Hey everyone! Well here's the next chapter and I hope you enjoy! By the way, from now on, whenever I get an idea on a story that I want to write, and I'm determined to write it, I will post its future name, a quick summary, its rating, and the pairing on my profile under 'Coming Soon!' So go check that out if you want after you finish reading this chapter, ok? Also, I'm starting a contest so if you want to know more about that then go to my profile. It's not hard to miss, everything on the contest are bold, italic and underlined so have fun with that. I hope for a good number of people wanting to participate in the contest. And if you know someone who might want to try in the contest please tell them about it too. Can't wait to hear from you guys about the contest and on this chapter! On with the chapter!

Chapter 16

SPOV

I walked into the small two bedroom apartment I shared with Temari at about eleven pm, close to twelve. It was a long day at the hospital today. Everything started out ok. I started out helping with the clinic and even finished some paper work. I even got to play with the kids a little. It wasn't until the Code Blue alarm went off that everything began to be a pain. Four ANBU teams had come in after being ambushed on the border between the land of Wind and Water, all either seriously injured or just barely breathing.

It had taken at least ten hours to heal everyone. And on top of it all, I was the one who had to do all the major healing, because I was the only one able to heal them correctly and in time to save their lives. I loved the rush I got when I saved those lives and would gladly do it again, but it was times like these where I was tired and out of chakra, that I wished for a vacation. Or at least the next day off. But I knew if I took a day off, I would think of him.

It had been a little over five months since Temari had finally had enough of Neenah's antics. She insisted that it was either me and her or Neenah. Temari took Gaara's speechlessness as a sign that he chose Neenah over her. I could tell by her eyes that it hurt Temari deeply to think that her own brother choose that piece of trash over his own sister, but being Temari, she never let him know that.

Instead she rushed into my room after the fight and demanded that I start packing. She said that if she was leaving so was I because she wasn't going to leave me here to suffer alone while the guy I loved whored around. Temari was the only one besides Kankuro who knew that I loved Gaara.

Temari knew how much it hurt me to see Gaara and Neenah together. And she knew how much more it would hurt if she left me there alone with those two. So she bought an apartment about twenty minutes away from the hospital and told me to pack, and I did it willingly. All I have to do is pay for the groceries twice a month and the water bill and Temari covers everything else. It was a pretty sweet deal, but I would have liked it more if Gaara was with us and not Neenah. They had been together for so long; it was just a matter of time before he popped the question.

Once I realized that I had lost Gaara, I started pouring all the energy and time I had into the hospital, mainly the Children's Wing.

It was the one place where I could disappear and forget about it all without stressing out. The kids were always so happy and smiling whenever I came to visit. I loved to just be with them. If I could I would spend the whole day there but other's needed me to save their lives and loved ones.

I walked into the kitchen and pulled my mind from my thoughts. Temari was there, talking on the phone and trying to cook yet another ridiculous meal out of a cook book she had got awhile back. She said now that she was an independent woman that lived on her own, she would have to either take up cooking, or order out a lot, and we both knew we didn't make enough money to order take out every day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So far, I think we would have been better off with the take out. I know Temari is trying but cooking is just not her.

I tried to cover my laugh as she tossed a whole onion in whatever she was cooking without even cutting it. She looked up at me with pleading eyes and I nodded as she walked off still on the phone. I looked into the huge pot in horror. Whatever she was cooking had burnt, congealed, and had something white floating in it that was not the onion. If it tasted as bad as it looked, Temari and I would be dead by the time we finished one bowl of whatever this was. I tip toed into the bathroom and watched out for Temari as I threw whatever she had made down the toilet.

I tried to make it back to the kitchen without Temari hearing me from her room but once I got close enough, I didn't think she would hear me even if I started a small but controllable fire outside her door. Whoever she was yelling at really must have pissed her off. I didn't mean to be nosey but the more she yelled, the more curious I became. Suddenly, her yells were replaced with sobs and her squealing like a teenager.

I decided that was the best time to just back away slowly, and make dinner. Whatever was going on in that room, I either didn't want to know, or would know soon enough.

I started to look through the cabinets for something healthy but good to eat, but after about thirty seconds, my body reminded me of how tired I was. I got out a pack of ramen for Temari when she got off the phone and headed back to my room.

I didn't really decorate, just s few book shelves and scroll holders attached to the walls. I had a queen sized bed with a dresser and flat screen TV but nothing more. I gathered up my toiletries and went to take a hot shower. My body thanked me so much as the hot water soaked into my skin and massaged the sore muscles.

I got out of the shower about 10 minutes later and didn't even bother saying goodnight to Temari. I knew she was either already asleep or still on the phone. Climbing into bed that night after putting on my tank top and shorts, I couldn't help but do like I did every night - think about how much I wanted Gaara to be here with me.

I woke up bright and early this morning. A full hour before I was suppose to get up, only to find Temari was already up, ready for work, AND had breakfast set for us. Usually Temari would be still asleep snoring, but today she's up three hours earlier then she would have been on a regular day, she's happy, and she had breakfast, which actually looks edible.

