You Gotta Go There To Come Back

by Creirdyddlydd

Feeling empty and in love with someone she can't have, Sakura leaves on a journey of self-discovery. Her return will shock the heck out of everyone she knows and bring her closer to the one she loves.

9. Not What You Wanted

I must say I'm amazed at how much response there was to the last chapter. So a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your reviews, faves and alerts!

A HUGE thank you to Shy Tan'ith and ScaryRei for their beta help. You two radiate greatness!!

There won't be another chapter until Spring Break at the very earliest, so mid-March, hopefully. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

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You Gotta Go There To Come Back

Chapter 9: Not What You Wanted

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Pinned inside the walls of sound

Reaching but your hands are bound

Crying but your love's so sweet

You're singing but your heart still weeps

And no one ever seems to care

Feels like she walks on air

It's not what you wanted

It's not what you came here for

This place just leaves you cold

Where nothing matters

-Not What You Wanted by BRMC

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Sakura dragged her feet as she made her way back into Koyuki's palace. If she had been less worried about Kakashi, she would have taken the time to notice the gorgeous fall colors and enjoy the slightly chilled autumn winds while she was in Fire. However, she had been worried about Kakashi on the way in and then worried about her cover with Hiro on her way out. She was hoping to make it to her room and sleep for a week without anyone bothering her when Hiro and Koji came barreling at her.

"SAKURA!"

She cringed at the deafening volume and gave out a tired sigh. It's not like she could fault them for worrying about her. "Hey, guys."

Hiro placed his hands on her shoulders to hold her steady while his lavender eyes penetrated her own, searching for answers. Normally, this would have caused massive blushing due to Hiro's sheer hotness, but she was too exhausted and had seen Kakashi's own uber-hotness too recently to care. "Are you okay? All Koyuki could tell us was that you had an emergency back home. She didn't know any other details."

Sakura gave a little smile and pulled Hiro's hands away while briefly giving them a friendly squeeze. "I'm fine. Everything's fine. A cousin of mine was very sick and ended up having an appendectomy, but he's recovering nicely and should be back in top shape in no time."

There were two relieved sighs and Sakura relaxed slightly. "They didn't know what was wrong at first, which is why I left so quickly. How the doctors could have missed something as frequently seen as appendicitis is beyond me. But luckily, they figured it out."

Her jaw cracked in a wide yawn and she flushed in the cheeks as she apologized. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm exhausted so I'm going to take a nap now. Or more likely I'll sleep until tomorrow."

Hiro smiled brightly at her. "We'll let you get some sleep then. But day after tomorrow you, me and the sound booth have a date!"

Sakura giggled at him. "It's a date!"

Hiro took his leave and left Koji and Sakura in the hallway. Her manager and trusted friend looked at her critically. "Are you sure everything is fine? You seem tense."

Dark green eyes rolled. "Koji, I'm fine. I'm worn out and probably still a little uptight from worry, but nothing a good night's sleep, a shower and a hot meal won't fix."

He hesitantly nodded before smiling at her. "Get some rest. I'll see you at the recording session." He enveloped her in a warm hug, tightening his arms a bit before letting her go.

Sakura stepped into her room and sighed again, sighing at all her sighing. She detested the fact that she had gotten so good at lying, but knew it was a necessity. She undressed as she headed for the shower, leaving a trail of clothes behind her.

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She stood in the sound booth, swaying slightly as she sang one of the love songs she had written.

I don't wanna dream about

All the things that never were

And maybe I can live without

When I'm out from under

And I don't wanna feel the pain

What good would it do me now?

I'll get it all figured out

When I'm out from under

Koji looked at Hiro, a frown set deeply on his face. "She needs to get away for a while."

Hiro paused in his giddy listening. Sakura's voice was in fine form today and she was singing pure gold. "What do you mean?"

Koji waved a hand in Sakura's direction. "Listen to her."

Lavender eyes showed confusion. "What? She sounds amazing."

Koji shook his head. "That's the problem. Her heartbreak is too obvious. She usually doesn't show it so much."

Hiro's dark curls bounced in front of his eyes as his head swirled back to look at Sakura. Her eyes were scrunched closed and if he listened more intently, the undercurrent of true despair was present. While that honesty would drive record sales, he wouldn't be much of a friend if he let it go. "Oh. What do we do?"

