AN: my goodness, where has the time gone? It's been months I say, months! Way to long to make you guys wait. But, once again, the pre-nursing program is not always easy.

Although some of you may or may not be upset by the wait, I have some relatively good news. I wrote possibly 4 more chapters that are complete and only need to be tweeked ( I tend to work out of order, so fixing is necessary to connect for fluidly) So, with that, there will be some chapters that you won't have to wait long at all for. Two weeks the most. I wasn't being completely unproductive with my story!

Would you also be happy if I told you that one of the finished chapters for later is actually the very last chapter? Ah, so excited yet so sad. Can't believe only about 5 or 6 chapters remain to be posted. (I don't want to think about it, I'll cry!)

Anyway, hope this chapter was worth a little bit of the wait. This isn't even one of my favorite chapters from the ones I've written, but I think it has its entertainment and necessary plot factor.

Thanks again, and most important of all, go read and enjoy!

Chapter 14: Field Trip

"A field trip?"

"Yes, Gaara-sama."

My employer raises his chin rested upon his laced hands, garnering me with a questionable look, "Explain your idea a little further."

"Well, Yorú has been doing very well with his instructions, but he still doesn't seem to be showing much excitement in my activities." I lower my eyes momentarily, feeling a little at a loss with my teaching abilities. I quickly shake my self-criticism and look up, "That's why I was hoping to have your permission to take Yorú on a field trip around the village. I'm thinking a more active environment would be better for his learning and retention of the material."

The Kazekage doesn't speak immediately, mulling over my idea and his possible response. His hands ease onto the arms of his office chair, while also pressing his back against the comfortable leather. "I'm not too particular on allowing my nephew to wander the village without me being there," Gaara informs me in a low tone, as befitting of him. "The only time I allow it is when he is escorted directly to the care center. Other than that, he's prohibited to leave this residence."

"I understand for your concern, Gaara-sama. But I assure you, I'm more than capable of watching him."

"I don't doubt your capabilities. I'm aware of your prior experience with children, however, my concern goes beyond your qualifications," he responds simply. "Regardless of blood relation or proper government documentation, Yorú is still valued as my relative. The fact that he has any relation with me makes him a prime target for those who don't view me with favorable intentions. The more I limit his exposure, the better off he'll be."

"Then please excuse me for speaking out of turn, but…" I squeeze my wrist before continuing. "Do you plan to keep a small child contained in a building for the rest of his childhood?"

Leaning forward, the dark rings around my employer's eyes become more obscure than I thought possible, "As long as my brother is away, I'm responsible for that child's safety. And I will do just that, even if it means keeping him here against his wishes."

I squeeze my wrist a little tighter. Although my employer has a valid reason to be concerned, his "safety" measurements are a tad on the extreme side.

"Gaara-sama, if you would only—"

"That will be all. You're dismissed."

I'm given no further look of recognition. My employer lowers his attention back to his desk and paperwork, and begins scribbling quietly. I stand wordlessly and a bit distraught over his interruption, slightly taken by his passive-aggressiveness. I take a few moments to gather my will to bow and walk slowly away from his desk. As I reach the office door, my hand hesitates, and I know why. Besides my physical body telling me to hold fast, my emotions are urging me to pursue my argument. My lips tremble with anticipation, and I press them into a firm line. As the saying goes: I think it's time for me to 'push the envelope.'

I turn over my shoulders, and stride casually back to the same spot in front of the Kazekage's desk, "Gaara-sama, I think you should reconsider on the basis of what's actually in the best interest for your nephew."

"Sho," The Kazekage speaks my name for a second time, yet it doesn't sound as pleasant as it did the first time. "How would you know what's best for my nephew? You hardly know anything about his situation, apart from what I have already explained to you over dinner."

"You're wrong, Gaara-sama," I reply, trying hard not to bite on my words. "I'm very aware of his situation, because I'm with him everyday and instructing him upon hours. I'm constantly forced to watch a young boy stare distantly out of the tiniest window in the room, yearning to go outside and forget that his mother is missing, his father is gone for months, and that his uncle is too busy to give him the time of day."

"That's why, I beg you to reconsider," I continue, softening my tone. "If you truly want what's best for your nephew, then come to a compromise with me. I know you're a man with good intentions, and I respect that. That is why I fully believe we can come to an agreement."

