LoveShinobi A/N: Hello, hello everyone! Here is another wonderful story written by Angelv and myself. Actually the main idea about Dragons was from me, I had started writing it a couple years ago but never really finished it and so we decided to do it together and make it amazing! I really hope you all enjoy this, and I know we haven't posted anything in a long while but I assure you it is only because we don't want to post a story we are not done with! And we have tons of them in the making so you are going to be in for a real treat!

Angelv A/N: Hello everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long since my last update, but LoveShinobi and I have been BUSY. The past couple of months we have been working on five, that's right, FIVE different stories. Although, only one of them is actually a finished work lol, but no worries, we always deliver. But anyways, let me know what you guys think about this story, reviews always make my day and give me reason to update once more! Hope you like it! ^^

Please enjoy the story! And of course, review!

Monogamy

Chapter One

-Annual Meeting-

"Little brother, I'm so glad that you could make it! I know how far west your palace is." A tall, slender redhead smirked, rising from his decorated golden throne. "And you even made it early." He said with a haughty laugh, his light brown eyes never leaving the pale jade before him. There was another redhead in the room, standing on the central red carpet that led from the two large double doors to the throne. Shadowed eyes followed the elder as he approached.

"Of course I came, Sasori. It's required, if you don't recall." Gaara said simply, a frown setting on his face.

Sasori shrugged. He was dressed simply for a king, but that was because his guests wouldn't be arriving for some time. All he had on was a loose black shirt with long sleeves, and black pants tucked into dark brown leather boots. "Where's Niro?"

Gaara sighed, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. He was dressed more knightly, with a black tunic that buttoned together near his neck, its long sleeves rolled up to his elbows. It stopped just above his knees and underneath he had on white tight pants that went into his black leather boots that stopped just before his knees. There was a thick belt around his waist, and a sword secured at his side. "Outside, eating his fill. I do live the furthest, as you said yourself."

The two stared at each other for a moment until one of the doors on the side of the throne room opened and a dark haired man walked in, followed by someone who looked very similar to him. "Your Highness." The elder spoke. "Lady Sakura is on her way and Lord Neji is getting Metsuki settled in with Niro." He announced. He had deep charcoal eyes and jet black hair that was tied in a tight pony tail at the base of his neck. His clothes were similar to Gaara's, only he wore a black cloak with the crest for his house tying it together, as a symbol of his superior rank among the dragon riders.

Gaara's jade gaze focused on the man. "Itachi." He said sharply, his arms crossed tight over his chest.

The Uchiha looked over at the redhead. "Gaara. I trust the weather wasn't rough flying in?" he asked, raising a brow.

The redhead rolled his eyes, and so the silent battle began. The worst day of the year couldn't have started off any better. First he had to see his arrogant brother, who happened to be the king of the entire country, and it was a big country. Second, Itachi was once again treating him like he was still a kid. The fact that Itachi was the leader of the dragon riders didn't mean squat to Gaara. Because the second Sasori died, he would be ahead of him, putting the Uchiha in his place. But of course, he had to play nice. "It wasn't too bad. The winds are starting to pick up." He said casually.

The double doors to the massive hall opened suddenly, and in walked reason number three this was the worst day of the year. Hyuuga Neji. The Southern dragon rider. He wasn't as bad as Itachi, but he was pretty darn close. Following behind him silently was his cousin, Hyuuga Hinata. She was extremely beautiful, with long dark hair and soft lavender eyes. She and Neji looked vaguely similar because of those eyes. Neji had his long chocolate brown hair tossed behind him, dressed similar to that of Gaara and Itachi. He stopped when he was a mere three feet away and greeted them a bit coldly. "Your Majesty." He bowed to Sasori and then looked at the other. "Lord Itachi. Gaara." He gave a sharp nod.

Itachi nodded in return. "Has Lady Sakura landed yet?" Itachi asked. He wanted to begin this meeting as soon as possible. Because the sooner it started, the sooner it ended.

