Author's Note: Thanks again for all of your support. To those readers looking for a little more heat. I'm planning on keeping this story's T rating although it's always subject to change. Secondly I'm trying really hard to keep the characters true to their original nature. Sasuke and Sakura are both first timers when it comes to relationships. Things will get hotter I promise I'm just trying to keep it at a realistic pace especially when they're in a situation where they don't have their own room or anything. I will do my best though.
"Alright, you're good to go." Sakura said checking Onchou over one last time. "What are your plans for after you've been released?"
"Lord Gaara has arranged for Ryuu and I to stay in the Kazikage's guest house." She replied.
"Really? That's a surprise." Sasuke said leaning against the wall. "It must be his attempt to keep you close but not treat you like criminals."
Ryuu crossed his arms over his chest. "Yeah right. I'm on to that guy. He just wants Onchou nearby so he can make a move on her!"
Onchou chuckled. "Ryuu, Lord Gaara isn't like that and he doesn't see me in that way. He just wants to take care of us while we're here." She said as she placed her clothes inside her bag.
"Whatever, it's so obvious that he wants to kiss you." He grumbled.
Onchou stumbled falling face first into the wall as her cheeks blazed. "What?!" she squeaked.
"I said he wants to kiss you." The child repeated.
The violet haired girl tucked her hair behind her ear nervously. "Yeah. Right." She muttered rubbing her forehead. "We're supposed to stick with the leaf ninja during the day but I also have some paperwork to work on." She said.
"Don't worry about any of that today." Temari said as she walked in the room. "Gaara said that he just wants you to spend the evening relaxing and getting settled."
"Oh, that's kind of him." Onchou replied.
"I'm telling you, he's totally got a thing for you." Ryuu pouted.
"Let it go kid." Sasuke replied.
The child snorted. "Well at least I won't have to share a room with you anymore. You and Naruto argue like an old married couple."
Sakura giggled as Sasuke's brow twitched with irritation. "Ryuu. You should be thanking them for letting you stay with them." Onchou chastised.
The ruby eyed boy sighed. "If you say so." He muttered. He turned and bowed to the two leaf ninja. "Thank you for letting me stay with you."
"We were happy to have you Ryuu and we'll still see each other during the day." Sakura assured him ruffling his silver hair.
He smiled and Temari walked forward taking the two packed bags sitting on the hospital bed. "I'll take these to the guest house. You're eating dinner with the Leaf ninja right?"
Onchou and Ryuu nodded. "They're eating BBQ!" the child exclaimed. "It's my favorite!"
"Alright. Someone will come and get you later then. It'll probably me or my brother Kankuro." The blonde desert ninja said.
"Thank you very much." Onchou replied. "We'll keep an eye out for you."
"Let's go then." Sasuke said heading towards the door.
The foursome walked out of the hospital and Ryuu quickly slipped his hand into Onchou's.
"Is something wrong?" she asked as he held it tightly. "It's been a little while since you've wanted to hold my hand like this."
"I missed you." He said softly.
She smiled down at him. "I missed you too bud." She said giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
The child studied Sasuke and Sakura walking next to them hand in hand and smirked. "Love birds." He teased. Sasuke's eyes narrowed even as Sakura smiled.
"Don't tease them so much." Onchou chided. "Love like that is beautiful you know."
Ryuu sighed. "I guess. Scary Eyes definitely has been nicer since he started holding her hand." He admitted. "But still, that doesn't mean I'm going to let raccoon eyes hold your hand!"
Onchou blushed and Sakura giggled. "Ryuu. Lord Gaara doesn't want to hold my hand."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Sakura said with a smile.
The violet haired girl rolled her eyes as the group entered the restaurant and sat down at the table where Naruto and Sai were already seated at.
"Hey! So Sakura cleared you to go?" Naruto asked as Onchou settled down next to him.
"Yeah. I'm almost fully recovered." She replied.
"Excellent! That means I can spar against you!" he said with a grin.
"Why would you want to do that?" she asked as she went to work grilling meat.
"You beat Gaara! Of course I want a go at you now too!" the blonde exclaimed.
Onchou blushed at the mention of the Kazikage and the sparing match and chuckled nervously. "Right. That actually wouldn't be a bad idea. It's about time for me to have a good sparing match anyway."
The group started eating, and Naruto began telling a story about how he and Gaara had dueled while the Uzamaki had been on his way to rescue his sensei.
"Have you noticed that Onchou blushes every time Lord Gaara's name is mentioned?" Sakura whispered in Sasuke's ear.
The Uchiha nodded. "I have. I wonder if anything happened between them." He replied.
"What makes you think something happened?" Sai asked. "She might just have a crush on him or something."
Sakura shook her head. "I don't think so. She's not really the type to blush over something like that. It's a possibility though."
"What are you whispering about over there?" Naruto demanded. "It better not be anything dirty since there is a kid here." He said motioning to Ryuu.
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Seriously, being around Jairiya didn't do you any favors in the pervert department."
"Oh yeah? And being around Orochimaru didn't do you any favors in the creepy department." Naruto shot back.
The Uchiha's eyes narrowed. "Loser." He snorted.
"Duck butt hair." Naruto replied.
Sai's eyes widened, Sakura's jaw dropped and Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously. "What did you just call me?" he demanded.
"You heard me!" Naruto replied.
"What is he talking about?" Onchou asked Sakura.
"Well… back in the day, Sasuke's hair was shorter and it stuck up even more then than it does now. You can imagine the rest yourself." She replied.
"It's not my fault my hair did that any more than it's your fault that you have whisker marks on your face!" Sasuke snarled.
"Ok. I'll admit that, but let's talk about that outfit you wore when we first saw you with Orochimaru. That blue skirt and those giant purple ropes tied in a pretty bow were bad enough but your shirt! Was it really necessary to show that much skin? I mean we all know he wanted you for body but we didn't think it was in that way."
The Uchiha's eyes flashed dangerously as Sakura and Onchou dissolved into a fit of giggles. "Do you want to die tonight Naruto?" Sasuke asked his tone dark and deadly. "You're definitely on that path."
"He does have a point." Sai replied. "That outfit of yours was strange."
"Like you're one to talk belly shirt boy." Ryuu replied.
The Uzamaki and Uchiha both froze at the child's comment before the entire table erupted into a fit of loud laughter.
"Ryuu! You're almost as good as I am." Naruto said reaching over to smack the boy on the back.
Onchou sighed and lowered her head. "I swear I didn't teach him to talk like this." She muttered.
Sakura laughed. "Don't worry about it." She said with a smile. "He's just at that age."
"Then what's your excuse for the way these two are talking." The violet haired teen replied motioning to the blonde and raven haired young men nearest to her.
"I think it's because they have six years worth of teasing to get out of their system." Sakura replied. "Or it's because they're basically brothers and brothers never stop that sort of thing."
Onchou nodded and smiled "That's true I suppose."
Sakura smiled at her and then her eyes widened as a figure with pale skin, red hair, and black rimmed blue green eyes appeared at their table.
"Good evening." Gaara said. "It sounds like you're enjoying yourselves."
Onchou glanced at the sand shinobi and smiled tucking her hair behind her ear as a little blush colored her cheeks.
"We are." Ryuu replied with a smile. "If Naruto keeps going I think Sasuke really will hurt him."
Gaara shook his head as the blonde grinned and Sasuke glowered at him. "Naruto has always been the type to laugh in the face of mortal danger." He said observing his first friend.
