Chapter Seven: Confusion

Angel eases open her eyes when the first rays of light enters through the window. She turns her head and smiles when she sees Sakura asleep in Sasuke's arms.

'At least something has gone right…'

Angel sits up and walks to the window and stares out into the sky. The cool breeze causes goose bumps to appear all over her skin. She brings her arms up to embrace herself for warmth. When she feels skin on skin she looks down and sees that she is completely naked.

'What on Earth happened? Why am I naked?' Angel stares down at herself.

She isn't modest because of how she was raised. Unlike humans, a majority of Elves except the body's they are given and respect others. It might be because most Elves are well toned and take great care of themselves. There is a few that alter their looks through magic, mainly those who want to resemble an animal they admire or become part of nature. Only a few have ever altered their appearance to appear more attractive but it only back fired because they were instantly considered vain.

'Do you not remember what happened?' the Elven part of Angel's personality speaks up.

'I remember going to the training grounds. I fought with a group of extremely skilled fighters.' Angel smiles as she remembers each and every fight. 'These people really are amazing.'

'AND DO YOU REMEMBER THE LAST PERSON YOU FOUGHT?' Her demon part growls, but it doesn't sound as angry as it usually did.

'I remember… I remember his hair… and his smell… and then… Oh my Goddess! HE MARKED ME! I AM CLAIMED AS HIS MATE!' Angel gasps loudly.

Angel wanted to be angry at the man with blood red hair. How could he do this to her? She is now bonded to him and she would slowly be drawn to him. Her destiny is now up in the air and a new wave of confusion flows over her. But before she can think any further on the subject, the bedroom door flies open.

"Sakura-chan! Where are… you…" Naruto's jaw drops when he sees Angel standing at the window, dressed in nothing.

Gaara stands behind Naruto, his eyes wide in shock. He tries to divert his eyes away from her form but his body wouldn't listen to him. All he could do was stare. It wasn't that he didn't like what he saw, he did, but he didn't want to make the woman feel uncomfortable.

Sakura stirs when she hears the door open. She opens her sleepy eyes and blinks a couple of times to remove the sleepiness. "Naruto, what are you doing here?"

Sakura stares at Naruto but he doesn't make move or attempt to answer her. Once again he is standing still with his jaw practically on the floor.

'What's wrong with him? Why does Gaara look like he just saw a ghost?'

Sasuke stirs and wakes up. He smiles when he looks at Sakura, she is just as beautiful in the morning, even if she slept on the floor. He notices that she is staring at something to the left of her, confusion covering her every feature. He follows her gaze and sees a dumbstruck Naruto and a very shocked looking Gaara. He then follows Naruto's gaze to a very naked woman standing before them.

"EH!" Sasuke's eyes become the size of dinner plates as he points towards Angel.

Sakura felt Sasuke's stiffen under her and she looks at him. He is pointing at something in front of him and when she turns her head to see what everyone is so shocked about she gasps.

"PERVERTS! GET OUT OF HERE!"

Sakura starts to throw anything she got her hands on at the three men. They dash out of the room as fast as their feet would carry them, but not before Sakura landed a few hits on them. Once they were all out Sakura closes the door and turns toward a very confused looking Angel.

"Did I miss something?" Angel asks, cocking her head in confusion.

"Well, you see… you're not exactly wearing anything right now and uh…" Sakura stumbles for words.

"Am I that repulsive?" Angel asks. She lowers her gaze toward the ground, a look of uncertainty crosses her features.

Sakura's jaw drops at her question. She had to be kidding.

"No Angel-chan! It's nothing like that. Trust me! If you can get Sabaku no Gaara to stand there shocked and bright red none-the-less, then you must have some kick ass body." Sakura smiles.

It is actually kind of funny looking back on it. Three grown men made completely immobilized by the sight of a naked woman. Sakura couldn't help but laugh. When Angel rose an eyebrow to the sudden out burst, Sakura waved it off.

"Nothing Angel-chan… it's nothing."

Once Sakura recovered from her laugh attack she straightens herself up and takes a deep breath.

