Constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated =)

Sakura plopped down at her desk and rested her head on her hands. She felt exhaustion seeping in her limbs, flowing throughout her body and pooling into her mind. Her mind was in a swirl, overwhelmed by the torrent of incidents and realizations that concurrently happened in a span of a week.

It seemed like only yesterday that Sasuke severed his ties with the Leaf, but since then Sakura had not been able to concentrate on her work, on her friends, on herself, on anything.

Today her heart beat with what she could only discern as shame. She had been indulging in self-pity since Sasuke defected.

But how could he leave?

I promised him my loyalty...

Subconsciously, she had detached herself from the perplexing reality and then fell into carelessness. Sakura sighed. And because of me, a man who was a son…a husband… a father…just died.

It had been difficult. She remembered the expectant gazes of the man's family, full of hope, and with one glance at her downcast expression they all broke down in tears and all the hope was gone.

She didn't need to say more. She couldn't.

In that instance she wondered, do I truly deserve to be called as one of the best medics in the country? How can I save a patient when I can't even save myself from falling apart?

RINGG!

RINGG!

RINGG!

Sakura jumped, startled by the sudden sound that pierced the silence. She glanced at the caller id before picking up the phone. "Tsunade-sama?"

"I apologize, Sakura. I know you're still at the hospital but will you come to the Lounge immediately after? I have an important matter to discuss with you."

It was only one o'clock in the afternoon yet the Leaf Lounge was fairly full with people. Its crème walls along with the ocean view gave the place a peaceful ambiance. For the most part people ate and quietly chattered with each other while some sipped tea as they immersed themselves in a book. Others simply looked out into the ocean enjoying the serenity. Of course, Sakura knew all too well that in several hours the Lounge would be completely turned around, still bustling with people, as it welcomes the nightlife. But that was a whole different story. Sakura found Tsunade at a table in a corner and joined her.

"Good. You're here," Tsunade said at once.

Sakura raised an eyebrow skeptically. She had a sense that this 'important matter' was not going to bode too well for her.

"Akatsuki has gotten Gaara."

Sakura, if possible, had her brows up even higher. "Well, I wasn't expecting that. I thought for sure that he would stay at the Sand Society with Temari and Kankuro…"

"I thought likewise," Tsunade answered abruptly. "Nonetheless, we know that Madara is very intent on his hunt for the beasts and would use any measure to get what he wants."

'Beast' was a business lingo used to describe individuals like Gaara and Naruto who had extraordinary charisma, talent, and personality which could be great assets to clubs, restaurants, hotels, etc. Lately, ambitious businessmen like Madara Uchiha and Orochimaru had been competing for these beasts driven by their greed for success.

"So… where exactly do I fit in all of this?"

And Tsunade proceeded to tell her the plan.

"She wants you to spy on Akatsuki?"

Sakura watched the disbelief in Ino's emerald eyes instantly vanished as she feigned melancholy. "Well, I'm gonna miss you Billboard Brow. Maybe we'll see each other again in the next life –

Sakura resisted the urge to smack her blonde best friend. "I'm not gonna die, Ino."

"Ha! What, are you expecting to spy on Akatsuki and then waltz out alive?"

Sakura raised her eyebrows – she did that a lot lately – and replied sarcastically, "Well, Ino, your confidence in me is most touching."

"I'm just concerned, okay? I mean all the members of Akatsuki are…you know…powerful. I just don't wanna think about what's gonna happen to you when they find out."

"When they find out? They're never gonna find out." Sakura was resolved to think of this mission as a chance to redeem her self. Though she couldn't save the life of her patient in the hospital, maybe she could save Gaara's and even find information about Sasuke's whereabouts and bring him back.

One could always hope...

"Have you told Naruto yet?"

Sakura sighed and shook her head. Naruto…well, she might as well calm her nerves before.

"Hey! I'll have two more," Sakura shook her empty glass at the bartender. "And mix some maraschino in there will ya?"

"She wants you to spy on Akatsuki?"

Sakura shot Naruto a drunken glare. She had hoped to hear a refreshing response from the king of the unpredictable. She was disappointed. "That's what I said."

"Ey, ey, Sakura-chan. You're not really gonna do it, are you? The Akatsuki –

"Don't, Naruto. Please."

Sakura took a swig of her rum. She fought to hold back the tears that were attempting to escape. Not him too. She looked at her distorted reflection on the glass and laughed emptily. Why was she crying anyway? Maybe they had a point. Maybe she was weak. She felt weak.

"Sakura-chan, you're kinda scaring me. You were just crying and then you were laughing. What's going on?"

"I'm sorry. I just –

Shamefully, she finally let her tears shed. In a second, she was enveloped into Naruto's comforting brace.

She had always been weak, she knew, and he was always catching her.

But he didn't understand that she didn't need him to save her every time.

All she needed was someone to believe in her.