"How have you been holding up? The city treating you good," hums out her mother as she sips her coffee. It was early in the morning which meant the house was quiet. Few lights were on aside from the kitchens and the smell of cinnamon wafted through the air with a twinge of strawberry. Sakura's stomach growled softly and her mother laughed in return. It was good to be home.

"I've been good. I think a change of scenery was all that I needed."

The screech of her chair against the wooden floor causes her to wince slightly as she sits down. Sakura always felt so embarrassed whenever she accidentally made a lot of noise. This was especially true when her father was home and she knew that he was getting some well earned rest upstairs.

"Well, that's good," her mother smiles and Sakura feels just how much she missed her mom settle within her. "You are finally getting back your glow."

"My glow?" Sakura laughs softly, shaking her head. She doubted someone like her glowed. Glowing was for bright and cheerful people like Naruto and Ino. People like Sakura were better left in the dark and away from people. It was better, Sakura had always thought, as they couldn't dampen the others spirits.

"My bright and brilliant young girl."

Sakura looks up quickly and a smile so big comes over her face. Her father was making it down the stairs and her heart was beating so fast she hadn't a clue how she could contain it. It wasn't long before he was close enough that she could stand up and give him a big hug. There were no better huggers than her father. He was a big man and he could completely cover anyone up. His hugs were always warm and she was sure Olaf would approve greatly of his hugs.

"I missed you so much, princess," he says into her hair and she relaxes into him. He wasn't home for the incident. He had only heard everything over the phone and he had only been able to come home just in time to see her off to the city. She knew that he must have agonized over the thought of her in the hospital all the while he was away and she knew that he was very reluctant to see her go when he finally was able to come home. Sakura couldn't even begin to comprehend the amount of pain her parents felt during that whole ordeal.

"I missed you, too," she hums out before turning to allow her mother into the hug. "Both of you."

The rest of the morning went by in a blur. She had breakfast with the two of them and they all caught up with one another. Sakura really did miss her parents and she hadn't realized just how much until she was sitting down at the table with them. It was easy to forgo any kind of feelings when she could bury herself in her school work, but it wasn't as easy when there was no work to be done. School breaks were always when she had to conquer her feelings and it was one of the things she especially dreaded.

"What have you got there?"

Sakura looks up to see Gaara peering from above her at her lap where her dream journal was open proudly. Embarrassed, she quickly shuts it and shoves the pen that she had been using into her bag. She had gotten caught up in her musings and forgot that she was at a very public park. While it certainly didn't make her feel as at peace and calm as the beach once did, the quiet whispers of the trees and the distant sounds of children laughter did an okay job at allowing her to think in peace.

"Nothing," she waves him off as she slips the journal into her bag. She would never hear the end of it if he was able to read the title. "What are you doing here?"

"Avoiding my family," he answers and Sakura raises her eyebrow at that. The unspoken why was there and he groans before sitting next to her in the grass and laying down backwards. "They're just really loud and I'm tired of listening to Sasori and my grandma nag at each other. It seems like not even death can fully bring the two of them together."

"That makes sense. Did your nephew get to come?" Sakura wasn't sure why Gaara would come to a park that has a playground all by himself. He wasn't the sociable type, but then again.. She was here alone by herself, too.

"No. Kankuro doesn't get him for christmas this year and his mom wouldn't make an exception even for grandma Chiyo-"

"Sakura?"

Caught off guard, Sakura looks up and she gives a small smile. "Hey Shikamaru."

"I didn't think anyone else knew of this part of the park," he chuckled as he climbed up the tree that Sakura was leaning against. "This has been my quiet place to escape for years."

"Well, I guess you'll have to share then," Sakura teases before seeing the look on Gaara's face and watching the way that Shikamaru lazily sized up the redhead. "This is Gaara, he's a friend of mine from the city. He's in town to visit family." Turning to Gaara she gestures towards Shikamaru who was staring up at the sky. "And that is Shikamaru, a childhood friend of mine."

