Chapter Twenty-four

His mind had been blank while they stood next to each other. Their eyes were on everything else but the other. He couldn't see, but just simply knew. Emotions coursed through him, yet he could only focus on the dread his heart was feeling. Somehow, this felt like an ending to them. Though she stood next to him, she suddenly felt so very far away.

"Thank you for tonight."

Her voice matched that distance he felt, and still Gaara couldn't bring his eyes to meet hers.

"Aa." He answered plainly, his mind growing blank when he tried to think of anymore but found nothing.
"Goodnight."

He turned, not even seeing her off like he normally would. Not even waiting to hear her goodnight. In the back of his mind, he wondered if he was being too cruel. An ironic twist, she spoke her affections of another to him, yet he worried whether he was the one being short with her.

With a heavy sigh, he entered his room. He stood there momentarily, eyes to the ground before leaning his back against the wooden frame behind him. His shoulders sank when his mind remained fixated on the rosette. He remembered when he first noticed her here, how timid she had looked standing next to Naruto. He was well familiar with the term, looks can be deceiving, yet he struggled to see how this girl had come out victorious against Sasori.

When Temari mentioned Sakura was to stay and help him, he mentally scoffed at the idea. How was she to fix something that had been embedded into him since birth? It was a waste of time, but he would humor the young woman for a short while. He knew it would be rude of him to brush her off immediately, and kept her for some time for Naruto's sake. Yet slowly, day after day, she forced her way through what he thought were impenetrable walls around his heart.

He had recognized her as the one who stood in his way years ago when he lunged for that damn Uchiha. Back then she was willing to sacrifice herself for Sasuke against him, he had been a fool to not recognize her passion from then for Sasuke. He assumed nothing but detest from her would come his way while she did her job, and yet, she showed him her smile. She offered to listen to him when everyone else knew him as the quiet one. She had given her hand to him, asking to become friends when minutes and hours prior he had only told her dark tales of his life.

He had nothing to offer her. She had nothing to gain from his awkward self while she pushed on against him how they could become good friends.

When he agreed, he figured nothing of value would come from this. In time, she would become bored of his stoic nature, or surely he would frighten her like he thought he had done back when he had licked her finger. Still, she surprised him, waltzing into his work with food she had prepared just for him. Sharing her stories and interests while she listened to his.

At the time of their first kiss, he found the idea to be surreal. Surely their relationship hadn't blossomed to that point so quickly. And yet, she kissed him back and he suddenly felt reassured that pace meant nothing.

"With you, I want to open my eyes to these new feelings, experience what I've yet to experience with any other, and grow closer to you."

Gaara sighed when he remembered all that he had told Sakura. She had agreed, and yet, revealed the Uchiha just a day later.

'Fool.' He thought bitterly to himself.

He felt he had hit rock bottom. Yet, as he stood there and reminisced on all that had happened between the two of them, rock bottom suddenly felt like an endless void. He was feeling worse and worse by the second. Shaking his head, he marched over to his desk. Instead of burying his thoughts on the young, Konoha woman, he would bury them into his work.

Like always.

He needed to fall back into his old routine, he told himself. Soon, lonely nights like this would return, and he would need to get back into the habit of it. He sighed again when he tried to fall back into his mind, waiting for a voice to speak to him like it had done every night since his birth.

And yet, nothing.

Nothing but silence was in his head. His mind was empty, that itself irked him. His digits fidgeted lightly when he realized he would be alone again tonight. He would have no one to listen to for hours, and would have to try his best to keep his focus on his work.

He traced a hand over his papers, trying to estimate how long it would take him tonight to finish when an envelope hit his vision. Normally, he would pass on his letters until his own village matters were tended to. However, when he noticed the familiar Konoha symbol stamping the envelope, he felt his heart freeze and quickly ripped open the parcel. Before he even read the first sentence, he knew what the letter was going to address.

Despite what she had told him tonight, he was still not yet ready to let her go. As he continued to read the long letter, that was exactly what was being asked of Gaara. More formally of course.

Sakura was needed to return home asap, to help her team gather intel at Tenchi-kyo. The letter held a lot more detail than Tsunade needed to share with him, but as he read closer to the end, he realized why this was. The Hokage had asked him to relay this message to Sakura, for she was to be sent immediately to the bridge the second she returned home. He was also asked, in a more personal message from Tsunade, to tell Sakura what outcome this mission may have.

