I lean forward on the railing looking down onto the village. This had always been one of my favorite spots in the whole village, it had the perfect view. I watched as light after light was turned off, and the roar of the village died down as people deiced to return home and go to bed. I smile as the wind passes through me, making my hair dance in the night.
I left out a long breath and looked up to the Hokage Monuments. All the previous Hokage had died protecting this village. They died protecting the Will of Fire, hoping they left the children a better future. I turn back to the village, my smile now gone as I try to think of a solution to my situation. I loved this village with all my heart and would die protecting it. He died protecting this village. In the end he deiced the village was worth more than his own life, more than his own clan.
I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought about that option. He commit suicide for the sake of this village, though none of the villagers know of the sacrifice he made. When I was younger I didn't understand why. I blame him for being too weak and too scared to face the problem head on, and thought he simply chose the easy way out. But now that I'm older, I understand it perfectly. Death was not the easiest option, it was the hardest.
He could have ran, ran far away from Danzo, from the Leaf. But he didn't. He chose to stay and fight, which is the only reason why I hadn't fled. I couldn't leave this village and run from my problems when his spirt was still in the village. How could I turn my back on these children? How could I leave knowing no one was here to watch Danzo?
I bite down on my lip frustrated. I hadn't found any answers to my questions. My body was now cold. I had been out here for hours. I didn't feel like going home, no Gaara was there. I didn't want to go to Naruto's either, I didn't want to deal with the questions. All I wanted was to stay up here all night, thinking, hiding away everyone.
I knew it wasn't Gaara's fault but I was pissed off. He had known about this for a while now, I could tell when his eyes filled with guilt. Why didn't he send word and give me a heads up? Why didn't he trust me enough to let me know what was going on?
But more important why didn't he give me a choice? Did he really think that little of me? Did he really think I would say no, knowing what that would cause? When I asked him if he wanted to marry all he said was he had strong feelings for me. What kind of half assed answer is that? I thought we were developing feeling for one another, but I guess I was wrong. How could I be so stupid?
"You stay out here much longer and you will catch a cold." His voice filled my ears and my heart skipped a beat. He had spiked his charka before he spoke, trying to alert me he was there but I was too deep in thought to notice.
"That's the least of my worries at the moment." I comment back, refusing to turn and look at him. I continue to stare at the village as I hear him make his way closer. When he is right behind me he pauses for a moment before I feel him place his hands on the railing. I can feel the warmth from his body on my back. He trapped me between the railing and him.
"Sakura-chan." He whispered in my ear, and I feel a shiver go up my spine. "Please turn and look at me." The way his voice comes out I couldn't help but melt at his words. I turn around and face him.
"Kakashi-sensei." As soon as I lock eyes with Kakashi a flood of concern washes over me. "What's wrong?" I reach up and place my hand on his check. His eye shows panic.
"Where have you been Sakura-chan? We have been looking everywhere for you." He removed his hands from the railings and stands straighter, creating a bigger gap between us. My hand falls back to my side.
"You must not have been looking very hard because I have been here the entire tine. Whose we? Why are you guys looking for me?"
"Gaara saw us at the training fields. He told us you disappear after the meeting and that he couldn't find you. Naruto, Sai, Yamato and I have been looking all over for you." To my surprise his voice holds no annoyance. He doesn't seem mad at me for having to come and find me. "Why are you up here this late at night?"
I turn and look back down at the village. "This has always been my favorite place to come and think." My eyes remain locked on the Hokage Tower as Kakashi steps to my left and leans against the railing next to me.
"What is wrong Sakura-chan?" He looks at me but I just shake my head. I couldn't tell him, he would do something stupid if I did. No I had to keep Danzo's threat a secret until I could find a way to deal with it.
"Kakashi-sensei I have to tell you something, though you are not going to be happy about it." I wasn't sure how Kakashi was going to take the news but I figured it would be better for him to find out now, than at the festival.
"Sakura you know you can tell me anything. I will always be here for you." All of a sudden I felt a gloved hand covering mine. His warmth sept into my cold hand. He squeezed my hand telling me to go on.
"During the festival Gaara is going to ask for my hand in marriage."
"What?" Kakashi's grip tightens. I know he is angry. His charka changed, it was no longer warm.
"In order for our treaty to go into effect Gaara and I must wed. If I say no to the proposal the current treaty we have will be voided and our two feudal lords will declare war on one another." I pause for a moment, allowing all the information to sink in.
"Do want to marry Gaara?" Kakashi finally spoke after a long moment.
"It doesn't matter what I want. I have no choice but to marry him." Did I want to marry Gaara? I wasn't sure. All my feelings were so mixed up. The gray area kept getting bigger and bigger and I was starting to miss the days when I only saw black and white.
"Sakura-chan….does Gaara make you happy?"
"He used to. We have been friends for a long time. But marriage? I don't know if that was something I even wanted." I could feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Every decision, every move I made had to be calculated perfectly. One wrong move and people will die, children will die and their deaths would be all because of me.
"Sakura-chan it is going to be okay I promise." I turn and face Kakashi. Was he not going to question what we could do to stop this? Was he not going to ask me a million questions? All I could do was stand there and watch as he pulled me into a hug. I stood there for a moment not moving. I could feel the warmth radiating off of him. After a long moment I raised my arms and tightened them around his waist.
"Thank you," was all I could manager as I pushed my face deeper into his chest. For the first time since the morning I felt like I could finally breathe.
"Naruto do you have any idea where Sakura-chan can be?" We had been searching for the past four hours for Sakura, and had come up with nothing. Even when I ran into her team and got them to help, we still hadn't progressed.
"No, but maybe Kakashi-sensei found her. Ever since she got back from Suna they have been spending more time together. I bet he knows where she likes to go and hang out." Naruto, Sai, Kankuro and I walked down the streets of Konoha looking in and out of shops hoping to spot her.
"Oh really?" Kankuro was more annoyed than I was. He was still tired from traveling yesterday and wanted nothing more than to go home and sleep. Kakashi was not Kankuro's biggest fan either. "Why have they been hanging out?"
"Well ever since the attack Granny Tsunade assigned Kakashi to Sakura."
"What attack?" I stopped walking in the middle of the street. Had Sakura been attacked on her way home and I wasn't informed?