Koji rubbed his chin in thought. "Maybe I can find a movie script she's interested in and then she can just get out of here for a while."

"What about the album? She said she wasn't going to allow herself to abandon it this time."

Koji smirked slightly. "You have access to studios all over the globe! Just go wherever she goes to film and in her downtime, you two can work on the album."

Hiro bit at his nails and frowned. "It sounds like you want to work her to death."

Koji shook his head again. "She loves to work. She admitted to me once that work allows her to feel free and forget all of her troubles." He glanced into the booth. "Probably not so much with these songs, although I'm sure this process is an outlet for her emotionally."

"As long as you're sure she won't get burnt out or over-exhaust herself, then I'm in!" Hiro smiled slightly at Koji, hoping the manager knew what he was talking about.

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Back at the palace later that evening, Sakura sat in a state of shock, staring at the ledger situated between her and her accountant. "Are you sure there should be that many zeros, Takenori?"

The kindly old man laughed. "I know my eyes aren't what they used to be, but my mind is still sharp. And yes, there really are that many zeros."

Koyuki eyed Sakura from her spot on the couch. "Haven't you been keeping up with your finances?"

Sakura blinked out of her stupor and looked over at the princess. "I've been keeping up with my original funds, but I hadn't really bothered with my new earnings. Guess I'll need to keep a better watch on these, too."

Takenori nodded. "It would be very easy for those who have access to your accounts to steal from you if you don't watch your money, Sakura-chan."

She smiled brightly at the grandfatherly figure. "Thank you for your time and advice. I'm very grateful."

"Think nothing of it. It was my pleasure." He stood and put on his hat and coat before turning to the young woman again. "Does once a month sound good for a meeting to keep watch on your funds?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes, thank you again."

Once the old man was gone, Sakura plopped down tiredly next to Koyuki, still in a state of disbelief. "How the hell did I end up with millions that I didn't even know about?!"

The Feudal Lord's dark brown eyes closed in her laughter. "You dork! Did you think no one was paying for your CDs or to watch your movie or buy the magazines with your pictures in them? You make money from all of that. Lots of it, too!"

"Obviously." Sakura folded her arms and grew silent.

Koyuki watched the look on her friend's face morph from disbelief to pondering. "Penny for your thoughts?"

Sakura took a deep breath. "I want to experience the other side of stardom. I've done the work and the fan things. I want to experience the part where I get to spend all that money!" Her eyes glittered as she looked at Koyuki and the other woman groaned.

"Don't spend all of it, stupid! You need to save just in case your fame and appeal wear off." Her stern face softened again. "It doesn't mean we can't do a little shopping, though!"

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Even though Sakura was eager to go out and spend some of that money, her old miserly ways seemed to be stopping the process. She was still sure to check price tags and look to see if an item was cheaper at another boutique. She still chewed on her lip when she debated whether she should buy something or not. For all her big talk about new wardrobes and spa treatments, Sakura hadn't really spent any money at all!

Sakura huffed at Koyuki as they trotted back to the castle, two measly bags hanging from Sakura's hands. "Well, that was a waste! One dress and a pair of shoes?! That's all I could find?!"

The princess laughed. "You get tons of free stuff, you know. All those designers that just want you to be seen wearing their clothes? All those are free gifts. It's not like it's easy to find something you don't already have." She eyed Sakura out of her peripheral vision and grumbled. "Plus you're such a miserable scrooge."

The two continued to stroll through the town, taking a short-cut through a poorer section, when Sakura realized what she wanted to spend her fortune on. A little girl in shabby clothes raced by, heading for a slightly older girl who was dressed just as poorly. The small one looked up at what Sakura guessed was an older sister. "What's for dinner?"

The taller one frowned. "You know we don't have a lot. With Mama sick, we can only afford some bread."

The little one brushed some dirty bangs from her face. "When's Mama gonna get better? She's been sick a long time."

Sakura dumped her two bags on Koyuki and made her way over to the two little girls. "Excuse me, but did you say your mother was sick?"

The older girl looked at her skeptically while the little one hid behind her sister. The two just watched her silently until she spoke again. "I'm a medic, so I may be able to help."

