I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.
Getting to the hospital, she checked on Tsunade quickly knowing she was the only patient she had time to check on. Getting to her office, Ino was there already. Bright-eyed and looking refreshed.
"I have to be quick," Sakura spoke going to sit down
"I heard there are new missions ready. We can always do this later; I know what must be done while you're away. Go, do what you have to do. We'll be here when you get back."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, as long as I get permission to use your office!" Ino laughed
"That is fine. Just try to keep my files how they are, following my patterns."
"Of course. Hyuga-san, can we have a moment?" Ino asked
Giving a nod, Neji took his leave. "What is it Ino?"
"I'm worried about Tsunade, she has not woken up again."
Sighing, "The amount of damage that I'd healed, is just the surface wounds that she had. It goes farther, into the nerves and bones. Even her mind is having to heal. It may be some time before she wakes again, stay optimistic that she will be fine sooner rather than later."
"Alright, I will," Ino answered, not liking it but accepting of it
Standing up, going to the cabinets to grab a couple of things for her pack. "I know it's hard. Hell, I don't want to leave for this mission while she's in this shape. I know you will do everything you can to guide her."
"Before you go, I want to thank you again. For this opportunity."
"You're welcome, you've earned it. Alright, I have what I need. Good luck." Sakura spoke bidding her farewell, opening the door to find Neji leaning on the wall. Ino watched their interaction, watching Neji help with her bag even with Sakura's protest. Then placing his hand on the small of her back, leading them away in the direction of the exit. Curious about what their actual relationship status was; however, it was not something she'd comment on. She'd destroyed that aspect of being in her life.
Heading to the Hokage tower, the village was already on its way to restoring what once was. There was no doubt that they'd be fully functional in a couple of days! With some of the shops already open, providing food to those in need, this brought joy to Sakura. Proud to call this village her home.
Arriving at the tower, they met up with Naruto. Talking a mile a minute, excited to be going on a mission. Sakura wondered if they were going on a mission together. Shizune had them wait as there were groups there already.
"Do you think you'll be gone long?" Sakura asked Neji quietly
"Not sure, I do not see anyone from my team. I also was not required to come as ANBU." Neji answered just as quiet
Sakura's mouth shaped an 'o', but before a sound could come out Shizune was talking. "Uzumaki, Hurano and Hyuga."
Shocked riddled her face, they were going on a mission together? Entering the room, Kakashi sat behind the desk. Papers stacked as tall as she was, if not taller. He did not look pleased; it must be all from when Tsunade refused or started to drink and forgot. Sakura felt for him, this was not what he envisioned he'd be doing.
"Hey Kaka!" Naruto smiled
Sakura smiled, glad to see no resentment from Naruto toward their sensei. "Naruto, Sakura, Hyuga-san." Kakashi started greeting them "You are my last group."
"We got the best one, didn't we? You know how we like the challenging missions!" Naruto cheered
Kakashi looked to the door, seeing Shizune walk in. "It is going to be one that isn't forgotten." Choosing his words carefully
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, noticing how he worded his statement
"This mission has been in the making, or should I say one that has been a long time coming. After word got to us that Itachi had been framed, it was set into motion once again."
"We get to go track down Itachi?!" Naruto perked up
"Not exactly." Kakashi stopped that thought from him, "You three will head to Suna, Gaara has asked for assistance. They had an attack, just a better degree in which theirs turned out. Gaara explicated asked for you Sakura, something about he was done with his brother."
Rolling her eyes, wondering what Kankurō had gotten into now! "After two weeks there, that is where there will be a twist."
"What sort of twist?" Neji asked, not liking how vague this mission briefing was being
"Naruto, you will stay in Suna for the time being. You are to be the Konoha diplomat, you are to learn how our villages can stay resourceful to one another. Sakura and Hyuga-san will continue on to their own mission. You two will travel the Land of Lakes, you will be meeting with someone. You will know who they are, you will work with them."
"How long is this mission to last?" Sakura asked
"That depends," Kakashi spoke
"On what?"
"What is needed from whom you meet."
"Why the hell is this so vague?" Sakura demanded
"I wish it wasn't. I only know so much at this time, this was all set up Tsunade. She had most of this plan in her head. Or so I'm told."
"What is this mission ranked?" Neji asked
"To start it is a simple B rank, after you two go out on your own- it is S-ranked."
