PLEASE READ AN: It's be over 2 years. I've tried and tried. But I really don't have it in me to finish this. I was going to delete it, but really, I owe those of you have so kindly supported my little fic. I hate abandoning fics, so I decided to post what parts I did manage to write, as well as my notes/summary of the ending. Paltry consolation, I know, but it's the best of I can do. Maybe I'll return to GaaIno, because I so adore them, just not this fic anymore.

I had planned a sequel called Grit. I've included all my notes/written excerpts for the storyline and epilogue as well.

Thanks again for all your support.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto nor anything related nor anything relatively resembling a fishcake.

Previously: Sakura and Asahi end up visiting Lee, where Naruto, Shikamaru and Gaara have a three-man staredown. Sakura goes to get help while Asahi tries (feebly) to stop Gaara. Gai and Kurenai interrupt and Gaara gets a headache. Then the Leaf nin turn on Asahi. She gets sad and goes to the training ground and has a bit of a identity crisis/nervous breakdown. Gaara tries to comfort her but only ends up threatening her. She picks herself back up and meets with Hokage, who tells her that her priority is to keep her cover.

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The next 24 hours writhed and twisted in on itself like a dying thing. You would think that after spending the majority of my life waiting for the next slip of information, I would be a master in patience.

It was anything but. With an express order from Baki to halt extensive training and prepare for the finals, I had nothing to occupy my mind. After the fiasco with Gaara yesterday, I couldn't possibly visit any Konoha acquaintance. Not even my parents.

So here I am, in my bedroom, "resting". Repeating the stupid mantra of "I am protecting Konoha" inside my head without giving it much meaning. Knowing that I was protecting my village was an empty consolation at best. Yes, I know, what a poor soldier I made. I'm not Naruto – I can't protect something precious when it wasn't...well…precious to me.

Instead, my thoughts kept returning to a certain redhead. At least he was real, for all his hissing and spitting and hating. He was like a feral animal – alone for so long he feared what he used to crave. Or was I the one so starved for attention that I'm simply projecting a soul into him?

An encounter that had seemed rather inane several days ago popped back up in my head, when I had been wondering the outskirts of the marketplace on the way back from a report with the Hokage. He was making a beeline for the gates. I found it strange, as he would have no reason to leave Konoha.

"Gaara."

Even though he had his back to me, he made no response. The little bastard knew I was there. He was just ignoring me.

"Where are you going?"

"To test my existence." He was still walking at a hard pace, forcing me to trot after him if I wanted to maintain any sort of conversation.

"Why? Don't you have the finals for that?" Gaara stopped abruptly, and I face-planted right into his gourd. Rubbing my nose furiously, I wondered idly if Gaara was annoyed over his lack of success in killing Lee. Shaking my head, I pushed the idea out of my head. Nah. He quenched his bloodthirst. It's not like Lee had done anything to incur Gaara's wrath.

He turned around to face me. To my surprise, I realized that I had to look down to meet his eyes.

Gaara was shorter than me. A lot shorter. It was strange to join my mental idea of such a dangerous killer with the short, scrawny little boy in front of me. It galled me a little that I didn't notice sooner – I guess I had been far more occupied with the Ichibi.

"His eyes are like mine," Gaara said.

"Huh?" Who in the world was he talking about?

Gaara's stony face contorted into the universal sneer of someone suffering the company of an idiot.

"The Uchiha. He knows that pain of solitude is the worst of the world."

He glared at me hard for a moment, and then disappeared with a swirl of sand. I rolled my eyes, still nursing my sore nose. As cryptic as ever, he was.

Taking the recent events into consideration, I wondered if he had wanted me to make an equally awkward attempt at comfort, complete with a possessive death threat. I shook my head. I hard pressed to say if I wanted to laugh or cry. Maybe just punch Gaara in the face. While the third option posed the most danger to my health, it would be highly satisfying.

Chuckling at my own risky thoughts, I got ready for bed. Tomorrow was the big day.

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Gaara.

That bastard.

Where. Is. Sasuke?

Even as Naruto was carried off the field, the first realizations of the Uchiha's absence were creating a rising drone of murmurs. Gaara's quest to test his existence though Sasuke came to mind, and I glanced towards my teammate. His gaze was still locked on arena below, caressing the bloody damage from Naruto and Neji's fight much like how one might appreciate art. He hadn't moved a single grain of his being during the entire fight, though the slight dilation of his pupils was hard to miss against his pale green irises. Sensing my attention, Gaara met my eyes smugly. He was well aware of my question.

"What did you do to him?" I hissed. I really, really hoped that Sasuke wasn't currently fertilizing the local fauna with his organs. Hokage-sama would not appreciate the help in gardening. Gaara lazily shrugged one shoulder.

"Nothing. Kakashi interfered before I could fight him."

"So you did not kill or injure or contribute to his death/injury?" Gaara rolled his eyes.

"No, I did not kill or injure or contribute to the Uchia's death slash injury," he muttered, amused. He was surprisingly playful despite the simmering bloodlust. The combination of his moods did not bode well. Gaara wanted to play. Kami-sama help us all.

