Author Note: This is AUish in the sense that Sasuke did not return to Konoha after the war, the war had actual political repercussions, lives were lost, and there wasn't a universally happy ending.
Contempt- Naruto
He does not want to let her go.
Instead, he hangs back and watches the way she cradles patient files against her hip, watches the way the sunlight moves through her hair, watches the way she bites her lip in thought while another medic consults with her.
He does not want to let her go, so he delays the inevitable by delaying his mission. He will wait to deliver the message that will send her to Kakashi, that will begin a meeting that will change her life and ruin his. She will not be forced to say yes, but he already knows that she will.
He cannot stop the stab of pain that pierces his chest when she looks up and smiles at him in recognition.
"Naruto."
"Sakura-chan, the Hokage needs to see you."
Union- Sakura
She does her best not to gape at Kakashi as he outlines the parameters of the proposal. Her relationships with the previous Hokage, the current Hokage, and the presumptive future Hokage make her privy to certain information, but this meeting still comes as a surprise.
According to some elders somewhere, Konoha and Suna need to strengthen their alliance, and Gaara needs a wife. Apparently, she is meant to be the convenient solution to both problems.
Shame- Gaara
He clenches his jaw in disgust and does his best to look anywhere but Sakura's rapidly paling face.
He recalls her efforts during the war, the lives she saved and the sacrifices she made. Ironically, it is those very efforts that garnered the attention of his council and marked her as a worthy companion.
He risks a glance at her delicate form. She is intelligent, compassionate, and kind. She is strong, devoted, and unfaltering. How has see been reduced to this?
A muscle in his neck ticks at the tension thrumming through his body. She deserves so much more, and, yet, here he sits unable to protest at the prospect of calling her his.
Go- Sakura
She does not mean to run, but she cannot help seeking a momentary reprieve. With a promise to reply by sunset and a nod from Gaara, she is out the door before Kakashi can say go. She needs her surrogate mother, and she needs her now.
Tsunade does not seem surprised by the suggested union with the Kazekage. She does not seem opposed to it either.
"If I recall correctly, you did not complain about your time spent in Suna during the war… or after it."
For the second time in one day, Sakura is struck dumb by a former sensei. Sure Sakura never complained about missions that put her in Suna, but that hardly meant she wished to live out her days there. Yes, she had grown fond of the sand siblings, but her relationship with Gaara is complicated. Honestly, she could more readily imagine marrying Kankuro.
"Go, Sakura."
Her mentor's words startle her from her internal musings.
"Go, move on, and begin living."
She hears what Tsunade says and what she leaves unsaid.
Because you have spent too much life waiting for a boy who is gone.
Because your single status gives Naruto false hope.
Because you are wasting so much potential.
Because you are not happy here, but you might learn to be somewhere else.
Grateful- Gaara
She finds him in his quarters right around sunset. He greets her neutrally, but internally he is sick with anticipation.
"I accept your proposal."
He meets her gaze and releases a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"I will do my best to ensure that you never regret your decision."