Red Roses chapter two. Last chapter, and I'm kinda sad to see it finished, but I hope it turns out okay. Thanks to everyone who read my story, I am very glad you all took the time to read it. Please enjoy!

Red Roses

Gaara smiled as he looked down at Kahn. "What should I do Kahn?" he asked the dog. "I want to do something nice for Sakura, but I don't know what," he said as he opened Sakura's fridge to find something to eat for himself.

Kahn was sitting on the floor, looking up at Gaara. He whined a bit, and then walked out of the kitchen.

Gaara watched him go. In a few moments Kahn came back, a book in his mouth. He dropped it at Gaara's feet.

Gaara picked it up gingerly, because it was all slobbery. It was a cookbook of Sakura's.

He sat down at the small table in her kitchen, and opened the book. It was worn, and many pages were folded down or had creases on him. Some had post it notes or pieces of paper stuck in it. Gaara flipped through and saw that Sakura had written little notes on some of the pages.

He paused when he saw a note on top of one of the recipes. "Dad's favorite," was written on the top of one of the pages in Sakura's curly handwriting.

Gaara remembered that there were no pictures of Sakura's dad anywhere in the apartment. Her mom, Rin, was everywhere, but Sakura's dad was not in any pictures. She had mentioned he had died when she was a baby, so Sakura had no memories of him.

He saw that the page was worn, and the spine opened up to this page. It was obviously used a lot.

Gaara heard Kahn bark at the window that led out to the balcony. He walked over to the living room, looked out and saw nothing.

Gaara shook his head as he returned to the book. An idea formed in his head as he read the simple recipe.

He smirked to himself as he got to work.

/

Naruto giggled as he jiggled the water balloon he held in his hands. He planned to sneak up on Sakura, who lived in the apartment building next to him.

Normally, he would just climb up the fire escape and pound on her window when he wanted to see her. Naruto didn't believe in doors, and he hated waiting for Sakura to come down to the lobby and let him in. The two had been doing this for years.

Lately Sakura was distant to him. Naruto hardly saw her, except when he bumped into her on the way into her building. She stopped inviting him over for movies, she stopped meeting him at the bar for a drink or two, just as friends. She even stopped shopping with Ino.

Naruto just hoped it had nothing to do with Sasuke. He had foolishly introduced them a while ago, and Sasuke just couldn't leave her alone. To Sasuke, Sakura was like a shiny toy. He wanted her, and he didn't want anyone else to have her either.

He just knew that Sakura would not want that. Sakura was the type of girl that would kick your ass for looking at her the wrong way. She definitely was not into pretty boys like Sasuke, with ego's that were as big as a blimp.

Naruto snuck up the fire escape, careful to stay quiet. He snuck under Sakura's window, careful to stay unnoticed.

He decided to take a sneak peak into the window, just to see if she was home.

He looked in….

And jumped back down, his heart racing. He saw a monster.

It was huge, with light tan fur and sharp teeth. Its claws were huge, and it looked like it could tear a man in half.

What was it doing in Sakura's apartment? Was it holding her hostage?

Naruto heard it talking to Sakura's dog. He knew the creature was coming over to look out the window. Naruto sat still, his eyes closed.

He prayed it would not look out the window. He prayed harder than he had ever prayed in his life.

The seconds ticked by slower than a snail.

Naruto opened his eyes, realizing that he was still there. The monster had not found him.

He opened his phone, raising it slightly up to the window. He rapidly took a few photos, making sure to get the monster without it seeing him.

He slowly moved over slightly. Naruto looked in the window and saw the creature. It was definitely not a figment of his imagination.

Naruto crept silently back down the fire escape. He had to get help. He had to save Sakura from that monster.

/

Sakura sighed as she came home late that night. She fumbled with her tote bag, and finally found her key. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, Sakura opened the door to her apartment.

She was greeted as usual with her faithful canine companion. She smiled as Kahn jumped up, licking her face as he greeted her from coming home. Sakura looked behind him, hoping to see the familiar tan fur of her other roommate.