"Alright Angel-chan. Why don't we go clean up and find out why Naruto and Gaara-sama were here to begin with." Angel nods and Sakura leaves the room.

The three men sit in the living room in complete silence. Each one careful to avoid each other's gaze. Naruto stares at the ceiling, Sasuke at the floor, and Gaara out the nearest window. Surprisingly, Gaara is the one to brake the awkward silence with a question no one expected.

"Why did you two look at her?" Gaara questions with a slight growl behind it. He couldn't understand why he felt like this. He wants to bash their skulls in for having the audacity to even gaze at her body, let alone look upon her naked. She is his and that sight should have been reserve for him only.

Gaara shakes his head to rid his mind of such thoughts. Angel is not his, but he couldn't help but feel like she is. Gaara's fist clench in anger but he is able to keep his calm.

"It's not like I choose to see her like that!" Naruto shot back defensively. "How was I suppose to know she was going to be standing in there naked!!?"

Naruto had jumped to his feet and is shaking his fist angrily at Gaara. He seemed unfazed by Naruto's actions but that was only on the outside.

"Don't ever look at her like that again, or else." Gaara warns.

Naruto drops his fist and slumps over in defeat. Gaara knows that they didn't do it on purpose but it didn't mean he liked it. So he would forgive them, this time, but he wanted to make sure that they were aware of the consequences if something like this should ever occur again, and it better not.

Naruto is about to retaliate but the sound of foot steps make him stop. Sakura and Angel walk into the living room. After a few seconds of awkward silence, Sakura leaves to go to the kitchen and Angel immediately walks over to a window and sits on it's ledge. She is not in the mood to deal with anyone. There is too much on her mind, but a certain blonde hair man would not let her have peace. Not now, anyways.

"How are you doing Angel-chan?" Naruto went to place a hand on her shoulder but a quick warning glare from her causes him to pull his hand back.

"I am fine Naruto." She says coldly. It seems that all the progress Naruto had make with her has crumbled and they were now back to square one.

Forcing a weak smile to his face Naruto nods his head. "That is good to hear. We were all worried about you. There was so much blood…"

Naruto began his ramble. Gaara flinches when Naruto mentions blood but this went unnoticed by everyone except Angel.

"Your wound wouldn't stop bleeding and we were all confused because you healed so quickly from Sasuke's attack. I don't understand? What happened inside the sand? Why did…"

"Naruto… be quiet." Angel commands. She really didn't want to talk about anything right now. She needed to sort out what she was feeling and what was going to happen.

Naruto shut up at once, partly because of shock but mostly because Angel asked him too. He lowers his head in shame for upsetting her. He shifted uncomfortably for a few seconds before he decided to escape into the kitchen.

Angel returns to staring out the window, trying her best to ignore the people in the room but his scent kept coming at her. It surrounded her entire being and it was taking all of her will power not to acknowledge him, her so called mate. She closes her eyes but that only added fuel to the fire that was burning in the pit of her stomach. Everyone always told her that once you close off one of your senses the others compensate for it, and her sense of smell was doing just that. She took in a deep breath and shuttered a little, his scent was making her hazy and if she didn't get away soon she would go insane.

Little did she know Gaara was having just as hard of a time keeping his composer.

-----Angel-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as a open my door I can smell him and I curse at myself for actually enjoying it. I tell myself it is only because of the mark and nothing more, but something in the back of my mind is telling me that I am in denial. If I am, I would like to stay there for awhile.

My fate is sealed, at least, that is what I was always told. I was never to have a mate, no one was to love me or want me in such a way. In a matter of seconds this man, Gaara, shattered everything that I had come to accept. I am confused and I do not like the feeling. I am proud to say that I have a logical mind and can usually figure out any problem that is presented to me, but now, I see no solution. Even now I can feel the affects the mark is having on me.

I want to run to him, I want his acceptance, I want to take in everything that is him; but only thanks to me being a half demon, I have some self-control. I thank the Gods for that.

I take in another deep breath and my eye lids fall half way shut. He does not smell too unwelcoming. He has an earthy smell to him but at the same time he smells of spices. It is definitely a unique smell and one that only belongs to him.