Neji shook his head, looking back at Hinata as if to signal to tell them what they knew. She stepped forward, clearing her throat, which did nothing to increase the volume of her soft voice. "We got a message that Lady Sakura had to deal with some issues concerning her new squire. He seems a bit…unlucky."

"So she's going to be late. Again." Gaara stated, looking at the woman, making her shrink back.

"Y-yes Lord Gaara." She nodded.

He scoffed. "When is that woman going to get someone who can actually do something right?"

Neji just rolled his eyes. "Where is your squire Gaara? He seems to be missing."

The glare off began between the two men. "He isn't missing, he's taking care of Niro. Feeding him and whatnot. I don't trust anyone other than him to do it. Plus Niro ate the last five servants that tried to get near him."

Itachi just crossed his arms in impatience. The only reason he never had trouble with his squire was because it was his younger brother, Sasuke. His dragon was not only tolerant of him, but Sasuke was bound through family to serve him until the end of his days. And this way he could keep an eye on his younger brother to keep him out of trouble.

About fifteen minutes later footsteps could be heard, and a blonde man burst through the doors, flying through the air. He had brilliant blue eyes and was wearing a bright orange tunic with black pants and boots. He hit the floor with a thud, scrambling to get to his feet as a tiny pink haired woman entered. She wore tight black leggings and dark brown boots that came up to her knees. Her tight shirt was a crimson red and had no sleeves, the top scooping low across her neckline. She had a skirt of the same material that flowed down just past the tips of her boots, and slit all the way up both sides to her hips to allow for easy movement. Her belt matched her boots, and her sword hung loosely from it. On her arms she wore two bracers made out of hard leather, in order to protect them should she be in a fight. Wiping her short pink locks out of her face, the woman stomped over to her manservant and picked him up by his collar so that they were eye level, angry emerald clashing with frightened blue.

"You idiot!" she yelled, shaking him furiously. "When I tell you not to lean over the side of the dragon when you see something shiny, don't do it! Because next time I'll just let your sorry ass fall to its death. Understand me?" she asked, shaking him once more for good measure. He nodded vigorously.

"Y-yes Lady Sakura! Just please don't punch me again!" he said, flinching as she brought him a fraction of an inch closer. Then she dropped him, and he fell to the floor once more. She stared down at him and crossed her arms.

"You'll be lucky if that's all I do to you. Now go tend to Taira, she's flown hard, and putting up with your stupidity this entire trip has upset her. If she eats you it's your own fault." When he just sat there dumbly for a minute she growled slightly. "Move!" she ordered, causing him to quickly run out of the hall. Taking a deep breath and calming her features, she lowered her arms and turned to the other occupants of the room, bowing at the eldest redhead. "Your Highness. Lord Itachi, Lord Neji." She greeted. "Gaara." She said, her disdain evident in her tone.

And there was reason number four. Sakura. "Lady Sakura." everyone nodded to her, aside from Gaara. He gave her a sparing glance and then looked off.

"About time you got here woman."

"Not like you had anything better to do than wait for me anyways." She replied with a smirk, and then turned to Sasori. "I do apologize if I inconvenienced you, my Lord. New squires are just so difficult to train the first week or so." She said, her voice softening a bit.

"There is nothing to be sorry about my dearest Lady." Sasori said, stepping forward and taking her hand, lifting it. He kissed her hand and gave her a thoughtful smile, both ignoring the furious younger redhead.

Sakura returned his smile a bit shyly. "All in the same, I was upset at the knowledge that I was going to be late. It has been so long since I saw you last after all."

Gaara quickly snatched Sakura's hands from his brother and gave his elder a hateful glare. "Do you mind if we continue?" he asked, sounding more than a little angry.

Sasori snickered, looking over at Itachi. "Of course. Let us adjourn to the meeting room." He gestured, heading out of the room. Neji and Hinata followed quickly, as did Itachi and Sasuke. Gaara glanced back and realized he was still holding Sakura's hands. He released them immediately and looked away.

"Sorry." He muttered, before following the others. She looked from her hands to his retreating back, and as if snapping from a daze, ran to catch up with them.