...if a success, we may be able to gather information about the whereabouts of Uchiha Sasuke.

The second he read that name, Gaara could feel his hands trembling with rage. The paper in his fingers shook so violently, that in time, he ripped the parcel completely. This caused him more agitation. He was always poised, composed, never letting something get the better of him. Yet now he felt the hate, he thought he left behind years ago, suddenly returning. Without notice, he ripped the letter more until nothing but shreds of paper littered his floor.

'Why?!' He cried in his mind.

Why was fate cruel to him once again? He had finally experienced joy like no other in his life, and that damn Uchiha had to go and steal it away.

'No!' His mind barked suddenly at him.

Why should he allow Sasuke to take what Gaara had claimed was his nights ago? His usually empty mind was now forming negative ideas into his brain. A dangerous thing, he knew, yet he refused to think of a life without her. To go back to those lonely nights in room while he continued to work, and work, and work while the people around him experienced the happiness he had to sacrifice. He knew the bonds Naruto had spoken to him were strong.

But the bond he had with her, with Sakura, it was not one he was about to allow himself to be severed from. He needed her. Her presence only drove more hard into him how lonely he still was. She couldn't be allowed to leave him yet, or if ever. He wanted her smile by his side always.

He growled at himself before marching over to his balcony windows to stare at the giant, full moon in front him. He narrowed his eyes angrily at the white orb. It was just one of many things that reminded Gaara that he was not born normal, or emotionally privileged like everyone else around him. Like the Uchiha who threatened to take his Sakura.

In time, he gripped his head hard while staring at the moon still. He could feel a searing pain in his head the more he thought how lonely tonight felt. The headache only grew worse when he remembered her departure meant these nights would be frequent, and forever if she actually found Sasuke and she remained devoted to him.

In his mind, he was still battling dark thoughts. The ideas of giving Sakura no option, of keeping her here forever with him, to claim her in a way where he was ready to break an alliance with Konoha if they chose to fight for her return. He was willing so much for her, that in the end she would have to realize his devotion to her and stay without reluctance. She would forever be by his side, willingly. He just had to show her all that he could offer her. He was better than that Uchiha. He would make her see that.

He unknowingly clawed at his head, despite his thoughts, his body was trying to react indifferently. To show him reason that his ideas were evil, and came from a time years ago. With Shukaku gone, the redhead needn't bury himself anymore to these dark persuasions. Even before the Ichibi was stolen, Gaara had done well to bury this side of him when Naruto showed him another path. Why was his psyche plaguing him? Why was it painting the thought of keeping Sakura all to himself as a beautiful one? Again, his hand clawed at his head and hair, hoping the pain would awake him from the monstrous decisions that were trying to engulf him.

However, the more he stared into that damn, bright moon, the more he trembled. The thought of Sakura in the Sasuke's arms, and the way his mind kept lingering on these past, quiet, lonely nights, made his brain, and body, begin to let that darkness consume him more. In time, the hand that gripped at his hair hard slowly fell to his lips. He grinned maliciously, fangs baring, drool escaping, before tugging a finer against the side of his mouth. He pulled against the edge of his lips, tugging back his cheek and showing off his sharp canines all the more. It was his last act of pain that tried to pry away the insanity that wanted to now claim him.

However, as his grin grew bigger, he realized how hungry he suddenly was. A hunger only the rosette could satisfy.

If only he knew that Gaara had made these decisions without him, Shukaku would be so proud.

Sakura shook lightly as she raced up the stairs. Somehow she was reminded of the night she ran to stop Gaara from killing Temari. It made her nerves suddenly shake, and her breathing came out heavy. Her heart was racing while questions flashed in her mind. What did this mean exactly? Had Gaara taken the pills, or had he not? If the answer was no, then for what reason did he lash out three nights in a row?

As soon as Sakura was planted outside his door, she stood frozen in her place. Her breath was rigid, and eyes wide as she stared down at her feet. Despite how late it was into the night, she knew these questions could not wait. She had been asked to fix this problem from Temari, but knew her obligation to make sure Gaara was alright was purely based on the feelings she held for him. She was willing to put his well-being before hers. Gaara had shown her kindness, and a joy, no other man had, it made her feel all the more inclined to help the young man she held deep affections for.