"I see," Gaara hums out and squints. There was slight tension in the air but she elected to ignore it.

"How are you, by the way?" She finds herself asking. It was quiet for a moment and she thought he might have fallen asleep like he normally does before he lets out a soft sigh.

"Unproblematic now that you and the others are gone. Especially without Ino, Kiba, and Naruto," Shikamaru hums out and Sakura only smiles. She knew that their group was a rambunctious one but she wouldn't have it any other way. "How have you been? Did you find what you were searching for in the city?"

Sakura pauses to reflect on how she should answer that and it isn't lost on her how Gaara inches a little closer to hear her answer better. He has always been curious about her life before and why she moved to the city like she did. Really, it was a last minute decision but it brought a bit of peace with it no matter how unlikely it was of her to make such a rash decision.

"I think so, yes," she settles for and he leaves it at that.

A gentle quietness settles over the three of them. None of them said a word and instead they all just sat there. Sakura was sure Shikamaru was asleep. The guy could sleep just about anywhere and she hasn't found one place he couldn't. Not even a public restroom.

Even with the playground a little aways, she found the slight quiet and enchanting sounds of the park delightful. She adored the city but she knew that in her heart, she would always prefer this town and smaller city. She just couldn't stomach the main appeal and attraction of Konoha anymore. She didn't think many could after what she went through. Her phone ringing disrupts her thoughts and she chuckles slightly when Shikamaru makes a groan of annoyance at the obnoxiously loud ringtone.

"Hello?" Sakura answers and she ignores the way Gaara watches her. He has always been quiet but with Shikamaru around he was even more so and it bothered her. What was he up to?

Temari's voice came from the other side of the phone, asking what her plans are for the day.

"Well, other than dinner, I'm free all day."

Rolling her eyes, she shakes her head. "Yes, the night, too. After dinner!" She really stresses the 'after dinner' part. She couldn't miss dinner. Her parents really wanted her there and it was rare that she even got to eat with both parents anyway.

"I don't know.. I'm not sure that's a good idea."

She watches Gaara lose interest and she relaxes further into the tree. Crossing her legs she mindlessly rubs her forehead with her other hand. Of course Temari would want to go out drinking. She was a single woman and she wasn't getting any younger. She wanted to have her fun and Sakura couldn't blame her, but she didn't know why she had to be roped into it.

"Fine. I'll go, see you then." Sakura gave in and pulled her phone away from her ear when the call ended. "Your sister is a menace even without Ino around."

"Tell me about it. I've had to put up with her all my life," Gaara grunts out and stares ahead of them. "What did she want?" He asks disinterestedly but Sakura knows better. Nosey little shit.

"She wants to go hit some of the small clubs tonight. You know how she is."

"She sounds like Ino," comments Shikamaru from above and Sakura forgot that he was even there. She laughs out softly at the look on Gaara's face as he gets flashbacks of the two blondes together. No one knew that more than she and he did.

"You aren't wrong in the slightest, but she's actually slightly more tame and more, I hate to say it, mature," Sakura says and Shikamaru just shakes his head.

"Sounds troublesome. It means she's probably smarter, too."

"You would have to meet her to believe it.. Hey, actually, do you want to come with me? It might be fun to catch up and I don't want to be the only designated driver," Sakura asks and she elbows Gaara in the side when he looks like he's going to protest. "Don't even Gaara. You know you are going to give in and drink as soon as Kankuro offers you anything."

"What a drag… I guess," Shikamaru says and Sakura beams. She missed her friend no matter how lazy and sometimes blunt he could be.

Sakura places her dream journal on her desk and she absentmindedly pushes a strand of her hair behind her ear. She could hear the birds chirp outside her window and once again she was filled with the longing to open her window but she held strong. It was too soon.

"Sakura? Dinner is ready," her father calls from the other side of the door and she smiles.

"Coming!"

She follows him down the stairs and helps her mom set up the table. Once everything was situated, they all filled each other in on what they did for the day. When they ran out of things to fill one another in on the day, the atmosphere changed and Sakura picked up on it quickly.

