Flowers For Gaara

Chapter Four: Employee

After my fit of laughter, I peel myself off the floor and sigh heavily. So, Sasuke broke my heart. It's his job to break hearts and walk away with that same stoic "I don't give a damn" expression. I've known that for so many years. I should have seen this day coming. I'm so glad someone came to cheer me up. I don't know if he was trying to or not, but he did. I really was cheerful. It was a cheerfulness that burned all the brighter because of my sorrows. My heart felt light and empty like I had dumped out all it's contents and was starting anew. It was sad, but full of hope. It was also light with laughter.

I wipe down the front of my yellow apron from habit and inspect the store. My customer that doesn't want flowers is sitting right where I left him. He's holding a flower, of course, because Yamanaka Ino doesn't let anyone enter with out leaving with a flower and a smile. Well, I can pretend that's true, anyway. He is so shy. I didn't expect him to be this way. I thought he would be quiet, but in more of a threatening homicidal way. I guess we all change over the years.

The floor is a mess from that little girl that came by earlier. I walk to one of the sides of the store and grab a broom. I start to sweep up the mud littering the place. My guest is still there, but I don't mind him at all. He's a comforting presence that keeps me from feeling alone. He's like a cat. Everyone knows cats don't do anything but sleep all day and sometimes catch the occasional rodent, but just them being there is somewhat of a comfort. You know that if you pet them, they'll purr. I giggle silently to myself at the thought of Gaara purring - then I blush brightly because my teenage mind is taking the "petting" part the wrong way.

Suddenly, I am enveloped in a shadow and a pale hand moves to cover my own. I look up and see my kitty - Gaara - staring down at me. Staring down at me...fondly?

"Let me help you," he pleads softly. I blush and stutter at his touch and request. I look at his ghostly white face and can't help but find him handsome. His skin really is perfect and soft, just like Sasuke's. Unlike Sasuke, the rest of him is bright and exotic. His eyes have a piercing quality to them and they look almost like they are burning with cool green fires. His hair is vibrant red and messy. It's strangely attractive, despite it's wildness, or maybe because of it. He has a blood red tatoo on his forehead. Really. It looks just like it was drawn with blood, but that's not possible, is it? The kanji is interesting too.

Love.

"N-No! You don't have to! I can sweep perfectly fine by myself," I stutter out. He really is tall. He's only a few inches away from being Sasuke's height. He's looking at me oddly again. Then he turns away a little sadly. I hope I didn't say anything wrong. Damn it, Ino! You're rude even when you don't mean it! I try to rephrase myself.

"I really appreciate you wanting to help, and everything...but it wouldn't be right. You are the customer and I'm the employee. I'm supposed to serve you, ok?" I say with a kind smile.

"Then hire me," he says in a low seductive voice that makes me shiver.

"What? I can't hire you!" my voice rises.

"But I can!" a dramatic voice bellows and nearly knocks me over from fright. My dad is standing right next to us in a puff of smoke. He sure has a passion for the theatrics.

"What are you talking about, Dad? You're crazy! What are you doing here, anyway, popping out like that and trying to scare me to death? How long have you been here?" I yell.

"Long enough. Shh, Ino! Men are talking business!" he turns to Gaara and I can swear my jaw has hit the floor, "So Mr...?"

"Gaara. Sabaku no Gaara," he states blandly. I can't help but find his serious, emotionless tone of voice appealing. It reminds me of a certain raven-haired boy...Damn it, Ino! Stop thinking about Sasuke!