My employer raises his head to gaze at me through reticent and penetrating sea green hues. There's little movement, except the rise and fall of his chest due to his steady breathing. My heart is wedged in my neck, and beats against my throat as I watch him take out a small piece of paper and mark a few notes.

"You have my permission…"

My violet eyes lighten and cheeks fill with an appreciative smile.

"But—" he extends the piece of marked paper towards me, and I take it. "I have my concerns written down, and would like for them to be taken into complete consideration. I will have a few of my shinobi's following you two closely. And don't have my nephew out past the hour of 6, or else I will know about it."

"Thank you, Gaara-sama," I smile graciously, and go as far as to take his extended hand into mine, squeezing it gently. "I promise, you won't have anything to worry about. Your nephew will be completely safe and so happy that you're allowing this."

"Mm—that's fine," he mumbles, averting his eyes away from mine and clearing his throat. "…you may let go of my hand."

"Oh, I'm sorry," I let go of my hold and bow my head in forgiveness. Straightening up I send one last smile, "Have a good afternoon Gaara-sama."

"Likewise," he replies.

o o o

"Yamada-sensei! Look!"

A small hand laced with mine tugs against me, pulling me in a particular direction. I hold tight as Yorú weaves through a cluster of tightly knit passerby's. I politely excuse us between the people we pass and brush against, until I'm confronted with a display case. Yorú presses his tiny nose excitedly against the glass, and I laugh before I nudge him away.

"You can't place your nose against the glass, silly," I say. "You'll get it all dirty."

"But Yamada-sensei, what's that man doing there?"

I turn my attention past the glass, and spot a man working at a long wooden bench, and pressing a layer of folded dough with a sizable bamboo pole.

"He's making noodles," I answer. "See there. He' flattening the dough so that he can chop it into very thin slices, which will be the noodles that you and I eat."

"Oh," is all that he says, continuing to watch the chef go about his business with such fascination. Yoru's attention is entertained for three more minutes before he turns a cheek and bounds away, taking me along with him.

The Sunagakure marketplace is bustling and full of energy this afternoon, despite the dry heat beating against the tops of everyone's heads. The excitable environment is perfect for the Kazekage's nephew, whose large brown eyes gleam in an attempt to soak in the overwhelming sights. I'm constantly bombarded with questions, as expected from any healthy 4 year-old, and I answer as best as I can. Although there are some things that are foreign even to me, given that I wasn't raised in this country. Yorú doesn't seem to mind when I'm unable to give him a complete answer, but takes most of what I've said and tries to elaborate on his own. As far as any lesson plan for today, I've decided that this field trip is an active review of what we've already covered. Being that I'm priming him for primary school, the basics are the most fundamental. These basics being reading, the muscle memory required for writing, and simple mathematics, which include very simple application of adding and subtracting. With Yorú's prior knowledge, I'm able to freely ask questions concerning his environment:

"Tell me Yorú, how many balls do you see?" I ask, pointing to a collection of toys at a street stall.

"I see…" he pauses before giving a confident reply. "Seven."

"You're right! Now, what if I bought two, but I decide to give one back because I didn't like it. Then how many would there be here?"

"Um, then there would be…" he mouths a few numbers to himself, while also flicking his fingers as a counting strategy. He grins before holding up his hands to show me the number, "Six!"

"Oh my gosh, you're a math expert. High-five," I smile, raising my hand for his to meet, which he does. We both laugh, and I stroke his head affectionately, "You did so amazing today, Yorú. Before we head back home, how about we go get some ice-cream to celebrate?"

"Yeah! Ice-cream!" he cries excitedly, latching onto my hand and jumping excitedly. I laugh and guide us through the lively open market, spotting an ice-cream vender not too far away. Yorú's quick to tell me his preference for chocolate, while I stick to plain delicious vanilla.

Turning away from the stall, and happy to scrape our tongues against the cold sweetness, Yorú's hand squeezes mine. I look down, and although chocolate residue is humorously staining his chin, he's staring straight ahead with the most concentrated look a 4-year old could ever muster. I blink curiously, trailing his pensive gaze. It's hard to tell what exactly he's so absorbed in, but from what I'm able to discern, his attention is fixated on a young girl with her mother, busied at a vegetable stand. An amused grin situates itself against my lips:

"Who's that, huh?"

Yoru stiffens at my probing question, "Himura Katsura." He replies tensely.

"Does she go to daycare with you?" I ask, and he nods quickly. I giggle, "Why don't we say 'Hello'?"

