CHAPTER TWELVE

"This summon better be about something serious Gaara" Temari said out loud as she waltzed into Gaara's office.

She paused in her step when she noticed that Kankuro was seated as well, definitely not good news then. If Kankuro was here as well then, it must be pretty serious. She sighed preparing herself for the worst as she walked to take a seat beside Kankuro.

"Alright so clearly this isn't good news" Temari said as she sent curious glances between Kankuro and Gaara.

"Don't look at me, Gaara hasn't told me anything yet, I'm just as curious as you" Kankuro looked over to Gaara who was still signing never ending papers furiously, what a rude little brat his brother was. "Come on brother, spit it out already. Temari is here now".

Gaara paused the movement of his pen before raising his head, he observed his siblings for a short while before dropping his pen with a sigh. Having been used to solving problems alone he couldn't help but have second thoughts about involving his siblings. Maybe this was a big mistake.

"You understand that whatever I say cannot leave this room?" He already soundproofed the office with a special jutsu but you could never be too careful, the council had ears and eyes everywhere.

"Of-course we do" Temari replied with a surprise, it was outrageous that Gaara even had to ask that

Gaara nodded his head before pulling out a file from one of the drawers in his desk. It was the file Keita had given him previously that contained information about the unfortunate discovery that didn't have a name yet because no one knew what the fuck it was. He placed the file in front of them, gesturing for them to open it.

Kankuro took it first his expression curious but apprehensive as he opened the file to read.

Temari watched with curiosity as Kankuro's eyes grew wider with shock the more he flipped through the pages. Yeah whatever was in there was bad news. Impatient Temari grabbed the file from him much to his annoyance, but now it was his turn to watch as her reaction mirrored his as she went through the contents of the booklet.

Gaara was silent the whole time, patiently gauging their reactions while waiting for the new information to settle. Finally Temari put the file down quietly in front of Gaara.

There was a long moment of silence probably due to shock.

"So…" Kankuro started unable to bear the silence any longer.

"Keita and Sakura think it may be a drug or worse a slow spreading virus, they're not exactly sure what it is yet but as you can see it is deadly…" Gaara summarized with a frown on his face.

"Wow… that is certainly a lot" Kankuro muttered

No amount if preparation could have prepared Temari for this doomsday news and-

"Hold on, Sakura knows about this?" Temari Interrupted. "Keita too". She said internally.Her brothers didn't know about her 'relationship' with Keita, If she could call it that.

Kankuro had the same question on his mind, damn Sakura knew the whole time? He had to give it to her, she had been on edge for a while, what kind of friend would he be if he didn't notice, but he had assumed it was over her issues with Gaara, he had no idea it could be something this catastrophic. It must have been hard for her… keeping all of it to herself, but he understood the importance of keeping it secret.

"It could be a coincidence?" Kankuro reasoned. "If it were a virus don't you think there would be more infected people? The last victim was over three weeks ago and really a drug? Come on, three of the victims were married women, don't you think the victims would be the youths if that were the case"

Temari nodded her head in agreement "Yeah…But, three victims, all women with similar symptoms, it would be careless to call it a coincidence"

Gaara had been silent the whole time taking in the observations of his siblings. Their observations mirrored his. He had once heard of a small village in the far north that had a very deadly virus spread in their community, the whole village was wiped out in month and on the issue of drugs, he just couldn't see women in their late 30's abusing anything other than sleeping pills but he also thought like Temari as well, two is coincidence but three, three is a pattern. He had hoped for some fresh perspective from his siblings but their observations were the same as his, nothing new.

"Jeez, this is bad" Kankuro said out loud after a while

"Tell us something we don't know" Temari deadpanned

"I don't see you making any suggestions either so why don't you shut the hell up Temari"

Temari rolled her eyes at her brother beside her before looking to Gaara who was rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation…

"Anyways, Gaara what are the plans so far to stop whatever this is from spreading any further"

Beside her she could hear Kankuro let out a half-suppressed snicker much to her annoyance.

"You really think we would be here right now, if our beloved brother knew what to fucking do?"

Okay he had a point but did he really have to be mean about it, fucking brothers. She rolled her eyes.

"Look, the way I see it , we lucked out. We have the best medic in the lands here in Suna with us. It could be worse" Temari shrugged.

"She's right" Kankuro agreed much to the surprise of Temari. He looked straight at Gaara. "Chop-chop Gaara, get to talking before it's too damn late"

Of-course Temari didn't understand that Kankuro was talking about Gaara fixing things with Sakura.

"We have plans for a party this weekend, I could talk to her for you" Temari suggested innocently.