"Did Sakura not tell you what happened on her way home from Suna?" Naruto looked at me like I was stupid. Was this attack supposed to be common knowledge because Sakura sure as hell didn't tell me and Tsunade never once brought it up?
"You're an idiot dickless." Sai flashed me his fake smile and Naruto looked between us confused.
"How am I an idiot?"
"It's obvious Sakura didn't tell them what happened." So Sai is back to calling her by her actually name now? What has been going on since she returned to the Leaf?
"What happened?" I asked, still waiting for my answer.
"Sakura was returning from Suna when she ran into a basecamp of sound ninja. She took them down but ended up running into Sasuke in the process." Sai explained. "She returned home with a hostage and just a cut in the shoulder. She was fine."
"Why wasn't I informed?" I asked the two Leaf ninja in front of me, though I doubt either one of them had the answer.
"It didn't seem like a big deal and it's not like Sasuke succeed in-" Sai quickly smacked Naruto in the back of the head, shutting him up. "Owww! What the hell Sai?"
"If she didn't tell them about being attacked on the way home what makes you think she told them the second part dickless." Naruto sent him a glare but quickly nodded and stopped talking.
"What happened with Sasuke?" Kankuro sent daggers toward Sai but he just kept his mouth shut.
"Naruto?" I question.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have even told you the first part. It's not our place to say. You will have to ask Sakura-chan when we find her."
I shook my head and started walking again. Where in the hell could she be? We needed to talk. She couldn't just run away from this, my questions weren't going to just go away.
After walking around the main streets for another thirty minutes we all decided the best thing to do was to go back to the apartment and wait. We walked into the apartment to discover Temari and Yamato sitting on the couch. They had broken off into a team, while I went off with the boys and Kakashi opted to go alone.
"No luck either?" Temari asks as I take a seat next to her.
"No."
"Sakura has always been good at hiding when she doesn't want to be found." Yamato stated as he got up and refilled his coffee cup.
"Thank you that's very helpful." Kankuro voiced held nothing but sarcasm as he made his way to the second bedroom. When he got inside the room he slammed the door. I just look at Temari and she just closed her eyes and leaned back into the couch. We both knew how worried he was for Sakura-chan. I also knew he was still pissed off that he was not the one who was going to be marrying Sakura-chan.
"What crawled up his ass?" Naruto asked as he sat down on the floor with a cup of noodles.
"We have had a very long day is all Naruto." Temari calmly explained. Naruto reached down and grabbed the TV remote and turned it on. He flipped through the channels for a couple of minutes before he found some TV drama show. We watched the show in silent for an hour. Naruto had eaten three cups of noodles before passing out on the floor. Sai and Yamato were sitting on the second couch just staring at the TV not talking. They seemed to be deep in thought, and no one seemed to want to share.
I look to my left to find Temari asleep leaning against my shoulder. I smile and lean back trying not to disturb Temari. Six years ago she wouldn't have been this close to me, let alone be comfortable enough to fall asleep touching me. When Sakura first came to help train our nurses, she really started to change me. I became more open, more caring. I started to cherish those around me and that's when my relationship with Temari and Kankuro started too changed. Without her I would not have any type of healthy relationship with my siblings. Just being around her made me want to be a better person. She brought out the best of me, and I was terrified that I was going to lose her. I don't think I could function without Sakura in my life.
I was getting nervous. Sakura should have been home by now, it was already eleven. I look at Yamato and Sai and they seemed half asleep. Those two didn't seemed to be worried about not knowing where their teammate was and it was pissing me off. Finally I was fed up with not knowing where Sakura was so I got up. I carefully laid Temari down on the couch so she could get better sleep. I went to go walk into the kitchen to put my mug down when I heard footsteps at the door.
Yamato and Sai seemed to pick up on the noise as well because their eyes were now locked on the door. I slowly inhale as the door opens, Kakashi walks in and shuts the door. I take a step closer toward the door confused to why he would close it if Sakura should be right behind him…unless he didn't find her. Panic quickly built within my chest. If Kakashi was the closet person to her and he couldn't find her, what chance would I?
"Kakashi?" Yamato questions getting up off the couch.
"She is fine." I breathe. But if she is okay why isn't she here? Where is she? Kakashi and I lock eyes and he glares at me. "She wasn't missing Gaara. She has been doing border control."
What? Tsunade didn't say anything when we left the office in search for her. "Where is she now?" I ask returning his glare.
"Working. She will be home in the morning." He looks at Yamato and Sai and nods. Before I could even question Kakashi, he is walking into her room. I stand in the living room a moment debating over what I should do. I didn't know if I should wait in the living room for her to return home, take off in search of her or follow Kakashi into the bedroom and demand to know what the fuck has been going on.
Finally something inside me snaps when I heard things being moved around in her room. I walk into her room to find Kakashi putting one of her sweatshirts into a bag. "What are you doing?"
Kakashi didn't look up for his task at hand. "I am bringing a few things to Sakura."
"Where is she?"
Silence.
I felt my blood boil. "Kakashi where is Sakura?"
Silence.
"Is she safe?" I ask hoping he will at least tell me that. Hoping he will at least give me some comfort in knowing she isn't in any danger.
"Yes." Kakashi zips up the backpack and heads to the door, stopping right past me. "Hurt her and I will kill you." Before I could process what Kakashi just said he is gone.
Hurt her? Why would he think I would hurt her?
I walk into the living room to see Yamato and Sai are also gone. Temari was still asleep on the couch and Naruto was still on the floor. What the hell just happened?
I appear in front of my apartment door, and pull out my house key. When Sakura and I released from the hug I told her to use her spare key and go to my apartment. I wanted her out of the cold. I wanted her in a safe place. But most of all I wanted her away from him. She didn't want to go home, I think she was still trying to process the fact that she was about to be engaged. I was still processing the fact she was going to be engaged.
When she first told me it felt like everything around me was coming to a stretching halt. I wanted to beg and pledge with her not to, but once I saw her eyes I saw just how scared she was. On the outside she was calm but her eyes, her eyes showed nothing but panic. Asking her questions or begging her not to, was not what she needed tonight. No she needed to be told everything was going to be okay and that she was not alone. That I was here. That I was finally here and that I didn't plan on going anywhere. I would be here if she needed me. I would be here if things got bad. I would be here for her because that is what senseis do. Right?
