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.

11. You're My Star

Here is the next chapter!

A big thanks must go again to my amazing betas, Shy Tan'ith and ScaryRei. Without their helpful input, this chapter would have been riddled with grammatical errors. Thank you, ladies!

Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

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You Gotta Go There To Come Back

Chapter 11: You're My Star

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It's a thrill to see your imagination

Just watching you is an education

What's in your mind, is my fascination

It blows my mind, it sets my heart racing

- You're My Star by Stereophonics

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Sakura, her mother, Grandma Aiko and Tsunade were all sitting around a small table in Tsunade's personal quarters, sipping tea and pouring over catalogs and magazines. The young celebrity was attempting to remodel her parents' old home without actually going there. The pink fabrics, glitter-covered clocks, stuffed animals and brightly hued furniture reflected the tastes of sixteen year old Sakura. The mature and sophisticated twenty year old Sakura had entirely different tastes. If the young woman was going to have friends over, both old and new, she wanted her home to reflect who she was now, not who she used to be.

"Ooh, this one! I like this one a lot!" Sakura pointed to an ivory chaise lounge and her mother leaned over to peer at the picture.

"That's gorgeous, sweetie! Where do you plan on putting it?" Her mother's green eyes went back to her own catalog before looking at Sakura expectantly.

"Probably my room. I've got a maroon, gold and ivory color scheme in there. Or at least I should. That's what I hope the decorators are doing. I haven't been able to go look since I'd be spotted." She absent-mindedly rubbed at the low-grade chakra inhibitor on her arm.

Tsunade frowned at the movement. "I don't see why you insisted on wearing that thing. Isn't it uncomfortable?"

"It makes me a little tired, but I didn't want to have to worry about hiding my chakra for three days straight. You know for a fact that someone would feel my chakra if I let it go." Sakura countered her mentor's frown with her own. "This is the last day I'll have to wear it. No big deal."

The door opened and Sakura looked over to see Temari entering. "Hey, there! We were wondering when you'd get here."

"Sorry. Your manager is being a big baby about having to stay in the hotel. So I had to remind him that Kakashi-san knows what he looks like so he just has to stay hidden for one more day. And then I ran into Naruto who has been glued to Gaara's side since we got here." The Sand ninja sighed, ready to be done with all the secrecy.

"What reason did Gaara give Naruto for being here?" Sakura's wide eyes studied the blonde.

"He said we were here to renew a peace treaty." Temari shrugged and sauntered over to the table, plopped down and grabbed a magazine from the pile. "Some sort of political mumbo jumbo."

Aiko patted her granddaughter's hand. "Just imagine, sweetie! Tomorrow you'll see everyone! And you can show that idiot Hatake what a knockout you've become!" The spry old woman winked at the giggling singer. "Speaking of the little jerk, it's Tuesday, so I better get going. I have a tea date to keep!"

Sakura's mother eyed the older woman with worry. "You don't need to go to the market, do you?"

Aiko looked at the ceiling and tapped her chin in thought. "Actually, I think I'm running low on sugar. I guess I could also pick up some little tea cakes while I'm there."

The three kunoichi in the room struggled to hold their laughter in check as Aiko flounced out of the room, her daughter-in-law tripping over herself to follow along and keep the older woman from assaulting any innocent merchants. Once the two older women were gone, Sakura let a few giggles slip. "Can't help but love my Grandma. Although I'm insanely jealous that she's on her way to spend time with Kakashi."

Temari wriggled her eyebrows suggestively. "If tomorrow goes well you'll be doing more than just spending time with him."

Tsunade snickered behind her catalog as Sakura choked on air at the Sand woman's blatant innuendo.

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Kakashi's eye crinkled happily as Aiko opened the door with a bright smile. "Come on in, dear. I was just about to start brewing the tea."

Kakashi took his usual spot at the small kitchen table as he watched the pink-headed old woman bustle about the room. "Anything I can do to help?"

"No, no. I've got it." She set the kettle on to boil and then placed a few tea cakes on the table before sitting across from Kakashi. "I saw the Kazekage and his siblings in town earlier. Is everything alright?"

The jounin nodded. "Tsunade-sama said they're here for some sort of meeting about a treaty. Then tomorrow there's a meeting for a lot of us at the pub. I'm guessing it's to discuss the treaty and what changed or what was reaffirmed in it. Though it's a little strange to have meetings at the pub." His gaze went from pondering to a small smile. "Although with our Hokage's penchant for sake, I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the venue."

