We had been at the bar for two hours and I had actually found myself relaxing a little. Maybe it was the fact I was with all my friends or the fact I had a couple watermelon crawls, either way I wasn't going to question it. Naruto was just finishing telling a story from his adventures with Jiraiya when the waitress wanted over to the table with a drink in hand.

She went to put the drink in front of me when TennTenn stopped her. "I'm sorry you must be at the wrong table we haven't order any drinks the last thirty minutes."

"Actually this drink is for you miss." She sat the watermelon crawl in front of me. "The man over there wanted me to send a drink over to you, and the bartender says this is the one you have been ordering all night."

"Oh thank you." She walks off and I can feel everyone looking at me. I hated this time of year. The festival always brought on a lot of problems. Once Naruto left the village guy after guy would come up to me try to convince me to go with them to the festival. Through I never said yes to anyone that didn't stop them from trying. I looked over at the group of men and I couldn't tell who they were. The guy from earlier was not with them, no it was a few fan.

"How often does that happen?" Temari asked glaring at the men in the corner of the group. Whoever sent the drink must be either brave or stupid…or maybe even a little of both to send a girl when I am seating with this many guys, not to mention one of them was the Kazekage.

"More than I would like." I breathe and take a small drink, nothing tasted off it wasn't messed with. The next sip was a little bigger and I just shrugged, what was I going to do, I couldn't tell every guy to fuck off, that took way to much energy.

"Want me to go say something to the Sakura?" Kankuro asked getting ready to stand up.

"No!" I yelled, and he sat back down. "Please can we just get back to enjoying our night. We are rarely together like this anymore." And after tomorrow I have no idea when we will be again, if at all. Everyone seemed to agree.

After hour pasted and I started to feel funny. I couldn't be drunk, I only had three watermelon crawls, and I was a strong drinker, I could handle my alcohol no problem. But as I sat there listening to my friends talk about the festival I began to feel funnier and funnier. When my vision began to blur I knew something was off.

"You okay Sakura-chan?" Gaara asked as I stood up.

"Yeah I am just going to get some air, I'll be right back."

"I'm going with-"

"Here is your food enjoy!" Three waitresses walked over and dropped off the different appetizers Naruto and Choji insisted we get.

"No sit down and enjoy the food, I will be right back." Gaara did as he was told and I flashed everyone a smile before turning and walking outside.

Once I was outside, my pulse quickened. I walked to the side of the restaurant and moved out of the street view. I leaned my back against the wall and closed my eyes when I felt everything starting to spin around me. After a few minutes past and the dizziness hadn't wore off I slide down so I was sitting on the ground. I wrapped my arms around my legs, pulling them to chest, resting my head on my knees. Something wasn't right. Something wasn't right but I didn't want to be by my team and the others if something went wrong.

Was I having a reaction to something? Or did one of the seals break? The thought sent a wave of panic through me especially when my eyes started to feel extremely heavy.

"Well it seems our little blossom drank our drink." I shot up surprised to find four guys blocking the street view. I tried to focus but I couldn't make out their faces or charka.

"Excuse me but my friends are waiting for me back at the restaurant." I tried to push pass two of the guys but they won't move, they stayed locked in place. Fuck.

"Aw come on baby doll don't leave, the party is just getting started." I took a step back but I lost my balance and my back hit the wall of the restaurant. Before I could move one of the men when next to me pushing me into the wall. His arms caught mine and pinned they to my side. He pressed himself closer to me when I tried to use charka to escape but found myself unable to. "Calm down baby girl or this won't be fun for you." He smirked and I could see three guys still blocking the street view.

The funny feeling was starting to get worse and I knew I was in trouble. This was not a good situation to be in. Maybe if I yell someone will hear me. I go to open my mouth when the stranger's lips collided into mine and forced his tongue into my mouth, silencing me.

As his tongue explored my mouth I could feel his hard length against my stomach. He towered over me and without my charka I was unable to fend him off. I bit down on his tongue hard and he withdrew from my mouth. "Why you little bitch!" He released one hand and raised it to smack me. I closed my eyes and waited for the impact.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you." My eyes shot open to the sound of his voice. There he stood holding my attacker's hand, while the rest of the group laid unconscious on the ground. His free hand light up with charka as he made contact with the attacker's side, sending him flying down the alley and freeing me from his grasp.

Once he was yanked off of me the force that was holding me up was now gone and I fell forward. His strong arms wrapped around me, breaking my fall.

"Are you alright?" I still couldn't find my voice so I nodded. He lowered me back on the ground on my knees and walked over to the man he just hit.

"Hey what the hell Kakashi you just took off running and-" I looked up and saw Yamato and rest of the senseis of the Konoha 11.

"Sakura are you okay?" Yamato quickly moved around the three men on the ground and came to my side kneeling down.

"Kakashi what is going on?" Asuma asked letting go of Kurenai's hand.

Kakashi didn't answer as he just stood next to the man breathing heavily. Even through my vision was blurred I could still see that Kakashi's hand was shaking.

"They cornered her" Kakashi stepped forward and pick up the man by the collar of his shirt and raised him up. "This man…..this man forced himself on her." Kakashi gripped the shirt tighter and I heard a gasp escape from Kurenai.

