--I Never Stopped Loving You--

--Chapter 4: Pain of Remembering--

-Shika/Saku-

Disclaimer:I Don't Own Naruto.

"If you're not willing to lose her, then do something in order to get her back," snapped Gaara.

Shikamaru looked at Gaara, he was right. He had to do something to get Sakura back. Going out with Ino and trying to get her to tell him what she did probably won't work. He needed backup plans just in case.

"You won't be trying to get back with Sakura while she's at your place, will you?" asked Shikamaru, concern shown all over his face.

"I might," smirked Gaara, crossing his arms over his chest.

Shikamaru glared lightly at Gaara, and Gaara just chuckled.

"Relax dude," said Gaara. "I'm not going to try to get with her. I know she still likes you, and she wouldn't even be single right now if it weren't for Ino."

"Sorry, it's just that I know about your past with Sakura," said Shikamaru, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. "I just really love her ya know. I was planning on marrying her and staying with her the rest of my life. Then all of this happened. It's just too troublesome but, no matter how troublesome she may be and no matter how troublesome the situation may be, I'd do anything and everything for Sakura."

Gaara's expression turned gloomy, "I know what you mean, man. I mean, she was the first girl I ever fell for. I'm not going to lie, I still feel the same way about her from the way I felt for her about seven or six years ago. It all feels so tempting to get back with her now that she's single and will be in my house. But, she's in love with another guy, she has a son, and I can't mess up her life. I need to help her, all I want is for her to be happy."

Shikamaru grinned, his hands still in his pockets, "So you're going to help me get her back?"

"Pfft," scoffed Gaara. "I'm going to help her get her life back on track and live the happy life she was living before Ino came around. Your job is to find out what Ino did."

"Why can't you just tell me?" asked Shikamaru.

"I promised Sakura that I wouldn't," said Gaara.

They still didn't like each other much but, they sure seemed to be getting along rather well.

Shikamaru sighed and looked up at the clouds, trying to think of something to do.

In The Backyard; Sakura & Ino

Sakura glared at Ino and crossed her arms over her chest when Ino and her were alone in the backyard.

"In what way do you want to ruin my life now?" asked Sakura hotly.

Ino rolled her eyes, "Make it so that your son pretends to like me."

"What?" asked Sakura confused. "He's only two years old and he already learned how to hate you."

"Shika-kun said he'd only give me a chance if your son took a liking to me," said Ino, not needing to say more.

Sakura looked at Ino disgusted, 'Shika-kun? He's not going to go out with her! She needs to get a life! Shikamaru wouldn't really give her a chance...would he?'

Again, Sakura looked like she would cry in any second.

"I'll tell him," said Sakura looking away from Ino. "But know this, I will have my family back the way it once was. You won't be interfering with our happiness for long. Shikamaru could never love you. Ryuu can never accept you and I, will not allow you to get away with this. Somehow, some way, I'll find a way to fix all this and get you where you belong; jail or a Psychiatric Ward."

"I'm not crazy," said Ino defensively. "And do whatever you want, cuz nothing is going to stop me from making a family with Shika-kun. Just hook up with that insomniac freak. I heard you guys were hitting it off pretty well in High School but, then broke up about a two years later because of some accident. I'm pretty sure you two still love each other, hook up with him and let me stay with Shika-kun."

"You have no right to call Gaara a freak just because he has a sleeping disorder!" defended Sakura. "What are you talking about anyway? What accident?"

Ino looked at Sakura with a raised eye brow, but saw that she wasn't joking.

'She doesn't remember?'thought Ino surprised. 'Oh my god, that's right...her memory got partially erased. Haha, I can use this to my advantage. If I get Sakura back with Gaara, it will give me a higher chance of going out with Shikamaru. This is fantastic! Haha Ino Yamanaka, you are a genius!'

"Well, I just heard that you and Gaara went to a club, had your fun and Gaara got drunk," started off Ino. "Gaara drove and since he was drunk, ended up crashing a truck. He was safe but, you didn't have your seat belt on and ended up flying out. You got fatally injured and ended up losing some of your memory. But, you only forgot about the accident incident. Gaara hated himself for that accident, and decided that it would be best if you forgot about your feelings for him..and some memories of you two. That way, he could break up with you, without you being too upset, and he wouldn't risk hurting you again. I'm sure the guy still loved ya, I'm pretty sure you would still be in love with him too if not for that accident. You guys were together for nearly two years! Too bad Gaara felt so much guilt. That's what I heard from Shikamaru, and he went out with Temari at the time and Temari is Gaara's sister and now your best friend, so I think it's true."