Aiko smiled slightly. "Sounds oh so interesting."

Kakashi snickered at her sarcasm. "So how have you been?"

"Oh you know me! Fit as a fiddle and still feisty!" She went to collect the kettle and then her smile grew impossibly bright with Kakashi's next question.

"How's Sakura?"

"Wonderful. She's been thinking about coming home. And I'd say it's about damn time, too! Do you realize she will be twenty-one at the end of this month? It seems like she's been gone for an eternity!" Aiko sighed as she poured Kakashi's tea. "Although I must say, leaving for a while has been incredible for her. She's more well-rounded now and I'm terribly proud of her. I can't wait for her to come home."

Kakashi smiled under his mask. "I can't wait either."

Aiko clapped a little as her blue eyes twinkled. "Are you going to ask her on a date?"

Kakashi laughed at her child-like expression and behavior. "Well, I'll need to get reacquainted with her first! She's been gone for five years. She could be nothing like the girl I used to know."

Aiko pouted. "Spoil all my fun, why don't you?"

"Tell you what. If I do ask her on a date, you'll be the first person I tell."

Aiko looked at him seriously, her mood doing a complete turnaround. It just reaffirmed for Kakashi where Sakura's seemingly bipolar nature stemmed from. "Treat her right, Kakashi."

"I will."

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A disguised Koji made his way into Tsunade's quarters. He had a newfound respect for Sakura and all the disguises she had to don just to be able to take a stroll. It certainly wasn't fun. The scene he walked in on made him smile in amusement. She was flanked by Aya and Hajime as all three shuffled through her wardrobe. The younger woman looked absolutely frazzled as she flung clothes around hastily. "What am I going to wear?!"

Aya tried to soothe her. "Sakura honey, you have tons of clothes here. And all of them look magnificent on you. Don't fret so much."

Hajime nodded his head in agreement. "I know it's easier said than done, but Aya's right. If that man you love doesn't drop and worship the ground you walk on, there is something seriously wrong with him."

There was a loud sigh and the fabric stopped flying as Sakura slumped into a chair. "You're right. I'm just...It's been five years! I just want everything to be perfect and I want to look better than I ever have." There was another loud sigh. "I'm just really nervous and anxious about tomorrow."

Tsunade stood silently behind Koji, having slipped in silently during all the fuss. "I know what will keep your mind occupied. At least for a little while."

Sakura raised an eyebrow in question and her mentor smirked. "I'll teleport us. Come on."

Hajime blinked in confusion. "Teleport?"

Sakura stared at him for a split-second before realizing the three with her knew nothing about ninja techniques. "A ninja can teleport by gathering chakra and forming hand signs to mold that chakra in particular ways. And since Shishou is an elite ninja, she can gather enough chakra to transport a few people at a time."

Hajime nodded like he understood, but the tight smile was a give-away to his continued confusion.

Sakura huffed affectionately and rolled her eyes. "Just lay a hand on her shoulder or arm and don't freak out when everything gets a little fuzzy. It will be dark for a second and then we'll be wherever Shishou is taking us."

The four people laid a hand on the older woman and then with a poof, materialized inside the closed pub. Sakura looked at the tightly closed eyes of Koji and her stylists and gave a little giggle. "We're here."

The trio slowly opened their eyes and then released the breath they had been holding. Aya bounced on her feet a few times. "That was fun! It sort of felt like the first hill on a roller coaster."

While the three discussed teleportation, Sakura looked around in awe. She had been on much larger stages, so the size of the venue didn't faze her. She was startled because the pub looked nothing like what she remembered it to be. The neglected and dusty stage had been repaired and cleaned. Her equipment was already set up and a large screen hung on the wall next to the stage, covering almost the entire surface. "What's that for?"

Koji beamed at her. "I thought it would be fun to show your friends what you've been up to. I put together a video montage of you in concert, some fun moments, a few of your movie clips, various interviews and assorted photos taken of you."

Sakura squeezed his hand in appreciation. "Thank you, Koji. I'm sure it's going to be wonderful."

Tsunade gestured to the stage. "Why don't you try it out?"

Sakura gingerly stepped up onto the stage and looked out over the pub. The small space looked even smaller from her higher vantage point. However, she knew from experience that once the place was packed with people, it would look like a vast sea of faces. She didn't know whether to be relieved or to be even more nervous since the faces would belong to her friends and loved ones.