I glanced up at the kage's viewing box. The Kazekage was just sitting down. He'd been late, even though he'd departed from Suna only days after us. What devious plots was he up to now?

The two kage bent their heads together, before nodding towards replacement referee.

Kankuro vs. Shino

Grumbling, Kankoro raised his hand. "I forfeit," he said, not even bothering to descend the stairs. "Bugs would destroy my puppets." It was when I whipped my head to stare Kankoro in surprise that I saw them. There were ANBU lingering on the outskirts of the crowds in the stadium. My specialization was in stealth, so I was harder to fool, but I hoped they knew what they were doing being so "out in the open". As much as it a bad situation, I was glad that Konoha was taking my information seriously.

"Winner: Shino," said the bored referee. The crowd was rather unaffected, as it was the fight they'd actually come to see.

The display screen flickered again.

Asashi vs Shikamaru

Even if we were instructed to throw our matches, it would be suspicious if two genin from Sand forfeited consecutively. With a glare at Kankoro for putting the strain on me, I leaped down to the middle of the arena, taking care to avoid the holes pockmarking the terrain.

From my faint memories of Shikamaru, I remembered that he was so lazy it was a wonder he bothered to be alive. Maybe he'll forfeit? My hope faded when the lazy ninja grumbled, but still made his way slowly down the stairs. I sighed and tapped my foot. If I had to lose, I wanted it over as quickly as possible.

If anything, he seemed to walk slower. While we're not allowed to attack the audience, would it

Asashi jumps down, faces Shikamaru – shadow user – still need to be somewhat wary

Use ranged attacks

Realizes that his shadow has a limit

Gets tricked (how? figure this out) – pissed off, but impressed

Gaara now happy about Sasuke's arrival – excited

Fears him, truly, scary scary

Asahi tries to talk him down (calm him down, don't want Sasuke to die), but Kankuro covers her mouth – tells her he'll kill her in his mood right now

Gaara talks to Mother, then calms down

Gets beat up by Sasuke

Asahi worried – pissing off Gaara not a good idea

Gaara not care about a fight anymore - wants blood

Naruto yells for them to stop the fight – Gaara not normal

Asahi agreed – third eye jutsu means Gaara was serious

He won't be able to see the signal – mess up all the plans

Asahi wanted the Sand attack plan to go right because ANBU planned for it and can attack accordingly, if things change – won't be able to defend well

Sasuke whips out Chidori

"Aaah, it's my blood!"

Actually wounds Gaara – Kankuro explains the cocoon – incomplete transformation

Wasn't able to eat for a week after seeing it

Feathers = genjutsu

Baki commands them to get Gaara out of there – shaking, headache, aftereffects of the transformation

They take Gaara and run – Asahi pissed – everything's going wrong because of Gaara – Konoha can't really retaliate well – already in a hard spot since didn't know how many/what kind of reinforcements are coming

"I should help." Excuse to try and fix things.

Kankuro pulls her along – no time for time – must obey commands –

Flashback to Hokage's last words to her. "No matter what, you must keep cover. Or the Leaf's last hope could die if we fall."

So she runs forward with Gaara

Stopped by Sasuke

"Asahi, go, I'll fight him." Kankuro mans up. "I"ll be your opponent"

Asahi runs on with Gaara. Gaara wakes up.

"Asahi, put me down."

"Gaara! You're awake!"

Asahi puts him down, he winces – still woozy. She worries. She knows she can't handle that the Tanuki. Suddenly Gaara tenses. Bloodshot eyes.

"Asahi, scram!" Confused. Doesn't move. "Get lost, mind your own business." He knocks Asahi aside. Asahi crashes into a tree, bleeding from mouth. Sees Sasuke! Was Kankuro defeated? Sadness – because he had tried to protect her a little.

Gaara's killer intent distracts her.

"You, that have that ambition, you that have companions….once I kill you, I will truly feel alive."

He winces, drops down to the his knees. Figure distorts – begins transformation. Asashi knees to jelly, never seen this transformation before. Twisted half face.

Chapter 126 - reference. Drool and froth. Grr. Grr.

Attack Sasuke – "Do you fear me? Do you fear my existence? Has your fear overtaken your hatred? Is your existence so puny? "

Huge chakra burst – the Chidori. Gaara's monstrous appendage sliced. He laughed in that horrible grating way. Gaara always so stony and calm. Partially transformed into a madman.

Sasuke combat beyond Asahi's. She is ANBU, but only for her stealthy abilities, not anywhere this guy's level. She can only watch and feel useless, unable to attack either side. She hates how stupid and weak she seems.

"To be able to defeat one strong like you, I will truly feel alive!" Gaara mad laughter.

She thinks. "They're both monsters."

Gaara gains a tail.

Sasuke was wavering. Gaara tells him: "You hatred is wavering. You need for vengeance isn't strong enough. You are weak. " Taunting.

So much hatred. Asahi is surprised. Thinks. Maybe that was why Gaara kept her around. He wanted the Sand village to fail. They treated him like crap.

