Whirlwind

Chapter Twenty

-Departure-

Sakura made sure to wake up before dawn, so that she wouldn't run into Gaara. She took a quick shower, washing away the tearstains on her cheeks from the night before. Getting out, she went through a mental list of everything that she had brought to Suna. She wasn't worried about the pile of birthday presents in the corner, because like the redhead had said, they would be shipped to Konoha. Once she was sure that she had everything, she headed towards the door, pausing once she reached the handle. She couldn't just leave without giving him something. Walking back over to her nightstand, she took out a sheet of paper and a pen. After scrawling a few words, she left the house and headed for the village gates. It never hurt to be early after all.

Finally Gaara sat up from bed, forcing himself to his feet. He didn't want to see Sakura. He didn't want to watch her leave after that horrible night. He couldn't believe he had almost fallen for whatever game it was she was playing. He just couldn't take this emotional strain, but there was something inside him that would not allow him to be absent from it. He needed to see her before she left, after this…he would probably never be able to gaze into her beautiful green eyes again. He shook his head, trying to stop himself from thinking in that way of her. After he showered and dressed, he walked slowly, almost dreadfully, to her room. When he opened the door he saw all her things were missing. Somehow it was not a surprise. Not even bothering to go in, he shut the door and headed downstairs. I guess it's time to see them off, he thought sadly, letting his sand sweep him away.

Gaara appeared near the gates of the village, seeing that Temari and Kankuro were already there with the entire Konoha group. Kakashi and Kankuro were shaking hands, sharing a laugh, while Sasuke stood behind him grimacing. Hinata and Ino were talking with Temari, as Sakura stood by them silently.

He tried not to stare at the pink haired woman as he walked up, but found his eyes unable to tear away from her. Luckily, Naruto ran up with a bright smile on his face and gave the redhead a large hug. "I'm gonna miss you buddy!" he laughed, temporarily distracting the Kazekage.

At Naruto's words Sakura immediately shot her head in that direction. Seeing the cause of her pain, she turned her head away, not wanting to begin crying in front of everyone. She was done crying. It was for the weak, and it was something she never wanted to be again.

Seeing the non-interaction between the two, Sasuke smirked to himself. Apparently, Gaara didn't know how to handle a woman, something he, Uchiha Sasuke, was good at. Especially if it was Sakura he had to handle. All he had to do was wait for the proper moment to make his move. Maybe even flirt with her a bit on the journey home. And then she would be his once more, practically begging him to let her be the one he continued his clan with.

Gaara looked over the blonde's shoulder, stealing glances at Sakura, only able to get glimpses of her back. He wanted to talk to her, but it was impossible with all these imbeciles here to mess him up. Besides, she didn't look like she wanted to talk. Finally focusing back on the fox boy, he forced a smile on his face. Kiba walked up, giving Gaara a pat on the back. "Well Gaara we had a blast in Suna! Man I think I like it better than Konoha!" the brunette laughed loudly, as if there wasn't a care in the world. "Who knows? I might even decide to visit you and move on over here! Lots of open space for Akamaru to run around and play…he really likes all the cats!"

Gaara felt his eye twitch, the thought of Kiba being here forever almost made him want to commit suicide right then and there. "Yeah…well you would have to be approved to move here…and I seriously doubt that would be allowed." He stated, leaving out the part of where he was the one to approve it or not.

Listening intently to the sound of Gaara's voice, the pink haired woman tried not to smile at what Kiba was saying. The thought of him living in Suna made her want to laugh, knowing that it would drive Gaara crazy. She shook her head. Thinking about him would not make this easier for her. Suddenly, Temari was at her side.

"Hey Sakura! I'm gonna miss you while you're gone!" Leaning closer to the Konoha medic, she whispered. "Did you tell him?"

Sakura merely looked at the ground, dejected. "Yeah, but he doesn't feel the same. I'm just gonna go back to Konoha and try to put my life back together." She said pitifully.

The blonde raised a brow in confusion. "What?" she said a little too loudly.

"Temari! Quiet! I don't want this issue to be brought up as we're leaving. It's for the best, trust me." Sakura said, trying to quiet her down.

She made a face of displeasure. "Fine, I won't say anything." She said. She wanted to respect her friend's wishes, but she'd be damned if she wasn't gonna give her little brother hell for letting Sakura get away. They were perfect for each other.

