Author Note:
Disclaimer | I own this story. The title and backline story is from The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney. And as stated earlier I do not own the World of Naruto.
Fifth Date | Galactic Findings
It was easy to see the bulging biceps that strained against the silk dress shirt as he flexed. His thighs were muscular and looked as hard as bricks as the dress pants clung to them. He was built, no doubt about it. And he looked damn good in a suit. But what stood out the most was his hair. It was a deep sinful red color. It was shorter in the back and on the sides. While the top was longer, the front falling over his eyes as he leaned down to look at the menu.
Sakura swallowed hard once more. Damn. She had always liked a man in a black suit. And the way the dark red tie stood out against the full black suit and played with his hair - it was doing things to her that no man had done before. Seriously! A tingle slid down her spine as she watched him uncuff his long-sleeved dress shirt and roll the sleeves up to the middle of his forearms. Sakura really liked that.
She clung to the partition as she watched him sit down gracefully in the plush chair. The aurora that flowed from him was alluring. He looked like he owned the place and everyone in it. A tingle curled low in the pit of her stomach. Her mouth was dry. Sakura watched him roll his shoulders as he slouched some. His long legs pushed at the chair across from him. Yep, he is over six feet.
Sakura jerked as she felt a nudge from behind her. She flailed for a moment as she turned around to meet the waitress. "Sorry," She whispered as a blush worked over her cheeks.
"It's okay Hun," She smiled sweetly. "But I can't allow you to continue to stand behind the partition." Her eyes sparkled. "Especially with how good-looking he is." She winked before turning Sakura around and pushing her towards the male waiting for her.
Sakura took in a deep breath as she forced her nervousness to stop being against her and work with her. She was not going to be a klutz! She squared her shoulders and moved slowly back towards her table. The tingling in the pit of her stomach grew. A blush fought against her nervousness as it stood proud on her high cheeks.
She kept her eyes on the cold biscuit in front of her as she took her seat. She didn't dare to look up. There was a positive chance she would choke on her spit. But, Sakura really wanted to know what color his eyes were. Goose-flesh rose across her arms as she felt his stare on her.
"Hello," The older waitress was back. A gentle smile on her lips as she greeted them both. "What can I get you to drink sir?"
Sakura's shoulders sagged as he spoke. It was like water running over silken honey. So low and smooth. Figures. It would have been the other shoe-dropping if he sounded like Mickey Mouse or something. Sakura was still waiting for the other shoe. There had to be a flaw. Had to be.
She slouched over the table slightly as her body swayed to the sound of his rhythmic voice. Toxic and alluring. He really was more dangerous in person than over the phone. Her stomach quivered.
Sakura jerked as the man across from her cleared his throat. She blinked a few times as she stared at him. Had something been said? Was she asked a question? A blush stained her cheeks as she gave him an apologetic smile. Sakura watched as the waitress walked away, shoulders moving as she held in her laughter.
"Sorry?" A tingle shot down her spine as the male raised one perfectly groomed eyebrow in her direction. The smirk sliding across his lips did things to Sakura she would never admit to. She watched his lips move as he spoke once more. She was intoxicated. What? She forced herself to focus as he chuckled softly. Damn, that was better in person.
Gaara smirked. "I was wondering if you would speak to me any time soon." He leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers together as he rested them against his stomach. "I realized I would have to make the first move." Gaara's eyes ran over her features as he waited for her to reply.
"Here you go Sir," A new, much younger, waitress smiled widely as she placed the frosty glass that held two fingers of Scotch inside. She batted her eyelashes and smiled even wider. "The other waitress had to go on break."
Gaara kept his eyes on Sakura as he nodded.
"Are you ready to order?"
He shook his head and brought the glass to his lips. He was silently dismissing her, and he hoped for her sake she realized it. Gaara didn't want to have to embarrass her, but he would if need be. And for all intent and purpose, he was here with Sakura - on a date.