Gaara was nowhere to be found. Fear gripped at her as she looked around for him. He might have run off, and be starving on the street. Someone might have seen him, and tried to shoot him for looking like a monster.

She rushed around, frantically checking each room. With each room, the sinking feeling in her chest grew, as did the fear gripping her heart.

Sakura flung open the door to her room and found a surprise.

On her bed, laid out, was one of Sakura's dresses. It was a beautiful yellow dress that made Sakura gasp. Yellow was not her usual color, but this one seemed to suit her. It was tight around her chest, with a slit up her leg, and beautiful silk fabric. Underneath was a layer of taffeta that made the bottom of the dress fan out.

There was a note on top of the dress.

"Put this on, and then come to the roof," the note said.

Sakura discovered a pair of her silver sandals, to match the tiny jewels on the bodice of the dress. She smiled, recognizing Gaara's handwriting. She quickly pulled the dress on, finding that it fit her like a glove, showing all of her curves.

She strapped on the heels and rushed out to the window, wanting to get upstairs and see what surprise Gaara had planned for her.

She climbed up the stairs, her heart beating in her chest.

Sakura gasped as she stepped onto the roof.

Gaara had transformed it. White lights twinkled on the potted trees around the roof, making it look like tiny fairy lights under the stars. A table was in the middle of the roof, covered with a white tablecloth. A wine bottle was on the table, and the table was set with Sakura's fine china.

"What is this?" Sakura asked him, as Gaara stepped into the soft candlelight.

"A surprise," Gaara said. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

"This is amazing!" Sakura said, as she looped her arm with Gaara's as he led her over to the table.

Sakura gasped as she noticed the food on the table. Gaara pulled the chair out for her, letting her sit first.

"Ratatouille?" Sakura said. "Where did you get the recipe?"

"I found it in your cookbook," Gaara said. "It looked like it was used a lot."

"It was my dad's favorite," Sakura said. "He died before I was born in a plane crash."

"I'm sorry," Gaara said softly.

"It's okay," Sakura said. "I am only half Japanese. My father was a businessman from France. My mom loved French food, so I grew up with it most of my childhood. Most people don't know that about me, and my mom never mentioned it too much. She did all she could just to keep afloat after my dad died, and she never really mentioned him at all."

"I wondered," Gaara said as he poured her a glass of red wine. "Why you never had any pictures of your father around."

"Now you know," Sakura said softly. "Enough of that," she said with a smile. "This is all amazing! How did you manage this?"

"It's a secret," Gaara said, his monstrous face grinning at her.

Sakura sighed as she took a bite. "This is perfect," she said with a smile.

"I hope you like Merlot," Gaara said as he sipped from his glass.

"It's my favorite," Sakura said.

"I'm glad," Gaara said. "How was work?"

"It was busy," Sakura said. "There were three car crashes, but luckily no one died," she explained.

"I see," Gaara said as he ate.

They ate as they talked; both enjoying each other's company. Sakura smiled at Gaara, and he smiled back at her. They both enjoyed the night, even when Kahn came up and tried to steal some food from the table. The great big dog settled in the corner, where Gaara had set up a ton of cushions for him.

"Dance with me?" Gaara asked her when they finished dinner.

"To what music?" Sakura asked a smile on her face.

Gaara pointed to a small table on the side of the roof. On it was Sakura's iPod, with her speakers.

Sakura smiled as he pulled her over, and gently pressed play with his claw.

The beginning notes came on, as Gaara pulled Sakura closer to him, her arms up, ready to dance. His claws lay lightly over her waist, his hand on her hip.

The music started out slow as Gaara led her in the dance. The violins resounded over the rooftop, trapping them in their own little world.

"Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly," came the voice of Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the beast.

"Gaara, this is my favorite movie," Sakura said.

"I know," he said with a smile.

"Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared

Beauty and the Beast

Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise"

"We are kind of like beauty and the beast," Sakura joked.

"We are," Gaara said his deep voice steady.

Sakura gulped as she looked up into his dark eyes. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw his emotions, there for her to see. No one had made her heart hammer like this before. Not even Sasuke could match Gaara's gaze.