They left the throne room and walked down the hall, entering a smaller room with a round table in the center, four chairs situated around it. There was a map of the country engraved into the table, and Itachi was sitting at the top while Neji took his spot at the southern part of the table. Gaara went and sat down in his own seat, which was on the west side of the map, and Sakura did the same, sitting across from him. Sasori sat at the front of the room, looking out the large bay windows. "So, how are thing in my country of Illium? I assume things are going well, since I haven't heard anything bad."

Neji cleared his throat and looked at Itachi. "Things in the south are doing fine. There have been quite a few rebel groups trying to sneak in through the ports, but it hasn't been anything I can't handle."

Itachi nodded and looked to Sakura, signaling that it was now her turn. She shrugged slightly. "Same old in the east. A few bandits here and there. We did have a trafficking problem, but I took care of it quickly."

"Trafficking?" Sasori asked, raising a brow.

She nodded. "Of women. It had been going on for a month before I caught wind of it, but it was easy to find and infiltrate their base once I allowed them to catch me. Suffice it to say, it's no longer a problem." She said with a triumphant smile.

"Very impressive, Lady Sakura. You always seem to have a hold on things." Sasori smirked, letting his suggestive brown eyes meet her beautiful emeralds. Gaara just rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair and tapping the table irritably. Today was definitely turning out to be terrible, just as he predicted. It was annoying enough he had to deal with all four of them at the same time, but it was just sick when his brother flirted with Sakura.

"Thank you, Lord Sasori. Your compliments are most appreciated." Sakura said, batting her long lashes. Itachi let an irritated look come to his face, and settled his gaze on Gaara, wanting the redhead to speak in order to stop the disgusting scene before him.

"Anyways." Gaara snapped rudely, glaring at Sakura for a moment and then focusing on Itachi. "Inside our walls the west has been fine and fruitful. The crops are coming in and trade is up. Along the walls on the other hand, Narda had been increasing its attacks. It seems they are very desperate to break through. But for now they have been subdued. I have left one of my most trusted knights in charge, and I believe he can handle anything that does happen while I am away."

Sasori nodded, not looking too pleased he had been interrupted, but there would be time with Sakura later. "Nothing has really been happening in the north. There was an assassination attempt, but the small band of conspirators was easily disposed of." Itachi said.

"Excellent. I'm glad nothing has been too troublesome for any of you." The elder redhead stood, as did the other three. Gaara remained sitting, uncaring, resting his elbow on the arm of his chair and propping his head up. He finally looked up from the map at the others and sighed, standing slowly. "Gaara." Sasori glared, he could only take so much of his younger brother's disrespect. "Must you be so arrogant?"

"I dunno Sasori, must you be such a lecherous pig?" he glared back, dismissing himself from the table.

Sakura gave Sasori an apologetic look, but left the room. She wanted to check on Taira and make sure her idiot of a squire hadn't done anything wrong in tending to her dragon. She made her way to the stables, as they were called, although they were large enough to be a separate castle, so that it could house the dragons. She walked through the large doors and went straight to the pen where Taira was being kept. "Hello love. Did Naruto tend to you properly?" she asked, rubbing the large beast's cheek. The pale pink dragon rumbled low in her throat, showing her discontent.

'That moronic squire of yours won't let me go see Niro. I'm going to kill him.' Sakura heard in her mind. She could feel some of her companion's irritation, and decided to take mercy on her.

"Be nice, if anyone gets to kill him it's me. I'll take you to see him. But try to control yourself, especially if Gaara is there. I don't like feeling that way."

'You two really should get over yourselves. You'd be a lot happier.'

"I didn't ask for your advice." The pink haired woman stated, trying to ignore her dragon's comment.

'But you need it.' Taira said smugly.

She opened the pen and was immediately scooped up by her dragon, who quickly made her way to a large field filled with cattle, where Niro was 'grazing'. Sakura was sat on the ground, and Taira made her way over to the larger red dragon, halting a bit away so as not to encroach on him while he was eating. She bowed her head and let out a low hum, showing him respect in asking if she could come closer. The blood red dragon slowly lifted its large head, twisting his thick neck around to see who had dared intrude upon his time. There was a loud roar of recognition and he immediately bounded over towards the smaller feminine dragon, pressing his head against hers. He let out a low purr, the telepathic connection beginning instantly with their touch.