"I'm still alive aren't I?" Naruto said.
"Not for much longer." The Uchiha threatened.
"What brings you here Lord Gaara?" A waitress said approaching him batting her long eyelashes. "Can I help you with anything? Anything at all?" she said brushing against him lightly with her chest.
Sakura nearly cringed with how hard the young woman was trying and then glanced at Onchou who had her head turned away from the scene suddenly very focused on braiding Ryuu's hair.
"No thank you. I'm actually here to pick up Miss Onchou and Ryuu." He said turning his gaze to the two.
"Oh? I thought the blonde lady or the guy with purple stripes on his face was going to pick us up." Ryuu said getting to his feet and looking at the Kazikage. "I wasn't expecting you raccoon eyes."
"Ryuu, please be polite." Onchou said quietly. The child glanced down at her frowning a little at her tone.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing." She replied rising to her feet. "We should get going. We shouldn't waste Lord Kazikage's time." she came closer to him and bowed respectfully. "I apologize for making you wait."
Gaara's brow wrinkled a little at her change in attitude and he shook his head. "It's no problem. I rather enjoy this present company." He stepped to the side unconsciously moving closer to the waitress motioning for her to go out of the room first. "Shall we go?"
"Yes Lord Kazikage." She said walking out of the room.
Sakura watched a frown form on Gaara's face as the violet haired girl left in front of him hand in hand with Ryuu who glared at the sand shinobi.
"Did something happen?" he asked. "She doesn't seem like herself."
The pink haired medic snorted marveling at how oblivious the male species could be. "Yeah but it's something that can't be explained in present company." She said her eyes narrowing at the waitress. "Umm can I get a refill? That is your job right?" she said to the lusty eyed girl raising her half empty glass.
"Oh. Right. Just a minute miss." She said dashing away.
"There, you're free. Now go after them. They're probably halfway down the street in a random direction by now." Sakura said waving the redhead forward. "I'll give you hint since it's clear to me that you know little about women." She waited until the Kazikage met her gaze. "She's either hurt or angry, probably a mix of both. That's why she's talking to you so formally."
"Right." He said lowering his head slightly. "I'll take my leave now. Thank you for looking after them."
Sakura sighed and leaned back slightly. "I swear, men are completely clueless." She muttered.
"I don't get it. What's wrong with Onchou?" Naruto asked as the waitress came back and refilled their drinks. "I've never seen her act like that with anyone. They were definitely on more friendly terms before."
The pink haired medic sighed. "Well of course you don't get it Naruto. It took what, sixteen years for you to figure out that Hinata was in love with you?" she said. "Few things make a girl more upset than watching another woman throw themselves at the guy they like." She said shooting daggers at the waitress as she walked away. She yawned and stretched.
"Are you feeling alright?" Sasuke asked. "You seem tired."
"A bit." She admitted.
"Do you want to go back to the room then?" he asked.
She nodded and the Uchiha stood offering her his hand. "What are you guys going to do?" she asked.
"Sai wanted to paint the night sky here since it's clearer than what we see at home. I was going to tag along." Naruto replied.
"Sounds good." Sakura replied. "Don't stay out too late alright? You guys have to work looking after Onchou and Ryuu tomorrow.
"Yes mother." Naruto teased. "You two behave now."
The Uazmaki received a face full of fist in return before the pink haired medic and the Uchiha left.
"That stupid Naruto!" she fumed. "I swear! I'm going to let him have it the next time he and Hinata are together."
Sasuke just shook his head linking fingers with her and giving her a gentle squeeze it as they navigated the darkening streets of Suna. After a few moments the Uchiha spoke. "So what's going on with Onchou?" he asked. "I thought she and Gaara were on much better terms than that."
Sakura sighed. "You're almost as bad as Naruto." She muttered before she sighed and glanced up at the stars. "I don't know if she even realizes it yet but from what I can tell, she's starting to develop feelings for him. Not only that but I'm pretty sure something has already happened between them just like you said. There's… tension between them." She said her brow furrowing a little as she tried to explain it. "Anyway, she's upset because that girl was all over him. She acted that way around him because that's the kind of distance she's feeling from him at the moment."
"I see." Sasuke replied. "Do you feel the same way when girls are all over me?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yes though I can tell you don't like it so it doesn't bother me as much. Onchou and Gaara don't know each other that well yet so she takes his indifference as he doesn't mind the extra female attention unlike the rest of us who know that Gaara's not interested in girls like that at all and naturally just doesn't have big reactions to much of anything most of the time."
The Uchiha nodded as they walked through the doors of their hotel and rode the elevator to their floor. It occurred to Sakura that it would be the first time they'd be alone together behind closed doors since becoming a couple. Her heart pounded in her chest at the thought as Sasuke's key hit the lock of their door and pushed it open flipping on the switch for the lights and motioning for her to go in first. He quickly followed and the door closed behind him. The click of the lock engaging seemed to echo through the large space that suddenly felt too small.
"What do you want to do?" Sasuke asked softly from behind her.
She nearly jumped at the sound of his voice and turned around blushing at the smirk and little chuckle that escaped his lips as he took off his jacket. The movement rustled the leaf headband tied to his belt loop and she reached out to touch it.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked as she lifted the band and ran her fingers over the leaf symbol and the angry slash running through it. Tears formed in her eyes as she remembered what she'd learned from Naruto, Kakashi and Lady Tsunade about the truth behind Itcahi and his incredible sacrifice. They slipped down her cheeks as regret about the situation and her once negative feelings for the Uchiha floated towards the surface. Anguish filled her soul at the terrible series of events that had pitted the two brothers against one another leading both down paths of darkness and isolation. Long pale fingers reached out and wiped at the tears. "Sakura. Why are you crying?" he asked.
She looked up at him, at the mismatched eyes that had seen so many horrible things over the past nineteen years. Any words she wanted to say became caught in her throat and she instead reached forward cupping his face in her hands and stretched up on her toes to press a kiss to his forehead. She pulled away and then wrapped her arms around his waist. His own arms twined around her shoulders and his hands gently stroked her hair.
"Sakura, what's wrong?" he asked again.
"I was just thinking about how cruel life can be." She murmured.
"It's true." He replied softly. "It can also be beautiful and full of light and warmth. I just didn't realized that until recently, or rather, I forgot and recently remembered."
Sakura lifted her face her eyes finding his. She stretched up on her toes and pressed her lips to his releasing her hold on his waist to slip her arms around his neck threading her fingers through his silken, ink colored hair. Heat sprung to life in her chest and she began to move her mouth against his. 'I can't change the past.' She thought as one of her hands slid down from his hair to his face cupping his cheek as she parted her lips and pressed her mouth more firmly against his feeling his grip on her tighten and his breathing hitch at the action, 'but at least now I can try to give him some of the warmth he's been without for so long.' She trembled as she felt Sasuke suck her lower lip into his mouth and whimpered a little in response. 'Itachi, if you can hear this, please let Sasuke know that I'll give him all of me, every ounce of warmth I have. I'll be his family if he'll let me.'
