Chapter Ten

Sakura was awaken by a soft rapping on her bedroom door, and slowly she turned on her bed to stare at the wooden frame while her eyes fought to remain open. She opened her mouth to ask who it was, but instead of words, a yawn escaped.

"Sakura? Are you awake?"

Sakura immediately recognized the voice as Temari's, and quickly scuffled to sit herself up and wake herself completely.

"Yes!" Sakura's voice cracked from her dry throat, and she swallowed before speaking again.
"You can come in, Temari."

Sakura watched while the door knob turned and the familiar sand-blonde strolled inside the room. The rosette noticed the bath towels in Temari's arms before the young woman turned back around to shut the door.

"Good morning." Temari smiled at the sleepy Sakura.

In her response, Sakura yawned again and stretched her arms and back. A loud pop echoed in the room from her back bone and Sakura sighed with content.

"Good morning." Sakura replied, her voice still quiet from sleep.

"Actually," Temari smiled softly as she took in Sakura's sloppy appearance, "I should be saying good afternoon!"

At her words Sakura gasped and quickly whipped her head towards the clock next to her bed on the nightstand.

"No way!" She cried as she took in the time.
"It's two in the afternoon?!"

At Sakura's distress, Temari laughed.

"We weren't wrong when we said you needed to catch up on your sleep!" Temari chuckled, watching Sakura hunch.

Sakura lowered her back, embarrassed at herself for sleeping this long and late into the day. After leaving Gaara's office yesterday, she spent some time in Suna's market before returning home in the evening and crawling back into bed. She didn't realize she would sleep so late into the next day.

"I'm honestly not this lazy." Sakura mumbled with a pout.

Temari simply giggled and took a seat next to Sakura in her bed.

"Hey, it's alright." Temari began to comfort the girl.
"After meeting Shikamaru, I learned right away how lazy Konoha's shinobi really are."

Sakura growled as she lifted her narrow eyes towards Temari, letting the sand woman know not take make fun of what she represented.

"Oi!" Sakura growled, fist tightening.

Sakura's action caused the sand woman to once again howl with laughter.

"I'm only joking." Temari said through her laughs.
"I'm glad you caught up on your sleep. We've noticed how exhausted you been, and I'm sure you're feeling better."

At her words, Sakura calmed herself and took a moment to study herself. She happily noted that her body felt light, her mind was at ease, and the fatigue was completely gone. She smiled and nodded towards Temari in agreement.

"Aa." Sakura softly spoke.
"Thank you."

Sakura then took a moment to study the bath towels still tucked under Temari's hand, and slowly the rosette rose her emerald gaze to meet the sand-blonde's teal ones.

"Did you need something?" Sakura asked and watched as Temari smirked.

"I was thinking we could use your bathroom to get dressed and ready." Temari answered, standing herself and slowly making her way to Sakura's bathroom.
"The mirror in this room is much bigger than mine. Also, did you decide how you'd like your hair done?"

As Temari turned towards Sakura, she noticed the confusion in the woman's look. Sakura also had her nose wrinkled and eyes narrow as she tried to recall what it was Temari was speaking of.

"Let me guess." Temari sighed.
"You forgot..."

Temari again stared and watched while Sakura began to replay yesterday in hopes of remembering on her own what Temari was speaking of. It had taken her a moment, but the blonde smirked when she saw Sakura's jaw drop and begin to scramble out of bed.

"I completely forgot!" Sakura said, eying the clock once more before turning to Temari.
"How long before-"

"We have a few more hours." Temari cut off Sakura, already knowing what question she was about to ask.
"Plenty of time to get ready."

Temari motioned the towels in her hand before she walked into Sakura's bathroom. At Temari's words, Sakura let out a sigh of relief, letting the worry of being late to tonight's event leaving her mind. It wasn't until she heard Temari cry out did Sakura's heart pace again.

"What's the matter?" Sakura asked, poking her head into the bathroom before wincing at the sight in front of her.

Sakura had forgotten that her bathroom's mirror was permanently out of service thanks to her fist from a few nights prior. Temari touched a piece of broken glass, that was still glued onto the wall, before her wide eyes turned to Sakura.

"What happened?" Temari asked, disbelief in her voice.

