Sakura groaned as the bright sunlight hit her eyes. "Why did I think it was a good idea to go out drinking the night before leaving?" She asked.

"Because it was." Misa replied happily.

"Yes, I think it was a marvellous idea." Aki added. They had spent the night with Sakura, after stumbling home together and collapsing on her bed. Setsuna had spent the night on her couch. Sakura was a little bummed that she wasn't spending her last night in Suna with Gaara, but she figured it didn't really matter; it wasn't like she would never see him again.

She hefted her twenty pounds of reports onto her back and set off towards the city gates with her new friends at her side. She gave them each a sidelong glance, to burn their faces into her memory. She was going to miss them while she was gone.

When they got to the gates there was no one else there except the gatekeepers. Sakura frowned, but shrugged it off; she had already had her sending off party last night, so there really was no reason for anyone to come see her off at the gates.

They were all silent as they watched the gates being opened for the day. Once the gates had been completely opened Sakura turned to the other three. "Well, I guess this is it. I'll see you guys later."

Setsuna and Misa nodded, but Aki was looking the other way, fidgeting. Sakura touched Aki's shoulder and repeated her goodbye once she was sure she was paying attention.

"Right. We'll see you later." Aki said.

As Sakura was turning to leave she heard someone yell her name. She turned to see Temari and Kankuro running towards her with Gaara in tow.

"You weren't planning to leave without saying goodbye?" Temari asked, shaking a finger at Sakura.

Sakura shrugged. "I'm terrible at goodbyes. It makes everything seem so final."

Temari gave Sakura a quick hug. "I don't care. I'll miss you kid."

Kankuro came forward, but Temari held him back. "You don't get to hug her." Temari told him, and Kankuro shrugged.

"Good luck then Sakura." He said. Sakura nodded, and looked at Gaara, who then stepped forward.

"Goodbye Sakura." He said stiffly. "Have a safe journey home."

Sakura smiled. "Thank you, I will."

Gaara opened his mouth to say something more, but shook his head instead.

"Well, I really should get going." Sakura told them. "I'll see you guys around."

And with a final wave she left Suna behind.