Sasuke's grip on Sakura's waist tightened as she arched into him closing the distance between their two bodies. His head was spinning with the rapid change in events. One moment she'd been crying and the next she was kissing him with more passion that he'd ever felt from her before. Flames roared to life in his gut as he traced his tongue lightly over her bottom lip and she parted her lips for him deepening the kiss. The flames turned to lightning and the more raw part of him reminded the rest of him that they were inside a locked room alone. It was true that Naruto and Sai would be returning eventually but he was sure they had time until then. He opened his eyes briefly to get his bearings never breaking the kiss and was grateful that Sakura had chosen the bed closest to the door. He gently guided her back until her knees hit the edge of the bed and her eyes flew open meeting his. His body shivered at the innocent yet eager expression on her face and the heat simmering just below the surface of her emerald orbs staring up at him. He brought his mouth to hers once more pressing both of them onto the mattress. His heart pounding almost painfully in his chest as he hovered over her one arm supporting as much of his weight as he could as the other dove into her rose colored tresses. After a few moments, he tore his mouth from hers and brought his lips to her jawline kissing his way up to the spot just behind her ear. He quickly learned that teasing her and being serious did two very different things to both of them as the flames of desire turned into bolts of electricity as she arched against him. He groaned and trailed his lips down her neck until he reached the spot where her neck and shoulder met. He then focused his attention there kissing, and sucking at the spot. His teeth occasionally nipping at the skin drinking in the sound of her ragged breathing and the littles sighs and whimpers that escaped her lips. His hands left her hair and trailed down her neck to her side tracing the curve of her body with his fingertips. She was firm with just the right amount of feminine softness and he marveled at how gorgeous she'd become over the years. From the defenseless, needy little girl to the strong, independent woman trembling beneath him. He brought his lips to her ear as his hand slid down past her hip to rest on her thigh.
"Sakura, you're so beautiful." He murmured softly trailing his hand back up over the path it took down the length of her body.
"Sasuke." She breathed. Her tone had him desperate to find her eyes and the passion he saw in them had his free hand fisting the sheets as a massive bolt of desire went straight to his groin. His eyes widened as her own hands reached up and trailed her finger tips down the length of his back exploring the ridges of muscles there over the fabric of his shirt. "I've dreamed about doing this to you." She admitted her cheeks burning with embarrassment even as her eye blazed with passion.
He groaned and pressed his mouth to hers again fisting his hand in the pink tresses while the other slipped underneath her urging her to arch against him. Slowly but surely he felt the grip on his control slipping as he slipped his hand under the fabric of her shirt splaying his hand across the bare skin of her back. "Sakura." He groaned against her neck his hand slipping lower to grip her hip. His eyes suddenly snapped open as he sensed a bright excitable chakra accompanied by a cooler, more fluid chakra nearing their door. "Crap!" he hissed scrambling to get off the clearly confused girl beneath him.
"Sasuke? What's wrong?" Sakura asked as he quickly raked a hand through his hair trying to straighten it and adjusted his shirt.
"Hurry up and fix yourself!" he snapped. "That idiot and Sai are almost here." Her eyes widened and she blushed. He glanced over as she sat up. The sight of her nearly drove him mad with her kiss reddened lips, her hair that had been tousled by his hands, and the reddish mark on the nape of her neck. She looked so beautiful and alluring it was criminal. 'Sakura Haruno, what are you doing to me?' he groaned scrubbing his hands over his face as he walked to the small fridge in the room and took out his water bottle downing the contents hoping the cold water would help clear his mind.
"Hey guys!" Naruto said bounding into the room with Sai right behind him. "You missed it! We saw three shooting stars."
"That's exciting." Sasuke said shaking his head one last time. "What did you wish for? A brain that actually functions?"
"Why you!?" Naruto exclaimed charging at the Uchiha.
Sai walked over and leaned against the wall near Sakura's bedside watching as the two best friends wrestled. "I commend you for putting up with that as often as you do." He said.
Sakura shook her head and smiled. "I'm actually really happy to." She replied. "This is how it always should have been."
"I see." Sai replied with a little smile of his own. "You really love them don't you?"
She nodded. "I do. I really do." She turned to the painter. "I love you too Sai, so don't go feeling left out."
He chuckled. "I know I'm not match for them in your heart, but I also know that you speak the truth so thank you."
"This is where you'll be staying." Gaara said motioning to the three bedroom guest house attached to the Kazikage's residence. "I'll show you around."
Onchou nodded and walked inside taking a deep breath as she passed by the Kazikage. She was so irritated! That stupid waitress rubbed up against him like he was some damned lucky charm or something.
"Are you ok Onchou?" Ryuu asked.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she replied.
"My hand." He replied.
It occurred to her that she was squeezing the boy's hand tightly and immediately released it. "Oops. Sorry." She replied.
"Please follow me." Gaara said leading the way down the hall. "Temari put your things in the master bedroom." He said motioning to the large bedroom with one king bed and trundle bed set up next to it.
"Please let her know that we greatly appreciate it." Onchou replied her tone cool and collected. 'What are you doing?!' she demanded of herself. 'Why are you talking to him like you would a stranger?'
He nodded and then motioned for them to follow him. They walked through the living room to a large door. "This is the door that connects the two houses." He explained before pushing it open. "It leads to the kitchen which is the only thing the guest house doesn't have."
"I understand." Onchou replied glancing around the room. "I'll buy any groceries we need. You won't have to worry about us."
Gaara's brow wrinkled slightly at her words. "There's no need for that." He replied. "Just make a list and leave it here." He said motioning to a clip on the fridge. "We'll see to it you get what you need."
"Are you sure?" she replied. "You really don't have to."
"I'm sure." He replied.
Ryuu yawned and Onchou glanced down at the boy. "You've had a long day haven't you? I was wondering why you were being so quiet. Let's get you washed up and ready for bed." She turned to the Kazikage. "Thank you for all that you've done for us. I'll start working on the reports you requested first thing tomorrow morning." She said bowing to the red haired man.
She turned away but paused when she felt his hand on her shoulder sending her heart into overdrive. His soul song was agitated, and confused. She knew it was because of her stiff and formal way of talking but at the moment, she just couldn't bring herself to speak to him in any other way. "Can I help you with something Lord Kazikage?" she asked turning to face him though she kept her eyes trained on his hair instead of his eyes.
"I thought I asked you to call me Gaara?" he said softly his brow furrowing slightly. "There's something off about you tonight. What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry. I think I'm just a little tired. There's no need for you to worry about me, I can take care of myself." She said offering a small half smile but refusing to look him in the eye. "I really should be going now. It's past Ryuu's bedtime. Sleep well Lord Kazikage." She said slipping through the door closing it tightly behind her.
Gaara stared at the closed door irritation pulsing in his veins. What was wrong with her?
"Hey Gaara. Did Onchou and Ryuu get settled in?" Kankuro asked appearing in the kitchen. "I thought I heard her voice." He stopped in the entry way and studied his younger brother noting the stiffness in his posture, his hands balled into fists and the barely noticeable grains of sand swirling around him as his chakra flared. "Hey, what's wrong? I haven't seen you like this in a while."
"What is wrong with her?" Gaara demanded softly the grains of sand moving a little faster. "She's been acting strange all evening."
"Who has? Onchou?" Kankuro replied glancing at the door the separated the two residences.
"Yes. She's been acting so formal around me. I don't know what happened. Sakura said that she was hurt or irritated but whenever I try to ask her about it, she avoids it. She won't even look me in the eye." He said his brow twitching. "What on earth happened? This morning she called me by name but now she only addresses me as 'Lord Kazikage'."
The black clad sand ninja frowned. "I see. I don't really have a clue as to what happened. Sorry. Maybe when things have cooled down a little you'll be able to talk to her about it?" He suggested.