I'm freaking out for her because a teacher would never want their student in this situation. A teacher was supposed to be there when their student was backed into a corner. A sensei is supposed to protect their students at any cost. But a teacher wouldn't be feeling jealousy…anger….or love…senseis' weren't supposed to crave the touch of their student.
I take a deep breath and shove the key into the door and unlock it. I open the door to find Sakura asleep on the couch. I quietly take off my sandals and place them by the door before walking over to Sakura. I reached out to push some loss hair out of her face when I felt just how cold she was. How long had she been in the cold? I shake my head and pick her, bringing her into the bedroom. I lay her on the bed and pull the covers over her, tucking her in. I laid next to her on top of the covers, trying to be respectful of her personal space.
After a moment of starting at the sleeping beatify I found myself running my fingers through her hair. I couldn't help but smile as I touched her silky strands. It was almost calming touching her hair…touching her. I had started craving her touch, I was becoming addictive to her. I tried to fight sleep for as long as I could. I didn't want to close my eyes and miss a single moment or detail of her. I was afraid once I opened my eyes she would be gone, and just out of my reach yet again. But running my fingers through her hair was making me sleepier and sleepier until I decided to let sleep take over. I curled around Sakura and allowed darkness take over me, knowing my blossom was safe and here with me in my arms.
"250!" I yell as I pass the front gates. After leaving Kakashi's apartment I went to my office at the hospital and changed into my normal workout attire. I still hadn't gone home, no Gaara was there. It would be too hard to sneak in and leave without anyone noticing. My morning runs would normal help me clear my head, but I was in a worse stage than I had first started running.
Waking up in Kakashi's arms had left my emotions all over the place. Why was I on the bed? The last thing I remember was falling asleep on the bed waiting for Kakashi to come back to the apartment. But more importantly why was Kakashi cuddling me?
I shook my head at the thought as I made my way deeper into town. It was now 7 and people were starting to wake up and roam around. I was just walking around the town not really sure where to go. I guess I past a flower shop because their sweet smell filled the air. I took another two steps before I felt a person grab my hand.
I whipped around ready to throw a nasty punch when I notice it was just Ino. Ino had jumped clearly scared on how I had responded.
"God forehead clam down it's me!" Ino yelled throwing her hands up in the air, showing she was harmless.
"Sorry Ino, you just scared me is all."
"You okay? I haven't seen come of you since your last mission kind of went up in flames." Ino carefully, this time, reached out and grabbed my hand, leaving me inside her family's flower shop.
"Sorry I've just have a lot on my mind is all." Ino raised an eyebrow not believing my story. "Have you found a dress to the festival yet?" I ask hoping to change the subject. Ino could be persist when she wanted to be and I didn't feel like playing a 100 questions.
Ino let out a big sigh before placing her hand under her chin and closing her eyes. "No. I just can't seem to find the right one. The girls and I were going to go dress shopping tonight. We would love it if you could come, we haven't seen you in forever."
"I would love to. I still have to find a dress to. But god I hate shopping." Ino was about to object to me hating shopping when the front door opened, catching both of our attentions. Shikamaru came walking in looking pissed off, maybe because he had to be up so early.
"What's up Shikamaru? Do we have a mission today?" Ino asked stepping out from behind the counter.
Shikamaru shook his head and pointed at me. "As much of a drag this is, you have been requested in the Hokage Tower immediately." Ino shot me a nervous look but I just nodded telling her I was okay to go to the office alone.
"I'll see you later Ino. Let me know when you girls want to go shopping, if I'm not working I would love to go." I quickly gave Ino a hug and left with Shikamaru.
Once we got onto the street I became nervous. I wasn't dressed in my battle uniform. The only weapons I had were those that were sealed within my arms. I wasn't ready for a fight, if that's what awaited me in the office. The hairs on the back of my neck where standing up telling me to run as far away from the Hokage Tower as possible.
'What's going on Sakura?" Shikamaru asked as we quickly approached the stair case to her office. When I didn't answer he just let out a sigh and mutter "troublesome women" under his breathe. We reached her office door and I took a deep breath before knocking three times and waiting for her to say come in.
Waking up this morning was terrible. Last night had been a sleepless night as I tossed and turned thinking about Sakura-chan. She never came home and Kakashi reaction had me on edge. Why did he think I was going to hurt her? Had she said something to him in confidence, believing I would be her new found source of pain?
After my shower I quickly got dressed only to find myself sitting at the kitchen table not really sure what to do. I knew if I tried to go out and find her it would be next to impossible, so that's why as soon as it struck 6 I was out the door heading to the tower. I've heard rumors that Tsunade was never up before noon, but hopefully today would be an expectation, because we needed to have a long talk.
I transport to her office, not wanting to be seen or questioned on the street. I was not in the mood to deal with people. The only person I wished to talk to right now was Sakura, but I had no idea where she was. I couldn't even pick up on her charka, and it worried me that something might be wrong. I was standing outside of Tsunade's door debating over what I should do.
"Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to come in?!" Tsunade's voice boomed in the quiet hallway, quickly bringing me out of my thoughts.
I open the door not brothering to knock since she already knew it was me. Once I was in the office I locked eyes with Tsunade and she looked like crap. There were empty bottles of alcohol spread throughout the office and it looked like she hadn't left the office from the day before. "We need to talk about Sakura-chan."
"What do we need to talk about Gaara? Have you not talked with her after you two left the office?"
"No. Once she left I couldn't find were she was stationed for broader patrol." Tsunade's eyebrow slightly raises.
"What are you talking about? Sakura hasn't been assigned to broader patrol since last Tuesday."
"That's not what I was told by Kakashi." Tsunade picked up a file on her desk and motioned for me to step closer.
"What's the real reason you are in my office this early in the morning? Surely a little white lie about being on board patrol is not something you would feel the need to bring my attention."
"No. Yesterday I was informed that Sakura was attacked on her way home from the Sand. Is that correct?" Tsunade nodded. "Why was I not informed about the attack? She is the ambassador to my village I have a right to know if something happens to her."
"She requested that you not be informed. If you would like I have the report right here, if you wish to take a look."
I quickly grabbed the folder before Tsunade could change her mind and started flipping through it. The first thing that caught my attention were the photos in the back. Sakura was covered injures and at first I thought I was going to throw up. The more I read the file, the angrier I got. She had run into Sasuke and he had tried to take her. Why did no one think to inform me? Why did Sakura not want me knowing? Why did she not feel like she could tell me?