"Honey, we actually need to share something with you," says her mother gently. Sakura's own heartbeat picked up quickly. This could mean anything, but her mind wandered to divorce. She knew it was unlikely as her parents were, at this moment, still showing affection to one another by just holding hands. It didn't seem plausible but her not liking the ocean anymore didn't seem plausible either for a while. Anything was possible. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad."

"Okay.." she lets out slowly and sets her fork down so that Sakura could give them her full attention.

Sharing a nervous look, Sakura's dad decides to be the one to say it. "We're selling the house."

Her heart broke but at the same times filled up with relief and confusion all at once. It wasn't what she expected, but she wasn't sure if this was any better. Sakura grew up in this very house. That bedroom up there was the only room she had ever known. This house holds every and any dear memory to her when it comes to her parents and childhood. "Why?" She asks softly.

This time, her mother speaks. "Well, with you and your dad being out of the house all the time, I get really lonely here by myself." Sakura's heart breaks slightly. She didn't mean to make her mom feel like this, but she could understand it. "Don't get me wrong, I am very proud of you and what you're doing. I would not have wanted you to stay here just to worry about your dear old mother being lonely which is why your father and I have decided that we would share a camper and I'll just stay with him at his rigs and when he has off time, we will travel and even come see you!"

"That sounds amazing, mom, but what are you going to do with all of your stuff?" Sakura couldn't help but ask. They had a lot of items here that have been passed down throughout generations and also different things accumulated over the years just between the three of them.

"We have decided that you can take what you want and whatever doesn't fit in the camper, we will just put in storage or sell." Her dad responds and Sakura nods. That seemed plausible enough, but it still didn't quite sit right with her. Then again, it wasn't really her decision in the first place.

"If this is what makes you two happy then I will help in any way I can," Sakura smiles and she pushes down the bit of sadness that was eating away at her. It seemed like she wouldn't have a reason to come back to Konoha anymore. It was probably for the better though, she did leave first after all, and now there was nothing but friends that would bring her here.

The rest of dinner went by in a breeze after that conversation had passed. Sakura was just happy to be able to spend time with her family when she could. She knew now that any time together couldn't be taken for granted because they were going to be seeing each other much less now and they weren't able to see one another much before.

Sakura supposed that was just part of growing up.

"Hey, who is the hot guy you brought with you? He's not a lover of yours is he," Temari asks as she nudges Sakura when she takes her seat next to her. Sakura almost laughed at the implication of her and Shikamaru. There was no way that would have ever happened, especially not since Ino had dated him.

"His name is Shikamaru," Sakura answers and Temari has to think for a moment before the name clicks.

"Wait, the Shikamaru? Like, the one that Ino complains about whenever anything mildly inconvenience happens?"

"Yup, the one and only," Sakura says. "Now if you excuse me, I'm going to run to the bathroom. Don't scare him off, I don't get to see him often," she jokes before excusing herself. Out of the corner of her eye she watches Temari slide in her vacant spot and start chatting up with the guy. Sakura couldn't tell if it was the light of the club they were in but his face looked a little rosey and Sakura couldn't blame the guy. Temari was beautiful and bold. She could make anyone flustered.

Entering the bathroom, Sakura pauses in the mirror. She messes with the ends of her hair and fixes a little bit of her mascara that smudged. She wasn't a big fan of makeup and she wasn't out to impress anyone tonight, however she knew Temari would skin her if she didn't dress up a little which is why she wore makeup, a floral red tank top with black skinny jeans, and some crimson ankle boots. Sakura was happy with the minimum.

Doing her business, she returns to their booth only to find Gaara there by himself. Raising an eyebrow in question, he just nods his head towards the dance floor where both of his siblings were dancing and, surprisingly, even Shikamaru was there doing an awkward halfway dance. He looked partially constipated and she had to keep from laughing. Sliding in next to Gaara she lets out a soft sigh.

The club was loud and she knew this wasn't her scene, but she hated disappointing people so here she was.