Gaara nodded and walked upstairs still fuming. He'd felt so at ease and happy when he'd walked in and seen Onchou smiling and laughing with the leaf shinobi. He'd felt even better when she smiled directly at him with just a tinge of pink appearing on her bronze cheeks. Then that irritating woman had touched him and his mood had soured. Onchou's behavior towards him abruptly changed as well frustrating him even more. He'd hoped she'd talk to him on the way to the house but instead she'd walked in silence only speaking when he asked her a question and answering in the most minimal ways possible.
"So irritating!" he muttered as he entered his room quickly throwing off his clothes and walking to the bathroom. He stepped into the shower and turned on the water letting it rush over him bracing his forearms against the wall in front of him as he gritted his teeth. He hadn't felt like this in years. He desperately wanted to march into the house connected to his, walk into the master bedroom, drag the violet haired girl out of bed and demand to know what was wrong with her. To trap her between his arms, stare into those enchanting amethyst eyes of hers and not let her move until the tension between them was gone so he could think rationally again. "Damn it all!" he growled as he shut the water off and quickly toweled off his body. He slipped into the white shirt and black pants he wore to bed and raked his fingers through his damp hair trying to calm himself down. He yanked back the covers on his bed and slipped underneath them covering his head like a child as he curled into a ball. "What is this? Why am I getting so muddled over her?" he wondered aloud before he allowed the fatigue left over from the day take over his body sending him into a deep sleep.
"Onchou, are you sure you're ok? You seem really mad at raccoon eyes. Did he do something to hurt you?" Ryuu asked as the violet haired teen worked braiding the boy's hair so that he wouldn't wake up looking like he'd been zapped by one of her lightning bolts in the morning.
She blinked and then sighed. "No. I'm not mad at Lord Gaara. I'm just… Irritated in general." She replied. In all honesty, she wasn't being fair. Gaara didn't hold any special feelings for her and he was a public official. Both of those facts made it obvious why he didn't push away the brazen hussy that had been all over him. It made her upset to see how much the girl didn't respect him or his position. She had heard the girl's soul song, how she wanted the money, fame, and power that Gaara possessed. Those things were such a tiny, insignificant part of him it made her sick to listen to it. She had to get out before the temptation to rip the little gold digger became too strong to resist. "All done." She said slipping an elastic into Ryuu's hair. "Let's go to bed alright? You can sleep with me tonight. I know getting used to this new place is going to be hard."
The boy smiled and nodded wrapping his arms around her. "I love you Onchou. You're the best." He said softly.
The amethyst eyed girl smiled in spite of herself and leaned down pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "Thank you Ryuu. I love you too." She said scooping the exhausted child into her arms and carrying him to the bed. With infinite care she laid him down and tucked him in. She pressed a kiss to his forehead and then left to change into her silver, short sleeved nightgown that came to just below her knees. She slipped into bed next to Ryuu and glanced up at the ceiling as notes of Gaara's song still laced with irritation floated past her ears. "Please forgive me Gaara." She said softly. "I'm not the kind of girl you think I am. I'm not worth getting upset over." She murmured rolling towards Ryuu and slipping her arm around him. "If it weren't for my promise to protect you, I would've killed myself or let myself be killed a long time ago. The world doesn't need people like me in it." She murmured as she drifted asleep with the tendrils of darkness still clinging to her mind.
Onchou found herself standing in the middle of an open field wearing a white dress. She glanced around searching for another person and spotted a figure in the distance standing with their back to her. Curious about the person's identity she approached them and smiled as she came closer. She recognized the person. Their red hair, their broad shoulders and pale skin. He was wearing black with his gourd at his hip and she moved a little faster as she closed the distance between them. "Gaara!" she called out waving to him.
He turned to face her and his expression stopped her dead in her tracks. His eyes were fearful and sad his hands flexing as sand swirled around him.
"Stay away from me." He said. "Don't you dare come near me."
"Gaara, what's wrong?" she asked her brow furrowing with worry.
"I know. I know everything." He replied his voice hard. "You killed them, you killed them all." He murmured.
She noticed smoke rising and ran to the edge of the cliff they were standing on. Her eyes widened with fear as she saw them, the people she'd killed screaming and crying as they were consumed by fire, buried by earth, drowned by water, electrified by lightning, and ripped apart by wind as creatures she commanded swarmed tearing them apart.
"No! This is all wrong!" she exclaimed her hands shaking as they covered her eyes. "I didn't want this!" she screamed sinking to her knees. "I swear to you I never meant for any of this to happen!" Her body trembled as she looked down and found that her white dress was stained red with the blood of her victims as tears streamed down her face. "This isn't me! This isn't what I wanted!" she sobbed.
"It's far too late for that." Gaara replied. "I have no choice but to destroy you. You're much of a threat to be left alive." He said as sand began to engulf her. "Goodbye Onchou."
She sat bolt upright her chest heaving as sweat dripped from her brow. Her eyes quickly scanned the room. "Just a dream." She murmured touching a hand to her forehead. "Such a terrible dream." She murmured glancing over at Ryuu who was sleeping peacefully beside her. With a little sigh she reached out and brushed the hair out of his face before slipping out of bed and padding over to where her bag was. Her hands trembled as she reached for the box of tea she always brought with her. It was a rare tea from The Land of the Moon and one of the few things that could help her sleep after such vivid nightmares. She quickly walked to the door separating the two residences and paused. There was a chance that if she went through the door, she's run into Gaara and she wasn't quite ready for that, however she also needed to sleep. An exasperated sigh left her lips as she pushed the door open and slipped into the kitchen. Quickly finding the tea pot and filling it with water as quietly as possible. If he showed up so be it, she was just going to drink her tea and get out anyway.
Gaara tossed and turned caught in the throes of a dream. He was a genin again walking beside his brother and sister in the forest of death. He was full of rage and itching to fight, to rip apart the next person in his path and prove that he was the strongest. They came upon a clearing and found a group of masked ninja with no identifying headbands and he smirked.
"I was hoping I'd run into someone soon. I was getting bored." He murmured his hands extending forward.
"Back off small fry!" the first ninja called out.
"Yeah, you're nothing but a stupid kid that not even a mother could love." The second one replied.
His anger flared and sand rushed forward wrapping around the three ninja. "You're going to die now." He said softly. "No one talks to me like this and lives to tell about it. Sand Burial!" he exclaimed closing his fists and reducing the tree ninja to nothing but scraps of flesh.
He smirked as his sand now stained red with blood swirled back towards him and his gourd. As he did so, another figure appeared before him wearing a wine colored shirt and black leggings. Her violet hair handing loose to her waist, her amethyst eyes wide her mouth open in horror as she stared at him.
"Gaara! What did you do?" she gasped.
He blinked and suddenly he was in his present body again, no longer the thirteen year old of his past. His bloody sand suddenly dropped to the ground as a horrible sinking sensation filled his heart.
"Onchou." He murmured glancing around at the carnage around them. He took a step towards her his hand reaching towards her. "I swear, I didn't mean to." He stammered his heart throbbing painfully in his chest when she shied away from him. "I'm not the hateful child I once was." He said moving towards her. "Please." He begged taking a step towards her.
She backed away and he reached forward again his sand swirling around her bringing her towards him even as she thrashed in protest. "What are you doing?!" she demanded. "How could you do that to them?"