"Is there anything missing from this file?" I asked with my eyes still bouncing page to page soaking in everything that happened to her in the first week of her return to the Leaf Village.
Tsunade stood up from her desk and walked over to her window looking down at the street. "Gaara come here a moment." I walked besides as she points down to something on the street. I step even closer trying to see what could be more important than our conversation when a flash of pink catches my eye.
I watch in silence with Tsunade as Sakura does laps around the village, only stopping to say hi to the morning shop owners, or stopping twice to give candy to the children who dared to wake up this early. Her beautiful hair was pulled into a high ponytail and her outwork clothes had me struggling to stay calm. We watched her do 100 laps around the village before we gave up on counting how many she was going to do.
"Gaara, Sakura is very special to me. I would do anything to protect her, but I've been looking at the agreement all night, and I haven't been able to find a loop hole. I'm afraid there is no clear way out of this situation."
I know Tsunade is talking to me but I'm not paying attention to the words. I'm too focused on Sakura doing laps. Just to see her, even from a distance, made me happy. There were no words that could describe Sakura. The only word that ever came to mind was perfect.
"Hokage-sama, I have known Sakura for a long time now, even longer than you. I care very deeply for her and want nothing more than to make her happy. I think if she gave us a chance, I could show her that I could make her happy, but I fear I have ruined everything."
"What do you mean ruined everything?" We both turn around once Sakura runs into Ino and disappears out of our sight.
"She won't come near me. I haven't been able to talk with her. I know she is hurt that I didn't tell her about this sooner and I'm sure she feels as if I blindsided her. I just-if I had five minutes to talk with her, she might feel better about this situation." I walked back in front of her desk, folder still in hand, my head hanging low.
"I think that can be arranged. SHIKAMARU! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE NOW I HAVE A REQUEST FOR YOU!"
"Come in." Tsunade's voice came out calm and clear. I pushed the doors open and walked inside with Shikamaru right behind me. My eyes lock with Gaara's for a brief moment before I leave his glare and lock with Tsunade.
"M'Lady, Kazekage-sama" I respectfully say, bowing before them. "Is something the matter?" I asked straightening up.
"Yes you and Lord Gaara have matters you need to discuss now. You are not allowed to leave this room and until you have both talked. That's an order Sakura." Tsunade motions toward Shikamaru and they walk out of the office, shutting the door behind them.
I stand as close to the door as possible, while Gaara leans against the desk. I could fell his eyes on me, but I refused to make eye contact, to say I was still pissed off was an understatement. If he had trusted me, if he would have come to me sooner, everything could have been prevented. We stood in silence for a moment, neither one of us knowing how to react to the new behavior.
After five minutes Gaara took a step closer to me and out of instinct I took a step back. While I wasn't looking at him directly it was clear to see the disappointment written on his face.
"Sakura-chan please look at me." His words came out soft, like he was trying to calm a crying toddler. I didn't move, my eyes stayed locked on the ground. I didn't trust Gaara anymore. I felt like our relationship had been broken. "Sakura please." Gaara begged stepping forward, again and again. Each time he took a step forward I took a step back, until my back was against the wall and I had no were else to go. Gaara stopped walking when we were almost touching, practically pining me against the wall.
Gaara slowly reached his hand up to touch my check, but I turned my face away and Gaara retracted his hand back to his side. "Sakura please talk to me."
"There is nothing to talk about, not until after the festival. All the wedding details can wait a couple of days. Now please I have more important places to be than being inside an office going over cake and dress options." I go to step sideways to get away from him, when he reaches out and grabs my wrists, locking me in place.
"Why won't you talk to me? Why won't you call me by my first name? Why are you avoiding me?" Gaara releases one hand and cups my chin, making me turn and look eyes with him. His eyes are filled with emotion but at the moment I couldn't care less.
"I trusted you Gaara."
"Trusted?" He asks confused and I just shake my head. I no longer trust Gaara. I don't even think I could trust Temari or Kankuro at this point because anything I tell them would surely make its way back to Gaara.
"Trusted. You went behind my back. You didn't come to me. You let me be backed into a corner and now there is nothing I can do about it. You…you left me in the dark." My eyes being to sting as I fight the tears that threaten to spill.
"I left you in the dark? I'm the one who left you in the dark! Why didn't you tell me about Sasuke?! Why didn't you tell me about him trying to take you?! Why didn't you tell me about Danzo's punishment?!" Gaara became louder and louder with every question.
I stood there wide eyed. Who told him what happened? I never planned on Gaara knowing. He would over react not knowing the full situation. Gaara released his hands from my check and hand, and crossed his arms across his chest. I step back, pushing myself as close against the wall as possible. I scanned the room, taking in all the possible exists. My eyes scanned past Tsunade's desk and I noticed a file wide open. I look closer and notice one of the pictures Shizune took at the hospital. Tsunade must have told Gaara. Damnit!
"This all happened because you demanded I become ambassador. This all happened because you thought I couldn't handle myself. I-"
"You can't handle this yourself! He nearly beat you half to death! Orochimaru is now after you because of that bastard! How do you have anything handle?!"
"Lord Gaara, these are not matters that concern you." I watch as Gaara's expression changes from anger to shock then to sadness. I had things under control, at least I did before he changed everything.
"Of course it concerns me Sakura-chan." He drops his hands from his chest. "When it comes to you, it will always concern me."
"Why? When I asked you if you wanted to marry me all you said was we had been friends for a long time. You didn't say you wanted to be married. You…you didn't even ask if this is something I am okay with."
"S-a-k-u-r-a" he breathes my name stepping closer. "I have cared for you for a long time now." He reaches up and places his hand around the back of my neck. "Will you please give me a chance to show you how I feel?"
Before I could answer he is leaning in, his eyes close. Just like Kakashi had done weeks ago back in Suna. But this felt different. I couldn't run from this. Sooner or later this moment was going to have to happen. Sooner or later a lot of intimate moments were going to have to happen….but was I ready for that?
Just like before my mind was running a thousand miles a second. I was trapped in this moment. I couldn't process anything as I allowed Gaara to get closer and closer. I could feel his breath against my lips.
