Whirlwind

Chapter Four

-Mission Impossible-

By the time it dawned on Sakura that Gaara had whisked her away, again, it was too late. When she felt her feet touch the ground, she immediately pulled away from him, scowling. "Why do you keep doing that? You can't just grab people and take them wherever you want to go! You could at least ask for their acquiesce first!"

He just stood there and looked at her blankly. "If I had waited you only would have argued more, and I can only tolerate our squabbles for so long. It's entertaining to see you at least try to get your way." He smirked, turning away from her and heading towards the stairs. He didn't want to hear what else she had to say, and her opinion on some things just didn't matter.

She huffed and looked away from him, crossing her arms in the process. "So." He glanced back and smirked. She was behaving like a child now, and it was almost funny. Without saying anything he began to walk up the long staircase near the front door. "Hey! Where are you going?" she demanded, stomping her foot.

He continued up the stairs without looking back at her, knowing that she would follow. She didn't disappoint him. He walked down the hall until he stood in front of a large wooden door on his left. Turning to her, he said, "This will be your room." Then he pointed to a set of double doors at the end of the hall. "That is my room. Nobody goes in my room if they value their life. You would do well to remember that." And without another word, he vanished behind the doors.

Exhaustion overriding anger, Sakura cautiously opened the door to her room. What she saw made her gasp. The room was about the same size as her small apartment in Konoha. There was a huge king sized bed in the center of the room, with a fireplace directly in front of it. It contained a small sitting area, with a couch and two chairs, and on the other side of the room there was a huge bay window. Walking to the window, she noted that she could see practically all of Suna, including Gaara's office building. The mansion must be located on some sort of hill, she thought.

Deciding that she wanted to take a bath before bed, she walked across the room and opened the bathroom door. Again she had to stifle a gasp. Not only did the bathroom have a shower and a bathtub, but the tub was large enough to be a small pond. There was also a huge closet in the corner, and a vanity on the opposite wall.

She turned on the water in the bath, and turned to look at herself in the mirror while it filled up. She hadn't changed much over the years. She was taller, but not noticeably, and although she had filled out a little, it wasn't enough to suit her. As she got in the tub she couldn't help but wonder if Sasuke would see how she had changed. Deciding that it was something best left to contemplate later, she focused on the feel of the hot water touching her skin. Her tired muscles relaxed as the water soaked in, and she was perfectly content to just lay there for a while. Maybe staying at the Kazekage's mansion wouldn't be so bad after all.

Gaara sat up from his sleepless night. He rubbed his dark eyes, letting the sheets fall to his bare waist. He was getting tired of not sleeping again, it had been nice when the demon was removed and he experienced the nothingness of sleep. The redhead grasped his black silk sheets, threw them to the side, and got out of bed. He stood straight, stretching in the process. After he cracked his back, he stretched out his arms one at a time, letting out a sigh. "I guess making breakfast for our guest would be a kind thing to do," Gaara mumbled to himself, glancing over at his dresser. He was only in his loose drawstring black pants and nothing more. An evil grin crossed his face. He'd wait to put a shirt on. It would be interesting to see Sakura's reaction to his body. She was, after all, so skilled at being awkward.

With that Gaara walked toward his doors and slipped out into the hall, making his way silently to the kitchen. He stopped in the doorway to the warm cooking area and scratched his head, thinking deeply. "What do people from Konoha eat anyway?" he wondered aloud. He shrugged. She would just have to eat whatever he made her. After all, this was a rare treat from him, and she wouldn't dare refuse.

He took down a couple of pans and placed them over the oven. Twisting on the heat control, he set the eyes to warm up. He opened the large two door fridge and took out some bacon, sausage, a couple of eggs, and a carton of orange juice. He set the meat in the largest of the frying pans, the sound of it sizzling as it cooked filling the kitchen.

Gaara reached over and grabbed the eggs he had set on the counter. Then, in one swift motion, he cracked them over the other hot pan. He then focused on making the toast. Once he took it out of the oven and buttered it he placed it on a plate on the counter. As he returned to the stove, he had his sand search the kitchen for a tray he could use to carry the food. He pulled out another plate and started loading the food, making it look professional.