'Gaara' my mind whispers.

I can feel the purr that is emanating from deep in my chest. My eyes open fully and shock over takes me. I must not think of him like that. Everything is wrong with our situation, I cannot let this man get close to me. But I cannot deny how I felt when I fought him. Never have I ever felt so alive. My blood burned with excitement, I wanted to push my limits and his as well. But look where that got us.

He must despise me. He must hate me, just like everyone does. Because I lost control, his life is ruined and it is all because of me. I am a monster, a freak, a half breed, an abomination. I do not belong in the world of Demons, nor Elves, and certainly not in the world of Humans. He will realize what I am and he will hate me. It will be better that way.

But I why do I feel this sadness? Why do I care so much for his acceptance? A memory of a small boy, no older than 6, flashes through my mind. He is sitting on a roof top crying because he is in so much pain. A man, he once proudly called his uncle, just tried to kill him. He was alone, no one wanted him… just like no one wanted me.

I then think back to my childhood, of all the lies. They pretended to love me, my home, my so-called people. But once my parents were out of the picture they turned on me. Cast me out, tried to kill me just as his people tried to kill him. In a way I envy him. Instead of running, he stayed and now he is one of the most powerful men in his village. Actually, that is wrong. He is the most powerful man in this village. He is the leader. He is, as they called him, the Kazekage.

As I stand in the hallway trying to sort out these new emotions I am experiencing, Sakura emerges from her bedroom with a smile on her face. I look at her smile and could not stop the smile that graces my lips. If it was even possible, her smile seem to grow because of my actions.

I can feel the confusion coming back but I push it aside. I really did not need to be confused by simple acts of friendship, especially when I had other things to occupy my mind.

"How do you feel Angel-chan?" Sakura asks, her tone of concern did not go unnoticed by me.

"I am fine Sakura-chan, but…"

I did not know what to say. She too, had things to worry about beside me. Sakura now had the task of trying to figure out how to handle her blossoming relationship with Sasuke. Yes, she has forgiven him but she still is not sure if she is ready to take the next step. I guess the step that Gaara took with me, to let Sasuke mark her as his.

"But?" Sakura raises an eye brow and places a hand on her hip. Her body language screams that she isn't going to let me get away without an answer.

I could just ignore her, but that would be rude and it would also show that I did not respect her enough to trust her enough with my thoughts. That is not true, so I swallowed my pride and decide to take a chance with my new friend.

"But… I am confused." The trust I reward her with is something I did with very few people. Sakura being the first one in years I have talked to in such an open manor.

"Confused about what happened between Gaara and you?" Sakura did have amazing analyzing skills.

I nod and focus my gaze towards the stairs.

"Yes, but that is not all that I am confused about Sakura-chan. I understand what happened, Gaara may not, but I do. What happened between us is like marriage vows between two humans." Sakura gasps and covers her mouth with her hand.

"So… Gaara and you… are like married?" Sakura stares at me with confusion now in her eyes. I guess that I would have to explain that comparison.

"In the world of Demons, if they are of packs or clans that mate for life, the males and females usually mark their perspective mates by digging their fangs into the flesh of the other." I point to my neck to emphasis my point. Sakura nods, telling me to continue.

"It is hard to explain and to understand, especially if you are not of Demon decent. Which is why I guess I am not overly mad at Gaara for his actions. I was careless and it cost his so much. I do not know if you know this, but Gaara is like me, he is a half demon. I was able to smell it but I could not control myself. My instincts took control and I was drawn to him.

Sakura, I was told at a young age that I would never have a mate. No one would even think to claim me, for I belong in no world. I cannot live among the Demons. Though they have evolved pass mindless animals, they are proud and not many are tolerant of species outside themselves. Most clans only mate with other Demons. But a few break these traditions and are cast out or killed. If a Demon mates with a human, the offspring is usually hunted down and killed, same with an Elf. Tainted blood is what they call it. Shall I say, Demons consider themselves more powerful than Humans and Elves, and to have their noble blood tainted by either of the races is considered an abomination.