Sakura couldn't believe what Ino was telling her. She didn't even know if she should believe the witch. But, something in her gut was telling her that Ino told her the whole truth. Sakura felt a tear trickle down her face. Why was everything going bad for her now?! It was all Ino's fault. Sakura was starting to wish that she never asked Ino about the accident. She knew she still felt something for Gaara. Imagine how strong the feeling would have been if she didn't forget more than half the memories she had of him! Sakura fell to her knees as she grabbed her head in pain.

-----Flashback

"We should go home nowa Sakuwa," slurred the drunken Gaara.

Sakura got up from her seat and looked at Gaara a bit upset.

"Gaara-kun, you drank a little too much," said Sakura. "I don't think it's safe for you to drive. If we get into an accident or anything, we'll get into so much trouble! First, because you're way too young to be drinking...and I honestly don't know how we got into this club. Second, you don't have your license yet! You're only 16. Let me-"

Sakura was cut off by Gaara's lips over hers. Sakura kissed him back but then pulled away after about three seconds. He gave her a confused look as he got off the chair and stumbled a bit.

"Sorry, I don't like the taste of alcohol," said Sakura sheepishly. "Anyway, I think I should drive."

"No!" said Gaara. "I can driva, don't worry."

Sakura sighed, "Gaara, please listen to me. You're too drunk."

"I'm fine!" said Gaara.

Sakura rolled her eyes, "Fine but, if we get into an accident and get charged for all of this. I'm going to kick your sorry ass!"

Sakura and Gaara walked out of the club and got in the car. Sakura was relieved when she saw that Gaara was actually capable of driving even in his drunken state. She was too nervous to remember to fasten her seat belt. But, Sakura's eyes widened when Gaara rode through a red light, and a truck came. Sakura only saw a lot of light and felt herself jumping out of the seat, before her world went black.

-----End Of Flashback

Sakura was still on the floor, hands holding her head in pain as she cried. Ino felt a little bad for her and ran to the front of the house.

-----Flashback

Sakura and Gaara sat on top of a hill. His arms were wrapped around her waist, as she laid against his chest. They were the only ones in the park, feeling the fresh air, and cool breeze.

"Gaara-kun, I forgot to do my homework," said Sakura a bit bummed. "I think I should go now. I don't want to get in trouble."

"Who cares about homework?" asked Gaara.

Sakura rolled her eyes, "I know you don't care because you're always getting in trouble but, I actually do care."

Gaara tightened his grip around her petite waist, "But, you'd rather stay here with me and get in trouble tomorrow than leave me and go do boring homework. Right?"

Sakura laughed, "Gaara-kun, you're such a bad influence."

"But you still love me," said Gaara.

Sakura smiled, "Yupp, and I'll never stop."

"Why are you going out with someone who is such a bad influence?" asked Gaara half joking, half serious.

Sakura stayed quiet for a bit before answering his question.

"Because I need to be able to make you change and be a good influence on people," said Sakura.

"I hope you know that's never going to happen," said Gaara, laughing a bit.

"Of course it will," said Sakura.

Gaara looked down at her, "What makes you so sure of that?"

"Do you love me?" asked Sakura.

"Yeah, of course I do but, that has nothing to do with-"

"If you love me, you'd do anything for me right?" Sakura cut him off.

Gaara was a bit confused, "Of course I would, and you know that. But what does that ha-"

"Since you love me and would do anything for me," Sakura once again cut him off. "If I asked you to change and try to be a good influence on people. You'd do it...wouldn't you?"

Gaara glared lightly at her, "You tricked me! But yeah, I guess you can change me and make me be a good influence on people. Haha, but I'll only do it because you want me to."

Sakura smiled, "But, don't change and start being a good influence on people."

Gaara narrowed his eyes, "But you just said that I'm a bad influence."

"You are," said Sakura.

"And you said you're going out with me because you love me and need to change me and make me be a good influence," said Gaara, a bit confused.

