DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE NARUTO SERIES AND THE CHARACTERS. ESPECIALLY GAARA AND SAKURA.

Sands of Change

Summary: New developments in Suna and we finally meet the children of Gaara and Sakura.

Like sand in an hour glass five year seamlessly slipped passed. The feel of anticipation boiled within his blood as he watched dunes surrounding his beloved country. Emerald orbs with seasoned skill of a predatory showered over each corner and crevice, leaving nowhere untouched. For his beloved nation, he would ensure their safety; his would put them first above all things for he was their leader. He knew had proven thing time and time again. For each time that subject was brought up, his thoughts were breached with the memory of his only love. Five years had rolled by which in his opinion felt like a decade without her. Remorse set in as he considered five more years without her that would be like a century in his opinion. He refused to admit to anyone and even himself just how much he missed Haruno Sakura.

Drifting into memory and into a forlorn state he almost did not hear his brother approach him. Turning to meet Kankuro his unemotional mask portrayed no evidence of his inner turmoil.

"Gaara, it's been two weeks since we've out here. There is absolutely no sign of who ever committed the kidnapping" Kankuro said tiredly.

"Whoever did this was quite clever in covering their tracks. Five Jounins in one week, is no easy task to accomplish. Whoever we are dealing is quite skilled. Nevertheless, we should remain wary of this new enemy and be on the lookout for strange activities in Suna itself." Gaara said with a hint of authority in his voice.

"We will head back home, we've been away far too long"

Kankuro could barley contain his excitement, it had been days since he had a good meal and rest. Gaara had been relentless in searching for the missing Jounins. At this point in time returning to Suna seemed like the best option.

As the men readied themselves to leave the area, Gaara suddenly stopped, as he felt the aura of an unknown entity. Suddenly, he felt as if he were in a delusion as saw the falling of cherry blossom leave.

'But that could not be right' he thought, after all he was in the middle on a desert.

'I must be thinking too much about her' he continued in thought

Shaking his head to rid himself of the foolishness thoughts, he started his journey to his beloved Sand village.

XxxX

Meanwhile a stoic figure watched through hooded eyes as Suna Nin made their way to their village. He had almost been detected, but the Kazekage. He knew the man was someone not is taken lightly. Therefore he had taken it upon himself to thoroughly study the man. Observing his strengths and weaknesses, dissecting every decision the Kazekage had made. Then by sheer luck he had found out about her, the young Kazekage's one weakness.

It had not take much out of him paint that illusion for the Kazekage but once it appeared that great Gaara was distracted for a since moment. A moment was all he needed to retreat. Thinking to himself a moment was all he needed to lead to the destruction of Suna and all its' allies.

XxxX

The whispering of fabric and the grunts of frustration could be heard as a young boy tried tirelessly to accomplish his mission. Although everyone told him he was still too young to master such a task. He especially obstinate in completing it since his sister could have already mastered it. It was like an insult if he could do the same too.

'Kirin, she was so smug' he thought with a frustrated grunt as he ran little finger through his mass of red curly hair.

"You're never going to get it, if you keep approaching it like that" a little girl announced as she watched her brother with piercing green eyes. A matching set of eye glared at her as if she were chastising him.

"I can do all by myself. So I don't need your stupid help" he shouted at his sister.

"Whatever, I'm going to mom now"

'Good, she's gone. Now I can concentrate better'

Kirin honestly did not see why her brother was overworking himself for. She had only learnt chakra control earlier than expected. She had learnt her mother was able to master this task exceptionally well at an early stage, so decided to give it a try. To her surprise she was able control it on her third try. To a five year old it was an amazing feat. She was able put most of her chakra to her feet and walk up the tree. Her mom, Naruto-oniichan and Hinata-oneechan had celebrated. But now Gennosuke, her twin brother, felt that had to do the same since his pride was at stake.

'Stupid boys. Didn't he realize what he already had' Kirin thought.

'An almost unlimited supply of chakra. It was probably so much that he was unable to properly focus a small amount to one area.' she continued. Amazingly at a young Kirin had the ability to detect large amounts of chakra, however only she and her mom knew of this achievement.

She had heard Naruto-oniichan had the same problem when he was younger, so she knew Gennosuke's problem would eventually be solved with training and patience.

When she reached her mother, she saw she was healing a shin obi with large gashes on his hand. Regardless of his injuries he seemed to consistently flirt with her.

"Kirin, you're already here" Sakura said as she peered down at her five year old daughter. "Where is your brother" she asked as a frown was etched on her face.

"He's still at that stupid tree"

"Tell him come now, my shift is about to end" she told her and watched as daughter began to leave the room.

'They look so much like Gaara' the young mother thought.

Day after day, she could see that remnants of her and Gaara's affair painted quite plainly on her children's faces. Gennosuke and Kirin would have been identical twins if it were not for some small differences in each others features. Gennosuke had tight curly unruly hair muck like his father's while Kirin had soft flowing red hair similar to the quality like her mother. They both had their father's porcelain skin but were blessed with a pair of eye brows courtesy of her genes.

"Hey, are finally coming out of your daydream. I hope I was in it" the young Chounnin teased

"Thank Kami-sama, you weren't" Sakura said coldly.

"Oh, you hurt me with such words. Good thing you're a medic with those healing hands of yours"

"I can tell you another place that needs your touch"

'Ecchi! What was wrong with some of these shin obis nowadays' she thought

"No I rather not hear, you can keep that information to yourself"

It seemed that after she had the twin she had blossomed into the stage on womanhood. When her body had eventually got back its shape, she was gifted with a shapely waistline and curvy hips to match. Not mention her bust had expanded considerably thanks to the twins. What had changed even more was her face. The considerable length of her hair had softened her features. Her soft cherry pink hair flowed down to the small of her back and was usually styled in a lose braid that was tossed over her neck flowing down her chest. She had always caught a number stares heading in the direction of her cleavage but usually dismissed it or used in her tactics. Her almost fragile beauty would sometimes through off ninjas to just how much dangerous she was. Before they knew she would unleash her amazing brute strength leaving total destruction in its wake.