"Sakura is that what happened?" Guy asked walking toward Kakashi. I nodded and I could see everyone's face harden. I start to shake as the gravity of the situation sank in. It almost happened again, how could I be so stupid. Yamato place his hand around my back and pulled me into him.

"We need to take them to the police station." Asuma walked over to the three men and eyed them. "Kakashi what did you do to them?"

No answer.

"Kakashi?"

No answer.

"Kakashi you need to put him down. He is unconscious he isn't a threat anymore." Asuma tried reasoning with him but it went in one ear and out the other.

"He was going to rape her." Kakashi calmly stated as I flinched at that word. I watched in honor as his hand grew bright and chippering filled the alley. No!

"Hey what are you doing?!" Gai called out to his best friend but the jutsu didn't stop.

I sprang up and appeared next to Kakashi's grabbing his wrist, stopping the attack. If Kakashi injured the man anymore he would be in trouble as well and I couldn't have that. He locked eyes with me and stopped. I smiled but now the dizziness and fogginess had returned and I lost my footing.

Kakashi quickly dropped the man and caught me picking me up bridal style. "What's wrong with her?" Yamato asked appearing next to us.

"They put something in her drink. They drugged her." I could feel Kakashi grip me tighter as he talked. "Can you talk care of these four?"

They all nodded. "Where are you going Kakashi?" Gai asked as he pulled charka rope out of his pocket to tie their hands.

"She needs to go to the hospital and be looked at to see if they gave her something harmful."

"W-wa-it!" I tried to call out, even as faint as my voice was Kakashi heard it.

"What's wrong Sakura-chan?"

"T-heir…inside…don't…tell" I panted each word, trying to find my voice as the drug took full affect. I looked up to Kakashi pleading with him not to let everyone know what just happened. He looked down and I could see him smile under his mask.

"Yamato would you please go and inform the kiddos that Sakura was called away by the Hokage and that she said she will see them tomorrow at the festival." Yamato nodded and rounded the corner. "I leave these four to you guys."

Kakashi jumped up to the rooftops and I felt as if I was flying. With each step Kakashi took my eyelids grew heavier and heavier. I snuggled into his chest, stealing his warmth that radiated off of him.

"T-ha-nk y-o-u." I looked up to Kakashi and took in his features as blackness took over…


"Is she going to be alright Tsunade?" I had brought Sakura to the hospital two hours ago and she still hadn't woken up, even after being hooked to an IV bag. I sat next to her bed holding her hand, afraid if I let go that something was going to happen to her yet again.

"She should be alright. The drug just has to run its course." Tsunade stood at the foot of her bed holding a clipboard. When Sakura was brought in Tsunade was called right away, and she had only left the room a few times to go and get necessary medical supplies.

"What do you mean should be?"

"This strain of roofies I haven't seen before. Not only did she get knocked out but it cut her flow of charka. She has already regained control of her charka, now we just have to sit and wait until she wakes up." Tsunade put the clipboard down and walked to the other chair on the opposite side of me, and took a seat. Her eyes scanned over Sakura almost motherly before her eyes harden and she turned her focus back on me. "How did you know she was in trouble?"

"We were walking to the bar, when I felt her chakra. When it disappeared I became worried. I thought it might have been root related." I squeezed her hand harder as I recall exactly what had happened. When I turned the corner and saw that man kissing her, I lost it. That look in their eyes, what they had planned to do to her, made me what to kill every last one of them.

"Where was Gaara and Naruto? Why was she alone in the alley?" Tsunade bit her lower lip frustrated.

"They were inside the bar. Before we left Sakura expressed that she didn't want them to be informed of what just happened. I think it would be beneficial if the group did not find out. We handled it."

"Kakashi," Tsunade expression soften, "what are your feelings for Sakura?"

What? "She is a dear student of mine and I-"

"Don't take me as a fool Kakashi." Tsunade cut me off and I took a deep breath. "You care for her in more ways than a sensei."

I didn't say anything. I remained silent holding her hand for dear life. What is Tsunade going to do now that she knows? Will she tell Sakura? That thought brought on panic and I locked eyes with her.

Tsunade let out a small chuckle, "don't worry I won't tell her. But I have to ask you a favor Kakashi." I nodded. "Please do not interfere with Sakura and Gaara. Konoha needs this treaty to go into effect."

"What if this isn't what she wants?" I challenge. "What if Gaara doesn't make her happy? Don't you care at all that she is being forced into this?"

"Kakashi I-"

"She has already given up her blood, sweat and tears for this village. Do you expect…do you expect her to give up her heart as well?" I meant for the words to come out calm but each word was laced with anger. Deep down I didn't want Sakura to marry Gaara, because I secretly hoped some day she would be mine.

"Kakashi she is willing to marry a man she may or may not love for the sake of this village. Are you saying I should ignore her wishes and place the lives of all my people at danger because you do not agree with her decision?" Tsunade tried reasoning with me, but her words fell on deaf ears. "Kakashi do not forget that Gaara was the person she ran to when she needed help after Naruto left. Sakura has known Gaara for a long time, longer than she has known you or me. And I know for a fact Gaara loves her. So I am asking as a friend to please leave her alone, and give her time to process everything."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then as the Hokage I will order you to not infer and I will take any precaution necessary to ensure my people stay safe and war is prevented." Tsunade stood from her chair and walked over to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "I'm not saying this choice was easy for me. I look at Sakura like a daughter, but my hands are tired. As the Hokage I cannot allow you to step in and prevent this treaty from going into effect, no matter how much you love her."