"Why am I going on this? I've barely been Jōnin long enough-." Sakura started,
"You were always to be assigned this mission, they were waiting for the right time."
"I don't understand senpai, why do they get to go off on their own?" Naruto whined
Sighing, Kakashi understood why Tsunade drank so much. "They will be dealing with characters that are less than appealing. I need you to just do as I say Naruto, no questions. This part of your mission is becoming ready for the role of Hokage, you do as you are told and what is expected of you." Kakashi's stern voice came out, one that wasn't used often
"Hai." Naruto spoke, surprised at the tone he was being spoken to
"I still don't understand Kakashi." Sakura spoke, "Why me? Why us?"
"Naruto, step out for a moment." Kakashi didn't look up to see the protest "Now." Naruto sneered at him yet did it anyway. "Shizune, please go watch him."
After she left, Kakashi sat back, "I don't want to send you on this mission Sakura. I never thought I'd say these words to either of you; the two of you will be looking for a member of the Akatsuki. You are to be working with two of them. There are no further details for me to go off from. The two of you were selected due to your wits and ability to blend in if necessary. I don't know what will come from this mission, from what I can understand of Tsunade's scratchy notes it won't be a short mission. She chose the two of you for whatever reasonings, ones she chose to not disclose."
"How long do you think it will be?"
"At least half a year." Blanching at that. "We don't have time to continue discussing the smaller aspects of this mission. All will be revealed at a later date, from the point you leave Naruto you must handle it how you see fit. You will have a communication scroll; however, it should not be used frequently. Periodic check-ins are expected. There are details in the scroll." Kakashi handed Sakura the scroll, confused as to why Neji wasn't taking it. "From what I understand, you are the closest to this mission." Kakashi read her face
"What do you mean?"
"You are Captain of this mission."
"Kaka-. Fine." Sakura gave up trying to ask questions. They clearly weren't going to be answered, whether it be he didn't know or didn't want them to know. "When do we leave?"
"I would make sure that your affairs are in order and you say goodbye."
"As soon as that's done, got it."
"Good. Here are these too. There are maps and some money, I made sure that happened. If you run out, the communication scroll is there. If the time comes and you've run out, we'll figure out how to get you more money."
"Okay," Sakura spoke, taking a deep breath and preparing for her first mission in charge
"You'll do amazing Sakura. Be safe and get home. You're both dismissed."
"Hai." They answered leaving, gathering Naruto out of his pity party.
Neji felt that it would be a good idea to go let his uncle know and prepare Hanabi for the prospect that Sakura wouldn't be around. Listening to Naruto grumble the entire way to the Hyuga compound, had him riding Sakura's last nerve.
"Naruto stop this instant. If you don't, I will leave your ass here!" Sakura snarled
"I'm sorry Sakura. I don't like being left out of things; you know that." Naruto defended himself
"Get over it. Once you are Hokage you will have to miss out on things that you wouldn't want to but being as it is in the job description you need to learn it now." Hearing a small hai, they waited outside Hiashi's door. Hearing him call to them to enter, they did
"What a surprise. Come sit." Hiashi spoke, pointing to the seats next to Sasuke
"We can't be long, there is a mission that is waiting." Neji spoke
"Oh, why stop before going?"
"Hurano-san and I will be away for an extended period. We wanted to make sure that you were informed."
"I see, are you prepared?"
"Yes, we have our packs."
"Do you have money?"
"We got some from the village that should tide us over."
"That won't do, here." Hiashi stood, going to the cabinet and bringing over a pouch. "This should help to ease any financial problems."
"Uncle?"
"It is fine Neji, you both may need it. Please take it." Neji sighed, holding his hand out
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Thank you, Hiashi-san"
"You're both welcome. Be safe on your journey, are you able to communicate with the Hokage?"
"Hai. We will make sure that word is sent to you about how it is going." Watching him nod
"Good luck," Sasuke spoke up
"Thanks." Sakura answered, "We have to get going. Duty calls, will you tell Hanabi for me please?"
"Of course." Watching him nod, they took their leave.
Once outside of the compound, Sakura pulled the map out. Figuring on an acceptable place to stop for the night, which was agreed on. They got to the gate taking off. Naruto took the lead with Neji following Sakura who was in the middle. There was silence, Sakura wasn't sure if she should be thankful for that or not. Naruto was upset that he was being excluded, Sakura knew from experience what that felt like.
