Us Again(Sequel to SasuSaku High School)

Chapter 13: The Desert Flower

Sakura

"Try this one, Sakura. It's even better." Kankuro said as he pointed to one of the Suna's special meals. Sakura smiled politely and took the extended plate from him to taste the small jelly looking food. Kankuro was right, it was definitely delicious.

"It's Gaara's favorite." Temari whispered upon noticing her satisfied look. Sakura blushed slightly and grabbed another one. Next to her, Gaara smiled too and repeated her motion.

She and Gaara officially left for Suna for a week and now were having dinner with Gaara's family. Gaara's mother - Karura was a sweet and kind woman while her husband - Rasa - was more intimidating and resilient.

The three siblins were so different, yet somehow the same as their parents. Gaara, especially, seemed like a perfect mix of both. The moment they met, Karura engulfed Sakura in a hug as if she had known her forever while Rasa stared down at her and only offered a simple greeting. Sakura knew he wasn't being rude; it was just in his nature to be so formidable. After all, he was a former Kazekage.

Dinner with them was probably as awkward as it could get. Karura, Temari and Kankuro tried to include her in anything, the mother even asked questions about how her career life was going, if she planned to retire after marriage and how she would work while also being the wife of a mayor. On that, Sakura almost choked on her drink, bursting into fits of coughs. Kankuro snickered while Temari chimed in and said that it was too early to talk about things like that.

Gaara's father had the same question as his wife too, but Gaara quickly shut the topic down and changed the subject, distracting his father with the talks about politics.

Sakura – meanwhile – felt like she was suffocated. Getting married, retiring and taking up on her duties as the mayor's wife? What in the world were they even talking about?

After that, they toured the whole city, Gaara showed her his favorite places and Sakura finally relaxed. Temari and Kankuro were with them all the time, so they didn't get much alone time, however when Shikamaru finally arrived in the evening (he was busy with work so couldn't come earlier), Temari left and Kankuro followed to annoy the couple.

"How do you like it so far?" Gaara asked as the two of them stood outside on his balcony, watching over the city hidden in sand.

"I love it, especially the dune café you showed me!" Sakura said, excited. It was true, out of every place, she enjoyed going there, where she could tower over everything. The only downside it had was that it was a bit windy up there, so sand got in her eyes and hair.

To be frank, every destination in Sunagakure was the center of sandstorm, small or big. It wasn't Sakura's ideal place but seeing how much Gaara loved his hometown, she couldn't help but see the positive sides too.

"I'm glad to hear that. I thought you wouldn't like it, based on your preference for less windy and sunny weathers." A smile tugged on his lips and Sakura blushed, him knowing her so well didn't really help her case.

"Well, it's sunny here too. Besides, the destination doesn't really matter as long as I'm with you." She replied and wrapped her arms around his neck. Gaara smirked and leaned in to close the distance between them. His kisses where always soft and sweet, never demanding anything more than she was willing to give. She loved him for that, for being so careful and considerate with her.

However, Karura's words still rang in her ears. "What are your plans for settling down?" Wasn't it a bit early for all of that? Sakura was just getting hang of the dating life. She was finally moving forward with her career too; marriage was too early. Even if half of her friends were already off the hook.