"YO GRANNY! YOU IN THERE?" Naruto yelled from outside the door. His sudden interruption brought me back into reality and I stepped backwards. Gaara's eyes flew open, as he too moved away creating a distance between the two of us.
"Naruto you can't just go into the room without knocking." Kakashi lectured from the other side of the door. Hearing his voice sent an unwelcome wave of emotions through me.
"Don't be such a stick in the mud Kakashi," Naruto laughed as he opened the door. Gaara turned his back toward me and walked over to the desk. "Oye! Gaara! What are you doing here?"
"Hello Naruto, I just came to talk with Sakura." Gaara's face was now void of all emotion that was until Kakashi walked in. Once Gaara spotted Kakashi his eyes hardened. Did something happen between the two of them?
"Sakura!" Naruto walked over to me trapping me in a bear hug. "I was worried about you. Where were you yesterday?" I look over to Kakashi, who is still glaring at Gaara. I had no idea what story Kakashi had told them when he went back to the apartment, and if I said the wrong thing Naruto might catch on that something is wrong.
"Remember Naruto I told you last night she was on boarded control." Kakashi broke his glare with Gaara and walked over to me and Naruto. "Come on Naruto get off of Sakura-chan we are in the Hokage office act more professional."
"Yeah, yeah." Naruto released me.
"Everything alright Sakura?" Kakashi asked turning his focus back on Gaara.
"Yes, I was just leaving." I flash Kakashi a smile as I turned toward the door.
"Sakura we are not done with this discussion." Gaara calmly stated.
"Lord Gaara the matter can wait until a later time, for the moment we are done talking." I quickly walk out the door, ignoring the three men staring at my back.
As I made my way to the stairs I saw Tsunade coming down the hallway, with a coffee in her hand, and a still very tried looking Shikamaru right behind her. She raised her eyebrow and all I did was nod before turning my attention to the stairs. She didn't call after me as I made my way to the street, and Shikamaru didn't follow me.
The morning dew was long melted away as I made my way to my apartment. It felt a little awkward walking through the village in the afternoon, wearing my normal workout attire. Some of the men stopped and stared, and I heard the local women whispering under their breath about my choice of clothes. This was one of the reasons why I choose to run so early in the morning, no one was there to bug me.
I passed by Ino's shop. Ino was right, it had been a very long time since I had hung out with the girls, and with everything that was about to happen who knows when I will have another opportunity to hang out.
"Hey Sakura!" I wave to Ino as I walk into the store. "What did Shikamaru want earlier?"
"Oh Tsunade wanted me in the office to talk with the Kazekage about the upcoming festival. We had to go over the formalities, nothing special, nothing exciting."
"Well if you are still interest Hinata, TennTenn and I were thinking about going shopping in about two hours, maybe get lunch or drinks. Do you have work?" I shook my head no and a smile grew on Ino's face. "Why don't you meet back here when you are ready?"
"Sounds like a plan Ino." I give her a hug and then quickly teleport into my apartment. Once inside I scanned the area trying to sense if anyone was home. I didn't sense Temari or Kankuro, they must be out exploring the village. With no one home it would be the perfect time to shower and change, and hopefully be out the door before anyone came back.
I grabbed a towel and stepped into the front shower, since I didn't want to take a bath and turned the water on cold. The cold water felt good on my aching muscles after my run. I didn't want to get out of the shower. I wanted to stay here and hide. I didn't want to face Gaara nor Kakashi. The stupid festival was tomorrow and no matter how many times I look at that agreement I cannot find a way out of this arranged marriage. I shook my head, trying to clear it. Now was not the time to worry about such things. I had to find a way to stop Danzo before he got to the children that was the most important thing at the moment.
After twenty minutes I turned off the water and stepped out. I was drying myself off when I heard the front door open and shut. I sighed, knowing whoever came home is going to want to talk about what happened last night. I wrapped a towel around my body and decided to do my makeup and hair, trying to buy as much time as possible, knowing sooner or later I was going to have to finish my conversation with Gaara.
Shortly after Sakura left the office, Tsunade returned with Shikamaru. And shortly after that Tsunade and Naruto got into a screaming match over when Master Jiraiya was returning and when his training could continue. Kakashi was getting on my last nerve. The entree time Naruto and Tsunade were going at it, all Kakashi did was glare at me. Finally I had enough of it and excused myself from the office.
Why did I yell at Sakura like that? It was supposed to be a calm conversation. I wanted to explain to her that this could've been a good thing. I wanted to explain to her why I wasn't fighting to have this arrangement cancelled. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her at my side, but it seemed at the moment Sakura just wanted to be as far away from me as possible. I had went into the office with a level head but once Tsunade gave me the file I snapped. She was in danger, terrible horrible people were after her and I broke. Seeing her body beaten like that, it hurt, it hurt really bad.
I wanted to take Sakura away from this place. I wanted to take her home to Suna with me where she would be safe, where I could protect her and watch over her. Maybe a different approach was needed. As I walked down the streets of Konoha I pasted by Yamanaka Flower Shop. I've never gave Sakura flowers before maybe this will be a good way to help break the ice between us.
I walked inside and a little bell went off. Ino came walking out from the back room and looked a little surprised when she saw me. "Gaara? I-I mean Lord Kazekage how can I help you today?"
"I would like an arrangement of flowers."
"What kind of flowers would you like?" Ino started to motion to the bundles of flowers along the wall. I shrugged in response, I had no idea what kind of flowers Sakura liked. But if I remember correctly Ino and Sakura are childhood friends, maybe she knows.
"The flowers are for Sakura-chan, do you know what kind she likes?" Ino's eyes grew wide, but she nodded and started gathering cherry blossoms and other assorted pink and white flowers. After about ten minutes Ino had created this beautiful arrangement. "How much for the arrangement?"
Ino smiled and shook her head. "It's on the house Gaara." When I went to protest she held up her hand. "These will make Sakura happy, I haven't seen her happy in a long time now. Her smile when she sees the arrangement will be payment enough."
"Thank you very much Ino." I gave her a smile and existed the flower shop, making a mental note that this was going to be the flower shop we used for the wedding. I gripped the flowers and walked to the apartment with a smile plastered on my face.
I wrapped the towel around me tight and stepped out of the shower. I knew someone was in the house but I couldn't tell who is was. I shrugged it off and started toward my bedroom to change.