"Do you want anything to drink?" Gaara shouts over the music as he stands up.

"No, thank you! I'm the designated driver!"

She watches Gaara walk towards the bar and Sakura takes this time to look out on the dance floor. Surprisingly, there wasn't just a dj booth but instead a set up for a band as well. She wondered what kind of bands played here. Her attention is caught by Gaara coming back with two drinks in his hand instead of one.

"I didn't want anything-"

"Chill, it's water," he shakes his head and hands her the glass. She rolls her eyes and mumbles a thank you. "How did dinner with your family go?"

"It went well.. I actually found out that they are selling the house," Sakura says and sips her water. "So I really won't have a reason to come back here ever again." Gaara gives her a look and she waves him off. "I'll still talk to my friends. You have no idea how they can get if I just disappear off of the face of earth. They freak out, they wouldn't let me cut them off even if I wanted to," she laughs.

"That's good. Friends like that are hard to come by."

"Maybe not that hard. I have you and your siblings after all," Sakura knocks her shoulder against his.

"I'm sure you thought I was friend material when you saw me drunk as shit coming home before 8 a.m.," he snorts and Sakura rolls her eyes.

"First impressions aren't everything."

"I guess you're right, I mean you're pretty okay and that's better than the dull impression- ow" he groans and rubs his shoulder that she smacked. "I'll admit it, I deserved that."

"Are you going to spend the entire night over here or are you going to come dance with me?" Temari stumbles over to their table, Shikamaru glued to her side and Sakura couldn't decipher whether or not his expression screamed for help or if that was his happy face.

"You know I don't dance," Sakura says and she gives Shikamaru a pointed look to not mention that she could dance, not that he looked like he was going to say anything anyways. It was probably too bothersome for him, she mused.

"Just one song," Temari gave her puppy dog eyes, "please?" Sakura groaned and Gaara chuckled.

"You better give in," he told her and Sakura finally relented. "Here, take this. You're going to need it," Gaara said as he passed her his untouched drink from the bar. When she was about to refuse it, he held up a finger. "I'll drive."

"Ugh, fine."

Temari squeals and lets go of Shikamaru so he can sit in the booths. Sakura laughs at the awkwardness between the two males. She figured if Temari takes too much of a liking towards Shikamaru then the two boys would have to get over it.

As the blonde pulls her onto the crowded dance floor, Sakura downs her glass and hums in satisfaction at the flavor. It was fruity and she supposed it was his plan to give her the drink all along cause he hated the fruity drinks. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Kankuro trying to charm the bartender and she laughed at that. He was failing miserably, poor guy.

"So," Temari starts as she makes small body movements in the crowded area, "What's up with you and my brother? Still nothing?"

Sakura shook her head. She couldn't believe she was having to have this conversation again. "You already know the answer to that. I don't see him in that way," she responded before getting a sly look on her face. "Besides, how are you liking Shikamaru?"

"He's trainable," she laughs out and Sakura shakes her head. "I think he's cute, I might text him some." Temari shrugs and Sakura knew she would get more details later in a more private setting. In the midst of the crowd, someone walks by with a tray of jello shots and Temari grabs a couple and urges Sakura to do the same. Sakura couldn't find too many problems with it, so she obliged. She was of age now so there really wasn't a point in not turning up every now and then.

The first shot wasn't great and left her blinking. "How do you like this stuff?" Sakura found herself asking at the same time that the music in the background picked up a little.

"Don't ask questions, just get ready for another! We're having fun tonight!" Temari shouts over the crowd and Sakura shrugs before downing it.

The girls laugh with one another as they dance together. They were pretty close in proximation, but the two didn't mind. They were best friends at this point and if they didn't look a little gay and flirtatious while dancing together then what is the point in drinking and dancing together? The music was upbeat for a while but at some point it slowed down and Sakura didn't pick up on that fast enough before her slightly erratic movements caused her to bump into someone's chest.