"What do you want me to do Tsunade? I just want to make sure she is safe and happy." I whisper in the quite room. For a moment all that can be heard is the beeping of machines.

"If you really love her as much as you claim let her go." Tsunade squeezed my shoulders once more before turning and walking out of the room.

Let her go? I've already tried doing that once, and that lead to her joining the root. But what if she is right? What if I am preventing Sakura from finding happiness with Gaara? I reach down and stroke her face with my palm. I'm too old for you…I've missed my chance haven't I? When Naruto left that was my chance, but instead of being there with you I abandoned you. When you needed someone, I was not the person you turned too. Hell I wasn't even aware you were in trouble until he warned me to look after you. Maybe it's time I walk away, and let you have a chance of happiness, even if that means I don't get to share that part of your life with you.

I stood up from the chair and bent down and kissed her forehead. "I'll always watch over you I promise, even if that means I have to do it form the shadows."

As soon as I stood up the door opens and closes. "Kakashi how is she doing?"

"She is doing fine, just waiting for her to wake up." I turn to face him. "Yamato can I ask you a favor?"

"Off course Senpai."

"Stay here with her until you know she is okay." I walk past him to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Away. I've been told I have to let go." Before Yamato can ask me what I meant I teleport to the memorial stone.

I find Obito's and Rin's names and trace my fingers over them. I already let one team down, I can't have a repeat with Team 7. Sakura cannot suffer the same fate as Rin. I stood at the stone for an hour before I felt another presence.

"How long have you been out here this time Kakashi?" She breathed my name stepping closer to me. I didn't bother to turn around I already knew who it was. We had spent a lot of time together during my anbu days, and I knew her chakra all too well.

"Not long Yūgao."

"I can see you haven't changed much, since our last encounter." Our last visit enters my mind. The panting, the sweat, the sheets all over the floor. We had used each other to feel better when we both felt empty and alone. Our last encounter was right before team 7 reformed. Once Sakura was back in the picture I didn't feel as empty so we stopped. But now…

"Hn." I turn around to walk away when she grabs my hand.

"Kakashi," she closed the gap between us. "Where you going in such a big rush at this hour?"

"Nowhere."

"You look down, why don't we head back to your apartment." It was a demand, not a question. I allowed her to take my hand and lead me. I let her go, and now I felt empty and lost. Now all I wanted was to feel not alone, so I followed her, not questioning or struggling…..


Someone is touching my forehead. Kakashi? I sense Kakashi, but why can't I open my eyes?

All of a sudden all of my senses come crashing down at me and my eyes shoot open. At first I am blinded by a bright light, but after a moment they adjust and I can see I am inside somewhere. Under my hand it's soft, I look to my left and notice I am in a bed. The images from last night come flooding back and I jump up out of the bed. My arm strings as I get into a fighting position.

"Sakura calm down." I whip my body around only to see Yamato sitting in a chair wearing a worried expression.

I relax form my fighting position but I don't lower my guard. "What happened?" Yamato gets up out of the chair and walks over to me.

"What do you remember?" Yamato motions for me to sit on the bed. I look down at my arm to see why it is stinging only to notice I ripped out my IV when I jumped out of bed. I place my other hand over my arm, and they glow green as I repair the damage I just caused.

"I remember going outside and four guys cornering me." I pause for a moment allowing the memories to come to me. "I remember Kakashi showing up and stopping them and then you guys came before I blacked out."

Yamato let out a breath. "Good at least you remember. Why were you by yourself Sakura?"

"I thought I just needed some air….I didn't know they put something in the drink until it was too late."

"How did they drug your drink?" Yamato stood in front of me while I sat on the bed, scolding me like a parent. I already knew how stupid I was. I should have known better, I should've prevent the situation.

"A waitress dropped off the drink, saying they ordered one it for me. I tried it, nothing tasted off. I was with a group and…" I stopped talking not waiting to admit my fatal mistake.

"And your guard was down." I nodded my head yes not wanting to take eye contact. "Sakura, it's okay, none of this was your fault."

"But if Kakashi hadn't stepped in I-"

"But he did. We all stepped in and you were safe."

"But if he hadn't-"

"Sakura, do you honestly think any one of us would have let something so horrible happen to you. You are safe inside this village. We are here for you." When I didn't make eye contact with Yamato he sat on the bed next to me and pulled me into a hug. "Everything is okay. You are okay, you are safe." I nodded and allowed my head to rest on Yamato's shoulder.

"Where is Kakashi-sensei?" I asked pulling out of the hug.

Yamato hesitated before he answered. "He had an important duty Lady Tsunade asked him to do. But he made sure someone would be here with you before he left."

I nodded my head. I could tell in the way Yamato talked that he was lying about something, but I wasn't about to challenge someone who just saved my ass a couple of hours ago.

"Just lay down, I am going to go get Tsunade so she can look you over." I nodded and Yamato left the room. I closed my eyes and all I could picture was Kakashi. He saved me once again, god I will be forever weak in their eyes. I will always be the weakest link in this team. I don't blame him for not wanting to stay, he is probably tired of always having to fix things. I took a couple deep breathes and all I could do was picture Kakashi's face.


