Chapter 11: Thinner

Little Falcon: Now when was my last update of this story?! I can't believe I've never updated this! I'm really sorry. Here's the long awaited update! Like always read and review please!!!

Standard Disclaimer: I only own the idea that's all. If I did own this series I'll be the happiest person on earth!!!

A stupid, love-struck smile was plastered on his face but he didn't give a damn. As far a he cares, he was having the time of his life with doing nothing but staring at that pink haired angel. Still today, he was wondering whether she is just a figment of his imagination… Sakura…

Every part of her personality that he sees seems to entice him more and more. Not once did a woman catch his attention… except for her. Ah yes, he seems to have used that phrase a lot when it comes to Sakura. She's just… different.

Unconsciously, his jade eyes were staring at the ceiling while lost in thought. His happy daydreams were cut short however with the ringing of the phone on the bedside table.

Picking up the phone hastily, he half expected it to be the girl next door but "Sorry for the intrusion sir, but there's a guest here who wishes to see you," the polite staff informed him.

This thin eyebrow rose in curiosity. No one knew he would be in Hawaii except for his siblings but they wouldn't travel half way around the world to tease him… right? "Did the guest say his/her name?" he asked as he retrieved his coat.

"I'm sorry sir. She didn't. She only instructed me to tell you that she is waiting in the lobby," the good employee replied.

"I see… can you describe her for me?" Temari… you can not possibly have followed me here to…

"Well, she's tall… and blond…" the conversation was abruptly ended by Gaara as soon as he heard he description.

Temari… what the hell are you planning flying from Japan… he immediately put down the receiver and looked at the wall clock. I still have time before I see Sakura. I'm gonna end this quick.

Quietly, Gaara made his way out of the room careful not to let the girl next door know that he was stepping out. I don't want her being teased by Temari... they just became an official couple only days ago.

Composing herself, she immediately opened the door. "You're early," her smile faded as soon as she saw who was on the other side of the door.

A hotel staff holding a boxed package beamed at her as she opened the door. "How can I help you?" her voice did betray a bit of her disappointment.

"Miss Haruno, the gentleman waiting in the lobby asked me to deliver this for you and to inform you that he will be waiting in the garden," he handed her the package and then left.

Closing the door, Sakura cleared a table to put the rather large package. "Gentleman…" she repeated unconsciously as she was half excited to know what was in the package. Her hands lifted the lid and a surprised gasp escaped her lips.

It was a black cocktail dress with matching sandals. A little card in the middle said "Wear this for me please," made her bite her lower lip as she lifted the dress from the box. It was a silk crisscross halter back that would definitely follow her form well.

What are you planning, Gaara… she thought of. Then she ran into the bathroom with the dress and the sandals. I mustn't keep him waiting then… since he's gone through all the trouble.

The dress hugged her curves perfectly. The color made her porcelain skin glow brighter. The sandals were exactly her size. I didn't know he paid THAT close attention. Every person she passed turned their heads to catch another glimpse at her which made her intimidated.

He almost pushed the people away from the lift as he got off. This is no time for your jokes, Temari. Upon arriving at the lobby, Gaara immediately searched for his sister. No signs of his pigtailed sister anywhere. "Excuse me, you called me and told me that a guest is waiting for me…" getting impatient he finally asked the receptionist.

"Ah, yes sir. She's right there," the receptionist gestured towards the blond sitting on one of the hotel's expensive sofas.

Verbalizing his thanks, "Temari… what are you doing…" his statement was cut short as he saw who his 'guest' was.

"Long time no see, Gaara," she played with her long blond hair as her blue eyes reflected his stunned expression. "What? No hug?" she teased as she got up and closed the distance between them.

"What are you doing here, Ino?" Gaara's tone grew serious as he kept a safe but short distance between them.

"I miss you," Ino did not hesitate to reach out and touch his cheek but Gaara grabbed her wrist halfway.

"I thought I made it clear? I'm not interested with women who wear perfume to hide their cheap scent," his grip grew tighter as his jade eyes narrowed. "Now leave me alone," he let her go then walked off.

As she walked elegantly to the gardens, her emerald eyes began to search for his red hair in the midst of all the people. She stopped midway. Why are there so many people in the garden anyway? Looking around, her eyes widened in shock to see some of her photos on display in an outdoor exhibit.

Her entire body froze as she was in front of one of her shots while people were flocking to see it as well. Nods and praises rained in as they caught sight of the photo.

"May I present the photographer, Haruno, Sakura," someone proclaimed from the back of the group. Like the red sea, the people divided to make way for the person.

Sakura's body still remained stiff as she saw her boss wearing an almost matching suit as hers make his way towards her. "Sasuke-san?" she was finally able to mutter.

"These people are critics from all over America. Do not disappoint me," Sasuke whispered as he took her arm and placed it on his.

"I didn't know there would be an exhibit here," Sakura said even though her mind was thinking of something else… I thought it was Gaara who sent the dress…

"If you have something else planned for tonight… cancel it," this was no suggestion and Sakura was in no place to refuse so she only kept her silence as they walked around.

"You two make a lovely couple," an old woman who Sakura recognized to be a retired photographer smiled. The other folks heard then threw in their comments as well.

"No… he's just my…" Sakura was about to say when…

"Really?" Sasuke cut her off then pulled her closer to him.

"A relationship is over when I say it's over!" Ino said to his retreating form.

Gaara stopped walking abruptly then smirked. "What relationship? Ino, we never had one," he didn't bother to turn around to see her face grew red with anger.

"You think you're little photographer is so special?" this statement however made Gaara not only turn around but walk back towards Ino.

"What do you mean?" he grabbed her arms in a vice-like grip.

"Look… there she is enjoying herself with another man," her blue eyes looked at the lighted gardens with a couple as the center of their attention of the crowd.

One look was all it took for Gaara to almost throw Ino back into the sofa and to enter the gardens. His jade eyes fixated on the beautiful pink haired lady that was uncomfortably standing in the middle of a growing crowd.

What should I do now? I can't embarrass Sasuke-san like this… Sakura stood at his side without saying a word as Sasuke received all the crowd's comments.

"I'm sorry but she belongs to me," Gaara untangled Sakura's arms from Sasuke's then imprisoned her within his. The crowd gasp then muttered to each other as they saw the sight.

"Ah, I know you! You are the one that painted Sakura am I right?" one younger critic said in a louder tone that made the others silent.

"Yes," Gaara answered but his eyes were on Sakura.

"Ah, and Miss Haruno had your photo in her exhibit am I right?" the enthusiastic man asked as the crowd's curiosity grew.

"Hai," Sakura smiled as his embrace grew tighter.

"Ah, Uchiha-san. Although you and Miss Haruno make a lovely couple. These two here are a match made in heaven!" with the man's statement, the crowd began to throw in their interest as well.

"I hope you don't mind if I steal her away now?" the crowd verbalized their answer in a very unorganized manner.

Sakura blushed under his hot gaze but when he put his arms on her back and behind her knees, she was made to hang onto his neck as he carried her bridal style away fro the garden. The teasing crowd applauded, laughed and cheered as they made their way out.

Although Gaara was wearing his usual cargo pants and collared shirt he still shines brighter than Sasuke who was wearing his formal ironed tuxedo with his clean shoes. That much Sasuke felt as he saw how Sakura was fixated on the guy as if he was the only person in the picture.

Sasuke clenched his fist as he watched him take her away. For a moment his jade eyes and his onyx eyes met in a deadly exchange. This is not yet over...

Little Falcon: Tell me what you think… read and review please…