Sakura kept in an eye roll. Sure she did. A blush stole her cheeks as she realized that Gaara was looking at her and only her. He never glanced at the new waitress. And she would be lying if a part of her didn't tingle from that thought. She swallowed softly and dared to look him straight on. His eyes were beautiful. A turbulent green that held power and mischief in their depths. Intriguing. "Hi."
"You didn't seem shy over the phone." Gaara chuckled. The smile on his lips warmed his eyes and gave gentleness to his features. "Why are you acting shy now?" He questioned as his eyes twinkled, playful.
She could hear the authority that laced every word. The commanding force with which he sat made everything in the room dim as he stood out. "What do you do for a living?" She needed to know. And yes, if he said anything besides business she was going to laugh.
"I own a couple of empires." His smirk widened as he studied her features once more.
Her brows furrowed as she watched him watch her. He was looking for something. Waiting for something about her demeanor to change. She blinked a few times. He's waiting to see if the aspect of money will change me. "Okay, I figured as much." Sakura hid her smirk at the furrowed brows she received. "You have this air of authority, like a friend of mine." She flashed a smile. "Besides, you seem to know more about me. It's only fair if you share something."
"Is it?" Gaara questioned as he took another sip of his Scotch.
Her brows furrowed. "Should you be drinking this early?"
"It's not early," Gaara murmured. "And unfortunately, it was another long night."
Sakura bit at her lower lip. "You work a lot. Do you have time to do this?" Her insides twisted as she waited for her answer. She would be back at square one with no other options if he said no. It was his choice. Everything was up to him and what he wanted. Sakura swallowed hard. She didn't like her life in someone else's hands. But at the moment she had no choice. She couldn't go home alone. Not after last time.
"Okay!" The new waitress was back. And was that a shorter skirt? She balanced the circular tray with precision. "One medium-well steak with green beans." She flashed the red headed male a wide smile. "And one grilled chicken strips with green beans and a side salad." She glanced at Sakura before turning to the male once more. "Is there anything I can get you?"
And yes, Sakura heard very well the singular you in the question. She glanced down at the food in front of her. She hadn't ordered. Her brows furrowed as she looked at the male across from her. "You ordered for me?" She questioned, ignoring the waitress who had yet to leave.
"Yes," Gaara grinned, eyelids lowered as he continued to look at her. "I like ordering for my woman." The possessiveness that laced the word was low and sensual.
A blush took over her features as she stared unblinking at the male across from her. He was good. It appeared to the outside like they were together. Her mouth opened softly as her breath hitched. Oh. She hadn't expected that.
"Did you need something?" Gaara's voice was sharp as he looked at the waitress who was still standing beside their table. His eyes narrowed as he waited her out. She said nothing. "Leave." The word left no room for argument. His shoulders relaxed as the waitress walked away. "I will order for you when we eat out."
Sakura stared at him."And if I don't like it, I will order something else." She wasn't one to roll over. But it did get her a little hot under the collar that someone was willing to step forward and take care of her. "What else?"
"I will be driving." Gaara stared at her. He wasn't a control freak. Well, his sister would beg to differ. But, Gaara had preferences. Certain ways he liked things. And that was how it was going to go. No exception. "I will know where you are going and who you are with." His eyes studied her. "In my line of work, I have to be careful with whom I let close."
Sakura nodded slowly. She had looked up the name Sabaku. Sakura had known the name sounded familiar and Tenten had only confirmed that. He was a highly empowered man and everything about him in person only confirmed it. "Anything else I should be made aware of before we continue?" Just how controlling is he?
"I will get what I want," Gaara smirked. "And it would be easier if you follow my direction." He studied her. Gaara wanted to know how far he could push her. He was what his sister liked to call overbearing, but in a different world, he was dominant. No, he didn't need her to crawl for him - but he wouldn't stop her if she wanted to.
She breathed in softly as her brows furrowed. "Naruto said nothing of your domineering personality." Her eyes danced as she felt his eyes on her. This was different.
"It's not domineering." He smirked. "I'm just particular." Gaara chuckled at the look he received. "Eat." He nodded towards her food. Gaara waited until after she had taken her second bite before picking up his fork and knife.
. .