"Oh, sorry," she mumbles out and smiles before looking up at the person she bumped into. The music dropped at that moment and it felt like the whole world slowed around her. Her heart was beating against her chest wildly and she couldn't process her thoughts enough to tell if it was her actually feeling this way or the combination of the alcohol and music. Distantly, she could hear Temari saying "Get it!" before wandering off to see Shikamaru. Some friend.

Sakura didn't mind too much though because the stranger before her had completely captivated her. His dark eyes almost seemed too familiar, but she couldn't figure out why. His short hair framed his face just right to accentuate his strong jaw. He was hot and Sakura couldn't help her fingers reaching up to touch his face just like how his hands had somehow found her hips. She felt a magnetic pull towards him and she followed that feeling and the music as she danced with him to the music. The song was "Artificial Paradise" but she could barely make out the lyrics with the way she was focused on his lips.

"Can you keep a secret?" He asks as he turns her around and wraps his arms around her waist, allowing her a little more movement in which she lightly grinds against him. In the morning, she was sure she would feel embarrassed by her actions but she couldn't care. She especially couldn't care when she caught eyes with Gaara across the room. He was the least of her worries. "I haven't a clue what it means to be free to feel.. Do you?"

"No," she breathes out softly when he presses a light kiss on the back of her neck. She didn't. Most of the time she did things for others, just like her coming out tonight. Her moving to the city was really her first time doing something for her own benefit.

"Shall we find out?" He breathed huskily into her ear and the music and crowd around her was a blur. The only thing on her mind was this man and she turned around quickly. Looping her arms around his neck, pulling him flush against her, she moved a little more freely to the music.

"I would love to," she breathed out as he continued to pepper her neck with kisses.

Sakura hadn't had any kind of intimate action since Sasuke and Itachi. The arousal she was feeling was almost as foreign as the sense of adventure and danger at what she was doing. She felt thrilled and it was most definitely due to the alcohol abuzz in her system. As the man leads her away from the crowd, she waves at Temari who gives her a thumbs up from afar. Double checking to see if she had her phone and wallet, she followed him out of the club and didn't make it far before he was on her.

His kisses were gentle, but his touch was rough. He was everywhere and she didn't know how they made it to his car. She wasn't aware that they were even in the car until she felt the seat against her back. He was leaning over her and her mind briefly flashed to someone with longer hair. As quickly as it happened, it was gone, and she was focusing on this man and his kisses that littered her skin wherever it showed.

He was everywhere at once and she could scarcely tell where he would be next. The entire experience was exotic and foreign. She couldn't even think straight, the only thing on her mind was that she needed more.

His touch was intoxicating and when everything in the car finally calmed down, she had to catch her breath. Sakura's chest fell up and down heavily, her heart beating erratically when he stared down at her like he had been starved and she was the only thing he had been craving. She could feel the arousal building up, but she wasn't keen on continuing in a car.

"Care to take this somewhere.. More private?"

The following morning, Sakura could scarcely remember anything from the night before aside from how amazing she had felt during it all. She was hardly able to let go and just enjoy herself. Never before had she felt as free as she had.

Staring up at the ceiling and the different color of the room, it dawns on her that she hadn't made it home the night before. In fact, she almost knew where she ended up instead. Sitting up quickly, she realizes that she is completely naked and quickly holds the sheet up to her body to cover herself as she looks around the room frantically to see if the man from the night before was anywhere near. Distantly, she could hear the shower running and she felt anxious.

She had to get out of here.

Looking around the room, she quickly finds her clothes and puts them on. The consequences of what had transpired last night weighed heavily on her shoulders. As she texts Temari and the guys to let them know she's okay and going home, she quickly hightails it out of the room. Dread filled her stomach as she took in the house before and the familiarity of it all. Quickly running down the stairs and out the front door, Sakura hurries home.

Collapsing on her bed she cries.

She lets out all of her pent up emotions that she had been avoiding and all of the anxiety she has felt since she woke up. She couldn't believe what she did.

Sakura fucked up.

She couldn't believe that she slept with him.