Kankuro almost burst out laughing at his sister being clueless before it clicked that she mentioned a party "Wait what Party, didn't know there was one this weekend".

Temari smirked remembering her plan to piss her brothers off.

"Oh it's and exclusive party for Ren's birthday, Sakura got a 'special' invitation from him and -"

"WHAT!"….. "Ren? as in Ren Satoh?!" Kankuro cut her off shock written all over his face. "You have got to be kidding me".

"Nope, she told me today when we went shopping" Temari feigned ignorance taking a peek at her freshly painted nails. She was enjoying this very much.

Ren Satoh was sole heir to the Satoh Company, the biggest enterprise in Suna, they manufactured everything from simple books to industrial machinery and even exported to the other lands, in conclusion, Ren was filthy rich. If they had a ranking, Ren would be second most sought after bachelor in Suna after Gaara himself and so as expected Ren was the embodiment of cockiness. Gaara didn't like him at all. It didn't help that his family thinks they're above the rules because of the revenue they bring to Suna and not to mention the Council always backing them up.

Every year on his birthday, Ren would throw the biggest exclusive party known to man, Gaara got an invitation every year but discarded them every year.

Gaara set his jaw, his eyes narrowed as various thoughts went through his head. How did they meet? Are they friends?… they had to be if he's personally handing her an invite.And she's eagerly accepting it.

"Apparently they already met before but she told me she met him again in front of a restaurant, where he invited her to his birthday party. Isn't it fate?!" Temari fake gushed to fuel the annoyance of her brothers. She didn't hate Ren but she didn't like him either, she just didn't care about him in general.

Gaara muted his siblings as they went back and forth not wanting to hear anything that would make him explode.

So Ren Satoh had been who he saw talking to her the other day. He silently seethed as he recalled Ren tucking in Sakura's hair, he was sure of it now, the bastard did it on purpose! Why did Sakura accept his invitation, how close were they?…

"Yo Gaara what do you think about all this" Kankuro asked drawing Gaara out of his fury of thoughts.

"I don't care" Gaara coldly replied but his left hand which was squeezed in anger under his desk said another thing.

Temari scoffed in annoyance, she didn't get much of a reaction with Gaara but she was satisfied with annoying Kankuro.

Kankuro could tell Gaara was lying "You sure?" he questioned to see Gaara's reaction "You know what goes on at his Parties" smirking when he saw the slightest twist in Gaara's jaw. Ren always made sure his party was the talk of the lands even months after.

Gaara served him a murderous glance before spitting out in annoyance "You both are dismissed, I have work to do"

"You should talk to Sakura as soon as possible Gaara, It's important that we work together right now" Temari said as she stood up, smoothing her skirt. She was already thinking of seeing Keita later in the this news… yeah she needed to unwind.

Kankuro stood up as well nodding his head in agreement "Yeah… what she said"

When Gaara offered no response they both sighed and left the office.

As soon as they left Gaara looked up from the pile he had been pretending to read. His eyebrows were furrowed in anger, Oh he was going to talk to her alright.

Sakura did not expect that Temari would spend so much time away, whatever Gaara summoned her for it must be very serious, although she may have an idea. That must be where Kankuro was as well. So he finally decided to tell them it seems.

She had considered going to the hospital to help a bit for the evening shift but decided against it when she saw the blazing sun outside, walking under that would drain every energy reserve she had left, researching in the library for more clues seemed to hold more benefit.

Changing into her stay home outfit that involved a pink tank-top and white shorts, she told herself researching was still saving lives.

She was seated in the Library going through a history book with records about dangerous pandemics and epidemics caused by an infectious virus, quiet a few number of very small villages had been wiped out due to some virus or another, she knew stuff like that happened, she herself had been sent on missions to help out such villages but it was still shocking to see the death toll . The more she thought about it the more she began to doubt the virus theory.

A small knock sounded on the door, Sakura raised her head to see who it was, she wasn't aware there was someone else at home.

"Ohhh" Sakura muttered when the door opened to reveal an older robust woman with a kind face in a black and white apron.

"Lady Sakura would you like me to serve you now, lunch is ready"

"No thank you, I'll serve myself later, I'm quiet busy at the moment. Thank you"

The woman nodded respectfully before excusing herself. Sakura breathed out a sigh, she was not used to being served , she never even had a maid before, getting used to it was going to take some time. She dipped her head to continue reading her history book.

She didn't know how long she had been in library but when her stomach growled the third time, she knew she couldn't ignore her hunger anymore.

She closed the big book in front her . There was nothing new, no new clue. Most of the herbs in Grandma Chiyo's book were either poisonous or healing, most of which she already knew.