She came to a stop in front of him and he reached out to her wrapping his arms around her even as she tried to push him away. His natural defense activated sealing them both inside the ball of sand. "Stay by my side." He whispered against her hair. "Don't leave me alone."
He opened his eyes and gasped as he saw her buried in his sand gasping for air. "Gaara!" she whimpered before she vanished in shower of blood and sand.
"No!" he exclaimed sitting upright in bed sweat dripping from his brow as he raked his fingers through his hair. He fought to get his breathing under control and glanced around his bedroom getting his bearings. "What an awful dream." He muttered. He rose from his bed and walked to the window and glanced out across the village he had stewardship over noting the very few lights on. After a few minutes he realized he was going to need a little help to fall back asleep and made his way downstairs intent on getting a glass of warm milk to help him sleep.
As he neared the kitchen he noticed the light already on and became aware that another chakra signature was already there, one that did not belong to his brother or sister. Curious, but not afraid he entered the kitchen slowly and was surprised to find Onchou sitting at his kitchen table with a steaming mug between her palms her head bowed. He noted that her hair had been weaved into a thick braid and she was wearing a silver nightgown. She looked much younger, much more vulnerable and he felt the desire to wrap his arms around her shoulders to protect her from everything dark in the world.
The girl seemed to sense his presence and glance up at him and could immediately tell that she was troubled by the dullness in her eyes and the way her mouth was set the corners turned down slightly. "Did I wake you?" she asked shifting to stand. "I'm sorry, I'll go back to my room."
His irritation flared at her defensiveness and obvious attempt to avoid him. "Don't!" he commanded his voice a little harsher than he intended. He took a deep breath and sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "I mean, please stay. You haven't finished yet, so just stay until you're finished."
"Ok." She replied settling back down into her seat and lifting her mug to her lips. As he watched he remembered the sensation of her lips against his own and wondered if they'd taste like the tea she was drinking or be warmer now. Shaking his head at the ridiculous thought he pulled open the fridge and pulled out the milk pouring it into a small sauce pan and turning on the heat. He leaned back against the counter resting his hands on the edge as he waited for the milk to warm.
"Are you having trouble sleeping?" Onchou said softy.
He blinked in surprise and looked at her. Though she didn't return his gaze she was talking to him which was better than the awkward silence. "You could say that." He replied "What about yourself?"
The violet haired girl nodded. "Something like that." She replied her grip on the mug tightening a little.
He nodded and tested the milk in the pan. Finding the temperature suitable he poured the warmed liquid into a mug and then pulled down a bottle of brandy letting just a little trickle into the cup before replacing it in the cupboard and went to join her at the table.
"What are you drinking?" he asked.
"Luna tea." She replied. "It's from The Land of the Moon."
"It smells sweet." He replied.
She nodded. "I put some honey in it. Unfortunately it lessens the effectiveness of it but I just can't drink it straight. It's too bitter for me." She admitted.
"I see." He replied. They each sipped their drinks in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again. "Onchou, have I done something to upset you?"
She blinked in surprise and glanced at him her amethyst eyes finally meeting his pale blue green orbs. He had no idea why but just the simple motion of her looking him in the eye again made a little of his irritation disappear. The violet haired girl sighed and glanced down at her tea again.
"No. I'm sorry." She replied. "I was irritated by something else I heard."
"What did you hear?" he asked.
She sighed. "I heard that waitresses' soul song. It was full of selfishness and greed." Her hands gripped the cup she was holding. "She wanted to possess you for strictly superficial reasons and it made me angry." Her brow furrowed. "People who think of their fellow humans as just objects to own or use make me livid."
Gaara's eyes widened. She was upset because she didn't like what someone was thinking of him? He studied her and felt his heart rate accelerate. "I see. I'm sorry." He replied. "I'm used to women like her so I guess it just didn't bother me."
The bronze skinned girl chuckled and took a long pull from her cup. "For someone who holds the title of Kazikage, you don't value yourself very much." She said looking at him again.
He met her gaze as he reflected on her words. From the time he was born, he'd been treated and viewed as nothing but a weapon. A mindless monster ready to strike at any moment. Even after changing he'd been nearly hunted down by the previous Kazikage initially until he'd realized he wasn't a threat anymore. Then he'd had the monster taken from him but there were many who still feared him. He'd never really considered the fact that he had value as an individual except for in his power.
She sighed as she finished her cup and stood taking it to the sink. She quickly washed it and placed it in the drying rack before walking up to stand beside him. "I'm probably the least qualified person in the world to be telling you this, but you should value yourself more." She said glancing at him. "This probably won't make sense do you, but you saved my life almost two years ago."
He glanced up at her his eyes wide. He didn't remember saving her or even seeing her until she'd shown up on Naruto's back.
She smiled and chuckled. "Don't worry yourself about not remembering." She said. "I know that you didn't see me and it wasn't like you did something grand like saved me from a pack of bloodthirsty beasts or anything. It was just you being yourself." She looked down at him and smiled. "Your simple existence is what saved me so thank you for being you." Gaara's heart swelled a little at her words. Perhaps he did have value outside of his power and position after all. She moved towards the door separating the two residences and she paused and turned back to him. "Goodnight, Gaara." She said a little blush coming to her cheeks at the words before she slipped through the door and pulled it closed behind her.
Gaara stared after the spot where she'd stood his heart in his throat. How had just a few words from her made his heart beat so fast and feel so light? He'd been desperate to hear those words for years, for someone to tell him that he had value for who he was as a person regardless of his abilities. He knew there were a few like Naruto, Kankuro, and Temari who felt that way about him but outside of that, there were very few. He quickly finished his drink and washed his own cup before ascending the stairs once more. He felt much more relaxed in both mind and body knowing that wasn't angry with him and hearing her say his name had been much more fulfilling than he'd hoped. With a contented sigh he fell asleep again and this time the nightmares of the past were replaced with happy dreams of what a future with her walking by his side.
"So Onchou is going to be watched by Sai today?" Sakura said as she examined a slid under her microscope.
"That's right." Sasuke replied sitting in one of the chairs situated in the lab. "He seemed pretty excited too but then again she's spending the day in the library and he seems really interested in books written on psychology."
The pink haired medic snorted. "Of course he is. He was raised to be emotionless so learning all of that stuff is his only hope at someday being normal." She said jotting down some notes as she worked on a vaccine she hoped would get rid of the Black Water in Onchou's system. "What about Naruto and Ryuu?"
"Those two kids decided to hike some of the cliffs of the outskirts of town." He replied.
"Why didn't you go with them?" Sakura asked. "Not that I mind you here, I'm just curious."
"I've had enough of Naruto for now. He spotted that mark on your neck and has been giving me so much crap it's not funny." He grumbled.
The pink haired medic blushed at the mention of the mark and then smiled. "You should see the marks he's left on Hinata before." She replied. A grin came to her face as a memory surfaced. "She actually came to me to be examined the first time he left one on her neck thinking she was coming down with something." She laughed. "She was so mortified when I told her what it was and made me promise not to tell her daddy. I even made up a fake illness for her in case he ever noticed and questioned her about it."
Sasuke wrinkled his nose. "Please keep stuff like that to yourself. I don't want to imagine the stuff that blonde idiot does with his girlfriend."
The pink haired girl laughed. "If you say so. Anyway, I was thinking that now that Onchou is out of the hospital that maybe all of us could go to the bathhouse. There's only one in town but I'm sure Gaara could get us in. I'm dying for a soak."