"Nuh-uh!" He raises his voice, stuffing his mouth with more ice cream. He swallows hard and looks up at me sternly, "She thinks I have cooties…I think."

"Well, if that's the case, then we'll just have to show her otherwise," I state with resolution. "What's her favorite ice-cream flavor? Do you know?"

He looks down slowly at his cone, "Chocolate."

"Oh, just like you. Perfect," I smile, turning back to the vendor and purchasing another chocolate cone. I motion Yorú to take it and send him a playful wink, "Let's show her what a gentlemen you can be, hm?"

"B-But—" he gulps with fluster as I place a hand against his small back and guide him towards the mother and young girl.

As we near them I casually clear my throat, "Excuse me," I speak up, catching the mother's attention. I bow politely, and motion Yoru to do the same, "I'm Yamada Sho, and this is Yoru. We're sorry to bother you, but Yoru here actually goes to daycare with your daughter, and he just wanted to say 'Hello'."

"Oh, how nice." The Mother says with a small smile. "Are you his mother by any chance?"

"No, I'm actually his tutor," I answer, patting Yoru's head. I momentarily stare down at the youngsters, whom are seemingly staring shyly at each other without much conversation. What kind of conversations should 4-year olds be having, I'm not too sure. However, utter silence shouldn't be one of them. I turn my attention back towards the mother, "I hope you don't mind, but Yorú wanted to give Katsura some ice-cream. Is that alright?"

The elder woman laughs light-heartedly, ushering a small nod, "That's fine with me. She was actually begging for some not too long ago." The woman tends her sights down to her daughter, "Now, what do we say, Katsura?"

"Thank you," she speaks timidly, taking the cone in one hand while the other plays with her side-pony tail. Aw, she's so cute; I can't help but muse to myself.

"Your daughter really is adorable," I speak honestly.

"Thank you so much," she smiles kindly.

We keep a light conversation going, mostly around our work and hobbies. I briefly sway my attention to Yorú and his friend, whom have excitedly begun telling why exactly chocolate is their favorite flavor of ice cream, even mentioning ones they don't like. I smile to myself, finding today one of the better days I've had this past month or so.

My smile instantly drops, catching a person with large and heavy pottery stumbling towards the children. Breaking away from my conversation, I immediately rush to place myself in between them and the person to prevent the certain impending catastrophe. I try my best to stand my ground and balance the person by pushing against the pottery. Unfortunately, the actual weight of it catches me off guard, and I stumble back from the brunt force. My eyes involuntarily close, and I hear the unsettling crash of breaking ceramic. I quickly reopen my eyes, witnessing the man who was holding the pottery looking very flustered and disoriented by the turn of events. His trembling eyes reflect concern rather than anger as he stares intently at me: "Oh my goodness, Miss. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I breathe unsteadily, dismissing his concern. I whip my head around, more worried about Yorú and the young girl. It's very possible that the impact of the shattering ceramic could have split and ricocheted off the ground. "Are you two alright?" I ask, surveying their exposed feet in their sandals. A sigh of relief escapes me, noticing their pink toes completely in tack.

"Y-Yamada-sensei," Yorú chokes on his cry, practically dropping his ice cream as he motions to point a finger down at my feet. "B-Blood!"

Oh great.

I tend my eyes down at my feet, and boy do I regret wearing my peep-toed flats today. A shiver runs down my spine at the view of a red mess on my right toe, my blood practically flowing and mixing in puddles with the dirt beneath my shoe. I really don't think I have a toenail anymore. The adrenaline is washing away from me, and a definite pain and nausea is taking over.

"Yup, that sure is…my blood…" my complexion turns pallid, and I sway listlessly on my feet. My sight blurs, and I hear the faint gasps and calls from the surrounding Suna civilians. At least I'm lucky enough that I don't think I hit a floor, since I believe a surveying Sand Shinobi catches me in time just before my awareness escapes.

How embarrassing.

O O O

"Sho-san?"

The fluttering voice of a female acquaintance trebles in my ear canal. It remains a peculiar mystery as my eyes gradually open, until I'm gazing at familiar tones of pink and green. The image of the person syncs with my visual alignment, and it's now that I can fully assess the figure:

"Sakura-san," I rasp, rolling my tongue around my dry mouth. I examine her intuitive features, trailing my sight down to the collar of her lab coat, and further to a clipboard settled at her lap. I attempt to speak, but it comes out no more than a whisper; "Am I back in Konoha?"