Sakura shut her eyes and held in her breath. She composed her anxious self before releasing that air from her lungs. She knew she couldn't storm into his room a nervous wreck lest he begin to question her. He still had no knowledge of his attacks, and the young woman hoped to keep it that way. He didn't need anymore hurt than what she had put him through tonight. Her only hope was that Gaara was willing to speak and answer her many questions. He had been so quick to say goodnight that she knew he wanted to separate himself from her and the pain she brought along. She couldn't blame him.

'At least you told him the truth.' Sakura thought, trying to push the guilt away.

She gave a quick knock, knowing the young man on the other side was wide awake. He always was, and planned to forever stay that way. Her only hope was that he wouldn't be short with her. It worried her to think the two of them would be cold, distant, and awkward once again. She had worked so hard to earn his trust, friendship, and so much more. Hopefully, like her, Gaara would not want to be thrown back to the relationship they had at day one.

She slowly shut the door behind her. At its audible click, Sakura grimaced at the quietness in the room. Surprisingly, the room was dark, save for the moon's glow. She looked towards Gaara's desk, expecting him to be in his usual spot. All she saw was an empty chair and pile of work.

"Hm." Sakura hummed lightly before making her way towards the empty desk.
"He's not here?"

Sakura did a look around in the empty room once more. Confusion etched on her face.

"Where did he go?"

Sakura peeked towards the door that lead to his bath. She could sense the lights off on the other side of the entryway. At this, she tilted her head slightly.

"Did he go out? This late?"

Sakura paced herself closer to the balcony doors, seeing if she could catch a glimpse of the redhead outside. All that was out there was the moon above her.

'I gave him a rough night.' Sakura thought bitterly.
'I wouldn't be surprise if he went out. Maybe back to that oasis. He did say it was his own spot to get away from everyone.'

Sakura frowned at the moon above her, her guilty conscience returning. She had never meant to bring any harm to the young man.

'Perhaps love is like a curse to me.'

She watched as clouds drifted towards the moon. Their darkness now clouded the bright beams that lit up the world below her, and it was then Sakura let out a heavy sigh; deciding she try to return to her bed. She rubbed her eyes when she felt the effects of the pill taking a hold of her.

'Back to bed.' She thought.

"Sakura."

Sakura flinched when a voice hit her ears. Where she thought she was alone in the room, a presence suddenly emerged in front of her. In the dark room, she could not see him, but recognized his voice.

"Gaara!" She exclaimed.
"You surprised me. Where were you? The room was-"

Sakura fell short when she felt Gaara's hands wrap around her wrist. He pulled her roughly towards him before embracing her in a tight hug.

"Gaara?" Sakura questioned, feeling him bury his face into the crook of her neck.

As much as Sakura wanted to lace her arms around the young man, she could find no strength in her body. She was shocked by his bold gesture. His hug was tight, desperate, a silent saying to her how much she meant to him. As seconds turned into minutes, the rosette could feel his hold only growing stronger in time. His breath was hitting the same spot on her neck, making her feel warm. Why was he doing this, she wondered. Was this some type of apology? Was he going to say he still wanted to try to keep their relationship going? Or was this maybe his way of saying goodbye? At that last thought, Sakura could feel her eyes growing hot. Tears threatened to break through at the thought of Gaara telling her that whatever it was between them, had to stop.

It was then she found the strength to bring her arms up and around him. As desperate as he was not to let her go, she felt the same of him, and buried herself into his tight embrace. When she nestled her face into his shoulder, she felt his hold grow all the more stronger.

'How cruel I am.' Sakura thought bitterly of herself.
'Don't hurt this man anymore.'

Sakura drew a breath in, trying to rid of her berating thoughts. Nonetheless, when Gaara's scent hit her senses, she felt her hot tears escaping. It was the thought of never holding him again like this, forgetting his scent, never hearing his voice that made her water works start up.

"Forgive me." She whispered into his skin.
"I'm just so afraid of losing you."

She felt his hug tighten before he shifted out of her embrace. In the dark, she could not read his expression, but he spoke reassuringly.

"You never will." His spoke, plucking her chin in his fingers.
"I'll never let you go."