The girls led her to their house, which turned out to be just a shack, and Sakura found a young woman lying on a bed. "Who are you?"

Sakura smiled gently at the woman before brushing a sweaty lock of red hair from her forehead. "I'm a medic. What are your symptoms?"

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It wasn't long before Sakura found the infection in the woman's system and had cleared most of it out. It wasn't normal procedure to intervene in cases of infection, but Sakura couldn't let the woman pass on and abandon her two young children in the process. The remaining traces of infection her body could fight off on its own with no problems. Sakura handed a few bills to the older girl. "Run to the market and buy plenty of fruits and vegetables along with some fresh meat and rice and see the apothecary about some antibiotics for your mother. After some rest and a few healthy meals, she should be just fine."

There was a small sniffle and then tiny arms flung themselves around Sakura's neck in gratitude. With a soft smile and her own tears burning her eyes, Sakura hugged the little girl back and then giggled when the younger one offered her the brightest smile, minus one baby tooth, she had ever seen.

Sakura gave the woman instructions to take her medications and eat well before discreetly laying another large wad of cash on the counter on her way out the door. The woman called out to her, asking for a name, but Sakura merely smiled and left.

Koyuki eyed Sakura as they made their way to the castle. "What was that all about?"

"I'm a medic! I can't just leave someone in trouble. The infection was far enough along that she would have died if I hadn't done something. And you know what?"

Koyuki just watched silently as Sakura's face crumpled. "Here I was, complaining about not being able to find anything more than this dress and these fucking shoes, when there are people here who have no food, no money and no one to help them!"

The young celebrity whimpered a few times, trying to reign in her emotions. "I can't sit in the lap of luxury when I know that others are missing the basic necessities. I won't be one of those wealthy people that turn a blind eye. I'm in a position where I can help and make a difference and that's exactly what I'm going to do."

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A week after Sakura's decision, Koji came into her room, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. "Good news, sweetie! I have here in this case, some of the hottest movie scripts out there today."

Sakura raised an eyebrow in question. "I'm in the middle of recording my trilogy. I can't just leave it and lose all the mojo I've got going."

Koji smiled impishly at her. "That's why I've talked Hiro into going with you. He's got access to every studio imaginable. You can work on the album while you do some more movies."

Sakura gnawed on her bottom lip. The offer was tempting. It was like the best of both worlds. "Let's see what you've got."

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Hours later, Sakura had a pile of three scripts. "These. I really want these."

Koji picked up the ones she had set aside and his eyes widened. "Those are some diverse choices."

Sakura laughed. "Hell yeah! It'd be boring to do the same old thing over and over."

Koji nodded and read about the characters out loud. "So, an assassin killing off her old organization, a woman trying to decide between two men in a romantic comedy, and a geisha? You'll be a busy lady, but also extremely popular. The expected box office for these films is huge."

"Do you think I'll get them?"

Koji stared at her in disbelief. "You're Haruno Sakura, the hottest celebrity on the planet right now. What do you think?"

A bright laugh filled the room. "Okay, I guess I'll do fine when you put it that way!"

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Two weeks later, Sakura and Hiro set off for Wave Country to film the geisha movie. Sakura turned grateful eyes to her producer. "Thank you for coming with me, Hiro. I really do appreciate it."

His teeth almost 'pinged' the smile was so radiant. The tooth sparkle caused Sakura to envision Konoha's green clad duo and instead of the shuddering their image normally induced, she found she missed them as well. Hiro's voice snapped her back to reality. "Hey, girlie, this is like a vacation for me. I get to spend my days on a beach relaxing, doing the music gig I love so much in the evenings, and spending the rest of my time in a luxury hotel. You didn't exactly have to twist my arm!"

The tiny entourage, which included Sakura's trusted security team and Hiro's assistants, made its way to the hotel that would serve as home base. Sakura couldn't help the large gasp that escaped her. Sure she had been living the good life for a few years now, but things like this never ceased to amaze her. The place was huge and opulent. Sakura was almost afraid to breathe, in fear she would ruin something.

Hiro's smirk grew as he watched Sakura slide her card key into the door to her room. Hopefully, Koji's surprise had arrived and was already waiting for the young woman inside. Unable to resist, he stepped up behind her and she eyed him strangely. "What are you doing?"

