D8! I got another chapter up! Hopefully. I really hope this will turn out into a good story. This is my first story, though, so I don't know.

Chapter 2: Awakening.

" What do you want me to do, Sakura-san?"

I glanced up at Kina, before nodding over to the towel near the sink." Wet it, and wash off the sweat on his forehead. Keep him cool, all right? Don't get any water in his mouth." It was stupid to ask that but, yes, in the position he was in, he'd probably freak out more. It was just a suggestion. I was surprised that Gaara could have made it . . . He didn't eat in weeks, or drink, but Tamari told that living in Suna was different from living in Konoha. They didn't eat as much as us, nor did that drink as much. They were living in a desert.

Two weeks. Two weeks have passed by, and Gaara still hasn't got any better, and it was killing me. I couldn't stand this! His screams . . . His screams were becoming that melody you heard every day. You know, that sound where the wind blew against the leaves, making that soothing sound. Except, this was the exact opposite. It made me sick.

It made me look like Kina, except worse.

I never expected this. I never wanted this.

" You ready?" Kina nodded.

I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes, letting my energy flow through me, through my veins.. Soon, it all ended up in my hands, giving me that icy cold feeling of power within my fingertips. " Did he make any response when you put the water on his forehead, Kina?" I asked. She nodded. She looked as if she were about to fall off her feet, and pass out any minute.

" Okay." I muttered, indicating that we were about to start. She took a step back, and soon, I placed my hand on Gaara's forehead, forcing my energy, and chakra into him, trying to calm - and cool - him down.

" Tie the straps tighter, Kina. He might react negatively to this."

As soon as she tightened them, I closed my eyes, and focused my energy on Gaara.

I've been doing this the past week, but I decided to do something different.

As soon as I focused my concentration on him, my body began to tremble.

Something was definitely in him, but what?

My free hand moved within him, yes, within him without penetrating his skin. I had learned that trick a while back from Tsunade-san.

There. There it was! I never was able to reach this point, but now I could! Today was definitely different!

I touched the source of the pain, but soon, the thing that I had touched, whatever it was, vanished; leaving my hand burning from the reaction. I pulled my hand out, trying to keep my concentration on Gaara . . . And that's when the screaming started again.

This time, the screams were different . . . Like, whatever that I had touch, was hurting Gaara because I invaded it's privacy.

I pulled my hand away from Gaara, my breathing coming out in gasps, my knees buckling beneath me. When I looked up, I noticed that Kina was not in the room. I looked down at Gaara, watching him as he thrashed around, his arms yanking at the straps, trying to release himself from the restraints. The veins in his hands, and arms, grew more pronounced as he struggled to get free.

But that's what bothered me.

The whole time he had been strapped onto this bed - the whole time - he never used his sand, not even once, to get free. Something was definitely wrong with him. Either he was doing this intentionally, or he was trying to keep something within him from breaking out.

His screaming grew louder, and then, it stopped.

I opened my eyes, seeing he was now panting, and staring up at the ceiling, although his eyes were closed. They never opened once opened since I've gotten here. That's when I heard the whimpering. That hurt more than anything else. Hearing someone as strongly as Gaara, whimpering . . . was horrible.

I raced over to his side, putting a hand back on his forehead, and the other on his chest. If it were any other time, I would have blushed. Gaara turned into quite a man since the last time I had saw him . . .

At that thought, I shook my head, before going back and concentrating on Gaara.

" Gaara, calm down please . . ." I begged, putting my forehead on the soft cushioned bed. Gaara made no response, as always, and he continued to whimper." Please." I begged again, not even noticing that my eyes were beginning to burn. Burning, because I was trying to hold back tears." Gaara," I whimpered as wel,l as soon as he did, and then, he spoke. My eyes widened in surprised, and I snapped my head up to look at him." Stop!" He was begging. Really begging, and I tried not to let that hurt me. I tried not to. This was something I wasn't prepared for. It felt like my heart shattered into millions of pieces, like I was dying. Soon, he fell silent, his body stilled, and his breathing became calm. Which, in return, made me stare at him in surprise, a sigh of relief filled the air." Thank you." I whispered, before pulling away from the tortured man on the bed, and going off to sit back on the chair near the window. I don't know how long I sat there, just staring at Gaara.

He really did change . . .

His hair had gotten longer, more red, too. Even though it looked like blood, it still had this beautiful and silky look to it that made me want to run my fingers through it. His muscles, which he didn't seem to have when we were younger, had grown more pronounced, and I was sure that if he were to wear a tight shirt, it would emphasize the contours of his chest.