XxxX

"Hey Gennosuke, mom says you should come now"

"I'm almost there" Gennosuke grunted. He could do it, but every time he got close enough it would slip out of his hands. 'It wasn't fair he was just like his sister. So why couldn't he get to control his chakra like her'

Falling flat on his back, wary emerald eyes peered up at his sister. A wave of agitation rolled over him as he saw the 'I told you so' expression on his sister's face. Rolling onto his sided, he decided he had enough for one day.

"So what are you munchkins up to" Naruto announced cheerfully as he approached the twins.

"Naruto-oniichan!" Gennosuke and Kirin shouted in excitement.

"I see you still at it Gennosuke" Naruto asked.

"Yep, and I'll do did pretty soon too"

"You don't have to push yourself so much. After all you're only five. In time things that are meant to be will come" Naruto reflected on the fact that it took him years to finally grasp this concept. After many trial and failures he had finally seen the value to these words. His looked to his right as his wife slowly approached the group.

"Hinata-oniichan" the twins announced. Gennosuke blushed fervently as he saw her approached as secretly he had a small crush on her.

"Hello, Kirin and Gennosuke. How have both of you been? I hope you've been well" Hinata said to the twins.

Kirin nodded while Gennosuke looked at her with a stoic expression.

Peering at the two Naruto laughed.

"Boy you two are sure like Gaara" Naruto slaps a hand over his mouth as he regretted his words. Hinata glanced at him with that all knowing look.

She always knew if someone wanted to keep a secret Naruto was never the best choice. None withstanding she knew eventually the twins would find out on their own or from their overprotective mother.

Kirin had a confused look etched on her face while Gennosuke seemed oblivious to the comment.

"We'll accompany you guys to your mother"

"Sure" Gennosuke beamed shyly.

Taking the twin's hands Hinata started their walk to the hospital.

XxxX

Laugher and talk enveloped the dinner table at the Haruna household. Naruto and his wife Hinata were paying Sakura a visit and decided to stay for diner.

Gennosuke was viciously tearing into his food as he struggled to eat chunks of meat.

"Gennosuke. Try cutting then chew" Sakura advised. Seeing no change Sakura calmly took his plate and began to cut his meat.

"Mama" Kirin said solemnly.

"Yes, dear" as she continued to cut Gennosuke's meat.

"Who is Gaara?" Kirin asked innocently.

On hearing that name, the utensils within Sakura's hand accidentally sipped. Forcing a smile she looked at her daughter.

"Where did you hear that name?"

"Well, when the thing happened today Naruto-niichan said we were like him"

Immediately Sakura sent a death glare in Naruto who fervently refused to look in her direction. On seeing the exchange Hinata looked apolitically at Sakura.

Sighing Sakura answered the curious child.

"He was a friend of your mother"

"Á friend. So how come we haven't met him"

"Because he lives in another village"

"Where is that?"

Sighing Sakura considered answering her child's question trustfully. However by this time Gennosuke was getting impatient with his mother's delay in cutting the meat.

"Suna"

"How come we have never been there?"

"Hey, can I get back my food anytime today" Gennosuke asked cheekily.

"Don't be impatient, Gennosuke" Sakura said calmly as she handed the food back to her son.

"One day Kirin, I'll answer that question. But for now finished your dinner before it get's cold"

Kirin opened her mouth to question her mother but soon dismissed the question as she saw the stern look in her mother's eyes. Turning back to her plate dinner continued in the usual fashion with laughs and outrageous stories.

With the help of the Urumakis dishes were washed. The twins were put to bed thanks largely to Naruto who chased them around like a madman the Urumaki couple decided to take their leave.

"It best that we take our leave now since tomorrow, Naruto is going on mission" Hinata informed Sakura as they approached the door.

"Baa-chan was really mysterious about it"

"Really, Naruto" Sakura said exasperated. "Isn't it about time you stop calling Tsunade that? She is Hokage after. So she desires some form of respect"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever" Naruto said nonchalantly.

An annoyed look was etched on Sakura's face. Sometimes Naruto could do a good job of annoying her. She ever figured how Hinata could put up with him at times. Glancing at the couple as Naruto helped Hinata into her coat with unspoken care and love, she wished she had that.

She was taken out of her thought when Hinata peered at her with concerned eyes.

"What is it, Hinata?" Sakura asked.

"Isn't it about time you told them about their whole heritage?" Hinata asked with concern.

Taken back by the question Sakura stared at her for a moment before answering.

"Even if it is just for a long moment, I want to keep that hurt away from there" Sakura said as she released a breath that she had not realized she was holding.

"Maybe he won't react as back as you are thinking" Hinata implored.

"Hmm" Sakura sighed.

"It's still ultimately my decision on whether they know and see him. I just want to protect them."

"They are after all my babies" Sakura said with a motherly glow.

Hinata nodded as she could see she had reached a stalemate with Sakura. Over the years she and Sakura had grown closer but she respects the other woman's decision so she did push any further. Turning Hinata and Naruto quickly made their exit. Sakura made her way to her bed as the brunt of her tiredness overtook her. Laying in bed her, she rolled over to her sided and peered at the empty side of the bed. Sighing she closed her tired eyes and drifted off to sleep.