"Where the hell did she go?" I question Kankuro as we made our way to the Hokage Tower. It had been three hours since Yamato said she was called in by the Hokage and we hadn't heard anything. It is already midnight, Sakura should be at home resting, tomorrow is going to be hard enough as it is.

"I have no idea, but I am getting tired of her disappearing, without a trace every time she is out of sight." Kankuro mumbled shoving his hands into his pockets. Once Sakura left dinner, Kankuro was put on edge. None of us liked what had just happened. Shortly after Sakura left everyone start heading home not questioning why my pink hair beauty had not told us why she left.

When Temari had enough Shikamaru was nice enough to offer to walk her home, since he passes Sakura's apartment on the way home. But I was annoyed that Naruto and Sai didn't find Sakura's behavior odd. Did they just trusted Yamato because he was their captain? Or did they know something we don't and were just playing along?

Walking up the stairs to the Hokage's office gave a beautiful view of the village. I could see how Sakura spent so many hours leaning medical ninjutsu here in the tower, it had a breath taking view. Even at night the village had a warm glow to it. The decorations for the festival tomorrow where all set up. Ladders hung from every corner and streamers filled the sky between the buildings and stands. Children hung anbu masks they had decorated all over the walls, and you could see posters from the younger children in the academy hung up every couple of blocks.

The people of this village were really into the festival. The will of fire seemed to really come alive. It left me thinking why Sakura-chan refused to attend the festival at all the last couple of months. I understand not wanting to go with a man but with her girlfriends, why had she declined? Where did she go on the night of the festival? Did she hide away, not wanting to deal with the people…with the families? Or did she hide in the shadows making sure everyone was safe that night? Knowing Sakura it was problem the latter.

We reach the Hokage officer and I knock on the door, but the voice that tells us to come in is such quieter than we are used to. We walk in the room there is Shizune sitting at the desk with Tonton in her lap asleep.

"Lord Gaara, is there something I can help you with?" She neatly stacked the files in front of her, giving us her full attention.

"Yes, we were just wondering where Sakura-chan is. Yamato said she was summoned by the Hokage, but that was hours ago."

Shizune flash a weird expression before she regained her composure. "Sakura-chan was called to the hospital. Tsunade is there with her. If you wish I can assort you to them."

"No that's not necessary. We are aware of we're the hospital is." We turn to walk out the door when she calls to us.

"Good luck tomorrow Gaara." I nodded my head, not bothering to look back. No I was to focused on finding out why Sakura was at the hospital.


When Tsunade came in she didn't lecture me, she just check my vitals and asked how I was feeling. I hadn't asked what had happened to the four men and no one had bother telling me, so I was just going to let the subject drop. After Tsunade left the room I told Yamato to go home. He protested until I told him there was work I wanted to do in my office, and would probably be here all night. He left shortly after I went into my office, but not before he made me promise that I could summon him if I wanted to go home.

I felt like crap and it wasn't from the drug that was still running its course within my body. No I felt stupid and weak. How could I allow myself to be put in that position? I had replayed the nigh over and over again. Why did I accept the drink? Why, because I felt safe with my team and my friends. I felt that I could finally relax. But I was stupid for thinking that.

If I had stayed inside I would have been safe, they would have protected me if I passed out but instead I ran outside. I was so afraid of being out of control in front of them I risked my own safety just so I could be away from them. It has already been three year since the injection but every time I feel off I'm afraid the seal as broken and I put as much distance between me and my friends as possible.

If Kakashi hadn't stepped who knows how far those men would have went. If Kakashi hadn't come running in to save the day once again I would still be in a hospital bed. But why didn't he stay? The last couple of times I've pasted out in front of him he stayed, even when he probably shouldn't have. So what happened? Was I just used to him being there whenever things went wrong? I have relied on him to much?

A year ago this wouldn't have happened. No I would have never accepted that drink. The whole reason I go to the bartender instead of ordering through a sever is so I can watch them make my drink. A year ago I wouldn't have been pasted out in an alley needing saving. A year ago I wouldn't have been struggling to balance my team with my root life. A year ago I didn't feel as weak. Yeah but a year ago I wasn't as happy as I am now, or at least was before this whole marriage thing.

I bent down and pulled out the third drawer in my desk and took out the picture. I leaned back in my office chair, holding the photo firmly in my hand. It was an old picture of Itachi and Shisui. It was a photo I had found digging through different Uchiha folders and books. The photo was taken at one of the clan meeting. Both boys were right in their element. They were happy and content to just be next to each other. The photo had been taken because both had been very promising Uchihas, and each's future was promising and bright.

I missed them both terribly. I would give anything to have both boys back in the village, back with me. I sighed putting their picture back in my desk, locking my drawer, both boys had given up everything for the sake of this village and it looked like it was my turn to do the same.

And it was time I stopped blaming Gaara for everything. Yes he should have come to me. And yes the trust was broken, but he was only doing what he thought was best for his people. I couldn't blame him for wanting to make sure no war was prevented. There was no way for him to know what Danzo was planning. I knew I couldn't trust any of the sand siblings ever again, but that doesn't mean I stopped caring about them. I would fight for them to my last breathe and I would like to think they would do the same for me.