"Tale as old as time

Tune as old as song

Bittersweet and strange

Finding you can change

Learning you were wrong

Certain as the sun

Rising in the east

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme

Beauty and the Beast"

Sakura smiled as the music ended. A soft concert piece came on after it, and Gaara gently cupped her face with his claws. Sakura smiled up at him, her face catching the moonlight. Gaara almost gasped, realizing he loved her. He loved her smile, he loved her kind heart, and he loved her sense of humor.

He finally found someone he loved.

Sakura's phone began to ring.

The spell was broken as Sakura struggled in her tiny little purse on her chair, trying to find her phone. Her face was a little pink, a small blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Sakura!" came Ino's frantic voice over the phone.

"Ino, what is it?" Sakura asked.

"Please, you have to come now! It's Naruto, he's hurt!" Ino said her voice frantic.

"Ino, what happened?" Sakura asked.

"It was a rival of Sasuke's," Ino said. "They tried to shoot Sasuke and Naruto took the bullet! We can't go to the hospital, so please! We need you!"

"All right, I'll be over as soon as I can," Sakura said.

She hung up and turned to Gaara. "I'm so sorry, my friend is hurt," she tried to explain.

"Its fine," Gaara said, laying his paw on her shoulder. "Go save your friend."

"Thank you for everything!" Sakura said.

"Take this," Gaara said, offering out his rose necklace. "For luck," he said.

"Thank you," Sakura said as she ran to the stairs.

Gaara watched her disappear, his face set in stone.

As soon as she left, he roared, throwing out his arm and destroying the table. Tonight was his last night, his last chance to break the curse. He would be a beast for the rest of eternity.

She would never love him back now. Never.

He collapsed onto the roof, and for the first time in many, many years he felt tears leak out of the side of his eyes. He caught them on his claws, examining them.

He didn't cry for himself.

He knew his misery was because now, Sakura would never love him back.

Never…..

/

Sakura didn't even bother to take off her dress. She threw on a coat and ran out the door. Ino's apartment was less than a block away, so Sakura ran there, ignoring the passersby on the street.

She got to Ino's apartment, and was thankful to see that the front door was open. Sakura ran up he stairs, holding her dress in her hand.

Gasping for breath she hammered on Ino's apartment door. "Ino! Ino! Open up!" Sakura roared as she practically broke down the door.

Sasuke opened the door, his face set in stone.

"Sasuke! What happened? Where is Naruto?" Sakura asked frantically.

Sasuke grabbed her upper arm, pulling her into the room. Sakura looked around, and saw Sasuke's three main men there. Kiba and Neji were there, lounging on couches and a chair in Ino's tiny living room. However, Sakura's eyes found one person.

Naruto was leaning up against the wall, looking just fine.

"What the hell?" Sakura said.

Sasuke threw her down onto the floor of the living room. She looked up and saw Ino, her face stricken as she looked down at Sakura.

Ino ran forward, trying to get to her friend. Naruto caught her around the waist, holding her back. "No, Ino," he said sharply, shoving her back.

"Naruto went by your house Sakura," Sasuke drawled. "He saw something interesting."

"A monster!" Naruto spat, his eyes blazing.

"Gaara is not a monster!" Sakura yelled, raising herself off of the floor.

Sasuke grabbed her arm and lifted her up, tearing of her coat. "Pretty dress Sakura. Where were you going?" he asked, throwing her coat over his shoulder.

"Nowhere!" Sakura spat.

"Where did that monster come from?" Sasuke asked.

"I don't know!" Sakura said.

"He's a monster! We have to kill it!" Kiba said.

"No, Sasuke, don't do this!" Sakura said, standing so she could grip his shirt. "Please, he's really nice, and sweet! He wouldn't hurt anyone!"

"Sounds like you have feelings for this monster," Sasuke growled.

"What!" Sakura said. "No! That's not…." She started to say.

"Go wait outside," Sasuke barked at the others.

Kiba smirked at Sakura as he left. Naruto followed his eyes hard as he glared at his once best friend.

Sasuke waited until they left before crashing his lips down onto hers. Sakura pushed him away, struggling in his arms.

