Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it

TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter contains brief allusions to sexual assault. Please read at your own discretion.

A One Month Bet

The cold wind stung Sakura's face as they glided through the night air, making it hard for her to keep her eyes open as they flew. From what little she could make out through squinted eyes, it appeared they were headed in the direction of the Suna Hospital… in fact, she was sure that was where they were going until their descent slowed gently and they passed right over the hospital roof. Instead, their platform of sand drifted slightly off-center, towards a paralleled grouping of long, rounded buildings that shown like beacons of light in an otherwise darkened part of the city. As they drew nearer, she realized the brightness was nothing more than reflected moonlight, as the buildings were almost entirely made of glass.

It was the Sunagakure greenhouses.

Their little platform gently came to settle at the entrance of one of the greenhouses, and Sakura felt the vague sensation of sinking in quicksand as the grains gradually dissipated from under their feet. They stood for a moment without moving, before Sakura quickly realized she could release Gaara's arm. She did so bashfully, and Gaara took this as his invitation to proceed. He casually stepped forward, quietly lifted the latch, and held the door ajar for Sakura. Sakura gulped heavily, knowing immediately that they would be fully alone in there.

As soon as she stepped through the threshold, Sakura immediately felt the difference in atmosphere. The room was filled with vegetation of various sizes, shapes, colors, and scents. Tables lined the walls of the room, each adorned to the brim with luscious foliage. The air was warmer and more humid than the arid dessert outside. She breathed deeply, letting the wet air fill her lungs. How long it had been since she had smelled the scent of wet dirt and florals? It made her homesick for her home in the forests of Konoha.

"Do you like it?"

Gaara's deep baritone brought her back to the rest of her senses. She cleared her throat and turned back to face him. "Um…" she was rather startled, having not expected such a casual question. "Yes, of course. I remember I've been here before, on one of my first trips to Suna. It's where the medic team fosters the growth of medicinal plants to be used for making antidotes and ointments." She lamented that she had not once thought to come here during her time in Suna. While it was lovely even under moonlight, the vibrant greens and colors of flowers were best enjoyed during the day. She'd been so busy focusing on chakra-based training for her team, she hadn't taken any time to visit or utilize the greenhouses.

When her gaze caught Gaara's, she realized he perhaps had not been inquiring about her professional association with the greenhouse. She shuffled awkwardly and then, trying to save the conversation, said, "It's really lovely… the with the plants, I mean. All the green really reminds me of… home."

Gaara glanced away briefly at her mention of Konoha, not ready to invite thoughts of Sakura leaving his sight now that he finally, finally had her to himself at last. But he was glad that she liked the greenhouse. In his limited experience with romance, he only thought to bring Sakura someplace private, but special. This was the only place for hundreds of miles that harbored any sort of plant life. In such a harsh and deadly climate of their village, this was one of the only spots that exuded fresh life and beauty. Satisfied that Sakura liked it, Gaara bided his precious time with her. He knew this was his moment to tell Sakura the truth, he just didn't know where to begin.

"So…" Sakura offered timidly, "You wanted to… talk?" She leaned casually against one of the many tables, letting a nearby fern tickle her arms. She aimed to appear calm, but how could she be? This was not the Gaara she had quarreled with in the Kage office, nor the diplomatic leader at the elder meetings. He was dressed informally, with just a loose black shirt and simple training pants. His gourd now rested on the ground nearby, a sign that he didn't anticipate them leaving any time soon. He had shifted his persona once again. This was share-a-drink-together Gaara… private-moment-on-the-rooftop Gaara… "Show me more" Gaara. Immediately a hot blush flushed through her body, and she tried to act unphased.

Gaara, meanwhile, could hardly string his thoughts together. Everything was rushing through him at rapid speed: her sudden and frightened retreat from the rooftop, their fiery exchange in trying to resume business matters, the push-and-pull efforts trying to stage the chunin advancement competition on such short notice, Sakura's miraculous show of Chakra and control in saving that young boy's life…

…and then the presence of the Blonde Medic. Their close proximity throughout the tournament. Sakura choosing him as her successor. Then her disappearing into the evening, dressed-up and unbelievably attractive, refusing to tell Gaara where she was going or who she was meeting…and then discovering them alone together in an alley…

Gaara's blood began to boil. The frustration and anger he had felt before began rising to the surface again. He crossed his arms and glowered. "Why were you with Asano tonight?"

Sakura, taken aback by Gaara's sudden change in demeanor, rose to her feet again and crossed her own arms to mirror him. "Excuse me?"

