Well. Shit. I'm actually doing this.
This is my first Fan fiction... Don't shoot me.
I've read a zillion of Gaara x Sakura fan fictions and I've been dying to make one that's... perfect to me. Since, all the others still didn't satisfy me.
Reason being is because all the Fanfics I read don't seem actual, so I read up on Sakura and Gaara and found a few things about them that connected the two together. And, some other interesting characteristics that were pretty shocking.
If you haven't watched the Shippuden and a ways into the manga don't want to be spoiled;

Read No Further!

Okay so. Basically, this is partially into the Shippuden, so Shukaku is no longer inside him. But! He can still control the sand pretty well, he can't lose that ability.
I've only read up on Gaara and Sakura, so I did my best acting out all the other characters. x__x
In the first section of the story I don't know if that's exactly how things went in Sakura's life those two years Naruto poofed. It just kinda seemed like it fit though, and so I threw it in.
After that, I just started making shit it up that's actually possible, to my best imagination.
Sasuke is still dancing around with Orochimaru and the Akatsuki, so he probably won't be brought up much in this fanfiction. There will be a a few side couples thrown in here and there.
I'm not perfect, I can't make them completely in character. I wanted Sakura to be a little more happier and full of care-free confidence now a days, a year or two after Shippuden. That would make her about 17, since she's 15-16 in the Shippuden.

And then shit hits the fan. lololol

Let me know what you guys think, if it's going to fast, too slow, or if there's something in there that you really think needs to be put in. Like I'm missing something. Doesn't mean I'll put it in the storyline for sure, but, I'm always open for ideas. n___n I want to make this kinda... long. But it's hard, unless I end up writing a freaking miniature book. No way. So it might go a little too fast.

Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto I sure as hell wouldn't be writing this right now. I own the plot line and that alone. asdfghjkl;

MOVING ON.
The beginning will hold a big Naruto x Hinata scene, so, be prepared. No Sakura x Gaara as of yet.

*****************************************

Four years.

It doesn't seem like a long time, especially if it's already passed, but in the end it truly is. At the beginning of the first of the four years my only true best friend left. Of course, it was for a good reason – He left to train. To get stronger, smarter. Maturer. I was young when that happened, and through those months his image faded. I was weak for the first two months, my faith in myself withering. I planned on getting stronger like him, but, I couldn't do it. I was training to be a medic ninja, and when my studies began to go downhill, my mentor heaved me up from the ground I'd crashed into.

She's the Hokage, and someone I like to call my mother. With some brutal words and a healthy beating, she taught me more than anyone has taught me in my life. Along with my medic training, she taught me to fight. In her way. My Medic training went on hold, and she took me under her wing when she had spare time, and we would go out to the training grounds. If I was prepared for the type of skill that was going to be taught to me, I might have actually enjoyed it sooner, but it was hell. Pure hell. It was so difficult, surviving this experience, and in my head I didn't know what to think of it.

After a while I got the hang of it. Through my training I shattered stone boulders into gray dust, I upturned the earth and created meteor like craters. I broke bones, twisted spines, and pummeled people with ease. For the first time in my life, I finally felt like I was someone.

I truly existed.

I became stronger, happier, and the whole time I couldn't help but wish I had this motivation years passed. After time went by I finally knew who I really was. I matured, just as he did. But boy, did he make it look easy!

My obsession with Sasuke began to fade, and when it finally became a distant memory, I became friends with Ino again. We're still rivals, but, not enemies. Of course, I gave her the shock of her life when I told her, because I don't think she'd quite gotten over him yet. It didn't take long for her to set her sights on another boy after I'd come around.

That all happened on the first year. Second year, things got wilder.

With the motivation of my newly learned beat-the-hell out of people skills, I became an amazing Medic Ninja. Rumors began to fly through the town, and they were about me. People saying I outranked even the Hokage at times, and how I was the best Medic Ninja in all Konoha. The rumors, true or not, made me smile. Made my heart flip, made me punch the air in joy when no one was looking. I knew, for sure, I had actually done something right with my life.

When Naruto finally came back home, I was shocked. When he left he was a loud, annoying little blond haired kid with the biggest heart in the world. When he returned, he was still loud, and still annoying, but I could tell in his expressions that he was changed. He was matured, and older. Hell, he was even taller than me! The thought of Naruto growing up would bring tears to my eyes at times, and I soon discovered that his giant heart of his had also grown. It was almost as if that demon of his wasn't even there. Except... I soon discovered that wasn't the case.

It was there. It was very there. He struggled with it, but he hid those emotions of pain, suffering, like he always did.

Until on that third year.

He'd let the demon take two much control, and in the end he almost killed me. I was being foolish, thinking that he still had some sense in his head at that time. I was wrong. That day I almost died, and he never put it down. He felt horrible. Then, one day, not too long after the incident he just let everything go. Not in the crazed, demon take over type of way. The overload of emotions type of way.

The worst pain in the world.