She managed to wrench free from his grip. Sakura wound up and slapped him hard across the face.

Sasuke stumbled backwards, rubbing his hand on his jaw. "Just like I thought," he said. His eyes narrowed as he grabbed her arm.

"Sasuke, stop!" Sakura yelled as he dragged her towards one of Ino's rooms. "Please stop this!"

Sasuke threw her in the room, shutting the door after her. Sakura heard him arguing with Ino as she hammered on the door.

Sakura felt herself start sobbing as she heard the click of a key in the lock. She banged her fist on the door, trying her hardest to get someone to hear her.

"Sakura?" came Ino's fearful voice from the other side of the door.

"Ino?" Sakura answered back.

"Sakura, I'm so sorry!" Ino said, her voice hiccupping as she cried on the other side of the door.

"Ino! Focus!" Sakura snapped at her. "Do you have a spare key?"

"Spare… key?" Ino gasped between her sobs. "Yeah…. It's in the kitchen…"

"Then find it!" Sakura said desperately.

"O…okay…." Ino said.

"Hurry!" Sakura said. Her heart pounded as she heard Ino's footsteps going into the kitchen. She hard drawers open and cabinets slam. Every second felt like an eternity to her, as her mind swam with thoughts of what Sasuke and his gang were doing to Gaara right now.

"Found it!" Ino said as she opened the door.

"Thanks Ino," Sakura said as she rushed out of the room.

"Sakura!" Ino called to her friend.

"Yes?" Sakura said her voice urgent.

"I'm sorry about all of this!" Ino said, tears streaming down her face.

"It's okay Ino," Sakura said with a smile, before she ran out.

/

"Sasuke, how are we going to get in?" Neji asked him as they approached the door.

"Easy, we use the keys," Sasuke said, pulling out Sakura's key ring form his pocket.

"When did you get those?" Kiba asked him.

"When I left, I went into her coat pocket and got them," Sasuke said. "That's why I took her coat and threw it on the floor."

"Good thinking," Kiba said.

Sasuke put the key into the lock, and opened the door. He smirked as he walked into the apartment.

"Damn," Kiba said. "Sakura has a nice place."

"She is a doctor," Naruto said. "Of course she has a nice place."

"Where is the thing?" Sasuke asked.

"Roof," Neji said.

"How do you know?" Kiba asked.

"The window is open," Neji said. "And Naruto told us a ton of times how Sakura likes to go up to the roof."

"True," Kiba said.

"I'll go first," Sasuke said as he climbed out the window.

He climbed up to the roof, and paused to look up over the top.

"There he is," Sasuke whispered.

He vaulted over the top of the roof, in time to see the creature look around at him.

"God, you are even uglier in person," Sasuke drawled as he walked over to the other side of the rooftop, to get a better look at Gaara.

The monster just looked at him, its face emotionless.

"Sakura sent me here," Sasuke continued, as the others climbed up behind him. "She sent us to kill you monster!"

"You lie," Gaara growled his voice low.

"Why," Sasuke continued. "Would she ever like you when she has me? Don't worry monster, I'll keep her happy," Sasuke said with a smirk on his face.

Sand ripped out from under the table, and Sasuke watched as a bottle, concealed in the sand, was brought down on Kiba's head. Kiba sank to the ground, knocked out completely.

Naruto dived out of the way of another sand attack. Sasuke pulled out a large hunting knife, his dark eyes focusing only on Gaara. Gaara glared right back, his hatred and bloodlust rising.

There was a shout, and the two turned to see Kahn, his mouth around Neji's arm as he pulled on it. Neji dropped the gun in his hand, which was pointed at Gaara. He punched Kahn in the nose, causing the dog to whimper as he let go.

"Mangy mutt," Neji said as he kicked Kahn.

Gaara roared as he lunged at Neji, grabbing the man by the back of his shirt. He roared at Neji, as he pulled himself up to full height. Gaara threw Neji across the rooftop with another roar. Neji's head hit the side of the wall, and he crumpled into a heap.

Gaara let out another roar as Naruto stabbed him from behind. The young blonde smiled as he pulled out his own hunting knife, his arm up and ready to plunge it in again.