At Temari's look, Sakura felt her stomach drop. Each of the sand sibling's hospitality thus far had been exuberant, so of course Sakura felt awfully guilty at the broken mirror she was now looking at.

"It happened after that night Gaara attacked us." Sakura confessed, letting stress overwhelm her again at the remembrance of the reason she had planted her knuckles on glass. "I...I guess the stress just got to me."

Sakura took a moment to study Temari. Where there was disbelief in her eyes earlier, there now was only understanding and sympathy.

"Sakura..." Temari mouthed.
"I had no idea. You should have told me. I'm sorry I-"

Sakura quickly shook her head to stop the sand-blonde from speaking any further.

"It's in the past now." Sakura forced a smile on her face, remembering that those sort of nights with Gaara were long gone now.
"Everything's better now. He's better."

Temari nodded in agreement, realizing there was no reason to recollect on those nights.

"I'm sure you'll have his insomnia cured in no time and you can return home." Temari spoke while walking out of the bathroom and past Sakura.
"I'm glad you're taking the night off tonight. I promise you'll have a great time. Think of this as a hidden thank you from Kankuro and I."

At her words Sakura smiled, letting worry once again wash away from her as she followed Temari out of her bedroom and into the hallway.

"We can use my room to get ready for tonight." Temari said as her and Sakura continued down the hallway within the giant home.

Sakura simply smiled at Temari's words, starting to feel a small spark of excitement building in the pit of her stomach for tonight. Quietly, Sakura followed behind Temari up a few sets of stairs as they made their way to her room.

"Ah!" Temari exclaimed after some time, and halted in her steps, this too caused Sakura to stop and stare at Temari's back in question.
"Don't you look handsome."

At Temari's compliment Sakura peeked her head and eyes above the sand-blonde's shoulder. Sakura couldn't help but smile when she caught a familiar sight of red hair marching towards them. However, as Gaara approached closer, Sakura remembered she was still in her pajamas and that her appearance was disarrayed. Hurriedly she hid behind Temari's back once more and did her best to brush her bed-head hair down with her fingers.

'I don't want Gaara to see me like this so late in the day...' Sakura moaned in her mind, listening as Gaara's steps stopped in front of his sister.

"I've done nothing to change my appearance." Gaara stated apathetically, staring at his sister.

Sakura listened as Temari chuckled to his words.

"It's a compliment little brother. I'm saying you always look handsome."

"Hn."

Sakura continued to crouch behind Temari while straightening her hair out and listening to the two. She hoped the slightly taller Suna girl had hidden her frame.

"Good afternoon, Haruno."

Her body flinched when she heard Gaara call out to her, and again she blushed knowing she was unsightly right now. Since she had been caught, there was no more use in hiding she decided. Quickly, she stepped from behind Temari and bowed towards Gaara.

"Good afternoon, Kazekage-sama." Sakura began.
"Forgive me for my current appearance. I know that-ow!"

Sakura stood herself straight and rubbed at her now throbbing shoulder. Narrowing her eyes, she turned towards Temari who she knew had just punched her shoulder.

"What was that for?" Sakura growled.

"I've told you a hundred times now to stop being so formal! There's no need for you to go apologizing either when we all know how hard you've been pushing yourself." Temari spoke, sticking her nose high into the air and closing her eyes.

Sakura simply moaned and rolled her eyes, landing them back at the young lord in front of her. As she took in Gaara's appearance, she couldn't help but ogle him in silence. Though she knew his title as Kazekage, she had yet to see him in the custom attire Kage's were given. Soon her gape turned into a smile when she saw his white robe and the familiar Kage hat on top of his red locks. Somehow his leadership and authority stood out more with his outfit, and Sakura sighed in contentment knowing that that garment, and hat, would not look better on anyone else but him.

There was silence as Sakura stared, and soon Temari smiled when she realized Sakura had yet to see her little brother in his uniform.

"Don't you agree with me, Sakura?" Temari spoke with a smile.
"That Gaara is handsome?"

Gaara was quick as a viper to narrow his eyes and send Temari a warning glare. He was very wary when it came to compliments of his appearance, since he had gone most of his life being labeled a monster. He didn't want this trait of Temari's to rub off on Sakura.

"Temari." He hissed with venom in his voice, warning her to stop.