"My, my, someone likes to take long showers." His voice echoes throughout the apartment and I stop dead in my tracks. How could I have been so stupid? How did I not know he entered in the house?
Before I could even turn around to locate him, I am twisted around. His hand wraps around my throat as he slams me into the wall. I begin to taste metal, as a small amount of blood fills my mouth from the forceful impact. My eyes glow green as I stare back at Fū.
"What are you doing here?" I spat between gritted teeth. I wanted nothing more than to send a charka filled punch toward his face and break his nose. But I knew I couldn't, he knew I wouldn't and he was going to take advantage of that.
"Danzo wanted me to send a reminder about tomorrow." Fū tightened the grip around my neck and leaned in closer, bringing his lips to my ear. "Do anything to mess up our plans tomorrow and Kakashi will be the first to fall." My eyes widened and my pulse quickened.
"Go anywhere near my team and there will be no place you two can hide from me. You touch one strand of hair on any of their heads and I will hurt you down. There will be no place you can hide from me. I will hunt you down and kill you slowly, in the most painful way possible." I reached up and put my hands around his wrist and applied pressure. I was done being fucked with. They can threaten me all they want, but the minute you threaten my team, my family, I will not roll over and take it.
Fū released his grip and takes a step back with my hands still around his wrist. All I had to do was apply a little more pressure and his wrists would be broken. Won't that be a shame, an anbu shinobi with broken wrists who couldn't wave any head signs. That would make him powerless, useless and I wanted nothing more to render him helpless, so he couldn't touch my team.
"Do what you are told and we will not touch your team. Disobey and punishment will ensure." I release his wrists but our eyes remained locked. "Plus we wouldn't want our team finding out our little secret would we." A smirk spread across his face as the words came out. "It would be a shame if your file was slipped under Kakashi's door, wouldn't?"
I say nothing as we stand there staring at one other. They had me right where they wanted me. I was trapped. They knew all my secrets and threating to release them always took me down a peg or two. While I was tired of the lying, tired of telling secrets there was nothing I could do. I would rather be at the misery of Danzo than be shunned by my village, shunned by my team…shunned by Kakashi.
"Now do you understand what you have to do tomorrow?" Fū reached up and grabbed my chin. I nodded my head yes, I knew exactly what was expected of me tomorrow. Everyone had made it clear for how I was supposed to react, from Danzo to Gaara, my role was clearly defined. "Good girl." He smiles widen as he forces me back into the wall once more. "Now let's talk about your punishment for talking back." I inhale slowly as he reaches up and takes ahold of the towel wrapped around me.
"How do you think tomorrow with go Gaara?" I nervously ask as we walk up the steps to the apartment. Neither one of us were looking forward to tomorrow. Her reaction was not something we had hoped for, she reacted in the worst way possible and every second that went by I knew she was putting up another wall around herself, closing herself off once again.
"She will say yes during the festival, she knows what is at stake. Sakura won't do anything to risk the lives of those in both villages." Gaara gripped the flowers tighter as we reached her door. I knew this was killing him. He loved Sakura, and I know somewhere deep down she loved him to. There has to be more going on than we know about, Sakura wouldn't be reacting this way if things were normal.
When Gaara died she didn't hesitate to step forward to bring him back to life. There was no hesitation in her actions, in her eyes. I saw it clear as day, she was willing to die for Gaara. You do not choose to give up your life for someone else if you don't love them. The way they used to act in Suna, was like they were already dating. The late nights, the hand holding, the dinners, the only thing missing was the actual physical interaction. They were already emotionally linked.
"Maybe she will warm up to the idea Gaara. I still believe this could be a good thing." I placed my hand on Gaara's shoulder trying to comfort him. For being his big sister, I sure sucked at trying to make him feel better. Sakura has been the only person to ever know how to calm Gaara down. She always seemed to know exactly what to say that would put his mind at ease. But now that Sakura is the source of the pain, I have no idea how to comfort him, other than simply being there.
I reached for the door when I heard a crash inside. I looked at Gaara unsure of what to do. Do we just brag into her apartment? Do we wait to hear something? Before I could deiced what the right course of action could be Gaara is pushing the door open and walking inside. When did he even reach for the door handle? His actions are so quick, so precise, it's like he was on a mission.
As quick as he turned down the hallway toward her bedroom he stops, dropping the flowers. I stopped behind him confused….that is until I see Sakura. Sakura is sitting on the floor, her back to the wall, her eyes glowing green as she stares at the wall. A small trail of blood falls from her mouth, down her chin. Her one hand wrapped around her throat, while the other grabbed at the towel wrapped around her. I look up and see a small dent in the wall.
"Sakura?" Gaara asks confused, he too is taken back by the imagine in front of us. What the hell happened? When she doesn't respond, Gaara steps closer to her before kneeling down next to her. "Sakura are you alright?" He calls her again but she doesn't respond. She is just staring at the wall in front of her. He reaches out and places a hand on her knee, trying to get her attention.
"Don't touch me!" She yells jumping up, almost knocking Gaara off balance.
"Sakura you are okay, it's just Gaara and me. We aren't going to hurt you." I calmly say walking past Gaara and closer to Sakura. Very slowly I reached up and pulled her into a hug. "It's okay, you're okay." Sakura doesn't raise her arms around me but I can feel her breathing slowly steady.
"I-I'm sorry." Sakura whispers as she slowly escapes from my hug. When we lock eyes hers are no longer glowing green. Her hand is no longer around her neck, and I can't see any visible marks.
"What happened Sakura?" Her eyes drat from mine to Gaara for a brief second before her gaze returns to mine.
"I tripped coming out of the shower. I must have hit my head…I'm sorry for yelling." Sakura wipes the blood of her lip with her arm before turning around, ignoring our stares. "Temari I was getting ready to go out with the girls tonight would you like to come?"
I turn toward Gaara and he nods. Neither one of us buy her story, but both of us know she wouldn't tell us what really happened. Neither of one of us what to push her any more than we already have. "I would love to."
"Just give me a minute and I will be ready to go." Before either of us respond she walks off into her bedroom and closes the door.
"What the hell just happened?" I ask walking into the kitchen with Gaara. Gaara doesn't answer as he opens up different cabinets looking for a vase. "Was she just attacked?"
Gaara leans against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed in front of him. "This is all the proof I need. She is not safe in the Leaf anymore, we need to take her back to Suna. In Suna she will be safe."
