Chapter 7: a love blooms twice

Cradling the rose, Myaaki got up, getting dressed and wandered into the kitchen dreamily. She searched for a tall glass, but this place not being hers, she had no idea where they were. Temari asked her what she was looking for, spotted the rose in her hand and a sly look came across the wind mistress' features.

"In the top cupboard on the left!" she directed loudly, so the dreaming girl could hear her. She nodded slowly, reaching for a glass and taking upstairs.

Placing it in the tall glass, Myaaki put her special flower back on the side table, staring at it.

After awhile, Temari walked quickly towards the Konoha ninja's room. Knocking softly, Temari didn't hear any answer. Knocking harder on it, there was still no reply.

"No…he couldn't have…MYAAKI! TIME TO HAVE BREAKFAST!" she yelled.

Sand whirled around her and Gaara appeared at her side.

"Wake her up. Your yelling is giving me a headache." Gaara said coldly.

Hanging her head in pretend offense, Temari looked at the base of the door and saw sand emminating from it, returning to its master. Turning the door knob, the blonde nin opened the door to find Myaaki staring out the window in the middle of the room. She wasn't paying any attention to the fan bearer.

"Myaaki? Come on. Breakfast." Temari tapped her shoulder lightly.

"What!" the kunoichi spun around, snapped angrily. Temari jumped in shock.

"Im sorry. I was just startled." Apologized Myaaki quickly, bowing her head.

"Hey, its ok. Don't worry about it." Replied Temari, smiling encouragingly.

Sand appeared behind Myaaki's back, pushing her towards the door.

"Hurry up. You don't need to take all day." He growled with annoyance.

"o-ok." Said Myaaki quietly, glancing at Gaara, then looking away. Temari ran down the stairs well ahead of the two. Appearing in the kitchen, the blonde sat down at the table winking at her brother.

On the stairs, Gaara's sand was still at the girl's back.

"I can walk perfectly fine by myself."

She said offensively.

"I don't want you to turn back." He said, smirking.

Testing his word, the young medic ninja stopped on a step, but the sand continued, pushing her. Unexpecting the force at her back, Myaaki fell forward, almost tumbling down the stairs had it not been for the sand, catching her body in a hammock., flipping her around facing Gaara, bringing her closer.

-FLASHBACK-

Myaaki placed the flower on her table, gazing at it.

Some wind blew her hair into her face. But the window was closed!

'How is that possible?' she wondered. She opened her mouth to sigh contently, but something other than air got in her mouth. Sand? Turning around, she saw no one.

"Hello." said a masculine voice.

Looking up, Myaaki saw Gaara upside down on her ceiling.

"uh..hi" greeted the kunoichi. "Thank you for the flower." She said, glancing up at him, feeling a warmth in her chest. Was she falling for this monster? No, not a monster.

"Hn. Your welcome." Grunted the sand master.

"Come down...please. Will you?" asked Myaaki sweetly.

Gaara shook his head, a smile playing at his lips. Sand enveloped the red head once again, in a close grip, but this time, it felt comforting.

It embraced her, gently tickling her neck and cheeks.

"Is this your version of a hug?" the red head mewed.

Gaara didn't answer.

Myaaki was thoroughly enjoying the sand message, closing her eyes and whimpered contently.

The sand nin flipped over and stood up, right side up. He flicked his finger and the sand fell away. The girl's eyes shot open, not wanting the embrace to stop. Gaara cupped his hand around her cheek, rubbing her petal soft skin. His hand curled around the back of her neck, bringing it closer to him. Gently, their lips touched in a soft kiss.

The kunoichi closed her eyes, arms wrapping around his sides, slowly as not to alarm him. She felt his muscles stiffen, then relax and return the hug.

Pressing their lips a bit harder, the kiss got a bit rougher, but Myaaki didn't mind.

They broke apart when they heard a knock at the door. Gaara disappeared as silently as he had appeared.

Facing the window, the young kunoichi's heart beat fast, licking her lips.

-END OF FLASH BACK-

Bringing her closer, Gaara saw his reflexion in her sparkling, blue eyes. Kissing her on the nose, he said,

"please don't test me."

And put her down on the stairs.

When they arrived in the kitchen, Temari was whispering to Kankuro, and only when Gaara cleared his throat did they notice they weren't alone. Sitting down in his ususal seat, Myaaki sat next to him.

'Were they sitting…closer then they were yesterday?' pondered Temari. 'Yes, they definintly were.'

Myaaki never even touched her toast, just gazing aimlessly at it, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Kankuro cleared up his plate and, walking towards the door, motioned Temari to follow him. Getting up, she left quietly, the two not even noticing.

After a while, Myaaki left the table studdering, "I-I should be going now."

Gaara nodded, showing her that he understood. With that, she left.