"She's right." Sakura said.

At her words, Gaara's angry eyes shifted to Sakura. He was about to warn her that he didn't appreciate the lies, however, he couldn't help but let his angry stare soften when he saw Sakura's genuine smile. Her eyes, too, were comforting as she locked his gaze with her hypnotizing orbs, and Gaara felt his stomach turn as they continued to look into one another.

"Your eyes especially." Sakura continued.
"They're unique to you, and very charming."

Gaara's mouth slightly dropped to Sakura's compliment, and again he felt a sudden pain in his chest, but stopped himself from outwardly showing it. Never before had someone complimented him on his eyes, or any particular physical appearance he had. He was shocked, that no words came out from his mouth, and he simply stared the rosette before her attention on him was drawn away by Temari.

"Gaara definitely got the best eyes from the gene pool." Temari smiled, happy at Sakura's compliment.

As sweet as Sakura was, she laughed at Temari's comment before speaking again.

"I think your eyes are a beautiful color as well. Makes me jealous of you guys!" Sakura chuckled along with Temari.

"And I would love to have your forest-green eyes." Temari grinned.

"I guess we just find more beauty in the things we don't have." Sakura concluded.

"That sounds like us women!"

Sakura and Temari both laughed before Sakura's eyes returned to Gaara's still gawking stare. She smiled at him sweetly before he composed himself, shutting his eyes and taking in a moment to breath heavily in and out.

"I suppose you're heading out there now." Temari spoke, turning back to Gaara as well.

"Aa." He nodded.
"They want me to make sure everything is in order before the people start arriving."

Gaara's eyes shifted quickly for a second at Sakura before returning them to Temari. At his peek, Sakura tilted her head in wonder before he spoke again.

"I have to make sure the cake arrives there on time."

Sakura's eyes shimmered at the mention of cake again, and inwardly she laughed at Gaara's comment. She smiled when Gaara's gaze met her twinkling eyes again, and he let a smirk escape from him when he realized Sakura understood his little joke. His smirk only lasted a second though and fell when he returned his eyes to Temari.

"Cake?" Temari asked, tilting her head in wonder.
"That's not really that important, but whatever."

Temari had shrugged her shoulders and the action had caused Gaara to notice her hold on the towels in her arms. He eyed them momentarily before lifting his gaze back to his sister.

"You may use my bath if you like."

At Gaara's words, Sakura's inner self sang out. She remembered the exquisite, giant, bath Gaara had in his chambers from the first day she stepped into his room. She couldn't deny that she wanted to take him up on his offer, however, Temari spoke for the both of them.

"Thanks Gaara, but your bathroom doesn't have any mirrors. We need one to do our hair and makeup."

Even though Sakura agreed with her friend, she couldn't help but let her smile fall and body sink a little. She was sure she would get no better opportunity than this to lavish herself in Gaara's giant bath. Gaara, it seemed, had caught Sakura's small affliction, for he eyed her sunken face for a second before he caught himself speaking out before his mind could stop him.

"You may use it at any time you like, Haruno." Gaara added, his heart racing when he realized what he had just offered.

At the call of her name, Sakura again straightened and composed herself, a smile returning to her face.

"Thank you, Kazekage-sama." Sakura answered.
"I may take you up on that offer."

However, Sakura knew deep down that the idea that she use his bath was informal on her part, even though he had offered. She would have no issue if Temari joined as well, seeing as though she was Gaara's sister, but by herself Sakura knew she would never be able to bring herself up to his quarters and use his personal space. Sakura and him were friends, but she also had to remember that he was above her as a Kage. It was not her place to use his things like they were her own.

Sakura's train of thought was cut off as Gaara's steps began to pass the two of them and he spoke.

"I will see you both later tonight."

"You'll save me the first dance, won't you?" Temari said with a smirk, watching her brother begin his march down the stairs.

Gaara did not answer his sister, and slowly trudged his way away.

Sakura watched as Gaara's figure grew smaller and smaller before Temari spoke again, certain only Sakura's ears could hear her now.

"I have to make sure Gaara dances with me first."

Sakura eyed Temari curiously, question in her own mind while watching Temari's eyes narrow as she continued to watch Gaara walk away.

