I know I'm spoiling you with a second chapter but I just couldn't help myself. I know it's short but the next chapter will make up for the shortness. Shout outs go to all of my reviewers, favorites, and reviewers. As always reviews are not necessary but are inspiring.

"That's not the point Itachi." Sakura sighed and looked off towards some kids that were sword fighting. Mikoto was looking between the two who had begun arguing an hour ago. She knew that this subject was going to come up eventually but she hoped that it would be when the two decided they were in love. Sadly it had not and now a very frustrated Sakura was now leaning against Sasuke who had taken her side in the argument.

"The mother of my children would not go on missions above C rank. That's why I suggested that you have more time devoted to the hospital. Children need a mother more than a father in my opinion." Itachi answered not swayed at all in his argument.

"Itachi what even makes you think that I would be the mother of your children in the first place." Sakura snapped at him. She was closer to her father than her mother through out most of her life. He was the man who taught her about fishing, taught her to climb trees, and taught her to handle a horse. He was the one who always picked her up when she fell, and encouraged her to make her own mistakes. Even if he didn't approve of them. He was her first night in shining armour, and bandaged her wounds no matter how trivial. She would be damned if she would let Itachi say that a father was less than a mother. In her opinion, even though she loved her mother very much, a father was more important.

"Itachi you're gonna end up black and blue if you keep it up." Sasuke warned as he caught sight of Gaara.

"And on that note I'm afraid your time with bubble gum is up until dinner." Gaara growled at Itachi as he helped her from her seat and wiped her almost unshed tear away. He knew the subject of her father was still touchy and didn't like the fact that Itachi either didn't care or notice. Before Itachi could speak both Sakura and Gaara gave a respectful bow to Mikoto and dismissed themselves. Pulling her behind a stall he caressed her face gently and kissed her tenderly. His palm cradling her face tenderly. "Want me to beat him up?"

"No it's ok." Sakura laughed at what she thought was a joke.

"Fine but he shouldn't have made you cry." Gaara said pulling her into a warm embrace. Sakura immediately snuggled into his chest taking the comfort he offered. "I love you Sakura and I never want to see you cry again."

"I'll try hard not to cry anymore." She answered in a muffle as her face was pressed into his chest.

"No one should ever do anything to make you cry in the first place. I'll do everything in my power to make sure no one ever gets the chance again." He said tipping her chin so she was looking into his eyes. Her eyes searched his finding nothing but love and it make her heart skip a beat. Did she love him as well? She was seriously leaning towards a yes and she knew somehow that it was ok to do so.

"Gaara I- I.." He placed a finger to her lips and smiled warmly.

"Don't say it until you're sure Sakura, and not because you don't want to hurt my feelings. I know you love me and until you can say it confidently I don't want you to say it. Until you're sure I will wait for you. Because you're worth it." Gaara smiled and kissed her. This time he was sure to leave her breathless before they moved from their hiding spot.

"So how did the contest go?" Sakura asked leaning against Gaara happily.

"You tell me." He smirked wrapping his arm around her and gesturing to Temari and Shikamaru standing beside their sculpture of Konoha and Suna's symbols wrapped in an yin yang between Shikaku and Kyuubi.

"Frigging show off." Sakura giggled and kissed Gaara's cheek a little disappointed that the sand shield was in place.

"I aimed to win. So I ensured victory." Gaara explained with a smirk.

"More like you bitched every second about the smoothing of bumps until you did it yourself. I swear Sakura your going to have to stick around because he is much nicer when your here." Temari joked and Shikamaru agreed.

"Tanuki don't torment your fragile sister." Sakura teased causing Gaara to laugh. Shikamaru choked on his cigarette trying not to laugh. Temari growled but it softened as she watched her brother turn Sakura to face him and place a hand upon her cheek. The look in their eyes was unmistakable.

"I will try bubble gum." Gaara smirked leaning down and stealing a kiss which she happily returned. Temari pretended to gag before Shikamaru silenced her with a kiss of his own. Gaara noticed a few people taking pictures so he lingered with his kiss. Later he would pay to have the pictures duplicated, but for now he was happy actually holding the woman he loved.

"Finally catching up to me Gaara?" Naruto called with a blushing Hinata beside him. Gaara reluctantly pulled away and drew Sakura closer.

"I would say that you are still behind. Considering that you're not Hokage yet." Gaara smirked as the girls and Shikamaru laughed. Sakura smiled and watched as Gaara and the others interacted feeling that this was how it was supposed to be. Gaara made sure that Sakura knew he was still all about her by letting the sand shield fall from only his fingers that had moved under her jacket and rested on her back under her shirt rubbing soft circles. If anyone else had done this they would need bones repaired, but with Gaara it was natural. Sakura found that she liked it as her heart sped up a bit.

"What do you think Sakura?" Naruto looked at her with a pouty face.

"I'm sorry but Tanuki and I have to be going Naruto." Sakura smiled and pulled Gaara away.

"T-Tanuki!" Naruto burst into laughter but was quickly silenced with an elbow to the stomach by Hinata. Once they stopped Gaara smirked and kissed her again.

"You weren't listening at all were you Bubble gum." Gaara teased.

"Is it that obvious?" She smiled leaning against his chest.

"Not at all but I am more observant than most." Gaara chuckled and pulled her to the next event. It was a little competition that had to do with a maze made completely made of snow. Sakura sighed taking a step to the stage as Gaara joined the crowd of men below.

"Alright gentlemen here comes the beautiful Sakura Haruno. The rules are simple you may not go through the walls or melt them. The one to locate and carry Miss Haruno back wins a dance at the end of the night during our special musical performance. If you hurt her you are disqualified." Jiraya the announcer said sitting her on top of a toad who quickly leapt away. She turned to look back at the crowd to find Gaara. She smiled at once she located him. Gaara only smirked and winked at her. Then just like that a puff of smoke covered Sakura and she was gone placed at the center of the maze. "Well what are you waiting for go get her!"

That's exactly what Gaara intended to do. He did aim to win after all.