It was like all those years of the built up horrors of people disgusting him, speaking down to him, running from him and fearing him was being let out all in that moment. I was grateful for the fact that we were alone. Well, sort of.

Naruto fell to his knees after about an hour of us chasing him. I remember pumping so much chakra to my legs to keep up, it burned my calves, and in a matter of moments he finally stopped and let his guard down.

He began shaking. I soon discovered he was crying.

"Naruto?" I'd muttered, my hand rested on his left shoulder, my lungs trying to re-catch the breath I'd lost. His arms were wrapped around his stomach, held tight in an unbreakable grip.

I'd followed him several miles out of Konoha. He cried that day, so very much, I thought the tears would never stop. I held my brother in my arms as he started screaming. He was unmasked now, and he began shouting out several things. Some, horrible. Some, so painful, I could feel my heart skip at the emotion put into the words he said.

He was never alone, he always had friends, but I realized something that day. He needed someone to tell him that, someone to love him and hold him. Not in a family like way, but as a lover. And as soon as I realized it, I felt horrible.

"Come on, Naruto... Those days are passed now! You're stronger now, and-"

"What kind of stronger am I?! Physically, maybe... But emotionally, no! Look at me! I almost killed you yesterday, what would I have done? What wo-would I h-have d-done if I succeeded?" he'd stuttered out, tipping over so another wave of tears could engulf him.

I never let go of him.

"I'm still here! You didn't kill me, I'm safe, I'm right here. And you know I always will be!" I cried, gripping him harder. In a softer, weaker tone, I continued; "You will never be alone, people may be afraid of you, but you're the sweetest boy in all Konoha. There is a girl out there that loves you, and maybe if you gave that a chance, things will get better for you." In the past I'd almost considered dating this boy, and I knew he shared the same feelings. There was a mutual agreement along the lines, that him and I would never do that. We'd always be the best of friends; That was the closest thing to brother and sister. We didn't want to ruin the friendship we've created all these years.

Looking up at me, his eyes red from the tears that spilled onto the ground, his expression was full of shock. I blinked then, tears streaming down my own pale face as I smiled weakly.

"Who?" came the breathless question from the blond boy before me.

I let a breathy laugh escape before I picked him up off his feet and helped him stand. His arm rested over my shoulder and my arm tightened around his waist, he was still staring at me. Tears continued flowing down my face. Oh, how he'd grown.

"You were always so oblivious, Naruto, at those right in front of you." I spoke softly, taking my gaze off the ground and looking at him, taking my hand and pulling a few buried twigs out of my hair.

His expression was a depressing mixture of confusion and pain.

"You won't tell me, will you?"

"I was hoping you could figure it out on your own by now. I guess not."

"Then just-"

"Naruto!"

A soft, high pitched voice called as a small figure leaped down from a tall oak tree. Her hair was the color of ebony black with a slight sheen of blue, waist long. Eyes the color of the palest blue, veins were visible along the corners of her eyes for a moment before they vanished. She was roughly ten feet in front of us.

Naruto stood weakly. He was physically fine, as a medic ninja I knew that. But I couldn't heal the painful emotions that he held in his heart. That was impossible, and I wish it wasn't.

She stood there for a moment, and I knew just by her personality she was debating on coming closer or not. Always so nervous, she was fiddling with her fingers, her confidence shattered. Probably because she saw us together, semi holding each other.

She dealt with her own pain for years, and had gotten used to it. That didn't mean it didn't hurt her, though - watching Naruto eye me for several years in the past always made her sad. Like it did now. Which is why she stayed back and kept her distance, probably guessing we were together, or something along those lines.

I held Naruto up with only my arm, but he let go of my waist and just leaned against me. I turned to smile at him. I spoke only one word, and there was only one word that needed to be said.

"Her."

His expression softened when he turned his head quickly to face mine. Then, after a few seconds of breathtaking shock and realization, a very faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, his deep blue eyes turning to stare at the girl before us.

"... Oh, Hell." he laughed lightly, almost like, "Oh, wow. I did miss that.". A hint of red embarrassment spreading out under his eyes and onto his cheeks. A tear escaped from the corner of his eye as he took a shaky step forward, his smile widening to a giant grin.

Then, Naruto held his arms out, inviting her to come forward. This sent an expression of surprised shock across her face.

"Hinata..." he spoke beneath his breath, his lips switching back and forth between an emotional grin and a loving smile.

Shocked, scared and worried, her eyes turned to mine in a questioning look.

I knew her well, and she'd told me of her feelings for him. How she never knew how to tell him, and how she never knew if those feelings were returned. I told her I could help. I did help.

I locked my gaze with her's, and nodded once, flashing a warm smile at her.

Then, there was no hesitation. Everything was clear to her. She smiled widely and bolted forward, looking at him and only him.

The next moment, they were in each others arms.

I heard soft murmurs come from the both of them, and Hinata was stuttering wildly, trying to find a sentence she could actually speak. Naruto was apologizing repeatedly, tears still streaming down his face. They both had grown up; Hinata is still the girl to stutter and act shy, but she has confidence now. No.