Gaara sat up from his laying position on the soft grass. He grimaced, seeing the two and feeling everything they felt. But that wasn't what upset him. If Taira was here, then that meant Sakura couldn't be far off.

Her emerald gaze landed on Gaara and she frowned. Because of the dragons, she felt compelled to walk over to him and be with him. But she resisted. She would not let their dragons' feelings for each other affect her. She refused. Taira and Niro now had intertwined their necks a bit and were nuzzling. Sakura felt warm inside, and every fiber of her being demanded that she go to Gaara and submit to him. She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to soothe the ache, and bit back a whimper. The aching pain suddenly vanished and she felt herself land flush against a hard chest. When she looked up at Gaara he glanced off. "It hurts more to fight it." He reasoned, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around her.

He didn't like his connection with his dragon at times like this. When Niro was with Taira, he needed Sakura, felt like he needed to protect her. He sighed. The infatuation between the beasts was sometimes almost unbearable. Sakura laid her head against his shoulder, deciding to make herself comfortable if they were going to have to stay this way while their dragons caught up. She unconsciously licked her lips as Taira began to clean the blood from her mate's mouth. The only thing keeping her sane was the knowledge that she could leave tomorrow. Because after tomorrow she had no reason to stay.

At the thought both dragons roared out in rage, wrapping threateningly around their companions. Gaara released Sakura immediately, drawing his sword quickly as Niro snapped at him. "Niro! Stand down!" he glared. The dragon glared back disdainfully.

'Make Lady Sakura stay.' The dragon ordered silently.

"I can't make her stay Niro." Gaara replied aloud, the eye contact between the two not breaking.

'Can we please stay? I never get to see Niro.' Taira pleaded, cooing softly.

"We should get back as soon as possible. There are things that must-" she stopped when her dragon snapped at her and growled lowly.

'There is nothing that must be done. You took care of it all. Quit making up excuses because you are afraid of your feelings for Lord Gaara.'

"They aren't mine!" she yelled, crossing her arms.

Niro moved his head around his master and nudged Sakura towards Gaara, letting his hot breath be an indicator that she should comply. She glared at the large beast, but moved until she was standing next to the redhead. Her posture indicated though, that that was all she was willing to do. Taira did the same to Gaara, nudging him towards her mistress. He grumbled, taking the spot next to Sakura and crossing his arms in protest. Taira gave him another forceful shove, making him knock into Sakura. "Would you cut that out!" the redhead glared back at the dragon, steadying himself and Sakura before they fell over. He looked at her then, having his hands on her shoulders as the world seemed to melt away. She really was very beautiful…

"Niro!" Gaara snapped from the daze, glaring at his own dragon.

The sound emitting from the large dragon sounded suspiciously like snickering.

'What? I didn't do anything.'

Gaara just let out an irritated sigh. He hated how much influence his dragon had over his emotions. He looked back down, meeting Sakura's gaze once more, and he could slowly feel the off emotions starting to surface. 'I don't want this…' he said to himself, trying to repress the wave.

Sakura leaned closer to Gaara as she got lost in the beautiful jade depths of his eyes. Perhaps…if she leaned a little closer, he would kiss her. She wondered what it would be like to press her body against his…She shook her head a bit, trying to clear the feelings. She knew that Taira was trying to influence her, but a part of her didn't want to fight it. To her surprise, Gaara leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers. They were so close, he could feel her breath and she his.

"Lady Sakura!" a voice called.

The two separated instantly, looking fairly alarmed at how close they had actually gotten. Both dragons straightened and loomed over their masters, growling dangerously at the man approaching them. Gaara's glare was back in place as Sasori stepped closer. "My dear Sakura, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you."

Gaara frowned, stealing one last look at the pink haired knight before resting his hand on Niro's side. "Come on." he said softly, actually looking sullen. The two started off, but only the red dragon looked back, groaning out for his companion.