"Just want to see if your room is nicer than mine." He winked at her and she shook her head in amusement.

"You're a piece of work." Finally, she managed to get her door open and stepped inside. Only to be blindsided by someone grabbing her and spinning her around in a delighted hug. "AAAHHHHH!!"

She was about to punch without thinking, until she noticed a giddy Temari and a smirking Gaara whirl by during her spins, which could only mean..."Kankuro!" With a free-spirited laugh that Hiro hadn't heard in months, he watched Sakura and the Kazekage's brother embrace in a tight and friendly hug before the other two raced over and joined in a massive group hug. Amidst everyone talking over each other and happy squeals and more hugs, he noticed Sakura sporting a beaming smile while tears of happiness ran down her cheeks. With his own little grin, he closed the door, silently congratulating Koji on knowing just what would cheer up their little starlet.

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After the chaos died down, Sakura sat on her bed chatting happily with the Sand siblings. "Oh my gosh, how did you guys know I'd be here?"

Temari grinned at her. "Your agent cares a lot about you. He noticed you'd been a little melancholy lately and called us in thinking you could use some old friends." Her grin faded and she looked at Sakura closely. "What's been eating at you, Pinky?"

Said pink head rested against Gaara's shoulder. "I had to go rescue Kakashi from a mission a few weeks ago. He had been captured in Lightning and..." She took a shuddering breath. "Oh god. You should have seen him. I have never seen Kakashi look so helpless. And I never want to see it again." She took another deep breath and her eyes stared resolutely at nothing. "But you know, despite his weakened and battered state, he was still undeniably beautiful. And I wanted nothing more in that moment, than to just hold him and protect him and not let anyone else near him ever again."

Kankuro's normally teasing grin was absent as a true smile spread over his features. "You're so in love, Cherry Blossom."

Sakura nodded. "I know. Although I'm pretty sure he doesn't feel the same for me."

Temari frowned. "Why would you say that?"

Sakura recounted her grandmother's admission and Gaara, in an uncharacteristic display of friendship, placed an arm around Sakura in a half-hug. "He's an idiot if he refuses you."

Forest green eyes closed in mirth as Sakura giggled. Gaara was trying so hard, he really was, but he was so stiff and business-like with it that it was just funny. "Gaara, you are so adorably hopeless!" She leaned in to quickly peck him on the cheek and the other two siblings joined in her laughter as the feared Kazekage blushed brightly.

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Kankuro and Hiro were becoming fast friends while Sakura worked on her movie. The two shared a similar sense of humor and a fondness for the fairer sex. Temari, Sakura and Gaara were pretty much inseparable. The group of five went to dinner a few days after filming started and Temari started to snicker at Sakura. "Sakura, you are hilarious in a kimono."

And it was true. She wasn't used to traditional clothing and footwear. Heck, even civilian clothing had given her some trouble when this journey started! Traipsing around in restrictive kimono and unsteady zori was difficult and Sakura had even discreetly employed chakra a few times to keep the soles of her feet from blistering. Temari, Kankuro and Hiro had been having a great time laughing at the clumsy woman from the sidelines of the movie set. Gaara had been polite enough to not laugh outright, but Sakura could have sworn she saw his lips twitching numerous times.

The actress' eyes narrowed at her friend. If they had been on set, she would have thrown one of the hard zori at Temari's head. "Well, excuse me for not having much occasion to wear the damned things! I'd like to see you do better, kunoichi."

The blonde sniffed disdainfully while looking at her nails. "Have better things to do. Sorry."

Sakura grinned playfully and Hiro smiled behind his glass as he watched her. That twinkle that had been missing was returning and he was ecstatic to see his friend happy again. "Hey, Sakura. Why don't you tell them what you're planning to do with your money?" He turned to the Sand siblings. "Wait till you hear this. It's brilliant."

And Sakura began to outline her plan. "Okay, so there are poor regions in every country. It's just inevitable. If you pump money into these districts, it does no good. Sooner or later the funds run out and the people are left destitute again. I was thinking about opening free schools for the adults. The children already have access to schools, but adults don't have anywhere to go to get an education unless they want to pay. And in some peoples' cases, that just isn't possible. It would basically be vocational schools and not traditional institutions. The teachers could be volunteers from different professions who give their time and expertise to teach these adults how to do various jobs so they can become competitive in the job market, or even start their own businesses. This in turn would start to generate revenue into the less prosperous parts of a village and soon, we could wipe out poverty and starvation."

