She walked into the anteroom and sat down on a soft, leather couch. Her back straightened out of habit and her lotion-downed hands slid under her thighs. She clicked her heels together, waiting patiently, even though, to anyone else, she may have looked nervous. She was quite calm, however. There was no reason to be nervous, none at all. The Kazekage was a dear friend, a very close one to the village. She had met him when they were younger. However, back then he was frightening; not just to her, but to everyone. He was an evil, dangerous child that nobody wanted to be around. Now, everything was different. He was kinder, more gentle and considerate. She couldn't wait to see him again.

It had been a while since she had last seen the Kazekage. Couldn't really place when they had last met, but she was sure it was over business. Always was in the shinobi world.

Her caressing light-green orbs danced around the room. The walls were a sandy color, ironic since she was in the Village Hidden in the Sand. Another leather sofa sat opposite her and a thin, glass coffee table lay before her. She leaned forward and saw her reflection in the ever-so-clean glass. Sticking her tongue behind her pearly white teeth, she began to whistle a soft tune to herself, one her mother had hummed for her as a child. She hummed it so often it got stuck in her head and had hummed ever since she learned it.

She heard a soft click to her left and turned her head to see the polite secretary she'd met moments before.

"The Kazekage will see you now," She said.

"Thank you."

She pushed herself off the sofa and knocked on the door that led to the Kazekage's office. After a familiar voice allowed her to enter, she turned the knob and saw him sitting at his desk; documents stacked neatly in piles atop it.

The Kazekage's face lit up in a smile, "Welcome, Sakura," His eyes searched the vacant area behind her, "Where is Sasuke?"

"He didn't want to come, you know how he is. He's waiting outside downstairs."

Gaara nodded, knowing the Uchiha all too well, "How was your trip here? Safe I hope."

Sakura smiled and nodded. She strode over to the chair before his desk and plopped herself down in it. She involuntarily crossed her legs and locked her fingers together around her right knee. "It was a very quiet and relaxing trip. Thank you for letting me stay in your home while I'm here; it's very generous of you, Kazekage-Sama."

He frowned at her formality, "Please, call me Gaara. Kazekage makes me feel old. And it's no problem, Sakura. Temari can't wait to see you, neither can Kankuro." His face crinkled in a smile that Sakura couldn't help but crack one in reply to.

"Haha, okay, Gaara. And you're not old; being Kazekage at your age is an honor. You must be really happy." Gaara liked her honesty and was glad to have her here. She'd be a great help in the hospital and great company at home. Speaking of which, he should probably show her where she'd be staying. Gaara pushed his pen aside and stood up. His bones groaned in relief and it felt good to finally get up. He walked over to the door and opened it, "Shall I show you where you'll be staying?"

Sakura abruptly jumped up and looked guilty, "Oh, no! That's alright, Gaara. I didn't mean to disturb you, I-" Gaara held up a hand to silence her, giving her a friendly smile.

"It's quite alright, Sakura. I needed a break; sitting in that chair too long can cripple a man. And I asked you to come here, remember?"

Sakura's cheeks blushed at the fact and she walked out the door as Gaara held it open. As she passed him, she got a whiff of his scent; a deep, musky scent that Sakura decided she liked. It was new and fresh and fit Gaara perfectly; dark but sexy.

Did I just call Gaara sexy?

"I'm going out for a while, post-pone my plans." Gaara told the woman at the desk. She nodded and began filing documents and other things of the sort. As they walked out of the building, a sandy breeze blew over them, causing the two to shield their eyes. Sasuke leaned against the wall of the building with his hands in his pockets. He turned his head and simply nodded to Gaara, whom nodded back. Gaara motioned for the two to follow as he began walking down the sandy road. "I don't live far from the hospital, or the office, so you won't have any problem arriving on time."

"I'm never late. My job is my first and only priority." Gaara looked at her out of his peripheral and saw the determination on her face. She was true to her heart, he gathered that much.

They turned a corner and stopped in front of a huge building that looked to be the size of his office building. Sakura's home back in Konoha wasn't even this big. She'd have to get use to the space, she supposed. He opened the door and stepped aside for her to go ahead of him.

He's such a gentlemen.

Gaara's home was more common than she would have anticipated. Sakura stepped into a carpeted, home-y feeling living room with a fireplace and plants in different areas of the room. Light from the open window decorated the room and invited in a nice, gentle breeze. Down the hall, Sakura could see a kitchen, spacious as far as she could tell. She stepped to the side and let Gaara lead her and Sasuke through the house to her room.

As she followed, Sakura saw pictures of Gaara's older brother and sister, his friends and family. Pictures of everyone Sakura knew lined the walls of the hall; there was even one with her alone. She pondered how he had gotten his hands on that picture. She'd have to ask him later. Sakura was too busy paying attention to the pictures that she forgot she was walking, and tripped. Before she knew it, Gaara was holding her in his arms, looking down at her with an eyebrow quirked. She blushed involuntarily and mumbled an apology. Gaara stood her back on her feet and watched as the blush grew deeper in her cheeks.

"Thank you, Gaara. I guess I wasn't looking and tripped over something." Sakura played with her hands and gave a shy smile.

"Any time. Well, this is your room. I hope it's comfortable enough for you; the bed is brand new so I hope you like it. I tested it myself and it's very welcoming. You'll fall asleep in seconds." Gaara winked at her, something that didn't quite suite Gaara but was nice all the same. Sasuke regarded Gaara with squinted eyes but remained silent. Sakura forced herself to not think too much of it but couldn't help blushing anyway.

"Thank you so much, Gaara, your house is lovely. I love it. Wish my home was this nice."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you wish, Sakura. My home is your home. You too, Sasuke."

Sasuke grunted in reply, crossing his arms lazily and leaning against the door frame.

Sakura didn't know what to say to such a kind gesture, the most she could choke out was, "T-thank you, Gaara." He gave her a smile and a nod and left to show Sasuke his room. Sakura's room was pretty big with relaxing, cream colored walls and pink rims. The bed looked comfortable, just as Gaara had said, with clean pink sheets and a nice flower decorated quilt. A dresser sat beside a closet that Sakura opened to find very spacious; just like the rest of the house.

She plopped herself down on the bed and let out a heavy sigh. The bed was as soft as feathers and Sakura wanted to just fall right into it. She found herself drifting asleep when a knock on the door woke her up. She picked up her head to see Gaara's peeking through.

"I'm going back to the office for a bit. You'll probably be asleep by the time I get home. Make yourself at home, there's food in the fridge if you're hungry."

"Oh, alright, thank you. Did you want something to eat before you go?" Sakura asked, sitting up.

"No, I'll be fine. Thanks, though. I'll see you later, Sakura." He flashed a brief smile at her before closing the door. Sakura lay back with an 'oomph' and closed her eyes. She snuggled underneath the quilt and remembered Gaara telling her she'd fall asleep in seconds. Before Sakura drifted into a deep sleep, Gaara flashed in her mind and couldn't help but smile against her pillow.

Gaara.