The dark haired Uchiha thought for a moment, it had been a while since he'd done something like that himself particularly in company he somewhat enjoyed. "That sounds alright to me." He conceded.
Sakura smiled. "Great! Would you mind letting everyone know?" she asked. "I think we should invite Gaara, Kankuro and Temari too."
Sasuke sighed. "What makes you think they'll agree to go along? Particularly Gaara."
The emerald eyed girl smiled. "Just tell him that the bath will help Onchou heal."
"Ok, that'll make sure he gets us in but coming with us?" Sasuke replied.
She chuckled. "That'll make him come too. He likes spending time with Naruto and he's protective of Onchou. There's no way he won't come when she's in a place where other men could potentially put her at risk."
"Hey. Not all of us are like that Pervy Sage." The ink haired young man said crossing his hands over his chest.
"No, but his books do sell well here. Do you really think he'd forget that?" she replied wiggling her brows.
He sighed. "Whatever you say." He conceded. "I'll be back to get you at lunch time ok?" he said moving forward stealing a sweet kiss.
"Sounds lovely." She replied. "See you later." Stealing one of her own just a little deeper and longer that had him shaking his head to clear his mind as he stumbled out of the lab.
"Why do I have to be the errand boy?" he muttered as he stepped out into the bright sunlight. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Where to start." He muttered. "Sai and Onchou will be easiest to find so we'll start there." He replied making his way from the laboratory to the library where the two had decided to spend their day. Once inside he quickly searched for their chakra signatures and found them situated in a private room at the back of the large building. He made his way there ignoring the whispers that followed him and knocked on the door.
Sai opened the door and studied him. "Sasuke, I wasn't expecting you so soon. Can we help you with something?" he asked.
"It's nothing like that. I'm just running and errand for Sakura." He replied.
"Oh ok." The pale shinobi replied opening the door wider and inviting the Uchiha inside before he closed the door behind him.
Sasuke studied the room. Books were strewn across the table closest to the door likely the one Sai had been using. Towards the back of the small room Onchou was seated at a writing desk several pages already stacked in her finished pile as her brush moved over another sheet her free hand tangled in her hair supporting her head as she worked. She glanced up at him and there was pain evident in her eyes even as she worked quickly to hide it offering him a small smile.
"Sasuke, what brings you here?" she asked. "I thought you were spending the day with Sakura?"
"She asked me to run an errand for her." He replied.
"Ah, I see." She said straightening and putting her brush down.
"She wanted me to tell you that we're going to the bathhouse together tonight." He said.
The dark skinned girl's eyes widened. "A public bathhouse?" she clarified.
He nodded. "Yeah, she said it'll help you heal faster."
She chewed on her lip nervously and then sighed. "Even if I say no she's going to drag me along anyway huh?" He nodded and she leaned against her hand. "Alright. Something like that might feel good after sitting at a desk all day. I'm used to traveling, this is suffocating."
The Uchiha chuckled. "I know exactly how you feel." He said with a smile. "I'll be on my way now." He glanced at the violet haired girl. "Don't work too hard ok? I know that Lord Gaara asked for those reports but that doesn't mean he wants you to over work yourself trying to get them done ok?"
The girl blinked and then smirked. "Wow, you're not acting like a proper Uchiha at all. I thought you were all selfish bastards?" she reased.
He rolled his eyes. "Right." He replied before leaving the library. As he walked a young woman with brown hair reached out to him.
"Sasuke Uchiha! Can you stay for a little while? We're researching ocular jutsu and we know that you're the master of it." She twittered.
The dark haired shinobi sighed. If they'd been serious he might have been tempted to agree but he'd seen her and her friends when he walked in. They'd been studying water style jutsu and though he had the ability to use it, it wasn't his forte. Lying to him to his face like that was just ridiculous. "I'm sorry. I'm actually in the middle of something." He replied. "Also, my girlfriend is much better at water jutsu than I am."
He hid the satisfied smirk that nearly came to his lips as he strode away leaving the girl dumbfounded behind him and walked out of the library. Not ready to deal with the whiskered idiot's teasing nor wanting to scale the cliffs just yet he decided to look for the sand shinobi next. He knew that Gaara was likely in his office and Kankuro was his assistant so they wouldn't be hard to find really but he just couldn't really justify barging into the Kazikage's office for something so trivial. Temari on the other hand was the sand village's training coordinator so she would be a bit easier to find and talk to. He focused his eye powers and quickly searched the village for the sand shinobi's chakra signature and found it near the training grounds.
He moved quickly across the rooftops of the village taking in the unique architecture as he did. The rounded, rust red buildings were very interesting and he wondered how they were built as he slowed down nearing the training area and dropped to the ground as he spotted his target directing a group of chunin in a series of combat exercises.
"Temari!" he called out as he approached.
"Sasuke Uchiha." She returned. "This is a surprise. What brings you here?" she asked.
"I'm running and errand for Sakura." He admitted. "She wanted to know if you would join us at the bathhouse tonight."
The blond shinobi raised an eyebrow but smiled. "Is Onchou coming?" she asked.
Sasuke nodded. "Yes. Sakura said that minerals in the water would help her heal faster."
Temari smiled. "Excellent. I've been anxious to talk to that girl some more."
"Why is that?" The Uchiha asked.
"I want to learn more about this girl that my baby brother is so interested in." she replied with a smile. "Speaking of my brother. I'm guessing you want me to invite him?"
The dark haired shinobi nodded. "Him and your older brother."
"You can go ask them yourself if you want." She said motioning to the Kazikage's building. "I'm sure they wouldn't mind."
"No thanks." He replied. "I really can't justify barging in like that over something so casual." He replied. "Besides, I've got to go track down Naruto and Ryuu. They went hiking in the cliffs around the village so I'm sure I've got my work cut out for me."
The blonde haired shinobi chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Ok then, I'll talk to them." She looked him over and touched her chin. "Would you mind giving my students a demonstration tomorrow?" she asked. "I'm trying to teach them how to break a genjutus but too many of them aren't taking it seriously. Yours isn't easily broken so I think you'd be a good reminder of just how terrifying it can be."
The Uchiha sighed. "You're a little on the sadistic side aren't you?" he remarked shaking his head when she smirked in response. "Alright. I can do that I guess. Tomorrow at this same time?"
She nodded. "Thanks Sasuke. I appreciate it." She said with a smile before turning back to her students.
He nodded to her and then took off in the direction of the cliffs activating his eye power searching for the blonde idiot and the child with him. Pinpointing their location he sprinted across the village to the nearby cliffs and found the pair sitting on a ledge clearly taking a break.
"Scary eyes, why are you here?" Ryuu asked.
Sasuke shook his head at the insult and sat down beside them. "I'm just here on an errand from Sakura." He replied.
"She's got you running those already?" Naruto asked with a smirk on his face.
"Shut if whisker boy." He muttered. "I'm just here to let you know we're going to the bathhouse with everyone today."
"Really? That sounds like fun. Did you invite Gaara?" The Uzamaki asked.
The raven haired shinobi nodded. "Him and Kankuro, or rather, Temari is telling them they're invited."
"Excellent!" his friend exclaimed.
Ryuu sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. "I guess I'll go with you guys." He said. "Someone has to protect Onchou."
Sasuke snorted. "I'm pretty sure she can protect herself." He replied.
"No way! She needs my protection!" he exclaimed. "Old raccoon eyes will never get a chance to peek at her!" the silver haired child declared.