Her green eyes closed as she took a deep breath to sing and then she abruptly stopped. Koji watched anxiously with his brow furrowed as she flew through a series of hand signs. "What was that?" he whispered to the busty blonde next to him.

"She performed a jutsu to soundproof the building. That way if someone she knows walks by, they won't hear her singing."

"Oh." All of this ninja stuff was foreign and a little baffling to the Snow Country native.

They watched as Sakura began to sing. She only did a few bars from various songs, getting a feel for the acoustics in the pub and making sure the microphone and speakers were set up correctly.

Tsunade watched entranced as Sakura sang. She had heard Sakura's CDs since the young woman had sent them to her, but watching her apprentice sing was a very different experience. Her emotions were displayed clearly and her face glowed with a maturity and elegance that she hadn't possessed before. It was like looking at an entirely different person.

Sakura abruptly stopped singing. "Okay, everything sounds good." She began to bounce nervously. "Oh my gosh. Tomorrow. There's still so much to do!"

Koji watched the play of emotions across her face and intervened before she could completely have a breakdown. "Sakura, it's okay. There's a whole team of people working on this. All you need to do is relax for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow, we'll spend the morning in rehearsal, we'll spend the afternoon getting you ready and then you can perform and see all of the people you miss. We'll have a big party here afterwards and you can let loose and reunite with your old friends." Despite his feelings about the masked ninja, he knew what would cause a smile on the young woman's face. "Kakashi-san can see how much you've matured and grown into a beautiful woman."

Sakura smiled softly. "Thank you, Koji. You always know what to say." With a deep breath, she glanced at the clock behind the bar. "It's getting late. Let's head back so I can help pick everything out for tomorrow."

Aya and Hajime smiled brightly at their friend. "We're going to make you look fabulous." Aya's motherly voice floated over Sakura and immediately calmed the young woman even further.

The four held onto the Hokage as she teleported them all back to her quarters. "I've got some paperwork to do, but I'll see you in the morning." Tsunade grumbled something about a 'slave driving Shizune' before heading to her office.

The two stylists turned to Sakura's wardrobe along with the singer. With their heads cleared and frustration gone after the brief distraction, they set about selecting her clothes for the next day.

Koji gave a big smile before gaining Sakura's attention. "There's something else I came here to tell you."

Sakura peered over at him, but continued to browse the racks of outfits. "What is it?"

"How do you feel about doing a photo shoot next week?"

Sakura's bottom lip protruded in an adorable pout. "But I'm on vacation! I'm only doing this show because I haven't seen everyone in so long and it's a great way to make an entrance." She winked playfully at him.

Koji's smile turned sly. "What if the photo shoot is because you just won the 'Most Beautiful Woman in the World' award?"

A jaw dropping was his immediate answer. The two just stared at each other for a moment before Sakura started to stutter out a verbal reply. "W-w-what?"

"'Most Beautiful Woman in the World.' The magazine that prints that issue annually called and said they have chosen you. You were already in the running, but due to all of your charity work they said your inner beauty matches your physical beauty and that put you heads above the rest." He waited a few heartbeats before continuing. "So, what do you say?"

Sakura squealed. "Of course I'll do it! That's amazing news!"

"I'll let them know tomorrow morning that next week is good." Koji yawned and embraced Sakura. "I'll see you in the morning. Get plenty of rest, okay?"

"Sure thing. Thank you for everything, Koji."

"Anytime." He made sure his disguise was straight before heading out.

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Sakura took a few minutes after rehearsals to rest and eat a small lunch with her beloved mentor. "I can't believe I'll see everyone in just a few short hours." Sakura sighed and a dreamy smile lit her face. "I wonder what Kakashi will think of my new look and my performance."

Tsunade gave a little chuckle. "I'm sure it'll be a shock in a good way." She gave Sakura's shoulder a pat as she passed her. "I need to go get some work done. But I'll see you tonight."

Once the Hokage was gone, Sakura smiled at Hajime and Aya. "Ready to make me look fabulous?" She smiled a teasing smile at the two.

Hajime waved a hand with a little frown. "We're doing nothing until you shower. Rehearsals must have been rough."

Sakura laughed heartily. Hajime always made her worries disappear with his humor and harsh wit. "Fine, fine. Be out in a few minutes."

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By the time Kakashi finally decided to arrive, the small pub was filled to capacity. He noticed Naruto waving frantically from a table in the front and sighed as he weaved through the crowd. "Hey, Naruto."

