Chapter 7: Unintended

I feel the wind caressing my face as I sit on top of the Hokage face monuments. I'm not sure why, but sitting here makes me feel at ease even though my life is falling apart. Its been 2 months since that faithful day, my heart still aches to see him again, to feel his touch and his lips on me again. Thankfully, this time I have Kakashi and Ino who have been more than supporting towards my feelings. There are days like today when I want to see him more than anything, but I need to control my feelings and let him go for good.

"You know, you should be wearing your white robes today, its a very special day for your village" I know exactly who's voice that is and I turn and smile at him "indeed it is, I was thinking about random stuff... and what brings you here Lord Kazekage?" Gaara just smiles a little and sit down next to me "I wouldn't miss Naruto's special day" I smile too, he was right Naruto's dream was finally becoming a reality "I can't believe I have to call that idiot Lord Hokage now" I shake my head smiling a little. "How are you feeling Haruno? Not running away anymore" this time I turn to face him and he turns and looks back at me "when you told me back when you were at our neighboring village that you were going back to Konoha for Naruto's wedding, I though you were going to stop the wedding and finally tell him how you feel" I look away as soon as he says that, he only stares "that wouldn't have been fair for either Naruto and Hinata... and look at them now, she is giving him the family he always wanted and I just would have gotten in the way of his happiness" I feel his eyes on me, I feel naked talking to Gaara like this

"you know about a few months ago Naruto wrote to me asking me if he should leave his wife and how would that affect his nomination for Hokage if he did that.." I automatically turn to look at him as he continues talking "... he said he wasn't in love with Hinata and that now he was having an affair with the woman he has love his entire life and wanted to marry her instead, so I remember writing to him telling him in not so many words to end things with Hinata and then pursue a life with the woman he wanted to be with." I don't say anything, just felt the tears going down my face "you must think I'm a pretty horrible person now" I whisper to him, he only places a hand on top of mine "not at all, but I do think you need to start a new life away from this, away from guilt and away from him" he only takes a small pause and this time he looks at the view of Konoha "perhaps you can marry me and start a new life in Suna instead."

Gaara's words kept bugging me the rest of the day. Why on earth would he suggest something out of the blue like that. But what if I say yes, perhaps this can also be an opportunity for me to move on and find happiness as well. Ugh, I'm just going to try not to think about this anymore, I need to go home and get ready for the celebration.

Everyone in Konoha were gather outside the Hokage building waiting for our new Hokage to come out and greet us. I was standing with Ino, both us very excited to see Naruto come out dressed in his Hokage robes followed by a pregnant Hinata, both of them looked beautiful. From a distance I could see Gaara and the rest of the Kages, all of them looking proudly at Naruto. We all cheered for him and applauded. Finally the day he has been working since he was a child is here, I'm so proud of him.

"I cant believe that crazy knucklehead did it!" Ino said with tears on her eyes. "I know, I'm so proud of him, he has been working so hard for this since we were children. He deserves this and much more" I say with a smile on my face. I glance at Gaara and notice he was looking at the crowd and for a moment I thought he was looking at me "Gaara asked me to marry him, and I'm thinking about it" I tell Ino, she stops doing whatever is doing and looks at me shocked "what.. wait... but have you guys.. why?" I just giggle at her reaction. "After we rescued him from the Deidara, and I saved his brother we became good friends. He knows about me and Naruto and I think he wants to protect us both from hurting each other." I say to her still looking at Naruto. "Sakura, how do you feel about him? Do you even find him attractive to even consider marrying the guy?" I just continue looking at Naruto and respond "I don't know what I feel anymore. First I betrayed Hinata by sleeping with her husband, second I confused my best friend with my stupid feelings hurting him in the process. But even after all that, I think I deserve to be happy even if it's just a little... I don't know what to do, but one thing is for certain... I need to let go of Naruto for good now and never bring up my feelings for him ever again"

After the Naruto's celebration with the village, the rookie 9 planned a get together with Naruto before he starts his Hokage duties. I told Ino, it wouldn't be a good idea for me to show up, and of course being Ino, she used her persuasiveness to get me to agree. I was just walking around the market shopping for fruits, when I ran up Gaara talking with Naruto. I just looked at them and smiled at little "Lord Kazekage, Lord Hokage what brings you to this humble parts" both of them just look at me. Naruto seems to want to say something but Gaara beats him "Haruno how many times must I ask you to call me Gaara" I just smile in return "I'll stop calling Kazekage, when you stop calling Haruno and start calling me Sakura" he smiles at this and then cough breaks our eye contact and see Naruto looking at us confused "since when are you two so friendly with one another" "since she stayed taking care of the ill at Suna, plus Sakura and I have always been in good terms" I don't know why but I feel a little nervous to here with the two of them "Sakura... it's been a while.. how are you?" My stupid heart starts beating a little louder and faster when Naruto starts talking to me, I feel like teenager ugh! "I'm alright, just doing a little shopping and then I'm going to the little gathering Ino and Shikamaru planned for you... and that reminds me.. are you joining us tonight Gaara?" He shakes his head no "I was thinking about it but there are many things that need settling once you give me your answer." My eyes are wide and my brain can't seem to register if he is being sarcastic or not ".. well, ok.. I guess I will have an answer for you soon... I promise, now if you two gentleman excuse me. I must retire" I start walking away but not without over hearing both Naruto and Gaara "so what did you ask Sakura, she looked really nervous" Naruto asked curious, Gaara just looked at him and answered simply "oh, I just asked her to marry me."