"What if she doesn't want to go back with us? Plus we still don't know who sent you that note. She might not be any safer in Suna, Gaara."
"She won't have a choice, as my fiancé she will return to Suna with me. In Suna I can assign protection, I will be there. Temari she is being attacked in her own home, if we don't do something soon the next attack might not be as kind."
"You can't just force her to come back with us."
"I can, and I will if she refuses."
"You're crazy. We can't force her into anymore corners Gaara. She will break if we continue to push. Do you want the old Sakura to come back? The one who is a cold blooded solider, who cares about nothing but the mission. Or do you want the sweet caring girl who goes out of her way to make sure everyone around is happy, even at the cost of her own happiness. If we continue to push her, she will break and fall back into that perfect solider she was molded to be."
"I don't want that. I just want her safe." I walk over to Gaara and trap him in a hug. I knew this was hard. I wanted Sakura to come home with us, but I can tell she is at her breaking point. We push any more than we have to and she will shatter into a million pieces.
When she first came to Suna to train nurses Gaara wasn't the only one who was saved. Slowly but surely Gaara somehow manage to put Sakura back together after the death of her parents, after being in Danzo's control for eighteen months. At first all she did was what was instructed in the mission. She trained the staff, healed the patients and then went back to her office. It wasn't until one day Gaara passed out from exhaustion did the two start to help one another.
I release Gaara when I hear the bedroom door open and shut, and the sound of footsteps down the hall. "I will be with her, everything is going to be okay." I reach up and kiss Gaara on the check and messing his hair up a little with my hand. Gaara flashes a quick smile before he nods, telling me okay.
"Who brought the flowers?" Sakura asked stepping into the kitchen. There was no trace of blood on her mouth and she held a calm demeanor. But it didn't make sense, did she not see Gaara drop them when we came into the hallway? How freaked out was she, to not notice? Sakura always notices every little detail.
"I did Sakura-chan, there for you." Gaara smiles at Sakura, maybe he was trying a different approach with Sakura hopefully it works. She touch one of the cherry blossoms and brought it to her nose, taking a long inhale. When she pulled away a smile was plastered on her face.
"They are beautiful. How did you know that white lilies are my favorite?" The cherry blossoms and lilies complement each other perfectly. It was a beautiful arrangement. Sakura's smile seemed genuine too, I don't think Gaara had ever gotten her flowers. While in Suna the flowers are not as pretty as those in the Leaf, I don't think the thought ever crossed his mind until now.
"Ino helped me. She created the beautiful arrangement." Gaara talked very softly, like he was being very careful with Sakura. Sakura looked at him funny for a moment before walking the rest of the way into the kitchen and over to Gaara.
"Thank you." She pulled Gaara into a hug and at first he seemed frozen. Sakura closed her eyes and pulled him in closer. Gaara look at me and then down at Sakura wrapping his arms around her.
"You're welcome." Gaara smiled, even when Sakura pulled away. "Have fun shopping." Sakura flashed Gaara another smile and with that we were out the door to the flower shop to meet up with the rest of the girls.
"Come on Sakura how are we supposed to pick a dress for you if you refuse to try any on?" Ino whined, TennTenn shocked her head and Hinata and Temari just stood there watching quietly.
"Ino I haven't tried any on because they are to sluty." Sakura held the dress Ino had picked for her a distance away from her. The dress was pretty, but it was completely backless, very low cut and extremely tight fighting. Sakura knew this dress won't be appropriate to wear on stage with the Hokage and Kazekage as she was announced as Ambassador.
"Sakura! Come on you have a killer body why don't you want to show it off. Don't you think Gaara would like this dress on you?" The question caught Sakura off guard. Why would Ino be bringing up Gaara? Very few people knew about the arranged marriage, and everyone who knew, knew not to spread the information.
"What makes you think Gaara-sama has a thing for Sakura-chan?" Hinata shyly asks holding a white dress in her arms. All of the girls had already found their dresses, expect for Sakura. This was the sixth store Ino had drug them all into in search for the perfect dresses for tomorrow. Now they were all in the changing room offering Sakura different dress options.
"Because he came in to my store today and got her flowers." Ino's remark caused Sakura's checks to change a light pink. She didn't want to have to talk about Gaara, at least not today. Sakura was hoping for one more normal night before everything changed tomorrow, but of course her loud mouth best friend wasn't going to let that happen.
"Sakura-chan, is that true?" Hinata asked, Sakura only nodded her head in response.
"That a girl! He is kind of hot."
"TennTenn!" Temari shrieked, this was not something she wanted to hear.
"Sorry Temari. So Sakura when did you to start hanging out? I didn't even know you two were an item."
"We aren't. I've spent a lot of time in Suna over the last couple of years helping their medical staff. Gaara and I have been good friends for a while now."
"Friends don't buy flowers for just any reason forehead." Ino stated matter of factly.
"How are things going with you and Sai?" Sakura changed the subject, making Ino blush a redder color than she did.
"I have no idea what you are talking about!" Ino's voice carried throughout the store and the group of girls received several worried looks from the other customers.
"Sakura-chan why don't you try on this dress." Hinata smiled as she placed the white dress in Sakura's arms. Sakura gave a smile and went into the dressing room, leaving Ino and TennTenn to go back and forth about the boys. Sakura has always been grateful for Hinata's friendship. She always knew how to defuse the situations Ino created.
Sakura held the dress up once she was alone in the dressing room. She let out a breath and closed her eyes. Ino had Sakura try on over 100 dresses and she hasn't been able to find the perfect one for tomorrow. This is why Sakura hated shopping. You could spent countless hours in a store and still not find what you were looking for. But Sakura allowed Ino to drag her from one shop to the next because she knew how important tomorrow was. She need the perfect dress, and unfortunately she could be stuck here for a couple more hours before she found what she needed.
Sakura opened her eyes and examined the dress. It was a strapless white glitter dress that had a sweetheart neckline. She quickly undressed and pulled the dress on, careful not to rip the tags off. Sakura twisted and turn looking at herself in the mirror, the dress was of appropriate length, not to short but not too long. Sakura was trying to appear as feminine possible tomorrow, she needed to look weak, she needed to keep up her facade.
Sakura walked out of the dressing room and all the girls smiled. "Damn forehead you look smoking hot in this dress! Who knew your boobs got that big! Have you been getting more than just medical secrets form Tsunade?"