"You're late. And for an important meeting, too." Naruto pouted slightly at the older jounin. "Hey, hey, sensei. We all have assigned seats. There's place cards at every table." The blonde picked up his own card to show and Kakashi's eye roved over it before making sure his own name card was there also.

Yamato and Sai were also seated at the tiny table and Kakashi quirked a brow at the two. Being ANBU members, the wood user and ink user had been in countless meetings and knew it was unusual to have seating assigned to you during a meeting. It was also unheard of to have a meeting inside a pub. Something was up and the ninja would just have to wait to find out what it was.

Yamato leaned over to speak to the older shinobi. "The stage is new."

Kakashi nodded toward the screen on the wall. "So is that. Tsunade-sama is up to something."

Naruto had been listening and then motioned toward Tsunade making her way onto the stage. "We'll find out soon enough."

The village leader stepped onto the stage and signaled for quiet. The various conversations around the bar stopped and Tsunade surveyed the crowd for a moment. Sakura's parents and grandmother Aiko were present, but the dark corner booth they occupied kept them hidden from everyone else's view. The Kazekage, Kankuro and Temari were there. And then there was the Rookie 9, Team Gai and the other shinobi and kunoichi Sakura had contact with on a routine basis before her departure.

"Thank you to all of you for being here tonight. It's a special night with a very special surprise. It is not a meeting, which I'm sure most of you have figured out by now." She paused and flew through a set of hand signs. "Please do not be alarmed. I put a jutsu on all of you to make sure you stay seated. You still have control over your actions, but you won't be able to leave your seats. The reason will be clear later." She shot a quick look at Naruto before continuing.

Sakura stood backstage, breathing deeply to keep her emotions in check. She switched her weight from one foot to the other as the ball of nerves in her stomach intensified. She peeked through a very tiny sliver between the heavy, velvet curtains on the stage and saw a familiar hand covered with fingerless gloves. It was all she could see, but it was enough to let her know Kakashi was out there. The ball of nervous energy in her stomach seemed to migrate, making her chest tight as it moved. Hopefully once she took the stage, it would be business as usual.

Sakura moved to look over herself in the mirror as Tsunade spoke out front. Hajime had trimmed her hair earlier that day. Her pink locks hit just above the middle of her back with a few shorter layers. There was a light layer of bangs covering her forehead and then the hair around her face was trimmed so it framed her features perfectly. Her makeup was understated as usual with just eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss; she found she looked best that way. Sakura finished examining her face and hair and let her gaze travel to her outfit. A pair of simple black pants were slung low on her hips, emphasizing the gentle flare of her curves. She also wore a black crushed velvet coat that was fastened from her waist to her neck, but flowed open around her legs and fell to mid-calf. The ruffle around her wrists softened the look of the dark and heavy garment. She looked amazing and she knew it. If she couldn't catch Kakashi's attention in this, then he was a lost cause.

"And now without further ado, I give you the main reason for our gathering here tonight." The Hokage left the stage and Sakura let out a silent prayer. Her dancers and band took the stage, patting her back with soft whispers of 'good luck' as they passed.

The lights went out as Sakura and company took the stage. The music softly started and there was a flare of chakra as Sakura cast a small genjutsu. With the stage back lit, everyone saw slowly drifting sakura petals until the drums and Sakura joined in the song. The genjutsu abruptly disappeared as the lights flickered from back lighting to spotlighting the young woman.

How can I decide what's right?

When you're clouding up my mind

I can't win your losing fight all the time

No care to ever own what's mine

When you're always taking sides

But you won't take away my pride

No not this time

Not this time

Kakashi didn't know what to think. His mind was racing with a million thoughts but he was also struck speechless by the sight of the woman before him. He ceased breathing and was rooted in place, absolutely motionless. Just a few feet away, was the woman he had been dreaming about for a couple of years, the woman who had saved him from torture and certain death, the woman who invaded his thoughts without warning, the woman he fantasized about while detained. The woman that would surely capture his heart if she was still the intelligent and loving person she had been before her journey.

How did we get here?

Well I used to know you so well

How did we get here?