"Ok team! It's time we get this show on the road!" the silver haired copy nin said a little too cheerfully.

"You just wanna leave so you can check the bookstore and see if there are any new pervy books out." Naruto said suspiciously.

"My reasons have nothing to do with that Naruto." Kakashi lied. "The Hokage will need all of us back as soon as possible. She's already risked enough with most of her best shinobi out of the village. And we need to get Sasuke back as soon as possible."

It seemed like a good enough excuse for everyone else, so, after saying their goodbyes, the group headed towards Konoha. Sakura hugged Temari goodbye, and shook hands with Kankuro, but when it came to Gaara, she couldn't look him in the face. She glanced at him awkwardly, before turning to leave with her friends, not looking back for fear that she would run into his arms, only to be rejected.

As the group began their journey towards the Land of Fire, Gaara stepped forward, wishing more than anything that he knew what to say. He wanted to call Sakura back, have her run to him, and stay in his arms. But of course nothing of the sort happened. He shut his eyes tightly, wishing more than anything that she had never come to Suna and ruined his depressing life.

"Gaara…" Temari stepped up beside him, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." He shrugged off her hand, disappearing swiftly, leaving nothing but his footprints behind.

Sakura trudged behind the group, not really joining in their conversation. Sensing her friend's mood, Ino began to hang back a little. "What's up with you Sakura? You should be happy, having told Gaara that you love him."

She rounded on her friend, anger in her emerald eyes. "Not if he doesn't love me back Ino!"

"What? What's not to love?" she asked, clearly confused, and trying to cheer her up.

"Everything!" she quietly yelled, getting frustrated. "God you're so naïve! I'm too pathetic and annoying for any man to love! I'd only drag him down!" Sakura said, and then stomped off to join the rest of their group, knowing that Ino wouldn't bring up the subject in front of everyone.

Shaking her head in disappointment, the blonde couldn't help but hate Sasuke. He was the one who planted that seed of doubt in Sakura's mind as a young girl. She had hoped that it had disappeared as her friend had gotten older, but apparently, with the reappearance of the onyx haired boy, all those old insecurities had reawakened. She hoped Temari gave Gaara hell for not getting rid of them.

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. The pink haired kunoichi hadn't really talked much, mostly listening to Naruto and Kiba fill Sasuke in about everything that had changed in Konoha over the years. Currently they were setting up camp, having made it to the edge of the desert, where a small lake was located.

Wanting to be alone, she left the group, and walked to the water's edge. Looking at the moon, she sighed. It seemed wrong to waste such a romantic setting. Sighing again, she wondered if Gaara was thinking about her right now, just as she was thinking of him. Suddenly, she felt a presence behind her. "What do you want Sasuke?" she asked wearily, not really wanting to deal with him right now.

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory. Never in a million years would I have imagined that you'd beat me one day. You've changed." He said quietly.

Still facing the water, she snorted. "I told you, people change." She stiffened when she felt his hand placed on her shoulder. Then, he turned her to face him.

"What I'm trying to say Sakura, is that I want to get to know the real you." He stated.

She was surprised, and let it show on her face. "Why?" she asked, suspecting him of ulterior motives.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Hearing Naruto and Kiba tell me about all that's happened over the years, I realized that I've missed a lot. I want to catch up, starting with you."

"I don't know if I'm ready for that Sasuke. A lot has happened recently, and I don't want to cause any sort of confusion about what our relationship is." She said softly, looking off.

"Just consider it Sakura. And remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to come to me. Anything at all." He emphasized, leaning a bit closer to her face.

Brushing off his hand and stepping away, she replied, "I'll think about it." And walked back to the campsite to attempt to get some sleep.

Sasuke merely smirked in triumph. His plan was working perfectly. All he had to do was regain Sakura's trust, and she would be his. And Gaara would forever remember him as the one who stole the cherry blossom.

The next morning found Sakura waking up with a huge craving for waffles. She got out of her sleeping bag and rolled it up. Walking over to the fire, she asked to no one in particular, "What's for breakfast?"

"Well, we have granola bars, or power bars. Take your pick." Kakshi said, visible eye crinkled. "Although, the granola bars taste better in my opinion."

She groaned. "Man, what I wouldn't do for some waffles right now."

"Oh! That sounds so good!" Ino yelled in agreement.