Sasuke activates curse seal and attacks. He collapses, while Gaara more pissed off. Asahi gets ready to go in and save him, but Naruto kicks Gaara aside.

Gaara attacks Sakura. She defends Sasuke valiantly, and Gaara gets headache. Headache = confusion over feelings/comrades. He doesn't understand, doesn't want to. He binds Sakura to the tree – it'll get tighter and tighter over time.

"Sakura!" Asahi tries to get to her, and gets thrown aside by Gaara.

"I told you to stay out of my business," he tells her. "You're not allowed to fight." Sand holds her down, but not get tighter.

"Just love yourself, Fight for only yourself."

Naruto does 3000 years of pain – does a good job. (Possibly explain how he managed to find Gaara's asshole?)

Asahi takes the chance – Kami breath no jutsu. Breaks out of the hold. Not in time to help Naruto. Gaara throws him. Sasuke catches Naruto.

Gaara even angrier – complete transformation. Naruto summons Gamabunta. Thunderous battle. Asahi hesitates, but then decides to head back to the village to help. Runs into Kankuro instead. Gives him a chakra pill and heals up some minor injuries. Thunders stop, they head back.

Naruto and Gaara lying on the ground. Sasuke regards Gaara and both she and Kankuro jump in defend Gaara.

(Where Grit Sequel Takes Over?)

"It's over." Gaara admits defeat. But seems happy.

They take Gaara and head back. She heals some minor injuries.

"Temari, Kankuro, I'm sorry."

Asahi smiles at Kankuro. Happy for them. But worries over Konoha. They head back because meet up with Baki.

-END OF "GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN" -SEQUEL "GRIT" BEGINS HERE -

Summary: AU (sequel, but standalone) GaaIno There is no on-off switch for psychosis. After his battle with Naruto, Gaara struggles to reconcile 12 years of hatred with his new nindo. Of course, things are(n't) helped along with a good kick to the ass courtesy of Ino.

...

Grit

Prologue: Gaara

…

Gaara lay on the ground, gasping, as he tried to get his eyes to refocus. Everything hurt. His legs hurt, his arms hurt, his back, his neck, eyes, head.

His heart. But even that was logical, acceptable, despite that this was more pain than he'd experienced for most of his life. The Kyuubi container had just soundly thrashed him, after all.

His ears hurt for a different reason.

For the first time in years, Mother was silent. There was no simmering hatred threatening to bubble over and crush him. There was no sibilant whisper telling him to crush everyone else. There was only himself. The silence was too loud for him, and his own thoughts rattled about in the extra space. Gaara hated it. He could hear his own fears in tangible words, and hearing them made them a frightful reality.

"My existence will never be extinguished," he gritted through his teeth, trying to drown it out. "I will not disappear!"

A grunt attracted his attention, and Gaara turned to it, grateful for any distraction. The Kyuubi boy slowly crawled his way to him, looking far more battered than even Gaara felt. Yet he was moving while Gaara could only muster the energy to turn his head.

"I understand your pain of being alone," the blonde muttered. "But I have precious people that I must protect." His blue eyes flickered to a mild indigo, then to blood red. "If you try to kill them, I will stop you."

"Why?" Gaara had to know, if only to shut up the weeping little boy in the back of his mind. The Kyuubi boy – no, Asahi called him Naruto-kun – tried to prop himself up on his elbows and failed, flopping back to the ground with a groan.

"They saved me from the hell of being alone," Naruto replied. Gaara vaguely remembered the joy and the nervous relief when Yashamaru had smiled at him, before he'd tried to kill him. Asahi's overly sweet smile flashed into his mind briefly, and Gaara frowned a little. He thought that he could trust Yashamaru, yet the man had betrayed him. He knew he couldn't trust his teammate Asahi, or whatever her real name was, since she was actually a spy from the Leaf. It had given him great pleasure to hide such a crippling secret from his village.

But Naruto never pretended to be anything but for the Leaf. Could he trust him then?

"Sakura's fine." The Uchiha stepped by Naruto's prone form. Gaara watched as a look of pure contentment crossed the blonde's face as he finally relaxed enough to succumb to unconsciousness. He had succeeded in protecting his precious person. The Uchiha glanced over to see Gaara watching him, and tensed, his chakra roiling in preparation for battle. Gaara wondered if his own teammates had ever been so protective.

Asahi and Kankoro landed between him and the Uchiha, battle ready. He thought he even heard Asahi growling. Gaara felt a knot that he hadn't known existed unravel slowly in his chest. Maybe, he could let himself hope.

"That's enough," he breathed out. He would smile if he had the strength to move his face. Villages were villages, and people were people. And his teammates were his teammates.

Maybe, there was a difference.

He felt Asahi move one of his arms over her shoulder. Her hand was surprisingly soft, even with the knowledge that she took great care to prevent the calluses that would give away her identity in future roles. He resolved not to damage her skin with his sand as much as he had.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kankoro pull up to run neck to neck with them. He was limping, clearly exhausted, but he still kept a wary eye on Gaara.