Well, I think I know

The Copy Ninja finally got his brain back under control and first noticed the outfit she was wearing. It suited her well and made his mouth go dry. How she managed to look unbelievably sexy with so many layers was a mystery to him. The dark colors made her exotic hair and eyes stand out. Kakashi noticed her new hairstyle and decided he liked it. It was beautiful and feminine but had a hint of a tough girl look. The hairstyle was Sakura through and through. Sakura locked her gaze with Kakashi and his breath caught again. Her once sea foam eyes had darkened to a deep emerald green, piercing with their intensity. She bravely held his gaze as she continued to sing the next verse.

The truth is hiding in your eyes

And it's hanging on your tongue

Just boiling in my blood,

But you think that I can't see

What kind of man that you are

If you're a man at all

Well, I will figure this one out

On my own (I'm screaming I love you so)

On my own (My thoughts you can't decode)

Sakura was glad the song required her complete attention after that verse, with plenty of yells and notes to be held. After holding Kakashi's scorching gaze with her own, she felt like she needed to collapse into a chair and fan herself. If anything, she found Kakashi even more amazing than she had before leaving. Maybe her maturity made her appreciate his rugged magnificence more or maybe it was just because she was seeing the man she had pined for during her five-year absence. But whatever the reason, the fact was she wanted to cry in joy at seeing him. She wanted to run into his arms and feel the security and strength he always provided her. She wanted to tell him over and over how much she loved him. She wanted to yank down his mask and kiss him senseless. Just sitting at a table and talking with him, listening to his deep rumble, would be enough for her tonight.

In addition to the new level of gorgeous Sakura had achieved, Kakashi enjoyed listening to her enchanting voice. Her voice was beautiful, sultry, clear and pleasant. So many contrasting qualities all embodied in one sensational voice. She really was a talented singer. He was surprised she had managed to keep such a secret from them, not only during her new career but also before her travels. No one on the team had ever heard her sing. He applauded her skill in keeping her new lifestyle a secret from an entire village of shinobi when the rest of the world knew.

The song drew to a close and it was pandemonium. The applause were deafening and coupled with the shouts and catcalls and 'welcome home's she was being offered, the sound level was almost painful. She laughed merrily, eyes twinkling in elation. This was, by far, the happiest she had been in over five years.

She noticed some furious squirming at a table directly in front of her and looked down to see the young man she loved as a brother. He was desperately trying to break Tsunade's jutsu and get out of his chair, no doubt to tackle her in a bone-crushing hug. She offered him an affectionate smile, shaking her head in a negative fashion as she did, and Naruto calmed immediately. Later, he would get his chance to pounce on her in his customary manner, but for now he needed to be patient.

Kakashi closed his eyes. Seeing her looking so stunning was causing his body to do things that just weren't appropriate in public. Luckily, the bar was dark and everyone was focused on the pink-headed celebrity, so no one would notice his attempts to get comfortable with a half-formed erection. Hopefully with his sight removed for a moment, he could get his body back under control.

Aiko was observant for an old woman and smirked from her position in the back of the pub. 'I'm glad you find her that attractive. But you better keep it in your pants or I'll chop it off, Casanova.' Her smirk turned to a scowl and she diverted her attention back to her granddaughter.

Sakura raised her arms for quiet and silence fell as everyone waited to hear what she had to say. "I want to thank you all for being here this evening. I've missed you terribly."

Kakashi wanted to groan at the unfairness of it all. Even her voice was doing things to him physically. It was lower and breathier than it used to be, and infinitely sexier. He grudgingly opened his eyes. If he was going to be affected either way he went about it, he may as well enjoy the whole experience.

"I'm sorry I didn't give you all a proper good-bye, but I just couldn't handle that. It was hard enough leaving without adding a heartbreaking farewell to it. I want to show you what I've been up to for the past five years. It's been one hell of a journey and I can't even begin to describe it. So I'll let this video speak for itself." Sakura made a motion to start the tape and the lights on stage darkened as the clips began to roll.

They saw Sakura at the photo shoot for her first CD cover and Kakashi's eyes widened as Sakura struck the pose that was used for the large posters. It was her legs he had ogled years ago! It was serendipity at its best.

The crowd continued to watch the video as it showed Sakura prancing around on stage for her first tour, commanding the audience's attention as she danced and sang. At one point she fell to her knees and rolled her hips close to the stage, one hand tangled into her hair as she sang and every male in the pub had to adjust themselves slightly. Kakashi, however, had a little more trouble as Sakura's action caused his semi-erect member to fully harden. He began to wonder if he was destined to be humiliated tonight.