Sakura watched them leave, her dragon's sadness filling her. Taira called after him, and then looked down at the one who dare ruin her reunion. She and Niro had been so close to getting their masters to kiss. Sending her dragon an irritated look, she turned her attention to the man before her. "Lord Sasori, to what do I owe this visit?" she asked.

"I was simply wondering if you would join Itachi and me for lunch. I think Sasuke is coming too. After all you did travel a long way." He smirked, taking a daring step forward, lifting his hand and resting it on her shoulder.

Taira growled threateningly at the redhead and snapped at him, causing him to remove his hand from her person. "Taira!" Sakura scorned.

'Nobody but Lord Gaara has the right to touch you so familiarly, king or not.'

"Oh it's quite alright my Lady. Dragons are very territorial." He smirked, offering her his hand. "Shall we?"

She took his hand and smiled at him. "Certainly." She said, giving her dragon a meaningful look. As she watched the two walk away, Taira formed an evil plan. While her mistress was at lunch, she was going to go see Niro. That way, while Sakura flirted with her Lord's brother, she would feel guilty about it. Those thoughts in mind, the pink dragon headed in the direction her mate had gone, knowing he would be all for that plan.

"Oh Sakura!" a blonde, dressed in a very elegant green dress called from down the hall. She grabbed her dress and hurried towards Sasori and Sakura. "Brother, you didn't tell me Sakura was already here!" she took the pink haired woman's hands in her own and smiled happily. "I've missed you Sakura. What's it been, a whole year?"

"Yes it has Temari. How are you?" the pink haired woman asked, smiling genuinely.

She looked past her friend and then at her elder brother, seeming to grow more confused as the moment went on. "Why are you with Sasori and not Gaara?"

"Because Gaara left me, and Sasori was kind enough to offer his company." Sakura replied, somewhat miffed that he had ditched her.

"And it happened in that order?" the blonde asked, arching a delicate brow.

Sasori just rolled his eyes and continued ahead, since he was hungry. After all, he was the king, and nothing hindered him from getting what he wanted. Well…almost nothing. "Pretty much." She replied, following Sasori down the hall. It had been a while since she had eaten, and the thought of real food excited her. Temari followed, since of course it was her lunch she was throwing for their guests. When they entered the room, Sasori sat down at the head of the long table and Temari took a spot beside him.

"Here Sakura." the redhead smirked, gesturing to the other free seat that was beside him and between him and Itachi. She smiled at him and sat down, not unaware that to be seated next to him was a spot of honor.

"Thank you." She replied. Then her smiling gaze turned to the dark haired man on her left. "How have you been as of late Itachi?"

"I've been doing well, thank you Sakura." He said, taking a drink of water.

"That's nice to hear. Where is Neji?" she asked, noticing that the brunette was absent.

Just as his name was mentioned the brunette came in, accompanied by his cousin and a lovely brunette. "I'm right here Sakura." He said, sitting down with his cousin and the other woman on the other side. "A pleasure to enjoy this fine meal with you." He nodded, taking his glass of water and sipping at it.

"The pleasure's all mine Neji. I was worried for a moment that you would skip out the way Gaara is." She said, smiling at him.

Sasori and Itachi laughed together. "Gaara always misses these encounters, this isn't anything new my Lady. After all, you should know very well how he is."

"It's not like anyone wants him to come anyway." Neji said sharply, setting his glass down and leaning back in his chair. "He's always in a foul mood, so why ruin the afternoon?"

"I quite enjoy my brother's company." Temari said boldly, getting a silencing look from the Hyuuga. "I only get to see him once a year because of you men's irritating quarrels."

"Please. Gaara should stop acting like a child." Itachi said, cutting into the plate of meat that was set before him.

It was then that the brunette beside Neji spoke up. "I find Lord Gaara's behavior quite acceptable. At least he doesn't pretend to be nice. It shows something deep within his character."

Sakura gave her a contemplative look, finding truth in the woman's words. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Sakura, and, you are?" she asked, giving the woman a friendly look.