"But, I love you Gaara-kun," said Sakura softly. "If you changed and turned all good, you wouldn't be the guy that I fell in love with."

Gaara's eyes softened as he looked down at her. Sakura moved her head a up and placed a chaste kiss on his lips.

-----End Of Flashback

All the memories that started appearing in Sakura's mind was giving her a heart ache. Gaara was her High School sweetheart, and all the memories were making her feel the way she felt for Gaara years ago. Why did Gaara make it so that she didn't remember all these wonderful memories of him? They would probably still be together right now. She felt her heart yearning for Gaara......for the love the two had when they were in High School. But, she had a family now..it was to late...wasn't it? She was madly in love with Shikamaru, wasn't she? She had a son! But, Shikamaru and her were currently going through separation and Ino was trying to make him fall in love with her. She would be at Gaara's house for a while ...anything could happen.

Ino saw Gaara and Shikamaru talking.

"Something is wrong with Sakura!" said Ino. "I think she's starting to get her memories back!"

Gaara's and Shikamaru's eyes both widened as they dashed to the backyard. Both of their hearts seemed to tear apart at the horrible sight. Sakura looked like she was in so much pain as she held her head, stayed on her knees, and continued to cry. Ino showed up a moment after and sent a look of pity towards Sakura.

'I shouldn't have told her about the accident,'thought Ino.

Shikamaru leaned down and pulled Sakura into his embrace. She clutched his shirt and continued to cry. Shikamaru never saw her cry this much. He was trying to decide whether or not to bring her to the hospital. He didn't know if the situation was serious. If you started getting your memories back, full force, what do you do?

"Ssh, ssh," said Shikamaru softly as he ran a hand through her pink hair. He was trying to calm her down. "It's okay Sakura, I'm here for you."

His words caused Sakura to cry even more and clutch her head in pain, as another memory found it's way in her mind.

-----Flashback

It was really late and Sakura was walking home from work. She was much too young to drive, and her parents were still at work. She didn't want to bother any of her friends by calling them up and asking them for a ride. She wanted to arrive home as quick as possible so, even though it wasn't such a smart thing to do- Sakura decided to take a short cut through the alley.

When she went in, four guys appeared around her. Not giving her any chance of escape. Sakura's eyes widened in fear.

"She's a cutie ain't she?" said one of the guys who looked like he was in his senior year of High School.

Sakura looked at all the other guys, they were fairly young too.

"Leave me alone," said Sakura angrily.

They all chuckled and one of the guys pulled Sakura to him. He held a knife and pressed it against her neck as Sakura shook in fear, tears rolling down her face.

"Pl-lease leave me alone," said Sakura, frightened for her dear life.

With the knife, the guy slowly tore Sakura's shirt, which revealed her black bra. Sakura started crying more as she fought to keep him away from her. The guy threw her against the wall for biting him, and then he started sucking on her neck.

"No!" yelled Sakura. "Please, stop! No! Don't!"

The other three guys just laughed. The other tried to rip off her bra, but was then ripped off of her. Sakura continued crying.

"You sick bastards are going to regret doing that," snarled Gaara angrily. "Bunch of lowlives."

"You ruined my fun!" said the guy angrily. "What makes you think we're going to regret anything?! You're the one who's going to regret interfering."

Gaara was too angry to smirk, but he was completely satisfied when Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, and Kiba showed themselves, and beat the crap out of the four guys. Gaara went over to Sakura, putting his jacket over her shoulders so that she wouldn't be cold and so that she wouldn't show her bare chest. He pulled her to his chest and softly stroked her pink hair.

"Ssh, ssh," Gaara whispered caringly into her ear. "It's okay Sakura, I'm here for you."

Sakura hid herself more into Gaara's chest, her tears still running down her face.

"I t-thought that-t they were-," Sakura couldn't even talk, she was still too scared of what happened, and what more could have happened if Gaara didn't come with his friends to help her. What was he doing there anyway?

When Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, and Kiba finished beating up the guys, they walked over to where Gaara was with Sakura. They felt really bad for her.

"You okay Sak?" asked Sasuke, concerned.

Sakura looked at him and nodded her head. They stayed there for a few more minutes until Sakura started to calm down.

"How'd you guys find me?" asked Sakura shakily.

