I'm going to say sorry ahead of time because this chapter is shorter than my last two but I want to put Sakura's time in Suna in the next chapter so I cut it off. I hope you guys like this one anyways.

Disclaimer: Alright...I'll say it one more time...I don't own Naruto at all

Ch. 9: Konoha

Gaara spent a lot of time getting settled into the Kazekage's office. There was a lot of paperwork to catch up on because there hadn't been a Kage to do it in two years. Kaoru and his siblings would sit with him for hours and discuss some of the things that needed to be done. It wasn't unusual for one of them to leave to go home then come back in the morning to find Gaara still at his desk. Kaoru worried about her friend. Sure he didn't sleep but he still shouldn't work so much. That's why she was thrilled when they had to go to Konoha to talk to Tsunade about some things. Gaara wanted to older woman's advice on a few of the problems that they weren't sure how to handle. Perhaps while he was there he could take a few days to rest.

As they walked into the gate of Konoha, Kankuro and Temari were trying to think of an excuse to keep Gaara and Kaoru in the same room so that their brother would get some sleep. They weren't having much luck. The two older sand siblings just hoped that Tsunade would be willing to help them out. The problem with that was they would need to talk to her before she gave them a place to sleep in. Then they came up with a plan to get her attention before then.

Tsunade smiled at them as they walked into her office, "Hello, Kazekage-sama, welcome to Konoha."

Three of the sand nin across from her grinned. Gaara just nodded his head. The boy was way to serious to only be 15 years old. Tsunade was about to say something when she saw Kankuro and Temari pointing to something on her desk. The two were being very careful not to let Kaoru or Gaara see them. The Hokage looked down. Laying on her desk was a letter that hadn't been there before. She picked it up and read. When she finished she was grinning.

"Alright. We are currently getting rooms for you ready. I'm sorry to say that there are only three rooms so two of you will have to share."

Gaara nodded in acceptance. Kaoru looked over at Tsunade with a shy smiled. Tsunade smiled at the girl. She remembered Kaoru from the kidnapping incident involving Gaara's student. The young medic had great promise in her chosen field just like Sakura. Kaoru was also very shy though.

Tsunade returned to the business at hand, "Now, Gaara, if you want to go ahead and tell me why you're here we can. Otherwise Sakura is standing right outside the door to show you to your rooms."

Gaara nodded then turned to his friends, "Go ahead. I'll catch up."

"Alright, Gaara," Temari agreed with a smile. This was perfect. They would be able to make sure it was Kaoru's room that Gaara ended up in a lot easier now.

The three of them headed out of the room and sure enough Sakura was leaning against the wall. The pink haired girl smiled and walked up to her friends. They all greeted each other and did the usual song and dance of friends you hadn't seen each other in a while. Sakura told them to follow her while they told her how things were at Suna. When Kaoru mentions Kohaku the Konoha medic was thrilled. She couldn't wait to go to Suna and visit. The three of them just kept talking about anything and everything until they reached the apartment that Tsunade had for them. Sakura followed Kaoru to one of the rooms.

"Hey Kaoru, can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Well, have you heard from...Sasuke-kun?"

Kaoru smiled softly and shook her head, "No. I'm sorry, Sakura"

"It's alright. I was just hoping. We haven't heard from Naruto or Sasuke-kun since they left two years ago."

"You still love him, don't you?" Kaoru asked her friend.

Sakura didn't have to ask which he Kaoru was talking about. She had after helped Sakura keep him from joining Orochimaru two years ago.

///flashback///

The morning after Sakura had woken up expecting Sasuke to be gone. That's when she had noticed she wasn't on the park bench. She was on a bed and Sasuke was sitting in the window. At first she had thought maybe she had dreamed it but then how had she ended up here? Sasuke had stood up and walked over to her, "You're awake."

Sakura had nodded then said timidly, "Umm, Sasuke-kun, where are we?"

"At my clan's compound. I couldn't just leave you on the bench."

"I thought you were leaving."