"Asahi, Kankoro," he whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Ah…it's…it's alright," his brother muttered, flicking his eyes away in discomfort.

"Gaara," Asahi said. She sounded concerned, maybe even sincere. "Let's go home."

"Yes, let's."

He will be as strong as Naruto someday. He had his own precious people to protect.

…...

Chapter 1: Aftermath

The leafy greenness of the Fire country ended abruptly. Towering oaks fell flat to pitiful desert shrubs within one leap. They landed in the sand and stopped, pausing to adjust to the heat. Asahi also readjusted Gaara's limp body before popping another soldier pill. While the boy himself was nothing but skin and bones, his sand was damned heavy. She had tried to ditch the gourd, but Kankoro disabused her of that notion after reminding her of what happened to the last person who'd tried such a thing. At least what they thought happened using the few pieces of him they could find.

Kankoro had offered his help, but she waved him off. She'd seen the way he favored his left leg. If she returned to Suna with one of the Kazekage's sons crippled for life, what remained of the Council would annihilate her. Asahi thought of another promising ninja's career that she had ruined. Shiro Matsumaru's family will probably never forgive her. Even though it was to Konoha's advantage for an enemy village to have fewer good ninja, Asai couldn't help the twinge of guilt every time she was reminded of her old genin teammate who had lost an arm because of her. It was a constant struggle to serve her false home enough to be considered loyal without actually serving them.

But even Ino, the watchful spy inside of her, had to sigh a small breath of comfort as when the terrain had changed from loamy earth to the crunch of sand. She'd grown up training on this kind of ground. She wondered if that was a sign of treason towards Konoha, that she'd always be more at home running across unstable sand rather than vaulting herself through the branches of some tree.

Without the leaves to filter out the afternoon sun, the sky beat down in an endless wave of heat. Asahi wiped the sweat trickling down her eyebrow and readjusted her human baggage. It was also a conscious effort not to look back and attempt to glean some information on how Konoha had fared in the Sound and Sand attack. She had done her best to warn the Sandaime, but as a genin rank in Suna, she was privy to little. Even with the Yamanaka family mind-walking jutsu, her information had not been enough to prevent the invasion. Her primary objective was still to maintain cover. Because later, someday, she'll have high enough clearance to be worth a damn.

"Asahi!"

She shook herself free of her thoughts, just in time to jerk her foot away from the striking range of a sidewinder snake. Kankoro shook his head and changed his direction.

"You can't even see straight," he said. "The next rest station is only a few more miles away." Asahi could feel her legs quivering with effort, but she knew her limits. She'll make it to the village – barely. But if she stopped to rest, she knew wouldn't be able to push herself to move for a week. More than ever, it was imperative that Asahi demonstrate her dedication to Suna, especially when the village was at such a tenuous crossroad. And only when she reached the village, could Asahi discover Konoha's fate. The ultimate misfortune would be to work so hard to maintain cover only to discover that the village you're secretly serving was already nonexistent.

"I'll last until Suna," she muttered, more to convince herself. That last chakra pill seemed to have no effect whatsoever, and sensation of being wrung like a wet dishrag remained. Kankoro seemed to guess as much, since he snorted at her declaration.

"Shut up, fatass," she snarled, indignation fueling her with a burst of energy. "Keep up and maybe you'll lose a few." It was rather a pathetic jab, and Kankoro shrugged, unimpressed.

When the shape of the village walls broke the horizon, Kankoro released a flare. A responding flare bisected the pale sky ahead of them. As she and Kankoro approached the gates, a small team of medics gathered. By the looks in their ashen faces, someone had already sent a messenger bird on the status of the war. But even with such news, none of them were willing to carry Gaara to the hospital. Instead, they healed Kankoro's leg enough so he could take over. Asahi collapsed onto a stretcher with relief and grabbed the collar of the nearest medic.

"Someone call Temari-san. I need to report," she managed, even as her lids fell closed.

Asahi woke to a hard jab to the ribs.

"That hurt," she whined, surreptitiously checking her surroundings. She had been moved to the hospital. Asahi cut off the subsequent curses when she glimpsed the other girl. Somehow, Temari looked even more exhausted than she felt.

"You wouldn't wake up," the other girl explained unrepentantly. "How bad is it?"

"The Kyuubi jinchuuriki defeated Gaara. The Kazekage is dead. We left before it was confirmed, but I believe Sound never was on our side." Asahi rattled off what her ANBU superior in Leaf allowed her to divulge. Until negotiations of surrender were complete, she would not be mentioning Orochimaru's stint as Kazekage, as it would give Suna the excuse of third-party manipulation. Temari barely batted an eyelash at the news that her father had died – if anything, she looked relieved.

"I'd feared as much. I expect a detailed report ASAP."

"Wait!" Temari paused, and then turned. "Did Sound lose as well?" She had the repress the quivering feeling in her chest and make it sound like a betrayed nin out for revenge. Was Konoha still standing?

"Crushed." A vindictive sneer flickered across Temari's face, mirroring the Asahi's expression.

