Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own any of the characters from Naruto… I only own my thoughts… I think.

Chapter Two: The Confrontation

Shai woke up early again, but was very tired. After doing her normal morning routine, she headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Taking out the honey, oats, a pot and brown sugar, she began making porridge.

As she filled the pot full of water, Shai felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She jumped only slightly and looked back, expecting to see Temari.

Her breath hitched when she saw Gaara standing there.

"G-Gaara-san…?" Asked Shai timidly.

Gaara just stared at Shai with hiscoldjadeeyes. His face was emotionless, so Shai couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Suddenly, the arm Gaara had rested against Shai's shoulder, reachedaround and gently turned her so she was pinned against the counter. He used his other hand to grasp her chin and turn her face up, ever so slightly.

He leaned in and closed the gapbetween them.

Shai sat up in a cold sweat.

'That dream… Why won't it go away!' Shai thought angrily. Only two weeks had passed, and she'd already felt attraction towards the sand's ultimate weapon.

Looking at the clock, she realized it was only 2:00 AM. Sighing, Shai lifted herself from her warm bed and placed her feet on the icy ground. She shivered and padded down towards the kitchen.

As she entered the doorway, she shuddered. She rummaged through the drawers until she found the tea she wanted. She boiled the water and waited for the tea to steep.

'Why would I be having these dreams?' Shai thought to herself.

'Because he's attractive'

'Who's this? Are you myconscious?'

'Yes.'

'... So?'

'So what?'

'Do I really like Gaara?'

'Yeah.'

'But he's a monster!'

'A sexy monster.'

'But he would kill me if he had the chance!'

'So? He's hot! What more do you want?'

'Why do I think of him?'

'Because you're afraid of him.'

'But then why would I dream of him kissing me?'

'Because you want him.'

'WHAT?'

'Well it's true.'

'No, It is not!'

'…'

'What?'

'Denial.'

'Am not!'

'Are too.'

'Are not!'

'Do you really want to argue with me?'

'Youare me.'

'Good point.'

During Shai's internal argument, she had closed her eyes and forgot about everything else around her. She was in a trance.

She didn't hear the footsteps from down the hall. She didn't hear someone enter the kitchen. She didn't even feel the hand on her shoulder.

But she didheard his voice.

"Shai. Shai?" Gaara's voice sounded distant, yet all too close. She hastilybrought herselfout of the trance and gasped.

"H-hai, Gaara-san?" Asked Shai nervously.

"Why are you up?" It didn't sound likea question, but a demand.

"I… I was.. Thirsty?"

"…" Gaarastooda few feet beside Shai, and looked out the window.

"G-Gaara-san?"

"What was the nightmare about." It didn't sound like a question, but more of a demand.

"W-well ... Uh ...uhm ... What nightmare?" Shai stuttered.

Gaara raised an eyebrow and looked at her quizzically.

"Uh ...I-it was .." Shai looked down at her feet and whispered, "I didn't have one …"

Gaara leaned over and cupped Shai's chin with one hand, "Don't lie."

"Uh …" Shai blushed deep scarlet, "I-I don't think you really… want to know…"

Gaara glared at Shai, and her blush deepened. Her reaction caused him to smirk ever so slightly. He dropped his hand and tapped his foot irritably.

Shai shuffled her feet and tryed to think up an excuse, "How do you know I was having a nightmare?"

Gaara rubbed his temples. Could the girl be any more avoidant?

"I heard you all the way to may room."

Shai blushed several different shades of red and stared ather feet.

"Shai."

"H-hai…" Shai looked up slightly.

"Uh ..." Shai's head cocked to the side slightly.

"You called my name twice tonight." His voice sounded impatient and Shai sighed.

"I dreamt about ...you ..." Her voice was barely above a whisper. Gaara had to strain to hear it and when he realized what it was she said, he abruptly stalked out of the room.

When Shai realized that her tea had cooled, she took a shakey breath and began again. The last few hours before dawn she spent cooking up a proper breakfast for the Kazekage's children, and silently weeping.