Kankuro frowned at her. "That's very noble and all, Sakura. But do you have enough money for that?"

Sakura smirked as she jotted a number down on her napkin and pushed it over to Kankuro who couldn't contain his shock. "What the hell?!"

"Did you think I was working for free?" Sakura herself had been similarly afflicted when she found out how much she had, but she wasn't about to give the Sand siblings more ammunition to tease her with.

Temari glanced at the figure and then back at Sakura, wide-eyed. "Holy shit."

Sakura ran a hand through her hair. "I was thinking about making donations to various places on top of that. Mainly schools and hospitals, but also to some reputable charities or even families with nothing. I just have no need for all that money."

Gaara smiled softly at her. "You have a big heart, Sakura-chan."

The young woman just shook her head. Seems she wasn't the only one that had grown and evolved over the past few years.

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There was a lull in filming while the producers tried to secure a new location for the movie due to a miscommunication about the old venue. The Sand trio plus Sakura sat trying to find something to do while they waited for word on where to head next. Finally, Sakura grinned devilishly at her friends. "Want to train?"

And with a few swift leaps and checking dutifully to make sure no one was watching, the quartet flew off to a secluded area surrounded by trees to make it even more private. Temari leaned on her fan and smirked at Sakura who was standing next to her. "What do you say to boys versus girls?"

Sakura slid on her black gloves and cracked her knuckles, directing a smug smile at the two brothers. "Too easy."

The earth rattled and shook, wind sliced at their skin, sand wrapped around arms and legs and puppets noisily clanked as they headed for their target. Sakura was sweating, panting, hurting, aching...and loving every second of it.

This is what she lived for, what she devoted her life to, what she wanted to do as long as there was breath in her lungs and life in her body. The thrill of the chase, the heat of battle, the adrenaline that pumped in life or death situations...she loved all of it. Sure the singing and acting were great fun and she was happy and thankful that she had the opportunity to do those wonderful things, but being a kunoichi would always be her life's calling.

Being slightly out of practice, Sakura was exhausted before the Sand siblings and settled under the shade of a tree to watch them continue. The sparring was incredible. Three elites, all throwing taunts and beating the crap out of each other, it was reminiscent of Naruto and Sasuke and before Sakura could stop herself her lower lip trembled.

She missed Konoha, she missed her comrades, she missed her co-workers at the hospital, she missed her friends, she missed her shishou, she missed her family and most of all, she missed Naruto and Kakashi.

She slapped at her cheeks slightly and focused on the fight in front of her. Sitting around moping would do her no good.

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Kakashi knocked at Aiko's door, looking forward to his first tea with the old woman since that disastrous ANBU mission. It had been more than seven months since he had seen her last and he actually missed her.

The door creaked open as one blue eye peered around the crack. He watched the eye widen before the door was flung open. Aiko crushed the startled jounin in a smothering embrace. "I missed you!"

Kakashi smiled slightly and was about to respond when two petite hands started whacking on him with the ferocity the old woman was known for. "You're such a stupid, stupid kid for making me worry like that! If I was a few years younger I'd give you a proper smacking, you idiot!"

Alarmed, it took Kakashi a few seconds before he expertly caught her hands. "Aiko, stop!"

She huffed and smoothed her pink and white hair before turning. "Come inside and have some tea."

Kakashi eyed the woman uncertainly. She was definitely the source of Sakura's mood swings and violent tendencies. He gingerly stepped in after her, careful to avoid her abuse again.

Once seated and sipping at their drinks, Kakashi looked intently at Aiko. "I saw Sakura. I was just coming out of my coma, so the memory is sort of dream-like and I can't really remember details. But I did see her."

Aiko slowly swallowed her sip of tea, debating on whether she should say anything. Finally, her straight-forward nature won out. "Kakashi, why do you change the subject when we start talking about Sakura?"

Kakashi sighed and rubbed at the back of his head. "Do I? I hadn't noticed." With an eye crinkle, the conversation on that subject was closed, or so he thought.