And then came the movie clips. Sakura as a courtesan in her first movie, as a geisha in her second, as a woman torn between two suitors in a romantic comedy and finally as an assassin out for revenge in her fourth movie. The most memorable moments of the films were shown and Sakura felt a wave of pride wash over her. She was talented and had done a damn fine job in those roles.

Finally, Koji finished the tape off with some of the more candid photos from the last few years along with the results from some of her photo shoots. There were shots of Sakura clowning around with the various performers and crew members for her tours, a shot where she was standing in between Makoto and Shingo, who were a good two feet taller than her, her shoulders raised in a 'whatever' expression. There were also shots from that photo shoot on the rooftop that she had almost missed. Pink hair cascading in messy waves down her back as she peered over her shoulder in the black, backless evening gown was one of her favorite shots. There were also a few black and white photos of Sakura standing in front of the schools she had opened, overjoyed parents who were about to become students surrounding the generous singer.

As the tape stopped, Sakura turned to the audience. "So as you can see, it's been an interesting five years. No matter how frustrating or exhausting it has been, I wouldn't have traded it for anything."

She motioned to the side of the stage and a row of people filed out to stand around her. "I want to introduce you to some of the amazing people that have helped mold me into the woman I am today." She went through the dancers, back-up singers and the band. Next she introduced Aya and Hajime. Hajime slung his arm around her shoulder and leaned close to whisper. "Honey, there is a lot of man candy out there!" His voice echoed over her microphone and Sakura quickly set it on the stand before pulling him over a little ways.

"See the one in the mask and tilted forehead protector in the front?" she whispered.

Hajime peered around her with a surprising amount of stealth. "Mmm-hmm. Oh sweetie, he looks scrumptious!"

Sakura smiled lightly. "That's Kakashi."

Hajime's confused look quickly cleared as shock registered. "You go, girl! Ride that stallion!"

Sakura's smile melted into mortification since Hajime had basically yelled those statements in his excitement. "Shut up, you dolt! He'll hear you!"

And Kakashi had heard him. Thankfully, his mask covered the majority of the dark flush he could feel creeping onto his cheeks. He could only hope the darkness in the pub covered the rest of it. Despite his own embarrassment, he smirked at the statements. If it was him they were discussing, then apparently Sakura still had some feelings for him and he still had a good chance of dating the beautiful woman.

Hajime's hands covered his grinning mouth, eyes sparkling in amusement. "Sorry."

Sakura grabbed Hiro and pulled him to center stage with her. "This is my producer and good friend, Hiro."

Anko's eyes roved over the black jeans and skin-tight black t-shirt the man wore, his arm muscles bulging under the fabric. "Hell yeah!"

Hiro's eyes widened and his curls bounced as he turned quickly to locate the source. Anko merely waved with a lusty smile in place and Hiro grinned, looking every bit a predator. Sakura rolled her eyes at the display. "Down, boy." She playfully pushed him, but he ran back and squeezed her in a tight hug.

"You know I love you, right Sakura?"

"I know. And I love you, dummy. Now go on."

Hiro moved away, giving her his best innocent look and she rolled her eyes again. Sakura crooked a finger at Koji, giving him her brightest smile. As he stood next to the young woman, his eyes locked with Kakashi's. It was almost a repeat of Koyuki's palace, only it was a silent battle this time around. Koji's brown eyes glared harshly into Kakashi's dark eye, Kakashi returning the glare just as fiercely.

"This is my most trusted friend and manager, Tanaka Koji. He was the one who told me I could have a future in something like this and has guided me every step of the way. Thank you for everything, Koji." She hugged the manager tightly and he returned the embrace. Once he pulled back, she tilted his head down to place an innocent kiss on his forehead before smiling softly at him.

Kakashi felt his hands clench into fists. The action made Kakashi a little uncomfortable as he realized he was jealous! The elite jounin knew he wanted to try dating the beautiful celebrity, but he didn't think he should feel jealousy when the relationship hadn't even started yet. Additionally, jealousy made it seem like he wanted more than he was ready to admit to. He didn't want Sakura to show any affection to a man that had already enjoyed too much of it, by his standards. The only thing that eased his jealously was the realization that Sakura still wanted something with himself. If the look she gave him earlier and Hajime's exclamations were any indication, then she still felt strongly about Kakashi. There were so many conflicting thoughts racing through his mind and he was feeling thoroughly confused. The only things he was sure of were that he wanted to spend some quality time with Sakura and the more time he spent with her, the more clear his feelings would become.