Sakura gasped when Gaara brought his face closer to hers, dragging his wet, tongue up the side of her cheek. The rosette trembled at his sudden boldness, she never would have imagined him to lick the tears off her face. This sudden act made her crying cease while she tried to fathom his awkward move. Again, she shook when his tongue lapped at the beads on the other side of her face.

'Carnal.' Sakura thought as he brought his face back to hers.

"My Sakura." He whispered before diving his lips towards hers.

Sakura's eyes went round at Gaara's sudden, desperate kiss. She wasn't expecting such an audacious move as that, but as he pulled her frame into his and drove his lips deeper into hers, the rosette felt her heart race and eyes flutter shut. In his arms, she felt safe. There was no need to push him away.

She wanted this just as much as him.

From his lips, and sleeping pills, Sakura's mind began to grow fuzzy. She pulled back from him to draw in a breath before bringing her lidded eyes to him.

"I wanted to ask you about...pills..." Sakura trailed off, swaying in her spot.

Those pills had been a lot stronger than she expected, no doubt to accommodate to the young man who never slept. Said man brought a hand to graze against her soft cheek, making Sakura shiver lightly. His touch had an amazing effect on her. He didn't even let her continue to speak before reaching for her mouth again. His kiss was strong, and she tried to match up with his forceful lips. She felt him snake a hand into her pink locks, pushing her head more into him and restraining her from pulling away. Around her waist was his other arm, keeping her steady as she swayed from side to side.

It wasn't until Gaara dragged his tongue across her lips did Sakura force her head back. As passionate as she was feeling, this was once again dangerous territory they were treading on. She remembered how little restraint they had the first night they kissed. Given how much closer she felt towards Gaara now, she worried that wall of discipline would come crumbling down.

Gaara let a low growl escape him when he witnessed her rebellious act. Before she could counter in any way, or ask him to stop, he pulled her face back to his, burying his lips on hers roughly. To this, Sakura's eyes widened; for she had never experienced this sort of strong emotion before. Her hands found his chest, and she searched for the strength to push him back, to silently tell him to stop, but only clawed against his muscles when he drove his head deeper into hers.

It was then Sakura knew the battle had been lost, and she desperately tried once more to match up with his strong emotion. Yet, as she tried to push hard into his kiss, he would push back twice as ambitious, overpowering her. Deep down she knew her feverish attempts were making him all the more hungry for her. She understood this because she was now feeling the same towards him. The heat she experienced every time they kissed like this was returning to the pit of her stomach. It was a fire that threatened to extend quickly throughout her whole body if she allowed him to continue. A spreading flame that could not be doused.

"Gaara." She whispered when she was able to pull back and allowed a breath.

While she tried to even her breaths, Gaara's lips had found the crook of her neck. He was desperate to savor her taste, and didn't draw back like she had. Instead, he grazed the side of her neck with his teeth before nipping and sucking at her skin. To his sensual ministrations, Sakura tilted her neck to the side, letting the young man draw his lips closer to her skin. It excited him more, she could tell, that she was now being compliant. She was reminded greatly how much he enjoyed being in control, and this sultry act between them was no different.

The rosette let out a small whimper when Gaara dragged his wet, hot tongue up the side of her neck. To her feeble cry, the redhead grinned his fangs once more; riding on the euphoric high her approving voice was bringing him. The way she shivered in his hold made him more hungry. The hands he had placed on her hips brought her pelvis close to his. This had made Sakura blush, and the burning fire of desire inside her grow stronger. The heat in her cheeks rose more when she felt the young man's arousal against her. It was then she noticed the fiery ache that pulsed inside of her as well.

He wanted her. She wanted him. And neither of them could find the inner strength to say no.

So when Sakura realized how much she craved him as much as he did her, a heavy moan escaped from her throat. That intimate sound made Gaara freeze his ministrations and steady himself as a shiver ran down his spine. The noises he could make the rosette murmur just made him all the more knowing that she was his. Nobody was going to make her moan and whimper like he could, he wouldn't even allow them the chance. He could feel his emotions peaking, and tore his mouth from her skin to take in the gaze of her eyes.

