A Note from the Author:

Dear Readers,
Please excuse the long-awaited post. It was never my intention to leave you hanging. The only explanation I can offer is that, even though the work was completed, I wasn't happy with the ending and have made some adjustments (including edits to the previous chapter, if you have not read the updated version yet). I hope these changes do our characters justice and I hope you approve of the story as it comes to a close.

Two more updates remain. All the best- Olly
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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it

A One Month Bet

"Sakura…"

A deep baritone voice echoed in her consciousness, feeling like it was right in her ear but also far, far away at the same time.

"Sakura…why did you leave me?"

She tried to find the voice… it was there. The body of a man was crouched in the distance. His pale ivory skin and a dark red hair were only barely visible in the distance.

"Gaara!" she called. Again, her voice sounded as though it was in an echo chamber. "I didn't leave… I'm right here!"

"You did leave…" the voice sad sadly, but it wasn't a man's voice anymore. It sounded younger, and more innocent. A small boy resembling Gaara sat crying now. She could hear the little hiccups of his sobs.

"No… no, don't cry. I'm right here…"

She tried to run towards him, but she couldn't move. She felt a sinking sensation engulfing her, pulling her downwards. Thick, heavy sand was encasing her.

"Everyone… always leaves…" Little Gaara whimpered. "No one… loves me…"

"No!" Sakura coughed, "I do, Gaara! I do lo—"

But the sand filled her throat before she could say it. She could feel herself choking—panicking. She tried to claw out of the sand but only sunk further, until Gaara fell away from her vision and all she could feel was painful grains of sand coating her eyes and throat, her lungs aching for air that she couldn't reach…

No…no… I'm sorry…Please….

X

Knock Knock!

"Sakura!"

Knock Knock Knock!

Sakura rolled uncomfortably in her too-small bed. She felt bound, like she couldn't move, but it was only her blankets that she had somehow mummified herself in during her restless sleep.

"C'mon Haruno, I know you're in there!"

Ino… Sakura groaned. "I'm not home right now," she called back lazily. "Try again later."

"Very funny," Ino snapped back. "I'm serious. Come open the door or I'll break it in myself, and I will not pay to have your lock repaired after."

Sakura sat up in an angry huff, still wrapped ridiculously in her sheets. If it were anyone else at her door, she would've laughed the threat off as sarcasm, but unfortunately Yamanaka Ino was exactly the type of person to unapologetically break down a door and call it a favor to you.

"Fine. I'm coming. Don't break my freaking door."

Sakura untangled herself from her cloth imprisonment and ambled groggily to the entrance of her small apartment. When she unlatched the lock and slid open the door, she was greeted by her long-time frenemy. Ino did not attempt to hide her disgust one bit.

"Well, you look like shit."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you too, Ino-chan."

With a look somewhere between a grimace and a smile, Ino made to push the door open wider and invited herself in. Sakura didn't bother trying to protest.

"For Kage's sake, Sakura. When was the last time you cleaned…?"

Offended, Sakura hastily began scooping up old garments from her floor. "Listen—I don't come bursting into your apartment and make rude comments." She quickly dumped a few empty ramen bowls in her already too-full trashcan. "If you're only here to insult my living habits then feel free to see yourself out."

Ino flicked a strand of long, golden hair over her shoulder. "Please, Forehead, I can insult your living habits literally anytime." She crossed her arms and gazed meaningfully at Sakura. "Contrary to your assumption, I'm actually here to check on you."

Sakura scoffed. "Did you volunteer out of the goodness of your heart, or did you just lose a bet with our other friends, I wonder?"

For a brief moment, Ino actually looked hurt. Sakura felt slightly guilty for being so mean, but Ino moved on before she could retract her previous comment. "Well excuse me for wanting to make sure you were okay!" The blonde kunoichi placed her hands on her perfectly-hourglassed hips and stared angrily down at her friend like a scolding mother. "You've been different ever since you came back from Suna, so I was worried okay? It's like you're here, but you're not really here. Barely anyone has even seen you for weeks! But if you want to sit in this pig-sty and wallow away, be my guest!"