Sakura's voice rang out once more. "All right. We're through with the introductions, so let's get this started up again!"

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Everyone watched, completely enthralled, as Sakura twisted, twirled, sang and demanded complete attention with her mannerisms and attitude on stage. She was a force to be reckoned with. Nobody in the pub wanted to look away or even blink, fearing they would miss something special. As she performed, her hair began to curl at the ends and stick to her damp neck and face. Her lips, long free from their gloss, had darkened to a deep red from her exertions and her cheeks held a pretty flush. The kunoichi's eye make-up had smudged slightly, causing a smoky effect around her sparkling forest green eyes.

Kakashi was thankful for his mask as his mouth hung slightly agape. Sakura was even more beautiful now than when she started performing. Her heavy coat had been shed after a few songs, showing the black long sleeved shirt and white vest she had on underneath. The vest was held closed with ties going up the front, reminiscent of the ties on a straight jacket while the collar had a small square gap at the top, the black shirt underneath filling the spot. It looked like an inverse priest collar. Kakashi began to think the woman would be lucky if she made it through the night without him assaulting her in a dark corner.

She sang the songs she had performed at the birthday party for the daimyo's daughter and Kakashi was shocked again. So many times he had an opportunity to see her, but he had missed each and every one. It seemed his keen sense of observation had failed him time and again.

Sakura emerged in the long skirt and puff-sleeved, off the shoulder shirt she had worn at the end of the daimyo concert. Her hair had been piled onto her head in a messy bunch. Some of the ringlets that had been curled into her hair fell from the middle of the knot at her crown. Ino smirked at the familiar outfit. 'Go get him, Forehead.'

As she performed the belly dance that Neji had mentioned, Kakashi very nearly groaned out loud. Was Sakura trying to make him lose it on the spot? Her hips rolled sensually and Kakashi narrowed his eye at her. The little minx had to be doing some of this on purpose. He would bet money on it! His suspicions were confirmed when she looked at him out of the corner of her eye, smirking slightly during a hip roll.

Sakura stepped up to the microphone breathlessly. "I have one more song for you tonight. Hope you've enjoyed the show!"

There was a deafening roar of applause just before the bluesy sounds of the last song started up.

Sakura swayed and worked the stage during the song until the third verse. She hopped down and began wandering through the pub, teasing and flirting with various shinobi as she did.

Everything inside you, about you

I want to know, taste, hold, love you anytime I want to

Let me show you, let me give you everything I have saved just for you

I know you love me but I'm gonna need more than what you're giving me

I want to feel you but I feel empty

You gotta help me, you gotta meet me halfway

There I see you, can you see me, closer now

Just tell me, show me, what it's gonna take to get you to trust me, love me like I know you can

She turned to Kakashi just before the last line, their faces inches apart as she half-whispered, half-moaned the line, looking directly into his eye. There was a pause in the music afterwards, where Sakura gave him a slow, sultry smile, winked at him playfully and then turned abruptly as the music started back up, making her way onto the stage.

Could someone be teased to the point of insanity? Kakashi was seriously pondering this question. Sakura had tempted him all night; most of it unintentional, and Kakashi feared his self-control might not hold up much longer. Thank the powers that be for Tsunade's unbreakable jutsu or Sakura may have been rushed off stage in a show of raw passion from the Copy Ninja.

The show ended and Sakura's dancers and band had taken their bows and left. With a gesture to Tsunade, the Hokage released the jutsu from just Naruto, knowing the young man was about to explode up onto the stage. Sakura braced herself and still was knocked onto her back from Naruto's hug. Kakashi watched as eight massive men, Sakura's security squad, were about to rush onto the stage until Sakura's merry laughter reached their ears.

"I've missed you too, Naruto! Gods, I've missed you!" Kakashi's attention shifted back to the stage to watch the reunions unravel. He would bide his time. After all, he had a rock hard problem under the table that he needed to will away before standing.

Sakura embraced and sobbed against the Kyuubi vessel. "Sakura-chan, if you ever run off like that again, I'll hunt you down and drag you back kicking and screaming!" Naruto's scolding lost its intensity as he shed a few of his own tears. "I've missed you so much."

After the teammates had their moment, the Hokage released the rest of the pub's occupants. She watched with a fond smile as her apprentice was swarmed. There were a lot of people who had missed the talented medic during her five-year absence and they were all excited about her return.