"No, you're still in Suna," she responds with an amused smile. "You fainted after a recent incident in the marketplace. Do you remember?"

"Oh, that's right," I say meekly, sinking further into the hospital bed beneath my back. I wait a few moments before shooting straight up, grasping the metallic arms of the bed in urgency, "Where's Yorú? Is he all right?"

Sakura blinks wildly at my feverish questions, but smiles gently with reassurance, "Don't worry, Sho-san. The Kazekage's nephew is perfectly safe at the Kazekage's Residence as we speak. Or so I've been informed by the Sand Shinobi's that brought you to me." Her gloved hand raises and eases over of my tense shoulder, motioning me to lie back down, "Just relax. I don't need my patient to be worrying about anything but her health at the moment."

I nod reluctantly, choosing to remain silent as I watch her flip through the clipboard. She briefly writes a few notes before attending her attention back to me, "Well, Sho-san. You're very lucky to have gotten away with just a few scratches today. " With her pen, she points at my elevated foot, conveniently wrapped in gauze with a clip to keep it in place.

"As you can probably see, there's a bit of swelling that was caused by the impact to your right foot. The bleeding on your toe was caused by the instant removal of your nail, and what else…" she flips a page on her clip board. "Of course there are also a few other breaks in the skin, but nothing that won't heal in the next couple of days."

Brushing a pink strand of hair away from her lightly powdered cheek, she turns the clipboard around for me to view a photo, "Lucky enough for you, there were no broken bones or fractures when we did your X-ray." I nod in confirmation and she shifts the clipboard away from me, continuing to flash me a smile; "So with that, I estimate that you'll make a full recovery in two weeks. The first week will only be slight discomfort due to the swelling, so I suggest keeping most of your weight off of your right foot. Also, be sure to wear loose fitted shoes or sandals, any kind of pressure will irritate your injury."

She takes a pause, roaming her vibrant green eyes over the paperwork scribbled in medical hieroglyphics, "Oh, and one more thing. You'll have to replace the gauze within the next couple of days to apply any kind of medical cream to your open cuts. It'll help prevent any possible bacterial infection, and since Suna is incredibly hot, accumulation of sweat is a definite breeding ground for bacteria."

The beautiful medical-nin releases her emerald eyes from the clipboard and brushes her sights along my features, "Do you have any questions left that you would like me to go ahead and answer?"

"Well, um…" I wring my hands together anxiously, taking a bite from my bottom lip. "I was actually wondering how much the cost would be, exactly."

I hope my insurance will cover it. Wait…do I even have insurance still?

Sakura laughs lightly at my question, "The costs have already been covered, Sho-san."

"Excuse me?" I inquire with pure bafflement. Nothing in this life is ever free or conveniently covered for without some form of future obligation. I bring a hand to my flustered cheek, "How is that possible?"

"It's possible when you work closely with the Kazekage," she answers, and I feel my foot go completely numb at the statement. "Are you that surprised?"

"More than surprised, Sakura-san," I reply breathlessly, trying to digest all the recent events and information I've been bombarded with. I turn my cheek in her direction, "I'm sorry, but I've also been wanting to ask another question. If I'm not in Konoha, yet you're here in Suna, how is that possible?"

"Oh, Sho-san," she chuckles, covering her mouth out of courtesy. "As a medical-nin, I'm sometimes required to travel when requested. I was actually meaning to somehow get in contact with you, since I knew you were here."

"Really?" I blink, tilting my head. "How come?"

"Well, I was hoping to possibly spend some time together," she speaks with an honest smile caressing her lips. "I'm only here for the rest of the week, but I don't work the last day before my trip back to Konoha. I was going to ask you if you wanted to hang out after work, but of course, I'm sure your condition would persuade you otherwise."

"I actually don't mind," I reply, forming a smile of my own. "Like you said, I'll be sure to keep my weight off of it, and if I feel any pain, I'll just take some pain killers."

"Well, as a professional doctor, I won't say anything else that might encourage you to take health risks for my sake," she says humbly before breaking a piece of paper and scribbling on it. "But, if and only if you feel like your physically able to, you can call me at this number," she extends the piece of parchment to me. "This is the number to the hotel room where I'm staying. You can even contact me directly if anything should happen concerning your foot, but I'm positive nothing will."