"Those girls you saw from yesterday are nothing compared to what the women will try with him tonight." Temari said, before turning her eyes to Sakura.
"As long as they see that I'm there, and see me dance with him, they'll back off right away. Nobody messes with big sister!"

Sakura's eyes widened to what Temari had just said. Again she was reminded of her on-going battle with Sasuke against Ino, and others. However, she never thought Gaara could have so many females chasing after him. No doubt because of his title, and of course, good looks.

"It's that bad huh?" Sakura asked with interest.

At her question, Temari let out a heavy sigh before walking again. Sakura followed.

"You have no idea!" Temari commented.
"The girls that bring him lunch and visit him at work are innocent enough. They genuinely think that Gaara was born to marry them and take care of them the rest of their lives like some sort of prince charming! They are shy, young ones."

Sakura suppressed a giggle at Temari's small outburst and the way she was describing these love-sick girls.

"But the women..." Temari huffed.
"The women, Sakura, let me tell you. They go to the lengths you thought only happened in dramas."

While Temari began to fume, Sakura's head tilted in wonder. Surely Temari didn't mean what Sakura thought she meant.

"I love Gaara dearly, but he is definitely naive when it comes to what these women would do to him if he were ever alone with them." Temari angrily spoke.
"I never thought Gaara would ever come across these situations in his life, but now that he is Kazekage, I see people trying to sink their claws into him more now than when he was younger!"

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. It was odd to think Gaara ignorant if a woman beckoned him into a room alone with her or something, but Temari did know him more than she.

"Oh, and I'm not talking about women our age!" Temari barked, turning her head back lightly so Sakura could hear her better.

He's got every lady in every age group after him. Teens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties and even sixties! Can you believe that?! These cougars are going to hunt my little brother tonight like the predators they are."

"Maybe we should just send in Kankuro to handle their frisky objective."

Temari laughed at Sakura's joke, her angry mood dissimulating due to Sakura's humor. The woman continued to laugh for quite some time before turning around to face Sakura.

"I want you to have a good time tonight, but if you notice any flirting going on with Gaara, will you let me know?" Temari asked.

Sakura smiled softly to reassure the sand-blonde.

"He's my friend now. I want to look out for his well-being too." Sakura added.
"Though, I don't want to start any confrontation in this village..."

Temari quickly shook her head to Sakura's words.

"No, no. I don't want that either." Temari said, placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder.
"Just come and find me. I can handle these bitches."

At her vulgar words, Sakura grinned. Her Suna friend definitely did not play around, she was serious business. After, Sakura continued to follow Temari until they had finally made it into her room.

"Please don't mind the mess."

Sakura smiled when she took in the lavender and rose colored room, slightly surprised to see Temari's room was completely girly. Growing up with brothers, Sakura always thought the sand girl to probably be tomboyish, her attitude certainly made her seem like that. However, the color scheme and design of the room had caught Sakura by complete surprise, and with small envy.

"Your room is gorgeous." Sakura beamed, staring at a vase of roses that sat next to her canopy bed.

"Heh, thanks." Temari said with a small blush, and slowly she marched to another door in her room.

Sakura watched Temari as she entered, what Sakura assumed to be, the bathroom. Her suspicions were confirmed when she could hear the running water and steam begin to pour out from the door.

"What are those?" Sakura asked when she saw Temari return to the room and pull out a small box.

"Lavender and rose petals." Temari said with a smirk before turning her eyes to Sakura.
"It'll make your skin smooth and smell nice if I throw them in the bath."

With that said, Temari again turned and returned to bathroom. A moment passed before she peeked her head out of the bathroom and grinned towards Sakura.

"You can wash up first. I'll lay out the makeup and everything else we need while I wait."

Sakura nodded and took a step into the bathroom, her body quickly relaxed while she took in the aroma of the flowers in the warm water. She noticed Temari's bathroom was indeed smaller than her own, but no less extravagant. Her tub and walls were of golden color and beautiful frames.

"You three are such brats." Sakura said with a sigh.

"What? Why?" Temari asked, tilting her head at Sakura's strange words.

Sakura turned to Temari with a smile. Letting the older woman know she meant no ill towards her words.

"You guys have the best rooms I've ever seen. I am so jealous." Sakura said, relaxing to the aroma in the air.
"Makes me almost want to check out Kankuro's room next."