She stretched as she stood up, it was easy to lose track of time here but if the red sunset light emanating from the clerestory windows were any indication it was that she had spent way too much time here.

She was in the process of placing the books back on the shelf where they belong when the library doors shut suddenly making a noise that startled Sakura so much that she almost dropped the books in her arms.

Sakura looked sharply towards the direction of the noise, her eyes almost popping out when she found Gaara standing in front of the closed doors, he was looking right at her and their eyes met.

What is he doing here, Sakura wondered. She was trying to keep her distance but he was making it hard by showing up everywhere she was, it didn't help that he was so attractive and everytime she saw him her mind automatically replayed that day in his room.

She groaned internally and swiftly averted her eyes, it didn't matter, she needed to leave as usual.

With her small note and pen in her hands she made a swift walk for the door, the whole time Gaara watched from where he was leaned against one of the bookshelves.

When she reached the entrance door she twisted the door knob like she had done so many times before but to her surprise it wouldn't open, what the… She tried again and again but the door still wouldn't budge. Her hands were still on the handle, contemplating what to do.

He did this, he locked her in here with him but why?, she was in a locked in the library with Gaara, she had avoided him continuously just for this to happen?! Finally after calming herself with various intakes of fresh air, she turned slowly to face him her mouth set in a thin line.

"Open the door, I do not have time for this" Sakura said evenly.

His face showed no reaction to her statement "We need to talk" He said simply sea-foam eyes trained on her.

Sakura let out a derisive snort "And this seemed like a good way to do that? I really do not wish to talk to you"

"You've been avoiding me" Gaara said disregarding her latter statement.

"And if I was?" Sakura replied her tone biting her eyes met his refusing to back down this time.

"I understand that you're angry… at me"

Damn right I am

"But -you're overreacting don't you think?"

Stay calm , stay calm , stay calm… Sakura told herself as she calmed herself through controlled breaths.

"You disrespected me in front of Keita and you dare tell me I'm overreacting, unbelievable!"

"So this is because of Keita?"

Sakura stared at him as if he had two heads "What on earth are you talking about?"

"Let's have a sit and talk" Gaara said

Sakura shook her head "NO, I don't want to talk, I want to leave from here!" It was like she was talking to a rock, it was getting harder controlling her anger.

"I wasn't asking Sakura" Gaara said in a tone that left no room for argument.

He knew he was supposed to be fixing things not making it worse but she was acting childish, he hadn't meant to say that, it just came out but he wasn't going to take it back either.

All the anger that Sakura had been piling inside her was threatening to spill out, her eyes were blazing with unbridled anger.

All Gaara could think about was how ravishing she looked angry.

"My apologies Kazekage I forgot I was only allowed speak when addressed to" Sakura responded spitefully.

Gaara eyes narrowed at the accentuated use of his title to spite him but said nothing in reply, he was wrong he knew that and he should probably apologize but Kami was it hard.

"Sakura…" He started but in her anger induced rant she failed to hear him.

"If you have nothing else to say then I'd like to leave, this is highly unprofessional and-"

The word 'unprofessional' rang in his head it was like a trigger fueling the dull anger that was growing inside him. It's fine he tried to appeal to himself and the beast inside him, her anger was justified, he had come here to apologize, like Kankuro said he needed her help and to get it he needed to fix their relationship.

"Next time you wish to see me, summon me with your anbus and never do this again!" Sakura continued icily not caring about being disrespectful after-all he didn't care when he disrespected her and he didn't wish to apologize either. She had entertained this long enough she made to turn to the door fully intending on forcing it open with her chakra infused strength. If he thinks she'll be scared of him just because he is Gaara of the Sand he had another thing coming, on another note she probably should still thread carefully.

"Since when do you care about professionalism?" Gaara asked stopping her movements, his voice was calm and devoid of emotion a stark difference to the rage that was boiling over inside him.

"What do you mean by that?" her expression shifted from anger to a mix with confusion.

"It certainly wasn't when your tongue was down my throat" he bit back unable stop himself.

Sakura blinked her wide eyes before looking away immediately, she could feel her cheeks heating up with fury ? embarrassment? Or both? For a minute she did not know what to say, why the hell would he bring that up, she was under the impression that they were under an unspoken agreement to never talk about it.

Apart from the slight anger Gaara was feeling he still could appreciate the blush that spread through her cheeks at his comment. It pleased him very much indeed. If her eyes weren't avoiding his like the plague she would have seen the small smirk on his lips.

"What? Cat got your tongue?"

"You-You kissed me first!" Sakura accused with flushed cheeks after regaining her bearings. Her lips tingled as she remembered the feel of his lips. He was a good kisser. Not the time to be thinking such thoughts , Sakura admonished herself. Her thoughts cut short when he spoke next.