"We were hanging out," said Kiba. "We were on our way home when we heard you screaming. We quickly rushed over. Gaara was starting to get crazy."

Gaara glared at Kiba, but Kiba just laughed. Sakura giggled a bit too. Kiba was glad to get a giggle out of Sakura.

"I must be so lucky," said Sakura slowly. "If you guys didn't come......-sob- I don't know what w-would have happened."

She started crying again. Sasuke kneeled on the ground and looked at Sakura in the eye. Gaara wasn't too happy about Sasuke's face being so close to Sakura's. Sasuke ruffled Sakura's hair.

"Don't even think about it Sak," said Sasuke softly, he only acted this way towards Sakura. After all, she was like a sister to him. "They didn't get to do what their intentions were. We stopped them, you're safe, and you shouldn't think about the what ifs."

Sakura smiled, she gave Sasuke a friendly kiss on the cheek, much to Gaara's dismay.

"I love you Sasuke," said Sakura cheerfully, Sasuke smirked when he saw Gaara's look of shock and anger.

'He gets so jealous for no reason,'thought Sasuke. 'Sakura and I only love each other as brothers and sisters. I mean, we were best friends since we were four years old. He really needs to clear up some of his issues.'

Sakura noticed Gaara's sudden change in mood, and everyone else just laughed.

"Don't be silly Gaara-kun," said Sakura as she pecked him on the lips. "I only love you, and will forever love you. I told you that already! Sasuke's the family sort of love."

Gaara seemed a bit relaxed but glared at everyone else for laughing at him.

-----End Of Flashback

Sakura looked up at Gaara, making Ino and Shikamaru look up at Gaara too. This made Gaara feel a bit awkward- he didn't like all eyes on him. Sakura tried to calm down and then got off the ground and out of Shikamaru's embrace. She continued to look at Gaara, with tears in her eyes, ready to fall.

'Did she really get her memories back?' wondered Gaara. 'But why outta nowhere? Something must have caused it.'

Sakura shook her head and pulled away from Shikamaru. She went inside the house through the back door. Leaving the three adults outside, wondering what to do.

"Do you think she remembered everything?" asked Gaara quietly.

'Dammit, now she might get with Gaara while their at his house, worse- she'll be suffering a lot more,' thought Shikamaru, a bit upset.

He glared at Ino, "What happened to cause her to suddenly get flashbacks?"

Ino fidgeted a bit, and bit her lower lip, "I told her about the accident. I accidentally told her about her being in an accident, completely forgetting that she didn't know about it because of her memory being partially erased. Then she wanted to know about what happened, she would have to find out eventually, so I just told her."

Gaara shook his head and glared at Ino, "I don't know why you enjoying messing up her life so much. Now I have to explain to her- why I made her forget a lot of what happened between us. She probably won't even want to talk to me after all this."

He walked to the front of the house, getting inside his car. He would wait for Sakura to come.

Sakura was in the house looking for Ryuu, when she found him, she tried convincing him to get along with Ino, even though she was a bad person. Ryuu saw that his mother had been crying and couldn't refuse. He may be a baby but, he can still understand when someone needs help the most, and when they are truly in pain. She kissed Ryuu good bye and got up to leave. Behind her she saw Shikamaru. She gave him a sad smile and then walked passed him, out the door.

'Maybe...we weren't meant to be Shikamaru,'thought Sakura. 'Maybe, this was for the best.'

Sakura got in Gaara's car and he drove out of the drive way. They were both completely quiet on their way back to his house. Sakura didn't know what to say. Should she be mad that he had the nerve to take away some of her memories without her permission? Or should she be thankful that he did it in order to save her from any pain? But, she wouldn't have to go through any pain if he didn't break up with her just because he didn't want to risk putting her in danger. But, that was him being really protective of her, and showed that he loved her. But if he really loved her, he would have stayed with her anyway, and just be more careful. Damn, she didn't know what she was thinking. She was confused.

All she knew, was that it really hurt her inside. To be kept away from the truth for so long. Would she have been with Gaara for five years and have a kid with him? Would they be living together, in a happy family? Now she's stuck wondering what would have happened if her memories weren't erased, if Gaara had stayed with her. Wow, remembering all of that sure brought a lot of pain. A lot of tears, and in Gaara's case- a lot of regret.