They traveled just beyond where Sakura wanted to, leaving more daylight for the next day. Setting up camp, Naruto hadn't uttered a word to them. He ate a quick meal, then settled into his bed. Sakura felt bad, she wasn't sure what to say to make him feel better. Laying near Neji, with enough distance to not give Naruto any ideas.
Morning came quickly, followed by a quick meal. Getting back on the road, there was silence for most of the way. Naruto finally seemed to crack as they were nearing the border. Whether it be from trying to put a good face forward or the silence was internally driving him mad. Whatever it was, Sakura felt better to hear his voice echoing toward her. Slowing down, knowing that the village gates were coming up. Not sure what to expect, they walked the remainder of the trip. The sand hitting and nipping at their exposed skin.
"I hate the sand," Naruto uttered
"I agree," Sakura answered, she'd been here a few times in the past and it never got better
Reaching the gate, the guards welcomed them in. With one of them taking them into the city, the sand subsided to an extent. Sakura would find sand in places she didn't realize could hide, each time a new place! Noticing they were being directed to the Kazekage's office. Glad that they didn't have to open their mouths any more than necessary! Sakura hated having sand in her mouth, it was like dry mouth but with grit.
Entering their tower, they walked up the steps leading to the offices. Sakura recalled it, even though it had been some time since she'd last been there. Stopping, the guard knocked on the door, not waiting for a response.
"Wait here, he'll be out for you momentarily." The guard spoke, leaving them in a small sitting area
"Thank you," Sakura announced before he left, going to take a seat. Surprised he didn't have an aid like their Hokage.
Her legs had a small ache to them, one that only came with long-distance running. It was something she enjoyed the feeling of, it was one of the many reasons she'd missed missions farther away from home. Noticing that Naruto took a seat beside her, then Neji remained standing.
Not before long, they heard shouting. Sakura could almost distinguish that it was Temari's, she couldn't be sure with the other voice yelling back. Hearing the door slam open, Temari appeared.
"Do what you want! He's all yours, have fun!" Temari growled storming away
"Wow, can she have a worse temper than you?" Naruto asked
"You want to find out?" Sakura stood, asking him back almost smiling
"No." Watching him shake his head with disdain
Smiling, she headed into the room. Spotting Gaara sitting behind his desk, head in his hands. "Good Afternoon, Kazekage." Sakura announced her group
Watching him look up, "There is no need for formalities Sakura."
"I am the captain of my team, so at least to start there should be."
Watching him smirk, "Good for you Hurano-san. Welcome to my village."
"Thank you."
"Gaara! How's it going?" Naruto smiled brightly at the sight of his friend
"Hello Naruto, Hyuga." Gaara spoke, "Have a seat so we can discuss what is expected out of you."
Listening to him, they sat down. "How can we help?" Sakura asked
"As you may or may not have heard, we too were attacked. It was a frivolous attempt but an attempt nevertheless, we have some wounded. Kankurō was poisoned, he's in a delirious state. We have a few other wounded that require some care."
"Alright, I can do that."
"What about me Gaara? Am I going to kick someone's ass?" Naruto spoke cheekily
"Not exactly, you are going to be following me around. That way you get an idea of what is expected of a village leader. With time, you can even help me with paperwork."
Sakura smirked, "Oh, awesome!" Naruto was excited to spend almost every minute of the day with his friend.
"For you Hyuga, you will be aiding Sakura with what she needs. After your work is done, you both can enjoy some leisure time."
"There is nothing else that we can do?" Sakura asked
"No, I heard that this is just the stepping stones for your next mission. You are more than welcome to explore our libraries, Sakura. I heard that you are wishing to learn more about medical practices. As you already know Lady Chiyo, had numerous journals. Maybe now that you have the time you can look at them."
"Yes, I could do that. Hyuga-san could be of assistance to me."
"Of course." Gaara agreed, "One last thing if it is possible could you speak with my sister? She's been stressed lately and won't speak with me. This is not part of the mission; it is more of what you call a favor."
"Of course."
"Alright, now we can start tomorrow if you'd like."
"No, I'd like to visit with Kankurō. Running doesn't expel enough chakra for me anymore!" Sakura smiled
Nodding to her, "Of course. Enough of the formalities."
"Fine. How have you been? That is with the exception of what happened last night."
"I have been, okay. Leading is much more difficult than expected, having those look to you for all the answers. It tedious to have all the answers."
"I'm sure you're doing fine!" Naruto smiled
"That's what Temari has said."
