Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it

A One Month Bet

Tsunade sat quietly, her long slender fingers interlaced and her elbows perched on the desk, eyeing them with an unreadable expression. "Well?"

Sakura cast a wary eye at Temari, unsure of what to do or say. Would Temari expose her in this moment? Air all her sins and missteps for her mentor to judge? Display for all to see how Sakura had abandoned professionalism for personal gain?

Is that what Temari meant? Sakura had tried so hard to maintain a professional relationship with all her Suna cohorts…except one. But once that bridge had been crossed, it was exceptionally hard to return the status quo. Sakura did what she thought was right to maintain her professionalism, hadn't she? After all, when duty called, she answered.

No matter who got hurt in the process.

But if Temari was truly about to spill all the details, Sakura would certainly pay the price. These were serious offenses she'd committed. Her title and position would be at stake if it was discovered that the Hokage's personal apprentice couldn't handle her incessant, distracting attraction to another Shinobi, much less the Kazekage.

But what about Temari? And Kankuro!? It was their idea to get involved in the first place! Inner Sakura seethed. It was truly unfair to watch Temari act so defiant when it had been her idea to go out for drinks, her idea to give Gaara "kissing" lessons, all the while knowing Gaara had never consented to such a ridiculous idea!

But I made my own choices… Sakura remembered. I chose to go along with it. Because I wanted to… Because I really am…

Selfish.

"Not getting any younger, am I?"

Tsunade's voice conveyed open irritation. As Sakura's mind raced, she chanced a look once again at her former friend, unblinking and stoic. This was it. Whatever Temari said next, whatever happened afterward, Sakura was deserve all of it.

Temari heaved a sigh, calculating her response. Finally, she stepped forward to address Tsunade, standing just so Sakura could no longer read her face.

"Hokage-Sama," she began, "I apologize for the interaction that occurred outside. There are some—" she paused uncomfortably, "Unresolved issues from Haruno-san's work in Suna. But I assure you they will not interfere moving forward with our trade discussions."

Sakura held her breath. Temari was an excellent diplomat, as always. But Tsunade was unconvinced.

"Unresolved?" she echoed. Her gaze slid to Sakura, questioningly. "Care to elaborate, Sakura?"

Sakura suddenly felt twelve-years old again: weak, scared, and terrified to disappoint her Senpai. "I…um…"

How could she tell her Hokage that she sacrificed her mission for a few moments of lust, how she had abandoned one of the most powerful shinobi in the world at his most desperate and exposed? How could she tell Tsunade that she allowed it to go way too far, and then just left him? She left him alone and confused… Right after taking his goddamn virginity, no less… What if Gaara was the vengeful sort? He certainly had been when he was a child… What if he attacked Konoha out of revenge? She might have put her entire village at risk for letting her guard down and forgetting her place and purpose.

No, no… Sakura trembled. Gaara wouldn't do that… Not the Gaara she knew…

But how well do you even know him, idiot? You truly are just a selfish child!

Temari cut through Sakura's tormented thoughts. "With all due respect to your village, Hokage-sama, Sunagakure is, well, not entirely satisfied with the work Haruno-san completed, or rather, left incomplete in regard to our medical unit."

Sakura's gaze snapped up to Temari in shock. She'd fully expected Temari to discuss Gaara, not her work with the medic team. Sakura hadn't even spared a thought about the medics since leaving Suna, and it was truly because she knew her team had done well. For the first time, Tsunade looked truly surprised. Her eyebrows stretched high onto her forehead, and she finally shifted her position to look directly at Sakura. "Incomplete? Sakura—I told you to tie up loose ends. All your post-mission reports indicated everything went accordingly."

Temari made a sort of scoffing noise before quickly regaining her composure after a wary glance from Tsunade. The Hokage returned her attention to her apprentice. "Well? What is she talking about?"

Sakura was just as baffled as her Hokage. "I-I did complete everything, Senpai. The medic unit was performing excellently when I left. I appointed a new Chief Medic and left instructions on things for them to continue practicing. I even gave my personal recommendation that I believed all medics were fit to return to their three-person teams as long as they continued documenting and measuring their progress with the new chief!"

Tsunade gave a shallow nod, but it did not convey approval. She turned her eyes to Temari, seeking clarification on her accusations. Temari folded her arms.

"Chief Medic is a hefty to title to award a sixteen-year-old chunin."

Sakura grimaced with realization.