They have each other.

The sight before me was beautiful, even though I was counting how many seconds it would take for her to faint. I was happy beyond all reason, but at the same time it made my heart just a little sad. Only because I still didn't have that feeling.

The feeling of love.

Then, the fourth year came. The year that changed all the future years planned out before me. The year I discovered that feeling I'd yearned for my entire life.

Little did I know, it had always been there.

~***~

It was a beautiful, brisk morning. Dew created a small layer of wet moisture on top of the lush grass, thin fog was strewn along the outskirts of the city, and the sun was peaking lazily from behind the evergreen trees, which would be high in the sky later that day.

"Sakura!" a voice boomed outside my front door. I blinked sleepily, groaning and glancing at my clock. It read 7:00AM, and there were no alarms set. Carelessly, I pulled the blanket over my head and attempted to go back to sleep. Right, like that was going to happen.

There was a loud slam, and then a noise sounding as if my door had been torn off it's hinges and launched into the wall closest to it.

And so, I groaned again.

"Sakura! Sakura? Sakura-" the voice cried again, annoyingly, and by this time I knew who it was. They deserved a beating. Of course, I couldn't do that quite yet – I was in my pajamas, and I looked horrible in the morning. They were not going to get one look at me. Perhaps, if I timed it just right, I could knock him out before he saw me...

"The Hokage needs you, now!" he shouted, now proceeding into demolishing the bedroom door like he'd just done my front one.

"Naruto, if you lay one hand on my door, you aren't going to have a hand by the time I'm finished with you!" I shouted angrily, throwing the covers off me and darting into my bathroom with a pair of my everyday clothes.

Silence met my words almost immediately. I heard a sigh and some irritated taping of fingers as I brushed my hair and washed the sleep out of my mouth.

"The last time I went through your window you broke my arm, but this is serious, Sakura. You need to hurry up!"

"That's because I could have been sleeping naked, for all you know- Wait, what's going on?" I asked, spitting the remains of the toothpaste into the sink before slipping into my clothes and tying my headband under my hair.

"I don't know, but, she seemed really stressed out, and demanded me to get you immediately."

"Right when you got back from your three day mission? Sounds normal to me-"

"Hurry uuuup-"

"Naruto-"

"Come on!"

That was enough to set off my temper flare.

Dealing a chakra-filled-blow to my bedroom door, I aimed right where his head had to of been, and I successfully felt my fist collide with his forehead after drilling right through the wood. Yanking my arm back through the door, I opened it, and found him laying on the ground unconscious. Muttering some colorful language beneath my breath, my hand glowed a light green color for a moment before I rested it over his head, healing whatever injury he'd received from the blow.

The next second, I bolted out my front door – which was door less, now that I remember – and towards the Hokage tower, leaping from roof to roof hurriedly.

I hate being rushed.

Reaching the balcony of the giant building, I swung myself onto the secured floor and walked into her office, where she stood facing the window, her back to her desk.

"Good, you're here." she said blankly, a small smile tugging at her lips. I stood straight and tall in front of her, my eyes still tired from sleep.

There was a heavy sigh, and she turned, her hand to her head and fingers pinching the base of her nose in deep thought, like she was trying to find something to say.

"I honestly don't know how to say this, but, Naruto requested it desperately, although, I don't know how he found out of it... Even though I have a good idea how he did." I raised an eyebrow curiously, and realized the tone in her voice wasn't business, serious like. My arms at my side were set on my sides. Whatever it was, it was going to be entertaining.

"... I realized that you guys haven't thrown a celebration party yet. For anything. And normally, I wouldn't agree to this, except for the fact that it's a bit of a tradition and I remember doing it at my age with my class. Even though it's bit of a risk. And you are of age..." she heaved a sigh, and continued.

"Basically, what I'm trying to say is; I'm thinking of allowing a giant class party for you guys. Before you get too old."

My jaw dropped.

I don't get a mission in two weeks, and suddenly I get called up here to be told I'm going on a vacation? All of us are going on a vacation?

"Whoa. Hold on. Who's all of us?"

"I still haven't decided when you're all going to do this, I'm worried some of you will get out of hand. And, your class. Ino, Kiba, Shikamaru, Chouji, Hinata, etc." she muttered, and I heard a chuckle come from the window.

Jiraiya was standing there, his arms crossed and his form leaning against the door frame. A smirk was spread wide on his face, and his bushy white hair stood out in every direction.

"You!" Tsunade snapped, her finger raised to point at the toad summoner. He grinned.

"This is your fault, Jiraiya, giving that boy ideas."

"I know, I know. But come on, they need a break." he said, shrugging.

The Hokage had a dark expression for a moment before she turn to flop into her seat, her face in her hands. Again.

"I have a mission for you first, of course, Sakura. IF I allow this, I mean." she continued, speaking into her hands as she did. Her expression was bleak.

"What kind of mission?"