"You've been around Naruto way too much." The Uchiha muttered. "Anyway, I've got to get back to town. I promised Sakura I'd meet her for lunch."
"Alright." Naruto replied. "Just be gentle with her ok? Sakura is a delicate flower just like her name sake." he said with a wink.
Ryuu cringed as the Uchiha's fist made contact with the Uzamaki's shoulder sending him flying into the nearby stone wall before the dark haired shinobi vanished with a quiet pop. The silver haired child walked forward and crouched next to the fallen man. "Was it worth it?" he asked.
The blonde haired boy grinned. "Totally worth it! Did you see how red he turned!?" he asked before the two dissolved into a fit of laughter.
Gaara sighed as he worked at his desk. He's slept well after his milk and talk with Onchou but he'd still lost precious sleep and he was paying for it now. There was a knock at the door and he recognized the chakra signature of the person outside and quickly called out for them to enter.
"Hello Gaara and Kuro." Temari said smiling as she walked into his office closing the door behind her as she greeted him and his older brother standing next to him.
"What's up Temari." Kankuro replied. "Training going alright?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Much better than it has in a while but they're still not taking their genjutsu training seriously."
"That's not surprising. Unless you've actually been caught in a serious genjutsu, it's hard to really understand how terrible it can be." Gaara replied.
"Exactly, which is why I'm going to teach them a lesson they'll never forget tomorrow." She said with a smirk.
"How so?" Kankuro asked.
"Sasuke Uchiha is going to teach 'Genjutsu Terror 101'." She replied.
Gaara's brow arched and Kankuro chuckled. "Really? I want to watch that exercise." He remarked.
"Why did you speak with Sasuke Uchiha?" Gaara asked. "I thought he was working with Sakura today."
"He stopped by to pass on a message from her." The blonde sand ninja replied.
"What message?" Kankuro asked.
"She and the rest of the Leaf ninja are going to the bathhouse tonight. She invited the three of us to join them." She said cheerfully.
"I see." Gaara said as his brow furrowed slightly.
"Onchou and Ryuu are going with them." Temari added exchanging a knowing look with her older brother. "Sakura said it would help her heal faster. She's still not completely recovered it seems."
The sand wielding ninja's eyes widened slightly at his sister's words. If Onchou was going then it would be in her best interests that he went as well. He wasn't stupid, he knew that men with impure intentions went to the bathhouses to spy on women. If he himself went, not only would security be more alert than usual but he'd be able to protect her with his own hands if needed. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to go." He said. "It's been a while since we all attended such a place." Kankuro snickered and Temari grinned and his eyes narrowed. "Did I say something strange?" he asked.
"Not at all." Temari replied.
"In fact, you said exactly what we thought you'd say." Kuro said with a smile. "Let's get to work so we can be done in time to join the others."
Gaara nodded and focused on the stack of paperwork in front of him. He was sure Onchou was working hard on the assignment he'd given her so he needed to work hard as well.
"This is the first time I've been to one of these places in a long time." Ryuu confessed "It's the very first time I've been on the boy's side too." He added as he followed the rest of the men inside.
"This is going to be awkward." Sasuke muttered.
"Hey Naruto. Do you remember the first time we came to a place like this together?" Sai asked.
"Yes I do, and it was one of the most humiliating experiences of my life thanks to you and your big mouth." The Uzamaki snarled as they group quickly removed their towels and slipped into the water.
"I want to hear the story." Sasuke said as he settled into one of the corners of the bath. Naruto sat down on his right side while Ryuu sat on his left. Sai settled next to the silver haired child and Gaara sat next to Naruto with Kankuro sitting next to him.
"Don't tell him." Naruto replied glaring daggers at the painter.
"I just made an honest observation about-" Sai started but never finished as the blonde ninja threw a bar of soap with pinpoint accuracy striking the pale shinobi in the middle of his forehead.
"Shut up Sai!" he hissed. "We have Ryuu with us." He reminded the dark eyed man.
"Right. Perhaps another time." Sai relented rubbing the spot where the soap had struck him.
Kankuro laughed at the exchange as Sasuke smirked.
"So, now that we're settled, let's get down to business. Sasuke how did Sakura get that mark on her neck?" Naruto asked pointedly.
"Here we go." Kankuro chuckled as the Uchiha's eyes shifted from mismatched purple and black to blood red revealing the sharingan his clan was famous for.
"How about I just show you instead?" Sasuke sneered.
"I don't like the way you're looking at me." Naruto replied covering his eyes with his hands.
Sakura grinned as she walked into the room where the girl's bath was located. "This is so nice!" she exclaimed. "Temari, thanks for hooking us up."
The blonde chuckled. "Don't thank me. It was Gaara, he insisted that both us, and the boys have their own private baths reserved."
The pink haired medic grinned. "I bet he did." She frowned slightly as Onchou entered the room with her towel wrapped tightly around her body. It was clear she was uncomfortable. "Onchou, relax! The three of us are the only ones allowed in here and Ryuu is with the boys, there's not a safer place in this world for him to be than surrounded by that lot."
"I know that." She replied. "It's just been a while since I've done something like this." She admitted.
"Don't worry about it. We're all girls and have all the same bits." Temari said removing her towel and slipping into the water.
"Exactly, and we're friends here so there's nothing to be ashamed of." Sakura said noting how the girl's hand was wrapped tightly around the brand on her shoulder.
Onchou nodded and walked to the edge of the water. She quickly slipped off her towel and lowered into the water.
Sakura couldn't help but frown at the scars that riddled the girl's body but quickly forced it away and put on a smile instead. "See? That wasn't so bad."
"Seriously, you have nothing to be ashamed of." Temari remarked. "Your body is gorgeous! What I wouldn't give to have legs that long." She mused.
Onchou blushed and then smiled shyly. "Thank you."
"Now that the towels are off it's time to get right down to girl talk." Temari said with a grin. "I'd like to know what's going on between the new Snake Sannin and Slug Queen." She said glancing at Sakura. "I see that mark on your neck."
Sakura blushed and then smiled as she touched the mark. "You know, I've always loved Sasuke. Even when he was at his darkest and I knew he'd never feel the same way about me." She said. "Now that he's finally reciprocating my feelings, I feel so amazing." She admitted.
"That's so sweet." Onchou said with a smile. "Your patience and loyalty paid off. There's nothing better than that."
Temari nodded. "Yeah. Your story is an inspiration for loveless ladies like me." She replied.
Sakura snickered. "Loveless? Please, I've seen how you look at Shikimaru."
The sand ninja blinked in surprise and blushed. "Have you now?" she remarked looking away.
"I've seen the way he looks at you too." The pink haired medic continued with a wink. "He's definitely interested."
"You think so?" Temari asked her eyes lighting up a little before she sighed and leaned against the bath. "Even so, he's so laid back about everything. It'll probably take an eternity for him to make a move."
"Which is why you have to make the first move." Sakura replied.
"Seriously?" The blonde asked. "Should I?"
Sakura nodded. "Definitely. You two are heading up the Chinin exams this year again right?" Temari nodded. "So when the moment is right just make a move on him. Even if it's little, he's smart so he'll catch on quick."
"You really think so?" The green fan wielding ninja asked.
"Of course." The pink haired ninja replied. "He's not like Naruto who had to have his girl snatched by a moon guy to figure it out, or like Sasuke who has a mountain and a half of guilt over how he lived his life over the past few years to get over. Just go for it. I know he doesn't have eyes for anyone but you."