They didn't know all the pieces at play there and the game would be easier to beat if they were on my side until I found a solution. I've spent too much time on this manner already there are more important things I need to focus on, like Itachi's eyes and the children. I was about to open up some scrolls to begin looking for a treatment for Itachi when I heard footsteps approaching my office door, so I quickly grabbed a pile of paper work instead.

I heard the footsteps stop at my door but before I could even call out to tell whoever was on the other side to come in, they were already pushing the door open. "Thank god you are actually here." Kankuro sighed as Gaara closed the door behind them.

"Why wouldn't I be here?"

"What the hell happened? We were all drinking and having fun when you sprung up from your seat looking weird and ran outside. Then right before I was about to go looking for you, Yamato comes in and tells us some bull shit excuse about you being summoned to the Hokage tower, only for us to go there and be told you ever never there and that you and Tsunade were at the hospital." Kankuro sucked in a long breath after ranting and I couldn't help but smile as I closed the file of paperwork. There was no doubt Kankuro would fight till his last breath for me if need be, not if he gets this worked up for me being gone a couple of hours.

"Sakura why were you summoned to the hospital?"

"A penitent needed me." Gaara eyed me, studying me, trying to see if my answer was the truth or not. If he didn't believe me he didn't question my story.

"Why didn't you send word Sakura-chan?!" Kankuro whined. By the looks of things Kankuro looked a little buzzed and tired, and Gaara probably had him running around the village trying to find me which didn't help.

"Didn't Captain Yamato tell you?" He nodded. "Then here was no need."

"Your more work than you used to be Sakura-chan." Kankuro folded his arms across his chest like a child pouting.

"Well remember this is my village. This isn't Suna. You don't get to keep tabs on me 24/7."

"Are you ready to go home Sakura?" Gaara asked changing the subject.

"No but I have a feeling if I stay in my office you won't me stay alone." Gaara's expression told me there was no way in hell he was leaving unless I was with him. "But you both look tired, I can finish the paperwork tomorrow morning."

The two sand shinobi waited patiently for me to organize the papers on my desk before we left. We walked silently back to the apartment. I didn't mind the silence, it was kind of nice. The cold air danced around us, and made everything in the air dance along with it. When we reached the apartment Kankuro was quick to head straight into the second bedroom, where I sensed Temari was already asleep.

I said goodnight to both boys before I head to my bedroom. But it wasn't until I turned to shut my bedroom door that I noticed Gaara was right behind me. Was he expecting to sleep in here tonight? "Yes Gaara"

"Are you okay Sakura-chan?" Gaara asked stepping in my bedroom and closing the door.

"Yes why wouldn't I be?"

"I know tomorrow I am asking a lot of you but for the sake of my people-"

"I know Gaara. Tomorrow there is more on the line than just your people. I promise I will do nothing to compromise their safety or the safety of those in Konoha." Gaara looked a little relived.

"Sakura-chan" Gaara reached out and pulled me into an unexpected hug. "I promise I will protect you. Whatever is about to happen I am here for you. I will make sure you are safe whether you are here in Suna or in the Leaf."

"Gaara you can't protect me. No matter if I am in the Leaf or Suna. You cannot be constantly with me, you have a village."

Gaara tighten his arms around me. "True, but I will assign the best people to be at your side."

The way Gaara said that, will assign people, it sounded as if he already had. I pull out of the hug and take a few steps back so I can be eye level without having to look up. "Who?" Gaara looked at me but didn't answer. "Who did you already assign to look over me while I was in the Leaf?" I was angry and I didn't try to hide it.

"Kakashi and Yamato." Once he said those names my heart broke. It wasn't until I got back from Suna that they both started to pay closer attention to me. Was it all just a mission? Or did they actually care?

Gaara tired pulling me into another hug, but my sweet spot was now gone. I grabbed his hands, refusing to make eye contact. "Get out."

"What? Sakura-chan I was hundreds miles away. I need to ensure you would be safe that's why I told Kakashi to keep an eye on you. I knew you were in trouble but there was nothing I could do if I was far away from you."

"You told Kakashi I was in trouble didn't you?"

No answer.

So that's why Kakashi decided to go through my apartment while I was gone. That's why Kakashi knows I'm in the root. That's why Tsunade knows more than she should. That's why Danzo has even more control over me. Because…because Gaara thought I was too weak to hold my own. Gaara thought I was too weak to protect myself.

"Get out now Gaara." I turn my back at him to disgusted to look at him. He stood there for a moment before he turned and left.

I climbed into bed and pulled the covers over myself. I felt like a small child. Everything was being decided for me by everyone but me. Everyone was stilling looking at me like a weak little girl, no one seemed to remember I was anbu ranked. No one seemed to notice all the blood, sweat and tears I put into training so I wouldn't need to be protected anymore. No one seemed to care, so I was done trying.

While I fell asleep, I broke more and more.


"500" I breathe as I ran past the front gate. Today was the big day and it left me tossing and turning all night unable to get comfortable and fall into a deep sleep. No the information I found out last night kept my mind working all night. It was already 7 in the morning. I had went for a longer run today trying to clear my head, but it hadn't worked.

I start my journey home to start getting ready tonight when I pasted by a breakfast place and an idea popped into my mind. Whether it was a mission or not Kakashi did save my ass, I should at the very least drop by and say thank you, or maybe even bring him breakfast. I went inside and order two specials along with two coffees. I add some sugar and cream to both before I change my direction to Kakashi's place.