"Don't worry about it right now, I'm just preparing you. Don't make any plans in the next couple days, even though you shouldn't anyways."

"Oh, you just don't want to because of what happened to you at our class party." he laughed.

A death glare was sent his way, along with the nearest heaviest object. Which, happened to be a stone statue of the Hokage Mountain monument behind her.

It slammed into Jiraiya, and his clone poofed into a cloud of smoke.

Reappearing to the opposite side of the room, he had a look of nervousness on his face. Holding out his arms in a way to say, "peace?" he smiled worriedly.

The Hokage continued to glare menacingly, prepared to launch something else his way.

"Sensei, I'm not really a party kind of person. Can I just watch and make sure no one kills themselves?" I interrupted their staring contest.

Although, it really would be nice to go out and let loose... I thought with an invisible grin. I fought back the idea and continued to smile innocently.

"Don't you even think about it. This is a party, not a chaperone opportunity. Come back a little later today. Until then, go tell Naruto the plan."

I flinched at the though of Naruto laying out cold at the front of my bedroom door, and smiled guilty, standing up straight.

"Hai!"

Turning on my heel, I leaped out to the ledge and took off, launching myself through the air and to the nearest, sturdiest roof. As I got farther, the words I heard next got quieter.

"You know, just because you got drunk and got all over me doesn't me she-"

"JIRAIYA!" she gave a bloodcurling shout, which could have probably been heard across the village. I looked over my shoulder, and a moment later I saw the toad summoner get launched off the balcony, twirling violent in the air. I grinned at the familiar sight.

Naruto and I were so much like them.

Arriving back to my house after waving to some of my fellow team mates along the way, I walked through the doorless entrance to the front of my house and over to Naruto, who was snoring on the ground in front of my beaten door. Staring, I heaved a sigh, and smiled briefly before stepping over him and into my room to grab my wallet on my nightstand.

I always leaved it at home, I forget to put in my pouch.

Heading to the nearest store that sold doors, I bought two, and carried them home effortlessly. They were both the color white, for my house walls were a deep red color, my room favored and colored a hot pink to match my hair. And, because it was my favorite color. My house was the place closest to the hospital, and it was very small. I didn't need a big fancy house, just a bedroom, a bathroom, and a decently sized kitchen connected to a living room. Which is exactly what it was.

I moved out my parent's house not too long ago. I wanted to be closer to the hospital and working there paid nicely towards my rent. I was one of the top best Medic Ninjas, I practically had it paid for me.

Heaving the doors in and out of the house and unscrewing them eventually woke up the Kyuubi bearer sleeping on my floor, and he woke rubbing his head.

"Did I fall asleep waiting for you?" Naruto groaned, heaving himself up. I shot a glare at him.

Maybe I shouldn't have healed him.

"What's with you? You're acting cold." I hissed out, sticking the two broken doors outside and attaching the new front door to its hinges, who, to my great fortune, were not that violently damaged. I heard a sigh from behind me, but I didn't stop to look back, and continued putting it on. Testing it when I was done, it shut firmly. Almost a little too firmly, but it worked.

"I'm fine. Just not the best lately. I missed Hinata's birthday while I was gone, and Kiba threw a party for her. It seems like Kiba's trying to get on her good side. Her good side." he muttered, running his hand through his hair as he leaned on my couch. I cast a glance at him, and his face was a mix of extreme worry and jealousy. I couldn't help but frown.

Naruto loved Hinata. Very much. And over the past... ten or so months of dating, he'd become very protective of her, realizing how much he truly needed her. Unfortunately Naruto was oblivious to the fact that Hinata loved him through out all these years, he'd been oblivious to the fact that ever since Hinata was officially taken, Kiba started getting jealous.

"Take her out to dinner. Tell her how you feel, and that you're worried about Kiba. She trusts you, and she understands. She'll listen." I muttered, half focused on the second door I was replacing, which was much easier than the first one.

"Yeah. But I'm broke." he muttered, watching me at the corner of his eye.

"Oh don't even think about it. You broke my doors!"

"Actually, you broke the second one-"

"And you were asking for it."

"But you still did it!"

"You're still paying for them!"

"... No fair." he mumbled, leaning deeper into the couch with his arms on the top. He had a sulking look about him, like he was pouting. Which he was.

I stared at him for a moment, the look of worry never leaving his face even though he had different emotions come across his face as we were talking.

I closed my eyes.

"Alright, fine. Just this once, because Hinata deserves it. Don't you dare take her to your ramen place, take her someplace fancy. It'll impress her dad anyways, even if it's just a tiny bit."

Handing him a fifty dollar bill, (Because I don't know Japanese currency and it'd be a pain in the ass trying to figure out how much it would be in yen, and the fact I don't know Japanese prices for good restaurants, let's pretend they went someplace similar to China Harbor or something. Pricey, but not up the ass pricey.) I finished attaching the other door and felt him semi-tackle me in a giant hug, and then bolt out the front door without another word, leaving it wide open as he went. I felt myself smile as I wiped the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand.