"Eh, it's not as good as ramen in the morning." Naruto commented.

She shook her head at her friends. At the moment, she was glad to have them as a distraction. "I could make you waffles when we get back." A voice said in her ear. She turned, only to be face to face with Sasuke.

"What?" It seemed all she could be around him was either confused or disgusted.

"Waffles. If you want them so badly, I could come over to your place and make them for you." He repeated. "Or just stay the night and make them for our breakfast."

Blushing slightly at his suggestion, she decided to shoot him down in the nicest way possible. "That's ok Sasuke. I'll be over the craving by then." In truth, she didn't want to eat anyone's waffles but Gaara's. And only if it consisted of him being covered in whipped cream and pinning her beneath him.

Stiffening, the Uchiha answered, "Fine. It was only a suggestion." Then he walked away. What was with him? First he's all nice to her, and then, when things don't go his way, he gets upset? Oh God. He reminded her of Gaara in that moment. But he wasn't Gaara, and never would be.

Shortly after that they continued their journey home. After lunch, which consisted of dehydrated meat and fruit, they trudged on. At one point, Naruto came beside her. "Hey, Sakura-chan? Do you still think Hinata-chan likes me?" he asked, uncertain.

Glad to have something else to focus on, other than the memories she shared with Gaara, she gave him a smile. "I don't think, I know. She told me so herself."

His brow rose in confusion. "So, what should I do?"

"Go talk to her." She said.

"But, what if I don't know what to say? What if she isn't interested in talking to me?" he questioned, a worried frown covering his normally cheery face. "I'm not that smart Sakura-chan."

Sakura rolled her eyes at him. "Talk about anything you baka! Whatever it is you have to say to her, she will listen. She never misses a word that comes out of your mouth, no matter how stupid it is."

He smiled then. "Thanks Sakura-chan." He then sped up, leaping from branch to branch with more gusto. Catching up to the ebony haired girl, Sakura heard him say, "Hey, Hinata-chan! Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to see Kakashi-sensei's face? No? Well, one day…."

Honestly, she was glad that he was making an attempt to talk to Hinata, knowing that it would do well to further their relationship. But she couldn't help feel jealous. Why did things always work out for Naruto? It wasn't fair. Her whole life she had been picked on and belittled. And what ever happened to her? She fell in love with a man that shattered her heart beyond repair.

That night when they stopped, it was by a waterfall that was very familiar to her. Many times during missions she had stayed overnight here, it being one of her favorite spots to camp. Once again, she went over to the water and sat by the edge. Grabbing a stick, she began to doodle in the water. Suddenly, she felt something wet slide across her cheek. "Akamaru! Stop it!" she giggled, attempting to fend off the huge dog.

"Akamaru! Do as the lady requests." Kiba said, obvious humor in his voice. He walked up and sat next to her. "So, how are you doing Sakura? I haven't talked to you in forever." The dog boy asked.

She was getting really tired of being asked this. Pasting a fake smile on her face, she turned to him. "I'm fine! I just can't wait to get home, I haven't been there in so long." she lied. "My apartment is probably really dusty now too."

Leaning back on his arms, Kiba couldn't help but disagree with her. "Yeah, but Suna is so much cooler. I mean, there's tons of open space to train, and it's perfect for the types of training Akamaru and I do, since with the sand, we can't damage the ground. And did you see those street performers the other day? They were amazing!"

Her eye had been twitching ever since the word Suna left his mouth. But when he mentioned the street performers, she remembered everything else that had happened that day, including before she went to bed. "Why does everyone keep talking about Suna?" she yelled, blowing up at the innocent brunette. "I mean, all it has to offer are stupid redheads, who are too arrogant and blind to see what is right in front of them!" she said, crossing her arms. Turning back to Kiba, she gave him a murderous look. "Do you have anything else you want to say about Suna?" she asked, venom dripping from her voice.

With a swift no, he ran back to camp, a whining Akamaru on his heels. She lay back in the grass, giving an exasperated sigh. She shouldn't have gone off on him like that, but she was tired of being reminded of Gaara.

She saw Sasuke begin to walk towards her out of the corner of her eye, so she quickly got up and made a beeline for her pallet. Getting in, she closed her eyes, pretending to go to sleep, even though it would be hours before slumber came.