"I did…" Gaara admitted, an unnoticeable smirk on his lips as he took a step forward towards her- "But you didn't stop it either".

Stop talking- She wanted to say but the words won't come out. She took a step back, trying to create more distance between them, his presence was too much… standing this close to him was hard. She was afraid her defense wasn't strong enough.

Sakura's heart hammered in her chest when instead of taking the hint, he took another step forward again, Stop coming closer…

"It was a mistake-" She said as she took another step backwards, the expression on Gaara's face had changed into something she couldn't put into words. It was almost prey like. It scared her but at the same time it was thrilling.

"Hmmm…Was it now?" he responded as he took another step towards her , it was as If he heard nothing she said.

"You weren't in your right senses"

"I wasn't?" he replied as if mulling it over but that didn't stop him from taking a step further towards her.

His eyes were stuck on her, studying her as she came up with excuses, something about this pink haired woman was making him behave uncharacteristically. He will admit he lied to himself that he only wanted to apologize because he needed her help but really he couldn't just stay away from her, not when those defiant eyes of hers were pulling him in , her pouty pink lips begging him to kiss it.

He was in front of her now and Sakura could barely breathe. They were so close to each other their noses were almost touching.

There was that sweet scent again driving him crazy, the beast inside him kept urging him

"Kiss her ! Claim her! Before someone else does"

"Look at me Sakura" There was a rawness to his voice now his voice was thick with command.

Hesitantly, Sakura obeyed, emerald green eyes looking up to meet sea-foam green eyes, her breath caught in her throat at the look he was giving her, it was the same look from that day in his room, that's why it didn't come as a major shock to her when his hand slipped behind her neck and his head dipped to capture her lips.

He lightly nibbled and sucked on her lips, closing his eyes to savour the sensation of the lips he had been obsessed with for days. This is what he had been craving and it was everything he imagined,one hand encircled her waist as he pulled her closer to him, she gasped and his tongue was inside her mouth. He took his time kissing her. She was the sweetest thing he's ever had and he was determined to have his fill.

Sakura could not believe this was happening again or her response which was; once again nothing. She should be trying to stop him, she had made a pact to stay away from him for gods-sake, but for some reason she couldn't get her mind to function properly, not with him devouring her mouth like a man possessed. She tried weakly to push him away but using his unoccupied hand he grabbed it and pinned it to the door.

This was improper-but his tongue was in her mouth and his lips were warm -no hot against hers . Her eyes were drifting… drifting shut as his lips caressed her into sweet oblivion.

Shyly she opened her mouth more for him as he continued his onslaught only this time she was responding, she could feel him smirk against her lips and she wanted to smack him. He unpinned her hands from the wall and her hands fell limply at her side but tentatively her hands reached to his chest then shoulders and before she knew it they were fully encircling his neck bringing him closer. She was doomed.

His now free hand travelled to her ribcage then trailed upwards dangerously close to her breasts and then back down, his hands slipped under her shirt touching her bare skin and she lightly moaned into the kiss, her moan was music to his ears he needed to hear more , her skin was so soft against his hands while Sakura felt hotness anywhere he touched. Truth be told she had kissed a few guys before but none of them ever made her feel like this.

Sakura broke the kiss and arched into him as he brushed the sides of her breasts, giving him her neck she moaned again when be began to nibble and kiss along her neck his breath heavy against her neck. He squeezed her breasts a little and again and she was a mewling mess. Gaara might just get addicted to the sounds she was making.

"Take her!Claim her now!" the beast in him kept raging, urging him.

And he wanted to so bad, the tightening in his pants was damn near unbearable, the sounds she was making was just raging at him to take her.

But he won't…not now.

He reined in his lust.

Sakura was confused when he abruptly stopped his ministrations , she missed it instantly, wanting him to continue- Wait no She wasn't supposed to be thinking like this, what was wrong with her, she had kissed him back greedily as if she had been waiting for it.

"Well technically you have" Inner supplied

Sakura groaned and cursed at herself internally, he was going to make fun of her now for sure, she kept her eyes on his chest refusing to look up at him and meet those eyes, it was easy considering the height difference plus he had a very well built chest.

Gaara cupped her cheek but he didn't try to get her to look at him this time and she was thankful for that, if he was going to gloat he should be quick with it. The next thing he said made her audibly gasp.

"I'm sorry for what happened the other day forgive me?"

Before she could contemplate what she had just heard and look up, he was gone like the wind. Her cheeks still warm from when his hand touched.

What the hell just happened. Did Gaara just apologize to her? did hell freeze over ?