I was tempted to light a few flower scented candles, but I knew I had to go to the store first.

"Wait, Sakura." I heard a voice, and I looked over to see Naruto's head poking in the door. I gave him a questioning look, my grocery list in hand.

"Did you talk to Granny Tsunade?" he asked, grinning mischievously.

"Hai. She told me of your little plan." I groaned, and I walked out of the door, shutting it securely behind me.

"I, and we, need this break. I want to have it in Suna."

"Suna? Why not here?"

"She must not have told you everything. You have the party somewhere other than your own village. Tradition!"

I gave him a funny look. Why would the tradition be like that? I decided to speak my mind.

"Why?"

"Obviously, if you get smashed or something, it'd be away from your hometown in case you make a fool of yourself! Anyways, gotta go talk to Hinata now." he said, running off hurriedly.

I watched until he was out of sight. It still didn't make sense, though. What if you had something like Lee's trait, and created destruction? That would give us a bad name. And a hefty fine in case someone got hurt...

I would definitely have to talk to Tsunade about that later.

~***~

"Sensei?" I asked nervously. There was a bottle of Sake on her desk, and a used cup in her unmoving hands. She'd passed out. And the last thing I was planning on doing was waking her up. This would be fun.

Creating a clone, which wasn't one of my best skills in the world, I used a cheap piece of wood as a base. My clone walked over nervously and began pushing her, nudging her, trying to awake her as gently as possible. Once I successfully completed that, she awoke with a start. With a warm greeting she gave my copy a death dealing punch, and my clone disappeared in a puff of smoke instantly.

Grateful that it wasn't me who'd just received that punch, I gave her an innocent smile.

"What, Sakura?!" she snapped, her eyelids partially closed from the effects of the sake.

"You told me to come back later. And it's definitely later. I was being nice, letting you sleep until eight o'clock." I said, folding my arms and grinning.

She glared at me for one long second, and almost drifted off to sleep again before she sat up, folding her fingers into her lap.

"My decision, right. Great." she muttered, eying the glass of Sake like it was her worst enemy. I watched intensively.

She got up from her seat and stretched, setting her hands down on the desk to sturdy herself.

"Naruto requested the party also be held in Suna." I threw in, assuming anyways that the part was happening. The woman before me bit her cheek in thought.

"He mentioned that earlier. And since I'm agreeing to this vacation, although it's still a bit dangerous, a few nights couldn't hurt. I suppose Suna would work, since it's the only true alliance we have. The Kazekage is a friend of Naruto's, a few people here know Temari and Kankuro pretty well, maybe they would like to join. And, maybe the Kazekage will join in as well."

I raised my eyebrows. She caught it.

"True." was all she said, and we both started laughing at the thought of Gaara dancing in a bar, drinking alcohol.

"It's settled then," she said, slamming her fist on the table, startling me for a minute. "I'll send word to Suna, but before I do that, I want to tell you something."

Again, I stared at her, waiting for her words. Except this time, I braced myself. Her seriousness had returned and that was never good.

"I was thinking of you taking up an apprentice to teach the ways of a medic nin. And I was thinking of sending you to Suna to do so, that way he or she can teach other's there. Suna has helped us many times in the past, but I know they are weak in the Medic category, I figured it would make up for it, sending the best Medic Ninja we have.

"This isn't for sure yet, since I haven't even asked the Kazekage and I was planning to in this letter. If he agrees, you will be staying there after the party. Understood?"

"Hai." I said without protest, thinking over the task that had just been said to me. I groaned inwardly when she turned, and she looked over her shoulder. A motherly look overtook her face for a second.

"This will take several months to complete. Plus, it's so damned hot there, it's going to take forever to get used to the climate changes. And I don't know anyone there-"

"Don't remind me, Sakura. I didn't even want to send you, but I don't trust anyone to make a good impression of the Leaf Village other than you. You are famous, anyways, for your ways in the medic nin art. I have to talk to Kakashi, Gai and the other's as soon as possible. Just be prepared to leave tomorrow night if this pulls through, although I don't think it'll be that soon.

"And no, you won't stay there for several months unless the Kazekage decides you to, I'm only sending a letter out offering a month's worth. Then he'll decide if he wants you there longer."

I nodded respectively, and bowed my head to add along with that. She turned again and I left the room and out the window like I did earlier that day. Bouncing along the roofs and taking the familiar path back to my house, I swooped into my house and shut the door securely behind me.

I went straight to my room, threw off my clothes and threw on a small black nightgown, crawling into bed immediately. I snuggled into my pillow and breathed in the scent of my laundry detergent, exhaling heavily. Before I drifted off into too deep a sleep, I got up to lock my bedroom door and open my window a crack.

The next morning, there were no interruptions, and I was able to sleep in. Sort of. I wake myself up at nine o'clock every morning. I'm a night person, but I always believed it to be healthier to get up in the morning. It seemed more natural.