"Good,"Asahi breathed with a sigh. Konoha had survived then. She could rest for now, for there was little she could do until Konoha issued their demands as the victor. As much as she's prefer to bury herself under some rock and sleep for three years, she had to insure that the Sand was going to become an useful ally to the Leaf. It was the least she could do when she'd failed so miserably as a spy. But that was all for the following weeks of hell.

"We're expecting details from Konoha soon," she heard Temari saying, but sleep took her before she could catch the rest.

…...

Gaara woke violently.

His eyes snapped open as he fought for air like a drowning man. His throat constricted; it was too dry for him to inhale comfortably. He lashed out, knocking the vase of fake flowers near his bed to the ground. The boy caught his breath as he watched the garish blue vase roll away from his bed towards the doorway. It stopped before it could hit the person entering.

Gaara glanced up to meet the frightened eyes of a medic. He weakly reached out towards her.

"Wat…" Before he could ask for a glass of water, she fled. Gaara let his arm fall down beside him, feeling a mild annoyance that a plea for help was so easily misinterpreted as the movements for Desert Coffin. He really was quite thirsty, and his legs weren't responding as well as they should. In fact, all his limbs felt as if they were injected with lead, and that made moving difficult.

Briefly, Gaara found himself wishing that the vase of flowers had been real – at least there would have been water in there. As much mastery as he had over the sand, Gaara was no more fond of the feeling of it parching his throat than any other person. Moving was difficult, but maybe he could carry himself. No, Gaara realized. He was so weak that he could barely lift himself to sit up on his bed, nevertheless enough sand to form a seat.

It was a strange and uncomfortable position. For most of his life, Gaara was the stronger party and could force his way through whatever obstacle others tried to put before him. His weakness pulled back hazy memories when he had yearned and yearned for someone to look at him without loathing.

Resentment curled inside him. But with Mother's voice silenced by lack of chakra, Gaara found it hard to gain the momentum needed to build up to hatred. With a sigh, the tiny redhead relaxed back into his threadbare pillow. He could almost smile at the realization. He had no doubt it would be just as difficult as before to hold the bloodlust at bay when he fully recovered. But, for now, with Mother asleep, Gaara could sleep too.

It felt like minutes before he was jerked awake again by a soft knock. The darker hues of sunset argued otherwise. Gaara felt as if his skull was stuffed with cotton. Was this what oversleeping felt like? It was a novel feeling. He glared at the intruder, but Asahi was unaffected.

"How are you?" she asked, too bluntly to be relaxed. Gaara felt an eyebrow muscle lift. Considering that he could barely move out of bed, it was quite a dumb question. He bit back a scathing reply as he took in her bedraggled appearance. The soft dusk lighting was flattering, but it did not hide the unhealthy pallor to her skin. Her normally sleek blonde hair was a mess and her shoulders slumped with fatigue. Not that anyone would notice – to the casual eye, Shinrino Asahi looked put together as ever. But months of watching her made him privy to the nuances. The spy probably looked even worse if he could see her properly.

"Unwell," he replied honestly. He found himself weighing the ridiculous decision between not adding to Asahi's fatigue and easing his own discomfort. With a sneer at the absurdity of his own thought process, Gaara snarled out: "I want water." Asahi seemed to realize something and her lips twitched with amusement.

"You're grumpy. That medic thought you were trying to Desert Coffin her."

Gaara frowned as the annoyance seeped back.

"I was simply asking for water," he reiterated. Asahi eyed him carefully, weighing his mood before allowing herself to chuckle. Somehow, her still-present fear didn't give him the usual rush of superiority.

"Asking or demanding?"

He shrugged sullenly.

"I wouldn't know – she ran before I could do anything."

A part of him was reeling at the sheer normalcy of their banter. He had given up 'normal' years ago, when his attempts had only earned fear and hatred.

"I'll get you some," Asahi offered, much more relaxed now. He watched her slip out the door with an odd panic rising in his chest that was unrelated to his body's desperate call for water. She'd seen him fully transformed. Yet she was acting far more relaxed than normal. Why? He held her secret, and at any moment, could expose her to her death.

Why else would she offer to get you water?

Yashamaru's face flashed before his eyes, and the terrible conclusion he reached calmed him. Asahi's trying to poison him. Get rid of the threat to her precious Naruto-kun and Konoha.

"I got a pitcher so—" Asahi entered with grin that froze at chill in his eyes.

"I don't want it," Gaara snapped, narrowed eyes on the suspicious pitcher and glass. It hurt him more than he wanted to admit – he wasn't Naruto. Nor was she. He can't believe so blindly. Gaara berated himself to even considering that fox's nindo. His sand rasped around him, driven by a boiling self-recrimination.

Asahi rolled her eyes in a movement of casual disgust. Gaara glanced at her knuckles, which were stark white from the force with which she gripped the pitcher and glass. Fear. That was something he still understood, and he felt in control once again. He was a fool to be discomfitted by her fear earlier.

He waited until she forced herself to approach within reaching distance.

"Nonetheless," she was murmuring, "you should drink something. You must b—"

He knocked the glass from her hand. She flinched even before the glass shattered against the wall, leaving a dark stain on the wall. It was all too easy to replace it with blood.