The Elves are no better to tell the truth. They tolerate Humans and are not as fast to shun someone for taking a Human as their companion, especially since my Grandfather took a Human woman as his bride. No one wanted to cross their leader, their King, for they did not want to get on his bad side."

"You're a Princess, Angel-chan?" Sakura interrupts. I could tell she did not mean to stop my story but the vibes I was receiving from her told me that she could not help herself.

"In a way," I continue, "I guess you can say that I am the rightful heir to the Elven crown, but I am considered no ones Princess. My people hate me, all around. When my Grandfather step down to let my Mother rule many people questioned this. My Grandfather was already 500 years old when he took my Grandmother for his bride. But he learned the had way, that Human life spans are short lived. My Grandmother became sick when my mother turned 21 years of age and passed away shortly after that. My Grandfather decided that he did not want to deprive my Mother her chance to rule. Half breeds, or Hybrids as the Elves called them, life spans were always unpredictable, some live as long as Elves, others as long as a normal Human. My Grandfather did not want to take any chances, so he gave up his position. He was definitely a noble man.

Everything was going fine under my Mother's rule, that is, until she took the leader of the Wolf Demon tribe to be her life partner. My Father was one of the few Demons that did not consider Humans or Elves to be beneath him. He wanted to make a treaty with the Elves for peace and to work together to form a better future, but I do not think he planned on falling in love. He was drawn to my Mother the moment he met her and she to him. They kept their relationship a secret until the treaty was finished. Only after the treaty was signed and finished did they make the announcement of their plans to wed. They told their people it was to strengthen the newly formed bond between the Wolf Demon clan and the Elven nations. This, I am afraid, did not go over too well.

After the wedding and the marking ritual everything was quiet for awhile. My Mother thought that her people excepted this and was pleased that they could put the past behind them. But little did she know, there was a small group of people who were planning on over throwing her. If she had, she may have been more cautious about announcing my birth. I am afraid that I was the final nail in my Mother's coffin. I sealed her fate by being born. I am the child the world never wanted to exist. A being that comes from three different worlds.

Surprisingly, the group did not rebel then. No, they waited until I was much older. Probably so they could torture me properly. They found it inappropriate to torture me as an infant, for I would not remember but they found it alright to torture me as a child.

But they did the unthinkable… they literally made a deal with the greatest evil. I do not know if your lands have heard of these beings. They are not dead, but they are not alive either. They are as strong as Demons but they are soulless killers. They cannot walk around during the day and they hunt at night. They feed off the blood of living creatures and in turn creating more of their discussing kind. They are as pale as the dead and their eyes as red as blood. Oh they appear human enough but that is until they attack you. They are what my land calls, Vampires.

This group recruited these horrid creatures to kill my parents and myself. But they did not count on my power. I may not be a complete being by some peoples standards but being from three different worlds can have its advantages. My training allowed me to do things that most people only dreamed of, and my Demon and Elven strength made me stronger, and my Human heart and loyalty caused me to fight for those I loved. But the only thing I did not know is that the people I have come to love, did not love me at all. My parents and Grandfather truly loved me, they died protecting me. But the rest of the clans they all stood around me and watched as the Vampires surrounded me. They waited for the final blow that would end my retched existence. A few Elves, that called themselves my friends, tried to step out to help me but were held back. That is when he appeared, the Dark Man, as I called him.

His eyes were redder than the others but for some reason he did not appear to be dead, not like the others. He had long raven hair and he appeared to have a tired look about him because of the scars that fell under his eyes. The more he looked at me the more the fear took over me. He was about to end my life but something awoke inside me and that was the first time my wings appeared. I could feel my aura shifting and I made no move to fight it, I just let what may come, come.

It hurt, I will not deny that, the first time my wings cut through my shoulders. This was the first time I would ever have any scars and I carry these scars to remind me of what the man said my future was to be like, because I am the fallen Angel of the Elven world.

