Takes place in the several episodes of Shippuden. After Lady Chio and Naruto bring Gaara back.

I was taken to the hospital along with Kakashi Hatake. Mariko never left my side, she barely even slept. I took her hand and she looked at me. She looked so tired.

"Mariko."

"I can't sleep Gaara. Every time I close my eyes... all I see is..."

Tears filled her eyes and I pulled her into my arms. I'd completely regained my strength and held her as tightly as I could. I pulled her onto the bed with me.

"I'm here. I promise I won't leave you again."

She hid her face in my chest and cried silently. I let her cry.

"I love you, Mariko." I said softly.

I stroked her hair and waited for her to calm down. I knew she'd been holding back for a long time.

"It's alright now." I whispered.

I kissed her forehead as she looked up at me.

"I'm alright." I told her.

She smiled a bit and nodded.

"Do you need anything?"

"Only you."

She laughed a bit and I tucked her hair behind her ear. I kissed her lips gently. There were times I still couldn't believe I'd found someone who loved me so much.

Mariko's POV

Gaara kissed me harder and pulled me closer. I moaned softly before I remembered where we were. I gently pushed on his chest.

"We're not alone here." I whispered.

He smiled a bit.

"We will be soon. Then I can show you how much I love you. How much you mean to me. Lady Mariko of the sand."

I smiled.

"I'll do my best to be worthy of such a title."

He pressed his forehead against mine.

"You already are."

I kissed him again. His tongue slowly slid into my mouth and curled around mine. Gaara was intoxicating to me. His scent, his taste, and the feel of his body.

We buried Lady Chiho. Naruto and the others stayed to pay their respects. Gaara held my hand as we walked with them to the entrance of the village.

"Thank you for all your help. Are you sure you won't stay and rest a little while longer?"

"We really need to be getting back. There's a bowl of Iciraku Ramen with my name on it."

"Oh, send me a bowl would you?"

He laughed.

'You got it!"

Then Naruto turned towards Gaara.

"I guess this is where most people would hug or shake hands, huh?"

He laughed and Gaara held out his hand with a gentle smile. Naruto smiled as well and shook Gaara's hand.

"Take care of my friend."

"You don't even have to ask."

We waved as they left and Garra took my hand.

'Let's go home." he said.

I smiled and nodded. My things were delivered a few days later, along with Ramen from Naruto. I couldn't help but laugh.

That night, Gaara took me in his arms and kissed me. We were finally alone in our own home. He moved and began to gently kiss my neck.

"Gaara..." I moaned.

He groaned and lifted me into his arms. I could see his desire for me in his eyes. He gently laid me on our bed and stroked my cheek. I took his face in my hands and kissed him hungrily. He rocked against me and I moaned when I felt how hard he already was. He continued to shower me with kisses and caress my body thoroughly with his hands. I eagerly took off his shirt and explored his chest with my hands. He wrapped his arm around me and held my body tightly against his. I kissed his neck and he moaned deeply. I'd been wearing his shirts to bed, they were big on me but very comfortable. He lifted the shirt and kissed every inch of skin he exposed. I smiled and sighed with pleasure.

"Mmmm... Gaara..."

He moved back up to my neck and sucked gently. I threaded my fingers into his red hair and begged him for more. He continued to rock his hips against mine until I was begging him to take me.

"Gaara! Gaara please!"

He leaned back and the last of our clothing hit the floor. I shivered slightly at the cold and Gaara pulled me tight against him.

"I've always thought that yours was true beauty. Inside and out."

I held onto him and kissed his shoulder.

"I love you." I told him.

Gaara's POV

Her words made my desire grow.

"Tell me again." I said.

"I love you."

She was more than ready for me and I needed her desperately. I went slowly, I never wanted her to be in pain. There was so much love in her eyes. I swiftly filled her and she archer back as my hips touched hers. The feeling of being so intimately connected to her...

"Incredible." I moaned.

I felt her hands gently glide up my back to my shoulders.

"You fit me so perfectly, I was made for you Gaara."

I dropped my mouth to hers and kissed her hungrily. She moaned into my mouth and her tongue stroked mine. My hips smacked against hers as I moved faster. She started to move her hips in time with my thrusts. She was so tight! I sucked at her neck and massaged her breasts. She moaned and clung to me as though she'd die without me.

"You feel so good! You make me feel so good! Oh Mariko!"

She moaned and begged me to go faster. Harder even. I would gladly give her anything she wanted. I felt her start to come and I held her tightly as I found my own release.

Mariko's POV

Gaara kissed me through the afterglow. I smiled and ran my fingers through his damp hair. I didn't want him to move, but he rolled off me to lie beside me. I took a moment to admire him. His flawless skin and well sculpted chest. His strong arms and the tattoo on his forehead. I reached up and traced it gently with my finger. His eyes remained closed but he was smiling. He gently took my wrist and kissed it.

"It was your love and Uzumaki's friendship that saved me. And above all else, your love is what I cherish most in this world." he told me.

My heart fluttered and I held him close to me.

"And your love as made my life whole. ANd I promise to love you until the end of eternity."

He chuckled and softly kissed my neck and shoulder.