Just a dream. Just an ordinary dream.

I woke up in my bed.

I was still sick and still just a girl who dreamed about the handsome Kazekage.

I struggled to get out of my bed.

It had been such a good dream.

The Kazekage...Gaara. Was it all in my head?

I went to meditate at the hearth and closed my eyes against the flames, but all I saw was his sand, dancing in the wind.

Had he really asked me to love him? It all seemed so real.

The fire flickered. Sensing a presence I turned to the door and saw the Kazekage standing there.

"You could love me." He repeated.

I looked up at him. "We are both hopeless."

Xxx

Gaara looked at her. "So you don't feel the same."

Kuri shook her head, looking at him with eyes. "I never said that."

He used his sand to pull her to him, captured her in a kiss.

"You don't have to be afraid to open your heart." Gaara said to her. "It just takes one person. Let me be your person."

He felt her sigh and relax against him. He sensed her spirit energy flickering in her hands like fireworks.

She was beautiful, wonderful, his.

Kuri paused, stiffened, and let go.

"One thing." She put a finger to his lips. "Fight me."

"Fight you?" He repeated.

She nodded. "I believe in understanding with my fists."

He smiled at her. She thought like a true warrior, even though she was not a ninja.

"Alright. We will fight." Gaara agreed. "And then—"

"I will listen."