I crawled out of bed and didn't bother dressing up. I did brush my hair and put my headband on though, and I felt like making a good breakfast, for this was probably my last day here, if this plan pulls through. Why couldn't we go to another village? Like the water one? We could go swimming, and watch the Water Ninja perform their arts. They were always so pre-

I stepped onto the carpet of my living room to see Ino laying on the couch. Was my home like, the lounge area? The place to go, just because? And what happened to knocking?!

"Ino, what are you doing?" I muttered, my hand still on the door handle. She looked up, grinning, and then her expression changed to a look of glee.

I couldn't help but wonder how long she'd been laying there.

"I wanted to talk to you about Shikamaru." she said, heaving herself up from the couch in her usual outfit. I headed to the fridge and pulled out the eggs and sausage, and began to go to work. I made extra for Ino, since I knew she'd steal some anyways. I was a rare cook in this village.

"Shikamaru? Oh yeah, that's right. You were after him now. Finally over Sasuke?" I snickered, putting butter in both the pans on the stove.

"Pfft, of course I am. Sasuke was a childhood thing. Now it's the real deal."

"The real deal? You want to settle down with him?" I asked, now throwing the sausage and eggs in. I glanced over at Ino and took my chance to catch her horrified look.

"S-settle down? No no. I want to have, you know, experience first." she muttered, looking away for a minute. I couldn't force back the laugh that leaked from my mouth, and I heard her giggle in response.

"You totally just made yourself sound like a slut."

"I know, I was trying not to."

"You know what I mean, right? I don't want to settle down with absolutely no experience. I just don't want to screw Shika-kun over, either. He's my friend."

"Then maybe you shouldn't hook up?" I suggested, flipping the eggs so they were over-easy.

"Maybe... But the past couple months, I've really liked him."

"Well what if you hook up with him and end up staying together for a long time?"

"Then I got really lucky."

I couldn't help but smile at how much we'd both changed. Years ago a discussion like this would have never happened, we would have thrown punches by the third sentence, if we even got that far. Sasuke was the cause of it, and I wonder how life would be if he was still here.

I grabbed a couple plates and put the cooked food on them, and set them on the table where Ino was sitting, handing her a fork before I sat on the other side.

"Mmm, I forgot why I used to come over here all the time. You're an excellent cook." she spoke through a mouthful of food, swallowed and shoveling in some more.

"Ino pig." I said, grinning. She stopped in mid-chew and glared at me. She said something back, but through a mouthful of food, I couldn't tell what the hell she'd said. Instead I started laughing, and finished up the last bits I'd grabbed for myself, which wasn't a whole lot.

I went to my room and threw my daily clothes on, pausing to look at myself in the mirror. Unlike many girls, I didn't wear make-up. If I had a pimple, I would heal it, so my skin was usually abnormally soft. I guess you could call that a bonus to being a trained medic ninja. No acne!

Rinsing the dished in the sink, I left my house after Ino had made up her mind on her plans for that day. She'd ran off towards Shikamaru's house as soon as the light bulb appeared above her head.

After several days without a mission I'd found myself wandering to the training grounds several times a day, keeping myself fit and ready for any attack. Everything was too quiet, and was driving me insane. I hadn't let my adrenaline and energy out in a while.

Then again, if this trip was going to happen, I would need a good portion of my chakra. We'd be traveling with our entire class, and if anyone ran into us with any negative plans...

I don't think they'd survive ten seconds.

But my energy burned in my veins, and I could feel my fingers tremble, like it was overflowing. Unable to resist any longer, I transferred chakra to my legs and launched myself towards the farthest building, wondering how far my feet would take me.

I was flung far, and fast – a wide grin spread on my face as I grabbed the siding of a nearby building before I smashed into the one near it. Landing on the roof, I continued with another shove, finding myself heading to the Hokage tower, playing in the air with the same giant smile. I wonder if there was such a thing as an acrobatic ninja, I felt like I was flying.

Landing in her office somewhat clumsily, she glanced up at me, and her eyebrows raised.

"What are you doing?"

"Playing."

"Why don't you go to the hospital and use some of your energy there, instead of showing the village how much of Naruto has rubbed off on you?" she muttered, writing furiously on a piece of paper before her.

"You're a mood killer today." I groaned, folding my arms and sitting in the nearest chair.

"That reminds me," she said, looking up and catching my gaze.

"Word was sent back from Suna." she said, shuffling through a few folded papers to grab the one with the darkest parchment. I held my breath, crossing my legs.

"Unfortunately for you, the Kazekage agreed. To both questions. I believe he needed some convincing for the party, I think Temari had something to do with it..." she rested her chin on her palm as she looked over to me. I stayed silent, my mouth partially open. I felt the color drain from my face.

Then, I tipped over slightly, leaning back against the cushioned chair, my long magenta bangs dangling. I hadn't packed one thing, I didn't expect the Kazekage to agree to such an... Absurd request. Leaping up from my seat and hiding my tantrum, I stood up straight, my hands at my side.