The two chattered on about the most mundane subjects until Aiko started rummaging around near her television. "I have something I want to show you, Kakashi." She pulled a video tape from a drawer and popped it into the VCR. "It's from Sakura's 19th birthday."

Kakashi tried to look nonchalant and relaxed as he watched, but slowly his torso started to lean forward and Aiko smirked. If there was one thing she was proud of, it was her ability to read someone's reactions and body language. As she watched, it was clear to her that Kakashi was eager to see Sakura.

The tape started in with Sakura's cake being set in front of her as everyone sang.

"Oh, you guys! It's beautiful! Thank you!"

She gave everyone around her hugs and then Koji received an innocent kiss on the lips.

Kakashi felt jealousy surge up inside him. He knew the two were no longer an item, but they had been at one point. Koji had dated Sakura, kissed her, held her, loved her, been with her. All in ways Kakashi would like to be with the pink-headed young woman but hadn't. 'Yet.' his mind whispered.

Aiko's smug smirk remained firmly in place as she watched Kakashi's hand fist slightly on his knee. 'Can't stand seeing someone else with her, can you?' Mad cackling started up in her mind as she continued to watch the elite jounin from the corner of her eye.

Kakashi felt his eye widen as he continued watching. She had been captivating in the pictures he had seen, but they didn't even come close to how breathtaking she was in motion. Sakura was making her rounds hugging and talking to bunches of people he didn't know, but he wasn't paying attention to the other people anyway. Sakura was gorgeous! Her curves were nicely proportionate to a slender woman, giving her the classic hourglass shape. Her face had lost its child-like appearance and remaining traces of baby fat. She moved with an adult woman's grace and confidence and Kakashi was lost. He had been contemplating dating her when she returned already, but this tape was cementing his decision. She was unbelievably sexy and alluring. If she was still as sharp and intelligent as she had always been, he knew she would be dangerous to him. It wouldn't take much for him to fall in love with her.

Aiko wasn't stupid and she knew Kakashi wasn't either. The Copy Ninja knew Sakura loved him, Aiko was certain of that. So she let the tape continue playing.

There was a little blip where the tape was turned off and started up again.

Sakura was outside on a balcony, staring off at the landscape. She turned to face the camera slightly. "Hey, Koji."

The camera was placed on a table and Koji went to stand on Sakura's other side. "Why are you out here, birthday girl?"

"You remember the guy I told you about? The one I'm in love with?"

Koji nodded. "The older man?"

"Yes." She took a deep breath. "He has tea with my grandmother and she just told me he changes the subject when I come up."

Koji winced slightly. "Then he's an idiot and not worth your time. There are lots of men out there who would fall all over themselves for a chance to be with you. Present company included. I know things didn't work out for us and we should never go down that road again. But if things don't work out with your older man and you think maybe this is something you could pursue again, let me know."

Sakura never turned to face Koji, but she did smile. "Thank you, Koji. But don't leave your heart open for me. You deserve someone better than me."

Aiko turned off the tape and managed to look innocent as she faced Kakashi. The jounin was clenching and unclenching his fists and Aiko had to really work to hold back a smile of triumph. "That Koji is a sweet boy, but Sakura needs someone with a little more back bone."

"Hn."

"I know my granddaughter and I know she wants a man who can put up with her temper."

"Hn."

"Someone who can make her laugh."

"Hn."

"Someone she can hold an intelligent conversation with."

"Hn."

"Someone who will love her and treasure her. Someone who will treat her like a lady even though she's a kunoichi. Someone who wants to protect her even when she can protect herself."

Kakashi went silent and Aiko allowed a smile to slip.

"You love her, don't you?"

Kakashi looked up wide-eyed and Aiko amended her statement. "Well maybe not 'love', but it could certainly go that direction, couldn't it?"

Hesitantly, Kakashi nodded. Aiko bopped him in the back of the head. "Then tell her, dummy! She's not a mind reader!"

Kakashi scowled at his friend. "Just how do you suggest I do that when she's not here?"

Aiko rolled her eyes. "I don't mean now! When she returns."