Don't avoid the question… Gaara tried again, "I was waiting for you to return tonight. Had I known you were with him while you were out…"

Sakura couldn't believe what she was hearing. Offended, she snapped back, "Are you serious? That guy was a complete creep!" Anger flooded through her, and she made no attempt to hold it back. "It's not like we were on a date. And in case you don't remember that asshole tried to kiss me without my consent in that alleyway. I was attacked!"

Kiss!? His Inner Beast roared with displeasure. So, something hadhappened in the alleyway!"That's why I blasted him," Gaara snarled, now secretly wishing he'd done worse to the maggot.

"I had it handled perfectly well before you showed up," Sakura snapped defensively, then she paused. How had Gaara been there so suddenly and perfectly? "Why were you even there at that exact moment, anyway? Were you following me?"

Gaara could have laughed at the irony. Him following her? When she clearly couldn't see the blonde buffoon tailing her all day long? "How could I have followed you when you wouldn't tell me where you were going?"

"Why do you assume it's your business to know what I do in my own time?"

"I'm the Kazekage – I have a right to know everything that happens in my village."

"Funny – you'd think the Kazekage would have better tracking abilities if that were the case."

They stagnated, each of them breathing heavy and staring the other down. Sakura simply couldn't bring herself to calm down. What on earth has gotten into him? she wondered. Why did she feel like she was somehow the one under interrogation? Gaara was clearly not convinced yet.

"Why did you choose him as the new Chief Medic?"

Sakura threw up her hands in frustration. Argh! Why indeed? She was going to be kicking herself for that decision for a long time to come. "Because! He was a good medic!"

"That's the only reason?"

"Yes."

"Why were you with him? Alone?"

Gaara tried to maintain an air of calm, but his hands were clenched painfully as he waited for her answer. This was it – he needed to know. How had they ended up alone together? How many other boundaries had been crossed before he'd arrived on the scene?

Sakura shook her head in disbelief. "With him? I wasn't with him. I was trying to get away from him. The medic team went out to celebrate and he happened to be there. He insisted on walking with me when I left, and that's all."

As angry as she felt at Gaara's accusation, she also felt the sting of shame burning in her cheeks. It was the shame of realizing that Miekuyu had been a predator all along, and she had been too blind to see it. There had been signs, and she had seen them, but only in hindsight did the pieces fall into place: all the times that Miekuyu was ready at hand to provide assistance, it was always when she was close enough to observe him. When she sought solitude at the water spicket, only he had followed her. When all the medic crowd had dispersed to enjoy the evening, he'd stayed close to her, encouraging her to drink more and more. And the drink she'd given Hanae… she'd gotten sick afterward. Poor Hanae – was she alright? What might've happened to Sakura if she had accepted it out of false politeness… How might this evening have turned out differently?

With a shaky voice, Sakura replied, "Listen – I know it was stupid." She willed her lip to stop quivering, because she would not let Gaara see how much this upset her. "But don't you dare assume that I somehow let this happen. This. Is Not. My Fault." Even as she said the words, shame and disgust bubbled in her insides, making her nauseous. She could still feel that man's heavy, sweating body pressing against her, the foul taste of his mouth on hers. How could she have let it progress as far as it had? How could she not have been more aware? It's not… my fault… her mind whispered quietly… but she still felt unconvinced.

In frustration, she walked slightly away from Gaara. Her voice was quieter now, but still edged with anger. "What do you take me for, Gaara? You think this is what I wanted? All this time you've been questioning my abilities as shinobi – as a healer – as a teacher. All month long I've done nothing but try and prove myself to you. I've been working my ass off to build up your medic unit while you've dangled me on a hook, toying with my emotions and wearing my patience thin!" she glanced sadly backward, "All you've done is mock me. Now you're questioning my character?"

That was it… Gaara knew. This was why Kankuro and Temari kept telling him to trust Sakura, why they kept telling him to not get involved in her decisions. He realized… much too late… how deeply he had insulted her, not only in this instance but apparently all month long. Since their initial encounter. Since their bet, all which stemmed back to his trying to prove her incompetence. All his sins were laid before him now. This is why she had run from him on the roof. This is why she hadn't spoken or even looked at him in days. And he had been blithely unaware of her torment. He was only consumed with his own feelings… he never considered hers. How could he have been so… Selfish…

He knew now how wrong he had been. Sakura wasn't incompetent. She was incredible. More so than many shinobi he'd encountered in his lifetime. And she was kind… kind enough to attempt a level of friendship and…closeness with him that no one had before. I don't…deserve her… he thought bitterly. Even if he confessed himself to her, she would be validated in rejecting him. He wasn't deserving of her affections. He never had been… just like had never deserved love his entire life.

With cautious, careful steps, Gaara approached her, stopping only short enough so that he was perhaps arm's length away. "Sakura… I'm sorry."

Sakura lifted her head but did not face him. She was still too near to tears. "What?"