"Thank you so much, Sakura-san," I smile graciously and take the offering. "I'll be sure to give you a call before you leave Suna."

"You're welcome, Sho-san," Sakura says before standing and fixing the hem of her pencil skirt. "I'll return shortly with your discharge forms that you'll need to sign before I release you. Until then, just rest."

"I will," I return.

o o o

I went home as soon as I was released from the hospital. Except, it was faster getting there now then when I could use my foot. This is due to the fact that the same Sand Shinobi's, which had taken me to the hospital, had now returned to carry me back home. Once I arrived at my rental apartment, I immediately called the Kazekage's Reception Office in hopes to get in touch with the Kazekage himself. I had no such luck, since the Reception Officer merely relayed a message from the Lord himself:

"You have the next three days off, as per requested by the Kazekage."

"Oh," I blink wildly. Not that I'm surprised, but still, to be graciously given a few days off without even contacting him with an explanation is shocking. I simply nod quietly to myself in response; "I see. Well, are you sure there isn't anyway I could speak with him? Maybe call back later when he is available? I just want to make sure all of my work is taken care of some how."

"The Kazekage is very busy," the receptionist replies quickly. "He is scheduled for meetings throughout the evening and will not be available anytime soon. Rest assured, we found a temporary replacement for you. No work will be left unattended, and you may return in three days time without any overflow."

"Alright, thank you so much," I reply politely. "If there's even a slight chance that you're able to see or speak with him, tell him 'Thank you' for me."

"Will do," they say. "Have a good afternoon, Yamada-san."

"You too," I say before placing the phone in its jack.

As instructed, I remained at home for the next three days. During my time off, I made sure to follow my medical instructions. I kept my weight entirely off my foot by sitting down most of the time, and checked my cuts every 8 hours or so for inspection and possible ointment application. By the third day, the swelling had lessened, and my foot was gradually deflating to its normal slimness. A bit of bruising still remains, plus the forming scabs from my cuts. Oh, but I do think I'm starting to see signs of my big toenail finally starting to grow back. Overall, everything has reduced to the point of me not needing to use my crutch to walk around my apartment. I just slip on a sandal, and carefully make my way around life threatening furniture edges and legs.

I was able to return to work the next day, and for some unknown reason, I had suspected that the Kazekage wouldn't allow me to dwell on my apologies for long. Throughout the workday, each time I proposed to apologize further or even suggest repaying him for my hospital bill, I'm merely brushed aside with more meaningless work, like now:

"I would like some more tea."

"Gaara-sama," I speak quietly, staring at his desk. "Your tea cup is still full from twenty-minutes ago. Although I don't think too much green tea could ever be bad for you, I'm sure six cups in one day is…a little excessive."

My employer lowers the document sheet covering his face in a slow manner, baring a serious glint that doesn't seem to want to humor me, "Are you suggesting that my request is…unreasonable?"

"Um, well…" I lower my gaze momentarily, before pressing my attention firmly against those sea-green eyes. "I think paying for my hospital bill was unreasonable. That's all…"

"How come?"

I sigh at his forthright question, "Because you were right. I wasn't able to look after Yoru on the field trip— I wasn't even able to look after myself, in the end." I close my eyes and bow properly, "Please allow me to accept full responsibility for my actions, and allow me to pay you back appropriately with more work hours."

"No. I won't allow it," Gaara proclaims definitively.

"But Gaara-sama—" I lift my head and attempt to convince him further, but I'm interrupted before more words can pass my lips.

"He was happy," he says simply, looking down at his work with a new disinterest. I remain quiet, watching him suddenly lift himself from his desk chair and making his way towards me. He stops a few feet away, baring the same unmovable expression as always. After a pause, he bows in my direction, and I blink wildly at the gesture. Before I can make a sound, he lifts up and gazes down at me, "I should be the one apologizing to you. I had been stubborn…wanting to be right about what's best for my nephew. You did nothing wrong," with that, a soft smile caresses his lips. "Thank you, Sho."

"A-Ah—" I stumble on my words, finding it almost impossible to speak easy when his warm smile is affecting me so strongly. I swallow as much nervousness as I can, bowing shortly a few times, "No, thank you. For everything, not just the medical bill."

An inconceivable chuckle cracks his lips further, and this time, he doesn't attempt to cover his mouth. "You're welcome…" as he says this, a look of slight discomfort washes over his features. His hand reflexively shoots to his mouth, and he turns his head to the side.

