She went to see Gaara at the government offices that afternoon. She waited outside to be let in for ten minutes before Temari happened to walk past and pulled her inside.
"Why were you just waiting out there?" Temari asked. "If you'd told them your name you would have been sent right in."
Sakura was nervous, and she had wanted to take some time to gather her thoughts and her courage, but she didn't tell Temari that. "I'm not going to start throwing names around to get special treatment. You should know me better than that by now."
Temari shook her head. "Fine. Whatever. Go ahead to his office; I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."
Maybe at first.
He looked surprised to see her there, and then motioned for her to sit down. He was with Aki, but she finished her business quickly and left the office. On her way out Aki gave Sakura's shoulder a quick comforting squeeze. Sakura smiled her thanks.
"What happened?" Gaara asked. "Did you go see a doctor today?"
Sakura nodded. "I'll be fine." She said. "But I have to stop the training with Misa."
"I see." Gaara watched her for a moment before asking, "Was there something else? I'm guessing you didn't come here just to tell me you'll be okay, as much as I appreciate it."
"I want to go home Gaara." Sakura told him. "I'm tired, and I'm worn down, and I miss my friends. I miss my family."
"Then go home." Gaara said simply. "I'm not going to force you to stay here if you don't want to."
"It's not like that." Sakura argued. "I do like it here. I just need a break."
Gaara nodded. "I know. I understand that, so I'm telling you to go home. I'll send a message to Tsunade with you, if you don't mind, asking her for my medic back. I know you've been homesick."
Sakura stood and bowed to Gaara, as a ninja bowing to the Kazekage of his city. "Thank you."
Gaara sighed. "Please don't do that. It's embarrassing enough when strangers do it."
Sakura looked up and smiled at him. "But if I tried to hug you I think I would have six bodyguards on me in no time."