Temari had smiled to Sakura's compliment before wrinkling her nose and eyes at the mention of Kankuro's room.

"Trust me, Sakura." Temari spoke while setting the towels down next to the sink for Sakura.
"The last place you want to find yourself in is Kankuro's room."

Sakura snickered while watching Temari walk out of the bathroom.

"I left shampoo and soap in the tub for you. The water and petals should have you smelling really sweet tonight." Temari said before shutting the door behind her.

"Thank you!" Sakura called out loud enough behind the closed door before stripping her clothes off.

Sakura let out a giant sigh of relief when she dipped her foot into the warm bath. Now that she was caught up on her sleep and was going to go out tonight and enjoy herself, she realized how much more relaxed she felt today. She smiled as soon as her whole body sank into the warm water, and the relaxing scent in the air filled her nostrils. Closing her eyes, she took a moment to enjoy herself before she would completely wash up.

'I wonder if Ino takes baths like these.' Sakura thought to herself, remembering that Ino was the flower girl of their village.
'I'll have to ask her for some petals when I return home.'

Pushing her thoughts aside, Sakura reached for the bottle next to her before pouring a little of it onto her hair and lathering it up. While she continued to massage her scalp, she took in the flowery scent of the shampoo.

'Maybe I should take up more missions to Suna in the future and ask to stay with these three. That way I can enjoy all this a little more often.' Sakura thought jokingly with a smile.

'Imagine if you started dating Gaara. You would be pampered to no end. You'd get both a handsome guy and extraordinary bath to come home to everyday.'

Sakura ceased her movements as inner Sakura piqued those words. She froze her body in bewilderment at her thoughts.

'Why would I think that?' She asked herself.
'I can't think of Gaara that way, he's Kazekage...Besides Sasuke-kun...'

Sakura moaned to herself, she did not want to ruin this night by reminiscing on her lost teammate. So instead of returning to those thoughts, she dipped her head underwater to rinse the suds from her hair. Quickly, she finished up her cleaning routine before stepping out of the bath. She wrapped a towel around her head to hold her wet hair while wrapping another around her damp body. She couldn't deny her skin looked and felt healthier. She smelt as sweet as her bath was, and as she stepped out of the steaming bathroom and into the cooler air, another relieved sigh escaped her.

"That was probably one of the most relaxing baths I've ever taken." Sakura said while walking over to Temari.
"Thank you so much."

Temari merely snickered at Sakura's comment.

"Don't sweat it." Temari said before her eyes fell to the many colors and brushes she had laid out.
"It makes me happy I have someone here who appreciates these sorts of things along with me. Kankuro and Gaara would never understand all this."

Looking up, Temari eyed Sakura again with a smile.

"I imagine this is what it must feel like to have a sister. Helping one another to get dressed. I like it."

Sakura blushed lightly to Temari's words. Was Temari hinting that Sakura was like a sister to her now? Sakura had to admit, having no siblings of her own, it was indeed nice to spend time with the sand woman.

"I agree." Sakura said with smile.
"This is what it must feel like to have a sister."

Temari lightly pushed Sakura on the shoulder.

"I'm going to go wash up now. I laid out some makeup, hair products, and brushes on the bed. Use whatever you like."

Sakura listened as the bathroom door closed behind her, and turned once again to the items laid out before her. She wasted no time reaching for the gels that would leave her hair looking healthy, and with shine. She knew her hair was begging for the same moisture her body was since she arrived in this dry desert. While applying the gel and mousse into her damp hair, she wondered in what way would be best to style it.

'I could straighten it and wear it down.' Sakura thought to herself while she marched towards a mirror.

She picked and examined a few strands of her pink hair before shaking her head and deciding on one hairdo.

'I always wear it down.' She concluded in her mind.
'I'll put it up for tonight. Something different.'

Sakura wasted no time reaching for the hair dryer and beginning her work. She was always thankful her hair was now short, it saved her a lot of drying time. It only took her a few short minutes before Sakura had her hair as dry as she liked, and carefully wrapped her pink locks into a tight, sophisticated looking, bun. She let two strands of her hair fall to each side of her ears, giving them a small twirl with her fingers so they would have a small curl to them. Sakura was already spraying her hair with hair spray to hold the bun and wave by the time Temari walked out. A grin grew on the sand-blonde as she took in Sakura's new look.