Oh… right…

Tsunade's eyes widened. She turned quickly to face Sakura again, her expression much sterner than before. "Sixteen? Is this true, Sakura?"

Sakura blinked repeatedly, trying to absorb what she was being asked. "Um… well… yes?"

Her mentor's eyes narrowed. "Care to explain how you came to that decision?"

In truth, she'd kind of forgotten that Mei Tai was so young. It was a hasty decision following the entire Miekuyu situation, but she hadn't fully anticipated the consequences that might follow. "Well— there was an incident that disrupted the induction process of a new chief." Sakura swallowed hard. "The medic I chose demonstrated maturity and ability beyond her years. It wasn't a decision made lightly, but I really felt she could do the job."

Temari chimed in, finally turned an accusing look at Sakura. "The girl was left completely unprepared. She has no idea what she's doing."

"Mei Tai is an exceptional healer!" Sakura was now becoming defensive. "I watched her closely and felt she could be a very capable Chief."

Temari took a step towards her. "She's just a child!"

Sakura's cheeks burned. "Don't act like it's unheard of! Gaara was appointed Kazekage when he was only fourteen."

Temari looked disgusted to hear her brother's name from Sakura. "Keep your nose out of things you don't understand, Sakura."

Sakura stood right up to her. She could feel the chakra tensing in her muscles from embarrassment and rage. "Are you questioning my judgement, Temari?"

Temari also tensed. "Absolutely."

"Enough!"

Temari and Sakura each felt the energy wave of chakra enveloping them. It was a warning. Tsunade was now standing, hands braced firmly on the desktop. Still seething, the two kunoichi stepped away from one another, resuming a healthy distance before facing the Hokage.

"Temari-san," she began, "Let's reschedule our agricultural discussion at a later time. I know your mission to Konoha is under a strict time-limit, but I unfortunately need a moment to speak with my apprentice."

Sakura shrank in discomfort while Temari bowed and exited the room, giving Sakura one last angry glance as she did so. Tsunade sighed and placed her hands angrily on her hips, obviously relieved she no longer had to maintain her straight-backed diplomatic appearance in the private audience that was Sakura.

"Okay Sakura," she sighed. "What the hell is going on?"

Sakura groaned. "Nothing. I can confidently say Mei Tai was the best medic on that team, no matter how old she was!"

"Sakura, you are one of the best medic nin I have ever encountered in my lifetime—and that includes myself—but I would not have placed you in control of an entire team at just sixteen."

"But she—"

"Sakura, whatever argument you give, the fact remains that if your appointment had gone over smoothly, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now." Sakura bit her lip shamefully. "I mean did you even discuss the responsibilities of a Chief Medic with this kid before handing the title off to them?"

Sakura suddenly felt horribly guilty. Poor Mei Tai probably had no idea what was going on when Sakura disappeared without so much as a goodbye, and suddenly she was hefted with all the duties of leadership with absolutely no assistance whatsoever. "No," Sakura admitted quietly.

Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose. "For Kage's sake, Sakura…"

Sakura fumbled to try and defend herself. "There wasn't enough time, Senpai… I was called to the trafficking mission before my time in Suna was completed. I left instructions as you requested so that I could leave immediately, but there was no time for me to track down Mei Tai and train her directly."

"No time?" Tsunade shot Sakura fiercely judgmental look. "You were there for a month, Sakura. Part of your responsibility there was to establish a working hierarchy so that the medic unit could function self-sufficiently after you left. In all the time you spent in Suna you never found a single moment to even discuss such a major decision with your appointee?" For the first time, she looked truly accusatory. "What the hell were you doing otherwise?"

Sakura felt heat rise to her face. Her palms began to sweat. "I-I…" I was fornicating with the Kazekage? "U-um…"

Tsunade was clearly impatient. She'd trained Sakura better than this. "Listen—I'm going to be straight with you. You're a smart young woman, a talented shinobi, and a bang-up medic… but you're also a terrible liar." She folded her arms. "Now I get that you made a poor judgement call with this chief medic business, and I fully expect you're going to clean up your mess. But, I have to admit I very surprised to only be hearing about this now. You've been back in Konoha for what… three months?"

Had it really been that long? "Yes."

"Right." Tsunade clicked her tongue. "And in three months, I haven't heard a single peep from Suna about their apparent dissatisfaction with your work. No scrolls from Gaara, no scathing reports. In fact, I haven't heard from them at all until about a week ago announcing this trade meeting, which is standard procedure with all our allies."