When he pulled back, he saw the lust-riddled face the young woman was making. He was much more keen than others seeing in the dark, years of practice he assumed made his eyes this way, but he could easily spot the want and need Sakura's gaze was holding. Her half-lidded eyes searched his face as well, though darkness hid him from her. At her gaze, he could see the pink that tinted her cheeks, the flush on her face and neck, and her moist lips puckered slightly towards him. No doubt in need of his attention again. Her look made his insides tingle, and slowly he brought a hand up to pluck her chin.

Sakura did not try to pull back from his hold while he twisted her mouth towards his, once again showing off his dominance over her. He stared at her rosy buds for some time before studying her sensual face. It filled him with a new pride that he could make a strong woman, such as her, weak in the knees before him. He would never let this beautiful creature out of his sight.

"Sakura." He breathed, watching the twinkle in her eyes grow to the call of her name.

He could feel her trying to push her lips towards him again, but simply held her back with her chin still in his fingers. However, if it was his kiss she wanted, then she would get. He would grant her the world if she just asked.

"You're mine." He murmured again before leaning his lips down to hers.

He could feel a sigh escape the rosette once his lips touched hers. In time, his feverish passion began to escalate once more, and the hands he had on her began to travel up and down her back. Before she could drown herself in his taste, Gaara pulled back, causing Sakura to give chase. Her eyes went round when instead of his lips, he dragged his tongue across her plump buds. She shivered at the sensation, understanding his silent request and slightly parted her mouth for him.

To her open invitation, Gaara wanted to grin wildly at the sight of her giving up so much more to him than ever before. Instead of that malicious smile though, he dove his mouth frantically onto hers, wasting no time in plunging his tongue into her mouth. Again, Sakura's eyes went round when she felt Gaara's tongue dive down into her throat. She could almost feel herself gagging and about to pull away to such an alien act.

'People enjoy doing this?!' She thought.

However, when Sakura felt Gaara's tongue pull back up and slide across her own, a shiver ran down her. As vulgar as the act felt, and probably looked, she could feel a spike of heat turned up inside her. Immediately taking back her questioning while playing with Gaara's tongue with her own. She again tried her best to keep up with his eager antics, yet as he dominated her tongue with his, she realized he would never allow her control. Perhaps if she had not taken a sleeping pill, she would be able to keep up with him. Instead, she let his tongue explore her mouth. At times, he would wrestle with her own tongue, excited to feel her feverishly try to dominate him with her mouth. She was a curious being to him, and all his he reminded himself.

As the two explored each others mouth, a slip of spit began to spill out of the sides of their lips. It was Gaara who began to pull back when he felt the act becoming much too messy. Slowly he traced his tongue, and lips, back and away from her. However, at his retreat, Sakura raced for his tongue. His eyes widened when the rosette brought his warm tongue back into her mouth. It seemed she didn't find the drool to be as mussy as he did, and instead used her lips to explore his tongue. He watched her curiously, excitement building inside him, as Sakura began to suck and play with his tongue. To her ministrations, he wasted no time sticking his tongue out more into the air for her to suck on.

At the sudden length, Sakura couldn't help but lick his tongue with her own before returning her lips around it to suck on it once more. In time, she began to bob her head up and down the length, taking in his tongue deep into her mouth before pulling back. As she continued, she was rewarded with a low groan escaping from Gaara's throat. Such a lewd act from her excited him all the more. He began to fantasize how good her mouth would feel if the way she sucked, and bobbed, her mouth back and forth on his tongue was used instead on a certain other part of his body. To feel the heat, and moisture, of her mouth around him made a low growl of want vibrate in his throat.

He wasn't sure how much longer of this he could take. Not that it mattered in the end, of course. She was all his, and the night was young and with many future ones planned in store.

In time, he slowly leaned in towards her lips again. Sakura's tongue retreated back into her own mouth and Gaara followed. He tied his tongue with hers one more time before bringing it back and instead placing a kiss on her.

Sakura giggled when their buds met. Still with innocent mind, she couldn't help but blush at the thought of doing such an act as she did now. She smiled into the kiss, but softly moaned when Gaara nipped at her bottom lip, pulling the pink skin back gently with his teeth.

Sakura shivered to this, and even more when a low purr escaped him before her lips slipped out of his teeth.

'Such an animal.' Sakura's hazy mind thought.