After he arranged the food he looked over at his kitchen table and saw a vase filled with yellow tulips that Temari had set there the day they went to capture the Uchiha. He stood straight and eyed the flowers for a moment. Was that too much? He was doing this to thank her for saving his sister after all, and it would make his presentation look nice. He let his sand reach up and grabbed a small glass vase. Once he had placed a single tulip in the vase, he set it on the tray, and picked it up.

Gaara made his way back up the stairs to Sakura's bedroom door. He shaped his sand into a hand, and opened the door without knocking. The uncaring redhead walked right in, getting the scream he expected.

Sakura wretched the sheets up from the bed to cover herself. "Gaara! What do you think you are doing just barging in here?"

The Kazekage just let out a small laugh, "Sakura you're dressed. I don't know why you're making it into such a big deal and hiding yourself." He said simply, since she was indeed clothed in her nightwear.

"That has nothing to do with it! You don't know if I use pajamas or not! What if I had been naked?"

He smirked and rose what could be seen as a brow. "Then we would be doing something other than talking."

She gaped at him "How dare you! I would punch you into oblivion before I did anything like that with you!" she said pointing an accusing finger at him.

He scoffed. "Please Sakura, get your head out of the gutter. I was merely suggesting that there would be an awkward silence of some sort as we both tried to process the situation."

"Oh." She blinked, lowering the sheet slightly as she saw the truth in his words.

He walked across the room and set the tray down on her nightstand. Crossing his arms, he said "So how long have you been having these dirty thoughts about me?"

It was then she noticed that he wasn't wearing a shirt, and she stared in shock. True, this wasn't the first time she had seen a man's chest, traveling with mostly male ninjas and working at the hospital allowed for this to happen often. But never had she seen such a perfect specimen. His chest was a plane of hard grooves and smooth skin. Blushing at her train of thought, she quickly looked away and crossed her arms. "Don't flatter yourself Sabaku."

There was a pregnant pause until she noticed the delectable aroma coming from her right. She looked over to her nightstand and saw the wonderful meal that Gaara had made. Forgetting her earlier embarrassment, she threw off her covers and positioned the tray over her legs. "Oh Gaara! How sweet of you to cook for me!" She squealed in delight, promptly beginning to dig in.

He was speechless. One moment they had been arguing normally, and the next she was revealing parts of her form that were usually hidden beneath her ninja clothes. Like her legs. It seemed that his plan to knock her off balance with his lack of dress backfired. Turning away from that train of thought the redhead turned and said, "Think nothing of it. Now hurry up and put something decent on. We have to meet the rest of your team soon." With that he shut the door behind him.

She sat there, shocked, with a forkful of eggs halfway to her mouth. Had she said something? Shrugging it off, since by now she was beginning to get used to the redhead's mood swings, she finished her meal.

"What do you mean you're going to execute him?" Naruto's loud voice rang out.

Gaara gave the blonde loudmouth a silencing glare. "The Uchiha must be punished for his crimes against Suna. I know that I had originally sent the Hokage a message saying that you could have him, but after this last stunt he pulled enough is enough."

Sakura was still stunned from what she had heard. She and Gaara had left the house at the same time that morning, and had walked to his office in a companionable silence. Then, once everyone had arrived, he announced that Sasuke was going to be publicly executed in two weeks. Kakashi didn't seem surprised by the news, but Naruto was outraged, and immediately began to yell at his friend.

"You can't do that to him! He doesn't know any better! He's been through a lot over the years and he's confused. If you just talk to him I'm sure-"

Gaara rose slowly, his hateful glare focused on his most trusted friend. "I do NOT wish to speak to that imbecile. I don't care if he's been through a lot. You think I haven't?"

This question silenced the blonde. They all knew what Gaara was referring to. Not only did he have a tough childhood, but he had to win over the village in order to become the Kazekage. And then there was also that incident with the Akatsuki.