Probably because Gaara wants nothing to do with Konoha… Sakura didn't blame him.

"So now," Tsunade continued, "The Kazekage's second-in-command is apparently ready to wipe the floor with you, and it supposedly has to do with a grievance they haven't once complained to me about?"

Sakura winced. Tsunade was no fool.

"What are you not telling me, Sakura?"

After several long moments, the pink-haired kunoichi straightened. She would not disrespect her superior with deceit any longer. She would accept her consequences with honor.

"Senpai," she said heavily, "There were some things that… happened while I was in Suna…"

"Mmm." Tsunade leaned forward, her enormous bosom shadowing the desk below. "So there is more going on."

Sakura took a deep breath and nodded. "You may want to sit down for this…"

"Oh? Should I call for some sake as well?"

"Probably."

X

The warmth of the midafternoon sun was beginning to fade as Sakura finally stepped beyond the doors of the Hokage tower. Heaving a sigh, she let the tension in her muscles collapse, flopping to a seated position on the steps of the mansion and leaning her head back to absorb the last remaining ray of sunshine.

Well, she mused, that could have gone worse, I suppose.

She had to be grateful that she was still employed in Konohagakure, to be honest. Tsunade was angry with her (and rightfully so) once she finally confessed all that had happened in Suna—Well, most all that had happened. Sakura couldn't bring herself to share some of the racier details, but she was fully forthcoming about breaking protocol and the unfortunate consequences they now faced. She had knowingly placed their alliance with Suna in danger, and suddenly the lengthy silence from the Kazekage not only made sense, but it was also worrisome.

"No wonder Temari was ready to flatten you twice over," Tsunade had said, tipping back a sake cup with practiced efficiency. "This is a whole mess of shit. You're smarter than this!"

Sakura was defensive. "It wasn't exactly one-sided…"

Tsunade pinched her nose. "But between the two of you, you run the greater risk of losing credentials for breaking protocol while on duty."

"But how is that fair?"

"Because he's the Kaze-fucking-kage, Sakura."

Sakura sighed deeply, remembering how her Senpai looked at her for a long time. She almost looked sad for her student.

"Listen," she said, her tone tipping from anger to considerate worry. "The… attraction is not the issue. That's natural. You're human. But the Kazekage, Sakura…?"

"That's just it, though… He's human too. We put him up on a pedestal like we do all Kages, even you, Senpai. Just because he's Kazekage doesn't make him less deserving of lov—"

Sakura didn't stop herself in time. Tsunade's expression changed. "Pardon?"

"Pardon." Gruffed a man as he awkwardly stepped around Sakura. She'd quite forgotten she was smack in the middle of the stairway.

"Sorry!"

Sakura quickly scrambled to her feet, momentarily energized by embarrassment. Though her mind was still reeling over her conversation with Tsunade, her legs kicked into action.

"I'm going to fix this."

"How?" Tsunade asked.

"I have an idea."

Sakura stomped determinedly down several familiar pathways. She knew this village forwards and backwards, and she knew exactly where her target would be. Spotting a lovely, ornate building up ahead, she picked up speed. Only the nicest accommodations in Konoha were reserved for diplomatic guests.

It was easy enough for the Hokage's apprentice to sidle by the clerk and discover the correct room. They didn't even question her as she strode further on, upward through two flights of wide-set stairs, past a long outdoor walkway, and finally to an ornate, silken doorway. She rang the golden bell.

"Go away."

She huffed. "How'd you even know it was me?"

The door slid open to reveal Temari, looking even more sour than before. "You stink of strawberries from miles away."

"It's from the bathhouse around the corner. I recommend you give it a try after your long journey." She crossed her arms and gave a pointed sniff in Temari's direction.

Temari gave her an ugly sneer. Idiot. It wasn't wise to antagonize Temari,but Sakura didn't back down. Both women stared at each other for several moments. Finally, Temari relaxed her shoulders and leaned in the doorframe. "What do you want?"

"Would you believe I just want to talk to you?"

Temari pretended to examine her fingernails. "I have nothing to say."

Sakura noted the slightly exposed doorway and took her opportunity. "Fine. But I do." She muscled her way into the room, using a miniscule amount of chakra to push past Temari's attempts to stop her. Once in the room, Sakura wheeled around quickly. Her opponent was already in stance, folding fan at the ready.