Walking through the village was somewhat peace. Everything was ready and in place for tonight, so every corner was breath taking. It was nice to be able to take it all in this year. In the past I was placed on guard duty, located outside the village. With everyone being in one location for such a long time both Danzo and Tsunade would assign me to protection detail. But this year was different. While I wanted nothing more than to hide outside the village I had to be front and center, with all eyes on me.

As I walked up the stairs and down the hall to the apartment I got a sinking feeling in my stomach, but I chose to ignore it. Nothing could be wrong at the moment, I was just worried about tonight. So I ignored that little voice inside my head telling me to just turn on my heels and go home and reached up and knocked on Kakashi's door.

It took a few minutes for the door to open but when it did I was taken aback by the image in front of me. Kakashi opens the door wearing nothing but his mask and lose fitting blue pants. His chest is covered in red marks that I can only assume are hickeys and his hair is a total mess, like he just rolled out of bed.

"Sakura" he voice holds nothing but shock. I stare at Kakashi for a brief moment wide eye, not fully understanding what I am seeing in front of me. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to come over with breakfast as a thank you for last night." Kakashi opens the door wider but I don't dare step in. Kakashi widening the door revels a pair of kunoichi's sandals and then it all clicks.

"Oh." Kakashi stands there in the doorway staring. "You didn't have to do that." Before I could say it wasn't a big deal a women walks out of the bedroom. I couldn't do anything but stand and stare at her. There she was pantless, wearing one of Kakashi's long jounin shirts. Her long purple looked destroyed, giving away she said been here all night and that it seemed to be a long one.

Kakashi was right, I really shouldn't have done that. I should have never came here. I should have listen to that little voice instead my head, and ran, ran far away from here. "Here this is for you." I push the two meals and coffee out for Kakashi to grab. He takes it and looks back at me but I can't hold eye contact.

He wasn't with me last night because he was with her. And why wouldn't he be, she is a beautiful women of anbu ranking. Why would he want to be with someone like me when he has someone like her waiting for him.

"Sakura I can ex-"

"By the Kakashi you are relieved of the mission Gaara assigned you." I cut him off not wanting an explanation. I didn't deserve one. We weren't dating. He didn't need to explain why this women was in his house and why you looked the way he did. No he wasn't in the wrong. It was just wishful thinking to think our relationship was anything more than student and teacher.

These last few weeks were because of Gaara. He didn't chose to spend more time with me because he was trying to make up for lost time, no it was because he was ordered to. He was order to watch and protect me like a child. All those personal moments were out of pity.

"Sakura please I-"

"Kakashi Hatake your mission is complete there is no need for your further protection." And with that I disappear in a cloud of cherry blossoms.

I reappear on team 7 trainings grounds. Seeing her…..seeing him like that hurt. It hurt like hell and the last little piece my heart was hanging on for dear life now broke. I let emotions get the better of me. I allowed myself to restore relationships that had been severed and because of it now I was in pain. But I wouldn't make that same mistake twice.

As I started to release my anger and mixed up emotions on top the training fields I felt my inner solider coming out. All the pain, all the lies, all the backstabbing had finally done it. That girl I fought to become these last eighteen months was gone the minute Kakashi opened that door. Now all that remained was the solider because now I don't know how to function as anything else…..


There was only an hour before the festival began and I was stuck waiting in the Hokage Tower with my siblings going over the producer for tonight. Tsunade had it listed out to a t on what was going to happen and when. I had a pit developing in my stomach. I hadn't seen Sakura since last night when she kicked me out. This morning I had went into her room to ask her if I could take her out to breakfast but she was long gone, the sheets were cold.

"Gaara do you have the ring on you?" Temari asks and I pull out the little black box. This damn box has never felt as heavy as it does right now. I know Sakura will not reject the proposal, I just wish she was happy about this. Whenever I pictured proposing to Sakura, I never imagined it was going to turn out this way.

"Are you ready for this Gaara?" Tsunade asks, but I just nod. Are you ever ready to jump into a marriage the other person doesn't want or one that you are being forced into? I could tell Tsunade was getting nervous about the whole ordeal because this was the third time she asked me that question since I came into the office.

"Everything will go as plan there is no need to worry." Shizune squeezed the pig tighter. "But has anyone seen Sakura? She was supposed to be here thirty minutes ago…"

We all looked at one another, knowing damn well no one had seen her. "She will be here, don't worry." My comment was more for my comforter than for anyone else. She has to be here, we have no other option.

As if on cue the room filled with smoke and the smell of cherry blossoms, and once it cleared there was Sakura standing in the middle of the office. Seeing her standing there took my breath away. She looked like a glowing angle that had just fallen from the heavens. Sakura wore a beautiful white dress that was just tight enough to show her tone perfect body. My eyes went a little wide when I notice how much of her chest she was exposing. She had never worn anything like it.

Her beautiful hair flowed in loss waterfall curls that fell past just where the dress started in the back. The way her makeup was applied made her eyes stand out even more than usual. From head to toe she was dressed perfectly. The high heels she wore were such a light pink they could almost be mistaken for an off white. On her wrist sat a diamond tennis bracelet, and her ears held beautiful diamond studs. Around her neck hung a small leaf symbol, and she chose to show off her anbu markings on her arms.

"S-sakura?" Tsunade questions.