I was to be alone. I was never to find happiness for if I did I would destroy everything around me, he would make sure of it. I was to run and to become strong on my own. I would never be excepted anywhere I went. Because I was a disgusting abomination, a failed experiment and like all failed experiments, I was to be cast aside and forgotten about. No man would ever love me and I would spend the rest of my life alone. But last night changed everything. Actually, the past couple of days. Up till now the Dark Man's words remained true. I was not accepted by anyone. I did travel with a group of people that were like me in a way, outcast but I dared not stay with them because of the threat the Man made. But every town I would go to it was the same. I was not spare me a second glance until I did something impossible by their standards.

If a building caught fire, I would put it out. If a child went missing, I would find them. If someone was in need of healing, I would heal them. But soon after, they would discover what I was and chase me from their towns. I finally stopped trying to stay amongst the humans and lived in the forest. That is how I lived up till now. And this is why I hope that you understand I will be leaving by the end of this week."

Sakura's head snapped up at me when I told her of my departure.

"I don't think so." she says and the look in her eye causes a new wave of confusion to flow over me.

Why? Why does she want me to stay when I will only put her and everything she loves in danger?

"Angel-chan how old were you when this all happened?" Sakura looks at me with sadness in her jade eyes. She was doing a good job at holding her tears back but I could smell the salty liquid none the less.

"I was 7 almost 8 years of age when this all happened." I did not understand what purpose my age had to with me leaving but I answered her none the less.

"And how old are you now?"

"I am 22 years of age. Sakura-chan I do not understand what my age has…" I never had a change to finish my sentence before Sakura gasps and yells.

"You have spent 14 years of your life alone!" The tears finally broke through and I could not help but feel guilty for causing her to cry.

"Oh, Angel-chan," Sakura sobs, "After telling me all this do you really think that I would let you go without a fight? You are not leaving! If you haven't noticed you have become important to Naruto and me and now Sasuke-kun and the rest of our group. We all sat here last night trying to figure out how to help you and you want to thank us by running again!"

"I do not run! You do not understand. If I stay, blood will fall or it will only be a matter of time before your village demands that I leave. No one wants a half breed in their presence. Trust me I know…" I spoke my words slowly and precisely, making sure Sakura understood my words.

"YOU KNOW NOTHING!" Sakura screams and I flinch a little. I now understand why Naruto fears her when she is angry. Sakura is definitely someone not to cross.

"You know nothing Angel-chan," Sakura whispers. "Give us a chance. Please, that is all I will ask of you. Give us and give Gaara a chance. I think we can all make you happy. Everyone deserves to be happy."

How could I say no? My logical mind is screaming for me to tell her it is for the best. My demon side is telling me to put this woman in her place, that no one tells me what to do. My mind is once again at war but one look into Sakura's jade orbs and my mind is made up.

"I will stay but if something happens I will flee without a second thought. I will not let another village fall because of me. Understand?" I did my best to make sure that this agreement is not up for debate. Sakura nods and starts to walk towards the stairs.

"I guess we should make some breakfast. I'm pretty sure Naruto is hungry and plus we have to find out why they were here in the first place." Sakura smiles at me and I nod in response.

As I enter the living room I see Gaara sitting in the chair looking out the window but his head snaps towards me the second I enter the room. I could not look into his eyes because for the brief moment I did I see regret and sadness, and possibly concern shine through his light blue orbs. No, I did not want him to feel bad for something he does not understand. His memories told me enough about him that I understand he was not born a half demon, but chose to become one for the sake of his village.

I admire him for that and maybe I would tell him when I had a chance but now is not the time.

An awkward silence surrounds us but once Sakura left to make breakfast, I found my way to the nearest window and sat down on it ledge. I am not in the mood to talk to anyone at the moment. I already told Sakura more than I have ever told anyone in my entire life and now I had a feeling of guilt that I did not share my past with a certain red head sitting not too far from me.

He looks frustrated now and I can understand why. I messed up his life and I am trying to figure out how I can fix our situation. I have not claimed him as my mate, so maybe since it is not mutual Gaara could continue on with his life. We both may have a chance to choose our own fates.

My thoughts are instantly broken when the all too familiar voice of Naruto breaks through.