Sakura let out a soft breath as she leaned back in her seat. She shook her head as Gaara questioned about dessert. There was no possible way she had room for that. "That was amazing." And if he could pick food like that . . . she would permit him to order her food any time.
"Good." Gaara stood slowly and moved around to help her from her chair. He placed a hand on her lower back as he guided her. He grabbed his jacket and pulled his wallet from the inside pocket before draping the jacket over her shoulders.
Sakura stood patiently to the side as Gaara paid for the meal. A soft smile covered her lips as she stared at the decor that lined the walls in the waiting area. The paintings were so pretty. Her shoulders tensed as a heavy hand dropped on her right shoulder. Gaara wouldn't have touched her there. Not after putting his hand on her lower back.
She turned slowly. Her eyes moved up a muscular arm to a well-placed shoulder and slender neck. Thin lips and a straight nose. Sakura froze as she landed on brown eyes that burned below thick black eyebrows. She didn't have to continue. Sakura knew very well that a head of black hair in the shape of a bowl rested on top. Lee.
"Hey, Sakura!"
Sakura forced a smile as she sent silent pleas to Gaara. "Hello Lee, how are you?" She watched as his eyes lit up when she said his name. She held back a grimace and did her best to keep the forced smile in place. It wasn't that he was a bad guy. He had just turned out to be a bit of a stalker. A creepy one at that.
"I'm great." His smile widened as he looked her over. "It's been a while. Did you get the flowers I sent you?" He stepped closer, invading what most would consider personal space.
She did her best not to panic as she realized she had nowhere to go - he had once again cornered her. Why did she always get the crazy ones? "Yes, I did." Lydia threw them in the garbage though.
"Good." Lee smiled and looked her over once again. "I missed you. I stop by your house every work night." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Just to make sure you are okay."
Sakura nodded. I need to install an alarm. "Oh."
"You weren't home the last couple of nights." Lee trailed off for a second. "Everything okay?"
Where the hell is Gaara! Sakura nodded. "Yes."
"She's been at my place."
A part of her relaxed as his smooth voice cut in, leaving no room for questions. Sakura smiled sweetly and moved under his arm willingly. A sigh fell from her lips as his protective embrace kept her closer. "Gaara, this is Lee." She looked deep into his eyes. She didn't need to say anything more. She could tell by the glint in his eyes that he had caught the other's vibes.
"Hello," Gaara flashed a tight smile as his eyes narrowed. He didn't like the other guy. He had come in on the tail of the conversation. Driving past her house . . . The hell? "Baby, we have an appointment to keep." He squeezed Sakura's shoulder and kept his voice smooth and sticky like honey.
Lee stayed focused on Sakura. Ignorant of Gaara. "It was good to see you. I'll see you soon."
"Mmm," Sakura forced a smile before letting the red-headed male pull her from the cafe. She really hoped she wouldn't see him again. She heaved a soft sigh as she breathed in the humid Suna air. It was dry as the cool wind nipped by, winter was coming - whether Suna liked it or not. At least it wasn't clogged by Lee's cologne. Sakura let Gaara take the reigns - he seemed to be partial to them - as she walked beside him.
Gaara wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against his side. "I figured we could grab a cup of hot chocolate or," He chuckled at the look she gave him. "Coffee - Naruto said you liked coffee more." He squeezed her hip. "And then walk through the park."
"Okay," Sakura murmured as she breathed in the air and let herself relax. He was in complete and utter control and she was perfectly happy to let him guide her. She always got a little sluggish after a good meal. Full tummy and a comfortable temperature - it could put her to sleep every time.
A smile graced her lips as she walked under the trees the Park Keeper had brought in. They were flourishing even in the humid air that surrounded them. The trees with the leaves offered a slight reprieve from the bright sun. A smile ghosted over her lips once more as she easily picked out the cacti plants that carved out the sand-like pathway. It wasn't a conventional park with concrete paths and wooden benches. No, their park had sandy pathways and stone benches under blooming trees. They had tried wooden ones - they didn't last as long.
"Tell me why you need my help."