"I was but...your friend from Suna showed up," he had responded in annoyance.

"Which friend...Kaoru?" she asked.

"Yes. She shoved a few things in my face that I couldn't ignore."

Sakura felt a blossom of hope then, "Does that mean that you're staying?"

He nodded. Sakura had smiled and threw her arms around him. Sasuke had caught her and barely kept himself from falling over. The pink haired kunoichi whispered, "You won't regret it, Sasuke-kun. I'll get stronger so you won't have to worry and I'll help you get Itachi. I promise."

Sakura hadn't seen the soft look come into the Uchiha's eyes or the small smile. By the time she had pulled back they were gone. She left to go make them something for breakfast. He waited until she was gone before whispering, "I know, Sakura-chan. Thank you."

///End Flashback///

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she told Kaoru, "Yes, I do."

Kaoru placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "They'll be alright."

"I know." Sakura smiled at Kaoru, "I can't believe you've adopted a little boy. I can't wait to see him. Who did you leave him with?"

"My grandmother. She babysits him when I need her to and she loves Kohaku to death," Kaoru stated with an amused smile.

The two of them were sitting on the bed at this point. Sakura said she was going to ask Tsunade if she could go back to Suna with them. The pink haired girl was sure she was due a vacation by now. Kaoru agreed with her. After another hour of discussing their lives at that moment Sakura said she had to get back to work. They made plans to meet for dinner that day and Sakura ordered Kaoru to bring the sand siblings. The pink haired girl left waving to her friend.

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The restaurant was now full of people. Several of the other ninja in Konoha had heard of the arrival of the sand siblings and had come to say hello. The groups consisted of Sakura, Teams 8, 10, and Team Guy. They were all laughing and talking about nothing in particular. The girls all agreed that Kaoru would have to bring Kohaku next time she came. The idea scared some of the Konoha males as much as it did Gaara. They all let out a sigh of relief as Kaoru said she couldn't because the kid was too young to travel. The Konoha girls with the exception of Ino got Temari and Kaoru to agree to help them get Ino and Shikamaru together. The two sand nin decided it would be fun so they agreed willingly.

The sand shinobi discovered that all of the Konoha ninja were now chunin with the exception of Neji. He was now a jonin. Temari and Kankuro were jonin but Kaoru had chosen to stay a chunin. And of course, Gaara was now a Kage. No one was surprised by this information. The sand siblings and Kaoru were surprised to learn that Sasuke and Naruto were now the only genin left that had taken that first chunin exam two years ago. They had expected them to have taken the exams at least. Kankuro grinned at he made plans to point out the fact that they were still genin to Sasuke and Naruto.

Outside, Tsunade, Shizune, Asuma, and Guy all stood watching the ninjas. They were glad the the group looked so relaxed. In their line of work a moment to relax was precious and should be taken where it could be gotten. It was a good thing that these young shinobi understood this and were taking advantage of this moment. Tsunade turned to the others, "I received word from Kakashi. He and Sasuke will be arriving in Suna in about three weeks."

"What is Kakashi doing with the boy?" Asuma asked.

"He's exposing him to different fighting styles. When Sasuke Uchiha comes back he should be able to adapt to any fighting style quickly and efficiently. Kakashi thinks that it will be good for a quick, intelligent boy like Sasuke," Tsunade answered.

"And what about Naruto?" Guy asked.

"I haven't heard anything from him or Jiraiya. I suspect they're doing just fine."

"You do realize that Sakura wants to go to Suna with her friends when they leave," Shizune commented. At Tsunade's nod she continued, "Are you going to give her a four week vacation or a shorter one?"

"I think I'll give her the four weeks. It's been a while since she's seen Sasuke," Tsunade said as she watched the group inside. Sakura was smiling at her friends and Tsunade wished she could see the look on her student's face when she got a look at the Uchiha again.