Gaara's hand and arm wrapped around her waist, bringing her close to him again while he held her chin in his other palm. Sakura cooed lightly when the redhead went to the side of her, brandishing her cheek with many and quick kisses before traveling his lips to her neck.

"Sakura." He murmured into her ear before his kisses laced down to her shoulder, there he placed another soft, gentle kiss.

The rosette whimpered when a his hot tongue replaced his lips. He dragged the wet muscle from her shoulder blade and back up to her neck. Sakura couldn't help but shiver at the sensation, and in his arms, he held her all the tighter when he realized her excitement was peaking. He placed another soft kiss on her neck before whispering.

"Kiss me."

She quickly obliged, tilting her neck and head back to reach his buds. His smile was sly when he saw how submissive she was under him. To this, he decided to take it a step further, wondering if she would push him away or accept his touches now.

"Sakura." He purred into her ear again.

In truth, he was trying to distract her with words while his hand slid under her shirt, his rough fingers brushing the smooth skin under her naval. His grin only grew when she pressed her back into his chest, her lips reaching for his again. She arched her pelvis a little more to his hand. An invitation he read it as. She had brought both her hands up and back towards the young man, gripping at his shirt while he continued to stroke her bare skin.

"You're mine." He murmured to her before stealing another kiss.

Sakura silently agreed to him when she felt his fingers travel down from her naval and towards her aching heat. She tore from their kiss and gasped when she felt his rough fingers begin stroking her. Her want for him all the more evident as his fingers slid easily through her folds. The redhead didn't dare tear his eyes away from the rosette while he rubbed her. He could only feel his ego swelling as she arched herself more to his strokes, trying to silently plead for him to dive his digits into her. Her breaths began to grow heavy until she was panting hard against his chest. At times, a whimper or moan would escape her, which made Gaara's grin grow all the more.

He kissed the side of her head while he teased her wet entrance still, making Sakura gasp and writhe against his hold. She panted while he continued to tease her, moaning his name under her breath.

"Tell me you're mine." He whispered into her ear.

Sakura bit her lip to this. A part of her wanted nothing more but to oblige to the man who had her under his spell, yet, something in the back of her mind was trying to cry out.

"Tell me you'll never leave me." Gaara whispered into her ear again, placing a gentle kiss on it after.

His fingers still teased her. Never would she imagine she'd ever become this intimate with the redhead while he tried to get her to submit to him. His ministrations made her burn more for him. She had wanted to clench her thighs together, to regain control of herself and her urges, but as Gaara continued to sensually stroke her, she couldn't help but arch more to his touch, wishing he would just slide a finger inside of her.

The young lord was more than aware of her wants. He himself desired to do nothing but toss her on his bed and claim her as his in a way no man but him would. Yet, as much as he ached and burned like her, he held back. He wanted to hear her whisper to him how there would be no other than him. He needed her to claim that she would be loyal to him and remain by his side only, and always. The loneliness he felt would be forever washed away if she would just agree to stay with him night and day. Her voice was the only one he wanted to constantly hear. He required her to say that she was his, and her silence was making him impatient. Driving him mad.

Reaching for one of her hands, Gaara slowly lowered her palm to the stiffness in his pants. To this, Sakura's eyes widened when she felt the redhead holding her hand onto him. She was once again reminded how very real this was, how attracted the Kazekage was of her, and how forward they both suddenly were. She bit her lip harder when he moved her hand to stroke him lightly, a light sweat beginning to break on her face when she thought how wonderful it would feel to have him inside of her.

"Tell me..." His voice was now ragged in her ear with her hand on him.
"Say you belong to me, and I'll give you what you want."

Sakura's eyes grew round to his words, and her breath was caught in her throat as his voice dripped with need. He needed to hear her submission, desperately.

For the rosette, she finally understood what it was she really wanted. The man behind her meant so much to her, so much that she doubted anyone would understand if she explained how close their relationship was. She wanted nothing but happiness for him, for him to actually know the joys the world could bring. She wanted to be the one to show him what love between a man and woman could be like, and decided then that he was someone she could never turn her back to. Even if Sasuke was to somehow to return to her, Gaara was not to be pushed to the side. She would always look out for this Kazekage, and protect him from whatever harm would come his way.

It was clear to her now what she wanted, and begged the man holding her from behind.

"Please..."