his demon, the two were truly bonded, much to Gaara's surprise. Calculating it, his Master mentioned Hyūga had been missing for weeks, someone like him couldn't form a solid bond with his demon in that short amount of time. Gaara's sharp eyes narrowed at the faint green glow coming off Hyūga's forehead, it looked as though it was being covered up something.
"Due to your familiarity with my Master," Gaara growled through clenched teeth, his eyes glowing a solid yellow now. "I'll let you leave intact."
The message was clear, next time will be different.
The shaggy-haired demon laugh. "I'm pretty sure my Master wants you dead, Gaara."
"Kiba," Neji growled, his eyes locked on to somewhere far off into the distance. "We will return to the compound."
Kiba's black eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. "But, Master—"
The demon quickly lowered his head at the glare Neji shot him. "You may not see it, but I do," his silver eyes turned to Sakura and for a brief second, pain, akin to regret flashed within those eyes of his.
Sakura fought back the tears that threatened to spill down her cheek.
She barely said his name before he and his demon disappear behind a cloud of white smoke. With a shaky breath, Sakura closed her eyes and tried to ignore the sting in her chest. What the hell just happened? The night had started wonderfully…but spiraled out of control through the end. Neji, somehow, had obtained a demon. Was he now bound to the same fate as hers? The pink-haired petite had been wallowing in her misery that she didn't notice Gaara staring at her. It was only when he spoke did her eyes snapped open.
"Your weakness will be the death of you."
Sakura turns to her demon, she can already feel the fight leave her body. "No, Gaara," she whispered, "I couldn't stand by and watch you kill Neji."
She merely stood there as he closed in on her personal space, his callous hands grasping her shoulder and shaking her lightly. "And I told you shouldn't trust so easy!"
"I've known Neji for years!" she shouts back, her fists clenching at her side.
The Tanuki scoffed.
Sakura shook her head. "Neji is my friend!"
She didn't flinch when the red demon pressed his nose against her neck and inhale. "You reek of mating pheromones," he growled, "And his…"
Sakura felt the blood rush to her face at Gaara's accusation. It was pointless to lie since he could already smell it on her.
Angrily, Sakura shrugged out of his hold. "This isn't Neji's fault!"
The stupidity behind this human's logic was beyond incomprehensible! Gaara longed to scream.
"You're stupid!" he, instead, shouted.
Sakura flinched and began to walk away from Gaara. She didn't make it past three steps before the angry red demon grabbed her by the arm and whirled her around to face him. Gaara wasn't through with the foolish human. However, her tears and the pitiful look in her eyes halted his words almost immediately. Before he could stop himself, Gaara pulled her into his arms and pressed her face against his chest. He had to close his eyes and breathed deeply through his nose. It was taking every ounce in his will not to track down Hyūga and kill him. It was his doing that his Master was now crying and Gaara hated himself for feeling so weak at the sight of it. It had always been Naruto who comforted the female during her time of need. And yet the red demon couldn't help but feel something in his chest swell at the feel of his Master in his arms, comforting her.
Hyūga's scent, Gaara soon realized, was slowly starting to fade away. The Tanuki continued to leisurely rub his cheek on the top of Sakura's head, growing deep within his throat as he did so. It eased something inside him, a feeling he didn't know he needed…until now. The petite human didn't struggle in his arms, her tears continued to soak through his shirt. It was something Gaara didn't mind, much to his dismay.
With a few hiccups and sobs, Sakura pulled her head and looked up at her demon. If the red demon noticed the running mascara, he didn't mention it. "You're right, I am stupid," she sniffled.
Good, something they can finally agree on, Gaara dryly thought.
"I...I should have listened to Neji."
Gaara's left eye twitched at the mention of Hyūga. "And what is that?" he decided to humor her.
"He…" she whimpered, "He said he didn't want to be a Hyūga, that his bloodline was cursed."
Gaara grimaced when she wiped her nose by using his shirt.
"I think that was his way of telling me…" she shrugged. "That it's his family's fault for what happened."
Gaara grunted, his hand unconsciously rubbing her back. "It does not matter, the fact is he attacked first."
Neji had ordered his demon to kill Gaara, it was something Sakura shouldn't ignore. "I supposed you're right," she muttered, her tears stopping. Gaara gave a start when the female in his arms pulled back to scan him. "Are you hurt anywhere, Gaara?"
Gaara snorted, his lips curling into a smug smirk. "The fool barely touched me."
Sakura sighed, the relief evident in her eyes. Gaara did his best to ignore flutters in his stomach. "That's good," her fingers brushing the collar of his shirt. "We…should get going…"
"Hn."
"Sakura!"
Both heads whirled around to see Naruto running towards them. Sakura flashes the blonde a small smile before he pulled her from Gaara's arms and into his. With her ear pressed against his chest, she could hear the fast pounding in his heart. He must have run over here, she thought, it also explained why his shirt was drenched. With a grimaced she pulled back from his arms.
