Disclaimer: I don't own Gaara or anything else Naruto. I just borrowed Kishimoto's toys for a bit, but I can assure you that they are now safely tucked away inside of his toybox once again.

Mommy Dearest

A wrong glance. The flick of a wrist. Agonizing screams. Then it was over.

"Did you see?"

Silence.

"You're always watching. Aren't you?"

The words fell hollowly against the cold desert night.

"They got what they deserved."

Oh yes. Those men had gotten exactly what they deserved. Their blood stained the sand, turning the pale grains the color of rusted copper. Their bodies were strewn about the dunes in pieces and soon the sand would bury those worthless remains.

"I'm a good boy, aren't I, mother?"

The sand inside the gourd on his back became restless.

"I'm a good boy..."