chuunin_archive | When the sand bring leaflets into their hearts 4

rated: R-nc 17 (for future chapters)
Pairings: TemaxShika GaaxSaku

"They've changed. Na, Neji?"

Pale eyes stared at the figures inside the garden dome.

"Hai."

Tenten smiled ruefully. "I am so glad to see them but. It's hard."

The Hyuuga nodded. Although they have been forbidden to talk to them for a day. Many of the ninja's scouted about and checked on them from afar. And some like Lee and Naruto pestered Temari or Kankuro for information. On the opposite side of the dome, he could see Hinata and Kiba crouching on some trees, by using his Byakugan. He never really realised just how tight knit the ninja's of their age group have become. And just how easily it could be rendered apart.

"Tenten. Neji. I hope you aren't going to sneak in to see them."

Tenten jumped down from the tree. "Don't worry Kakashi sensei. We will do what is best."

"Of course."

Kakashi looked at the glistening dome against the backdrop of the desert. Tsunade's last words to him, sending chills down his spine.

"Remember Kakashi. If they show any signs of a mental trap, anything out of the ordinary. You are to kill them at once."

When Kakashi stared at her, she smiled bitterly. "If you can take them alive do so. But more than likely you won't be able to. We are dealing with the Akatsuki after all. Bye Kakashi, and decide what to do well."

-Just what can she expect me to do? Sakura was once one of my students.-

"Baka! You said it was somewhere here!"

The quarrel in the bushes were coming their way.

Neji sighed, it was getting to loud here. "Chouji. Ino."

Ino stopped shouting long enough to see everyone around her. "Oh. Er. Hi. I just came to see the herbs in the garden dome. Apparently the flowers there are very pretty and...And..."

No one believed a word she said.

Neji rolled his eyes and went back to looking at the little figures in the dome. Tenten laughed, "Don't worry Ino. Everyone is somewhere around here too. We worry as well about them as well you know, so you won't get into trouble with Tsunade sama."

Ino shot a glance at Kakashi. Did that go for the sensei as well?

Kakashi lifted a hand to his chest, "I promise no one will get into trouble from me. Besides, if Tsunade found out I was here, she would have my hide too."

Chouji munched away but his eyes having settled on the dome were fixed there. The shadow with the pineapple hairstyle has had to be Shikamaru Nara.

The leaf ninja wasn't the only ones spying though. An eye made of sand floated just by the dome, looking in on every detail.

* * *

Sakura gently brushed the dirt off the leaves. Temari studied how close Shikamaru stood by Sakura. It was as though by doing this he can confirm that he wasn't alone. Even when surrounded by so many ninja's.

"Ne Shikamaru kun. Your clan grew this as well right."

He leaned in closer to look at the flower. "Hai."

Temari blinked when he suddenly turned round to stare at her. The moment passed and again he stood quietly by Sakura. It was starting to drive her insane. Shikamaru always turned around unexpectedly to stare at her, or she'd look around to find he had been gazing at her. It was the look of a wounded child, hoping for something to take away the pain.

She studied them both. Although they had gained weight. Both of them were still unhealthily emanciated. And they were always getting exhausted easily. But they won't tell anyone, and no body would know anything was wrong untill they both collapsed. One moment they were standing together and the next, they were a weak puddle on the floor. And they had an unnerving way of doing it in unison.

Sand slid past the creaks of the door, opening it for Gaara who just stood in the corridor outside the dome. He stared straight at Sakura who looked back blandly. Kankuro and Temari glanced at each other nervously. They knew that the rescued pair was disturbing the Kazekage, but this was the first time after him putting Shikamaru to bed that he had come anywhere near them. And he refused to talk about them. Sand slid ominously towards the pair who didn't move. The desert syblings tensed.

The sand encircled Shikamaru although the cold eyes never left Sakura. Then Shikamaru was being drawn away. Suddenly he burst into life as he moved further from Sakura. He struggled and though his body twisted and turned his face didn't change. Then just as suddenly he stopped. Gaara barely blinked but as though afraid that he might begin resisting again, the sand picked up speed.

"Kazekage."

Everyone looked at Sakura who had whispered into the still air. Her expression seemed almost pained.

Gaara looked at her then he stated coldly. "You are both filthy."

Temari and Kankuro blinked. Gaara only ever said to his syblings. And only when he was about to dump them both head first into the bathing pools. Clothes, weapons, protestations and all. What did this mean?

"Temari. Make sure she's clean." Without another word he strode off with Shikamaru in tow.