"Oh, that was her agreeing with you?"
Listening to him laugh was something not everyone heard, "No, she disagreed with bringing in Konoha's help. Supposably she and Nara are having a fight currently, it should only last a day or so before she is over it."
"What did he do this time?"
"He won again, that shoji board game."
"Oh, they're playing by mail! I heard Shikamaru complaining at the hospital." Sakura leaned back
"I wish that he would finally ask her to marry him."
"Why's that? Get her out of your hair?" Sakura chuckled
"Exactly!"
"But that means she'd leave you!" Naruto spoke up
"She would be happier with the person she loves."
"Well, it should be that simple!"
"You are right Naruto. Should we begin to the hospital?" Gaara asked, changing the subject. A conversation he was beginning to feel uneasy about
"Sure." Sakura shrugged, standing up
Watching him stand he wrapped himself in his cloak, "I will have Temari get you cloaks, that way they fit. Rather than just the standard fit ones, people complain about them all the time."
"We're fine with just the standard ones."
"No, I insist. Tomorrow morning, I will make sure that you have them."
"Fine. You are the Kazekage." Sakura shrugged, giving in
Naruto moved to walk next to Gaara, starting to talk about what he did on a daily basis. Glad that he took over, "You're overly friendly with him." Neji leaned in whispering in her ear
"No, I wasn't," Sakura whispered back, stopping to take the offered cloak. Stepping out, the sand hitting them. "I'm just being my normal friendly self."
"Mhmm," Neji smirked, knowing she couldn't see it
"Are you jealous of my friendship with him? You have nothing to worry about." Sakura smirked
"No! I was just stating a fact." Neji sneered, annoyed that she'd think he was jealous
"You're cute when jealous." Hearing the mocking tone in her voice
Before he could respond, they were in stepping into the hospital. Not that he had a good comeback for that. Following them to the third floor. Sakura could hear Kankurō before they saw him. The one tail tell sign that he was poisoned, as this is how he always acted. The last four times that she had to come to bail him out, no matter what it was, she had to deal with the yelling.
Watching Gaara come to stand outside one of the doors, the annoyance showed on his face.
"If you couldn't tell, he's in there." Gaara rolled his eyes
"Alright, I've got it from here." Sakura smiled, "You boys go and have a bonding moment."
"Great idea Sakura!" Naruto smiled, throwing his arm around Gaara dragging him back to where he came
"You too," Sakura smirked
"I'm supposed to be helping you," Neji smirked
"I got this."
"I want to make sure." Neji moved closer
"Get out of here." Sakura laughed, pushing his chest
Grabbing the hand that was pushing against his chest, "What if I don't want to?"
"I guess you could stay and help me. It will be boring, just as a forewarning."
"Nothing with you is ever boring," Neji smirked seeing her small blush
"I don't know about that, I'm sure I could get boring."
"That is doubtful." Neji leaned in
The blush came forward, even though she tried to suppress it. Having him let go, they headed into the room. Kankurō rambling aimlessly, grabbing her things to lay out. Laying it out, she started to boss Neji around getting to work.
After an hour or so, they found the cure. On top of that Sakura healed him up some more. Positive that the medics would appreciate the sleeping jutsu that she placed on him. At least now, everyone could rest easy. Checking on him in the morning to see how his wounds were healing, with the possibility of lifting the jutsu. Walking out the door, Sakura stretched.
"That felt great!" Sakura smiled, going to grab her bag from Neji
"I've got it."
"No, I can take it." Going to grab it
Moving it out of her reach, "Nope. I held vials. You took the poison out of Kankurō, then figured out how to cure it."
"Oh, whatever. I'm hungry, we missed lunch."
"Let's go eat then we can figure out what to do afterward," Neji spoke
"Alright, who knows what the hell Naruto is doing to Gaara now."
"Talking his ear off!" Temari spoke behind them, smiling
"Hey, Temari!" Sakura stopped
"How's it going?"
"Your brother is healing up nicely."
"Oh, thank god! I was going to kill him; dumbass always ends up in these predicaments. Thanks to you, he tends to survive them. Hopefully, he learns this time around." Temari started moving with the other two following
"You'll have to find a medic with poison knowledge to stop him from being a dumbass."
"Why, when we have you to come to save the day?" Temari joked
"I might not always be available to come and help!"
"Then let the bastard die."
"You say that now, you would miss him."
