I've been re-editing all my chapters to this story (hopefully they don't suck anymore) which is why its a little shorter than before, and uploaded a side project; Blackout (check it out, its frakkin awesome).
We've had a long run, but everything must come to an end. I finally figured out how finish this story, hope you all like it [:
Enjoy.
Six months earlier…
"Gaara, we don't have the much time." Temari said.
"I will make this quick."
Temari nodded her head and flung her bag over her shoulder, sneaking back to Kankuro. She glanced over her shoulder at Gaara. He was crouched down and peering through a window blocked by curtains, looking into a hospital room. His eyes were so sad, it was breaking her heart. She had never seen him like this before, so helpless and broken down. It was more painful for him to leave than for Sakura to let go, he loves her. He always will, time and time will go, but he will always love her.
His sand slipped through the cracks in the window and opened it. He quietly stepped into the room and walked over the bed where his sleeping beauty rested. On the other side, Naruto slept soundly as well, he looked like a mummy from all his bandages. But Sakura wasn't nearly as bad as him; she had few cuts and bruises here and there, the lower part of her leg was in a cast. He was guilt ridden; he caused all this and brought nothing but anguish.
"Sakura,"
Suddenly, Sakura's head turned towards him. Though she was asleep and her eyes were covered with a medical cloth, he could feel her looking right at him.
"Gaara…" He barely heard her; she still had a hard time breathing.
His breath was caught in his throat; he didn't know what to say. He couldn't apologize; a thousand sorrys weren't going to make up for the mistakes he committed. She wouldn't forgive after all he put her through; she had to be loathing him by now. He attacked her village, he hurt her comrades, and he put her through hell.
Then he saw it, he picked up her hand and looked at it. The mark he engraved on her wrist. It seemed like ages ago, but here they are now, only a month after. Gaara brought it to his lips, but hesitated and set her arm back down. His hand lingered next to hers, and touched her finger.
Her hand closed around his and they stayed that way for a while.
"Stay."
His heart clenched, she didn't hate him after all.
"I can't."
She let go and her hand clutched the bed. He noticed pile of sand piled in a small container on the table, picked it up and poured the sand out. He wanted to make something for her to at least to remember him by. The sand started shifting and changing into the form of a certain kunoichi, extending her hand out.
"Goodbye, Sakura."
Sakura concentrated very hard, sending chakra into her hands and channeling in into the dead fish. Her mind was focused, determined to improve her medic skills. Sweat beads formed around her head and slid down her cheek; if she didn't make the fish come to life she might bust a vessel. Two agonizing minutes later, she heard the sound she was waiting for.
The fish started flopping around, desperate for water. She threw it in the nearby pool and watched it swim around in circles. A yell for joy came out of her mouth as she jumped around, pumping her fists into the air.
"I did it!"
Shizune rushed into the room, gasping for air, "What happened!"
"Look, Shizune, I brought the fish back to life!" She ran over to the confused woman and grabbed her hand, pulling her over to the pond, "See, it's alive again."
"Wow Sakura, that's amazing. And you just started your training only five months ago."
"I know! I'm a genius, where's Tsunade? I have to show this to her."
"She's in a meeting right now, with people from the Suna."
Sakura dropped her hand and grabbed her shoulders instantly, "What?"
"Ow, Sakura, ow."
"Who, which people from Suna?"
"I don't know, I didn't see them."
"Can you get me in there?"
"I don't know; she's in the middle of a very important meeting."
"Fine." Sakura sighed in defeat and let Shizune go, who also sighed and rubbed her aching shoulders.
They both left the room and parted ways. Sakura grabbed her belongings, finished for the day and wanted to go home before her hopes went up. Six months had gone by and no word from him, except when he came back to help Naruto and the gang get Sasuke back. Though they had failed to bring him back, Rock lee managed to tell her that Gaara sends his greetings.
She giggled to herself remembering how flustered he looked trying to talk to her, but it meant a lot that they were all past the rivalry. At least he remembered her; as long as he didn't forget then she was content. But it would be nice to see him again, she missed him so much. Not a day goes by when he doesn't cross her mind. There were always constant reminders of him everywhere, she'd never forget.
"Hey Sakura!"
Naruto caught up to her as she turned around, "What is it?"
"Tsunade needs you, she says it's urgent."
"What happened?"
"There's a meeting going on with the people from sand, and she wants all of us there right now. We're waiting for you."