"M'lady, Kazekage" Sakura says bowing respectfully.

"Why are you late?" Tsunade snapped

"It took me a little longer than expected to get ready for tonight M'Lady." Sakura straightened up and locked eyes with me. "Are you ready Lord Gaara?" I took a closer at her eyes but something seems off. That spark I was used to seeing in her eyes was gone. Her eyes didn't have any life in them, they were dull. All the glitter and glam she worn couldn't hide the fact her inner sparkle was gone.

"Of course Sakura-chan."

"Well if everyone is ready, you four are dismissed to enjoy the festival for the next four hours before the announcement is made. Try and enjoy yourself." Tsunade dismissed us and we all walked silently outside. I couldn't help but notice Kankuro staring at Sakura, practically eye rapping her form head to toe.

As soon as we reached the main street Temari flew her arms around Sakura. "You look so beautiful Sakura-chan!"

"Thank you Temari, I love your outfit as well." Temari was wearing a purple and red dress that fell about knee length. The sand symbol was drawn on the back as tradition. Kankuro and Temari almost matched as he wore a black suit and tie with a purple long sleeve while his sand symbol was drawn in purple. I was simply dressed in a long sleeved black dress shirt with black dress pants. My sand was left back at Sakura's place. I wanted to look as simple as possible because I wanted this to be about the village, not about me. I already knew that all eyes would be on us, so I didn't want to over complicate things.

"You look gorgeous Sakura-chan." Kankuro comments as we walk down the street. Naruto and the gang were all supposed to meet up at the ramen shop, a couple of blocks from the tower. As we made our way down the street several men stopped and stare at the two girls with us. It was like a repeat from last night all over again and I didn't know how much more of this I could put up with before I snapped.

"Thank you" was the only response he could get out of Sakura, even after trying to start up a conversation. I could feel it, the wall she was putting up around herself, preventing any of us from getting close again. Any questions or comments thrown her way she only replied with very few words.

Once Temari and Kankuro caught on that she was in no mood to talk they backed off, leaving her alone. They already knew how this went. When Sakura first came to Suna after Danzo got a hold of her, she was a very cold person. They knew if Sakura didn't want to talk that there was nothing they could do about it, so they let her be.

As we got closer to the ramen shop I could see Sakura becoming more and more alert. About three shops from the ramen shop she just stops walking and looks up to the sky, scanning the area. I looked up trying to see what she was looking at but there was nothing to be seen. Sakura whipped around and her eyes seemed to be trailing something taking off into the night.

"I'll meet up with you guys before the announcements are made." Sakura goes to jump off when I place my hand on her shoulder, holding her in place.

"Sakura-chan where are you going? You can't run from this, I cannot allow it."

Sakura stares at me for a moment before a smile spreads across her face. "Don't worry, I'm not running away. I just want to check the broader once more before the festival starts. I want to make sure all my men are where they should be." My hand falls from her shoulder and she disappears into the night.

"Do you really believe she is going to check board patrol?" Temari asks as we continue to walk toward the Konoha 11.

"No." I simply answer.

"Then why did you let her leave Gaara. What if Sakura-chan runs?" Kankuro looks around trying to pick on Sakura's charka signature.

"If she runs I will drag her back here kicking and screaming if need be but I do not believe she took off. I think she just needs some air." The rest of our conversation died down after that. To be honest I would much rather be alone right now than with a group of cheerful people.

I looked up to the moon and thought back to the night I decided to ask Sakura to become ambassador. The moon was full and I couldn't help but think if Sakura was looking at the same stars so many miles away. Now I was left standing here under the same moon, the same stars to think if I made the right choice that night. Now I was left standing under the moonlight hoping my fallen angle would come back to save the day….to save me...


My hair danced around me as I followed it. I jumped from rooftop to rooftop and then finally over the wall in search of it, making sure I didn't miss it or lose sight of it. When it finally stopped moving I found myself inside the Uchiha compound, just on the outstretch of the village. Once I noticed where I was my eyes glowed green as I made my way deeper into the houses.

It never frightened me to walk around this place, no that wasn't the reason why my eyes stood ready to use as a weapon if need be. No, I've spent many days in this town, both good and bad. I followed both my brother and Itachi around for hours when I was little begging to be trained, so I could grow up to be a strong ninja like them. I ran in and out of these shops countless of times. The Uchiha people had grown very fawn of me, and I looked at them as family, as allies, not enemies like most of the other Leaf ninja.

If a stranger to the compound was to wander into this sacred place, it wouldn't look as expected. No bodies littered the streets, no blood was spattered on the building. No foul order spread across the land and weeds didn't take over the grass.

No, this place was breathtaking beautiful. It had taken me two years of hard work, and countless shadow clones to do it, but this town, this place, my home away from home looked normal. I had spent countless hours weeding, scrubbing and planting top to bottom.

The damage done to the houses where fixed to the best of my abilities and flowers grew on every corner. These people…my family lost their lives for the sake of the village. Their home should not be allowed to go to shit. The place where they took their last breath should be as beautiful as them. I had turned the compound into a memorial for all those who's lives where taken.

I had created a wall and wrote every single name of those who died that night, my brother's name included. The very last name written on the stone was Itachi Uchiha. That night the thing that made Itachi, Itachi died. He was the first victim to fall that night and with every kill another piece of Itachi's heart died.