She didn't know what to do, no clue what so ever. They had arrived at Gaara's house. Sakura and Gaara got out of the car. Sakura knew of someone that could help her with this problem- someone that had always been there for her, through the good and bad.

"I'm going out for a while," mumbled Sakura as she went inside her car and drove away. She drove to a cafe, and sat by herself.

She pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number.

"Long time, no see," said a male's voice from the other line. "What's up?"

"Come to the cafe that Shino use to work at," said Sakura. "I really need to talk to you."

"Is it that important?" asked the male. "I'm hanging out with my girl and some friends. Of course I'd go over there for whatever the case may be. But, if it's just a get together...another time might be good."

"Come to the cafe, now," said Sakura in a shaky voice, still not getting over the shock. "I need you to tell me, why you never told me that I had lost some of my memories."

"I'll be there as soon as I can," said the guy quickly as he hung up.

Sakura sighed and looked out the window, she already ordered two coffees. In about ten minutes, a guy that was well-built, had onyx eyes, quite tall, and had raven hair slightly spiked entered the cafe. He looked over at Sakura, slightly surprised as he sat in the seat across from her.

"There's your coffee," Sakura gestured towards the warm coffee that was in front of him. He thanked her and drank some. "Sasuke, I'm sure you knew about this. Why didn't you tell me that my memory was partially erased?! You don't know how screwed over my life is at the moment."

Sasuke winced, he saw that Sakura was in a lot of pain and confusion, he also noticed how much she had grown over the past few years.

"How did you find out?" asked Sasuke.

Sakura bit her lip as she started shaking and crying again, "Shikamaru and I broke up yesterday. We have been together for five years, and we have a son that is two years old. I still love him more than anything but, Ino threatened to kill my son if I didn't leave Shikamaru. You can't tell anyone though, otherwise she might kill him. She's gone crazy. Today, she told me about the accident and suddenly the memories started coming back to me. But, now I'm confused. I think about all that's happened between me and Gaara and I feel like I want to be with him and relive those moments, it's not fair. We might have been together if he didn't make it so that I forget nearly everything! But, I already started a family with Shikamaru...I love him and my son. But with us being separated, I'm living with Gaara, and I need help Sasuke. You were always there for me, I need advice."

Sasuke was shocked with all that has happened. He never knew Ino could be so cruel. He never even knew Sakura was still with Shikamaru! Well...was for about five years.

"Sak, I can't tell you what to do in these situations," said Sasuke softly. "It's all up to you. I can't say anything other than- listen to your heart. But I also think, you should do what's best for your son. After all, this will all end up affecting him. Which by the way, congratulations and call me next time you decide to have a kid."

"Thanks," said Sakura smiling softly. "But, I don't know what my heart wants. Why didn't you ever tell me about this?"

"I'm sorry," apologized Sasuke. "Gaara made me promise not to. Besides, I thought what he did was a good choice. I mean, he got me really pissed off when I heard you were in the hospital because the idiot decided to drive even though he was drunk. I thought it would be best for you, if you didn't have to go through any more suffering. I couldn't trust him with you after that. I just didn't want to risk anything happening to you."

Sakura looked down at her trembling hands, "But I was so in love. You don't understand... I haven't even gotten back all my memories, and already I feel like Gaara and I would have lasted a life time together. We would have gotten married, and have been High School sweethearts, what's better than that? My life is all a bunch of confusion now. I don't know what to make of it."

Sasuke stayed quiet, feeling slightly guilty for all the pain she was going through. They both finished their coffee.

"You should talk to Gaara about this," said Sasuke, already knowing that Sakura didn't give Gaara a chance to explain anything. "Things will get a lot easier from there."

Sakura sighed, "You're right, I don't know where I would be without you in my life."

"Probably in a dumpster, crying about how much your life sucks," joked Sasuke as Sakura rolled her eyes playfully.

A/N: It's 2:25 a.m. right now....so like I don't know whether to say I updated in five days or six days..?

Doesn't matter, I updated sooner than a week so be happy!=]

Sasuke is OOC but, he's going to be Sakura's "brother figure" so, like it or not, he's going to continue acting that way.

I hope you liked the chapter, Please Review! =]

-x Emerald Goddess Of The Night x-