"Yeah, you're right. He's a good punching bag, gotta keep him around."
"Very funny." Sakura laughed, "So what can we do now?"
"What was the plan?"
"Gaara wanted us to get comfortable today, then start tomorrow. Kankurō was number one priority, from what I've seen the other patients aren't that bad."
"Then go enjoy your day."
"Oh. Okay, then I'm going to find food." Sakura announced
"Here take this." Tamari pulled out a couple of stubs, "This is a good restaurant, tell them I sent you there. Shika takes me there every time he's here."
Taking the stubs from here, "Thanks! Really appreciate it."
"Get going before they get busy! I'll see you tonight, meet at the tower so that you'll know where you're sleeping!" Temari walked by them leaving them
"Well, I guess we should get going!" Sakura smiled, starting to hurry
Hurrying through the streets, seeing it a time or two during her stays here. Leading the way, the cloak helped to ease the wind. Getting to the restaurant, there was a couple of people ahead of them. Waiting patiently, Sakura looked around at the little shops. During some of her free time, maybe she could check some of them out. She had her own personal stash of money that could get herself something small.
"Hey, something on your mind?"
"I want to check out the shops, maybe get myself something small. It's something I've done since starting away missions. Whether it be a kunai or a hair piece, just a momentum from my trip."
"If we're done before we have to get to the tower, we can go."
"You've done so much shopping with me, I'm sure you're tired of it."
"I enjoy your company, haven't you realized that?"
Stopping their conversation to be seated, "I – don't know."
"I do. I don't let just anyone sleep in my room with me." Neji gave a small smile
"Good, that could get creepy." Sakura smiled back
Taking the menus offered to them, they ordered their drinks. Looking over the menus, Sakura found something quickly. Taking this moment to take a look at the restaurant, noticing how- quant it was. Seeing how the tables were only for two people, seeing only couples there.
"Oh god," Sakura whispered, not noticing she spoke aloud
"What's wrong?"
Looking at him surprised, "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yeah, you did." Giving her a questioning look, "What's wrong?"
"Did you notice what type of restaurant this is?"
Neji took a moment to look around. Watching his eyes widen slightly, then smirked. "So, Temari thought we were a couple."
"I- we. That." Watching how flustered she was, with the blush. He enjoyed that he was the one to be able to cause that
"Is that a bad thing?" Neji asked, concerned that maybe he was taking her actions wrong
"No!" Sakura spoke louder than she intended, "It's just- we haven't really discussed what we are. We've only discussed taking things slow."
"I'm not disagreeing with taking things slow, maybe it's time to change things."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, wondering if he meant what she thought he did
"Be my girlfriend."
"We're about to go on a mission for who knows how long-."
"It's crazy, yeah the thought is very unlike me."
"Oh, no doubt!" Pausing to make their lunch order, "With your free time, I think you've gone a little crazy."
"Maybe. You definitely make it harder to think around." Neji sat back, watching to see her reaction. Watching him back, trying to understand what was happening. He was acting out of character; he was normally the serious one. Their roles reversed somewhere on the trip here. "What is on your mind?"
"You." Sakura answered, just not sure about the loop he was throwing at her
"I'm flattered. Except there was a more intricate answer expected."
Sighing, "I just don't know. We're on a mission currently, then to go on a mission for at least six months. You're normally the professional one! Where I'm normally the more carefree, you're just not making any sense to me."
Sitting up at the table, Neji grabbed her hands in his. "Stop overthinking things. For the most part, this mission is more of a leisure hour. Our next one is going to challenge us far more than any other."
"That's my point, why take this leap going into it?"
Shaking his head, "All I was thinking was that, maybe if people are thinking we are a couple and we both share the same feelings we should make it official." Neji shrugged, "If you don't feel comfortable while on this mission we can wait. I don't want to push you into anything you're not comfortable in."
Taking in what he said, she did want it. More than anything! "I don't want to ruin what we have; we don't know what is ahead."
"As Naruto has said before, we never know what lies ahead."
"But we're dealing with the enemy! It makes it that much more unreliable."
"Fine. I'm sorry to bring it up." Neji spoke, trying to not get frustrated with the woman a cross from him
With food sitting before them, there was a silence that hung over them. Not liking the tone that Neji used in finishing their conversation, Sakura was scared. Not just considering what happened the last time she'd liked someone. He was the one she'd given rights to for her clan, he was her friend. Knowing how she fucked up relationships, this was one that she enjoyed too much for it to be destroyed. Frustrated that she was who she was.