Ino started to make her way to the exit, but quickly Sakura stopped her. "Ino! Wait—I'm sorry… I shouldn't have said what I did…"

Ino huffed but then softened as she looked over Sakura's disheveled appearance. It was true that Sakura had been hiding away since her return to Konoha. How many weeks had it been now… eight? Twelve? She'd lost count after a while… The monotony of returning to her usual routine had made the process of timekeeping feel less important than before. Now she only measured things in relation to her missions… the urgent mission she'd been called back for had been a success, but as Tsunade predicted, it was a difficult one. The trafficking caravan was a nasty business, known for abusing and murdering their trafficked victims rather than have them escape or be rescued. As sick a method as it was, it was effective in protecting the caravan's identity and movements, because no witnesses were ever left alive to share what they knew. It was all happenstance when Konoha somehow found out they would be crossing through Hidden Leaf territory, and so Sakura and six other nin were assigned to ambush them on their crossing. Sakura sure had a busy time keeping up with her injured teammates, making sure that the captives were protected, and even healing some of the traffickers to be brought back as prisoners and informants. That whole mission had taken several days to conclude, but everything after that was a blur being back in Konoha. She'd had several other smaller missions since that one, and she spent all her remaining free time training or picking up extra shifts at the Konohagakure hospital. Her body was exhausted, she'd lost weight on her already slight frame, and she left hardly any extra space in her schedule for doing anything other than work.

But at least keeping busy was better than thinking about him.

The only times he haunted her now was when she slept. Sometimes the dreams were sweet and kind—memories of embraces and kisses and loving affirmations whispered to her in the night. Other times the dreams were heated and lusting, leaving her waking feverish and shivering throughout her body. But the ones she hated the most were the nightmares… Like the one I just had…

Even though Ino was rude and invasive, at least she had rescued Sakura from her self-inflicted suffocation. Sakura hugged herself uncomfortably as Ino eyed her up and down with a prying gaze.

"Nice robe."

Instantly Sakura froze and realized what she was wearing. You stupid idiot! The too-big, luxurious black and red silk robe probably looked ridiculously out-of-place in Sakura's simple, pastel-colored room. Sakura laughed awkwardly and pulled the garment hastily off herself, tossing it unceremoniously into a corner of her bed. The now crumbled fabric looked like a black ink blotch on her light-pink bedsheets. It was poor timing that Ino had to see her on today of all days… Sakura had actually felt like she'd been doing better, not missing him quite as much recently… She'd even hidden the robe away in one of her drawers thinking she'd finally reached a point where she could sleep without it. But last night she'd been feeling lonely. The robe still smelled faintly of him, though the scent was sadly disappearing—perhaps disappearing like any memory of their time together. But still, it felt comforting to wear it just one more time, so she snuck it back out from its hiding place and wrapped it around herself like a hug, wishing that it was the arms of its original owner holding her instead.

"Yeah, thanks…" Sakura answered lamely. She knew Ino could be curious about the robe, but graciously she didn't ask any further questions. Instead, she placed two perfectly manicured hands on either of Sakura's shoulders and looked her directly in the eye.

"Alright, listen: whatever you're going through, you don't have to go through it alone." She pointed a finger at Sakura once again like a mother. "You're my friend and I care about you, so I'm not going to let you waste away like this, got it?"

A smile finally cracked on Sakura's sunken features, the first real smile she'd felt in weeks. "Aw Ino-pig, are you finally admitting that you like me?"

"If you tell anyone I'll deny it, but yes."

They both chuckled, and finally Sakura felt a bit of warmth refill her empty chest. She stepped forward to give her friend a hug, but Ino very quickly backed away. "No offense, Pinky, but you stink like a Genin that hasn't discovered deodorant yet. Come on – Let's go to the bathhouse!"