"I don't want anything from you."

She gave him a hurt look and fled. Gaara immediately found himself wishing that she would come back – she'd taken the water with her.

"Run away, cowardly little spy, run like the rest of them," he muttered bitterly. His throat hurt only because of the thirst, and he crushed the stupid blue vase with sand with burst of anger.

…...

He dozed lightly until morning trickled through the closed curtains. Someone had come in and shut them overnight. He assumed it was the same person that left a bottle of mint tea by the bed. In Suna, bottled anything was horrifically expensive.

Especially on a Genin salary. An annoying voice also pointed out that the suspected person had been off mission payroll for over a month in order to take the Chuunin exam. After a disastrous battle that probably forced the village into an embargo. Gaara allowed himself to feel a small pang of guilt.

Then thirst took over and he opened the bottle, relieved to hear the telltale snaps of one that had never been opened before. Gaara forced himself to take slow sips, on alert for the signs of poisoning. If it was, it didn't work, for he could feel his body sing with the influx of hydration. He decided that mint tea was his new favorite beverage.

A soft knock interrupted his worship of the tea and he leveled a mild glare. Asahi entered with a tray of food. The scent wafting from it was mouthwatering, and if Gaara could have gotten out of bed, he might had snatched it from her already. However, he watched her carefully for any sign of treachery.

She seemed far better rested, given her body language, yet dark smudges still underlined her eyes and she was too pale considering that she lived in the desert. Gaara smothered any hint of remorse and motioned for her to set the tray. It was irrelevant to him that a ninja did not even know how to take care of herself.

"Miso soup, rice, and fish," Asahi chirped as she set the tray on his lap and uncovered it with a flourish. Gaara perused the mundane display. "And I'm not leaving until you finish that. Otherwise, you'll never recover."

Carefully, he took a small piece of fish with his chopsticks and sniffed it. It smelled safe. He nibbled at it, swirling it carefully on his tongue. It tasted safe. The girl sat and watched him calmly, though the jiggling of one foot belied her impatience.

He swallowed the miniscule bite and he waited. His stomach readily accepted it and the residual chakra of the One-Tail did not react. The fish was safe.

Now he turned his attentions to the soup. He repeated the same methodical examination with a small spoonful of just the liquid, still aware of Asahi's eyes. Her foot started jiggling faster even as her smile tightened. Then he started on a single piece of tofu. He nibbled at the corners of the cube, analyzing the consistency of it. Gaara peeked at Asahi, and a surprisingly mischievous idea began forming in his mind.

The soup itself and tofu bits were safe, but there still remained the seaweed and rice to check. He used his chopsticks and picked out three small grains of rice. Normally, Gaara had to eat slowly so the Ichibi could process any poisons and burn them from his system. But not even he could not stand gnawing at half a grain of rice at a time. And yet that was what he found himself doing, chewing so slowly he reminded himself of a sloth.

His stomach clamored for more food, but Gaara forced himself to eat slowly. He could barely hide the growing smirk on his face as he watched the telltale signs of impatience in Asahi from the corner of his eye. Her eyes were narrowing, nostrils flaring, lips twitching, facial muscles jumping…

"Oh, stop that!" Gaara found himself wearing a glassful of water. He blinked, noting with detachment that several streams traced down his face to soak into his shirt. He leaned back before it could drip into his soup.

This was not the usual reaction, though admittedly his actions were unusual in of themselves too. Gaara would have been unsurprised by any multitude of lethal weapons thrown into his face: fists, kunai, poison, or even fecal matter at one point. But simple drinking water, clearly thrown more as a fit of temper than to hurt, baffled him.

The look on his face must have been amusing, because Asahi's infuriated expression had been replaced by badly hidden amusement.

His first thought had been to kill her. But it was easy to brush aside that suggestion after several months of similar thought processes. He wondered how he was supposed to retaliate.

"Gaara?" she asked after several moments. Gaara blinked away the water dripping into his eyes and refocused his eyes on her. He had thought about it too long. "You okay?"

"You splashed me with water," he accused flatly. A snort escaped from behind her hand.

"I think I did, genius" she snarked, her features still stuck in a hybrid of annoyed humor. Just as quickly, Asahi seemed to realize exactly on whom she had dumped water on and her eyes flickered with wariness. Gaara felt oddly bereft as she cautiously retreated to her seat.

She kept her eyes averted after that, even though Gaara tried to eating even more slowly to get another rise out of her. When he was full, he set his utensils down on the tray with a loud click. She met his eyes for a brief moment, and then snatched the tray and ducked out of the room.

"Coward," Gaara snarled when he was sure Asahi was out of hearing range.

He remembered his own, possibly hollow promise to promise his precious ones. Even the notion of becoming Kazekage had crossed his mind. But he dismissed that idea with derisive snort. He already considered it a good day if there were no assassination attempts. That was hardly a good foundation.

He had a better chance building an igloo in the desert.

…...

Grit

Chapter 2

…...

Nursing Gaara back to health was a full-time job.