"Is it too much?" Sakura ignored her best friends comment and turned around to let the girls examine the back.
"No I think it is perfect!" Temari smiled. "I think you just found your dress for tomorrow."
"Wait! What about the shoes and the accessories?" TennTenn's question sparked a fire in Ino's eyes and she dashed deeper into the store dragging TennTenn and Hinata behind her.
"Do you think this will work tomorrow?" Sakura asked Temari, and she didn't just mean the dress.
"You look beautiful Sakura-chan, let's just take this one step at a time. I am here for you. Kankuro is here for you. But more importantly Gaara is here. He isn't going to let anything happen to you sweetie. So just relax for tonight."
Sakura nodded her head and stepped back into the dressing room to change. While it was nice spending time with the girls she knew nothing was going to be alright. She dressed and stepped out of the dressing room only to be bombarded by Ino saying she found the perfect shoes and was drug out of the room before Sakura could get a word in edge wise.
I wipe the sweat off my brow and took a deep breath trying to stop my panting. Naruto and I had been sparing for the last couple of hours. Shortly after the girls left to go shopping, Naruto came over wanting his rematch. I have to admit Naruto has improved since the last time we fought. Through neither one of us released our full strength it was a friendly match that ended in a tie.
"Oye Gaara are you hungry?" Naruto asked between pants.
"Maybe. But not for ramen."
Naruto laughed at my comment and walked over to me throwing his arm around my shoulder. "Gaara you don't know what you are missing but I didn't mean ramen. The boys are getting together for a couple of drinks. Would you and Kankuro like to come?"
I looked over to see Kankuro and Sai walking up to us. They had been at a safe distance watching our match. Ever since the last match, we made sure people were looking around making sure no one got in the middle of the fight by accident.
"Drinks sound great." I looked at Kankuro a little surprised that he was willing to hang out with her team. Maybe he too was trying to make more of an effort so the transition was easier for Sakura-chan.
"I'm in if you're paying dickless."
Naruto ignored Sai's comment as we made our way to the bar. Once we got inside everyone stopped talking and looked at Kankuro and I. Naruto pulled me toward a table in the back and once we sat down everyone went back to their normal conversations.
"That was weird." Kankuro said eyeing everyone in the room.
"Don't take it personal it's not every day the leader of another village walks into the bar." Kiba commented as he took a seat next to Naruto.
"Yeah people are just a little on edge, once we start drinking I am sure everyone will calm down." Shikamaru sat next to me and waved a waitress over.
He order a couple of bottles of various alcohol. Soon Shino, Choji, Neji and Rock Lee joined the table. Everyone was talking about their latest missions and training and I couldn't help but feel out of place. I couldn't help but wonder how they would react to the news tomorrow. I wonder how many of them will support the arrangement, and how many will try and convince Sakura to stay.
"Oye Gaara so how did you get Sakura to agree to go to the festival with you?" All the boys fell silent.
"I just asked." Naruto eye twitched.
"You didn't do anything special to make her say yes?" Naruto asked frustrated.
I just shake my head. "Why?"
"Because Sakura hasn't attended the festival the last couple of years. Countless men have asked over the years, we are surprised to hear she actually agreed to go." Kiba comment downing the sake in his cup.
"Really?" Kankuro asked. Both of us were now curious. "How many men asked her out?"
"Every year at least ten. Her office at the hospital would always be full of flowers from men asking. Since Sakura took over at the hospital her fan club has defiantly grown." This time is was Neji who commented. "Every year the day of the festival Hinata-sama and the girls would go over and try to convince Sakura to attend the festival with them but she would never be home."
"I had no idea her fan club grew while I was away." Naruto frustration only grew. "Anyone goes near the girls and I will teach them a lesson. You better believe it!"
"Calm down my youthful friend we are all going as a group, the girls will be fine." Rock Lee smiled holding up a thumbs up.
Naruto smiled and the group change the subject and got into a heated debate over whose jutsu was the most particle and powerful in battle. Kiba and Naruto got into a heated discussion until the door to the bar opened and closed.
"Sakura-chan! Hinata-chan!" Naruto jumped up and ran to the door.
"Hey we are here to you know!" Ino pouted with her hands on her hips.
"Would you guys like to join us?" Naruto asked already pulling Sakura and Hinata to the table. I moved over and Sakura took a seat next to me. Ino continued to glare at Naruto as the rest of the girls took a seat.
"So what have you girls been up to?" Rock Lee asked waving to the waitress to get more glasses.
"We went shopping then got our nails done." Hinata lowered her hands to show off her new polish. I looked over to see Sakura's but her hands were under the table.
"Does anyone want something to drink?" Sakura asked standing up.
"Oye Sakura-chan just wait for the waitress to come back and order through her."
"No that's okay I don't mind going to the bartender." She looked around the table but no one seemed to want something and walked off. I was about to get up and go with her when Temari shot me a look telling me to stay put.
Naruto started another conversation but I wasn't paying attention. All I could do was focus on Sakura. Her just being in the same room as me left me unable to focus.
"Oye Gaara are you paying attention? I asked you a question?" I turned my attention toward Naruto and shock my head. "I asked how long you guys are staying in Konoha."
"Only a week. I am here partly for official business."
"And the second why you are here?" Ino asked smirking.
"Oh no not again." Rock Lee sighed and I returned my attention back to Sakura and I felt my blood boil. There stood a ninja of jounin rank in front of Sakura holding a bundle of cherry blossoms. I couldn't make out what he was saying but it wasn't hard to figure it out, he was asking her on a date.
She smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder before turning to walk back to the table when he caught her hand. Her eyes grew wide we surprised and before I could even jump up Naruto is already up and walking over to her.
"Oye Sakura-chan! I need your help retelling the story about the time we tried to see Kakashi-senses' face!" The jounin released his hand on her and handed her the flowers before walking off. Naruto slung his arm around her shoulder and escorted her back to the table.
"Well that was awkward." Ino looked over to the guy who walked back to his friends and Sakura just shrugged taking her place next to me.
"Thanks Naruto."
"Anytime! So like I was saying Sakura, Sasuke and I went for ramen to see Kakashi's face when..blaah blaah blaah blaah…." Naruto continued to tell his story but once again I was lost in thought. How often did guys approach her like this?