X

Despite Sakura's protestations, a visit to the bathhouse with Ino was just what she found she needed. The steaming warm water was a welcome relief to her aching muscles, and she even kind of enjoyed Ino's rambling gossip. At least it filled the silence that Sakura's mind would've otherwise filled with hurtful thoughts of loneliness and self-loathing. After leaving the bathhouse, they wandered through the village markets together, drinking in what was turning into a balmy autumn atmosphere. Soon the weather would be turning colder and wetter, Sakura's least favorite season of the year. Rain and cooler temperatures were both perfectly enjoyable on their own, but when combined together they made for a very miserable climate in Konoha.

"Ugh, I wish we didn't have to go through the gross rainy season," Ino said, echoing Sakura's thoughts. She stretched her arms out and leaned backward into the sunlight, drinking it in. "I wish it was always like this: sunny and warm and not so humid—like Suna!"

Sakura suddenly stopped walking, and Ino took a moment to notice. "Oh, right. Sorry – I forgot." When Sakura did not respond, Ino huffed a sigh. "Geez, what even happened to you in Suna?"

It was the first time anyone had actually asked Sakura about her Suna mission, and for a brief moment she considered telling Ino the truth. Even if Ino-pig was a self-righteous brat sometimes, it would be nice to have someone else to share in Sakura's cascading feelings. She felt like she was drowning in her own thoughts every single day… maybe it would offer some relief to finally unstopper them and let the truth flow out.

Ino continued to watch Sakura expectantly, but they were both interrupted by a young Genin boy running up to them. His eyes practically bulged out of his head when he got a full look at Ino, with her long exposed midsection, womanly hips, and perfect modelesque features. Ino, too, took noticed of the boy's ogling and was less than impressed. "What do you want, pipsqueak?"

The boy looked like he might fall over. "A message for Miss Haruno-san," he squeaked. "The Hokage wishes to see her in her office."

He barely even glanced at Sakura as he said it, and his traitorous eyes continued to trace Ino's figure. "Alright, you've delivered your message now scram, before I poke out one of those wandering eyes of yours!" she snapped. Terrified, the boy ran away without a second glance.

"You don't have to be so mean," Sakura observed. He was just a kid.

Ino, however, seemed completely unconcerned. "We both grew up with Naruto at that age, and if you don't nip that kind of shit in the bud, that Naruto behavior will turn into Jiraiya behavior." She made an audible gagging sound.

"Fair point," Sakura grimaced, remembering Tsunade's warning about her former teammate's perverted tendencies. "Guess I better go see what Tsunade needs. Thanks for getting me out of the house."

Ino flicked her a wink. "Don't mention it. Really. I have my reputation to uphold, after all."

Sakura rolled her eyes and made her way towards the Hokage tower.

X

The Hokage tower relinquished a gentle breath of cooler air as she stepped out of the sunlight, enticing a shiver from the moisture still present at the back of Sakura's neck. Maybe Tsunade has another mission for me… though I just finished my last one two days ago. An audible groan escaped her. Oh man, I hope it's not paperwork…

Sakura stretched her arms up high above her head, readying herself for whatever task her Hokage would require. But nothing could ready her for what she found next.

What?

Sitting on a bench just outside Tsunade's office was an impossibly large folding fan propped against the wall, nestled comfortably next to its owner, fishnets, pigtails, and all.

"Temari!?"

Sakura felt all at once that some unseen jutsu had attacked her. Her limbs felt like lead, but her chest felt airborne. A deep heat stretched up her spine, neck, ears, and landing behind her eyes, stinging with the threat of tears. She hadn't seen Temari since that night, so long ago. She hadn't even had the chance to tell her goodbye…

Sakura finally willed her body to move forward, eager to greet her friend. "Temari—I can't believe it's you! I've missed you so much!"

"Oh yeah?"

Sakura stilled. Something in Temari's tone was wrong. Actually… it wasn't just her tone. Her eyes were dark, her arms crossed. The energy rolling off her shoulders in heavy waves was certainly less than friendly. She made no motion to shift her position at all. She only stared up at Sakura with those dark eyes… eyes betraying her familial relation to another blood-stilling gaze she knew so well.

The heat Sakura felt receded quickly and was replaced by a sickening chill instead. "Temari? What's wrong?"