Asahi blew aside her bangs as she leaned against the wall and slid to a seat on the floor. If only her current duty was half as inane as it sounded. Gaara no Sabaku had a case of severe chakra exhaustion that left even the Ichibi in a deep sleep. Which meant that he was currently stripped of his impenetrable defense, leaving nothing but a weakened, tired boy who fought usually by standing in one place and glaring at his enemy. Sure, he could summon the occasional tendril of sand at will, but it was only strong enough destroy unfortunately colored pottery.

In shinobi terms, that was a neon target painted on his face, complete with flashing arrows. Just the past week, Asahi had to foil 6 assassination attempts by outright taking control of their bodies and forcing them to walk away. Fortunately, these were the lower level idiots that could be mindwalked out of their murderous plans. (Also fortunately, the stronger shinobi were employed in more useful activities like rebuilding their crumbling economy.) That wasn't counting the innumerable other attempts she probably prevented just by hanging around.

Asahi gulped down another extra large coffee, mourning her waning savings. She was going slightly crazy from the lack of sleep and excess of caffeine, since assassins never had the good graces to try during normal hours. Normally, full-term guard duty was the least of her worries, but the medics have specifically forbidden her from guzzling anymore chakra pills after they realized that she'd been hospitalized from pill poisoning far too many times already. The few hours she caught in between her shifts were thanks to Kankoro's unhealthy attachment to his puppets and the concept of blackmail. Even worse was the fact that this "guard mission" was under the table, and with the Council watching Suna's dwindling funds like vultures, Temari had no way of paying Asahi.

And without pay, Asahi was just about the only nin stupid enough to take the job.

With the amount of charity work she was doing, Asahi may as well start a volunteer service for Suna. At least she might be able to squeeze out some tax deductions. Why pay your ninja when you can just use the free labor of spies who are desperate to earn goodwill in order to infiltrate your village? Maybe Suna was smarter than Konoha thought.

Asahi shook her head, shaking the cotton out of her mind. She only needed to hold on a little longer. Gaara was getting better. He's even attempting to banter. And if that wasn't a sign of his returning spirits, Asahi didn't know what was. As long as she conveniently forgot the fact that he was the vessel to a demon, she found it enjoyable. But that could only last for precious moments before basic survival instinct gripped her. It wasn't Gaara's fault, but it wasn't her fault either.

But whose responsibility was it then?

Sand given harsh consequences - power struggle.

Asahi watches over Gaara. Council turns suspicions to her - allegiance with Sound? Too close to Gaara. Asashi put on team with : Daisuke (her "crush), Matsumaru (previous teammate, missing arm), Tsuba (rando character).

Teammates all ordered to evaluate Asahi's loyalties (council is suspicious why "Kazekage" sent her instead of Temari – Kankoro sufficient for continuation of line, no need to actually protect Temari.)

Lay out the council members. Describe them. Most important: Matsumaru's father is a big member (called Kabamaru or Hakumaru, Marumaru? Pun on Akamaru?) – Daddy-maru hates Asahi (oops on her part).

Asashi angst. Chance to rehash her past - Tsuru died. Matsu lost an arm. Yorokobi dead. Angst. (But not too much.)

Chiyo and Ebozo are eviling. Small mention.

Background to be slowly revealed: Kankoro actually a bastard son (didn't want another girl - Temari knows she's unwanted). Chiyo and Ebozo retire after forced to seal One-Tail into Gaara

Power vacuum after Kazekage death. Install someone – thinking about installing Kankoro (but too fearful). Gaara? Mentioned, but everyone still fears him.

Kage position a monarchy in Suna. Fourth Kazekage barely 20 when forced to throne (had Temari, asked for Kankoro – but needed real son, then decided to make Gaara into weapon)

2nd Kazekage had started research with sealing (Fourth found his grandfather's notebooks)

Gaara heals. Begins to be more balanced. Still has fits. But people see that he hasn't killed Asahi yet.

Matsuri – new Ninja Academy. New generation. Symbolized. Asahi doesn't know why she's jealous over a silly student. Matsuri and Asahi don't like each other. Squabble.

Gaara insists that Asahi still accompany him. He still randomly pops in on her and "tortures" her. He's actually much nicer. Asks like schoolboy with crush (Asahi doesn't make that connection though.) Barbs her about stupid things just to get attention. Criticizes her outfits, her hair. Everything.

Throughout, Asahi has more missions with new team. Daisuke is nice and polite as usual Tsuba and Matsu are jerks. But slowly patch up with Matsumaru –

Matsu. "You know, I never really understood why you seemed to hate me so much." He's really good despite loss of an arm. Is a genius after all. Is actually kinder to Asashi - she's anxious that he's out for revenge.

Maybe they are both on patrol. Beautiful stars in the desert. They huddle because it's cold. (Uh huh, that's what they both think.)

Talking.

"I thought you were arrogant." Asashi.

"Do you still think so?" Matsu asks.

"Does it matter anymore?" Asahi looks sad. She glances at his missing arm.