"Oh forgive me Lady Sakura," she touched her fingers to her chest elegantly, as if embarrassed. "My name is Tenten. My family has governed over the Ceris Providence since Illium was formed." She smiled warmly.

"Ah yes, I have heard of your family. A pleasure to meet you." She said.

Temari, growing bored with the conversation decided to speak up then. "So who's ready for the party tonight?"

"Hn." Was all Itachi said as he took a bite of his food.

"I'm really excited for the party Temari. Did you plan it this year?" Sakura asked, beginning to eat her meal.

She beamed excitedly, "You know I did. It was a mistake letting Kankuro do it last year. Simply awful." She shivered, taking her spoon and sipping her soup.

Neji looked over at Sasori and then at Sakura. "So, I heard your dragon was trying to force you upon that arrogant, ungrateful prince."

She blushed slightly at the memory, but nodded. "It's not anything different than what she and Niro try every year. They were trying to get me to stay past tomorrow."

"Well why not?" Sasori interjected. "It's a shame that because of my brother I am only subjected to your presence once a year as well. You should stay." He nodded.

"Sasori has a point. That way your dragon will be appeased by getting to see her mate, and the rest of us can see you. Nobody said you had to spend your whole visit with Gaara." Itachi explained, taking a drink.

"I suppose when you put it that way I could stay for a while longer." She said.

Temari sighed, "I hate to burst your bubble, but what makes you think Gaara will stay another day? He hates all of you." She pointed out, poking a hole in their plan.

"I'm sure his dragon will coerce him into it once he learns Sakura is staying. And even if he doesn't, who cares? That is no reason for Sakura to leave. All the more reason for her to stay." Sasuke said, finally speaking up. He didn't really care for any of the people here, but the pink haired rider had always been nice to him on the rare occasion that they spoke, and he thought it unfair that she was stuck with someone who didn't want her for the rest of her life.

"Well," Sasori said simply. "We shall see, won't we?"

Gaara stared out at the mountains near the central palace. He had taken a spot on one of the turrets around the castle. Niro was curled around him, his head hanging off the edge of the stones.

'I miss Taira. And Lady Sakura.'

'Please shut up.' Gaara thought, grimacing. He really didn't want to do this right now.

'I don't understand why you left her there with your brother. You know how he gets. You should be more protective of what is rightfully yours.' Niro closed his eyes and let out a puff of smoke.

Gaara did the same and leaned against his dragon's warm side. 'She can do as she pleases. I'm not a dictator, and she's not my slave.' He thought angrily.

'Still…' Niro stopped and perked his head up, looking into the sky. Gaara glanced up as well and went wide eyed, rolling out of the way before Taira landed on him. He pressed his back against the edge of the turret and watched in shock as the two nuzzled against one another. 'My love…' Niro purred.

The redhead rolled his eyes, it was only in these moments where he could hear Sakura's dragon, when she was in tune with his own. 'Taira, you need to be more careful.' Gaara said in a commanding tone.

'I knew you would get out of the way, and if not I would have adjusted my landing, so no harm done.' She told him, purring in tune with her mate. 'Besides, you should be with my Lady, protecting her from that arrogant man who dares think he can touch her and get away with it.' She grumbled, showing her displeasure.

'Sasori is the king, Taira, remember? The king always gets what he wants.' He explained, but both dragons could feel the silent fury that was hidden beneath the words.

Niro pressed his snout against Tiara's and let a bit of fire emit from his mouth, 'My master is oblivious to the fact it actually bothers him that Lady Sakura flirts with other males.' He explained.

Gaara glared at the two. 'I am not oblivious! There's no bother, and there is nothing but un-care. She's a dragon rider and she can do whatever makes her happy.'

'If you actually paid attention to her, you would know that it doesn't make my mistress happy. She is merely diverting the attention you claim to not want to others, and your brother is a willing recipient.' The female dragon explained, fluttering her wings a bit. 'Besides, she only ever flirts with other males when you are around.'

