50 Shades of Sand

Chapter 11 - Routine

                  The next couple of days have fallen into a routine. I spend all of my time at the hospital. Gaara takes me to lunch sometimes but most of the time I just go to their cafeteria. Then at night he takes me back to his place where we sleep to wake up to another boring day. I haven't seen much of Asuma since he is trying to find the location of the other two rogue ninja. Shikamaru and Choji haven't showed any sign of stirring and it crushes me more each day. I find myself telling them my whole day and asking what to do the more they sleep. And every time I am greeted by silence. The guards even know more of my problems than they do. Oro and Tausho haven't confessed anything to their interrogation group yet. If only they had the power of the Yamanaka Clan or Ibiki. I tried to ask Gaara about what their group uses as techniques but he wouldn't answer me.

I looked over at Zuko. He was one of the guards assigned to protect me in the hospital. I have found myself to get closer to him after he finally acknowledged me one night when he overheard my one sided conversation to Shikamaru and Choji. A blush crept on my cheeks as I thought of the embarrassing conversation and his answer.

"Shikamaru, Choji I am so lost. I mean every day is the same old thing. I'm always here. I never see Asum-sensei anymore. I'm also very confused. Every day I grow closer with Gaara. And I mean I think I may even have some... feelings... for him and I can't tell if he does or not. He's a freaking rock when you try to read him. And you guys know I'm a master at body language and such, but he's different. I don't know what to do." I was sitting down in my usual spot muttering my speech into my knees. "And it doesn't help that you guys aren't here to help out with anything either."

"He definitely feels something towards you." I looked up shocked at the guard. He kept his view towards the window. He had hair that reached down to his ears. It was brown that matched his brown eyes. He was very tall about six feet two inches. He wasn't bad looking but not someone I would immediately gush over.

"What did you say?" I laid my head on my knees.

He sighed then looked at me. "The Kazekage. You definitely have left some kind of impression on him. He seems more rested now a days and I believe you have something to do with it. He is trying harder to find these rogue ninja and also trying to fix a proper budget for the hospital. Which I believe was because of something you said. He also relaxes a bit more at work and during meetings. So to answer your question. Yes, I believe he feels something towards you." He mumbled and then turned his attention back to the window.

I took in this information and started to think of the things Gaara has done. I smiled.

"What's your name?"

"Zuko, Miss Yamanaka." He mumbled.

"Please, Zuko. Call me, Ino." He looked at me and gave a small smile and nod.

Since that night, Zuko has been my favorite guard. We have spent more time going out places instead of staying in the hospital. We have even spent some time training on my taijutsu. Today I dragged him along to grab lunch for Gaara and I. We walked into the Kazekage tower and I smiled at the girl behind the desk. She smiled back.

"Good afternoon, Miss Yamanaka!" She chirped. I smiled back in return.

"I told you to call me, Ino." I gave a small laugh. "Good afternoon, Sharin!"

We walked our way up the stairs and Zuko shook his head.

"What?" I snapped at him.

"You leave a great impression on everyone you meet don't you?" He laughed. I smirked at him and turned my attention ahead.

"Of course. That's how you make the best allies. I can see I left an impression on you." I purred at him and he shook his head with a smile on his lips.