"How are you doing Angel-chan?" Naruto went to place a hand on my shoulder. I instantly shot him a warning glare and he pulls his hand back. I will not deny the relief I felt upon seeing this. I am not in the mood to be touched either.

"I am fine Naruto." I say coldly but I did not truly mean for it to sound so harsh, but maybe it is better that it did. I watch the hurt appear on Naruto's face and a twinge on guilt tugs at my heart. He is after all, just concerned about me.

Forcing a weak smile to his face Naruto nods his head. "That is good to hear. We were all worried about you. There was so much blood…"

Naruto begins his ramble. I see Gaara flinch when Naruto mentions blood.

"Your wound wouldn't stop bleeding and we were all confused because you healed so quickly from Sasuke's attack. I don't understand? What happened inside the sand? Why did…"

"Naruto… be quiet." I command. I really did not want to talk about anything right now. I need to sort out what I am feeling and what is going to happen.

Naruto shuts up at once, partly do to shock but mostly because I asked him. He lowers his head in shame for upsetting me and to my surprise I want comfort him, to pull him into a hug and tell him that it is alright. Never for the past 14 years have I ever been compelled to actually want to touch someone willing. I watch as Naruto shift uncomfortably for a few seconds before he decided to escape into the kitchen.

I return to staring out the window, trying my best to ignore the people in the room but his scent keeps coming at me. It surrounds my entire being and it is taking all of my will power not to acknowledge him, my so called mate.

I close my eyes but that only fuels the fire that is burning in the pit of my stomach. Everyone always told me that once you close off one of your senses the others compensates for it, and my sense of smell is doing just that. I take in a deep breath and shutter a little, his scent is making me hazy and if I did not get away soon I would go insane.

"Sasuke please tell Sakura-chan that I have gone for a walk and will return shortly. Kazekage-sama," I glance over to Gaara and he meets my gaze. For some reason he looks relieved when I acknowledged his presence. "It is nice to see you again."

I could not think of anything else to say. What is there to say?

'Hello Mate. Sorry that you will have me bonded to you for the rest of your life.'

I sigh and do not wait for a response from anyone. I just open the door and leave. I need to think and I think the best when I train.

-----Gaara------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As we make our way towards Sakura's house, I couldn't help but feel the anticipation that surrounded my heart. I couldn't wait to see her again. It took all my will power not to come back to Sakura's in the middle of the night to watch Angel sleep. I wanted to make sure she was okay, I wanted to make sure that she didn't hate me.

I can't understand why I would care if she hates me or not. Most of the time I can careless about what people think of me because of my past, but I didn't want her to hate me. I had an usual drive to make sure she is safe and in good health.

Because of these thoughts I didn't even notice that I am about 20 feet in front of Naruto.

"Yo! Gaara, slow down. Angel-chan isn't going anywhere!" Naruto screams at me. I stop dead in my tracks and gave Naruto one of my world class death glares.

"What makes you think that I am worried about her?" I keep my voice even, I didn't want Naruto to know that Angel was even in my thoughts. But I slipped up none the less.

"Hey, I never said anything about you being worried about her. But let's just say you said it, not me." Naruto smiles and I had to resist the urge to claw his face off. The sand in my gourd slithers around because of my mood but I will it to still. After all, it isn't Naruto's fault that he is right.

"Hn." is the only answer I am willing to give him at the moment.

Once we reach Sakura's house dread grasps at my heart. Thanks to my years of training to show no emotions, Naruto didn't notice my change of mood. But then again, Naruto was always bad at reading chakra. So, my dread was safe for the moment. He wouldn't know that my heart is pounding and it is hard for me to keep my breath steady. I can't wait to see her but at the same time I want to stay away from her.

I am sure she hates me. What I did to her I can never take back no matter how much I wish too. I didn't lie to her when I told her she is beautiful. Angel is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. For the longest time I thought Sakura held that title in my mind but she was off limits and my boyish crush soon faded. But then, once again, I was alone.