I guess my facial expression said everything because Temari looked up at me and started to laugh. "Sorry, did I wake you? I have an early mission today so I have to meet with Gaara in about forty-five minutes. I thought since I was up that I would cook some breakfast," Temari explained with a smile. I had to turn away slightly to hide my twitch. Temari hadn't really spoken to Gaara since we moved out unless it was necessary. Now she was up bright and early, making breakfast, and happy to go and talk to him?

"Ok, what's going on?" I asked as I sat up on the counter and took a bite from one of the muffins she had made. It didn't taste half bad, chocolate chip. "Nothing, why would you say that," Temari asked, faking innocents. I was about to say something when the time on the stove caught my eye. "Oh crap!" I yelled grabbing a soda from the refrigerator and rubbing to but on my shoes, "I got to be at work in thirty minutes! I got up an hour early because I was going to do a double today and if I'm late they dock my pay!"

I could hear Temari laughing as I ran out the door and onto the street towards the hospital. As soon as I entered in through the front door of the hospital, I regretted it. Nekio was at the front desk, flirting with one of the many receptionists. As soon as I came in, all his attention went to me. I had tried to tell Nekio that I wasn't interested. I had tried for almost two weeks straight after the ball but he either wasn't getting that I didn't like him or just too damn persistent. Either way, he was here now and I have a feeling he isn't leaving anytime soon.

I took deep breath as he began towards me. "Sakura, Good morning," Nekio yelled as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I guess it was suppose to be a hug but when he started rubbing his nose on my ear, it wasn't a hug anymore. I pushed off of him and began towards my office, with following slightly behind me. No need to guess why he was lagging behind. "Good morning Nekio," I greeted turning down the hall. "Is there any reason why you're at the hospital this early in the morning? Was there something you needed?" I asked as we reached my office. I fished out my key and started to unlock the door. I stopped, almost dropping my keys when I felt a hand on my butt.

I took Nekio's hand into mine and squeezed until I heard the loud cracking of at least three fingers breaking. I released his hand and turned to look at Nekio clutching his hand in pain. I bent over to his now crumbled form on the floor and whispered, "Nekio, I have tried to be nice. I have told you time after time again I do not like you nor will I sleep with you. I have given you a second, third, and fourth chance. If you ever try to do anything like that again, your lower finger is the one that will be broken. And I'll make sure it won't be able to be fixed."

I smirked as his eyes widened at my words.

I unlocked the door to my office and grimaced at the week's worth of paper work piled on my desk. It was way too early for this.

By this time it was eleven am, the time I was suppose to come into work instead of four hours earlier like I had to today. I had already done two emergency surgeries, filled out a quarter of all the paper work that was on my desk and drank fifteen cups of coffee. I rubbed my temples as I reviewed my notes for the upcoming surgery I had to perform in an hour. It was a simple procedure but I still wanted to be extra sure of everything I had to do once I entered into the operating room.

I sighed again and began to let my mind wonder. Right now, Gaara was probably filling out some important paper work with Neenah on his lap. They would be looking into each other's eyes lovingly. A beautiful engagement ring would adorn her right hand. Gaara would lean into Neenah, and kiss her while whispering the sweet words I wish he would say to me. I love you.

A knock at the door pulled me away from my thoughts. I hadn't realized I had started to shed a few tears until then. I wiped them away quickly and went back to my paper work before calling whoever was on the other side of the door to come in. Saki, one of the main nurses on the main floor, came in. She looked a little shaken up, like she had seen something or she was scared.

"Yes?" I asked as I stood and walked towards her.

"Dr. Haruno, I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry but Kazekage-sama came just now and he demanded that his usual two week appointment to be pushed to once a week, starting today! And he wants you to give the tour. He won't leave and we can't do anything! I'm so sorry," she took a deep breath looking around still shaking. "He is on his way up here, to your office, right now!"

I took me three seconds to gather up all my notes and shove myself past Saki and through the door. It took two seconds for me to crash into something hard, and another two seconds to realize it was Gaara. I gulped loudly and stared into his chest, avoiding his eyes at all cost. It had been so long, I didn't think I could handle this. Any other time he came I made sure my schedule was full enough to keep me busy or I was in surgery while he was here. I wasn't ready for this.

"Sakura," He said placing his hand on my shoulder, "Where are you going? You weren't going to run away from me, were you?" I took a step away from him and stared down at my hands. I hated seeming so scared but I couldn't look into those eyes I missed so much. Just being here in the same room was pushing me.

"Sorry, Kazekage-sama," I said trying to stay calm and bowed respectfully. "Please follow me; there are a few minor updates to the hospital that you should see." I walked out the door and pasted Gaara, trying to ignore the feel of our arms barely grazing each other as I did.

I showed him around the numerous wings of the hospital and explained how each one had been updated recently, never looking back at him as he followed silently behind me, only an "hn" here and there. It wasn't until I was walking past the Children's Wing when he actually said anything. "I'd like to go visit the children." Gaara said. I turned in time to see him headed down the hall to the Children's Wing.