"Listen!" Sakura said, fists clenched. "I get that I deserve an ass-kicking, and I'll happily go at it with you. I'll let you take out all your anger on me. But I want to say my piece first!"

Temari's grip flexed angrily on her fan hilt. Sakura kept her eyes locked. Her chakra was enflamed, but she maintained composure. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Temari swung her fan down low and crossed the room. Propping her weapon against the wall, she flopped into a small armchair near the window, crossed her arms, and gave Sakura a scathing look.

"Fine."

Sakura finally relaxed. She ran her hands through her hair, letting them rest at the base of her neck. Where should she begin? Her adrenaline had lead her here to do this, but she hadn't really taken time to plan what she would say.

"Okay, um," She paced awkwardly. "Firstly, I want to say… I'm sorry."

Temari shrugged, " 'Kay."

"I mean it!" The pitch of her voice turned shrill. Temari's indifference was hurtful now that she was trying to fix what she'd broken. "I'm really, really sorry."

"Sorry for what?" her blonde counterpart snapped. "I'm going to need you to be a little more specific, Haruno."

"I'm sorry for everything, okay!" Sakura growled and resumed pacing around the room, not even looking at Temari. "I'm sorry all I left you was a stupid letter. Tsunade sent a Red Bird, so I panicked and thought I had to leave right that second! I should've at least found you to say goodbye—"

"I'm sorry you were stuck doing all the cleanup for that rat Miekuyu while Gaara and I were…busy. I should've been out there with you, going door to door to find Hanae. She was my responsibility, not yours—"

"I'm sorry I picked Miekuyu as chief when I should've picked up on his behavior sooner! I should never have left poor Mei Tai all alone to try and lead the medic team by herself. She's probably so overwhelmed and I just left her there without any help—"

"I'm sorry I was dumb enough to believe the crazy concocted story that you and Kankuro made up about kissing lessons. I'm mad at myself for even considering that that was real. You guys must have thought I was the stupidest, most desperate woman in the country, and all I did was prove you right—"

"I'm sorry for being so ridiculous and believing that Gaara, the Subaku no Gaara, the fucking Kazekage would let a drunk, slobbering jonin from another village try to kiss him. I should've recused myself from my mission that very night—"

"I'm sorry for liking that kiss too much… and the ones that came after it. I'm sorry for liking him too much. I put us all in this horrible position because you're right: I was being selfish. I wanted something from Gaara that I wasn't willing to give myself, and now here we are—"

"I'm sorry for ruining the relationship between Suna and Konoha. I know now that it's all my fault. I'm sorry for ever putting our villages in this position—"

She finally stopped, nearly to the volume of screaming, and finished:

"I'm sorry for falling in love with Gaara!"

Finally having exhausted her adrenaline, Sakura fell hard on her backside into a seated position. Her whole body was shaking. There. She'd finally said it. She'd finally admitted it to herself. Her mind drifted back to her conversation with Tsunade.

"Pardon?"

"I-I said… Everyone is deserving of l-love…"

"Love?" Tsunade's gaze was stern. "Are you saying you… love Subako no Gaara?"

Yes. Sakura thought. Yes I do. With her eyes clenched shut she waited silently for Temari's anger. Whatever she had to say, Sakura would take it. She'd finally spoken her truth.

Two long, warm arms wrapped Sakura in a tight embrace. They didn't stop the shaking, but they were comforting. Without opening her eyes, Sakura asked, "Why… are you hugging me?"

"Because you just beat the shit out of yourself worse than I would have."

Sakura leaned into the warmth and breathed deeply, reveling in the Suna sent of salt and sand. It was such a comforting scent…she hadn't realized how much she missed it. For several moments the women sat together, until slowly Sakura's shakes subsided and her breathing slowed. Temari pulled away, replacing the distance between them. Though she had softened considerably, she still wasn't fully ready to trust her friend again. Sakura didn't blame her.

Temari sighed, "You really love him?"

Sakura nodded, but did not make eye contact. Temari groaned and rubbed her temples. "If you… then…why…? Argh!"

She stood to walk away from Sakura, rubbing her eyes and head as though suffering from a headache. Sakura, stood as well, her curiosity now piqued.

"Why, what?"