"Are you hurt anywhere, Sakura?" Naruto asked frantically, his blue eyes scanning her for any sign of damages.
She shook her head. "I'm fine, Naruto, thank you."
Before the Kyuubi demon could ask any more question Gaara interrupted him, "We should return." His pale green eyes searching their surroundings. They were in the open and valuable to attacks, the only thing in mind right now for Gaara was to return his Master home safely. "We will talk later," he told the stubborn blonde demon.
For once, Naruto agreed. Before Sakura could protest, her demon picked her up bridal style. "C'mon, Sakura, it isn't safe to stay here."
Sakura clung on to Naruto's neck as both he and Gaara began sprinting toward the trees. It wasn't long before they were hopping from tree to tree. Again, Sakura couldn't help but be amazed by Naruto's strength and stamina. Surely he was tired, she thought worriedly.
As if reading her mind, Naruto flashes his Master a smile. "I'll carry you to the end of the world if you wished it, Sakura."
Against her will she felt her cheek blush, "Idiot," she mumbled fondly.
They could have been traveling for no more than fifteen minutes when Sakura felt her eyelids growing heavy. In the arms of her most trusted demon, Sakura laid her head against Naruto's shoulder and yawned. She wanted to stay awake, afraid that if she slept something bad will happen.
"Sleep, Sakura," Naruto's lips brushed against her brows. "We will be home soon."
No sooner did those words left his mouth, Sakura went out like a light. It was a good thing too, Naruto thought darkly. During their travel, Naruto had to force himself to ignore a familiar scent coming off his Master. He can already feel his eyes glowing red at the scent of Hyūga on her lips. Control, Naruto! The blonde forced his eyes shut with a curse. Now wasn't the time to be jealous! He scolded himself. Despite it, he can feel his claws lengthening.
Dammit, you stupid kit! Naruto shouted.
"Naruto."
Naruto came to a halt at the sight of Gaara standing in front of him. The Tanuki had his arms crossed over his chest, his pale green eyes regarding him coolly.
"Give her to me."
At his choice of words, Naruto tightened his hold on his Master. "I'm fine, Gaara," he said through gritted teeth.
"I will not ask you a second time," the red demon quietly warned, the sand floating around him starting to vibrate. Gaara didn't need to use his demonic eyes to see in the dark, the red glow in Naruto's eyes was clear enough.
The Kyuubi growled, his fangs lengthening from his gum. Despite the red rage boiling inside him, Naruto knew he had to hand over his Master to Gaara before he does something he was going to regret. He wasn't stable, but more dangerous was the voice chanting for blood inside his head. As much as it hurt for him to let go of Sakura, Naruto did so reluctantly. He watched through narrowed red eyes as Gaara held Sakura bridal style, the Tanuki never once took his eyes off the kit.
"Return once you calm yourself," ordered Gaara before he took off with their Master in his arms.
Naruto watches them leave with a heavy heart. He winced at the pounding and screeching in his head as he forced himself to turn away in the opposite direction.
OoOo
"My Master summons me, Uchiha," Zetsu told Sasuke as he was approaching the safe house. "He wishes to speak with the witch."
Sasuke paused in his step and nodded. Good, the plant demon and Kira were only in his way. With them gone, Sasuke can finally devise a plan to capture the Kyuubi.
As if reading his mind Zetsu chuckled. "If you do something stupid and get yourself killed, don't expect anyone to mourn you."
"Remember, Sasuke," Kira smirked. "The Kitsune and Tanuki are more powerful than you."
Sasuke's jaw clenched as he watches both Kira and the plant demon disappeared in a cloud of white smoke. With a curse, he made his way inside the safe house and sealed the front door with his chakra. As much as he hated it, Sasuke knew it was true. Both full blood demon can easily dispose of him without even having to try. With him being a half-demon without a Master, Sasuke will never achieve his goal. His father knew this and still sent him on this mission.
"He doesn't expect you to return." Itachi's voice echoed.
Sasuke flinched.
He was powerless…
Being a half-demon meant he couldn't obtain himself a Master.
Sasuke made a move to take off his trench coat when he heard something fall on the ground. Looking down, he arched a black brow at the leather book laying there. The Kyuubi had dropped this in his haste to race towards his Master. Reaching down, the half-demon picks up the book and brush his pale fingers against the title.
What secrets, he wondered as his fingers began flipping through the pages, did this book hold…
OoOoO
Using his sand, Gaara picklock the door and opened it. The Tanuki did a quick scan of the apartment before entering once he sensed everything was clear. Even though they're within Hatake's territory, Gaara was never one to let down his guard. Making his way toward the couch, he laid his Master down before stepping back to unstrap the gourd. With a sigh, the red demon places the gourd to the side before sitting down beside the couch. It was no surprise Miss Haruno was out cold, he suspects it had something to do with his collar being off for too long. Gaara gave a small grunt, he's going to have to ask Hatake to build up her chakra.