"I love it." Temari said when Sakura turned to her.
"With your unique color, you're definitely going to win best hair for tonight."

Sakura blushed to Temari's comment.

"Thank you." Sakura smiled while watching the Suna girl march her way towards a small, red box.

"I picked these out for our hair." Temari said, opening the box to Sakura's eyes.

Sakura's gaze widened as she saw the tiny, gold flowers in the box. The flowers were no bigger than her fingernails, but they shimmered and sparkled whenever Temari turned them towards light.

"So pretty." Sakura whispered.
"How do I-?"

Temari had already scooted Sakura towards her lavender vanity before the rosette could finish her sentence. Sitting on the purple cushion, Sakura watched through the mirror while Temari gently placed one of the small, gold flowers on the backside of her hair bun. Temari sprayed hair spray on each one of the flowers so they would hold in Sakura's hair.

"I got silver ones for me." Temari said after some time.

Though Sakura couldn't help but ogle at her current appearance, she wondered what Temari had in store for herself.

"How are you going to do your hair?" Sakura asked, looking at her friend through the mirror's reflection.

"I think I'll straighten it and wear it down." Temari answered while placing and spraying another gold flower on Sakura's bun.
"I always wear it up in pigtails. I want people to see the other side of me tonight."

Sakura smiled at Temari's words.

"I had the same thought with my hair."

Temari simply smiled at her friend's comment before speaking again.

"Your dress has gold flowers on it, so these will match perfectly."

At the thought of such an extravagant dress, Sakura blushed.

"I can't thank you enough for-"

"Don't worry about it." Temari cut off Sakura before she could finish her sentence.
"Everyone wants you to just have a good time tonight."

Sakura smiled and nodded at her friend once again in the mirror.

"The way you all have been treating me, I have no doubt I will." Sakura said, watching Temari place one last gold flower.

Upon hearing that her dress had gold flowers, Sakura decided to place a little gold and brown eyeshadow on her eyelids. She had decided not to put on such heavy makeup. Just a little blush, mascara and lip gloss went a long way for her. Soon enough, she couldn't help but eyeball herself a few times in the mirror, and though she never considered herself conceited, she had to admit she was looking drop-dead gorgeous.

"I don't think I've ever gotten so dressed up." Sakura admitted while turning towards Temari.

Sakura watched as Temari was currently placing small, silver flowers in her straightened hair. Having done her makeup already, the sand woman had decided on doing a purple smokey-eyed look on her eyes.

"The last time we had such an event like this was when Gaara became Kazekage." Temari spoke while setting the flowers down and glimpsing at herself in the mirror.

While Temari decided she was ready with herself with one last look in the mirror, she quickly raced to her wardrobe. With a grin she turned to Sakura, and beckoned her to come over.

"I hope you like it." Temari spoke while swinging the wardrobe doors open.

Sakura's jaw dropped the minute she took in the two dresses hanging on each side of the doors. As Temari had promised before, the two dresses were matching with design. The dresses were a sleeveless corset top with a long, slightly frilly, bottom. Right away Sakura recognized Temari's dress. It was a deep purple color with silver rhinestones shapes as flowers swimming from the corset top all the way to the back bottom of the dress. Turning to the other dress, Sakura's dropped jaw turned into a wide grin. What she concluded as her dress, was a deep emerald color with the same rhinestone pattern as Temari's. Except for silver however, Sakura's flowers were gold.

"It's...beautiful!" Sakura managed out.

"They are, aren't they?" Temari smiled too, reaching up to take down the dresses.

The two girls wasted no time wrapping themselves in the beautiful garments. Taking a few minutes to gawk at themselves, and the other, before Temari asked.

"Ready to go?"

Taking one last look in mirror, Sakura grew a blushing, confident smile the longer she stared at her beautiful self. She nodded determinedly at herself in mirror.

"Un!"

Sliding her feet into the gold heels Temari had provided for her as well, Sakura raced as quick as she could next to the young sand woman. Temari's smile grew as she took in Sakura's now ecstatic mood.

"Let's go have some fun then!"