"Ever since you left everything's been fucked." Temari wheeled around, some of her former anger returning. "Gaara, he's—He hasn't been the same. He doesn't talk to us anymore. He never leaves his office… I think he's not sleeping again," Temari's blue-grey eyes were stern with worry. "I didn't even get to see my brother before this mission. He hasn't spoken a word to me in months. All he sent me was a scroll."

She crossed her arms and glared at Sakura. "I got your letter, by the way. And considering the canoodling I caught you both in, I assumed you left on better terms. But after you left, so did Gaara. For three whole days he was gone, somewhere out in the desert. All our nin were on high alert! It was horrendous trying to make sure the whole village didn't dissolve into total panic. Three nights in a row we suffered horrible sandstorms, no one could find him or go out looking because the sand and winds were too powerful and dangerous… But then out of the blue he turns back up. Walks back to his desk without saying a word to anyone."

Sakura listened in painful silence. Poor Gaara… what had she done?

"The elders were absolutely pissed about the whole damn thing. You know there's several of those old windbags who still hate Gaara, still treat him like a Jinchuriki under their breath. Kankuro and I were in debates with them for days while they tried to say he was no longer fit as Kazekage. We finally convinced them otherwise, but only because Gaara hadn't so much as left his office for weeks after that incident. They calmed down once they realized he was dutifully cranking out his paperwork again."

Temari finally took a breath. Her voice became quieter. "He worked so, so hard to be accepted… to be viewed as a human. And Kankuro and I only wanted to help him know he was accepted. That he could be loved as a human…But now it's all wasted." She glanced up sadly. Her eyes were wet. "You broke his heart, Sakura."

Sakura could feel her own tears welling. "I-I'm sorry," she choked. "I didn't want to hurt him…"

"You said you loved him?"

"I do!"

"Then why is he like this?" Temari threw her hands up in frustration. "I figured he fell in love with you, for sure, and then when you supposedly didn't reciprocate it tore him apart. But if you say you did love him, then what's going on? Why are we even having this conversation right now?"

"I was scared!" Sakura pleaded. "I was scared it would never work with him being Kazekage and me being from Konoha. I told him I had to leave because it wasn't realistic—"

"Sakura, did you even try to make it work?"

Sakura held her breath, remembering her last moments with Gaara.

"Don't… Don't leave."

"You know I can't stay… I have a mission."

"I mean don't leave me. Come back. After your mission."

"No." Sakura whispered quietly. "I ran away…"

Temari gave a resigned sigh and walked away to peer out the window. She now knew her suspicions were not only confirmed, but that the truth was worse that she suspected. Sakura had actively chosen to leave Gaara, after all their collective work trying to find him someone they thought would see him on a different level, someone to love him as he was. And she had ruined him.

"Temari, I know I fucked up." When Temari refused to look at her, Sakura continued quietly talking to the floor. "I was scared of how strongly I felt, and I worried Gaara would never possibly want me as much as I wanted him. And he has so much responsibility as Kazekage and I'm devoted to my village… I just wish we'd had more time than a month to figure things out… But I know now. I do love Gaara. I'm not sure if he still feels the same after I—" she cleared her throat painfully, "After what I did… but if there's any sliver of hope, I want to try and fix this."

"Not sure this can be fixed, Sakura."

Sakura lifted her gaze with confidence. "I told Tsunade the truth."

Finally, Temari turned around, and she actually looked surprised. "You told your Hokage about you and Gaara?"

"Yes, I did… and speaking of which, I know you had the opportunity to do it for me this morning. I want to thank you for not telling her yourself."

Temari shrugged. "It wasn't my place, though I very strongly considered it." Sakura gave her a weak smile.

Sakura returned it. This was her chance… if her plan was going to work, she needed Temari on her side.

"Listen… I have an idea. It's a long shot, but Tsunade said she'd consider it, if you're willing to hear me out?"

Temari breathed deeply, considering for a moment. "Why should I trust you?"

It was a question that stabbed right through Sakura, but she didn't back down. "I give you full reign to actually kick my ass if I fuck up again."

"Tempting," Temari shrugged, "But I could kick your ass anytime. I don't know that I want to risk my brother getting hurt again."

Sakura steeled herself to the guilt. "You said Gaara isn't the same… and I know it's my fault. Please let me try to fix this. I know I don't deserve another chance, but I'm asking for one anyway."

She held her breath, counting the seconds as they passed…waiting…hoping…until Temari finally sighed.

"Alright, whatcha got?"

Thank you for reading.

Until our final chapter,

Olly