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The sand shinobi walked into their apartment that night. Kankuro and Temari quickly ran into their rooms and locked the door. Kaoru and Gaara blinked and then looked at each other. Neither could figure out why the two older chunin had been in such a hurry. It didn't take them long to figure it out. There were only three rooms so now Kaoru and Gaara were stuck in the same room unless they broke down the door to one of the other doors. They couldn't do that because then they would have to pay to get the damage repaired. Besides, it was rude to damage your hosts property. Gaara closed his eyes to keep his irritation hidden.

"I guess we're the ones that get to share a room," Kaoru stated nervously. Even if he closed his eyes she could feel his irritation and knew the reason for it. She personally didn't want to be Temari or Kankuro tomorrow morning.

Gaara shook his head, "I'll stay on the..."

Kaoru didn't let him finish, "Oh no you don't. You will sleep on a bed."

"Kaoru, one, I don't sleep. Two, we're not kids anymore. People will talk."

The medic gave a small smile, "Gaara-kun, I don't care about that and to be honest it won't matter to me. Besides you work too hard to spend the night on the couch or prowling around. Besides, if you don't tell and neither do I how are they suppose to find out?"

Before Gaara could argue Kaoru took his hand and pulled him behind her to the room. Gaara was relieved to see that the bed was large enough that they wouldn't have to even touch each other. Just like when they had been kids Kaoru climbed on one side and he sat on the other. Gaara didn't have any intention of falling asleep but Kaoru snuggled into the bed. As usual when she slept within reach of Gaara she grabbed his hand. Gaara looked down at her. There wasn't any expression on his face but those sea foam eyes softened slightly. The medic fell asleep almost instantly without letting go of Gaara's hand. Every Gaara tried to pull his hand away hers would tighten to keep him from going anywhere. Gaara felt reluctant amusement at the fact that, even though she was asleep, she was still arguing with him about where he would sleep. Gaara felt himself falling asleep and this time didn't fight it.

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They had been in Konoha ruffly a week. Kaoru was currently sitting in her and Gaara's room with Ino Yamanaka. As mentioned earlier, Kaoru had agreed to help get the confident blonde and her lazy best friend together. The entire village knew that the two of them had feelings for each other but every time someone mentioned it to either of them the two would deny everything. Kaoru was trying to figure out the best way to bring the subject up when Ino asked her a question that caught Kaoru off guard.

"Hey, Kaoru, have you ever been in love?" Ino asked in an unusually subdued tone. The blonde was normally confident and bossy so this side of her was not normal. That plus the question surprised her crimson eyed friend.

"What? Oh...well...I don't know. I think maybe I have been. Why?"

"Just curious. How do you know when you're in love?" Ino asked.

Kaoru blinked but continued to answer Ino's questions out of curiosity, "Well...it's not the same for everyone."

"What is it to you?"

"Umm, I've never thought about it before. Let's see." Kaoru looked up and tapped her chin with her finger. She answered the question slowly, "Well, I suppose it's when you are willing to do anything for one person. What it is doesn't matter as long as it makes them smile. Even if it costs you your one happiness it doesn't matter."

Ino looked down as she considered what Kaoru said. That's when Gaara walked into the room. He paused when he saw the two girls sitting in the room. The boy turned and began to walk away but Ino had other plans. Now she asked him, "Hey, Gaara-sama, what do you think love it?"

Gaara blinked, "I don't know."

"Oh come on. Kaoru told me what she thought. She thinks it's when your willing to do anything for a person even if it makes you unhappy. What do you think it is?"

The Kazekage looked at the blonde as if she had grown a second head. What in the world was he suppose to say to that? He hadn't ever understood what love was. Hell, he hadn't even thought he was loved until about two years ago. Before that he had never experienced love. How was he suppose to answer that question when he wanted the answer himself? His boice betrayed none of his thoughts as he responded, "I don't know what it is but my uncle said it was the hearts desire to serve someone precious to you. To watch over them. To care for them."

Ino looked thoughtful, "It sounds the same. Your definition and Kaoru's. Love is pretty much the desire to do something for one person no matter what."

"Pretty much," Kaoru agreed. She noticed Gaara frown at the door but he didn't look alarmed so she ignored it and focused on Ino, "Why all the questions, Ino?"