And, you know, looking at him, right now, while he actually calmed down for the first time in two weeks, I realized, for the first time in my life, he actually looked beautiful. I know, that sounded weird coming from me, but who knew what he would turn out to be? He was beautiful, and I couldn't deny that. It was just the way his red hair hung in his face, and I'm sure, that when his eyes opened, it wouldn't change the fact that he was beautiful. It would only make him more beautiful.

And then, I asked myself . . . How can someone, like him, be this beautiful!? Then, I came up with a conclusion that I was only thinking that because he had been in so much torture, and pain that he actually looked scary. Ugly. And now, he looked peaceful, calm, serene . . .

But deep down, I knew that the conclusion I had came up with, was a lie.

" Sakura?" I looked up to the familiar voice, noticing Tamari standing there. I gave her a weak smile, before returning my gaze to Gaara." What is it, Tamari?" I asked, unconsciously curling my hands into fists.

" You've been here for a very long time," She took a deep breath, and I glanced up at her." Would you like to come and eat with me, and Kankuro? He just got back from a mission. He's been eager to meet you. But if I tell you the real reason to why he does, you might not want to come." She joked, giving a small giggle. I knew she was trying to lighten up the mood, but after what I had just been through, it just didn't help.

" Sure." I smiled, getting up, and taking off the jacket that, by the way, had gotten stained by blood. Gaara had decided it would be nice to just start coughing up blood.

" Is that his . . . blood?" Tamari questioned, pointing at the white jacket. I nodded, hanging the coat on the arm of the chair, and walking off toward the door to stand next to Gaara's sister." Mind if I go to the bathroom first, Tamari?" She put a hand on my shoulder, gave me a small pat, before leading me toward the bathroom.

The bathroom was as dull, and white, as everything else, and quite frankly, I was getting sick of it. At least the bathroom had a couch.

By now, though, I got use to the dull hospital, and considered it my home. Sort of.

As soon as I spotted my appearance in the mirror, I stopped and stared. I definitely changed since two weeks ago . . .

There were dark circles around my eyes, making me look almost like Gaara; my hair was ruffled, and tangled, and my lips were dry, and cracked. It looked as if I were starved on a hot, and dry island, but all I did was take care of Gaara. Now I see why most of the people in this town were depressed.

Their Kazekage was near death. Again.

And it never hit me, until then, that Gaara had to be a very good leader to these people for them to become depressed over this.

It inspired me. It really did, but how can something inspire me to do something, when the person who inspired me was screaming in pain, making me wish to do anything to help him? If he died, I felt that I would die, too.

I sighed, washing my face with water, and soap, before walking back, and giving Tamari another smile.

" Okay, I'm ready." She grinned, before holding out her arm. Tamari was a good person for support. The first time I met her, I thought she was just some jerk, but, truthfully, she was a determined, kind, strong-willed girl, and I respected that. A few days ago, I realized I actually respected her as much as I would as a sister, or a best friend. I hooked my arm with her arm, and we walked out of the hospital." Kankoru said he'd meet us near the house, but don't trust him. He'd usually end up in the where we're heading . . . So, we'll just go there. If he's not there, we'll just eat without him." She smirked over at me, and I let out a little laugh." He's a very perverted person, Sakura. I just wanted to warn you. You must have expected him to be that type of person who hates little kids, considering the first time we met. You know, back then, you didn't seem like the type of girl you are, right now." I looked up at her, giving her a confused expression." You're stronger," She stated, giving me a small, believable grin." Not only that type of strength that's within your muscles, but that strength within your heart. You believe in yourself, now. I can see that."

" Yeah, well, you changed, too!" I grinned, trying to ignore the fact that she had pinned me down to 'T', metaphorically speaking. I did believe in myself, now." Ah, well, after having your brother, speaking of Gaara here, go through a great change, you tend to change, too."

" Wait, what do you mean 'great change'?" I asked, letting my gaze flicker up to her, once more, and trying to, also, ignore the other fact that she said she had change. Okay, she did, but her attitude stuck to her like honey, and glue.

