After morning training Sakura went to the market to buy food for dinner with Naruto. She had food in her apartment already, but she knew that wouldn't be enough once Naruto had eaten his way through her kitchen. He tended to do that.
Gaara tagged along, saying he had nothing better to do. Sakura wondered about all those important documents he had waiting for him in the apartment, needing the official signature, but she said nothing. In fact, she was a little glad for the company.
Besides which, maybe she would get Gaara hooked on marketplace gossip as well.
When she paused for a moment beside the leeks Gaara sighed. "I thought we agreed you would cut leeks from the menu." He said. Sakura hid a smile; sometimes he acted like such a child.
She kept walking, Gaara following with relief. She paid for her purchase and walked out back into the street.
She was surprised to run into Hinata just outside. She didn't often see Hinata around these days; never before had she seen her in the market.
Hinata smiled hello, and they greeted each other. Hinata looked past Sakura at Gaara, hovering behind her. Sakura turned her head to Gaara and was surprised to find he had casually slipped his hand into hers, even more surprised at how comfortable it felt to be holding Gaara's hand.
"This is my boyfriend, Ga-Goro. Gorou." Sakura fumbled. She blushed, sure Hinata would be suspicious and Gaara would laugh at her.
Gaara bowed to Hinata. "Nice to meet you." He said. His voice was so strange... it sounded friendly. Sakura would have stood there staring at him in shock if he hadn't squeezed her hand to remind her she was acting strangely.
She managed to smile at Gaara, as if smiling at a lover, and turned back to Hinata.
"Congratulations." Hinata said quietly. She looked around, as though looking for someone and then shrugged. "I'm sorry Sakura, but I can't stay and talk. Please excuse me." She said and bowed before running off and disappearing into the crowd.
When she was gone Gaara dropped Sakura's hand and started walking towards the apartment. Sakura turned and grinned at Gaara. "That was surprisingly smooth of you, you lady killer." She teased him.
Gaara shrugged. "Well, back in Suna, I am quite popular with the ladies." He said. At least, Temari and Kankuro told him he was popular with the ladies – he himself had never noticed – but that wasn't something Sakura needed to know.
Irritation rose in Sakura at his attitude of superiority. "Well, I have lots of guys after me too!" She bragged, lying through her teeth.
Gaara turned and gave her a sceptical look. "Really?"
Sakura blushed. He didn't buy it, did he? "Lots." She yelled. "So don't get any ideas!" She stomped away.
Gaara watched her for a moment, puzzled by her behaviour. "What idea am I supposed to get?" He wondered, and quietly followed her home.