Last Chapter: "Gaara..." He looked down at her. "Thank you..." And fell asleep.

Disclaimer: Naruto, my quest to own you is almost finished! (wakes up) NOT AGAIN!

How it All Started...For Us

Sakura woke up early. Well, Hinata was up. And Gaara didn't sleep. But at least she was awake before Naruto. But then again that wasn't quite an accomplishment. She sighed. She sniffed the air. Looks like Hinata had started on breakfast. She smiled. Some of her favorite dishes. Slowly she got out of bed and stretched herself out. Sakura got through her morning routine. As she was about to go through the door she heard a knock. Opening it revealed Gaara, and he handed her a note. Apparently he didn't like talking in the morning. And, of course, he disappeared directly afterwards.

She moved to the kitchen with a smile on her face. "Morning, Hinata-chan." she said and commenced helping her with the freshly started meal.

"G-G-Good m-m-morning, S-Sakura-c-chan." Hinata said. And then she noticed that Sakura had a sticky note on her hand. "S-Sakura-c-chan?" she said, pointing towards her hand.

"Oh." Sakura said. She handed it to Hinata. She had already memorized the words and the perfect, scripted handwriting.

Naruto-kun and I are going down to the hot springs and then out for a few supplies he forgot.

We'll be back before breakfast is cold. And by the way, you might want to bring an umbrella for our picnic.

The forecast is slightly rainy so it should be fine, but...just to be safe.

Forever a Leaf Friend,

Gaara.

Sakura and Hinata made small talk about everything that came to mind, clothes, fashion, the picnic today, their mission, boys...Everything. The mission was a quick conversation as Shikamaru would be there to help them. Of course, he was in the middle of the desert with Temari. Sakura had memorized the mission scroll as well. Gaara, Hinata, Naruto and herself were to meet Shikamaru and Temari halfway to Suna. Kankuro would be taking care of Kazekage duties. The only reason Gaara had to escort them was because of import and exports, transfers, and all the other papers had to be signed by the Kazekage himself. Unfortunately, that wasn't Kankuro.

The boys arrived right on time again. Once again, it was a feast of many kings. So to speak, anyway. Rice, miso soup, yogurt, eggs, natto, jam, sausage, ham, seaweed, pickles, cheese and pancakes all lined the table. And of course, Sakura had packed ramen and had Hinata make it. Which she just happened to mention to him. Hinata blushed as Naruto gave her a big smile and thanks.

'Itadakimasu!' he shouted. Gaara did so as well, but much quieter.

Sakura felt paranoid. She couldn't help but think Gaara was glancing at her more than usual. But then again, that would mean she was looking at him equally as much. 'Gaara must think I'm a creep.' She thought.

Just like Sasuke said. She was an annoying, stupid, perverted fangirl. She cast her eyes down at her plate. Naruto was too engulfed in his and Hinata's conversation to notice, like he usually did. Gaara, however, wasn't.

"Naruto, could you help Hinata clean up? I need to put away those supplies. Sakura, can you help?"

"Sure Gaara!" Naruto said with his fox grin. "Come on Hinata!" he said, grabbing two handfuls of plates with one hand and grabbing Hinata's with the other. She only managed to get a few as she tried not to trip following him.

Silence engulfed the two. "Sakura." Gaara said, staring directly at her. "What is it?"

"What's what, Gaara?" She said, looking instantly cheery.

"I saw that frown." he said, not falling for her fake smile.

"Can I tell you about it this afternoon instead?" she asked, pouting about it a bit.

"...Okay." And with that, they went and packed their bags.

'An annoying, stupid, perverted fangirl that couldn't keep herself safe and was a gigantic nuisance. Yep, that's what he thought of me. Always.'