"Gaara-sama," I speak his name with concern, tending closer to him. "What's wrong?"

He refuses to look my way, but I hear the faintness of his voice, "….too much."

"Too much?" I repeat curiously, before my intuition takes over as I stare at the cup of tea at his desk. "Ah! I knew too much tea would be bad for you. Now that you mention it, you did have a really big lunch as well." He probably has a stomachache, "Let's sit you back down."

I guide him back to his desk chair, and he sits down, pressing his back deep into the chair cushion. His closed eyes reflect an attempt to obtain relief, until he opens them to stare blankly at the ceiling above, "…this must be my punishment."

"Punishment for what?" I ask mutely, in order not to disturb his aches further.

His light eyes drag to meet mine, "All those requests for tea…it was a way of not having to make conversation. Like I said, I had been stubborn," he sighs, rolling his head forward and closing his eyes once more, "I didn't want to admit fault. Now, I'm being punished for it."

"Oh, Gaara-sama," I laugh meekly, trying to hide my apparent amusement in regards to his actions. "You could have told me to bring you other things besides tea."

"Possibly."

With a smile I shift away from the Kazekage, "I'll see if I can get you some medicine."

"Don't. I'm fine…" he comments shortly, stopping my movements. I turn my attention back to the Kazekage, and as if noticing through closed eyes, he goes on to say: "Your presence is enough."

"Oh," I reply, shifting nervously in place. "Okay then…" I bite down on my bottom lip, unsure of what to do next. As the Kazekage remains unmoved in his resting position, I flick my sight to a few closed books on his work desk. I motion my hand towards them, "Do you still need these?" I ask in a hushed tone, and he shakes his head silently in response. I nod to myself, grabbing the books and placing them back onto the bookshelf against the office wall.

I go on ahead with the project of rearranging some of the books in alphabetical order. When I reach the top shelf, I attempt to return a misplaced book that was situated at the bottom. I stick out my tongue, standing as tall as I can on my toes, wobbling slightly as I continue with my efforts. I almost slip the book in place, until a firm body presses against my back, and a hand reaches to take the book from my hold.

"I need this one…" I hear the Kazekage state monotonously, and I immediately gulp down my surprise. I didn't even hear him get out of his seat, I think to myself before releasing my grip. "Thank you," he says, relieving his chest from my back. He retreats back to his desk with the book and makes himself comfortable before continuing to work.

"Are you feeling better, Gaara-sama?" I ask as I stand rather awkwardly in front of the bookshelf.

He nods, his sight trailing the opened book in front of him, "Yes. I just needed a moment to close my eyes." He lifts his bright eyes, which crinkle at the edges with a subtle hint of appreciation, "that will be all for today. You're dismissed."

My face turns red without my permission, and I'm quick to hide it by bowing, "H-Have a good afternoon, Gaara-sama."

"To you as well, Sho."

Oh boy.

O O O

Two more days came and went, and I recalled the piece of paper given to me by Sakura not too long ago. My foot was in great condition, all thanks to Sakura's professional care and suggestions. I took note that her days were limited in Suna, and called her later that night. She was surprised that I had called her on the notion of obliging her request to hang out. I assured her of my exceptional condition, and how much sooner I was recovering, despite her calculated recovery date. However, upon Sakura's concern and necessity to be one hundred percent precautious, she advised activities that didn't require me to stand for long.

We agreed to first eat out at a restaurant that was a local favorite, and taste a foreign bottle of white wine. After enjoying a savory meal, and great tasting alcohol, we decided to soak at the community hot springs a short distance away. As we entered the inviting resort, Sakura insisted on paying for me. Although we did split the dinner tab, I was still hesitant to allow her to treat me. She seemed rather committed to do so, being that I had taken my time to keep her company during her stay. I caved in, and promised that I would treat her to the bathhouse back in Konoha.

Exiting the changing room with solely a towel around our bodies, we padded our way across the damp stones before removing our towels and stepping in. We both sighed in content, and I couldn't help but almost sink my whole head in.

"This was such a good idea, Sho-san," Sakura purrs, leaning her back against the natural rocks of the heated pool. "Desert nights are so cool, so the hot springs here are incredible."

"I know; I was lucky enough to have found out." I say, matching her tone of delight.

She hums in response, and we allow the dancing steam rising from the waters surface to fill the silence. After soaking in the feeling completely, Sakura is the first to speak. "I think I forgot to ask, but how is the Kazekage doing?"