"Uchiha Sasuke has sealed his fate. I have already sent a message to your Hokage, and she said she understands completely. Once the execution is over with, I expect this matter to be behind us." With that said, the redhead dismissed them.

Naruto gave a frustrated growl. "I can't believe him! He of all people should believe in giving others a second chance!" Then the blonde stalked off, probably to find some misfortunate shinobi to spar against. Kakashi just shrugged, and said something about writing a letter to Tsunade.

Not knowing what to do, Sakura went to the hospital to check on Temari. When she walked into her hospital room, the blonde woman was sitting up in her bed.

"Sakura! I'm so glad you came by to visit!"

"Well I had to see how my patient was doing. Are you feeling okay?" Sakura smiled brightly, relieved her friend was already so much healthier.

"I'm feeling much better thanks to you." Temari returned the gesture and motioned for Sakura to take a seat on the bed with her. "So what's going on? You're more pale than usual."

Sakura's face became solemn as she sat on the bed next to the blonde, her thoughts returning to the situation with Sasuke. "Gaara is going to execute Sasuke in two weeks."

She could see Temari's grip on the sheets tighten, her face contorting into anger as if she were reliving the memory of the attack. "I thought that Gaara said he was going to give Uchiha Sasuke to Konoha."

"I know, but I guess with what Sasuke did to you, Gaara has had enough. He wants blood. Particularly Sasuke's." the pink haired woman explained.

"I understand that he's upset, but Naruto will never forgive him. On top of that, this will probably ruin the peace we have with Konoha. People in your village will resent Suna if we do away with the last Uchiha." The older blonde sighed, focusing on Sakura's face and trying to read her emotions.

"I know, but I don't know what to do. Staying in that mansion with him is going to be awful." Sakura groaned, now dreading every second she would be spending with the Kazekage.

"Wait, you're staying in the mansion?" Temari blinked and stared at Sakura in awe.

Sakura nodded, letting out another agonized sigh. "Yes. It was his way of thanking me for saving your life."

"Gaara is letting you stay in his house? As in he invited you?" she asked, sounding skeptical.

The pink haired medic nodded once more. What was so special about that?

"Gaara never lets anyone stay in his home!" Temari clapped her hands in joy. "That's perfect! You can spend every day trying to convince him not to kill Sasuke!"

"How?" Sakura asked, her delicate brow arching in curiosity.

"Oh I don't know, but you're a smart girl. You'll think of something." The wind shinobi assured.

They talked about random things after that, and Sakura did a small healing session on Temari's arm before leaving. When she got back to the mansion Gaara was still gone. Deciding to do something nice for him, she went into the kitchen to see what she could make for dinner. He didn't have a very big selection, so she made a grocery list and pinned it on the fridge. He did, however, have enough to make homemade pizza. She decided to make two, one cheese and another with pepperoni and sausage.

As the pizzas were cooking, she set the table, and got out a variety of drinks. She didn't know what Gaara liked, so she figured it was best to just let him choose. He came home right as she was slicing the finished pizzas. He entered the kitchen and gave her a blank stare.

"What is this?"

"It's dinner! I hope you like pizza, because that's really all you had that I could cook. I did make a grocery list though, so we can go tomorrow." Sakura informed him, placing two pieces of pizza on one of the plates.

"We?" Gaara asked, distrust evident in his voice. He walked forward slowly and eyed the food with suspicion.

"Yes we. You need to learn how to properly shop for groceries." She informed him, moving to get herself some pizza.

"No I don't." the redhead said shortly. "Temari does it for me."

Sakura watched him in wonder. Why did he look so uncomfortable? "That's my point. You can't depend on Temari forever. What are you gonna do when she meets a nice man and moves out?"

Gaara gave her a murderous glare. "That will never happen."

"So you don't want your sister to be happy?" she asked, raising a delicate brow.

He didn't reply. Instead he grabbed a glass and walked over to the sink and turned the cold knob. Once it was full Gaara turned off the tap and turned back to the cause of his irritation. If he thought ignoring her question would work, he was wrong.

"I didn't think so." Was all she said as grabbed a strawberry flavored drink and twisted the cap off.