I raced after him. I found him in the same room I was in yesterday. I couldn't help but smile as I watched as the kids grouped around Gaara's legs. What surprised me was that Gaara picked up two of the kids, the twin girls Kandi and Nandi. What surprised me even more is that he sat down in the center of the floor and began to play with as many of the kids as he could at one time, even using his sand to preoccupy or tickle some of them.

Gaara didn't me as the child loving type but then again Gaara was a mystery. I leaned against the door watching the children tackle him and ask him all sorts of questions; I couldn't help but smile and think what a great father he would be when they got married. Gaara would protect them and love them. He wouldn't make the prefect dad but he would make a damn good one.

One of the kids finally noticed me at the door way and shouted, "DR. HARUNO!" They all, almost instantly, got off of Gaara and tackled me down and out the door. I laughed and greeted them all as best as I could while handing out hugs and kisses. I loved these kids. I loved all kids. They were our future and without them, there is no us.

I looked over to see a few kids, including the two twins that Gaara had picked up, still over huddled around his lap while he told them a story I guess. I went on playing with the rest of the kids. We must have been there awhile, because my stomach started to growl rather loudly and the kids heard.

"Dr. Haruno's tummy is talking," one little boy said with a giggle.

"Yea it is. Its saying 'FEED ME!'" I said grabbing the little boy and started to tickle him.

"Then we should follow what it says before it eats you," Gaara said suddenly. I made a big mistake and before I could stop myself, I looked up at him. He was standing above me with a hand held out to help me up. His eyes were bright and shining but I noticed he was paler. His smile took my breath away. He never smiled and when he did it was almost invisible. But here he was, looking into my eyes with a gentle smile that graced his lips.

I nodded, unable to find my voice, and took his hand. I looked down at our hands together and couldn't help smile a little more at how much bigger his hands were to mine. I was finally up and we were still holding hands. His eyes never left mine and mine never left his. His smile got a little bigger I took a step a little closer, and didn't notice the stupid toy car that was there.

In a split second I was being thrown off balance and into Gaara's chest. Gaara couldn't steady us both so quickly and we tumbled toward the floor. I opened my eyes to see what way we landed, and wished I hadn't. Our legs were tangled together, his arms were wrapped protectively around my waist, holding me too him tightly so that I felt his hip dug into mine. I still had my fist clutching his chest and our noses were barely touching. His eyes were glazed over as I looked at him, but not with lust. The blush that stained my cheeks grew more as I realized we were still there after a few moments and the kids were still looking at us.

"I-I'm so s-sorry, Kazekage-sama," I stuttered, reminding myself of Hinata.

"Are you alright Sakura?" He asked, ignoring my apology. He removed one of his arms from around my waist and sat us both up. He kept me on his lap, his right arm still held my waist to him tightly. When I tried to get up and only tugged my back down. "I asked, Are you alright Sakura?" He repeated looking me in the eye, his breath fanning over my face as he moved close.

I nodded and cleared my throat, taking his arm from around my waist and standing up. I looked at all the children staring at us with a confused look. I smiled at them and dusted myself off, "Well, kids sorry but I have to go now ok? But, I'll let the kitchen know that all kids will have ice-cream sandwiches for dessert tonight?" The room erupted in a roar as the kids began to go back to playing.

"Well, Sakura, it's almost one pm. Since I stole you away from your lunch, how about joining me for mine? I'll pay, you pick the place?" Gaara asked placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. I thought for a minute, and I sighed heavily as the thought of Neenah came to mind. I didn't want to be stuck in restaurant with the lovely couple as a third wheel.

I shrugged his hand off and started out the room and down the hall. Gaara quickly followed. "Did I say something wrong?" Gaara asked, keeping up with me easily.

"No, Kazekage-sama," I stated flatly. He grabbed my wrist and jerked me back to look at him.

He stared into my eyes, searching. "Call me Gaara again. Please Sakura, I know I messed up. Just, have lunch with me. I want to start our friendship over again." Gaara was serious, but his eyes held an emotion I never saw in Gaara before, but I didn't know what it was. His eyes were begging me to let him back into my life. I could tell by the shine that his words were honest and true, but when he said friendship I knew I was just fooling myself. He still loved Neenah, and he only wanted me as a friend.

"Sorry, my friend, Kazekage-sama. Please, tell Neenah-chan hello for me," I said, dropping my eyes from his. I felt his hand around my wrist tighten a little when I said my friend but I ignored it. I pushed his hand away from my wrist and walked back to my office, not looking to see if he was following me.

I knew he wasn't.

As soon as I was in the safety of my office, I shut and locked the door, allowing the tears I had held in to come pouring out. I slide down my door and hugged myself. I loved him, and he would never know it. I sat and cried until the time for the surgery finally came.

I rinsed off my face quickly and opened my office door, about to make my way to the operating room, only to see…

CLIFF HANGER!!!!!! MUAHAHAHA!!!!! I KNOW IM SO EVIL RIGHT!! Oh well, that's the chapter. I promise to update soon but if my reviews hit a 100 then I'll make the next chapter not only extra long, but ill add in a lot more drama and maybe a little kinky fluff here and there. Hope you liked it! Please leave a review and don't forget to check out my profile for what's coming soon and the contest!!!

--Yuuki!