"Oh, he's doing well. Busy as always, but he seems content," I reply.

"That's good. I plan to see him before I leave. A certain Hokage asked me to on his behalf," she mentions and I nod, assuming the two Kages are close friends. "I'm guessing he's treating you well as his secretary?"

"Oh, yes," I mumble, sinking a little deeper into the mineral water. I have to mentally shake myself to keep from falling soundly asleep. I adjust my position at the thought of conveniently drowning, "The Kazekage is always kind; to me and everyone else. Although, there are times when he can seem stern and a little hard to read, but that's what makes him…Gaara. Not just the Kazekage."

"Do you like him, Sho-san?"

"H-Huh," I blush, feeling the heated water somehow seeping into every pore of my body. I lower my violet hues to the rippling spring water. "If you mean as a person, then of course. How could I not?"

Sakura chuckles at my flushed face mixing with the water, "Well, he wasn't always very likeable, but I really am glad that he turned out the way he did." A teasing smirk flashes across her features; "But judging by your reaction, I think it's very possible you could like him more than just a person."

"I don't know…but I guess I could…technically," I mutter, allowing my body to gradually sink again further into the pool. As I mull over the idea, my mind brings up my roommate's flowerpot, which is situated on my coffee table back at my apartment. My violet eyes glisten at the faintest memories, and how far away they seem to be presently.

"You know, Sho-san. Since you've been away, things have been going well for us," I hear Sakura say, breaking me from my thoughts. I tilt my chin up, and gaze at the beautiful konoichi baring a simple smile at me. From my perspective, the corners of her tilted lips appear only slightly miffed; "The idea of Lee and I living together might become a reality very soon. And, well…it just wouldn't seem reasonable for you to keep living as Lee's roommate."

Is my roommate's girlfriend kicking me out? My stare involuntarily trembles, I can't even believe to fathom the event that is unfolding blatantly in front of me.

"Oh," I finally manage a syllable. Before I speak, I swallow the hot saliva piling up in my mouth, "I guess…that makes sense. But since I'm still paying half of the rent, and have every right to keep living there, I think it's only fair that I should speak to Lee-san about that." At my own words, something unnatural and foul begins to cultivate inside me. I'm unable to control the unfriendly smile inching into my own cheeks, with a festering glint in my eyes, "Privately, of course. I think the topic of future vacancy in that apartment should be discussed by the two people actually living there."

There's an unsettling beat in the air, and Sakura's sweet smile wavers, before resuming with an added laugh; "Oh, Sho-san. You're so funny," she exhales, almost exasperatingly. Leaning more casually against the supporting stones behind her, she takes in a deep breath through her nose, while her emerald hues close to rid herself of my image; "There's really no need for you to talk Lee. Since he already agreed to it. I'm just telling you to start preparing a head of time, so you won't be so surprised."

At the last of her sentence, an ache riddles inside my chest.

Lee already agreed to it?

"I…didn't know that part. He never mentioned anything related in any of his letters," I state weakly, simmering down from my previously audacious attitude. It had worked in my favor before, however, this tug-of-war is starting to show the real victor.

Sakura cracks an eye at me, and it's in her stare that my submissiveness reappears in my body language. Sakura leers pleasantly at the display, "I've known Lee a lot longer than you have, Sho-san. But it's plain to see by everyone that he's nicer than most people in this world. He probably didn't want to upset you by mentioning it in his letters, which I completely understand on his part."

I'm anxious to say more, but before I can do so, she lifts herself elegantly from the pool. Stepping out, she fetches her towel from the floor and pat dries her long ivory legs, "I'm sorry for bothering you just to tell you all of this, but I thought it was necessary since I knew Lee wouldn't be able to." After drying herself completely, she wraps the towel around her perfectly fit form, brushing aside her fair strands sticking glamorously to her cheeks, "I hope everything works out for you, Sho-san. I know you might not see me as being kind anymore, but I want you to understand more than anything."

"Understand what, exactly?" I speak slowly, unsure if I should have even spoken out this foolishly.

Sakura answers with the anticipated subtlety that my question was begging to receive. She merely smiles, chuckles lightly at my expense, and bats hers long lashes, "Have a good night, Sho-san."

As she reseeds back into the hot springs resort, I submerge myself completely in the mineral water, soaking my bloated head and swelled chest. Yet, relief was a luxurious feeling that was far from my reach.