Gaara's sand wrapped around Naruto's feet, pulling him into the air. The sand whipped Naruto's body like a rag doll as it threw Naruto; much like Gaara had done with Neji. Naruto hit the ground and did not get back up on his feet.

"So it's just you and me," Sasuke said with a smirk.

"Stop!" came a frantic voice.

Gaara turned to see Sakura climbing up to the rooftop. He rushed over to her, shielding her from Sasuke's glare. "Are you all right?" he asked her.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked him. "I was so worried! Did they do anything to you?"

"I'm fine," Gaara said with a smile, his claws cradling her cheek gently.

Sakura looked behind him for a split second.

She saw Sasuke, a gun in hand, pointed at Gaara.

"No!" she screeched as the sound of the shot rang out into the night.

Gaara roared in pain, his arm cradling his shoulder. He turned, glaring at Sasuke. His sand came up in mountainous waves around Sasuke.

Sasuke's eyes widened in fear as he scrambled back away from the sand. The back of his knees hit the edge of the roof.

He tried desperately to right himself, his arms waving around. Sakura watched in horror as the scene unfolded before her.

Sasuke's body fell backwards, his scream in Sakura's mind as she saw his body disappear over the ledge.

Her attention was ripped from Sasuke as Gaara groaned, his body shuddering. He collapsed onto the ground, his legs giving out from underneath him.

"No!" Sakura said tearfully as she helped him onto the ground. Kahn limped over, whimpering as he licked Gaara's face.

"No! Gaara, please don't go!" Sakura cried, fisting her hands into his fur.

"Sakura," Gaara said his voice raspy.

"No, no, no…" Sakura sobbed as she cried.

"Sakura… I wanted to tell you earlier…." He said softly, his claws brushing a strand of her hair.

"Sakura… I… love you…." He said, his eyelids starting to droop.

"NO!" Sakura screeched as she sobbed into his chest. "NO! Don't leave me! Please!"

"I…I…" she started to say.

"I love you…" she whispered to him through her sobs.

Sakura felt something against her neck. She looked down and saw the glass rose that Gaara had given her. She noticed it was all black. However, she looked closer and saw that a spot in the center was still red.

Light erupted form the necklace, startling her. A soft gold light encased the three of them in a cocoon, surprising Sakura.

The light swirled around them, and Sakura looked down at Gaara. His body was lifted into the air, as it emitted a golden light all its own.

Sakura closed her eyes as the light blinded her.

She felt solid ground once again beneath her feet. She blinked, and noticed that the sky above her was a brilliant blue, unlike the night sky she was just under a second ago.

Sakura gasped as she looked in front of her and saw that Gaara was not there.

"Sakura," she heard a familiar cold voice say.

She whipped around and gasped. In front of her was a beautiful red-headed man, his aquamarine eyes staring straight into her own. He wore a maroon cloak, and a large gourd was on his back. Sakura noticed the kanji for love was on his forehead.

"Sakura," the man said again. "It's me."

"Gaara?" she said softly.

He smirked at her, that devilish smirk she knew and loved.

"It is you!" Sakura said as she ran into his open arms.

His strong arms lifted her up, spinning her around in the air.

"Sakura," he murmured as he lowered her, his lips capturing her own in a searing, passionate kiss.

Their kiss was interrupted by a bark. They looked around to see Kahn jump up, his paws on Gaara's shoulders as he licked Gaara's face.

Sakura laughed as Gaara let Kahn down, scratching his head. "Hey boy," he said. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Gaara," Sakura said. "Where are we?"

"Sakura, this is Suna, my city," Gaara said as he led her to the edge of the rooftop.

Sakura gasped as she looked out over the wondrous city. The buildings were all made of stone, and below them the people hurried about the streets. It was an oasis in the desert, with greenery and trees along the streets.

"It's beautiful," Sakura said.

"And it's all ours," Gaara said. "I am Kazekage, king of this country, and this is the capital city."

"King?" Sakura said in disbelief.

"Yes," he drawled his arm around her shoulder as he pulled her closer to him.