"Then let's get going!"
She grabbed him by the collar and rushed back to the Hokage's tower.
"You're choking me!"
"I don't want to miss this Naruto!" She tugged him even harder as she ran up the stairs, dragging his body behind.
She stopped outside the door and steadied her breathing, Naruto laid on the floor trying to catch his breath. She threw her bag under a table and straightened herself out, fixing her hair, and trying to look professional.
"Geez Sakura, what was that for?" He got up on wobbly knees.
"I just don't want to look bad in front of Tsunade and her guests."
She knocked on the door and waited for a response.
"You may come in."
Naruto opened the doors and let Sakura go in first. She stepped in and instantly spotted familiar faces. The old genin gang was here, everyone from Neji to Shikamaru, Ino and Hinata. She stood next to the girls as Naruto went over to the boy's side. Sakura quickly scanned the room for the people from Suna, but there was no one around.
"You all know why you're here right?" Tsunade said.
"We're going on a mission!" Naruto shouted, overly excited once again.
"Would you pipe down?" Shikamaru rolled his eyes.
"Anyways, we have some special visitor's who have traveled all the way from Suna, they have requested for our assistance."
"What is it?" Sakura asked.
"I'll let them explain." Tsunade pointed her chin at the corner of the room.
And to Sakura's excitement and joy, Temari and Kankuro came out. Temari smiled at her and spoke, "Nice to see you guys again." She eyed Shikamaru and smirked.
"Whatever."
"One of our kunichi's has been kidnapped by these lunatic shinobis. They're holding her hostage, so we're here for some help getting her back."
"What do you guys say?" Tsunade asked.
"I say let's get going!" Naruto exclaimed, running out of the door first.
"Wait you idiot, you don't even know where you're going!" Kankuro ran after.
As everyone was leaving, Temari put a hand on Sakura's shoulder, "He's somewhere in the front."
Sakura smiled and nodded her head, following everyone else down the stairs. Secretly, she separated herself from the rest and walked over to a small clearing. No one was there, but she knew in her gut he would be somewhere nearby. Peering in the shadows of the tress, she tried to see if there was anyone hiding, but no one was there. She let out a sigh and turned back around, heading back to group. Until strong, warm hands grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back.
"My little cherry blossom."
She couldn't help smiling and placed a hand over hers. She closed her eyes and leaned back against his broad chest, at long last she was with him again. Her chest was pounding and all the noises in the Earth went silent, she only listened to the sound of her heart pounding away at lightning speed. His garment changed, but that wasn't the only thing. He was taller, stronger, and human.
"Gaara," She looked up into his jade eyes, missing them for half a year, "I'm happy to see you again."
"That's all?"
Her laugh rang in his ears, a song he hadn't heard in years. Waves of emotions and memories washed right through him, he was too proud to admit it, but he missed her too. He longed to hold her in his arms, feel the warmth radiating from her skin, and taste her cherry lips again. He would have thought that she would have forgotten all about him by now, but the way she looked into his eyes and kept his gaze reassured him otherwise.
"I missed you."
"That's what I wanted to hear."
She wrapped her arms around him, laying her head on his chest. His hand gently stroking her hair and breathing in her scent, finally he felt at peace.
He went through hell just to know her name; she killed herself to be with him. The only pair in Konoha to truly know what the meaning of love and hate was.
The beauty and the beast.
The devil and the angel.
Black and white.
He rested his forehead on top of hers; they've both waited for this moment to come. When they could finally be in each other's presence and not have to worry about anything else. No pain, no guilt, no death. The nightmares were gone, replaced by peaceful nights where dreams stood still in time. Tears were dried, sadness only came with sacrifice.
"Gaara, I glad I met you. You've taught so much, I don't regret anything."
There were no words to describe how he felt, the only thing he could do was show her in his own way. He pushed her head up and crashed his lips onto hers.
Minutes flew by.
"Hey, where's Sakura and Gaara?" Kankuro shouted.
Sakura bit her lip and grabbed his hand, "Let's go."
He growled, unhappy their time was cut short and walked back with her. Never letting go, never looking back.
Somewhere in the distance, on top of a naked tree, on the highest branch; a small flower bud started to bloom.
Thanks for sticking this long; from my bullshit grammar, to my painful spelling, and myself. I hope you all check out more of my stories that are to come. Thanks once again.
Ciao.