Gaara stared at her warily and then slowly looked down at the food. Sakura caught his hesitation and crossed her arms angrily, "What?" she commanded to know what was on his mind.

He remained silent for a while before looking back at her. "It's not poisoned is it?" he asked seriously, his expression portraying nothing but solemnity.

Sakura almost fell backwards. "What?" she couldn't help but ask in disbelief. "No it's not poisoned! Why in the world would I try to poison you?" Sakura demanded, stomping her foot on the ground.

"Because," Gaara began, his jade focused on her emerald. "I'm the only one in the way of you getting your precious Uchiha." He said with disgust.

His words stabbed through her, the awful truth hitting her like a brick wall. Did he think she would stoop that low? If she looked at it from his perspective, he made perfect sense. He really was the only one standing between her and Sasuke. Hadn't she promised to do anything for the ebony haired avenger? Sakura tore her gaze away from his, tears welling up in her eyes. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. "If that is what you think of me then I should leave. There is no point in staying in a house with someone who doesn't trust me. Here's your dinner." There was nothing else for her to say. She had actually been silenced by Sabaku no Gaara.

She turned and picked up the plate she had made for Gaara, and offered it to him. He glanced down at the food, and let out a long sigh as he placed his hands over hers. "I'm…" he began softly, obviously struggling with the words, "…sorry." It sounded forced, but he truly did mean it. He had promised he would protect people, and he had verbally attacked a…friend.

He sat down at the table and lifted the pizza up and tore a bite out of it. Sakura stared at Gaara in pure astonishment, she really didn't want to ruin the moment with something stupid coming out of her mouth. She sat down where her plate was and started to eat as well. They ate in silence, until Sakura just couldn't keep it in any longer. She hated silence after all.

"Is that the only reason you're going to kill Sasuke? Because of what he did to Temari?" she blurted out, wishing she could grab all her words and force them back in her mouth.

Gaara sighed and set his pizza down. When he looked up Sakura could see the irritation in his eyes. "No it's not." He said simply, trying to control his temper now. He really didn't want to talk about Sasuke.

"Then…why?" Sakura asked, leaning forward in her chair, a look of curiosity on her face.

"Because I hate him. I've heard of his story from Naruto. Aside from the fact that he just tried to kill me and my family, he is the most ungrateful person I have ever met. My whole life…I wanted to be accepted by at least one person. My father sent people to kill me, my uncle personally came after my life, my siblings feared me, and my village hated me. I had to fight for everything I have now. The struggle I had to go through just to get my village to accept me and…" Gaara stopped, his hands forming into tight fists.

"I don't understand. Uchiha Sasuke had everything anyone could ever want or need. He had a home, friends, and a village that loved him, saw him as their protégé." He looked back up at Sakura and met her gaze. "But he threw it all away! And for what? To go against everything he was raised to care for! He gave up you, Naruto, his teachers, and his village. And in the end all he did was hurt the people who cared about him most, and kill his last living relative. He does not deserve to live any longer, at least not when his fate is in my hands."

Sakura could not find the right words to say. She always knew that Gaara had hated Sasuke, but she didn't realize how deeply rooted it was. "Gaara I'm-"

Gaara stood quickly and headed for the door. "Spare me Sakura, I do not need nor want your sympathy. I'm going to bed." He told her quickly, before leaving the kitchen and heading up the stairs.

Sakura watched the door after he left. Great, she thought to herself. She had successfully pissed of the Kazekage. She started to gather the plates and set them in the sink. She turned the faucet on, not wanting to leave his kitchen dirty. She took hold of a sponge and washed all the dishes she had used for their dinner. Once she was done she wiped her hands off and left the kitchen, flipping the light off before she left.

She took the stairs slowly and stopped at the top, did she dare go to the end of the hallway where Gaara was? The pink haired kunoichi started forward and halted at the two large mahogany doors. She raised her fist to knock on the door but hesitated, it was probably best to leave him alone for now.

The girl made an about face and headed back to her own room. She would just talk to him in the morning.