I walked up to the stone wall and traced my finger over my brother's name and I smiled. I wonder if he would be proud of me. Would be proud of the choices I've made? The choice I'm about to make? I looked up to the heavens and my smile grew wider. Every time I looked up to the sky I felt at peace, I felt love. Every time I looked in the heavens I imagined him looking back, watching me, protecting me, guiding me.

"What are you doing here?" I traced my hand once more over his name before I turned around and looked into the shadows in the beginning of the tree line.

"You look nice." Slowly he stepped out of the shadows but his body stayed hidden by a black cloak.

"Well, all eyes will be on me tonight, I wanted to look nice. Now what's wrong?" I walked away from the stone and closer to him.

"I wanted to make sure you are okay." He stepped closer and pulled his hood down so I could see his face. Those bright red beautiful eyes were almost hypnotizing. I could spend hours staring into them.

"I am fine. You didn't have to make a special trip into the village for this. If I would have known you were coming I could have had medication and tests ready to go." I lectured but he just shook his head and raised his hand, poking my forehead.

"I am more worried about your health at the moment than mine. Now I have a serious question to ask you and I need you to be honest with my Sakura." I nodded my head in understandment. "Are you safe with him?"

I look at Itachi puzzled for a moment. Safe? I wasn't sure what he exactly meant by that and knowing Itachi, it was a loaded question. "I have no idea if I am any safer in Suna than I am in Konoha but I know Gaara will fight till his last breath to protect me if need be."

"I see."

"How are your eyes?" Now it was Itachi's turn to stand in silence for a couple of long seconds. When he didn't answer right away I knew they had gotten worse. "Let me see." He complied as my hands grew green and I stepped closer.

"Sakura you know I am here as long as you need me."

"Idiot" I mumble as I force my charka into him. "You need me at the moment not the other way around. Worried about you and Sasuke, I can handle this myself." I heard a chuckle escape from the Akatsuki member.

"I like what you did to the place."

"Huh? How do you know I did this?"

"Because no one else cared about us Sakura-chan like you did. Thank you." I smiled as I forced even more charka into him. I didn't need to hold back, I wasn't doing any fighting tonight. I could unfold 3/4ths of my charka into him and still be fine, so that was exactly what I was going to do.

"I wanted your home to be nice when-" I caught myself before I finished. I wanted Itachi to come home, I wanted him and Sasuke to both have a chance at happiness.

"Sakura we have been over this I can't come home, and I am okay with that."

"Yes you can!" I argued. "I just need a little more time and I will be able to prove everything. Sasuke needs his brother. I need you. I can't lose you to Itachi."

Itachi slowly grabs my hands from his face and lowers them down. He stares into my eyes but this time his eyes are normal, and so are mine. "I can't lose you. If I lose you to, I will break." Once the last word leaves my lips I fell as if I can burst into tears at any moment.

"Sakura-chan this is the path I have chosen. I have expected this." He tries reasoning.

"But I don't! How is any other this fair?" I start to tremble as the words come out. Today was already going to be an emotional day, throw in this morning with Kakashi and this unexpected meeting and I was emotionally all over the place. "I've lost him. I've lost you. Sasuke isn't the same Sasuke I loved. I can't-I can't lose you to." As the last words leave my mouth Itachi is already pulling me into a hug.

"Sakura I am still here. I am still here for you." He tightens the hug trying to comfort me.

"But when he kills you what am I supposed to do? I am supposed to be happy about it? Do you really think Sasuke won't find out the truth one way or another?"

"He won't, I know you won't let that happen. But Sakura, Sasuke is still the same deep down. He is still the teammate you fell in love with and care about deeply. He needs you more now than he ever says, whether he realizes it or not."

"Sasuke tried taking me." The words come out before I can realize what I am saying. Itachi pulled out of the hug and locked eyes with me, signaling me to go on. "Orochimaru knows something about me he shouldn't. He sent men to get me, and when they failed he sent Sasuke."

"What happened?"

"He came into my room and drugged me. He picked me up and was trying to leave the village when Kakashi stopped him. Soon Naruto and Yamato got involved and Sasuke's seal broke." Itachi's eyes widened a little.

"How did he get out of the village?"

"I teleported him a safe distance once he knocked everyone out. Don't worry I already put a new seal on him, this one should be much stronger."

Itachi remained silent but nodded as he soaked in all the information.

"Itachi you need to tell Sasuke the truth. He needs to know what really happened that night. He needs to know why you-"

"He already knows all he needs to." Itachi turned and walked back to the shadows. "Sakura-chan everything will be okay I will make sure of it." Before I could even let out a word edge wise he disappears. My eyes glow green once more as I scanned the area but I can't sense him.

Itachi is already gone.


He stood in the shadows watching the event before him unfold. Itachi had just left and the girl was left all alone. He had been watching Sakura for some time now. A year ago she had the misfortune off crossing his path and catching his attention.

He had watched her develop and grow her skills and powers. Soon she would be ready for him. Soon she would play a major role in his plan.

Sakura turned her attention back to the stone and traced her hand over Shisui Uchiha's name once more before she turned and jumped into the distance, making her way back into the village.

"This will be fun in our game of cat and mouse." The stranger figurer in a mask raises his hands, making a circle as he slowly vanishes into the night.