"Then she clearly just likes to annoy the hell out of me on purpose." He snapped, finally speaking aloud. He stood then and moved around their bodies, lifting the wooden door. "Now leave me alone and stop prodding around in my mind." He ordered, making them both growl. He slammed the door shut and headed down the stone steps. He pushed open the door to the turret and almost collided with someone. "Sakura." He actually gasped, a bit wide eyed.

"Gaara." She replied, equally surprised. "Are Niro and Taira up there?" she asked, looking to the stairs and then back at him.

"Uh yes…but I wouldn't go up there if I were you…they are being intrusive…as always." He said, finally getting his face to relax into its normal stoic expression.

"Hm. I can tell. I started to feel funny at lunch and had to excuse myself in order to come find you. It seems I'm not allowed to enjoy myself unless you're around." She said, crossing her arms.

He just frowned. "Hilarious." He said, taking her stance and words for sarcasm. "Well if you'll excuse me." He bowed his head respectfully and pushed past her, back towards the palace.

Her brow furrowed, not understanding his behavior. Why did he always have to leave her? She went up the stairs, her confusion still evident when she joined the two dragons, who were snuggled comfortably with each other. 'I hope you two are happy, because I'm not.' She thought, somewhat bitterly.

They both looked at her, 'Mistress,' Niro began, craning his neck and looking back to see his own master walking off. He turned back to the fair knight and pushed his snout against her cheek. 'Why do you always allow your master to leave?'

She reached out and rubbed his nose, smiling at him sadly. 'Why would I follow him if it is clear he no longer wants to be in my presence?'

'And you know that for sure?'

'Why else would he continue to leave me?' she asked. Taira turned and looked at her.

'Perhaps you should give him a reason to stay. You should have followed my advice long ago and just mated him. That would definitely get rid of all the tension between you two.'

This caused Sakura to blush in embarrassment. 'I highly doubt that would have helped anything. Besides, I don't love him the way you love Niro, I could never. And he hardly touches me as it is.' She complained.

'You hardly touch him.' Niro curled his head around the two protectively. 'You always think it is my Lord's fault that you are so unhappy. It is a two way road.'

She absentmindedly began to scratch Niro near his ear, knowing that he liked it when she did, as she thought about what he had said. "Would he even want me to?" she asked aloud.

'You never know until you try.' Taira advised, nudging her in a comforting manner.

Niro arched comfortably, staring at her through his one visible golden eye. 'What's the worst that could happen? It's not like he could possibly treat you any worse.'

Sakura smiled at this, and settled herself comfortably between the two dragons. 'I don't know why Gaara complains about you two, I find your company enjoyable. When you aren't being too pushy.' She chided, patting both of them affectionately.

Taira rumbled low in her throat as she rested her head on her mate's side. 'We could always make it worse, but Lord Gaara is more fun to tease.'

'More fun to tease my dear?' Niro said lowly, sounding tired. 'My Lady here is just too reasonable, while Master Gaara is stubborn and idiotic. I believe he enjoys self-inflicted pain.'

Sakura chuckled, patting the large male. 'I'm going to go get ready for the party tonight.' She told them, rising and walking over to the latch. She looked back at the two dragons and smiled. They looked so adorable together. 'And Taira, you'll be happy to know that I have decided to stay for a while longer.' She said, causing the pink dragon to look at her sharply with her golden eyes.

'Really?' she asked happily, her mood brightening. 'You mean I can stay with Niro?'

She nodded. 'As long as you convince Gaara to stay. But while at lunch Neji and everyone made a good point. I would like to spend more time with my friends.'

'I don't have to convince my master.' Niro grumbled. 'I just won't let him get on to fly home.'

She smiled. 'And that's why I love you Niro.' She said, heading down the stairs. Taira nuzzled the male dragon, fully settling herself against him.

'It's why we both love you.' She purred, closing her eyes as she basked in the combined warmth of her mate and the sun. Niro curled his head around hers and closed his eyes as well, enjoying his cohort.

'Who knows how long we might actually get them to stay.' He thought to her, stretching out his massive wings and covering her with them.