Gaara made a move to wake the female only to stop. The paint on her face had smeared and her hair didn't hold some bouncy curls she had when she left the house. But laying on the couch, asleep with her lower lip in a pout…she couldn't have been more beautiful. Gaara could already feel his face flush the longer he stared at her. The strapless white dress she wore was still flawless and clingy, exposing her creamy shoulder and neck. It was ridiculous human female wore such outfits, his Master may as well have worn a bath towel for her 'date.' The red demon sighs as he carefully removes her high heel shoes and set them aside, how she was able to walk in these remained a mystery to Gaara.
You're staring….
And he was, there was no denying it, he couldn't tear his eyes away from his Master's exposed legs. He desperately wanted to look away, but her long smooth legs were tempting…he could easily run his fingertips up and down those legs for hours. Gaara swallowed the lump in his throat and cursed out loud when he felt a tickling of sweat run down his neck.
A gleeful laughter echo in his head.
Great, Gaara thought bitterly, he was no better than Hatake. The human was tempting him into dangerous territory that Gaara didn't know was possible. The faster the human wakes up and put on something decent, the faster these unwanted thoughts can go away.
Gaara reaches over and lightly shook her by the shoulder. The female groan and then began to stir under Gaara's constant shaking. Her version blurred and then came into focus. In all honesty, Sakura had expected Naruto to be the one shaking her, but instead, it was Gaara's face hovering over her.
"Wh—"
"I need you to collar me."
At his monotone words, Sakura sat up on the couch, rubbing the back of her neck as she did so and asked, "Is that why I'm so tired?" her words came out sluggish.
He gave her an obvious look.
Heaving in a deep sigh, Sakura focused and brought up her hand. A light spark and the cold round metal appear in the palm of her hand. Sakura had stopped asking questions about how these things work, apparently, they just do. She always did hate it when she had to lock the collar back in place after Naruto trained with Kakashi. Naruto, she knew, didn't mind, but Gaara, the red demon may try and hide it but she would always catch a glimpse of hatred in his eyes every time she summoned the collar.
"You needn't look like that," Gaara muttered, his teal eyes watching her thoughtfully. "I'm used to it."
Her eyes softened, a small sad smile pulling at her lips. "Liar," she whispered as she locks the collar back in place.
It only took a moment, but Sakura could already feel her energy returning to her blissfully. Once the collar was secured, Gaara's gourd and battle attires faded. It was at this point Sakura realized she made a huge mistake. Gaara had been in his pup form when she brought him to the restaurant, and naked when he had demanded she take off the collar to fight the other demon.
And now he was…
"You're naked," she didn't need a mirror to know that her face was red as a tomato.
"Of course," the red demon said nonchalantly, not caring that he was naked. "You should go and wash, the stench of Hyūga still lingers on you."
Sakura winced at the mentioned of Neji. She wonders if he was somewhere safe. "Where is Naruto?" her eyes searching the living room.
Gaara stood up and Sakura let out a startled yelp before covering her eyes with her hands. "I suggest you go now before Naruto returns."
Sakura's eyes widened in understanding. Ah.
With her hands over her eyes, Sakura made a quick dash towards the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind her. While she showered, Gaara had put on some clothes before making his way into the kitchen and towards the fridge. Opening it, Gaara scans the contents inside and found simple ingredients to cook with, he was sure Sakura was famished after tonight's ordeal.
Gaara paused as he was pulling out the ingredients.
It's Sakura now, huh? Shukaku childishly snickered.
Of course, he would still be awake after the fight with the other demon. Gaara cursed, before slamming a mental shield to block out his demonic counterpart. After a few minutes of silence, Gaara released the breath he was holding in. It would seem Shukaku was restless tonight, already Gaara can feel the beast pounding at the shield he had created.
"Troublesome," the red demon sigh before returning his attention to prepping.
Twenty minutes into cooking dinner, Gaara felt a familiar chakra approaching the apartment. He didn't bother to turn away from the stove when the door open and closed. Judging by the scent and energy Naruto was emitting it would seem he was out of steam.
"Sakura?"
Gaara turned off the stove before giving Naruto his attention. "She's been in the shower since we got back," the red demon took in his companion's appearance and shook his head. "You're going to upset our Master with the way you're treating your clothes."
Naruto winced and look down at the torn and dirty shirt he wore. He could already hear Sakura scolding him about all the clothes he'd gone through already because of training. The thought of it should frighten him, but the blonde demon couldn't help but smile. Sakura was always beautiful when she was in her rage.
Speaking of rage…
"What happened tonight?"
Gaara scowl. "Hyūga had obtained himself a demon."
Naruto nodded, "I thought I caught the scent of another demon in the area," he said thoughtfully. "Anything about this demon that got your attention?"
"The red marking on his face indicates he's from an old clan, if I remember correctly Hyūga called him Kiba."
"What class demon are we talking about?" Naruto asked arms crossed over his chest.
"Dog," Gaara smirked. "He's a dog."
OoOo
Please be gentle...