Disclaimer: Sis didn't own Naruto, only her story plots and her OCs.

9—Innocent Intimacy

Sakura looked at herself in the mirror of the guest room in the Hyuuga house. Her parents wouldn't be home until the following Wednesday, so she was taking this time to try making a few decisions on her own. She'd decided she was going to the Winter Dance and that she would keep the break in at her house a secret from her friends and classmates. She hadn't seen Sasuke since that night. She was a little nervous. She and Hinata were going with Neji and Tenten out to eat, they were meeting their friends at Souko's Tea House for dinner, and then going to the dance. She'd meet up with Gaara at the Tea House.

A gentle knock on the door had Sakura looking over her shoulder. She smiled when Hinata walked in. Hinata's mother had made her dress out of a dark blue, almost violet material. Like all of Hinata's clothes, the dress was conservative. It went to her ankles, but there were several layers to it. The waist had a cinched belt with a silver butterfly catch, and there was a generous yet not too revealing scoop to the neck. A small waist jacket accompanied it, an afterthought since it would be so cold now.

Hinata's hair was up for the first time Sakura could remember. Since she'd grown it out long, she'd used it to pretty much hide behind. As she was now, there was no hiding her exotic Hyuuga features. It was curled and pinned in an elegant fashion and it made Sakura think of princesses from the fairytales Hinata's mother used to read to them growing up.

She noticed Hinata taking in her appearance as well. She knew that her dress was out of the norm for her, but Ino had bought it for her, so naturally it would be. Sakura's dress was made out of a slinky silver material that clung to every curve she possessed. It had thin golden straps that rested gently against her skin. When she had her shoes on, the hem didn't touch the ground, which was good considering the light material would stain if dragged on the ground.

She looked over her shoulder at the 'trail' behind her. She'd pinned it up so that, until they got to the dance, it wouldn't be in the way. She had strappy golden high heels to go with it. She noticed Hinata coming towards her with something. It was a golden hair comb. "Mother has asked that you wear this. Since you are temporarily in their care, mother and father are treating you as their own child. Since Hanabi is too sick to be in school, it makes them happy to have you around." Sakura looked at the comb and felt tears coming to her eyes. Hinata's parents accepted her where even her own didn't. She smiled and nodded, unable to speak.

Hinata understood and walked up behind Sakura. The emerald eyed student sat at the small vanity and allowed Hinata to arrange her hair in order to integrate the comb. When the Hyuuga girl was done, Sakura stared at herself in the mirror. She looked like some kind of queen or princess or something. She smiled and gripped Hinata's hand. The other girl understood and quietly gripped her hand back. Sakura stood finally and looked herself over. She was ready to head to the Tea House.

She grabbed a winter dress coat, which thankfully didn't have sleeves, and wrapped it around her shoulders. Hinata did the same and they headed downstairs to meet with Neji and Tenten. Both younger girls stopped in their tracks as they noticed Tenten. Though she was in another cheongsam, this one was turquoise with silver trimming. Her hair was put up in two buns with lots of silver accessories. In Sakura's mind, Tenten looked beautiful.

Neji looked handsome as well in black slacks and a dark tan shirt. His long brunette hair was pulled back and tied in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He regarded the two as they approached. "We should get going. The others are already at the Tea House." Both girls nodded and they called goodbye as they left.

The walk to the Tea House, while short, was cold. Winter had set in full force now and the sky foretold of snow. Sakura pulled the wrap more tightly around her shoulders. She gasped when she felt an arm around her and looked over to the side closest to the street. Standing there, staring back at her, were those jade eyes she adored. She smiled and leaned in to him, allowing him to keep her warm. When they reached the Tea House, he helped her out of her jacket and held his arm out to her.

She was somewhat surprised, but she smiled at him again and took the proffered arm, allowing him to lead her to their table. When they got there, Naruto, Temari, Shikamaru, Ino, and Kiba were already there. She smiled at them all as Gaara helped her to her seat. He sat beside her and made sure they touched in some way at all times. It made her warm inside and it made her smile. Despite his reputation, Gaara was actually very sweet and kind to her. She found it very endearing.

Sakura sipped her tea as the orders were brought out. She noticed Gaara watching her very carefully and she smiled, offering him some of her soba. He took a small bite and offered her some of his stir fry. She tried it and he found himself staring at her and the way her lips wrapped around his chopsticks. The sight had his body stirring and he wished she'd wrap those beautiful lips around something besides his chopsticks.

He hid his thoughts and just sat at her side as she and her friends, along with his, talked about what they thought the Winter Dance would be like. He knew what he wanted it to be like. He wanted it to just be him and her all night with no interruptions. He wanted to stare deep into her eyes and see the hidden affection there. He knew she cared for him, but he also knew why she kept it bottled up inside: her parents. He felt his brow crease at the thought of the two people that hurt her the most. He couldn't protect her from them, no matter how much he tried.

His ears perked when Sakura's giggle rang throughout the tea house. He looked over to see her giggling at Naruto, who was red faced as Hinata stared up at him in wonder. It seemed that he was getting a taste of his own medicine for once. Hinata had apparently accidentally brushed against him while reaching for yakitori and he'd been unable to keep himself from turning red. In truth, Gaara could understand his blonde friend's predicament. Hinata's large breasts were pressing against Naruto's side and the blonde had never been one for formalities.

Gaara knew for a fact that Naruto wanted Hinata almost as badly as Gaara wanted Sakura. But Naruto didn't have the patience that Gaara did. He wouldn't be surprised if Naruto convinced the young Hyuuga girl to 'play' with him. The idea of heavy petting had Gaara looking over at Sakura. His eyes hooded at the thought of petting her in any way. She was luscious and he burned for her day and night.

He was dragged from his thoughts when Shikamaru looked at his watch and stated they only had fifteen minutes to get to the school. Everyone hurried along, finished eating, and the guys paid for the meal. When they were done, they all headed out of the Tea House towards the school. Gaara noticed Sakura was shivering somewhat, so he took off his heavy jacket and put it on her shoulders. She looked over at him, about to protest, when she noticed him pulling at the collar of his shirt. He was hot, that much was obvious. She smiled and pulled the coat more tightly around her.

As they arrived at the school, they noticed that the majority of the students were just loitering, not dancing. When they'd settled, Gaara took Sakura's hand and dragged her to the dance floor. He wanted everyone in their class to see him with her and know she was his. When they were on the dance floor, he noticed Sakura's face was a delicate pink shade and he found it absolutely adorable. He leaned in and whispered to her and she gasped. He tightened his arms around her and he heard her breathing hitch. Good…he had her exactly where he wanted her.