"Basically, your diet should be light and colorful!" Ino exclaimed, plopping some apples into the paper bag in her hand. They were at the market – which Ino was excited as it was outdoors and interesting, unlike the modern grocery stores in Konoha that she was accustomed to.

"Like you." Gaara blurted. He himself had not expected to say that, but it just slipped off of his tongue. Ino looked at him, a bit shocked, but then grinned, taking it as a compliment. She cheerfully strolled throughout the market with him, scolding him when he suggested high-cholesterol foods such as gizzard, and for neglecting protein-filled nuts and natural fruit jellies. When they were both exhausted and their bags were full, they decided to take a breather at a nearby bench. Gaara watched as the children played, kicking a simple white ball in the yellow sand. He observed the happiness and glee that filled those children's faces and for once, he felt like that warmth radiated towards him. He wasn't sure why he could feel it so strongly, but the feeling grew as he looked at Ino and smiled at her rambling and nagging. He had never felt so cared for in his life.

"You're very giddy today." Kankuro pointed out curiously the next morning over breakfast with Gaara. "But what's with this gross new stuff?" He shuddered as he peeked at the spinach inside his wrap. "What the hell is wrong with the chef?" Gaara gave no response, he simply ate his food merrily – whether he enjoyed the taste or not, as there was an overwhelming feeling of happiness that was covering his distaste.

"I made shakes!" Ino called as she paraded into the dining room, placing two heavy glasses of fruit mixes for the brothers. Kankuro's eyes widened as he noted the inevitable smile that crept upon his little brother's face as Ino danced by and made sure to capture Gaara's lingering eye on her back as she left.

"Oh, I get it." Kankuro winked, confusing his brother.

"Get what?" Gaara asked innocently, not having noticed that his brother had been observing him.

"You like her. That Konoha chick." Kankuro teased, making Gaara's face flush.

"W-why would you say that?" Gaara asked sincerely, not being aware himself that he indeed had developed an attraction for the blonde kunoichi. Kankuro simply laughed and proceeded to torture his brother by not responding for the rest of the meal, which Gaara spent with a crimson shade over his face.

"Did you like breakfast?" Ino asked as she stepped into Gaara's office for his checkup. He looked up at her a bit timidly before nodding. "Really?" She giggled, "Maybe you actually hated it, but you know better than to say so!" As if on cue, Shikamaru walked in after that statement – he was definitely accustomed to having to put up and shut up rather than argue with Ino. Gaara was then swept by a slight feeling of irritation as the other male joined them. He started to question what could be the reason for this newfound negativity towards his acquaintance.

"I really did like it." Gaara assured, feeling as if he all of a sudden was fighting for Ino's attention as she was now focused on Shikamaru.

"You see? He likes my cooking!" Ino stuck her tongue out at Shikamaru who just scowled.

"I never said I didn't like it. Its just that you force me to eat healthy and-" Shikamaru was cut off by her.

"How can you even complain about someone looking out for your health?!" Ino exasperated. The bickering over the subject lasted another five minutes before Shikamaru went to the bathroom and Ino turned back to Gaara.

"Oh I'm so sorry," Ino bowed in embarrassment, "I don't know why I let him get to me!" She sighed, walking over to Gaara, "Well, strip." She ordered, making Gaara's eyes widen and face turn red. She turned red right after, "Oh god!" She laughed nervously, "Sorry, I must sound like such a pervert, huh? It's just time for your checkup." Gaara gulped and nodded. Why are you being so ridiculous? Gaara cursed himself. "Things look better." Ino said, rubbing Gaara's shoulders, "I can tell by your chakra that your body is already cleaner, but you're still very physically tense."

"I'm sorry." Gaara apologized. Ino assured he had nothing to be sorry about, and that he wouldn't have to worry now that she was there to take care of him. When the checkup was over, Matsuri stepped in with the usual coffee. "No thank you." Gaara waved his hand at her in rejection, making her appear embarrassed and confused.

"I'll take it." Shikamaru appeared behind her, lifting one of the coffees. Matsuri offered the other to Ino.

"I better not!" Ino nudged Gaara, "I got to be supportive of my patient!" Shikamaru and Matsuri both scrunched their eyebrows.

"Oh very well, then," Matsuri cleared her throat, "Should I bring something else from now on?"

"Some hot tea should be nice." Ino replied.

"Is that okay with you, Gaara-sama?" Matsuri shot at Gaara, making the air tight among the four.

"Yes," he responded slowly, "why wouldn't you take my doctor's word for it?" The words hit Matsuri rather sharply and she apologized, feeling humiliated. As she turned to leave, Ino chased her out of the door.

"Whoa. Please don't hate me." Ino pleaded, grabbing Matsuri by the shoulder. "I don't know why he was just so mean about it, I'm going to tell him-"

"Please don't!" Matsuri cried, and then she lowered her voice, "Please don't tell him anything anymore." She almost hissed before walking away, leaving Ino stunned. What exactly does she mean by that? Ino thought to herself.

I know I haven't specifically stated what Gaara's illness is or what kind of medicine he needs, but I don't think its that important to the story and I'm not into that stuff and therefore am not creative with it. If anyone has any suggestion, lmk. Thanks for reading! :3