The sand Kunoichi appeared to feign indifference, but her voice still dripped with disdain. "Nothing at all. Just here on business to see the Hokage."

"What about?"

"Nothing concerning you."

Sakura's chills roamed further throughout her body. Why was she acting so callous? She tried again.

"H-how have you been?"

Temari rolled her eyes. "Just dandy."

"And Kankuro?"

"Fine."

"And…" She swallowed hard. "Gaara?"

Temari's eyes narrowed. "I believe he's the Kazekage to you."

Unable to withhold her frustration, Sakura crossed her arms and demanded, "Temari, what's wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?"

Temari's scowled, but there was an almost imperceptible tweak at the corner of her mouth indicating something close to enjoyment. Something in her had wanted this confrontation. She stood up, hands on hips, her taller frame towering over her once closest companion.

"Acting like what? You're the one pretending as though I have any sort of obligation to talk to you."

Sakura choked on a gasp. "Obligation? Temari, we're friends."

"Hah!" Temari mocked cruelly. "That's a funny joke."

"It's not a joke!" Sakura felt nearly ready to cry.

"No?" Temari spat. "It takes a really special level of shitty for a friend to do what you did."

"What do you mean what I did?" Sakura's pain was quickly heating up to anger. Her instinct demanded she defend herself, though her brain could barely keep up with the conversation. She felt absolutely whiplashed. One moment she was so happy to see Temari, and the next she was devasted, and now: lividity.

"Oh go on Sakura, pretend you're not at fault. Let's hear it."

Sakura clenched her fists painfully. "If you're talking about how I had to leave Suna, then you know it was because I had a mission. I'm a shinobi just like you. When I'm called to work, I have no choice but to go!"

"Ah, there it is ladies and gents. Right on cue! Textbook avoidance of responsibility."

"I'm not avoiding anything! Temari, you have no idea how hard it was for me to leave. You have no clue how lonely I've been, how much pain I've had to go through!"

"Oh, your loneliness. Your pain. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that your selfishness would naturally lead you to believe everything is about you."

Sakura balked. "Selfishness?!"

Temari sneered. Gritting her teeth, Sakura squared up. What on earth had come over Temari? Why was she being so cruel? Temari reacted accordingly, swinging her fan into an aggressive pose. "Tch. Really Sakura—It's very unprofessional of a kunoichi to attack a visiting shinobi. Then again, I guess you're already used to toeing that line. Which is it that you really want? Are you trying to being professional or unprofessional?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Sakura could feel the rage building behind her eyes, but there were other feelings, too. Fear, she recognized. Guilt. Something in Temari's words was scratching deep in her subconscious.

…Why did you leave me?

"An ounce of decorum, if you please, ladies."

The voice startled both of them. Sakura quickly dropped her stance, feeling shaky and sickly. Temari righted herself as well, swinging her fan quickly to its resting place on her back harness. Both women bowed deeply. It was the Hokage.

Tsunade stood in her doorway, one hand on her hip and her eyes scanning them curiously.

"Our apologies, senpai," Sakura said quickly, regaining her composure. "I received your message that you wished to speak with me?"

"Yes," Tsunade said, while her eyes continued to dart curiously from Sand kunoichi to Leaf kunoichi. "I see you already encountered our guest. Temari is here to negotiate agricultural trade adjustments for the upcoming season. I called you to handle the documentation."

Temari rose from her bow and gave Sakura a nasty side-eye, which did not go unnoticed. Tsunade rubbed her forehead in exasperation. "I'll admit I didn't expect this sort of reaction, however." Her gaze slid over to Temari, who for the first time appeared somewhat embarrassed by her actions. Though Tsunade appeared nothing less than a beautiful, curvaceous young woman, her matronly tone and unmistakable disappointment left both woman feeling like they were children being scolded by their mother.

When neither kunoichi dared to speak, Tsunade sighed. "Alright, you two. Let's have a chat."

Thank you, dedicated reader, for coming this far in our story. We are shortly nearing the end of our journey together. I am grateful for your continued love and support.

-Olly