"But what about her par-"

Aiko cupped a palm over his mouth. "Don't even say it. After she ran herself ragged saving your sorry ass, her dad decided whatever made Sakura happy, made him happy. Her mom already approved and so do I. Also, Sakura mentioned that our beloved Hokage deems the match an appropriate one. And I know for a fact that Sakumo-chan would have approved of her. So what's stopping you once she gets home?"

"I'm fourteen years older than she is, I used to be her sensei, people will talk...should I go on?"

Aiko slapped him upside the head again. "Now without the bullshit excuses, let's try this again. What's stopping you?"

The older woman was right. Kakashi knew the age difference, the former sensei argument and people's opinions didn't bother Sakura or himself. With his barriers and excuses stripped from him, he had no answer to her question.

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Sakura sighed as she watched the Sand siblings head back toward Suna. The past month had been magnificent with her friends, but it was time Gaara got back to being Kazekage and Temari and Kankuro headed back to active duty. Plus, her movie was finished and it was time to head home. She glanced over at Hiro who was closely watching Temari as she pushed Kankuro, probably over something stupid the puppet master said.

"Easy, Tiger. That one's not only taken, but more than you could handle." She smirked as he glanced over at her in surprise.

"I wasn't looking."

Sakura gave him a blank look of disbelief. "Really?" she asked flatly. "Cause I could swear you were just ogling her."

Hiro waved her off. "Taken, huh? She didn't mention a boyfriend."

Sakura giggled. "It's complicated. She's dating a ninja in another village, though neither one will admit to the relationship. The guy says it's 'troublesome' and Temari says he's too lazy. But I swear one of these days one of them will crack and it will be way too hot for anyone to get within a mile's radius."

Hiro chuckled as the two led the little group that had traveled with them towards the boat dock out of Wave.

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Sakura had trouble keeping up with her schedule over the next four months. She filmed two movies. One was intense and tiring. The other was a fun romantic comedy that Sakura thoroughly enjoyed working on. And then there was her album which she and Hiro worked on in her down time and had finally wrapped up.

Somehow during all that hectic work, she still found time to unload half of her amassed fortune. Charities, schools, and hospitals gave her their heartfelt thanks for her generous contributions. She also started to open the schools she had thought of opening for adults. Placed in struggling communities, the schools were filling quickly with parents wanting to provide better lives for their children, which is exactly what the kunoichi had been hoping for.

Once home in Snow, Sakura spent two weeks lazing around the castle, doing nothing but training and reading her medical books. Koyuki teased the singer about working while she was on vacation and Sakura giggled along with her. "It isn't work to me. I mean, yeah when I'm in Konoha, it's work. But I miss it so much that this studying and the workouts are actually fun."

The Feudal Lord called her a 'dork'...again...and went on her merry way.

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One year after Kakashi's rescue, Sakura was huffing as she helped her friends and the movers haul her things into the large and beautiful Victorian house she had just purchased. Koyuki had been against Sakura leaving, telling the kunoichi that if she intended to return to Konoha it would be a waste to purchase a home. However, the house cupid had shot Sakura while she drooled over the majestic manor. With four floors, old and intricate wooden detailing, massive iron fireplaces and some stained glass windows, there was no way the young woman could pass up her dream house. It was absolutely charming. Sure, Sakura's dream house would have been in Konoha and contained Kakashi and some Hatake kids. But hopefully those would come later and this could be a vacation home.

One of the movers sighed as he and his partner placed the last couch in Sakura's living room. "That's the last of it, Haruno-san. Is there anything else we can help you with?"

Sakura smiled brightly at the men. "No, you've been a great help already. Thank you very much."

He blushed as he fished a form out of his overalls, a little smitten with the celebrity. "You're very welcome. We just need a signature here saying the work was completed to your satisfaction."

Sakura signed and waved good-bye as the two left her house. Koji smirked at her as she giddily bounced on her feet. "Happy?"

"Extremely! Isn't it fabulous?!" She gushed as she ran a hand along the mantle to the smaller fireplace in the entryway.

Hiro chuckled. "It is a stunning home. Good choice." He cleared his throat and turned serious. "I hate to sort of rain on your parade, but remember the tour starts in two weeks. So make sure to get to your rehearsals and all of that on time."

Sakura nodded. "I know, I know. I won't let unpacking clog my brain."