"Well, I think I...might be in love."

"With who?" Kaoru asked softly.

"With Shikamaru."

"Have you told him?"

"No. I'm afraid to. What if he doesn't feel the same? My heart will be broken into pieces," Ino said sounding panicked.

"Then I suppose you get up. Pick up the pieces to your shattered heart. Then you put one foot in front of the other. Move on with life the best you can until someone new comes and mends the broken heart your carrying," Kaoru said thoughtfully. Gaara looked at her. He had once been told that only love could heal a broken heart so what did you do when it was love that broke that heart? Kaoru continued with a small smile, "Being hurt is always a risk so you have a decision to make. Is telling him and finding out that he feels the same worth the risk of finding out that he doesn't?"

"I don't know," Ino whined.

"You don't have to know right now. Take some time to think about it then decide."

Ino nodded in agreement and got up to leave. When she suddenly stopped. Standing in the doorway was none other than Shikamaru Nara himself. He was gazing at Ino in complete and utter shock. Ino looked like a deer caught in headlights. Kaoru looked over at Gaara in curiosity. He shrugged meaning he didn't know how the genius had gotten there either. Gaara had sensed Shikamaru's presence but decided not to mention it.

"When did you get here, Shikamaru?" Kaoru asked him.

"A few minutes ago. Temari asked me to come over for something. She wasn't here so I came to ask if you knew where she was. I was going to leave but I heard Ino and she sounded upset."

Now Kaoru understood. Temari must have heard the conversation her and Ino were having and knew where it was going. So she asked Shikamaru to come over and just hoped he would hear how Ino felt. The medic had to give her friend credit for dumb luck. From the look on Shikamaru's face he had heard every word. Kaoru just wished he would say something already because he was making Ino nervous. Gaara had sat back and was now watching what was going on around him with some amusement.

"Oh hurry up and say something already. You two are driving me crazy," Kaoru demanded of the two.

Shikamaru was the first to say something, "Did you mean it, Ino?"

"M-mean w-what?"

Shikamaru suddenly sounded very angry, "Don't play with this, Ino Yamanaka. It's way to damn important. Now answer me."

Ino looked down and whispered, "Yes, I meant every word."

Shikamaru relaxed visibly and a smirk appeared on his face, "Good."

Ino's eyes flew to his face and Kaoru saw her temper start to spike, "Why you arrogant little..."

Shikamaru took her hand and lead her away while she berated him for being an arrogant jerk. The blonde told him that having a 200 IQ didn't give him the right to act like a know it all. She even got on his case for listening in on other people's conversations. Once the two of them were outside the room Ino was suddenly cut off by something. Everything was quiet for a moment then Kaoru and Gaara heard the door open then close. The dark haired girl turned to face Gaara, "Three guesses on how he made her shut up."

"I don't have to guess. There was only one way he could have shut her up."

"I wish I could have seen the look on her face when he kissed her," Kaoru said with a grin.

Gaara just shook his head at her. Then remembered why he had come here to begin with. "We're returning to Suna tomorrow. Sakura will be staying with us for about four weeks."

"She can stay at my house. I have plenty of room."

Gaara nodded then started to pack. Kaoru packed her own things. When Temari returned Koaru told her about the results of her plan. The wind manipulator was thrilled of course. She hadn't really expected it to work but was happy that it had. Now she could rub it in Shikamaru's face that she had been right about Ino's feelings for him. The group ate dinner and then went to their respective beds. Gaara had stopped arguing with Kaoru about the sleeping arrangement after the third day. He just couldn't win so Kaoru didn't even have to drag him to bed that day.

The next morning several of their friends came to say good bye. Sakura promised to write and let everyone know how she was doing. With that the group turned and headed back to Suna.

Alright, that's it. I know it's short and I'm sorry. I'll try really hard to get the next chapter up by the weekend. The next one will have Sasuke in it so I hope that makes you feel better. Please review anyways and let me know what you think of this chapter.