"To my arm, no," Matsu says with a shrug. "But to the rest of me that's still around, yes." Asahi stares at him. She doesn't quite get it. "Idiot. I had a crush on you."

Asahi blush. Had training. But still doesn't quite know what to do. Matsu laughs at her and tells her he'll take over the rest of patrol.

Matsu and Asahi half dating, half friendship. Asahi doesn't feel right - Tsuru had loved Matsu.

Decides to start dating Matsu. Partly because she needs to kiss up to Matsu's dad. Best would be if Gaara be put into power because he would be Leaf's best ally.

Almost tries to sleep with Matsu – stops last minute – virginity too precious to waste on him. Too young. Erg. (Matsu probably wouldn't have accepted. But mention that is norm - considered adults at age 12.)

Gaara jealous fit – threatens to reveal her.

"Then reveal me," Asahi challenges. "Then you'll never see me again. You need me right now. You need every ally you can get your hands on if you want to be Kazekage." Doesn't realize the innuendo of her words. But Gaara blushes here?

He continues to annoy her. Interfere with everything.

She's trying to kiss up to Matsumaru's dad for Gaara

Helps him be a better leader (calm/in control) for future Kazekage consideration.

Slowly, but surely, Gaara becomes more respected.

He forces his way into the council meetings. Sand eyes. Council has to meet and finally just accept his presence.

Villagers no longer run from him.

But he still gets urges to kill. Nearly killed Asahi once.

"Mother wants blood!"

"Asahi!" Kankuro pulls her out of the way with a chakra string just in time.

"What am I doing?" Gaara very upset over it. Thinks to himself. "What right do I have to protect a village if I can't even protect a precious person from myself?" First acknowledgement his feelings. Poor boy, very confused.

Avoids Asahi for many days.

People are getting threatened by Gaara. Can't hurt him so they hurt those close to him.

Asahi attacked many times. Kankoro in a coma for a while. Temari almost died.

Gaara realizes that he must get rid of Asahi – too dangerous for both of them. Reveals her spy status in front of the council. (Looks like big betrayal)- actually an attempt to save her.

She is high security cell on death row - no one tries for her here.

Council pushes for execution.

He whispers to her. "Scream." She doesn't understand. Then, Gaara publicly breaks her legs and personally delivers her to Leaf – she has important information – barter her for rights. (actually to save her – clean breaks very easy to heal. Make sure she can never be spy again - selfish.)

Ino feels lost – displaced from her only identity – she failed to keep cover.

Make up with Konoha family. Sakura. Naruto.

Hints of InoShikaTemari triangle? A lil' something something.

Months later.

Returns as ambassador, actually

Sign of good faith - can kill her if they want to. She knows Gaara would protect her.

Accepted (but unwanted). Temari and Kankuro missed her. Gaara really snappish recently.

She helps him get rid of an evil councilman. Matsu's dad? Matsu helps? He didn't like the old man's philosophy.

Later. "I never had a chance, did I?" Matsu asks her. She looks at Gaara. Realizes she might love him.

"You did," she says. "But not anymore."

Matsu accepts surprisingly gracefully.

Present when Gaara becomes Kazekage.

"Congratulations, Kazekage-sama." Gaara turns from window and almost smiles.

"Thank you."

"You did it! YOu achieved your goal."

Silence. Gaara speaks. "It's going to a tough journey ahead. There is much to do - the Academy needs to be restructured. The Council needs to be reevaluated. The people still don't like me - not afraid, but they are wary." Continues to list problems.

Ino angry. "Just be happy already."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

Gaara almost confesses. Ino picks up on it. He blushes and turns to the window. Tsundere moment? "Because my problems are just beginning. Are you really going to abandon your position as ambassador when the going gets tough?"

"Of course not."

"Then you realize that you have many, many more years of work ahead of you as an ambassador here."

He's asking/telling her to stay by his side. Ino knows.

"Good thing I don't plan on going anywhere until I'm absolutely sure the Konoha/Suna alliance is strong."

He turns to her. "Is it strong?" They both know it is. But she shrugs.

"I have to stay to find out, don't I?"

Epilogue: skip forward to when they are 17 ish. All big bads of the world defeated. Their relationship just recently official. Some in the village still dislike her, but recognize her influence over the Kazekage.

Matsu has moved on, married Matsuri?

They sit, watching over night sky over Suna.

"Do you remember the game we use to play?" Ino asks.

Gaara puts hand around waist. "You mean where you bared your teeth at me like a hyena?" She slaps his shoulder. He lets her.

"I mean when you stalked me like a creeper!"

"It wasn't stalking." He's super serious. "I just looked at you."

"If not stalking, it's very creepy."

"Then what are you doing here with the creepy creeper?" Gaara asks flatly. Ino laughs as he wraps sand around her waist and lift her into the air.

"Put me down!"

"Not until you admit I wasn't stalking you."

"Never! Creepy creeping creeper! Sabaku no Creeper no Gaara!" Sing song. He sets her down.

"Please do shut up, Miss Yamanaka."

"Make me."

Nonexistent eyebrow list. "Very well."

Kiss.