"You are right." Gaara admitted uncomfortably. "About everything you said. I was… wrong. I was angry…" Say it, you coward. "I hated the thought of seeing you… with him."

"I already told you, I wasn't wi—"

"I know—I just meant… It was difficult to imagine you with anyoneelse."

Sakura's heart was pounding wildly as Gaara's voice became softer. Chill bumps erupted across her skin, though it was pleasantly warm in the greenhouse. What does he mean anyone 'else'? She turned to face him. He was closer than she'd thought he was, but she didn't back away.

"What are you saying?"

What an incredibly vague and yet also heavy question to answer. Gaara tried to maintain his composure, but the feelings he was experiencing in this moment were something akin to the jittery sensation one feels before entering battle. His throat felt dry and his body felt light, to see Sakura so close and looking right at him; fully seeing him and all of his flaws. No, he didn't deserve anything from this woman. The only thing he felt he could ask for from her now was just forgiveness.

"I am sorry," Every word tasted like sandpaper in his mouth, "I should never have made you feel that way. You are undoubtedly one of the finest ninja I have ever met. Our village owes a great debt to you and I…" he swallowed hard. "I owe a great debt to you. You showed me kindness, and in return I only caused you embarrassment."

Sakura couldn't believe what she was hearing. Gaara looked so sad, she wanted only to embrace him, but she wasn't sure she should. She suddenly felt guilty that's he'd been apparently battling with these feelings, whether or not he'd intended to hurt her pride or if it was simply borne out of ignorance. To be entirely fair, though, she had misjudged him from the start. She had only seen him as others saw him: as the mysterious, proud, taciturn Kazekage. Underneath the rough exterior, Gaara was kind, awkward, and heartbreakingly lonely, having lived most of his existence being regarded as little more than a monster. Sakura knew how that judgement had affected Naruto for years, how a deep pain lived inside him knowing that others thought he was nothing. But unlike Naruto, Gaara did not share the same sort of wild, extrovertist personality that helped him gain so many allies and friends. Gaara was stoic and shy. Her heart ached for him.

"It's not…all your fault…" she admitted quietly. "I have a difficult time admitting my own flaws. Growing up I was always…" Sakura gritted her teeth. "I was always the weakest, and I've worked so hard for years to overcome that. I should've tried harder to communicate with you more clearly about things that were going on, but I… I let my pride cloud my judgement because I assumed you thought me to be weak."

"I do not think you are weak." Gaara's voice was soft, but kind. Sakura tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, not quite knowing how to respond. It felt like they were reliving their night on the rooftop, in the moments where they had reconciled and agreed to be friends… before their 'kissing lesson' had complicated matters all over again. For the moment, they simply stood in awkward acknowledgment, letting the mutual apologies wash over them. At the very least, it felt like their friendship was rekindled, and that made Sakura feel a familiar sort of warmth inside her again.

Not sure where to look, Sakura's eyes floated down until they caught on the brown-stained bandages on Gaara's hand. She'd noticed the wound all week, but it didn't appear to be healing properly. Clearing her throat to break the tension, she cautiously reached out towards it. "May I?"

Gaara offered it to her, not quite sure what was happening. Was she going to say anything else? Had he said too much? Too little? Sakura didn't seem to notice his inner torment as she gingerly unwrapped his aching hand. What she found was multiple small cuts adorning the tender meat of his palm. They looked partially healed, but they had the telltale signs of scabs reopening every time the hand muscles flexed too much. As Sakura held his hand in both of hers, Gaara gazed longingly at her. He'd stopped short of sharing his feelings, but it was all he could do now to focus on how close she was. He could now smell her sweet vanilla scent intermingling with the floral tones in the green house. His breath hitched slightly when he felt her stretch his hand a little further than was comfortable. "Sorry," she muttered quietly, "When did this wound happen?"

Gaara swallowed hard. He supposed he could lie, but why should he? "That night… on the roof."

Even in the darkness, a sweet pinkness shown in Sakura's cheeks. "I don't remember you cutting your hand…"

"It happened after you… left."

Sakura's eyes darted to meet his in surprise, and then just as quickly she was looking away again. "Uh… yeah…" she mumbled, "Sorry again… about that." With a deep sigh, Sakura allowed herself to find a familiar calmness. She called on her chakra, letting it flow from within her being through her arms and fingertips. Gaara felt a gentle warmth envelope his hand, and a slight stinging sensation he knew to be blood and skin cells rapidly generating under the guidance of her chakra. As the blue light gently faded, Gaara could see darker lines in his skin from the fresh scar tissue. "There… it'll still need time to heal, but you shouldn't have to bandage it anymore."