I did look at women but none ever caught my attention. I think Sakura only did because she killed Sasori and her skills as a medic are amazing. Also, having a group of fan girls didn't help. It caused me to think all woman were just blundering fools and their only concern was for the boy who had caught their attention. Sakura and Ino were no better in that sense because they fawned over the Uchiha for so long. But I learned some girls grow out of those fazes and I somehow respected them more for growing up.

But I still don't understand why I want Angel's approval so much. I want it so much my heart actually hurts. But I will give her space. I do not want to make her uncomfortable.

While standing in the living room I could hear Naruto mumble something about not being able to find anyone and that we should check upstairs. I didn't realize it but my feet followed him and I found myself behind him at the room he said was Angel's. Before I can stop him from opening the door, he did.

"Sakura-chan! Where are… you…" Naruto says as he swings the door open. I am about to tell him how stupid he is because Angel could have been sleeping still, but when I see his jaw drop, I stop. That is when I followed his gaze and discovered what had actually cause Naruto, of all people, to suddenly become quiet.

There, right before my eyes, is Angel standing at the window, dressed in nothing.

I stand there behind Naruto, my eyes wide in shock. No matter how much I will them to go back to their original position my body wouldn't listen. I try to divert my eyes away from her form but again my stupid body won't listen to me. All I can do is stare. It isn't that I don't like what I see, the Gods know I do, but I don't want to make Angel feel uncomfortable.

That is when Sakura stirred and the Uchiha awakened. The next thing I know Naruto and Sasuke had jumped over my head and where running away from a very angry Sakura. She is throwing things but thanks to my shield of sand nothing makes contact with me. I couldn't say the same for the other two.

Once the door is closed I stay in place. I am about to follow the other two when I hear the wonderful music that I have come to know as Angel's voice speak.

"Did I miss something?" I hear Angel ask.

"Well, you see… you're not exactly wearing anything right now and uh…" I can hear Sakura stumble for words.

"Am I that repulsive?" Angel asks and I feel my heart stop.

Repulsive! No Angel you are far for repulsive. I thank the Gods that Sakura answers the question before I did something rash. It is taking all the self control I have not to break down the door and show Angel how not repulsive she is.

"No Angel-chan! It's nothing like that. Trust me! If you can get Sabaku no Gaara to stand there shocked and bright red none-the-less, then you must have some kick ass body."

Sakura I truly wish you would have left that last part out about me. She must think that I am weak because the mere sight of a woman naked would cause me to fall apart. But in truth it was mainly because it was Angel I saw and nothing more. Any other woman I mostly likely would have not spared a second glance.

I hear Sakura laugh and I can practically feel Angel's confusion because, truthfully, I am confused too. What is so funny? After a few moments I finally hear Sakura say, "Nothing Angel-chan… it's nothing."

I decide to end my eavesdropping at this point. I didn't want to over stay my welcome because I am fairly sure Angel knew I was there. But I didn't think she would tolerate my presence for too much longer.

I make it to the living room, I remove my gourd and sit in the arm chair. We all sit here in silence, doing our best to avoid looking at each other. The more I think about what happened the more aggravated I became. What gave them the right to see Angel naked? Before I can even think the question it is out of my mouth.

"Why did you two look at her?" I question them. I make no attempt to hide the slight growl that escapes my throat. I couldn't understand why I feel like this. I want to bash their skulls in for having the audacity to even gaze at her body, let alone look upon her naked. She is mine and that sight should be reserved for me only.

I mentally shake my head to rid myself of such thoughts. Angel is not mine but I can't help but feel like she is. I can feel my fist clench in anger but somehow I manage to keep my calm.

"It's not like I choose to see her like that!" Naruto shot back defensively. "How was I suppose to know she was going to be standing there naked!!?"

Naruto had jump to his feet and is shaking his fist at me. I want to rip his hand off. He has no idea the torment that is going on inside of me. I want to protect what is mine but she is not mine. But now that another male is challenging me I have the sudden urge to protect her. No other male can touch her, hurt her, claim her. But I will myself to stay still. Naruto didn't know what he was doing so I shouldn't add fuel to the fire.