"Don't try and act like you're fine, I know this is going to be a struggle for you. I've sent word to the others, so don't waste any time preparing. You know you're leaving tonight. " Tsunade said strictly, her and I sharing the same shattered expression.

"Two days. Three nights. Cherish those days."

I nodded, my statue-like form weakened. I headed to the window to prepare for the quickest run home to pack everything possible in a giant bag. If I was that lucky.

"Sakura," she said, stopping me in my tracks so I could stare over my shoulder pitifully.

"Be careful." was all she said, not even looking at me. I bit my cheek, and bolted out the window and ran furiously for my house. I saw Naruto fly passed me along the way, almost causing a collision. He was headed for Tsunade's, his expression hard and unswayed.

I reached my house and almost slammed right through my brand new door. There was almost no point in having doors in this town. I bet the man that sells them gets massive profit.

~***~

I spent the rest of that day in my house, overflowing with excitement. Even though I dreaded the trip, it was something new. Something other than sitting here everyday. I shoved clothes, products, outfits and other unneeded crap into a giant bag. I had my usual outfits, a few small pairs of clothes, feminine products and a couple photographs. Maybe an extra book, but that was all. I shoved all my Kunai and side herbs in my pockets, along with my wallet.

After about thirty minutes of preparing all the shit I'd need, I was done. With a last look at my home, double checking the stove, window locks and heater settings, I locked the front door and took off towards the front gate. I felt like a little kid in Iruka-Sensei's class, going on a field trip. I guess I should look at it more like a graduation party, which is what it was, but still. I couldn't help but imagine what horrors would evolve from this trip.

Leaping over a building, I saw my group of friends by the gate, waiting impatiently for the last person to arrive. I counted each one as I got closer.

Shikamaru, Chouji, Ino, Shino, Hinata, Kiba, Lee, Ten Ten, Neji, Naruto, and Sai. Oh, and me.

I grinned when I saw the sight of them all together. This was the first time... in a long time, that we've all been together.

"Sakura, hurry up!" Naruto shouted, a giant grin plastered on his face. Hinata was smiling shyly next to him, and Neji was giving her a strange look.

Landing next to the giant mob I gave a small smile and walked towards, taking my place in the group. Neji and Hinata were leading this trip, with Kiba and Shikamaru taking up the back near me. There was a brief conversation and important rules to be put down, but it was all just lazy-talk. Basics, something everyone knew.

"Let's just go. Whoever tries to attack us is surely screwed." Kiba snarled, causing Hinata to shift nervously in her spot. Shikamaru gave him an irritated look, but continued.

"Ino knows most of the ways of a medic nin. But for serious injuries, go to Sakura. Neji and Hinata, take turns with your Byakugan. Ten Ten, Chouji and Shino will go out first if there's an attack, secondly followed by Neji and Hinata. Third will be Lee, Kiba and Sai. Naruto and I are reinforcements, since I'm leader and Naruto can just threaten and finish whoever off with the Kyuubi-"

There was a cough, interrupting the giant speech. Several concentrated eyes turned to look at the blond-haired ninja.

"Believe me, I'd totally kick some ass with Kyuubi. But it's too dangerous to risk-"

"You'd use it if half of your friends were dead or almost dead anyways, Naruto. It's not like I'm asking you, you'd do it on instinct. I'm merely telling you what'll happen, in this case." he muttered, folding his arms as Ino's eyes lingered on his face for a second longer than normal. I couldn't hide the smirk that burst on my lips.

"And if shit gets really bad, Ino and Sakura make a run for it."

I groaned. I was mainly used as a medic in battle, but I always had my chakra boiling no matter how many injuries I'd healed. Ino cast me a sympathetic look. She knew just as much as I did how much this sucked. But there were only two of us, and only one fully trained.

"With no further interruptions-"

"Lets get the hell out of here!" Naruto battle cried, lurching forward with Hinata following closely behind, Neji chasing after them. All of us kicked off from the ground, heading for the closest sturdiest branch, jumping in sync and taking a minute to get in order. Even though we all were of the same age and in the same class, there weren't many times we traveled together. In was an adventure each time.

I danced like a flower petal along the branches, playing with my chakra as I leapt from branch to branch. This was practically a mission, but at the same time, there were no worries. There were twelve of us, all Chunin (Yes, all. I made Naruto a Chunin. He deserves it.), each having a special little ability, including Naruto's "secret" weapon.

I felt relieved. Free.

This friendship was a luxury I know I wouldn't enjoy any other time, and I could sense the same enlightened mood in the people jumping near me. I took advantage of it, and laughed as I went along. I saw a look from Kiba that made me laugh harder.

"Sakura, stop being a ballerina." he shouted, imitating me once in mid-jump before he landed on another branch. I grinned.

"You learn fast~!" I cried back, twirling on a branch and kicking off a tree. A little too hard.

It wasn't a huge tree, but it was big enough. It cracked and tumbled to the ground, and I saw Chouji glance back with a look of worry.

"Alright, relax on the dance moves." he muttered.