Sakura smiled as she leaned her head up for another kiss. Gaara smirked as he pulled her into his arms, enjoying the feel of her lips and body against his.

"Gaara!" he heard a voice call to him.

He broke away from Sakura to see Temari and Kankuro standing there, their faces showing their disbelief.

"I'm back," he said.

Temari rushed forward, grabbing her brother in a bear hug. Kankuro soon followed, hugging his younger sibling as Temari cried onto his shoulder.

"And who is this beauty?" Kankuro asked as he surveyed Sakura.

"This is Sakura," Gaara said. "She is the one that broke the curse."

"Welcome Sakura," Temari said as she gave the young woman a hug. "I'm Temari, Gaara's sister. You have no clue how happy I am to see you both," Temari said with a smile.

"And what is this?" Kankuro asked as Kahn growled at him.

"This is Kahn," Gaara said. "Don't mind him, he just hates idiots."

"Hey!" Kankuro said as Kahn growled at him again.

Kahn turned his attention to Temari, as he licked her hand. Temari bent down to pet him, ruffling his hair. "I love him!" she squealed in delight.

"Good, because he is part of the family now," Gaara said.

"We'd better get going Gaara," Kankuro said. "The Council will want to know that you are back."

Gaara lifted Sakura in his arms, carrying her bridal style. She squeaked and buried her head in his chest. "Welcome home Sakura," he said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest.

/

Sakura smiled as she twirled in the dress Temari gave her. It was a deep royal blue with a tiered skirt. Temari explained they were desert people, and liked to wear bright colors and light fabrics. A deep red sash with a diamond design dyed into it was wrapped around her waist. The dress was strapless and had no sleeves, leaving her wrists free for an assortment of bangles on it.

They had moved into Gaara's mansion, and Sakura was quickly discovering how huge it was. She had gotten lost many times already.

Kahn, however, fit right in. He had taken to following Gaara around, and apparently Gaara's troops loved playing with the dog. Sakura smiled, thinking he was getting spoiled with all the attention from the soldiers and the female courtiers, who gushed over him.

Sakura sighed as she sat down at the large dining room table, a cup of tea in hand. Temari was already there, pouring over a ton of documents.

"Now we just have to worry about your wedding," Temari said.

"Temari, stop worrying," Sakura said. "It is three weeks away. There is not much else we can do now."

"I know, I can't help it," Temari said.

"God Tem, I think you're more worried over this than Sakura," Kankuro said.

"It's just…" Temari began. "I missed Gaara so much; I just want everything to be perfect for him! He deserves it, after being under that curse for almost one hundred years."

"ONE HUNDRED YEARS!" Sakura spluttered as she couched up her tea.

"Yeah, we live for longer than normal humans," Kankuro said.

"We are demons," Temari said.

"Will I live that long?" Sakura asked.

"Yes," Temari said. "Gaara will bind you to him tomorrow at the ceremony. You will live as long as he does."

"Wow," Sakura said faintly.

"So Sakura, what are you going to ask for Gaara as a wedding present?" Kankuro asked.

"Wedding present?" Sakura asked, confused.

"In Suna, the ruler lets his bride ask for one thing. It could be anything from a gold statue to a peace treaty. If it is within the ruler's power to grant, he must do it. Most women are from neighboring countries and use it as an excuse to have a peace treaty," Temari explained.

"Anything I want?" Sakura asked.

"Anything! Like maybe a summer retreat?" Temari suggested.

"Or a ton of gold!" Kankuro said.

"Maybe a rare animal?"

"Or a whole palace!"

"Stop it," came a cold voice from behind them.

"Gaara!" Sakura said happily as she jumped up into his arms. He pulled her close to him, giving her a kiss on the lips.

Kahn barked next to them, and Sakura broke away from Gaara. "Don't worry Kahn, I didn't forget you too," she said as she placed a big kiss on Kahn's head. He barked in appreciation as he licked any space on her face that he could reach.

"Everything will be perfect," Gaara said.

"Are we inviting Tsunade?" Temari asked.

"It will be insulting if we do not," Gaara said simply.

"But she was the one that cursed you!" Kankuro argued.

"And she is also the Hokage of the Land of Fire. Not inviting her would be insulting," Gaara said.

"What is she like?" Sakura asked. "Tsunade, she was the one that sent you to my world?"

"Yes," Gaara said. "She likes to drink and gamble, and has a quick temper. Oh, and she is super strong," he explained.

"She sounds dangerous," Sakura said, a little dubiously.

"Don't worry," Gaara said as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Now that I am back, with my full powers, she can't harm me," he explained.

"I hope so," Sakura said as she smiled up at him.

"Don't worry Sakura. I will protect you forever," he whispered in her ear.

/

Sakura was so nervous. She was wearing a traditional white kimono for her wedding, beautifully embroidered with silver swans, and a silver obi. The many layers of her over-kimono trailed after her. Sakura remembered her history books saying this kind was called a Heian kimono.

She heard the music start up.

Sakura got in position by the door. As they opened, hundreds of white butterflies were released, cascading around her. Sakura's eyes sought only one person, up on the dais. Gaara's eyes locked on hers, hi aquamarine orb never leaving her face.

HE smiled at her, a rare smile that he now let everyone in the room see.

Sakura smiled back from beneath her veil as she walked up to him, her fingers gripping the flowers in her hand so hard, it was causing them to ache.

Everything was perfect, just like Temari wanted for them. Sakura smiled at him as Gaara held out his arm for her to take.

There were so many butterflies in her stomach as they faced the ancient priest in front of them.

The rest of the ceremony passed by in such a blur, Sakura hardly knew what was going on.

"Sakura," Gaara said to her. "You need to say 'I do'," he whispered to her.

"I do," Sakura said quickly.

Sakura would never forget those aquamarine eyes as he lifted the veil. They scorched her insides, making her face heat up.

"Now, Lady Sakura, you must ask for your gift," the old man said. "Remember, it can be anything within the Kazekage's power."

"I want a hospital," Sakura said loudly, to a gasping crowd.

"I want to run it, and it will be for the common people. Everyone will be treated equally, and all are welcome to use it," Sakura said as she looked into Gaara's eyes.

"So you ask, so shall it be," Gaara said, as he lifted her hands to kiss the top of them.

"Now, you may kiss the bride," the man said.

Gaara pulled her closer, slanting his head down to kiss her. Sakura heard a few wolf whistles in the crowd, however they broke the kiss when they heard Kahn bark at them.

Gaara smiled down at the dog at his side. He lifted Sakura in the air, spinning her around. Sakura laughed with him, gripping his shoulders as the sound of their laughs echoed in the hall.

/

Sakura was greeting people when she saw her. A tall blonde, busty woman came up to greet the new couple.

"Hello, I am Tsunade, the Hokage," the woman said as she shook Sakura's hand.

"It is nice to meet you," Sakura said evenly.

"I know what you must think of me," Tsunade said. "With me cursing your husband and all. However I wanted to say I applaud your request for a hospital. I am a doctor myself, and I love your idea."

"I was also a doctor back in my world," Sakura said. "I worked in the Emergency room."

"Well, a girl after my own heart," Tsunade said with a grin. "You must come to Konoha some time. We have the best hospital system in all of the five great nations."

"I would love to," Sakura said with a smile, deciding that this woman was definitely not as bad as she had first thought.

"I am sorry about the whole curse thing," Tsunade said.

"It s fine," Sakura said as she looked over at Gaara, a soft smile on her face. "I actually wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Tsunade asked, confused.

"Without you, I never would have met Gaara. I love him very much, and I owe that all to you. So thank you," Sakura said as she bowed to Tsunade.

/

And they lived happily ever after.

The end.

/

Well, that's it! The story is all done, and I really hope you like it. It is now almost 2 am and im rlly tired, so I am going to sleep. I'll hopefully (fingers crossed) read all of your wonderful reviews tomorrow morning when I wake up.

Until then, please enjoy!

And a special thank you to all who reviewed chapter 1. I loved reading them, and your reviews kept the story going. Thanks, and keep up the good work! : )

Sayonara!

3 Hearts and spades