"Don't ever look at her like that again, or else." I warn. Naruto drops his fist and slumps over in defeat. I know that they didn't do it on purpose but it didn't mean I liked it. So I would forgive them this time, but I want to make sure that they are aware of the consequences if something like that should ever occur again, and it better not.

Naruto is about to retaliate but the sound of foot steps make him stop. Sakura and Angel walk into the living room. Sakura leaves to go to the kitchen and Angel immediately walks over to a window and sits on it's ledge. I can sense she is not in the mood to deal with anyone and I can relate, but of course my blonde hair friend could never take a hint.

"How are you doing Angel-chan?" Naruto went to place a hand on her shoulder but a quick warning glare from her causes him to pull his hand back.

I smirk a little but quickly hide it. No, I didn't want Naruto touching her but I couldn't bring myself to object to his actions. I could only sigh with relief that Angel, herself, did not want to be touched. But maybe she didn't want to be touched at all or would she let me comfort her? I once again push these thoughts away for both our sakes.

"I am fine Naruto." She says coldly and I couldn't stop the chills her voice caused me.

My heart starts to race and her scent picked the wrong time to reach my nose. She smells like moonflowers but it is slightly different now. Underneath the floral scent is another one. I've smelt this scent before but I couldn't place it at the time. Just then, I had a sudden itch on the side of my nose. When I bring my hand up to scratch it I realize whose scent it was that now surrounded her, it is mine.

I watch as Naruto forces a weak smile to his face and nods his head. "That is good to hear. We were all worried about you. There was so much blood," Naruto begins to ramble.

I flinch when Naruto mentions the blood I spilt and I hope that it went unnoticed by everyone.

"Your wound wouldn't stop bleeding and we were all confused because you healed so quickly from Sasuke's attack. I don't understand? What happened inside the sand? Why did…"

'Naruto SHUT UP!' I mentally scream. I couldn't seem to get the message to leave my mouth. I just sat there with guilt flowing through my entire body.

Blood.

I never thought I would be sicken by the sight but the sight of her blood on my hands did cause my stomach to turn. I never want to see her blood again.

"Naruto… be quiet." Angel commands. I look at her and mentally sigh. I couldn't express how much gratitude I felt towards her. I am just as sure she didn't want to relive the events that occurred yesterday.

I am sure she hates me. She hasn't even acknowledge my existence. It actually hurts to see that she is blatantly ignoring me. I want to walk over to her and demand why she is avoiding me but I stay rooted in my seat. I didn't want to upset her but I want to talk to her. I never felt so confused in my entire life and I don't like the feeling.

Naruto shut up at once, I guess partly do to shock but mostly because Angel asked him I supposed. No, I am sure of that. He lowers his head in shame for upsetting her. Afterwards he shifted uncomfortably for a few seconds before he left for the kitchen.

Angel returns to staring out the window but the look of sadness and confusion did not go unnoticed by me. What is causing these emotions in her? Whoever is causing them I want to wipe them from the face of the Earth. But then I realize that I could be the reason she is so depressed. The thought cause my stomach to turn. After what seem like an eternity, Angel finally broke the silence.

"Sasuke please tell Sakura-chan that I have gone for a walk and will return shortly. Kazekage-sama," Angel turns to look at me for the first time since she entered the room. I couldn't help but let relief wash over me.

She doesn't completely hate me. She acknowledge me and I feel slightly better.

"It was nice to see you again." Angel states and before I can respond she is out the door. I stare at the spot she was standing at for a few minutes. I didn't know what to do. But the last person in the world I expected to give me advise, speaks up.

"Go after her."

I turn and glare at the Uchiha. But I quickly realize what he just said. It wasn't a threat, but I still made no attempt to move.

"Listen Gaara. It is obvious that you have a thing for Angel or else you wouldn't be so hesitant. Go after her. Talk to her because I am sure she is just as confused, if not more, as you are." Sasuke is blunt and to the point. Maybe I misjudged him but this isn't about the Uchiha and me at the moment. I nod towards him and he smirks.

Before anyone can stop me, I am out the door to find Angel.