'Stop being a dumb ass then. Let yourself have this one moment of happiness." Shocked to hear her inner be so- thoughtful?
'What do you know? You get to live peacefully in my mind, you don't have to deal with the physical world.'
'I am you; you twit! You just don't want happiness; you'd rather be a miserable old sod before taking the happiness that is right in front of you!'
'Shut up!'
'You're only getting mad because I'm right!'
"I have to go. Thank you for the lunch." Sakura spoke standing suddenly, throwing the stubs down
Before he could react, she was already gone. Feeling the eyes on him, he wasn't sure what to do.
"Do you want your food boxed?" The waiter asked him
"Yes please." Watching him do it quickly
Trading the boxes with the stubs, he hurried to follow Sakura. Not sure what had come over her, she'd looked deep in thought. It was as if she was fighting with herself. Stopping dead in his tracks, she was! 'Fuck.' Remembering back to the mission of extracting information from Sasuke, then having Sakura talk with him. He talked about her inner self; Sakura didn't elaborate on that afterward. Feeling the need to find her, activating his kekki-genki he spotted her sitting on a bench. Moving quickly, he saw her head in her hands. She wasn't crying, yet he could see the stress on her shoulders.
Taking the seat beside her, he set the food beside him. Wrapping his arm around her, bringing her to him. "What can I do to help?"
"I don't know."
"Okay." Neji held her in his arms, making sure the sand didn't scrap her face
Sitting there in Neji's arms, she started to finally calm down. Her inner finally silencing, the internal battle of fighting with oneself. It used to be simple thoughts before turning into what it was now. Over barring. Leaning into Neji's embrace, allowing herself to finally enjoy their moment.
"I'm sorry," Sakura uttered
"Don't be. Whenever you are ready, I will ask you again." Neji spoke back softly
"Ask again." Sakura hoped he would, thinking over how ridiculous she'd been
Neji smirked, "Are you sure?"
"Yes, before I change my mind." She said, joking with him
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes."
Glad that her face wasn't facing him, feeling the blush creep up. "Want to go check out the shops? We still have some time before we meet with Temari."
"Yes, I'd like that." Sakura smiled leaning back; she could see the small blush that his cheeks held
Neji stood, holding his hand out. Sakura took it, expecting him to drop it after she stood. However, he kept a hold of it. With their food in one hand and Sakura's in the other, Neji led them back to the shops.
Taking the walk back, Sakura could feel the callouses on his hands. Yeah, he'd helped her up before. This time she could feel them against her own, showing the time that was put in for training. Walking to the first shop, they started to browse. Taking their time to view each stand, Sakura loved to see all the goodies that each merchant had to offer. Not seeing anything that caught her interest, Neji had been looking at one of the new wallets.
Before he could get his money out, Sakura beat him to it. "What are you doing?"
"Well, I didn't get anything for your birthday. You wouldn't tell me, so think of this as a late birthday."
"Thank you, you didn't have to."
"I know, just like you didn't have to buy me new chakra gloves!" Sakura smiled, taking the bag and change from the merchant
"We should head back to the tower, Temari is probably waiting for us." Neji announced seeing the sun starting to set
"Alright, I didn't realize it had started to cool down." Walking in the direction of the tower, "Are we telling people? I'm not trying to hide it, it's just with the extended mission we're about to go on."
Watching him start to think, "It might be something we should keep to ourselves, let us work out some of the kinks on our own."
"That makes sense. Plus, we are still on a mission. We have to maintain a certain status-quo."
"Okay," Neji spoke, giving her hand one last squeeze before dropping it
Not liking to admit it, she missed feeling her hand in his already. Feeling overly dramatic about it, she could see the tower come into view. Temari was leaning against the wall, Naruto and Gaara standing by. As soon as Naruto saw them, he started waving. Waving back, Sakura put some pep in her step.
"Hey! Sakura-chan!" Naruto welcomed them
"Hey, all."
"Did you two have a good meal?" Temari asked
"Yes, the portions were large. Thank you." Sakura smiled
"Welcome. Are you ready for some shut-eye?"
"Yeah, then we can get going bright and early!"
Moving to walk with Temari, leaving the boys behind them.
(I took a small break to try and finish the epilogue. It was harder than expected to finish this story. I hope you enjoy, please leave it love if you do!)