The next day had gone smoother so far. It was as if everyone sensed that she wanted to be left alone, including Sasuke, who had practically been staring at her the whole time. She was actually starting to feel somewhat better too, until Kakashi decided it was his turn to talk to her.

"So…Sakura…I have a question for you." The jounin asked.

Not really wanting to talk, but curious, she raised a brow at her sensei. "What is it?"

"Well," he began, laughing nervously, "remember when we were dancing at your birthday party, and I was giving you advice about boys?"

"….yes." she answered hesitantly, afraid of where this was going.

Becoming completely serious, he turned to her. "Did either one or two happen? Do I need to go kill Gaara?" he asked, radiating murderous intent.

Her face turned red at the memories. Technically, he did try to get into her pants, but he didn't lie to her in order to get it. She was just as willing as he was. Laughing nervously, she tried to brush it off, knowing that if he found out, Kakashi would be true to his word. "No Kakashi-sensei, neither one happened. We didn't even kiss." She said, trying in vain to hide her disappointment.

He smiled, his right eye crinkling. "Good. I would hate to have to break the alliance between our two villages because someone couldn't control themselves."

Before she could reply, he sped up and began to talk to Sasuke. She had to wonder at his last statement though. It sounded as if he knew that she was also partly to blame. Then she began to think back on the incident in his office. If Naruto hadn't interrupted them, she had no doubt of what would've happened. Perhaps it was for the best. It would have hurt even more when she was rejected if she had given that up to him, along with her heart.

Still not totally convinced, she began to recite every known poison, their antidote, and every ingredient for both, in order to keep herself from thinking about the redheaded Kazekage.

Sakura let out a sigh of relief upon seeing the village gates later that afternoon. Finally, she could go home to her apartment, and eat all the chocolate she could get her hands on. Then she could go to bed, and never get up. Or she could write a book warning all girls to never tell a boy they love them, but to wait until he says it. She would be doing them all a favor. Maybe then she would get over Gaara.

"I'll turn in the mission report in the morning guys." Kakashi said with a wave, and began to walk off.

Ino raised a confused brow. "Isn't it regulation to turn it in when you arrive?" she asked.

Her question earned a laugh from Naruto. "Yeah, but with Kakashi-sensei as our team leader, you have to expect everything to be done later than it's supposed to be." He turned to Hinata, fidgeting slightly. "Um…Hinata-chan…do you wanna go with me to Ichiraku? I want to try their vegetarian ramen…"

Said girl blushed at his question. Naruto was asking her to eat dinner with him? How could she refuse? "I would love to, Naruto-kun." And with that they headed for the ramen stand.

Watching the events, Kiba turned to Ino. "So...Yamanaka…you wanna show me all the pretty flowers in your own greenhouse?" he asked suggestively.

Catching on quickly, Ino perked up. "I would love too! Come on let's go!" she said, linking her arm with his.

"Akamaru, you just go home boy. You need to rest." Kiba said to his faithful companion.

That just left Sakura and Sasuke, in an awkward silence. "Well…I'm going to go home. I have a lot of cleaning to do."

The Uchiha put a hand on her arm to stop her. "Can I stay with you tonight? I don't really have anywhere to go…" he asked, face blank as always.

She groaned inwardly. She really didn't need this right now. Suddenly, she remembered that in preparation for his return, Tsunade had had his old place cleaned and opened up. "Actually, your old apartment still has all your old stuff in it. You can stay there." She began to walk in the direction of her home then. "I guess I'll see you around Sasuke." She said over her shoulder.

"Sakura…wait." The ebony haired man called out. Suppressing another groan, she slowly turned to face him. Why couldn't he just understand that she wanted to be alone? "Will you have lunch with me tomorrow?" he asked, somewhat awkwardly.

The pink haired woman blinked, confused. "What?" Why did he want to have lunch with her? He had never shown any interest in her before, especially when he was a prisoner in Suna. But, if she were in his position, she wouldn't have been in the mood to talk to people either.

"Come to lunch with me tomorrow." He said, a little more forcefully.

She weighed the options in her mind. What could it hurt? It wasn't like Gaara was going to come after her or anything, and this way, she might be able to move on. Perhaps she could learn to care for Sasuke once again. After all, he now knew her true power, and had experience it firsthand. And that in itself would guarantee that she would never be rejected again.

"Ok. You can pick me up at one." She replied, turning back towards her house and missing his triumphant smirk.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.