" Well, you know when Naruto defeated Gaara?" I thought for a moment, before nodding my head." Yes, well, that inspired him." I stared at her in surprise. That didn't sound like Gaara at all. But, I couldn't say that. I knew nothing about Gaara . . . I guessed I was talking about Sasuke then. He'd never take failure as an inspiration, said person would want revenge, and revenge is want he'll get." That's when he started to change. He never killed anyone since then, and I know that it's weird to say that, but it's true. He's become a great Kazekage, and a great person. And, I know now, that I should have never let my father do what he had done to him. I knew back then, too, but, being the elder, you tend to get bitter over having your mother die. That can go toward anyone, too." She was staring at the floor now. Her eyes were glistening with tears." Tamari, it's okay." I muttered, giving her arm a gentle squeeze. She looked over at me, and smiled." Gaara forgave me and Kankuro, too. I mean, he didn't say it specifically, but I knew he did. He never threatened us since then, he actually allowed us to joke around with him, and to . . . touch him. I've finally hugged my little brother." A smile pulled at her lips, and, not knowing at the time, so did mine.

" I'm very sorry, Tamari." She nodded, before taking a deep breath, pulling her arm away from mine, and opening the door in front of us that I had failed to notice was there." Don't be sorry, because, knowing Gaara, he'll pull through." She gave me a reassuring smile, such a reassuring smile, that I actually felt relieved, but I knew, that the condition Gaara was in, even when he did make it out of whatever he was in, he'd be sick, and probably wouldn't make it. I just felt relieved that Tamari wasn't going to blame me if anything happened to Gaara . . . I knew that, at least, that's what I thought.

0o0o0o0o0o0

It turned out that Tamari was right about Kankuro. Yeah, I know she is his sister, but still . . . I didn't think he'd be that perverted.

But, I had a very good time.

I laughed more than I did in weeks, and smiled more as well.

I felt like I had a family again, and I really, really liked that.

Kankuro, and Tamari walked me to the hospital, before giving me an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

When I entered the house, I realized that Kina was pacing around the waiting room, fidgeting with her fingers. As soon as she saw me, she raced over, grabbed my hand, and we sped off in the direction to Gaara's room. " Kina, what's wrong!?" I asked, surprised that I was actually worried. Worried that something happened to him. I was worried over someone I didn't know, but I was like that with all my patients. I had to be, but this was different.

" It's Gaara; he's not moving, and he's not breathing either! I didn't know what to do!" She shouted, biting her bottom lip.

Gaara . . . stopped breathing?

I rushed through the door to his room, ran over to his bed, and checked his pulse.

There was nothing. Not even the jolt of a beating heart.

" This is all my fault!" I whimpered. I heard Kina let out a sob behind me, and I glanced back behind her. " I can't believe this happened!" She exclaimed, staring at me." H-He was untouchable!"

So, it had an effect on her, too? The Great and Powerful Gaara; tortured to death. Soon, Kina ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her. " Gaara, I'm so sorry! I should have stayed here! I didn't mean to!" I placed my hands on his cheeks, staring down at the face. Although he wasn't breathing, he looked absolutely peaceful. He didn't react when the tears fell down, and splashed his cheeks. Of course he wouldn't. He was dead. Dead. I really don't know why I was crying . . . Two weeks ago, I didn't even want to go, and now, I wanted to stay. This place felt like home.

I mean, after having Sasuke leave, it felt like Konoha was just an empty shell, but here . . . it wasn't like that.

" You were so strong, Gaara. What happened to you?" My voice was quivering with sadness, and I pushed back tears.

I looked up at the 'love' mark on his forehead, wondering if it were a tattoo, or a scar like his records said.

Yes, I did read his records while I was here, and it brought a whole new prospective to looking at Gaara.

All this time, I thought he just became that . . . 'monster', because he wanted to, but this was different.

Gaara had such an upsetting past, that it made my heart regain the pieces from when it shattered, only to shatter again once more, only worse.

" Gaara, I just wanted to say - even though you can't hear me, and that I never got a chance to talk to you - I think I would have been able to really get to know you." A soft smile pulled at my lips." We would have gotten close, I bet." I grinned, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to wipe away the tears. I stared back at the kenji on his forehead, before leaning forward, placing my finger on it, and tracing the puckered up red scar. He had done this himself, as so it said in his records." If I were your mother, I would have done anything to try and be with you." I took a deep breath, leaned and placed my lips upon the scar. I let my lips linger there, trying to savor this moment, and I didn't know why. I didn't want to leave him. It was weird. After weeks of just watching him scream, I grew attached, and it was then that I realized I was almost as psycho as he was.

I was about to pull away, but - suddenly - a cold, strong hand gripped my neck, and soon, I couldn't breathe. I gripped at the cold fingers, only to find that the grip got stronger. I let my gaze travel down to Gaara's eyes, only to find that they were open . . .

" Gaara!" I gasped, before continuing to pull at his cold fingers.