The album had been finished for months, but the Sakura-camp had debated on whether she should tour or not with the new album since the tour for 'Trilogy' would have to be a huge affair. Eventually, the 'yes' side won and then there had been the task of organizing the colossal event. Sakura had been too busy to be much help. There were interviews to promote her new movies, photo shoots for the movies and photo shoots for the cover of her CD set. Finally things had died down enough that they could focus on the tour and get the ball rolling.

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Sakura smiled contentedly as she unpacked the last box for her bedroom. She pulled the last photo from the box and gazed at the picture of Team 7 and could finally do so without the lump forming in her throat. She still missed them and she still loved Kakashi, but gone were the feelings of not being good enough, smart enough or pretty enough.

She was happy with who she was now. She was confident, intelligent, often witty and razor sharp with her comments, made those around her laugh and liked to laugh herself, knew she was attractive while still remaining humble and comfortable in her skin. There was a sense of peace and serenity surrounding the twenty year old singer and actress.

Sakura pushed a lock of hair from her eyes and ran a thumb along Kakashi in the picture. Maybe going home wasn't so far off.

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Kakashi wandered to the Hokage Tower, beloved book resting in one hand while he expertly dodged the other pedestrians without even looking. He ascended the stairs, sidestepped a genin who looked at the legend in awe and continued unfazed to Tsunade's door. He pocketed his novel while rapping at her door. "Come in."

Her blonde head glanced up as he entered and she returned to scribbling away on some forms. "Hatake. Glad you finally decided to show up. I only called for you three hours ago."

His visible eye crinkled. "Well you see, there was this academy student who was practicing his shuriken and being a devoted sensei, I-"

"Shut it, kid. I don't have time for your nonsense. I would believe that crock coming from Gai, but not you." She leveled a glare at him and Kakashi held up his hands in placation. This time his excuse was actually true. He had stopped to help a kid with his shuriken practice. But then again, Kakashi figured it was sort of like the story of the boy who cried wolf. No one believed his excuses anymore. He shrugged before a small box was tossed at him.

"What's this?"

Tsunade answered while grabbing more reports from the top of her stack. "Happy birthday from Sakura. Now go away, I'm busy."

Not really willing to deal with the irate woman while she was in that kind of mood, he silently bowed and left the office.

Once safely home, he settled down to open his present when the little label on the side of the box caught his eye. He turned the package around and chuckled slightly at the Hokage's mistake. There staring back at him, was Sakura's return address which Tsunade had neglected to remove. "Gotcha, Cherry Blossom."

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Tsunade sighed as a knock sounded at her door. The interruptions had been numerous and while she hated the paperwork littering her desk, the sooner she got it done the sooner Shizune would leave and she could sneak in a little sake break. She gave a low growl before shouting at the door. "ENTER!"

Kakashi poked his head around the door cautiously, afraid of flying projectiles after the rough call to enter. "Um...Hokage-sama?"

"What now, Hatake?"

He stepped into the room fully and stood in front of her desk, scratching the back of his neck. "I was wondering if perhaps I could ask for some time off?"

Tsunade eyed him strangely. He never asked for time off. "Why?"

"Well, I've been in the village for a long time not counting the last ANBU mission, which I'd rather not. I was thinking of maybe taking a trip somewhere. I think I'm getting a case of cabin fever." He finished with an eye crinkle and a small chuckle.

The honey-eyed Hokage openly studied him, causing the elite jounin to shift slightly under the powerful woman's intense stare. Finally, she relaxed with a sigh. She didn't have time to sit and ponder his odd behavior and request when there was sake to be had. "That's fine. How long did you need?"

"A month?"

She gawked at the lengthy time. "What?"

"I haven't taken vacation in years. Surely I'm entitled to a month."

"Fine, fine. One month. Be safe on your trip."

With a salute, he 'poof'-ed from her office.

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Kakashi shifted his pack as he left the village. Once safely in the trees and on his way, he pulled the address from his pocket and smirked. "Koyuki's palace, huh? Snow Country, here I come!"

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A/N: Reviews appreciated if you have time! The song is 'Out From Under' by Britney Spears. Not a big Britney fan (though I am rooting for the poor girl to get back on her feet), but the song is very pretty. Smooches!