Disclaimer: Okay peepsies I do NOT own Naruto or affiliates or Masashi Kishimoto etc. Thank you, that is all :)

Lauren

A Blossom In The Wind, Chapter 5: Welcome

For the second time in a day Sakura hung her head in sadness but this time also in obedience as Gaara and Kakashi escorted her to her room in the Kazekage's tower which doubled as his home. Her bedroom was the lavish guest room right down the hall from his. 'Is all this really necessary for him, I mean he's practically indestructible' she thought as they passed many guards. Finally they came to a halt in front of an ornate sandstone door. It was surprising light, or at least Gaara made it look that way as he gently swung it open.

Inside the carpet was a deep wine red, the walls a delicate shade of off white with black cherry trees painted against them, and the ceiling a creamy color best described as custard. Gaara walked around the room wordlessly gesturing to doors along the walls. Each one was open and as they passed she caught a glimpse of what lie inside. Two were closets, one a bathroom, and the other a laundry, equipped with washer, dryer, and assorted laundry necessities. The comforter on the bed was black with red markings on it and the pillows were red with black "ai's" on them. There was a canopy, pulled back to reveal the bed but suggestive of total privacy if one desired.

Gaara crossed the room and pulled back the black curtains, revealing a balcony beyond the window. Sakura let out a small "wow" at how beautiful the room really was. "You like it?" A voice asked from behind her. "Yes" she mumbled "Gaara decorated the room himself, I think it's a little… depressing" Sakura saw Gaara whip his head around and glare at whoever was behind her. His icy glare scared her and she flinched away, turning to avoid his stare she saw a man with purple kabuki makeup, a suit like a cat with a circle on his chest, half red, half yellow. His black suit was menacing but to her the somewhat cheerful colors made him less threatening. "Kankuro, my brother" Gaara said, acid dripping from every word.

"Relax Kazekage-sama" Kankuro said mockingly "I just wanted to let you know that Shibuki has returned from the land of Waves with good news from the Mizukage" Kankuro waved dismissively as he left the room, a smirk on his lips, obviously because he had upset the 'almighty Kazekage.' Gaara sighed "Well you should stay here and freshen up, someone will be here to show you around shortly" he said to Sakura then he turned to Kakashi "I think you'd better stay here tonight unless you plan on leaving soon, it'll get dark and there are many dangers in the desert at night." Kakashi nodded "Thank you for you offer Kazekage-sama, but I think I will take my leave now" "As you wish" Gaara nodded, leaving the room. "No don't go Kakashi-sensai! Stay one night, please!" she pleaded, sobbing slightly. "I'm sorry Sakura" he said, pulling her into a hug and kissing the top of her head "I have to go" and with that he was gone.

Sakura threw herself on the bed, sobbing. "This is all a bad dream, I'll wake up soon, safe in baa-san's bed" the sobbed. She slowly picked herself up of the bed and began to unpack her clothes into the two closets and the white dresser. "Might as well make the best of this dream" she mumbled.

Gaara scanned the paper quickly, twice. Why was he so anxious to see that wretched girl again? He had no idea. All he knew was he wanted to see her very badly. The unique pink color of her hair, the viridian of her eyes, the smooth curves of her body… he shook his head violently, trying to shake these thoughts away. 'What the hell is wrong with me?' he wondered. He read the paper again, having forgotten already what it contained. An acceptance of an alliance between Sunagakure and Kirigakure. Signed by the Mizukage himself. So the alliance went through, good. He practically threw the paper down on his desk as he rushed out of the room and past his older sister without even a nod of recognition. 'Wonder what's got him fired up?' Temari thought.

To Be Continued…

A/N: Chapter 5 hurrah! After 1 gazillion years hiatus I have emerged with renewed fervor! Time to get writing look forward to new chaps!! Reviews plz!! No flames :)