She took a final moment to examine her handiwork and began to pull her hands away, but to her surprise, Gaara's newly mended hand clasped hers gently. Sakura stifled a gasp, but her eyes immediately locked with his. He was so close, now. She could feel the change in the air between them. It felt thick and electrified.

Heart pounding, Gaara held her small hand in his larger one, unwilling to lose this precious skin-to-skin contact. He was happy they had reconciled, but he felt he might burst if he didn't ask her this one, final question that had been eating away at him since that fateful night on top of the Kazekage tower. Whatever her response might be, he would leave the matter alone and never speak of it again, but selfishly he needed to know what he had done wrong… "Sakura—why did you leave me on the roof?"

Sakura felt her breathing become a little less controlled. Why had she left? Why had she run away from this fascinating, confusing man? Why had she let herself be so consumed by him that she'd forgotten her position and her title and let both be on the line so that she could go macking with the most powerful ninja on this side of the continent? "Why d-did I… leave you?" she stumbled. "I had thought it was obvious… I apologized for taking things… too far."

Gaara only continued to gaze at her intently. "What do you mean, too far?"

Sakura groaned in frustration. "It was… we were… you know," her hand suddenly felt sweaty incased in Gaara's. She wondered if he could tell. "It was supposed to be a kissing lesson and things… got… too heated."

"You had a fever?"

Oh, for Kage's sake! Sakura felt like banging her head against a wall. Gaara was obviously not well versed in idiomatic turn of phrase. "Look—I tried to tell you that night. Things like kissing and intimacy… you're not really supposed to learn them from just anybody. It's not supposed to be planned like that."

Gaara considered her for a moment, and then, "But you were the one who kissed me first. In my office."

Sakura wished she could Shoop! and disappear into the ground like Meerkat Boy had done.

"Yes… yes I know. I should never have put you… or us… in that position. I'm sorry."

Gaara's grip on her hand seemed to lessen slightly. His gaze drifted away from hers to look somewhere off towards the ground. "So… you wish our circumstances were different. You wish that night had not happened."

Sakura suddenly felt terrible. Was she sorry that it happened? Maybe part of her was, but another side of her protested angrily. It wasn't all bad, after all. Her traitorous moan on the rooftop was evidence enough to prove she had enjoyed herself, as well as the more innocent moments in which they shared the beginnings of would-be friendship. She felt that yes, it had ended poorly and in a way she hadn't intended, but in hindsight she certainly didn't regret the whole incident. She even cherished certain moments in her memory.

"No!" she said quickly, "That's not what I meant…I—" Heavy-lidded eyes darted quickly back to her, a hot and intense gaze that made her mind go blank for a moment. "I-I just meant that… I thought we had gone farther than was appropriate for just friends, you know?" Her green eyes sparkled against her now flaming red features. "The kind of stuff we were beginning to do… should be saved for someone special. Someone you have…feelings for."

Sakura really couldn't stand it anymore. The blood pounding in her ears was so loud that her own voice seemed far away. Gaara, meanwhile, was beside himself. So, she had left because things had become too intimate for them as 'friends', but his brother's voice drifted into his consciousness. Sakura is a smart and accomplished woman. If she didn't want to kiss you, she wouldn't even entertain the idea, Kankuro's voiced echoed, If she went in for a second kiss, then it was definitely a good sign.

Could this mean, according to Sakura's logic, that perhaps their first shared kiss (and all the subsequent ones to follow) weren't just happenstance as he had assumed? Hidden under the guise of a lesson, perhaps… but maybe the feelings and closeness were real? Sakura wouldn't have agreed to do it if she hadn't wanted to. He'd seen firsthand what happened to the man that tried to kiss her without her consent. She might've done worse to that sad-sack than even Gaara would've done. That being said, her resistance to him afterward stemmed from her belief that their friendship withheld certain boundaries, boundaries that couldn't be breached unless they agreed to be… more than friends.

Gaara knew what he wanted, and he knew where his feelings lay. He knew he could not stand to be near her and not have her, but he also knew that Sakura had a choice in this, too. She might be his 'someone special', but if his feelings were not reciprocated, then he had to respect her choice – no matter how painful it would be to accept. I have to tell her…

Heart beating wildly, Gaara took a chance with all his remaining courage. With her small delicate hand still in his now healed one, he gently pulled her closer to him. Sakura did not resist, as the space between them disappeared. They were now only centimeters apart, still attached at the hands. Gaara's much taller form now arched over her, while she had to peer upwards to keep eye contact. Gaara didn't really know what he was doing… he was running on instinct now, knowing only that he wanted her closer before he said his next and final appeal. Whatever happened after that would be up to her.

"You are that someone for me, Sakura."

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope it brings you happiness.

-Olly