Most of the ninja stood back, letting Sakura's teammates and closest friends smother her first. After Naruto had begrudgingly relinquished his hold on the woman, Ino took his spot, again suffocating Sakura with a fierce hug. "Forehead, I've missed you! You know you have a lot to tell me. I want to hear every detail about celebrity life! And then boy do I have gossip for you!"

Sakura laughed at her friend and rival. "And I will gladly listen to all of it! But first, you need to let up so I can breathe easily."

Ino relaxed her arms with a sheepish grin. "Sorry about that." And then the claws came out. Five years of pent up rivalry needed to be expressed in some manner. "Can't handle my superior strength?"

Time seemed to slow in that moment. The people closest to the pair backed up, expecting Sakura's famous fist to send the blonde woman flying out of the pub. But Sakura merely smiled brightly and shoved Ino's shoulder lightly with a small laugh. "Silly cow."

It took Ino by surprise, set the woman off balance and she merely accepted the gesture without so much as a frown. Somewhere along the line, Sakura had learned subtlety in her form of rivalry. There were no loud screams or expletives, no flying fists or fierce stares. No matter what Ino said or did, as long as she was still loud, Sakura's calm retorts would make it seem like the pink-headed kunoichi was the victor. With a huff, Ino stood to the side and watched her friend. The scowl she had acquired was replaced with a smile as she watched Lee spin Sakura around in the air.

"SAKURA-SAN! YOUR FLOWER OF YOUTH IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER!"

Sakura giggled as Lee set her down. "Lee-san, I never thought I would say this, but I have never been so happy to hear a 'flower of youth' reference!"

Lee rubbed at the back of his head as a blush and pretty smile lit his face. "Um..I was wondering if...now that you're back...maybe we could go out some time?"

Sakura smiled softly and cupped his cheek. "Lee-san, you are absolutely adorable. But I'm not the one for you. Trust me on this. However, I know someone who might agree to that date." She let her gaze rest meaningfully on Tenten, who had been quietly crushing on Lee for a few years. Judging by the hopeful look on Tenten's face and then the shy blush when Lee looked at her, the torch was still burning.

Sakura had said 'hello' to everybody, just biding her time, quietly talking with everyone, until the last person made their way up to her. She was going to let Kakashi make the first move, however long that took, she would patiently wait. She saw her grandmother making her way to Kakashi and smirked. It wouldn't be long at all until the older dynamo bullied Kakashi into greeting her.

Aiko slid into Naruto's vacated seat next to Kakashi. "You haven't welcomed her home, yet."

One dark eye coolly assessed the cunning old woman. "You knew she was coming home today, didn't you?"

Aiko giggled. "Actually, she's been home for three days. But things like this - ", she gestured to the pub, " - take time you know."

"Three days?! Why didn't I feel her chakra?"

"She was wearing some sort of brace on her arm. Tsunade called it a 'chakra inhibitor', but all this ninja stuff is foreign to me." Sakura's grandmother shrugged.

Kakashi shook his head with a fond smile. "She went to great lengths to surprise us all." His gaze perused the young woman's form again and he bit his lip when he noticed the naval piercing for the first time.

"She sure did. So get up there and say 'hello' to her." Aiko pushed lightly on Kakashi's arm and watched with mounting excitement as he made his way over to the pink-headed star.

Sakura was talking animatedly to Temari, hands waving around to get her point across. "You've got to see it, Temari! The house is grand and beautiful! A dream house, really. I can't wait to show you!"

Temari kept silent, her mouth forming a wide grin as her eyes looked over Sakura's shoulder. "I'll see you in a minute, Sakura."

Sakura stared, confused, at her friend's retreating form. She missed the tiny head nod Temari had given to the person behind her.

She shrugged and turned to go find Naruto, whom she had promised a dance. Her dark green eyes blinked as she came face to face with a flak jacket. She let her gaze slowly travel upwards, heart racing in her chest so hard she feared it would pound itself out of her ribcage. She saw his mask and started to bite her bottom lip in a show of nerves. Finally, her gaze rested on his lone dark eye and she couldn't help the beaming smile that burst through, eyes glittering with tears of happiness.

His deep baritone rumbled a greeting and she was smitten all over again. "Yo."

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A/N: And there you have it! I'm hoping the next chapter will be quick, but I have an accounting project and multiple Japanese tests coming up. So please be patient. The first song is 'Decode' by Paramore and the second is 'Yeah' by Kelly Clarkson. Reviews appreciated! Smooches!