"Right. What about that Ino chick?" Temari asked.
Sakura snorted. "Not happening. She's with Sai now and she never liked Shikimaru."
"Really?" the blonde haired ninja replied. "She was always hanging all over him."
The pink haired medic rolled her eyes. "That's just how Ino is. She likes to hang all over the best looking man in the room. The only guys she really liked were Sasuke and then Sai but you can see how that turned out."
Temari smiled. "Thanks for the advice Sakura. I'm really looking forward to the exams now."
"How many are you going to make cry this year?" Sakura asked with a smirk.
"As many as I can." The blonde replied raising her eyebrows once.
Onchou shifted in the water and the two girls turned their attention to her.
"So how are you feeling?" Sakura asked the violet haired girl.
"A little better." She replied. "Sitting at a desk writing for hours on end is exhausting work. I think Sai felt sorry for me because he made me go with him to eat outside the library instead of just eating in our room like I suggested."
"What work are you doing?" Temari asked.
"I'm just writing up reports Gaara asked me for." Onchou replied pressing her fingers into her neck to work out the tension.
Sakura and Temari's eyes both changed at the mention of the Kazikage's name and they both smirked at one another before moving closer to the girl.
"So, are you and Gaara on better terms now?" Sakura asked.
"They were on bad terms?" Temari asked. "Why? What happened?"
"A busty, desperate waitress hitting on The Kazikage is what happened." Sakura replied her eyes narrowing at the memory. "Kudos to you for not punching her lights out."
Onchou's eyes narrowed slightly "I wanted to. Believe me." She muttered.
The blonde sand shinobi smacked her forehead with her palm. "That idiot brother of mine. I keep telling him that not doing anything just encourages it but he never listens to me." She glanced at the amethyst eyed girl. "I'm sorry about that."
"It's alright." The amethyst eyed girl replied.
"So, what do you think of my brother?" Temari asked.
The girl's eyes widened and then softened a little blush coming to her cheeks as she looked down at the water. "I think that he's a very special person. He's much more sensitive than he appears and he's quite kind." She said softly. "I know everyone talks about his power and his title but those are just a small part of who he is. He's driven by a strong desire to protect his people and be someone needed by others. I respect him a lot."
Sakura and Temari both smiled at her.
"What's that look for?" the bronze skinned teen asked shifting a little.
"You're so stinking cute." Temari replied.
"Seriously." Sakura agreed. "You like him for who he is not what he is."
"My little brother better get with the program." Temari remarked. "I like this lady way more than any of his annoying twittering fan girls."
Gaara sat in the warm water watching the leaf shinobi tease one another. It was a pleasant scene that almost eliminated his discomfort at not having his sand nearby. Water was his main weakness as far as ninjutsu was concerned. It was the main reason he didn't bathe often preferring to quickly shower and get dry again. He noticed Ryuu's ruby eyes on him and tilted his head slightly.
"Can I help you?" he asked the silver haired child. He was always so defensive around him though he couldn't remember doing anything to upset him except for referring to Onchou as 'that woman' when she was first brought to the village.
"What do you think of Onchou raccoon eyes?" the boy demanded crossing his arms over his chest.
The sand shinobi's eye widened at the direct question and he became increasingly uncomfortable as the chatter around him stopped and the eyes in the room focused on him.
"What do you mean?" he asked trying to stop the blush from coming to his cheeks.
Ryuu sighed. "You know what I mean." He replied. "Just tell me."
"I'm curious too." Naruto replied glancing at his redhead friend. "Onchou's a pretty cool girl. You should've seen how she totally took care of business when we first met."
Sauske nodded. "It was pretty impressive." He admitted.
"Her battle skills are great." Sai said. "I'm sure she hasn't even shown us everything she can do yet."
The silver haired child nodded. "Oh yeah. She's super strong." He said his face glowing with pride. "She can take down an entire army by herself."
"Impressive." Kankuro admitted.
"Yeah, but that's not all. Onchou is sweet, caring, and kind. She's always been there for me, protecting me and taking care of me." Ryuu said looking down at the water. "She's had to go through a lot of hard stuff. That's why I want to know what you think of her." He said lifting his eyes to meet Gaara's gaze. "I want to make sure you won't hurt her or make her do bad things like everyone else has."
"I would never do that to her." Gaara replied softly. "She doesn't deserve to be treated that way. I only desire to protect her from those that wish to harm her."
Ryuu nodded satisfied with the Kazikage's answer as Naruto smiled.
"That almost sounded like a confession to me." The Uazmaki teased his grin widening. "I bet something happened inside that sand ball of yours the other day."
Gaara's cheeks darkened even more as the memory of her lips against his flashed to the forefront of his mind without his permission.
"I think you're right." Kankuro said observing his brother's behavior. "I've never seen him blush like that."
In that moment Gaara just wanted to reduce himself to sand and drift into oblivion. However, considering he was in water at the moment, that option was unavailable to him. Desperate for an escape, he reached for his towel and slid out of the water.
"Oh no you don't!" Naruto exclaimed jumping out of the water himself. "You're not going without telling us what happened."
"Nothing happened." Gaara replied cursing the heat that came to his cheeks as the image came to his mind again.
"You're such a liar." The blonde protested reaching for him. "Just spit it out! There wasn't enough time for you to do anything that terrible."
The red haired sand wielder gritted his teeth hating the sensation of being cornered as he struggled in his friend's grip.
"You might as well just spill it." Kankuro said from where he sat observing the tug of war.
"Yeah. He's really not going to let you leave until you tell him." Sasuke agreed.
"He's not afraid to fight dirty either." Sai added.
The pale eyed shinobi took a deep breath and looked at the ground. "We kissed." He said softly.
"What was that? I couldn't hear." Naruto said shaking his head. "Water in my ears. Say it again please."
His patience nearly run out Gaara cringed and raised his voice. "I said we kissed! It was a total accident." He added quickly.
The Uzamaki let his arm go his expression a mix of satisfaction and surprise. "That wasn't so hard was it?" he remarked.
Kankuro laughed out loud a huge grin on his face. "So that explains it! No wonder there's so much tension between you two."
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "Seriously. It's annoying but at least I understand why it's there."
"Shut up! Like you have room to talk." Naruto shot at the Uchiha. "The tension between you and Sakura was so bad up until you two got together that half of the leaf village wanted to lock you two in a room overnight to get rid of it."
The Uchiha's jaw dropped and Sai stifled a laugh. "Naruto…" Sasuke threatened.
"Give him a break. It was pretty bad." Sai replied.
"Yeah but all of that went away when you kissed her the other day." Naruto replied. He turned to his red haired friend. "That's all you have to do to make that go away you know. Just kiss her for real."
The sand shinobi truly wanted to drift away then. "Please." He begged mortified. He felt chakra flare and his own flared in response. His eyes widened as he noticed Ryuu glaring at him water whipping around him in little streams.
"You kissed my Onchou?" he asked his tone dark.
"Oh dear." Sai muttered.
"Gaara, I think it's best you leave now." Naruto said swallowing hard. "That kid looks pissed."
"And whose fault is that?" The sand wielder replied before slipping out of the bathroom. He toweled himself off quickly and slipped into his clothes and stepped outside glancing up at the stars. "Kiss her for real huh?" He chuckled "What a strange piece of advice." He murmured.