" You!" His voice sounded much like an accusation, and it made me hurt inside; but soon, I was filled with happiness, and with that, came my confusion. His voice had got different, too. It was like sand; rough, but filled with heat when angered, cold with upset, smooth when calm, and yet, still beautiful all the same.

I tried to control my thoughts, and focus myself on getting his fingers away from my throat. I couldn't understand myself, and it bothered me. I was happy, and yet, here I was, nearly being choked to death by someone who had just died, and came back to life.

" What are you doing here!?" His voice was filled with familiarity, and anger, but it didn't phase me.

I couldn't speak, and I tried holding on to my consciousness. He dropped me, only, soon, to have me pressed against the wall by his sand.

Ah. Old times.

" What are you doing here?!" He asked, once more, anger laced that silky, smooth voice. " Gaara, you've been in the hospital for over a month! No one knew what to do, so they called me! And, quite frankly, I didn't know what to do, either!" It was funny how just one change in Gaara made that fiery spirit within me burst out once more." Now drop me, right now, you cannibal!" I shouted, trying to move within the sand, which was a weak, and pitiful, attempt.

He snorted, now sitting up on the bed, looking as if it were no problem; as if there was no pain. It was a miracle. Tamari will be glad.

" Drop you?" He questioned, glancing over at me, giving me a barely noticeable smirked. But, trust me, when he smirked, you would notice. It's not every day you get to see him coming any where near a smile, but it vanished as quickly as it came. With a flick of his wrist, the sand vanished, and, as I asked, I was dropped to the floor, meeting the meaning of gravity." Well, thanks." I growled, sarcasm dripping off my words.

" Hn."

" You're so . . . so-" My fingers curled into a fist, and I stomped my foot on the ground. How original." You're so mean!" I shouted, pointing my finger at him.

He arched a nonexistent eyebrow at me, before looking down at himself, probably wondering why he was only in boxers, which I had failed to mention. Yes, now it bothered me. My face turned red, a darker shade than my hair, obviously, and I glanced down at my feet, shuffling it nervously.

" Your insult doesn't phase me, Kunoichi."

'Your insult doesn't phase me, Kunoichi.'

I mimicked him from behind him, only to jump when I heard him speak once more.

" You're childish antics do nothing, but bother me, as well." He tilted his head to the side, giving me an irritated look, before looking back out the window. I stood there, surprised, flustered, angry, and . . . happy. That was the first time I actually saw any emotion on his face . . . I mean, sure, it could have been something like happiness - happy that he was alive - but no, it was irritation.

How did he know I was doing anything, any way?

And why . . . am I so happy?

Why did I just change all of a sudden?

" Hey, Gaara?" I asked.

The redheaded man let out a sigh, before shifting from his position, only to face me. The way his muscles rippled underneath his skin caused me to blush, and I had to look down at the floor.

" If you continue to stare at the floor, Kunoichi, instead of asking your question, then maybe you should leave. I've already had enough time wasted."

I frowned, before lifting my head up to glare at him." Listen here, bucco!" I said, I stood up, and walked over to him, and thrusted my slender finger into his chest. What surprised me, was that I just actually touched him. What surprised me more, though, was that he actually let me." I've been here for nearly a month, trying to get you to come out of whatever you've been screaming about! So don't go around acting all superior, because, you know what, Mr. Gaara-sama?" I taunted, pulling my had back, and placing them on my hips. He looked surprised, but it vanished as quickly as the smirk had." I could have let whatever that was killing you, might I add, just, well, kill you!" I realized I was shouting now, but what he said next, surprised me.

" You should have, then." He replied, his voice was cold, and he was glaring at me now, before he pushed himself off the bed, and was now standing up, his hands curling, and uncurling into fists at his side.

" What happened to you?" I asked, taking a step toward him.

Gaara opened his mouth to speak, but shut it when I moved closer, making me blush once more, noticing that I was probably making him uncomfortable. It was a good thing he was, well, dead when I was talking to him in such a manner he wouldn't like.

" Tell me." I demanded.

His jaw clenched, and his eyes closed. After a ackward silence, he opened his eyes, and gazed within mine.

His eyes would have been so beautiful, just like him, if only they had emotion in them.

" Please." I pleaded.

He took a deep breath, before he sat back on the bed, still staring me in the eye.

" You really want to know what happened?"

I nodded.

" Shukaku is back." I stared at him in surprise. I know now, that if I screamed, or decided to run, he would have chased me, and do whatever it took, even killing me, just to keep this a secret. And I was scared, who wouldn't be?