"AMAZING!" came a shout from Lee, which made me flinch during my kick off. I stopped playing around and continued observing our surroundings, but Lee's unbroken stare always concerned me. The boy has such a crush on me, it always made me nervous.

We made camp as soon as the sun had vanished behind the distant trees. We wanted to get there as soon as possible, but we also needed to reserve our energy. Chouji, one of the bearer of blankets and sleeping bags, began handing them out. I took mine and laid it farthest from the fire, but not too far. I hated sleeping near anything too hot.

With twelve Chunin sleeping on the far outskirts of the Leaf territory, we were a delicious target for anyone who wanted to hurt Konoha. Neji sat up and kept watch, and Shino stayed up with him, his bugs laid out far from camp to keep an eye on distant threats.

The next morning we ate our packed food and traded some with others, only having a brief break for talk before we were on the move again. We were slightly delayed, of course, Naruto was painfully difficult to wake up early in the mornings.

The next night and day were a repeat of before, and before we even realized it, we were in Suna right before sundown. As soon as I saw the city in the distance, I'd pumped enough chakra to my legs to make me speed off past the group. They soon did the same, and we were flying through the desert, the sun beating down on us. Lee, to my entertainment and his pleasure, ran right past us without breaking a sweat.

I bet he was still nervous, though, to be near Gaara. The Kazekage had messed up the green-suited boy in the past, threatening Lee's chance to continue being a ninja. Thankfully for Lady Tsunade's technique, he was saved.

We reached the gates of Sunakagure in a matter of seconds. We thundered to a stop, the guards watching us nervously. He was lucky, if we weren't friendly he wouldn't even know what hit him.

Shikamaru shared a few words with him, and the guard smirked, letting us pass through. We were immediately greeted by Temari and Kankuro. They broken into loud conversation, except for me and Neji who walked in the back, his Byakugan still activated. He was obviously still wary of this place, but not me. Anyone here would be a fool to attack us, Gaara would strike them down with a fist of sand.

Following them we reached our rooms, which would be shared between Teams. How on earth could Konoha afford such amazing Hotels? They each had three bedrooms, with beautiful white sheets, gorgeously decorated bathrooms, and impossibly clean kitchens. I cleaned my house daily and I still can't get it as clean as this.

They were all right next to each other, four big hotel rooms each. We had the top floor.

But I quickly remembered that this was only for three nights. I'd probably be transferred to a tiny little house as soon as we were done celebrating. With a sigh, I shoved those thoughts out of my mind, starting to unpack some of my things. The first thing Naruto did was come flying in and crash into his bed, collapsing on it. He was out cold a few minutes after his eyes being shut. It was now dark out, and I felt the effects of the travel finally get to me. My eyes began to reject reality, and I soon gave in.

Until, of course, there was a knock at the door.

I heaved myself off the bed I'd been laying on, sauntering to my bedroom door and dramatically heaving it open. Standing there was Temari, smirking, but always friendly. Sort of.

"The Kazekage has summoned you, Sakura, to discuss your stay here. Ready?" she said professionally. I frowned tiredly, wishing he could have decided this in the morning. Temari must have just walked in, because Naruto was out cold and Sai wasn't even here. He'd unpacked his things and left as soon as he was done.

"Hai..." I replied, bowing tiredly and leaving the door open before I turned to re-grab my garments and such before heading back to the door.

"I'm sorry for having you do this right when you get here, Gaa- The Kazekage is a little... Irritated at the fact he hasn't even spoken to you yet and everything is already planned out for him. Everything sort of happened so quick, and now we have twelve Leaf Village Chunin to protect, even though you're very capable of doing that yourselves. I guess it's just how he is, really." she explained with a shrug, my mind desperately trying to keep up with her words.

"Just remember he's still a bit frustrated with Shukaku being gone and all, so he's been having some strange mood swings. He won't kill you, but he's having a hard time gripping his emotions. It's strange, but mildly entertaining." she said with a giggle, beaming over to me. I reached into my bag and grabbed a pill, Temari eying me curiously, and I quickly swallowed it. I needed the energy for this.

Once the pill kicked in we started running, and she guided me to his office. It was in a tower somewhat similar to the Hokage's, but designed completely different. When I walked in with Temari, she pointed to the door, and stayed outside. I gave her a nervous look, but continued.

There was never a time Gaara and I even talked alone in the past. There was the time he almost killed me when were were twelve. I'd thrown myself in front of Sasuke, and he was going insane. And then the time he died a year and a half ago, and was saved by a life-sacrificing Justu. That was also the time I saved his brother Kankuro from a fatal poisoning.

I held my breath and hesitated at the handle of his office door, and before opening it and stepping in, I put on a fake smile.

*****************************************

... alrighty then.
Sakura's apprentice in the next chapter is completely random. If there was actually someone in Suna I knew of that could have worked, I would use him. I had to pick a guy. Because I want a male medical ninja person, not another female.
justbecauseisaidso

oh and. review plz? C: