Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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Sakura didn't want to go back to Suna.

Don't get it wrong, it wasn't because she hated the citizens or the climate. In fact, she always looked at Suna being a break from the usual humid, tree-lined Konoha. She loved Suna. Usually.

She just had....different reasons this time. More pressing and daunting.

And it didn't help the fact that she was apparently being forced to travel to Suna with Shikamaru of all people. The one person who was far too close to comfort for the problem she had forced shut and vacuum sealed in the back of her mind, never EVER to be thought of again, if she had a choice.

So that's why, when she heard Kakashi, her jaw hit the floor.

"What?" eyes comically wide, she looked bewildered at Kakashi, who let out a barely audible sigh in response. She cursed their stupid ‘drink until we pass out’ nights with a burning fervor sometimes, honestly. Insufferable man. She noticed Shikamaru stand up from his seat too, looking accusingly at Kakashi.

"Why now? I thought that the trade deals went through without a hitch?” She mused out aloud, a single eyebrow quirking up. “So what happened in just a few months’ time?"

Kakashi's shoulder drooped ever so slightly and he greeted her question with a small smile and the crinkle of his eye, conveying both an apology and mild exasperation.

Shikamaru, who was now standing and quietly staring at the Hokage, had lept up from his comfortable seat as if it had burned him. Or not so comfortable. He had complained enough to Sakura about that poky little seat with hardly any backrest. “What do you mean the two of us will go to Suna? Isn’t this Naruto’s job?” Shikamaru asked.

“It would typically be yes. But he is somewhat….indisposed.”

“Indisposed?” Sakura said, a frown marring her forehead. He knew she was about to launch into one of her spiraling concerned medic talks.

“Kakashi, don’t beat around the bush. Is Naruto okay? Should I go visit him? Dammit! As my friend, he knows better than to avoid a medic if he is injured! So stupid, that idiotic reckless….Moron! Ugh. I’ll go right now, Sorry Kakashi, this has to wait, I-"

“Mah, Mah, Sakura-Chan!” Kakashi raised his hands in an attempt to placate the clearly aggrieved pinkette. “It’s nothing serious. Nothing is wrong with him in a life-threatening way. Relax.”

“Which implies that there is something wrong with him, nevertheless” Shikamaru pointed out, darkly.

Kakashi’s eyes shut in defeat. He did not want to have this conversation. Ever. With anyone. And definitely not sober. He smiled uncomfortably at the two glaring ninja’s before him

“Ah. You see. He, he had a change of heart.”

“Eh? What's that now? A change of heart, you say?” Sakura said with her arms crossed, a suspicious lilt in her tone.

Kakashi blanched ever so slightly. She could be threatening even without trying to, and right now, she was trying. Hard.

“Mah, You see, he received a letter last night, and it, well.” Kakashi shifted uncomfortably on his chair, itching under the heavy, white robes draped over him. Kami help him, he hated these stupid robes.

“Well what, S-e-n-s-e-i?”, He smiled a little, wistfully, thinking of the small girl who had grown to become such a strong kunoichi. Sakura looked at his smile and gave a growl that could rival the Inuzuka’s on a good day.

“Well, you see he had to leave the village in a hurry and will be gone for quite a while.”

“What?!” Sakura and Shikamaru exclaimed in tandem, both exasperated and agitated for
entirely different reasons.

“Troublesome little unpredictable ninja” Shikamaru muttered as he uncrossed his legs to lean against the cabinets in the corner.

Sakura huffed. “With all due respect, Hokage-sama, Naruto is supposed to stay here and train with you, isn’t he? So unless this is some new training that he conveniently forgot to mention to me when we were at Ichiraku’s for dinner last night, this is mission related.” When she didn’t receive a response in return, she prodded further. “Right?”

Shikamaru in the corner, a distance away from Sakura looked at Kakashi’s face. In a moment of crystal clear clarity, he came to realise what had passed. A letter. In the middle of the night. And the decision to not inform Sakura, Naruto's teammate, closest friend, and mother hen of the group, about the sudden departure from the village.

Shikamru squeezed his eyes shut and let out a quiet, weary sigh. Damn that Naruto, and damn that fucking Rinnegan owner. They always caused more trouble than was warranted.

Fuck. He was so tired. And his day had just begun.

Kakashi gave him a pleading look, conveyed so subtly that he would have missed it entirely if he hadn’t been studying his face with a grim determination. That was all the confirmation he needed. They were well and truly in the middle of shit.

Ah, fuck it.

“It's probably classified.” He muttered to a confused Sakura, who slowly turned to look at him.

He took this time to study her. She was someone who had become a close friend, an occasional shogi partner, and a regular dinner guest at the Nara compound due to all the medical texts she and his mother took great pleasure in discussing.

Although recently, that had stopped entirely. She was always either too busy, or too exhausted, or met his mother for lunch when he was not around. She was clearly avoiding him, and it had been bothering him. Even Ino had noticed that he was more irritable than usual.

Whether his irritation stemmed from the fact that he was missing her company or because he had not yet figured out why she was avoiding him was something he chose to never think about.

Astonished, she looked at him, as if just realizing he was in the room.

“ANBU?” she mumbled silently, and turned to face the Rokudaime.

“Not something I can confirm, unfortunately, Sakura-chan”

Kakashi’s smile was smothered faster than one can say ‘pakkun’ when one of the smartest ninja’s in the nation pointed out the glaringly obvious loophole.

“Ohhh!” Sakura exclaimed with vengeance dripping from her face.

That tone. That tone was never good news. Inwardly both Kakashi and Shikamaru cursed at their rookie mistake. Well, fuck. So much for avoiding complications.

“So Shikamaru!” He paled slightly.

“The esteemed advisor to the Rokudaime did not know of Naruto’s involvement in this ‘hush hush’ mission until two minutes ago? How very convenient.” The last line came out in the driest tone she could muster.

“Sakura.” Kakashi had let it go on too long. He had to put an end to it here or else he was just asking for a new headache. He already had piles of those laid out hastily on his table.
“If I could, I would avoid sending the two of you. But Naruto cannot be here, and no, don’t ask me where he is. Don’t ask Shikamaru either.”

Sakura positively glowered at the statement but kept shut. She would never put Kakashi in a position where she could take advantage of her friendship with him as the current Hokage. There were some lines you just never cross in friendships. Even though she and Kakashi had crossed several others. She respected him too much to cross this one.

“He’s safe, Sakura” He told her, gently, full of warmth and affection. “Don’t worry about him. You’ll be the first to know if anything happens to him.” Mollified by his caring tone, Sakura backed off, albeit slightly.

“Naruto is still learning the ropes. But you both are the sharpest minds of this generation. I need you to go to Suna and see this deal through. I don’t think I need to explain that friendship is one aspect, but business is, and will always be business. And while Suna didn’t take a massive hit, they are still recovering their funds. So go, put your minds together and figure this one out.” He glanced at both of them and let out a “Please”

“Hai Hokage-sama” let out Sakura, more softly than before. Shakiamaru noticed she looked resigned. Did she really not want to travel with him that much?

“If that’s all, then I need to leave. The hospital needs me.” Sakura turned towards the door.

“Sakura.” Shikamaru’s voice left his lips before he had the chance to curb it. Hastily,
thinking of something to do, he grabbed the mission scroll and threw it in her direction.

Years of training and honed reflexes allowed Sakura to grab the scroll mid-air. She paused and took the opportunity to look at him. A second passed, then two, she turned and walked away.

Kakashi, who was watching this exchange with curiosity, noticed how Shikamaru looked defeated upon Sakura’s exit.

“It’s not you.” He said, as he picked one of the folders lying on his table, flipping its pages mechanically, looking slightly exhausted. Shikamaru silently turned to look back at Kakashi, hands hidden in his pocket. The sunlight painted the sharp angles of his face harshly.

“Whatever do you mean?” He asked softly, but not without underlying curiosity. No one could say that the Nara was bored right now.

“It’s not you that she means to avoid. It’s well- something that’s none of our business, but if this is going to affect you this much, I think it’s wise to let you know.”

He looked up, any sign of exhaustion wiped clean off his face. Well, whatever Shikamaru could see of it with that damn mask covering half of his face.

“She is avoiding something else entirely, and you just happened to be linked to it. So don’t go around moping and taking this personally. It’s not.” Upon noting Shaikamru’s dry expression, he looked slightly at him exasperatedly. “Give her some time, Nara. She deals with her issues in strange ways.”

That caused him to chuckle. “Pot calling the kettle black,” Shikamaru muttered darkly, resuming his position on the Rokudaime’s left.

“Hmm, did you say something, Shikamaru-kun?” Kakashi muttered rather chirpily.

“Too troublesome. You and the entirety of team 7, entirely too troublesome.” Kakashi’s entire demeanor shifted and he smiled happily. Well. Shikamaru thought it was a smile. It could be him gagging underneath that mask and nobody would ever know.

Five minutes later, Shikamaru cursed out loud as he realized something.

“Fuck.”

“Ah. You just realized you gave away the only mission scroll to Sakura-chan just now, hmm?”

“Kami damn Team seven.”

Chapter Text

Sakura wanted to bash Kakashi’s nose in.

In hindsight that would be entirely too terrible, and the ANBU around her, despite knowing and liking her (she had saved their lives too many times after all) would probably not appreciate this much violence.

Most days she could get away with a swift punch to his arm or a nice, nasty jab to the underside of his ribs that made him wince and curse like a sailor, but a straight punch to the nose?

That would just be toeing the line between friendship and actual offence a little too much for their taste.

So, for her peace of mind, and the money she was putting into all those little anger management self-help books she kept buying at the local store near her house whenever she passed by, she chose instead to focus on deep breathing exercises.

She thought they were futile, and did nothing but enrage her further. But they were prescribed by psychologists. Hence, she chose to try some of their suggestions.

Did they work? Almost never. Did she find them annoying? Most definitely. And yet, could she stop practicing them? No. Oddly, she couldn’t.

Her shishou had straight laughed at her face, her cheeks turning red, bending over the waist, trying to breathe through the laughter racking up her body, when Sakura informed her of her little books and tips. That did nothing to bolster her confidence in the books, but Sakura had never been a quitter.

So she breathed in through her nose and breathed out to her mouth ten times, counting backwards mentally, before she knocked Kakashi’s apartment door.

She flared her chakra to let him know of her presence, and found her patience swiftly running thin. With a practised familiarity, she immediately disarmed all the protection he had installed, and keyed the door open with a spare he had lent to her. She knew she would find him either working on the miles long paperwork that seemed to never end or reading Icha Icha. Or playing with his ninken.

Though he would kill her if she ever told anyone that he loved cuddling his cute little ninken.

“Kakashi! Have you eaten yet?” She said as she shut the door firmly behind her, leaving her footwear next to his much bigger ones by the door and shouldering off her bags before placing them on the table.

“Kashi, where are you?” she deftly unwrapped the pretty red scarf from around her shoulders and was about to place it on one of the hooks near the table when she heard a low “Yo” from just around the corner.

Scarf unwrapped and hanged, she followed the voice to see Kakashi sprawled on the floor, paperwork littered all around him, and all of his ninken in different states of slumber lolling about.

“So? Did you eat?” she demanded with her hands on her waist, giving him and his living room a reproachful look. “Judging by the mess in this room, and how disheveled you look, I’m going to guess that the answer to that is a resounding no, ne?”

“Well you always were the smartest of us all, Sakura-chan” he replied smoothly, eyes crinkled in that familiar way that never failed to make Sakura smile back in response, no matter how angry or upset she was with him.

“Don’t tease me, Kashi” she said while gathering up the files and paperwork from the floor, ignoring the pitiful noise the ninken made as she lifted them off of the paperwork they were lying on.

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Still busy collecting the paperwork from the floor, she hmmed non-committaly and said, “You would. Because you don’t seem to have an ounce of self-preservation in your body, old man.”

Dramatically, he placed a hand on his chest and tilted his head heavenwards. “That stings Sakura. How rude of you. And who says I don’t have any self-preservation left in these bones of mine?”

“Well, based on how you so severely misjudged me when I told you last time, quite clearly, that I never ever, and I mean EVER, want to go back to Suna, or interact with anyone from there, and you are still forcing me to go on a mission there, with the ONE person who is quite definitely linked with my issues in Suna, I hereby declare that you have self-preservation issues”

She paused her efforts of piling up the papers and darkly looked at Kakashi, before saying “Because you do know what my fists are capable of, yes?”

Kakashi looked slightly sick. His throat moved a little as he gulped and looked at Sakura, apologetically. “Sakura. I would never try to hurt you deliberately. You have to know that.” He sent a pointed look in her direction, because he knew that she would understand where he was coming from. He recognized her pain and understood why she was mad at him, but this was not personal. This was for Konoha.

“But this is not a personal decision. I only put together my best options to tackle a minor problem that could potentially snowball into a much bigger problem.” He sighs, a deep weary tone slipping out of his mouth, and rubs his face quietly.

“I’m sorry, Sakura. I really am.” He looked up at her now, grey eyes piercing straight into her jade ones, filled with warmth and sincerity and an apology, all warm and anchoring, and oh she couldn’t be mad at him. She never could. Not when he looked at her like that.

“Kakashi. Fuck. I’m sorry.” It was her turn to apologize. She knew that as the Hokage, he had to take decisions for the sake of the village, and sometimes those decisions overrode personal grievances. So what. She was a big girl. And this wasn’t the end of the world.

It was not. Nope, absolutely not. She was a fearsome kunoichi and a strong woman and this was not a hinderance that she would let hold her down.

She flopped down onto the floor gracelessly, and Bisuke next to her opened one lone eye to give her the dirtiest look a dog can muster. Oh well. She’d just have to bring more treats for them when Kakashi wasn’t looking.

In a small voice that she hadn’t heard leave her mouth in several years, she let out the words she was not ready to face alone. But in front of Kakashi, she was just bold enough to try saying them out loud.

“The way things ended, Kashi, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t…. good.” Her hands started straightening the invisible creases on her top as she looked for something to do. She glanced up and looked straight into his grey eyes.

“I was a little shit.” She admitted with a huff of a laugh at the end.

She looked around his room, and noticed how much his house had transformed ever since she insisted on tidying it up. The painting of team 7 Sai had created, hung on the wall to their right. The center table, with a beautiful sea green vase, overflowing with gardenias. The soft, cream colored carpet on the floor under them. The tall reading lamp in the corner by the single brown loveseat, that casted an ethereal golden glow across the room. It all looked so lovely.

“I’m not proud of how I handled the situation, nor am I going to pretend that I managed it maturely.” She shuddered a little at the cool breeze that blew inside through the open window.

“I should have known. I did know, actually. Despite seeing the signs everywhere- it had become so much more than sex, and I let it continue because I thought I could handle it. You know, break it off nicely towards the end, end it amicably and we would still stay friends.” She then looked towards the side, gently petting Bisuke who only hmmed in appreciation.

“I was way in over my head. So stupid.” She said, dejection seeping into her tone. She rubbed her bare knuckles against her head where she could feel the beginnings of a headache forming. Fantastic. Just what she needed.

“Sakura.” When she didn’t look at him, he prodded, this time in a much warmer, gentler tone. “Sakura. Hey, look at me.” She looked into his eyes, and saw only understanding.

“You’re young. And making mistakes like these is normal. Everyone does things like this Sakura-chan. That’s the best part about being young.”

“That’s the best part?” she chuckled drily.

“Well for one, now you know what not to do when in a similar situation.”

“Fuck that. I’m going back to being celibate. I do not want a similar situation. Ever.”

He chuckled good naturedly at that remark and said to seemingly no one, “Ahh to be young and stupid.”

Sakura snickered, as she stood up and stretched a little, making her way to the table where she had placed the take-out she bought for them. “Jiji, for all your whining about not being old, you seem to be reminiscing a little too much about the youth nowadays.”

“No wonder you attract so many men, with that mouth of yours.”

As she passed by the couch, she grabbed one of the pretty purple pillows she had bought for him as a housewarming gift and dunked it over his head without much force.

“And this is why you have been single as long as I have known you.”

“Oh, my dear little Sakura-chan, if I remember correctly, it was your insistence on being single and not to stay committed in a relation that bought on all of your problems, ne?”

This time, she really hit him hard.

She could sense the ANBU guards around the house tense their chakras, but they didn’t react. Well, maybe now she really could get away with punching him in the face if she ever needed to.

Shikamaru was restless. He didn’t like being restless.

For as long as he could remember, he liked to take things easy. It wasn’t more so about just being lazy, though he passed it off as that.

It was more about being the one who cleverly understood every situation he was in.

So, sue him, he was a bit of a control freak. He knew, ideally in life, there was no way to control every situation. But knowing every outcome and every play was not just confined to his shogi games. It was a part of his life, as it had always been. Predictability was boring, yet peaceful. And his life had just become an unpredictable rollercoaster about two months ago.

Things with Temari were not going well, to say the least. And while he was always up for a challenge, (despite contrary belief) this challenge was eating him alive. He hated that every discussion with Temari either ended with angry shouting or angry sex. Everything was just too angry and less loving, and it was driving him insane.

There was also the issue of Sakura.

Sakura, sweet little Sakura, who had become a constant in his life, was suddenly gone. Never free, never available, never ready to hang out. Not butting her head into his life to yell at him for smoking. Not there to tease him about his picky food habits. Not there to almost beat him at shogi.

He missed her. So much. And he didn’t know why she was avoiding him.

Fuck. He hated unpredictability sometimes.

He couldn’t understand for the life of him why Sakura was avoiding him like the plague. Even his mother didn’t know. And Yoshino was almost as good as Ino at extracting information from unsuspecting victims.

There was a desperation building inside him, to find out what was wrong with Sakura. And to also break up with Temari.

He was however, not looking forward to the latter.

He knew that it was inevitable. If he was honest with himself, he had fallen out of love with the blonde tessenjutsu user five months ago, the last time she had visited Konoha. All he had wanted was one last date night before she left for Suna, but predictably, they had ended up arguing instead.

“It’s always about your clan, Shikamaru. What about my life at Suna? Does that not matter at all?” Shikamaru looked up sharply at his girlfriend, who was staring pointedly outside the window.

“Temari? What are you talking about? When have I ever told you to do something, or forbade you from it?”

“You haven’t. Never explicitly. But it was always implied, wasn’t it?” She chuckled darkly.

Stupefied, and slightly annoyed at this unwarranted accusation, Shikamaru said, “What was implied Temari, for kami’s sake, what are you talking about?”

Temari busted out. “Your clan! Your rules! Your fucking country! It’s always been about that!”

“Has it? Has it really, Temari?” Now he was truly agitated. Shikamaru could tolerate a lot, but half-baked lies for the sake of conversation was not one of them.

He continued with gusto. “Did I not spend my time learning your culture and your customs and appeasing your elders? So that I could be considered a suitable suitor? Even though I come from a prominent clan, and you know that such tests would only insult my family if they knew I was being tested like a lab rat.” He seethed, thinking about all the ridiculous tests the Suna elders had laid out for him these past few years.

“I kept quiet about it. Never told anyone that I was being tested at every given opportunity. Never once complained. Not when your brothers gave me death stares and not when your elders chose the slightest moment of weakness to attack me like a bunch of starving vultures.”

“So, what, you’re saying that it’s my fault?” What? How did she make that out of everything he had said?

“Who said that Temari? Literally who said that?”

“You always look at me like I’ve done something wrong!” She looked hurt and angry, and he just felt more helpless by the minute. The situation was escalating hard and fast.

“Because you react absurdly when I take you to meet my clan elders! And I am the clan head, Temari. I don’t expect you to change your behavior, but I do expect you to at least behave in front of the elders!”

“Oh, so you’re implying that I don’t have any manners? That you Konoha shinobi are so much better than us?”

This was just…. All too much. This was nothing but a culmination of self-doubt and frustration on both their parts, and he knew that they were both smart enough to realize it for what it was. A stupid blame game, with no end at sight. He decided to put it to bed.

“Temari…. I’m tired. Can we not do this the night before you leave?” Shikamaru cleared his throat and poured some wine into their empty cups. “I’d rather have good memories of your departure than sour ones.” He said, and forced a smile up at her.

“Glad to see you so happy at my departure, Nara.” Temari sniveled, grabbed her glass and went to the balcony overlooking Konoha.

He knew then. He knew.

When every time they spoke to one another ended like this, both the strategist and the romantic in him had known, it was over. They were done. And he was sad to admit that he was glad.

He knew that they both had tried. They had put in the time and the effort, and when it was still not enough, it meant that they had to let it go. And surprisingly, it didn’t hurt him as much as it should have.

The only reason they hadn’t made a move to officially call it quits was due to the trade negotiations going on between Suna and Konoha. A break up like theirs was likely to have political repercussions, and he would like to limit the repercussions as much as possible. Having those repercussions blow up in his face during a delicate trade deal was not ideal. Trade negotiations which had apparently, not gone through. Which he would have to go to Suna to fix.

Which meant he would have to face Temari. While travelling with his second big problem, Sakura. Who, despite the Rokudaime’s insistence, was sure wanted nothing to do with him.

He was sure of that when he went to meet her that afternoon to get a peek at the lone mission scroll he had thrown her away in haste.

He found her at the Nara compound, waiting for his mother to come back from the fish market.

She had been sitting on the steps to his house, half drenched under the sun and half covered by the shade. Her pink locks blazed in the sunlight, looking darker and brighter than their actual shade. She had let her hair loose, and was combing through it deftly with nimble fingers. She rolled her neck from one side to another, relaxing her muscles after what must be several hours of hard work at the hospital. She looked unguarded and oh so breathtakingly beautiful that he had to look away for a moment. She was so lovely.

He had the sudden urge to run his hands through her pink hair and massage her shoulders while sitting behind her, with her placed between his legs, resting on his chest. He suppressed the thought with a violent vengeance.

“Sakura.” She looked up, startled like a new born fawn who had just discovered something alarming.

“Shika…..Hey.” She smiled awkwardly and waved a little, shoulders drooping inwards.

“You okay? You look tired.” Shikamaru stated the obvious, and sat beside her on the steps, legs spread out comfortably before him.

“I’m alright, Shikamaru. Though these days you look more haggard than me, and that’s saying something.” She added with a small, nervous smile gracing on her face.

“Well, with all that’s been going on, it would be hard not to.”

She looked stunned. “What? What’s been going on?”

“You would know if you stuck around, wouldn’t you?” Shit. He hadn’t meant to say that aloud.

He could see true remorse in her eyes as she looked away from him and the grass. “Shika… I’m sorry. I’ve just been-”

“Busy, tired, exhausted, yes yes, I know.” Upon realising that she looked like a kicked puppy, he couldn’t help but reach out to the hand resting on her thighs, and squeezed it gently.

“Hey, it’s okay. I get it. You’re a big shot medic now, with no time for us lowly Ninja.” She looked up at him swiftly, a sour expression overtaking her lovely features. He wanted to run his fingers and smoothen out the frown lines marring her forehead, and was barely able to stop himself in the nick of time.

“Hey! It’s not like that and you know it!” He smirked at the sound of protest she let out along with that statement.

“Yeah, yeah, Miss bleeding heart Haruno, I know.” She looked offended at the little prefix people now chose to attach to her name, but knew that she secretly liked being regarded as someone who was known to be caring. Ruthless, but caring too.

They enjoyed peaceful silence for a few minutes, before she broke it.

“What are you doing here, Nara?” Sakura asked, not unkindly, face still directed downwards to the grass. What did she even find so fascinating in them?

He knew this was not the answer she was looking for, and still chose to reply with, “This is my house.”

“And you haven’t lived here for years” Sakura pointed out smartly.

He huffed out in exasperation. He would have to get the scroll from her anyway, so better get to it now, rather than later. Though he really had been enjoying just sitting in silence by her side too.

“I, uh.”

“Uh what.”

“Well, you see.”

A few seconds of silence ensued. Then Sakura, predictably busted.

“Shikamaru! What do you want?”

Her whole attention was diverted towards him. Despite the cold, the sun had drenched her in its light, and she looked radiant. Her body faced his and she was staring into his eyes like they held all the answers in the universe.

He loved being her center of attention.

“Youhavetheonlyscrolltothemission andIdonothavethemissiondetails andIdidnotreadthescroll-“

“Shikamaru, slow down!” she looked at him, jade eyes blown up in alarm.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “What I can understand is you didn’t read the scroll before throwing it my way? Correct?” When he non verbally nodded, she facepalmed.

“Baka! I thought something serious had happened.”

“Technically, going into a mission without details would be serious.”

She snorted as she rummaged through her bag, probably fetching the scroll for him to read. “You would not believe the number of times our esteemed Hokage has gone into missions without reading all the details about them. No self-preservation skills, that one.”

He slightly gaped at her, astonished. “Without reading the details?”

“Whoever named him Bakashi was spot on, honestly.” She breathed out with a chuckle, handing over the mission scroll to him.

His eyes deftly skimmed through the details and noted that they would have to pack for two weeks, or more. Kami, this was going to be harder than he thought. He lent out a grunt of frustration, and just as he was about to return the scroll to her, an ANBU member appeared in before them

“Nara-sama, you’re needed at the Hokage’s office.”

He let out a sigh. He really had been hoping to probe deeper into why Sakura had been avoiding him, especially now that she seemed more open with him. But as any shinobi knew, duty came before everything else.

He nodded at the ANBU, and held out the scroll to Sakura. She pursed her lips and silently took the scroll from him.

“I’ll see you at 7 at the gates tomorrow.” She said softly. He nodded his head, and looked at her. She really did look exhausted. The purple bags under her eyes had only grown darker over the last few weeks and her cheeks looked gaunt, as if something were eating her on the inside.

“Get some sleep, Sakura. It won’t be fun travelling to Suna if you are tired.”

She nodded at him in acknowledgement, and he made his way to the Hokage’s office.

He felt her eyes trail his body as he made his way to the ANBU who had moved away to give them some privacy, and he shuddered in pleasure thinking of those deep green eyes following his every move. He thought to himself, he doesn’t mind her eyes on him one bit.

Doesn’t mind it at all.

Chapter Text

Sakura wanted nothing more than to rest.

Shikamaru was right. She should have just gone home, and slept the day off.

But she had always been a stubborn girl. The “not a quitter” lifestyle was going to end up becoming a problem for her in the near future, she was certain. But that was future Sakura’s problem.

She spent the rest of her afternoon once Shikamaru left with Yoshino, talking about new medical procedures, which then became discussion about prices of the vegetables and flowers that had risen during winter, which ultimately turned to village gossip.

Honestly, who can even come close to ninja and their penchant for gossiping?

“So, Sakura, tell me.” Sakura had been looking at the medicinal herbs she and Yoshino had picked from one of the fields in the Nara compound, sorting them into different baskets.

“Hmm, what?”

“Well, there must be some young man who caught your attention, ne? Or some young woman?” At this, Sakura looked up, herbs still tucked inside her skillful fingers.

“Come on now, I won’t judge.” She looked bashfully at Yoshino, skin flushing deep red. She hadn’t expected Yoshino to interrogate her about her love life, of all things!

“Ahh, no there’s nothing like that.” Sakura denied vehemently, with a shrug and a shake of her head. And there really wasn’t, anymore at least.

Yoshino waved of her denial with a flicker of her wrist. “Nonsense. You’re young and a gorgeous kunoichi. I personally know for a fact that there are several young clan members who would like to be with you.” Sakura knew that this was true, but hearing someone like Yoshino say it out loud made her cheeks go even more red. Kami, at this rate she was starting to resemble a tomato.

“So, then there must be a reason why you keep shrugging them off, right?” Yoshino pointed out, a sly look entering her eyes that Sakura couldn’t decipher, try as she might.

“So, who is this person?”

Sakura raised her hands in a warding off gesture, and she shook her head in a manner that just screamed NO. “No, No Yoshino-san, you’ve gotten it wrong!! There’s really no one.” Yoshino’s lone eyebrow defiantly lifted upwards, clearly doubting the truthfulness of Sakura’s statement.

Sakura spluttered even more under such heavy scrutiny. This was somehow worse than facing Ino’s wrath. “Truly! There’s no one!” She looked to the side, head drooping slightly, shyly. “I’m just…. busy. The hospital takes enough of my time, and I help the Rokudaime with a lot of his work too.”

Yoshino’s eyes shined with unrestrained curiosity upon hearing that, and Sakura felt something akin to fear spike sharply down her spine. “Oh yes, the Rokudaime. How is that man?”

Sakura smiled gently, thinking fondly of the current Hokage, still sorting the herbs into baskets. “Oh he’s fine. Mostly just overworked and bored out of his mind with all that paperwork, but just fine.”

“So, he compensates you, then? For your work with him?” Yoshino asked sharply, the curiosity increasing minute by minute.

“What? No, no. It’s not an official post or anything like that. He’s an old friend, I just help him out from time to time. Make sure everything is functioning right.”

There was a few seconds of silence and Sakura had not felt this tense in years. This was worse than when she had told her mother about her first ever relationship, and Mebuki had asked her if she was being safe.

“So, he’s just a friend then?” Sakura looked at the older woman, startled. What exactly was she implying?

Slightly offended by the line of questioning, Sakura replied in a harsher tone than usual. She wasn’t one to disrespect her elders, and especially not one whom she considered her friend, but she would not let someone sully her reputation like this. Neither would she let anyone do that to Kakashi.

“What do you mean, Yoshino-san? Of course, he’s a very dear friend to me.” Tense, she waited with abated breath for Yoshino’s response.

“And nothing more?”

“Nothing more?” She repeated, incredulous. She couldn’t believe her years. Still, to confirm whether she had understood this entire situation right, she asked, “As in romantically?”

Yoshino simply nodded, lips pursed and eyes tracking her every expression with the Nara expertise.

Aggrieved, Sakura exclaimed, hands banging the table before them. “Yoshino-san! Of course not!”

Mollified by Sakura’s honest outburst, Yoshino went back to sorting the medicinal herbs in the baskets, as though Sakura hadn’t just reacted like a wild animal. Finally, she took her eyes off of her.

“Well, half of the village seems convinced that he’s your lover.” Yoshino mumbled to a disgruntled Sakura halfheartedly.

“He’s my WHAT?!”

Shocked silence followed Sakura’s outburst, as she waited for the realization to sink in that half the village thought that she had been sleeping with Kakashi

“No way, Yoshino-san, it’s nothing like that, it has never been. He’s just a friend. A very close one.” When Yoshino did not reply to that, Sakura felt the need to press further.

“He’s pack, Yoshino-san.” That got the older Nara woman to look up at her, eyes back to the sharp and intelligent gaze they had been a few moments ago.

“Ah. So, it’s like that then.” She nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement.

As one of the older shinobi from a clan in the village, Yoshino knew about the Hatake’s and their habit of forming a pack. She had known of course, that Rin, Obito and Minato had all been pack, but the realization that Sakura was also among these ranks had surprised her. And there wasn’t a lot that surprised her these days.

“Yes, that’s all.”

As Yoshino mulled over the new information, she failed to continue the conversation with the medic before her.

Feeling slightly bolder than usual, Sakura prodded the Nara towards a topic she had never breached before during their interactions. She didn’t know why the curiosity was burning her, but burn it did.

She took a big gulp of air and said the next sentence in the most nonchalant way possible, as if curiosity was not scalding through her veins, making her almost choke with the hunger for answers to questions that were none of her business.

“Moreover, shouldn’t you be more concerned about your own future daughter in law?”

The Nara woman looked at her with a wolfish smile, that was more animal than human. The cunning look never left her eyes. “Oh, I’m more than concerned about her. She’s like a daughter to me.”

More nervous than ever before, Sakura answered with the only thing that came to her mind, a small smile gracing her face. “Oh, Yoshino-san, Temari is sure lucky to have a mother-in-law like you.”

Yoshino let out a loud snort of disbelief. Temari. As if that girl would ever be a Nara.
“Who, Temari? Oh, she is not my to be daughter in law, Sakura.”

Eyes wider than ever before, Sakura stared in disbelief, hands paused midair.
“What?! B-But aren’t she and Shikamaru dating? And have been quite serious for the past few years?”

The Nara woman didn’t look up from sorting the herbs and chuckled. “That thing is as good as over. And I say, good riddance.” When Sakura didn’t respond, she continued.

“I like that girl, don’t get me wrong. She’s got guts, and a brain to back that brash mouth of hers. But a Konoha citizen, and especially a Nara member, she is not meant to be.” Yoshino said with a certain finality lacing her words.

There were a few tense moments of quiet between the two, heady and thick, with both of them thinking in entirely different tangents. But both their thoughts had a singular person at its epicenter.

“Oh.” Sakura breathed out, softly.

Several minutes of silence ensued as the two women made fast work of the herbs, before Sakura realized something. She looked up like a deer caught in headlights, and tilted her head before asking the elder Nara-

“Well, if she wasn’t the daughter in law you were speaking of, then who is?”

Yoshino looked absolutely bashful as she grinned at Sakura, and pierced her with a look that promised both trouble and anticipation.

“All in due time, my dear Sakura-chan.”

All in due time, indeed.

Following the very strange conversation she had with Yoshino, Sakura went back to the hospital to pick up a few hours of work before heading off to Kakashi’s for dinner.

She spent a few hours at his place, until she was ready to keel over with exhaustion. After making sure to remind Kakashi to inform Ino of her departure, playing with his ninken and preparing some broth for him to use over then next few weeks, Sakura headed back home terribly late and with a long list of tasks to complete before she could really call it a night.

She had just finished packing her bags for Suna she got called in for an emergency case at the hospital.

Rushing to the hospital at the fastest pace she could, she cursed herself stupid for having ignored Shikamaru’s suggestions about taking a nap. She was so tired. The day had not been very kind to her.

When she reached the hospital and was directed to the topmost floor to treat the new critical patients, she realized that the members who had come in were ANBU, and she knew the one waiting outside the room, hoping to get an update about his comrades.

Lynx had calmly draped himself on a seat outside the room, posture perfectly poised and yet terrifyingly tense. She wanted to go hug lynx and give them a checkup, but one glance in their direction ensured her that Lynx was not the one she needed to worry about at this moment. There were other patients waiting for her.

Very serious ones.

Entering the OR, she took note that one of the members had a punctured lung and several fractured limbs, the other had a gaping hole in their midriff and several shuriken wedged deep into several muscles of his body.

The last one was the worst.

Their vertebrae had been nicked, and they had a poison running through their veins that Sakura was having a hard time identifying. She couldn’t remember the last time she had trouble identifying a poison.

There was something oddly familiar about it, though.

It was hard work, but Sakura first got to extracting all the poison out of their system, breathless. Perspiration had coated every inch of her skin, yet she steadily guided her hands to extract the poison out of the body.

After what felt like hours of slaving over the poison extraction, Sakura stepped away when almost all of the poison had been removed from their system.

Extraction mostly complete, she tried to identify the poison, and was stunned to realise that she in fact, did know this poison. With shock marring her tired features, she realized that it was in fact, similar to one of the rare poisons currently being developed in Suna.

The ones she was not really supposed to know about.

Hoping against hope that she was right, she ordered the nurse around her to go get Vial 17, from section R.

All on a sudden, the medics around her paused to look at her, clearly stunned that the antidote was being retrieved from the ‘Rare Antidotes’ section. Kami, she knew it was unusual to retrieve an antidote from that section, but did they all have to stare at her like that!?

Exhausted, annoyed and a little flustered, she yelled- “Well, what are you looking at me for?!” As if broken from a trance, they all looked away and sheepishly went back to healing the ANBU patients.

The medic bought the antidote, and with a soft, “Haruno sensei” handed over the vial to Sakura.

Taking in a deep breath, Sakura prayed she was right. She had no time for any alternate, was completely out of options, and time was running out.

It was now or never.

People didn’t realise how much of being a medic was about taking a gamble. Making a spilt second decision, knowing the consequences. Only over here, the price of one wrong decision could be a person’s life.

So, she delivered the antidote into his system and with abated breath, waited.

The minutes ticked by and she busied herself with her other patients, who were doing much better than the poisoned ANBU. Sighing in relief, she was happy to realise that they would only require a few nights in the hospital to recover, and a few weeks of home rest before they could resume their shinobi duties.

“Haruno sensei.” One of the medics, Miyuki, called out to her.

She turned towards Miyuki, and noticed that the young medic was standing next to the poisoned shinobi.

Well, the now previously poisoned shinobi.

A bright smile, full of relief and joy graced Sakura’s sleep deprived face as she saw his vitals stabilizing and the antidote taking affect. Thank Kami. She wouldn’t have been able to survive Suna if she lost a patient one night before leaving the village.

“Oh thank Kami, it worked.” She said, wiping the sweat from her forehead, smile still alight on her face.

Realizing that every patient in the room had now been stabilized, she went to throw her gloves in the dustbin and wash her hands. She prattled off instructions to the nurses simultaneously.

“Check on them every four hours, but check on the poisoned shinobi every half an hour. They should be fine though. I’ll write down a list of medicines for them, make sure they take them during the prescribed times.” She said as she started making a list of things her ANBU patients would require over the next few weeks.

“Oh. And consult Tsunade-sama further about this okay? I have a mission to go to tomorrow.”

“Hai, Haruno sensei.”

She exited the operation theater and made her way to her poor little Lynx, who looked coiled tight, ready to flee or fight at a moment’s notice. She’s never seen the poor thing so tense.

Smile still on her face, she approached the weary figure. “Lynx-san. They will be fine. All of them. Just a few weeks of rest and they will be as good as before.” Lynx looked up at her, shoulders sagging slightly with relief.

Lynx let out a long breath.

“Thank you, Haruno-sama.” Despite the mask blocking out his real voice, she could hear the gratitude in his tone, however little of it he could muster yet.

She looked around and noticed that the hallway was empty, and could not feel any chakra signatures close by. She knew she was toeing the line when it came to the ANBU need for confidentiality, but she was tired, and was glad to see a familiar face.

“What, no more ‘Ugly’?” Sakura placed on hand on her hip, cocked her head and questioned teasingly.

Sai looked up at her through his Lynx mask, cocked his head sideways. “Not under these circumstances, Haruno-sama.” Lynx answered just as pleasantly.

“Ahh, you mean I look stunning today, hmm?

“Actually, no, Ugly. I don’t think you’ve resembled the name Ugly more than ever before.”

….And that was it. She needed her nap, and as much as she loved Sai, she wanted to just call an end to her day.

Walking away from him, she yelled out, “Get out of my hospital before I force you to spend the night here!”

“Hai, Ugly.”

She went back to her office, knowing that her work was far from over. Shaking her head, she pulled her hair out of the confines of her rubber band and let it fall free. She was seriously considering chopping of its length, but now was not the time to think about her hair, of all things. She had to go meet her Hokage and tell him about the Suna poison that had somehow made its way into a Konoha shinobi.

Not to take a page out of the unofficial Nara handbook, but this entire thing had become way too troublesome.

Kakashi had not been expecting anybody at his door at 4 in the morning.

He wrapped himself in his old Jonin shirt, slung over his low waisted grey sweatpants and made his way to the front door.

He knew that if the intruder was a threat, his ANBU guards would have eliminated them by now. So clearly this either was someone with a shinobi related problem or a friendship related one.

To his surprise, it was a bit of both.

“Sakura?” he asked her, surprised and concerned as he opened the door. He stood up straighter, all hints of sleep leaving his posture as he looked her over.

She looked so tired. Kami, had she slept at all since she left?

She pushed him aside and waved of his concerned questioning tone as she entered his house like she owned it (these days it almost felt like it did) and plopped down onto the sofa, curling in a fetal position.

He came and stood before her, only to see that she had tucked herself cozily among the pillows, and was looking up at him with half shut eyes. Her pink hair was spread all over the cushions, and she was in her nightwear with her white doctors coat thrown over it.

Nudging her with his knee, he jostled her slightly. “Mah Mah, Sakura-chan, not that I’m opposed to booty calls and unexpected visit from pretty women at night, but 4 am is a little too late even by my standards.”

Sakura finally gave into her needs and shut her eyes completely as she replied, “Isn’t unusually late your regular time?”

Kakashi chuckled, tilting his head, gaze still focused on the Kunoichi. “Not when it comes to sex. That’s just disrespectful to others’ sleeping times.”

A singular, sleepy eye shot open as Sakura looked at him for answers. “So does this mean we are finally going to unpack your mysterious sex life?”

“I'll show you my cards if you show me yours.”

Insufferable little shit. She knew that he knew that she was cagey when it came to details about her romantic and sexual life, and that one slip up when he had caught her in a compromising position had always been a point of great amusement for him and mortification for her.

Chuckling, she rubbed her palms against her forehead. "This isn't a game of poker Kashi."

"Ah. But imagine what fun it could be if it were." Against her judgement, Sakura let out a huff of a laugh that sounded part growl and part mewl.

When she didn’t reply further, he sat down on the floor by the sofa, his head close to where her torso was placed.

“Seriously Sakura, what’s up?”

“A few ANBU came into the hospital. An emergency case.”

Suddenly Kakashi looked wide awake, a jolt of electricity seemingly lit up his previously relaxed gaze. She was suddenly reminded why this man, who had become her best friend over time was the current Hokage.

“Are they alright?” he asked, concern and slight fury laced in his words.

“They’re all fine, will make full recovery. Don’t worry about that.” He deflated at that, content, knowing that his ninja were safe.

“Well, they were treated by the best medic in the country, after all, weren’t they?” he chuckled, a lighter tone replacing his previous serious one. “So then, what’s bothering you?” he inquired.

She looked him straight in the eye, all traces of sleep gone, only a deep sense of exhaustion lingered. “One of them was poisoned.” She took a deep breath, knowing that her next sentence was going to change the entire dynamic of both this conversation and her upcoming mission.

“Kakashi. The poison. It was one of Suna’s secretly developed poisons.”

Kakashi sat up straighter. Mirroring him, Sakura fixed her position, sitting up rather than laying down.

“Are you sure?” Kakashi questioned, voice firm and tinged with concern.

“Positive. 100%. I was there when the poison was created.”

At 7 am, just a few hours later, Shikamaru was shocked to see a half dead looking Sakura waiting for him by the gates.

“Sakura? Did you sleep at all?”

Sakura, who had been facing the sky with her eyes shut, let out a weary, tired sigh, as she turned to look point blank at Shikamaru.

“Good morning Shika. I fear our mission has just gotten ten times worse.”

Chapter Text

The gentle breeze whipped across the delicate slope of her neck as Sakura and Shikamaru continued travelling through the forests of the fire country.

Regardless of the many times she had travelled through these forests, Sakura couldn’t help but marvel at the smallest hints of change that nature displayed with finesse over the undisturbed, unchartered wilderness. A decade of ninja training had made her more susceptible to the beauty that surrounded her, and the green visage, equal parts deadly and calming had always been a balm to her tumultuous thoughts. Years in this line of work had forced her to find solace in the smaller things, so she always chose to look underneath the underneath.

She didn’t think this is what Kakashi meant when he cited that line, but poetic license, and all that.

She could certainly take that liberty if he could warp the crude, filthy porn in the Icha Icha series as a romance. Poetic license, he had waved in her red, glowering face with practiced nonchalance and a slight chuckle, when she confronted him after having read the books herself.

Not that she would ever, even in her worst nightmares, tell him that she too had swooned during certain scenes, because for all his faults, Jiraiya was such a closeted romantic at heart. And that she read them on particularly long, lonely nights, after witnessing Sai and Ino being handsy with each other at the bar they frequented where she usually met up with them, unaccompanied and left with that status intact.

Her thoughts swiftly shifted from Icha Icha to the trees they were rushing past, and gently with hooded eyes, so as to not give herself away, sneaked a peak at Shikamaru. She knew she had hurt him, over the previous few months. That much was obvious to even a blind man.

After the war, things had been disarray. There were countless things to worry about- money, businesses, clans, ninja, civilians, busted trade treaties and budding new ones. Those who were left- and there were fewer than she liked, had all formed an unspoken pact- they were not going to leave each other alone, to stew in silence and guilt, to feel the weight of the entire world crushing down on their young shoulders.

It was during this time when she as a consequence of this unspoken pact, had started getting closer to Shikamaru. She had felt guilty, sometimes, knowing that she had enjoyed a relationship with both Ino and Chouji even prior to the war, but she’d always been wary of the to-be Nara clan head.

He was intelligent- ridiculously and terrifyingly so. Even before the war, no matter the situation or the indifference he faked, she would feel his obsidian eyes trace over every single detail with meticulous precision, dark gaze glinting with an unbidden cunningness, which burned, less with wickedness and more with the burning need of knowledge, the unquenchable thirst to just know, to be the one with the upper hand in every situation thrown into, troublesome as though it was. Purely and simply put, to be the smartest man in the room.

It still made her shiver.

Unsurprisingly, he was chosen to lead in the war. All she could do, for any of her friends, was heal them, and try to cover their backs as they fought for all of their lives. From afar she watched, with pain she could never truly feel, Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji losing their parents. How, they were forced into positions they were not ready for. How, they blossomed amidst these positions, painful as it was. How, the loss of a parent hit them all differently. How, none of them came out unscathed.

If anything, the war had made Shikamaru even more calculating. Silently brash, infinitely more dangerous, and desperate in his pursuit to be the person who held all the power. Nara Shikamaru was a deadly, dominating and serious force to be reckoned with, one that none had expected, or come to realize.

It was why she approached him with trepidation, her thoughts all planned out like a careful came of shogi so as to not have her meticulously laid plans backfire spectacularly.

Only she forgot, she had laid out her plan like moves on a shogi board to go against a master of shogi and strategy. A Nara.

She still got embarrassed when she thought about how it all had gone down. Her cheeks reddened as she shifted her gaze from the vast green around her to peak once more at Shikamaru, who to her utter embarrassment, had been looking at her with a dark, quizzical gaze. She suppressed a shiver at that gaze, challenging and stern. But his words were gentle and careful as they spilled out of his mouth.

“Sakura, are you alright? You’re all flustered.”

She blushed a violent tomato red and forced her chin to point towards the opposite direction, away from his prying gaze. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Hm.” He hummed, not quite satisfied with her lie. “So why do you look like you’re about to faint?”

She didn’t look that flustered, did she? Oh kami.

“Shikamaru, I’m fine. Seriously. I’m the medic here, remember?”

A heart clenching half smirk graced his lips, tantalizingly pulling upwards as he mumbled, “Some medic, showing up half dead for the mission in the morning.”

“I am the head medic, you know? If emergency cases show up in the middle of the night, I have to go save them. I don’t have a choice when lives are on the line.”

His face took on a pinched look. “Sakura, I wasn’t implying you shouldn’t do your job. But you should be taking care of yourself.” His gaze cut to hers swiftly, and she wasn’t able to look away. Thankfully, she knew these trees like the back of her hand and she didn’t stumble. “Did you sleep after you met my mom yesterday?”

Ah yeah. Shit. He had told me to go get some rest, hadn’t he?

“Shika… I just-“

He sighed and cut her off mid sentence. “-Had work, had something to do, I’m a big girl, don’t boss me around, I will take care of myself, I- “

She burst out. “Yes, Okay!” They had had a variation of this conversation so many times, back when she was not actively avoiding him. “I get your point, okay? I’m sorry.” She let out a weary sigh and pinched her nose, shutting her eyes for a brief few moments.

“If you don’t take care of yourself Sakura, what will happen to all your patients?” He looked at her now. “Not to forget how Hatake would stop functioning if you aren’t around to boss him.” He said, a smile coloring his words. Sakura huffed out a laugh, and flashed him a small smile.

Peaceful silence enveloped them once more, only broken by the sounds of the forest that travelled along with them for a while. She was feeling content with this silence before she heard Shikamaru speak in such a devastatingly low, remorseful tone, that her heart tore into pieces.

“And what about me, Sakura? What will happen to me without you?” he whispered, absent mindedly, dejected.

Sakura stumbled then. She had not been expecting this silent confession, his words laced with unshed, undisguised pain which she hated being the source of. She cursed herself stupid as her leg entangled with a wayward branch, and she braced herself to capture the branch below to prevent her downward tumble.

Before she could blink, Shikamaru’s presence had invaded all her senses. She could feel every inch of his tight, lithe body, engulfing her smaller, more feminine figure. Strong, toned arms corded around the narrow curves of her waist like iron rods, preventing her from sliding downwards. Belatedly realising she hadn’t actually fallen after stumbling, her face nestled firmly into the hard expanse of his chest, she deeply breathed him in, and that one single breath was enough to deconstruct and reassemble her entire sanity. Try as she might, all she could feel, all she could sense was Shika. Her Shika.

He peered down at her from up above, his hands growing tighter still. He had shot up so much after the war, despite the shorter stature Nara’s were known for.

He gazed at her for a few minutes, just taking her in. She could only guess what he saw- the heinously dark, dark circles, the small cuts that adorned her delicate face, the smattering of small freckles dancing over her cheekbones, almost invisible unless seen from up close.

One traitorous hand left her waist and as she felt a feather light touch of his fingers, resting lightly under her eye. Oh, so delicately, he swiped at the dark circles that had formed crescent moons. Caressing them once, then twice. She couldn’t help but shut her eyes as a wave of calm washed over her state of fatigue.

“Honestly, Sakura. You know better than tiring yourself out before a long journey.”

His ministrations didn’t stop there; His inquiring fingers only shifted downwards. Now, his rough, calloused, yet adoringly gentle digits brushed her cheeks, and Sakura was lost under its spell. She sighed. Tiredly, happily, annoyedly.

“I would postpone our departure if I could, you know right?” She opened her eyes feebly, and drank in the sight of Shikamaru before her. It had been a while now, but she was woman enough to admit that Shikamaru had definitely grown up into one breathtakingly handsome man. All man with nothing boyish left behind, and Temari was so, so lucky to have won in that department.

That one thought was enough to bring her back to her senses. Oh Kami damn it all, Temari.

She detached herself from him like he was fire and she was a box of inflammable goods, putting a healthy, respectable distance between the two. They were only friends after all, and he belonged to another. She squelched the feeling of jealousy burning within her chest and forced herself to look at the tree branch they were perched on.

Shikamaru couldn’t help but frown slightly when Sakura sprang away from his embrace. Disappointment made itself home in his chest, yet he maintained his composure.

“But I can’t.” Sakura breathed out. “And we can’t.” She rested against one of the thick, gnarling branches of an ancient tree.

“We…. can’t? Why not?” Shikamaru whispered brokenly, a wistful look overtaking the blacks of his eyes.

Shikamaru had completely lost track of the conversation, that much was obvious.

Sakura looked bewildered and truly fascinated by the absurdity the Nara was spewing. “What? Shika? What do you mean, “Why can’t we”?”

When he still didn’t respond, Sakura spoke. “Nara.” She huffed. “Poison? Suna poison? Possible assassination? Ring any bells?”

That seemed to break him out of the weird funk he had entered. Shaking his head as if to shake away any wanton thoughts, Shikamaru cleared his throat.

“Right, uh yes. Uh, Suna poisons. Unavoidable.”

“Trou-ble-some.” Sakura said, in a sing song voice all light and breathy, her fatigue vanishing away momentarily.

He chuckled wholeheartedly now, delighted at the light mocking and teasing tone Sakura had employed. He hadn’t heard that tone from her in months. Funny, how the things that once used to annoy him had become so endearing.

He flashed her a roguish, predatory grin. “Exactly that Haruno. Troublesome.”

They resumed their journey towards Suna at a good pace. Sakura had filled him in about the new developments during the first day of their journey and the Nara genius had been scheming ever since.

Even though renowned for his silent contemplation of possible tactics and maneuvers, Shikamaru was not beyond considering ideas from fellow intelligent people. Every now and then he asked Sakura for her opinions, thoughts and ideas. All of his hesitation aside, he had taken up once more the role of strategist and there was no one better than Sakura who understood the politics of the Kage and their many men.

During their third day of travel over the sand dunes, a lively discussion regarding possible theories broke out between them.

“But Shikamaru! I mean, just think about it! Why else would they poison our men?”

“I see what you’re saying Sakura. But why would Suna send a message via a poison so few know about?”

The Pinkett’s hands flayed as she tried to make a point. “Because I’m the head medic! The resident poison expert! They obviously knew I would report its origins to Kakashi.”

“So. You mean someone wants us to go there and confront them? To achieve what?” Tone calm as ever, Shikamaru questioned.

“Kami if I know.”

He sighed. “Something isn’t adding up.”

Sakura chuckled without much humor. “Clearly not. And why would you think that this is just a test run for the poisons?”

“Because this is the only thing that makes sense. Our ANBU’s are known for their secrecy. If anything even did happen to them, we would bury the story. Nobody would know.” He pointed out rightly. It was the unfortunate fate of ANBU shinobi. Secrecy until the very end.

“Also, they only used it on one person out of a team of four ANBU. So, either they expect us to confront them about it, try to find out what happened without involving them or…”

“Or?”

“Or Sakura, they didn’t know that you knew about the poison.”

She heaved out a sigh as she explained to him once more. “But I told you, I was right there when it was created. So, they would have known I would eventually recognize it, right?”

Shikamaru pondered. “And how many people knew that you know about this poison?”

Sakura took a few seconds to think. “Well let’s see. There’s the head lab officer Haga Tatsuo, his primary assistant Shinohara Emi, and um…”

When she trailed off mid-sentence, Shikamaru interest piqued infinitely. “Who else?”

Sakura blanched. “Uhm, Kankuro.”

“Kankuro?” What in the world was the puppet master doing in a poison lab?
“How does he know?”

“Well, um, he was in the lab with us that day.” Sakura said, strained.

“Mm. The people who know, are they trustworthy?”

“I don’t know. I can’t say for sure. But I worked with them for months. We had gotten quite close, especially Emi-chan and I. As for Haga-san, he was, well, exactly like all the conceited male bastards in Suna. But he recognized talent and dedication unlike those old geezers. I despised him, but I also respected him. And I’d like to think it was that way for him too.”

Again, Shikamaru noted Sakura deliberately avoided his name. One raised eyebrow, and the question was out of his mouth. “And Kankuro?”

She stiffened at that. “He…. He wouldn’t. No, he…. yeah, no. Never. I know this for a fact.”

“How can you be so sure?” He asked quietly.

Flustered and defensive, Sakura said, “I just- I’m sure, okay? If there was a mole, it wasn’t Kankuro.”

“So according to you, either the lab head or assistant squeaked and sent you a message in the form of a poisoned ANBU?”

“You’re making it sound absurd!”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Oh Kami, am not. I’m just filing this as a possible reason, though I don’t know how this could fit.”

“Honestly, I don’t know either. Let’s just reach Suna first and see what we can find.”

Chapter Text

When they saw the gates of Suna from a distance, Sakura sighed in obvious relief.

She had good memories at Suna. Happy memories filled with medical text debates, poison study, copious amounts of spiced Suna tea, some (slightly) questionable fried snacks, lavish soaks in their cool, underground pools and spending evenings with the friends she had made there over time.

Also Kankuro.

Soon as that unbidden thought entered her mind, her slight dazed smile was wiped clean off.

All the thoughts of a warm soak in their bath and her meetings with all the doctors and artisans whom she had befriended escaped her mind as her thoughts zeroed in on the one person she would inadvertently meet over there, whom she seriously didn’t want to.

It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy his company. On the contrary, Kankuro was a breath of fresh air compared to the more serious people who had taken up major roles in her life. She was glad that had ended up becoming friends with the Suna nin. Some of the memories they had created together bought up a giddy smile on her face, before she remembered the reason why she didn’t want to face him.

The last time they met had been a disaster.

There were tears, angry confessions and apologies- all of them sincere, but not nearly good enough, and the damage had been done. The people who had been caught in the crossfire were hurt badly, and now she didn’t know how to act around him.

Smile him? Hug him?

Pretend that everything is okay?

Pretend that she didn’t shatter his heart into a million pieces?

Sakura didn’t used to think she was a cruel person. But sometimes at night when sleep eluded her and thoughts of the war were kept rest at bay, she thought of Kankuro.

Of how much pain and strife she caused a boy who came to her with his heart on his sleeve and left with shattered bits of them.

Those were some of the worst nights. During them, she couldn’t help compare herself with Sasuke. When she and Sasuke had tried to make it work, it was obvious that his affections towards her were simply platonic. Maybe there were hints of fondness hidden, buried under layers of his cool exterior, but they were smothered away by the excruciating love he felt for a blonde boy with the most dazzling smile in all the nations.

And Sakura knew. She knew that his heart was never hers to claim, and it never would be. And still when he let her down, with all the gentleness and kindness in the world, she cried herself hoarse. She onstinately refused to meet with anyone who was not Kakashi or Tenten (who had surprisingly become a very close friend.)

So when she found her role reversed, she finally understood how Sasuke felt. A little trapped, all too overwhelmed and very, very guilty.

Next to her, she noticed she wasn’t the only one who had stiffened.

Shikamaru’s shoulder were tense as they approached the border, and he knew that sooner rather than later, he would have to put an end to the sham of a relationship he was leading with Temari.

In the back of the mind he knew that Temari too, was fed up and done, but admitting that the relationship that they had invested years in was coming to an end was a bitter pill to swallow.

There were going to be consequences.

Not just from Temari’s side, but from everyone who had butted into their private relationship in the name of politics.

This trip was getting more difficult by the minute.

The duo reached the gates of Suna, and the shinobi peered up at them from his position, squinting his eyes against the Sun rays blocking his view of the travellers.

The stern voice of the guard reached them as they approached the desk further, “State your purpose, where are you from and who are you.”

“Shikamaru Nara and Haruno Sakura, Shinobi of Konohagakure”

Slightly jolted at that admission, the guard perked up “Sakura-san?”

Sakura smiled gently. “Hai, Botan-kun”

He grinned excitedly. “Oh Sakura-san! We were not expecting you this soon! How were your travels, pleasant I hope?”

“Hai hai Botan-Kun, all good.”

“And how was the recipe my mother gave you? Did you try it back at home?”

“I did! It was so delicious. I must stop by your house and give her my thanks. It was a hit among all my friends.”

Biiterly, Shikamaru who had been observing this conversation with rapt attention wondered how come he had never been invited to taste this super popular dish that was apparently a hit among all of Sakura’s friends.

Curtly, he put an end to their conversation, “Aren’t you supposed to ask us for our ID’s now?”

Sheepishly the guard- Botan- smiled at him and scratched the back of his head guiltily, “Ah ha, Gomen Nara-sama. ID’s please.”

Without much fanfare, the two Shinobi made their way into the village but only after Sakura promised that she would visit Botan’s family for dinner one of the nights she was there.

As soon as they walked into the village, both got sucked into their own minds, nostalgia seemingly seeped into their weary bones.

While Sakura couldn’t help bitterly thinking about the last time she was here, she still couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the Village. When she first moved here she hated it with a scorching passion, one great enough to rival the heat that enveloped Suna like a vengeful Goddess.

But overtime, she had learned to fall in love with its quaintness. The sturdy walls of the city, the architecture of the buildings that she was now passing through, the domes and cones that were so unassuming yet grand, the spiral structures, the rugs that adorned the floors of the houses, the rich tapestry woven on every surface, the low lying tables coupled with the cosiest of cushions and the grand, neck-craning worthy chandeliers, had all wormed a place in her heart.

Shikamaru too, took his time admiring the surrounding. Even though the sun was blazing overhead, it balanced well with the chill that had permeated the walls of the city as evening approached steadily on.

He observed the hustle and bustle of the city around him, as he tried to get a crick out of his neck that had taken up permanent residence after three days of constant travel. He let his eyes rove over the throngs of people passing them by, some of whom nodded at Sakura as they went about.

As they made their way into the heart of the city to reach the Kage’s office, they passed the market place with all their wares on display. From pottery to glassware to spices, travelling through Suna markets was an experience in itself.

He passed by the shops from where he had once bought a couple of dangling earrings for his mother- and she was so proud of them. Even now, on particularly festive days in Konoha, his mom would pull out the ornate jade earrings and matching necklace and throw it on with the most brilliant smile.

Smiling distractedly, he wondered if he should pick out something else for his mother again this time. Maybe from the same shop, they clearly seemed to have a good collection that kept the ladies smiling. And maybe, he would just buy something equally elaborate for Sakura too.

Wait, what?

He looked at Sakura then, wondering how and why that particular thought had wiggled into his mind. Sure, he would love to see Sakura in jewellery that he gifted her, but Sakura was never a jewellery person.

And even if she wore jewellery, it was never something ostentatious and grand. She usually favoured delicate, tiny pieces that were simple, but beautiful. Elegant and refined.

Just like the Nara heirlooms.

Okay. This was it. What was wrong with him? First the thought of buying jewellery for Sakura, and then thinking of her wearing Nara heirlooms? (Though a small part of his mind couldn’t deny just how much he liked that idea.)

The problem was, even if he had the time or patience to entertain such petulant thoughts (which he did not) his first problem was looming right in front of him.

Lost in thoughts, he didn’t realise that they had reached the Kage tower. And he cursed himself mentally when he realised that he had also failed to notice the Suna councilman- Goza-san- standing near the tower.

“And there you are! I was wondering where you’ve reached!” Goza-san exclaimed as soon as the two shinobi came into hearing distance.

“Goza-Sama, how have you been?” Sakura, who had sidled up next to Shikamaru inquired politely.

“Oh, Sakura-san, can’t complain!”

He smiled and continued, “But I can’t say the same about the Hospital staff! They can’t seem to stop wishing that you were here. Your abrupt departure had left all of us quite worried.”

Sakura winced imperceptibly.

Shikamaru's gaze cut straight in the direction of the Kunoichi. She had left Suna abruptly during her previous visit? This is the first time he was hearing about this.

“Ahh, Gomen Goza-sama. I had unavoidable work back at home. But I’ll be sure to visit everyone this time before I leave!” She added with a smile.

Clearly ready to move on from the topic, she gestured towards Shikamaru, “I am sure you remember Nara sama?”

A forced polite smile graced Goza’s face as he turned to Shikamaru, “Ahh, yes of course, Nara sama. How have you been?”

Technically, Shikamaru knew that friendship aside, it was respectful to acknowledge the person who was in a relationship with the Kazekage’s sister first as a show of honour. He also knew why he had been snubbed and acknowledged post the little repartee with Sakura.

Fucking Suna council. They wanted to get rid of him as Temari’s possible consort? Well, wish fucking granted. Almost.

He couldn’t wait.

“Splendid. Also famished. Maybe let’s continue this conversation at the Kage’s office?”

Goza smartly rose to the bait. “Excellent idea, as per usual, Nara sama. Follow me, please. I’m sure you must be tired. I will escort you to your rooms right after.”

Without missing a beat, he continued, “Before that though, Sakura-san, I know how fond you had grown of our tea.”

Sakura decidedly stood straighter at that. She stopped and peered at him with a seriousness Shikamaru hadn't seen in a while.

“Goza-sama, if you tell me you have tea hidden somewhere beneath your robes, you’re going to leave me no choice but to tackle you and search all your pockets inside out.”

Booming laughter filled the hall they were passing through.

“There’s no need for that Sakura-san. I have tea waiting for you on the counter just around the corner, we can pick it up as we make our was to the Kazekage’s office.”

Sakura's short bark of laughter echoed through the hall. “Well Goza-sama, you are lucky that I didn’t have to tackle you. I’m not sure all your bones would survive.”

“Well then I must be in luck, for even if that happened, I personally happen to know the best medic in all the nations. And fortunately she just arrived in our village. Surely, you must know of her?”

“Goza-sama! You flatter me.” Sakura added in a huff of a laugh.

They both dissolved into polite laughter as they walked to the station and picked up their tea. Silence enveloped them as Sakura and Shikamaru practically inhaled their tea.

Sakura couldn’t help but let out a small moan of pleasure at the first sip of Suna tea, that she had missed so much over the past few months. The flavour of the spices danced all over her tastebuds and elicited a feeling of contentedness so deep that she relaxed all over. The tantalising aroma of spices invaded all of her sense, and she couldn’t help but chuckle at her past feeble attempts at trying to replicate this spice blend at home. It had been a watery, paled down disaster that had left her feeling even worse about her hurried departure and failure to carry some tea back home with her.

Shikamaru looked at Sakura as she drank the tea with so much passion that he couldn’t help but smile. If he wasn’t mistaken, she was sniffing the drink before gulping it down. He chuckled at her bizarre actions. Who knew his little Kunoichi was this fond of Suna tea?

And yet, even with the presence of the intoxicating tea and Sakura’s cuteness, he couldn’t help but think about the why’s of his reason for travelling to Suna.

The trade relations. The assassination. Temari.

He shuddered.

He knew that just around the corner, the Kazekage’s office was situated. Which meant, just around the corner, was the brother of his current girlfriend.

Soon to be ex- girlfriend.

He had imperceptibly tensed up, but it seemed that it was Sakura who had to first confront the ghost of the past she was running from. They were just turning round the corner when they heard a voice.

Sakura stopped abruptly and spilled some of her precious tea onto the blood red carpet below. Her eyes blew comically wide as she gazed at the man standing ahead of them.

“Sakura.”

She breathed out, “Oh. Kankuro.”

Chapter Text

He was so devastatingly beautiful.

She wanted to run up to him. Jump into his arms. Hug him. Let herself be swept off her feet. Be spun around until they were both out of breath, clinging onto each other tightly.

But the days where she could do that were far behind her.

“Kankuro-san!” Goza broke the heavy air around them with a cheerful greeting.

The stupefied expression drained out of Kankuro’s face as he remembered just where he was, and who was standing before him.

“Goza-sama, how have you been?” he asked politely, not quite able to lift his gaze off of Sakura.

“Quite well my boy. Are you headed to meet your brother?”

Distractedly, he replied “Ahh, come again?” He finally shifted his attention to Goza. “Oh, my brother. Yes. Just had to pick up a few documents from his office.”

Catching onto Kankuro’s odd behaviour, Goza asked hesitantly. “You seem plenty distracted. Everything alright?”

“Fine! Oh I’m fine! Just a little tired. You know how work goes.” Kankuro added, sheepishly.

“Ah, it’s good to see today’s youth working hard, Kankuro!”

For the first time, he seemed to notice the third companion alongside Sakura and Goza. A genuine bright smile lit his face. “Shikamaru! Didn’t expect to see you here my friend.”

Shikamaru smiled softly. “Kankuro. You never seem too far away, do you?”

The boys grinned at each other, letting their youthful exuberance reflect on their faces instead of hiding it away from the prying eyes of people waiting to exploit any moment of vulnerability. This was the price they usually paid for their positions of power. Any and all moments of such respite were a blessing, and genuine friendships were a thing of rarity.

They moved towards one another and embraced, pats on the back and all. Separating, Kankuro peered over Shikamaru’s shoulder to glance at a still rooted in place Sakura.

Kankuro took a deep breath. He asked shyly, almost hesitantly-

“Won’t you greet your old friend?”

A small, delicate smile danced on his lips, watery and utterly shatter-able. As if he were waiting to be rejected. As if once more, expecting to take the shattered shards of his heart back.

And then, she just couldn’t help it. She ran. Right into his waiting, open arms.

And it was like nothing had changed.

He hugged her tight, until every part of her body was aligned against his, and in one quick sweeping motion lifted her off of the floor and swung her round in circles until she was giddy and breathless and was laughing in the most delightful voice she had heard out of her mouth in months.

“Oh Kankuro! Put me down!” She exclaimed giddily, laughing as she hit his shoulder half-heartedly in order to get him to comply.

“Why should I when this is just more fun?” She heard his voice, tinged with mirth, questioning her teasingly.

“You will, if you want your limbs attached to your body.”

Quicker than she could have imagined, she was back on her feet with a respectable distance between the two of them. Hair askew, she brushed it off her face to get a better look at him.

Her heart swelled.

“You realise you just threatened bodily harm to the Kazekage’s brother, ne?”

“Ahh. But that’s just it. Words have a way of being misconstrued. Plus, never during my sentence did I say that I would personally harm you.”

“Classic Sakura. Smarter than the whole world.”

“Classic Kankuro. Ever so quick to dish out compliments.”

“Only for you, Haruno Sakura. Always”

Sakura couldn’t breathe. Gosh, she had missed this. This boy and his cheeky remarks and sneaky compliments were what had made her weak to his advances in the first place. And that had clearly been a disaster of a decision.

She stepped back a little. She just needed some space to function.

“Shall we go in?” Goza broke through the little moment the two had seemingly bubbled themselves within, bringing them back to earth.
Sakura stilled. Both Shikamaru and Goza-sama had seen their little moment. For fuck’s sake.

She cleared her throat. “Yes please. Let’s not waste more time.”

Goza knocked the door to the Kazekage’s office and the four of them walked into the room.

Over the years, the Kazekage’s room had changed dramatically. What was once a drab, decrepit room had transformed into a stunning haven filled with different knick knacks and gifts from different countries.

The desk itself was made from a strong, solid, teak wood, large enough to cover almost half the room. The chaises were a beautiful teal, and the sofa on the side was a warm, inviting tan leather. A small yet grand chandelier hung on the top, and multiple rugs lay all around the room. Desert plants were placed in pots all around the room, and Sakura had never felt more envious of a Kage. She would kill to work in a room this beautiful.

“Welcome back to Suna, Nara-sama, Haruno-san. I hope your journey was good”

Sakura flashed a bright smile as she looked at Gaara, who was sat on his chair almost hidden behind a pile of documents he was currently signing. This sent a jolt through her heart as she thought fondly of the number of times she’s seen Kakashi in the same position back at home. Kami, she missed that idiot.

“Kazekage-sama.” Shikamaru nodded at him respectfully.

“Gaara!” Sakura couldn’t help but exclaim.

Goza spoke up, hesitantly. “Ahh, Sakura-san, please address him as-“

Gaara cut him short. “No need for such formality among friends, Goza-sama. It’s okay, she’s an old friend and I’d rather she treat me as such anyway.”

“Gaara, you replaced the blue carpet? Why on earth would you do that? It went so well with the teal chaises! You know how much time we spent to find a matching set right?”

Gaara sighed, and interlaced his fingers. “An unfortunate incident involving several bleeding shinobi and untrained medics, since somebody clearly decided to leave without much of a notice.”

“Oh. Uh yes. Hmm.”

“Yes, indeed. I would like to know at a later time just what propelled you to leave like your tail was on fire, Sakura.”

“And I would like nothing more than to tell you about it. Preferably over tea?”

A rare laugh boomed out of Garaa’s mouth unbidden. “Of course. Over tea.”

Clearly happy to have scheduled a conversation with the kunoichi for a later date, he addressed the other guest on the room. “Shikamaru, how has your mother been?”

“As fine as she can be without taking every opportunity to chew me raw and spit me out.”

Gaara sighed, resignedly. “Yes well. That just seems to be a quality all women possess, don’t they?”

Aggrieved, Sakura exclaimed. “Hey! that’s plain mean.”

“I’d say that sounds pretty true. Won’t you agree, Sakura-chan?”, Kankuro questioned.

That single sentence from him was enough to get Sakura to mutely inspect the carpet below as though she herself hadn’t hand picked them.

After what seemed like forever, but was probably just ten minutes of catching up, Shikamaru and Sakura were ushered into the joined rooms allotted to them.

The whole day had been too strange for Shikamaru, who wanted nothing more than to take a nice bath and go to bed.

But his thoughts had been running wild ever since he had entered Suna.

He was not sure what to make off the strange interaction that took place between Kankuro and Sakura. Not just Kankuro and Sakura, but he was stunned by the sort of ease with which Sakura moved around Suna- the camaraderie-ship she clearly enjoyed with many of the citizens. One look at her in Suna would confirm that a part of Suna lived within Sakura, much like a part of Konoha always would.

So why had she left Suna in such a rush?

And there were more pressing matters creating a pressure behind his eyes- Where in the name of Kami was Temari? Maybe he was foolish to assume that she would be there when he met half of her family, but clearly she had bigger things to do than welcome her boyfriend of 6 years.

A knock startled him out of his thoughts. He got off the bed only to realise the knock had come from the door attached to the room next door. Gently, he unlocked it and opened the door fully.

“Hey, Shika. Did I disturb you?”

“Of course not. What is it Sakura?”

“Nothing much really. I was just about to go visit the market and maybe get some more tea-“
A loud huff of laughter escaped him before he could hold it back.

Sakura peered at him, clearly affronted. “Are you laughing at me?! That is so rude Shika! Can a tired, weary girl not enjoy some tea without being mocked every two minutes?”

“I never mocked you.”

“Not in many words you didn’t. You know what, never mind. I was going to invite you to come with me but you and your belittling little smirks can have fun all alone in this room.”

She turned around to go inside her room when Shikamaru grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop.

“Sakura, I was kidding. Come on, I’d love to get out of here and stretch my legs.”
He continued in a small voice that would be inaudible if not for the fact that Sakura was a Kunoichi. “It’s not my fault that you get all adorable and cute when it comes to tea.”

Sakura flustered under the weight of that barely there statement. Clueless as to how to reply to such a statement, she sputtered “I- I- I’ll have you know that I do NO such thing! Why you!-You know, you should see YOUR face when it comes to shogi, you hypocrite!”

Shikamaru startled. “Wait what? My face during shogi?”

Sakura threw her hands up in the air and exclaimed, quite dramatically. “Yes! Oh Kami! You look like a salivating dog!” One finger pointed straight towards his chest, and Shikamaru, who had seen her destroy lesser men with her pinkie, wisely moved a few paces behind.

She continued, undeterred. “Especially when you’re eyes get all beady and squinty when you scrutinise your opponent’s plays! Do you know how nerve-wracking that is for people playing against you? Your eyes go all dark and brooding and you stare into people’s eyes as if they hold answers to the universe!”

“I nerve wrack you?”

Eyes blown up, Sakura continued to flay her hands above her head dramatically. Shikamaru moved a few more paces behind. “YES! It’s terrifying. It’s like watching Naruto enter Ichiraku after a week long mission. Or- Or Watching Chouji near anything eatable! Or watching Ino eye up unsuspecting men at the bar!”

“Huh. I had no idea.”

Clearly done with her rant, she huffed. “Obviously you did not.”

Shikamaru went and sat down on his bed. Arms on her hips, Sakura peered at him from the ajar door.

“So. Does that mean I still can’t come along this evening.”

Sakura gnawed her lower lip. Shikamaru found that he was having trouble looking away from it.

“Of course not, baka. You’re always welcome. I was just kidding. I’ll see you in an hour then?” She asked softly, nodded slightly, and turned towards her room.

“Sakura.”

Maybe it was the finality in his tone. Or the no nonsense voice he had taken up, but Sakura’s spine straitened and her motion halted. She turned to look at him.

Shikamaru had been aching to ask her a billion things. Like how she seemed to know everyone in Suna? How had she gotten on such casual terms with a council member? How had she and Gaara become such close friends? How and why did she not invite him to try the Suna dish she made for her other friends back home?

What relation did she share with Kankuro?

Why had she left Suna abruptly the last time?

But what left his mouth instead was not at all related to the burdens on his mind.

“When do you want to tell Gaara about the poisoning?”

Sakura was surprised. She’d been dreading that whatever would leave his mouth would be on lines of her relation to Suna and its members, but she was glad for small miracles. She was not ready to explain her past.

The tension left her shoulders and she sighed as she answered-

“Maybe tomorrow. I don’t know. Whenever we do it, we will have to be discreet.”

“I agree.” Shikamaru rested his elbows on his knees and peered at the carpet keenly. He interlaced his fingers, as he asked-

“Sakura. Did he-Did Gaara know of your involvement with the poison?”

Sakura shrugged. “I don’t think so. At least he didn’t when I was here last, but perhaps things have changed now.”

Shikamaru contemplated, silently. The he looked up, and his sharp gaze cut straight into Sakura’s eyes. “Perhaps. But Sakura, whenever you do have the discussion, don’t leave me out of it.”

Sakura started shaking her head. “I would never-“

“I know Sakura, but right now we can’t trust anybody. And I need to be in that room when the discussion happens.”

She exhaled. “Of course, Shika. I understand.”

Shikamaru opened his mouth to say something when they heard someone knock Shikamaru’s door. The main door, this time ‘round.

Both stilled and looked at each other, wondering if the person on the other side of the door had heard any of their conversation.

Just as Shikamaru got up to go open the door, a voice spoke from the other side of the door.

“Shika? This is your room right?” Followed by a muffled “Fuck, I hope I didn’t knock Sakura’s by mistake-”

A chill spread through Sakura’s bones.

Unbeknownst to Sakura, a chill spread through Shikamaru’s body too.

Shikamaru opened the door. “Temari.”

A beautiful beaming blonde stood before him. She had changed so much over the years. Gone were the netted undershirt and white dress, now the kunoichi chose a dark blue dress and calf length boots. Her unruly hair had been swept into high pony’s, and her bangs had been cut artfully to frame her face delicately.

Shikamaru, Kami bless him, was at the end of the day only but a man. And he couldn’t help but admire just how good she looked.

Despite the fact that he couldn’t wait to end their relationship, he couldn’t deny that Temari was an attractive woman. Moreover, she was easily one of his closest friends. They’d been through so much together. He smiled at her like a little dork, all warm and gooey.

She smiled widely and rushed to give him a big, tight hug, and he responded in kind. It was good to see her after all this time.

Distantly, he heard a door shut behind him and a lock being moved into place.

Fuck. Sakura.

“What was that?” Temari asked, trying to look over his shoulder.

“That? Pfft nothing.”

She seemed to buy his obvious lie and moved into his room. Just as he turned to shut the door, she said the words that were both his salvation and the beginning of the end.

“So we’re going to break up right? Because I can’t take this any longer.”

He turned behind to look at Temari, who was lounging on the bed with her arms stretched above her.

He went and joined her on the other side of the bed, both of them staring at the ceiling.

“I don’t think I’ve heard sweeter words come out of your mouth before, Mari.”

The both of them turned to look at each other.

Shikamaru sighed wistfully. “Seven years huh?”

Temari hummed. “Seven beautiful years.” She sighed. “But I’m glad.”

Few minutes of silence passed peacefully. Shikamaru broke it. “You know, you’ll always be one of my best friends right?”

A swift punch to his arm got him throwing an angry glare towards Temari.

“Obviously, idiot. And if you even think about exiting my life, I will bury you six feet under the ground. And then your mother can go back to being the clan head.”

“What’s with you and women being in positions of power?”

“Women in position of power are hot Nara. It’s sexy.”

Shikamaru shuddered. Absolutely not. “Never again talk about my mother being in a position of power and then calling it sexy, Temari. Never.”

She let out a throaty, hearty laugh at that.

She peered at him salaciously and wiggled her shoulders. “You didn’t seem to mind when I took up positions of power in bed now, did you Nara? In fact, you used to find that shit hot.”

“Remind me again, exactly how many times did I let you take charge in bed?”

She huffed in slight annoyance. “That’s just because you’re too much of a control freak.”

“And you’re too egoistical to admit that you loved it that way.”

She harrumphed. Shikamaru smirked.

Things were starting to look up again.

Chapter Text

At first she thought she was being smart, having done what she had done. Her head held up high, shoulders a straight line of poise and swiftness, she had successfully clambered out of his room and into her own in the knick of time- just before she could witness Temari and Shikamaru embrace. Or worse, pounce on each other like two starving beasts. It's what she would have done, had the tables been reversed. Ideally, she would call herself a romantic, but years of weathering the unmovable storm named Sasuke had also converted her into a bit of a pragmatist. She understood desire, and lust and uncontrollable hormones perhaps better than ever before. Concepts and practices once foreign to her were now...routine. Moreover, the pragmatist in her had left all sense of propriety and bashfulness behind, much like the string of clothes she had left behind at strangers houses after wild, raunchy, nights.

So she convinced herself, no- her hasty exit was only to allow the couple some privacy to do what they pleased after long months of separation.And obviously not due to her feelings about Shikamaru. Of course she had no feelings for Shikamaru. Nor was the ball forming in the pit of stomach jealousy.

Pfft. Her? And jealous? Of Temari? Not in this lifetime.

All thoughts of why she made the hasty exit eschewed when she heard one heavy body hitting what sounded suspiciously like the bed, followed by another body, just a few moments later. Suddenly, the idea of a bath hadn't sounded more appealing to her before.

When Sakura was almost at the entrance to the caves that lead to the underground pools of Suna, night had almost come to be. Belatedly, she realised that she and Shikamaru were supposed to dine at the Kazekage's residence later at night, seeing as they were both close friends as well as guests from the fire nation. Hastily, keeping in my mind the lack of time she made her way down, without trying to get claustrophobic by the cool dampness of the walls on either side of her.

As a kunoichi, being trapped on all sides with only her back open was her worst nightmare come alive. But as someone who had spent hours here before leaving for Konoha she knew, inadvertently, that the pools were a place where Suna residents came to rest and relax. Catch up with one another. With that thought in mind, she smiled. She couldn't wait to see a few familiar faces.

Her trek downwards led her to a huge, wide open space, where the roof of the cave stretched far above their heads. As per usual, seeing the pools stole her breath away. Who would have thought Suna had been hiding away this beauty in it's belly? The pools glowed, alive with bioluminescence, as though winking at her, welcoming her home.

As she made her way to the women's section, Sakura was glad to see a few friendly faces as she walked by. Her clothes placed by her usual rock, she waded her way into the naturally hot springs, and let out a deep breath. She had just shut her eyes and relaxed against the stone walls lining the pool when-

"Oi, Oi. Hot shot Ms Bleeding Heart Haruno enters town and we don't even get a greeting? Looks like all that forehead of yours has enough space to accommodate your inflated ego." A deep, rumbling voice, full of controlled laughter spoke from the other end of the pool.

Sakura replied back, humming contentedly with her eyes still shut. "A wise man once told me- "You must be attracting a real heap of men with that mouth of yours" So, let me bring that back to you." At this, Sakura opened her eyes and feigned a look of surprise while twisting her neck quizzically. Inwardly laughing at her behaviour, she added a finger to her chin, expressing further confusion. "Oh. But wait. You're still single, aren't you Akio-san?" Sakura opened her eyes to look at the beaming lady opposite her. Akio barked out a rumbling laugh.

"Haruno! You brat! Get your scrawny ass here!" Akio beckoned Sakura towards her and a group of about three ladies who had been observing this exchange, parts amused and parts intrigued. Sakura didn't recognise any of them. Sakura dived in and swam expertly across the deeper section of the pool towards them.

"Ladies, may I introduce you to Haruno Sakura?" Akio began just as Sakura emerged from the water before them. With her doe like green eyes and long, pink strands dripping water everywhere as she swished, her resemblance to a water nymph from a fairy tale was lost on no one.

Bowing slightly, she greeted the group of women before her. "It's a pleasure." Sakura smiled politely at each one of them and received soft smiles and nods from the women assembled. "Your reputation precedes you, Haruno-san." The woman standing next to Akio spoke softly, her words curved in a way that hinted at an aristocratic background. Her waist length black hair had been neatly pinned up into a loose bun, high above her delicate and slender shoulders. Her eyes shined a brilliant, intelligent grey. "We are truly grateful for all that you have done for our country." She stated, and bowed forward once more.

Sakura, despite being praised by others time and again never quite managed to learn how to receive compliments. Slightly embarrassed, she smiled as she flushed a rosy pink that spread all the way down to her chest. "It's an honour, to be able to save the lives that I do, and guide other medics along the way. Thank you, uh-"

"Minamoto Misako." The lady supplied kindly, a soft smile blooming on her narrow, bird like face. Sakura's eyes opened wider. The Minamoto clan was one of the most prominent clans in the Wind Daimyo's court, and if she remembered right (which she most certainly did), the reports had stated that the youngest Minamoto daughter- Misako- had the ear of the Wind Daimyo himself.

And a place within the Daimyo's son's heart.

"It's a true honour to have met you, Minamoto-sama. I have only heard great things about you." Suddenly, a flash of something that looked a lot like surprise and intrigue appeared in the woman's eyes, before being immediately replaced by the same cool, reserved look she had been sporting. Inwardly, Sakura smirked and pumped one fist in the air for having gotten one up on the lady, who was clearly not expecting to be recognised.

"Ideally I would have liked to meet you in better conditions, Sakura-san." Misako's vision minutely cut to Akio's, throwing a hasty look of annoyance. She huffed gently. "Preferably fully clothed." She concluded, sniffing slightly. Akio let out another roar of laughter. "I'd say it's better we met like this! Now we've seen it all! No partitions whatsoever. Great for bonding, ne Misako-chan."

Misako harrumphed, albeit gracefully. (Much later within the privacy of her room when Sakura tried to copy her delicate harrumph, she realised she failed spectacularly.) Shifting her gaze to Sakura, her previous look of annoyance swiftly shifted to one of gentle pleasantness. "And please, Sakura-san. It's only Misako." Sakura's smiled, and returned- "Then I must insist- you must call me Sakura."

Misako's lips curved upwards. Gesturing at the two ladies by her side, she said "This, is my lady in waiting, Yubi." She said, pointing at the brown haired, mousy looking woman who had a smattering of freckles over her warm, tan skin Yubi flashed a small, shy smile at Sakura, who returned one in kind. "Also, this is my bodyguard, Hoshi." Misako said, and pointed at the tall, well-built female sporting shoulder-length red hair and a badly stitched, old scar running from the bottom of her chin to her right shoulder. Hoshi simply chose to nod at the Kunoichi.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Sakura announced, sporting a casual smile which she hoped bellied to show her enthusiasm on trying to figure out what such a high ranking lady from the Wind Daimyo's court was doing in Suna, of all places. "Maaahhh, okay, enough with the introductions. Sakura-chan! You tell me now, how are you here after all this time?" Akio inquired, both hands on her rounded waist, peering at the much shorter Kunoichi before her curiously. Even the three other ladies seemed interested.

"For the tea, of course." Sakura deadpanned and shrugged, as though it were the most obvious thing on the planet.

The three women looked at her incredulously. "You travelled all the way from Konoha for no other reason but tea?" Yubi- the lady in waiting asked, before squirming with her head down. She squeaked out a barely audible- "Sorry-" just as Sakura started giggling quietly, shoulders shaking minutely. She swished her hand before them. "Oh please, don't be. Well. While I am mainly here for the Tea, I also have a few trade negotiation meetings to attend. You know, when I'm not drowning myself in Tea." she commented, offhandedly.

Unexpectedly, Misako let out a tinkering laugh, resembling a delicate birdsong. "You don't say." She paused for a breath, mirth filling up her pixie like eyes, and sent a cool look to the Kunoichi before her. "I too must admit. Suna is a land blessed with some extraordinary tea. I have been drinking much more tea than I should, I'm sure."

Sakura positively glowed at that admission. "Oh! A fellow tea lover! A very rare breed. It's so strange to me, despite Tea being such a major commodity over here, the citizens just treat it like any other drink? The absolute, utter disrespect?!" Sakura continued to move her hands about agitatedly, expressing both her love and enrage. Misako, Yuki, and Aiko looked delightfully amused, while Hoshi looked terrifyingly unamused. If Hoshi thought her look would deter Sakura, then she clearly hadn't met Sasuke. And it had been a while since Sakura had faltered before his stone-cold gaze.

"The absolute abhorrent reactions of the people?! They do not realise that they have a blessing in a cup. Suna tea is magnificent, and they don't even realise how lucky they are." Sakura ended her rant with a slight pout and a disappointed, faraway look, hands placed comfortably on her waist.
"Then this presents the perfect opportunity! How often is it that two women have such an ardent love for tea?" Akio said, and glanced back and forth between Sakura and Misako. "You both must meet up one day and go around Suna trying out Teas!" Akio turned to look at Misako. "Ne Misako-chan, weren't you just saying you wanted to go around Suna and try the teas?" She pointed one finger right at Sakura. "There's not one stall this little monkey hasn't been to, and not one vendor she hasn't befriended." Quietly she muttered- "She even gets them to sell teas at discounted prices, believe it or not." She smiled sheepishly at Misako, scratching her head. "Not that you really need the discount, heh."

Misako smiled at Akio gently. "There is nothing more I would love than that." She smiled, slightly more hesitant than before, and wrung her hands before turning to look at Sakura. "However-" She gestured in Sakura's direction, "-that depends entirely on Sakura-san's schedule, and I wouldn't want to burden her. I'm sure she probably has a lot more important things to do here than just taking a random acquaintance on an unnecessary Tea tasting trip."

"Nonsense!" Sakura exclaimed. "There's nothing I enjoy more than having tea and making new friends. You fit right in my little schedule."

Sakura paused and winked at the woman before her. "After all, the reason I came here was for the tea now, wasn't it?"

Loudly, and full bellied, Misako laughed. "It's a date then." Sakura flashed a brilliant smile, teeth and all.

After a few more minutes of casual conversation and languishing around in the heavenly pool, Sakura took her leave and entered her room once more. It was only then that she remembered why she left the room hastily to begin with. Cursing herself mentally, knowing that she could probably come to regret it later, she moved towards the door adjoining Shikamaru's room with trepidation. A little eavesdropping never hurt nobody, right? Except potentially her own self, of course.

Just as she took the first few steps to cross the room towards the door of doom, she saw a small sheet of paper lying by the door. Concluding that it had probably been slipped into her room through the crack under the adjoining door, she picked it up gingerly with nimble fingers.

Sakura,

I tried knocking but it appears you have left your room. Temari and I are making our way towards the banquet at Gaara's residence. Join us soon.

-Shika.

Folding the paper neatly, Sakura decided it was time to pull out the big guns. She sent out a small prayer at the fact that she had managed to pack for Suna before things had gone south in Konoha. Carefully, with the utmost muster-able delicateness, she removed the Yukata she had been vying for an opportunity to wear for the longest time. It was a hefty splurge, one that had almost cost the same amount as five months of her apartment rent. Even the thought of something happening to it made her blanch.

With infinite patience and the nimblest of finger movements, she laid out the rich midnight blue Yukata that looked almost black, overlayed with the most stunning, heavy pattern of all varieties of flowers, paired with a delicate baby pink Obi that matched wonderfully with her hair. When she haughtily showed off her Yukata to Tenten, she witnessed a spellbound Tenten gaping entranced at the masterpiece.

With arduous gentleness, she wore the Yukata and Obi and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The dip in the pool had done her a lot good it seemed- she was glowing once again, a beautiful pink hue had climbed high on her cheeks. She artfully twisted her hair into a coiffed, elegant bun, placed a pair of tiny ruby studs on her ear, and smiled at the refection in the mirror. She almost couldn't believe her eyes. She was..... mesmerising. Where once, she deigned the Yukata a masterpiece and a great piece of art, she suddenly found herself transformed into a magnificent work of art. Pressing a dark pink colour to her lip and doing up her eyes, she grabbed her bag after making sure all her kunai and weapons were placed properly within the grooves of her yukata and in her thigh bolster.

Making her way to Gaara's residence, she couldn't help but smile contentedly, hum and stare at the night sky, jolly and merry, simply happy to be back here. She was exhilarated. Her smile only grew more as she traipsed across the city, her hands swinging with ease by her side as she made her way to his residence. Just as she arrived at the open space behind the Kazekage's residence- which they had converted into a large dining space- she stopped and gasped at the dreamy sight before her.

A long table ran through the middle of the area, and guests were making their way to the low-lying seats placed on either side of the table. Huge strings of lights made up the roof of the open space, and carpets of the deepest reds were laid across the entire space, layered one on top of another. Plants of all kinds were lined up at the border of the space, and on a platforms to one side sat a group of musicians, singing bewitching songs for eager guests. Just as the singer started crooning about her one true love, long-lost, yet forever cherished, Sakura saw the one image that turned her whole evening upside down.

Shikamaru and Temari were holding each other close in one corner, huddled under a canopy of lights, kissing each other softly.

Chapter Text

Temari climbed out of the bed with the movements of a graceful feline, and prowled towards the elongated mirror hanging by the exit of the room. She straightened her dress and ran her fingers through her blonde tresses, before coolly plopping down on the viridian settee. Feet propped on the seat, she nestled comfortably in the crook of the throw pillows and placed an arm across the back rest.

"So, then?" She looked him up with hooded eyes. "What are you gonna tell your clan?" She prodded, inspecting her shortened nails as she spoke. Shikamaru, already dreading the conversation to be had with his clan elders, sighed mirthlessly. A wayward arm placed over his eyes, he replied, "The truth, mostly."

Temari breathed out a frustrated sigh. "And you expect them to be fine with it? After six long years of dating?" Shikamaru's digits gently ministered his eyes. "Mah. Truth be told, I think my Ma was expecting us to break up anyway. And it'll be a cold day in hell when the elders get her to budge over an issue."

Temari snorted in assent. "You think she has someone else in mind? Since you're clan head and all? Don't you need to marry fast and produce an heir?" Shikamaru scrunched his face and propped himself upwards, with the push of an arm to rest against the headboard. "The Nara's don't work like that. Not usually at least. Most of our clan members marry out of love, or devote themselves to life as ninja." A few beats of wistful silence passed and he opened his eyes to give her a wry look, analytical and pensive. He sighed. ".....Though, I believe my mother has been plotting something behind my back."

Shikamaru was no fool by any means. The implications of his mothers utter devotion towards the pink haired kunoichi was not lost on him, especially considering his mother's stance on Temari being the next Nara matriarch, which began with a bold 'N' and ended with a resounding 'O'. So when his mother tried conning him into "trusting the mysterious ways she works", he snapped at her.

"Oka-san! What do you hope to achieve with these machinations?" Shaking his head slightly, he continued his line of questioning. "Temari is still my girlfriend. Possibly still the future Nara matriarch! You're prodding is not just insulting to her, but to me too." Agitatedly, he folded his arms under his chest. "Think! Think of the implications! A weak Nara head being herded around by his mother." He spread his palm on the table before him, seething silently. "I don't need my mother to help with my relationships, oka-san."

Yoshino continued to gaze at him sternly, but not without love and understanding. After a prolonged period of silence, the still fuming Nara continued to scrutinise his mother.

"Shikamaru." Yoshino prodded, quietly.

"Are you happy?"

Taken aback, Shikamaru placed one palm on the tatami mat beneath him and continued to gawk at his mother, parts curious and horrified. Never before had he been this emotionally vulnerable with his mother, not even when his father had passed away. The Nara's chose to lock away their grief, only to be unleashed like a violent storm during the most desolate, starless nights. Or on grassy knolls during silent afternoons under cloudy skies.

"Ka-san." Shikamaru swallowed. "I-" Shikamaru stuttered. Shook his head. Nimbly hung his head low and looked away. Shrank his shoulders further inwards. "I don't know."

Quietly, as though afraid to disturb the dreadful silence that had now cocooned the room, Yoshino took a shuddering breath, and spoke, "I've heard you, you know." Shikamaru looked up to stare at her, looking offended. "Minor fights, here and there. On and off over the years. But they've been growing worse over the last few years, aren't they?"

Shikamaru look chagrined. "All couples fight, okaansan. It's not like you and dad didn't fight all the damn time, so don't give me grief about fighting." Tender, resigned old eyes lifted to meet his own. "Shikaku, that man. He was... something else." She chuckled lightly, reminiscing the past. "We..We liked it, Shikamaru. We never fought with true malice, or hatred, or with the intention of not wanting even to be in each other's presence."

"So don't you dare try to strong-arm me, young boy. I asked you a question, to which I already happen to know the answer." Picking lint off of her clothes she continued, a piercing look sent straight to his eyes. "Perhaps, you need to face it yourself."

"So, I'll ask you again- Are you happy?" She faced a torn looking Shikamaru, who's lower lip has started wobbling just a bit. A shuddering breath released, he faced his mother fully. "No. No, I'm not."

"Then that clears it up, doesn't it? She questioned rhetorically, and pushed herself off the floor with all the agility of an elite shinobi. From the side of the room, just by the door, she spoke. "And don't you go pretending that you don't see anything in Sakura-chan." she threw a look full of cunning understanding over her shoulder. "I'm not just your mother, Shikamaru. I'm a woman with two very well functioning eyes, thank you very much." she scoffed.

She strode into the adjoining room with sure footsteps, and when some time had passed, a dazed and contemplative Shikamaru heard her voice echo-

"And you know what? I've never seen you look that way at Temari."

Despite the half-hearted protests his mind was mustering at the notion of that statement, none left his mouth. Because somewhere, deep within, he knew she was right. And he had been a fool not to realise, that he just got along better with Sakura. Scratch that- He loved being around her. With her. Doing things with her.

He was in so much trouble.

Instantly regretting his decision to open his mouth at inopportune times, his cheek twitched at the sight of the open curiosity on Temari's face.

"Oh? Do tell." Temari sing-songed, clearly amused.

"I think-" he sighed, resigned to the fact that he wouldn't get out of answering her. 'I think Ma always felt bad that you would have to leave Suna for us." Temari's impassive face softened. "And I think she anticipated us having issues." He conceded, and fixed a look at Temari and fidgeted, nervous to unleash information about his future prospects onto his ex-girlfriend. "So...perhaps. She hasn't pushed me to do anything yet. But I think she's had an eye firmly on someone from our village."

"And who might that be?"

"I'm not sure." he lied straight to her face, and watched a dark look bloom over her once curious face.

Temari's eyes narrowed minutely. "Fine. I understand." She huffed. "You're afraid that if I ever met her, I'd chew her raw and spit her out or something." His eyes narrowed, alarmed. She, in turn cackled. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I'm not heartless." She drawled, before throwing a shrewd look his way. "Unless she deserves it." He sighed, shaking his head, smirking slightly despite himself. "What? How else am I to test if she's good enough to be my replacement?"

He chuckled. "Troublesome. She's not going to be anybody's replacement. Least of all yours."

Temari fake gasped as she dramatically clutched her palms to her chest, like one of those damsels in distress from Icha-Icha. "Aww, Shika-Kun! Who knew you actually know how to respect women!" She teased, voice saccharine sweet.

Shaking his head he stood up, stretching his body lazily. "Che. Go harass someone else, I'm going to the market."

"Since when do you shop?"

"I don't." He paused, gaze scouring the room in pursuit of his pouch of weapons. "Sakura wanted to get some tea."

A small object landed on his chest, and he sent Temari a grateful look for passing his pouch. Oh Sakura! How's she?"

"Go ask her yourself."

"I think I will. Better company than your boring self." She mentioned, languidly rising from her comfortable seat. "Perhaps I'll join you on your outing too."

Shikamaru was not bothered by that. Not in the slightest. Why would he have an issue with Temari spending time with him and Sakura? No issues. None at all.

Temari swung in his direction. "You wouldn't mind that, ne?"

He avoided her permeating gaze by busying himself with his pouch and taking stock of his weapons. "Why would I? Not my call anyway, you should ask Sakura."

Temari paused to look at him, a little too closely and a little too long before humming and gliding towards the adjoining door and knocking briskly. "Oi Sakura! Open the door!"

"Sakura! Oi! Haruno! Bleeding heart Haruno!" She yelled. "Suna Tea connoisseur! Best medic in the nations Haruno! Sakura-devourer-of-!" Shikamaru, who couldn't sense any chakra presence on the other side of the door decided to cut her off before she could continue spewing names.

He sighed. "Mah. Temari." She spun to face him, and he gently shook his head. "I don't think she's in there."

"Aiiiin? Ne, I really wanted to meet her." She grumbled, hands on her hips before plastering a saucy grin on her face. "Shame. I wanted to test my replacement in real time." Shikamaru spluttered and gaped at the Kuniochi. "What? You thought I wouldn't notice?"

Shikamaru made an incoherent noise as Temari glided to the bedside table with a notepad and pen, which she promptly handed to Shikamaru. "There. Now you write a loving little letter telling her to meet us at the banquet, because if I suspect she's gone where she's gone, she'll take her sweet time."

Shikamaru turned his gaze to the note pad in his hands and grabbed it from her. "It's a note, and not a "loving little letter"." he grumbled, as he started writing something, deceptively short and sweet as if to make a point.

Temari let out a raucous cackle. Shika glowered dangerously.

And Temari couldn't help but think- life was looking up.

When Temari and Shikamaru left his quarters for Temari's apartment, much to her amusement and his ire, Temari insisted on recalling the most hilarious situations she had found Shikamaru in over the years. Tears of joy glistened brightly in her light eyes as she recalled a particularly funny incident involving Shikamaru and a rat.

Shikamaru pinched a finger on his nose and tightly shut his eyes as a nasty headache made it's way home. Temari, much to his despair, saw his actions as encouragement to bulldoze further into the humiliating tale.

"And, And when, it -it heeeeheheheh, it-" Her laughter heavy voice grew louder with each word, "-When it came close-closer to, to yo-you" she took a sharp breath, cut off by raucous laughter- "you screamed like a little girl!" She cried aloud, high-pitched voice echoing along the street. As Passerby's heard her loud proclamations, several huffs and giggles followed the two nin. Shikamaru sighed. "Temari-"

"No Shh! You let me finish!" she exclaimed, effectively cutting him off. "And you've , you've been telling people that the- the-" Another fit of giggles, "-the mark on your fin-fingers is be-because of a Kunai!" She guffawed and giggled uncontrollably, leaning forward, tummy aching with boisterous laughter. "When in reality, you, you were bitten by a-a mussy little rat!"

Two women passing nearby with shopping bags in hand, turned to scrutinise him from head to toe. They took in the Konoha jonin uniform, menacing aura, and the dangerous glint of his eyes, before promptly facing each other and dissolving into a fit of giggles. Shikamaru's shoulders slumped further and Temari had to stop in place to laugh some more.

"You're, you're such a terrible liar, Shika!" Her laughter left her body slowly, in waves, though Shikamaru found her chuckling many more times after she had quietened. "Kami, I don't know why I tell you all this." Shikamaru whined, as Temari chuffed out another laugh. "That's simple, dobe. It's because at the end of the day, you've got me." She said eyes shining bright. "And I've got you." She said, softly smiling at him.

An unguarded, genuine smile crawled up on his face as he pulled her closer by her shoulders, and murmured softly, "That's right."

Temari and Shikamaru had just entered the neighbourhood housing councilmen and various other important citizens, when Temari pulled up the fact that his mother, much to his chagrin, had decided to adopt that rat as a pet in honour of it getting one up on her ninja son.

"She-she did what?" Temari wheezed out, not gently. Her body was deliciously aching with laughter, her sides burning and lungs heaving. Kami, she hadn't laughed this much in almost forever. "She- she adopted the rat instead of using it for-for medical research?" She wheezed silently, tears of mirth flowing freely. "And named it Jiro? The second son?" Temari couldn't believe her ears. Oh this was gold. Pure comedic gold, and she had to hand it to Yoshino for having a wicked sense of humour. Oh she couldn't wait to whip out this information when she saw Sakura next.

Shikamaru was wondering if it would be too rude just to ditch Temari and try to find where Sakura had holed herself. He was exasperated, and no matter how much he tried to change the topic, Temari didn't take the hint. Or rather, refused to take the hint. She was enjoying herself way too much, if the way she was cackling and shrieking was any indication.

They were just turning on to the road that housed her apartment, when they heard two hushed voices echoing slightly from the narrow, dirty alley by a fabric shop.

".....Hn. That solves the problem in its entirety." A cold, stern voice carried with the breeze, causing Temari and Shikamaru to halt. She faced Shikamaru and mouthed "Watanabe-san" to him, silently. What was a high ranking councilman doing in such a dingy back alley?

"We just needed one push. And with the desperation to get her married, they'll take our side anyway." Temari, who had been listening in with slight curiosity and amusement, hoping to pick up some juicy gossip, froze ominously. Shikamaru's eyes widened.

"Ah. Plus, those old geezers prefer stalling business when it comes to traditions. If they hear of them terminating the engagement, especially with someone from the Nara clan.... well, this deal is ours, I suspect."

A pause, and then, "So, when will you float it by them?"

"I believe today's banquet will be enough. It'll be obvious when they're found maintaining a... painfully obvious distance." He sniffed. "You know how it is with ex lovers."

A chuckle. "Don't I?"

"Drop it, Ito." He grunted, and a humourless chuckle followed. "You're sure? That they will be breaking it up?"

"Ah. I have it on good authority that she plans on terminating the engagement as soon as possible. And I was informed that she was seen making her way to his living quarters about 2 hours ago."

A voice -Ito- proclaimed, "So it's a done deal then."

"As done as it can be."

Ito sighed. "Very well. I shall see you at the banquet, then."

"Ah." He agreed, concluding the shady little meeting. The sounds of a pair of footsteps growing steadily louder made their way towards Temari and Shikamaru, who found themselves firmly rooted in place, shocked and angered. Sensing the arrival of one of the members of the meeting, Shikamaru grabbed Temari's hand and jumped onto the ledge of the building behind which they had been sequestered. One glance at Temari, who was shaking with a slight fury, was enough to confirm that he hadn't made the entire conversation up. He couldn't ask her to reel in her wrath, not when he himself was simpering quietly in tempestuous, barely restrained fury.

The two men- councilmen- if Temari was to be believed - had been scheming. Plotting. Waiting patiently on their haunches, like predators in pursuit of easy prey- for Kami knows how long now. For Temari and his breakup to tie in with some screwed up business agenda. And if his arrival at Suna was any indication, then they hoped to disrupt trade negotiations with Konoha. All over a breakup. A mere breakup, apparently held enough power to make or break the trade negotiations. Shikamaru had feared it, but had not expected it to play out quite like this. Hadn't expected some idiot would actually plot the downfall of a clearly mutually beneficial trade through some harebrained scheme.

They're lives had been transformed into mere pawns in a long, winded game, to be wielded and toyed to further political and business agendas. If only they had known their relationship would have such resounding, vile consequences, perhaps they would have taken different decisions.

Shikamaru waited long enough to get a good, long look at both the men's faces. Memorising the smugly satisfied looks on the faces of these two men, who had dared to make him a pawn in a game. He chuckled, darkly, maliciously. His eyes grew sharper, infinitely more wicked. They wanted to toy with him? Let them. Let them try. He had sworn once before, that he believed in the Will of Fire. And when he and his were wronged? No God would dare to stand in the way of his wrath. He would be God, and all his foes would burn in a blazing fury.

And he? He would relish in it. Languish and laugh as he would set them ablaze, watching them crumble to ashes.

However, the first step to salvaging the mess they had inadvertently and unknowingly stepped into, would be to continue to "court" Temari. And as much as it pained him, they couldn't reveal this to anyone. Not when they clearly had a mole amidst their ranks.

So when he pulled a still furious Temari into her room below the Kazekage's residence and placed a privacy seal after shutting the door, he her watched darkly, a quiet fury lacing his body, making her shiver.

"Listen carefully. This is what we will do...."

So when they made their way into the banquet an hour later, arm firmly nestled in the crook of Temari's waist, he strategically pulled her under the canopy of lights in a bright corner, close to where the elders had congregated to exchange a myriad of pleasantries and insults, and kissed her fully on the lips, pouring in his passion and anger, leaving them both flustered and red.

It was only then that he turned to find an achingly beautiful Sakura standing by the entrance of the grounds, looking like someone had pulled the carpet from under her feet.

"Sakura." A feather-light voice intoned somewhere from her left, and Sakura pulled her gaze away from a still entangled Shikamaru and Temari towards the voice.

"Gaara-kun." Sakura hummed, pleased and surprised to see her friend standing in front of her, looking regal in his Kage wear, wispy blood red strands dancing gracefully in the wind.

"Join me?" He leaned towards her. She smiled up at him, interlocking their arms as they made their way into the banquet, where things were blooming in full swing. A glance around her presented a scene full of waiters carrying drinks in rhytons with their polished brass ends moulded into the shape of animal heads, gleaming in the night. On various other platters, she found assortments of pungent smelling food, along with fresh cut fruits. In some other sections, dancers swung around gracefully, and guests mingled among themselves, chattering pleasantly. She took a deep breath, imbibing the scent that was uniquely Suna and her culture before tightening her grip on his arm.

"How are you finding Suna, Sakura?" His delicate timbre cut through the voice all around them, and Sakura found herself leaning in to his side. "No bad at all, Gaara-kun." She confided. "Though I'm sure you'd have preferred if it was Naruto here instead of plain old me."

He sighed, tiredly. They'd had variations of this conversations numerous times in the past, which had proved to be an endless source of amusement for her and constant frustration for him. "I don't know what I must do to assure you that I enjoy your company, Sakura-chan."

"Doesn't mean you don't miss him." Sakura pointed out, sidestepping a tiny bump beneath the carpet.

Gaara smiled gently, nodding at a passing guests. "No." He confessed. "I suspect....that will take it's own time."

"I still think the two of you should have pushed harder against those old cows and their stupid rules." She scowled, drinking in the rich tapestry of the carpet below her feet, head shaking softly in disagreement.

He expelled a heavy breath. "Sometimes, Sakura, it's easier to yield before things get too bad. And I could see it taking a toll on him." He said and shrugged, albeit stiffly. Sakura couldn't help but grudgingly agree with his assessment. When Naruto and Gaara had began their beautiful, yet tumultuous relationship, they were brimming with joy and wonder. A light sparkled within Gaara's otherwise dull eyes, his gait had turned more languid and relaxed, and Naruto was shining brighter than ever before, if one could believe that. However, during the last few months before they ultimately called the whole thing off, Naruto had been uncharacteristically subdued. Meeker, detached. His eyes were troubled, and more often than not, sleepless. Even Gaara had taken to staring at inanimate objects in the distance for no apparent reason, a fine sheen of melancholia enveloping his weary shoulders.

"You two were just so beautiful together, you know?" Sakura admitted, looking at the lanterns swaying lightly with the wind.

"Ah. It was beautiful while it lasted." He admitted, and his melancholic smile turned mischievous. "Though, I hear he has moved onto greener pastures." He said, and looked down at the Kuniochi. "Pastures, you are not to be informed about."

"Ooh how very scandalous! You're breaking the rules by telling me!" She wiggled her eyebrows as his smiled tugged up higher. Gaara continued, "I suspect you are already aware?"

She chuckled. "Anyone with a decent set of eyes was aware, Gaara. Kami, those two are terribly love sick. It's about time." She professed, observing Gaara's reactions keenly from the corner of her eyes.

To her immense relief and satisfaction, he only smiled nostalgically, looking far into the night sky. "Ah. They'd always been like that. I could say even when I met them the first time."

"Bakashi thinks he's doing me some sort of favour by not telling me about them having their little lovers moment, with that letter arriving for Naruto in the middle of the night. But it's just that." She shrugged. "I don't care? As in, I want that happy ending for them. I want them to fall in love and have babies and become this super strong power couple.... but it doesn't bother me, you know?" He nodded. "And for some reason the whole of Konoha things I will burst into tears like some damsel in distress over Sasuke not being available anymore."

Gaara hummed thoughtfully. "Well you were quite fiercely determined to have his children your whole life." She sent an exasperated glare at him. "It only makes sense that they fret over your.... potential reaction."

"But I haven't thought of him in a romantic sense for years! You know how that went." She hissed out, embarrassingly thinking about the time she had gotten drunk and approached the Uchiha and convinced him to take her to bed, only to have had the most dispassionate, disappointing, non-orgasm-inducing sex of her whole life. A.K.A, her biggest disappointment with a capital D. Her dreams of being the next Uchiha matriarch had died that night, along with her never to be seen orgasm.

Gaara, who was well aware of what had transpired, let out a rare, hearty chuckle. "I remember. But not everyone knows what went down, right?" He pointed out. "So you can't hold it against them."

"That sucks." She pouted like a petulant child, denied her favourite candy.

"Ah." He amusedly agreed, and directed her towards a stand with Tea. Her dull, desolate eyes sparkled with unbridled enthusiasm. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and shook him gently with each word. "Gaara! You! You will have my heart for the rest of my days in this terrible, terrible world." She sang out her words, before waltzing away from him to close the distance between her and the table, rubbing her gloveless hands greedily at the sight of the tea. Gaara chuckled warmly from behind her.

"Ah. I'm not sure many people here would appreciate it." he admitted, to a now confused looking Sakura.

She turned her sights off the table to look at Gaara over her shoulders. "Whatever do you mean, Gaara-kun?"

With a slight jerk of his head, Gaara first gestured to the figure standing about fifteen steps to their right, surrounded by a gaggle of fawning, giggling women- Kankuro, she realised- before he pointed at the figure opposite to them, encased in the arms of another woman, steadfast, dark gaze fixed on Sakura.

Before Sakura could even begin to question why Shikamaru's dark, hungry eyes seemed to drink her in like she was his salvation, leaving her painfully breathless, a gentle, sweet voice tore her attention away from him.

"Haruno Sakura. We meet again."

"Misako-san!" Sakura was pleasantly surprised to see the noble woman. Misako looked radiant. The arresting beauty was draped in a luxurious, lush purple velvet gown, tightened with a black silk sash to show off her slim waist. A gold gossamer flower pattern adorned the rich texture of the dress, colours contrasting elegantly. Her previously bare eyes were now artistically Kohl rimmed, and a beguiling gold choker ghosted over her collarbones. The most eye-catching thing though, remained the nose ring attached to her simple earring with a nose chain.

"My my, do you look exquisite, Misako-san!" Sakura couldn't help but exclaim after examining the lady before her, who flashed a soft, shy smile. "You seem to have stolen the words right out of my mouth, Sakura-san." Misako returned, her soft voice carrying over the wind.

"I take it the two of you have met?" Gaara asked, silently examining the exchange. "We have, just today!" Sakura replied, as Misako dipped her head in assent.

"How delightful." Gaara drawled, and something in his tone made Sakura's spine stiffen in trepidation. "Truly, a blessing." Misako continued, smile still fixed in place. If Misako had gathered anything from his stiff, less than pleased tone, she didn't let it reflect on her face. How...strange.

With some scrutiny, a realisation sunk in the pit of her stomach like a ball of lead. A mask, Sakura realised, belatedly. Misako had been wearing an indiscernible mask, covering up her emotions the whole time. Even when she met her the first time. Only years of working with Tsunade and her gaggle of annoying councilmen had saved Sakura from widening her eyes at Misako.

"Sakura-san has been kind enough to extend an invitation for me to join her on a tea tasting trip across Suna. Isn't that just wonderful?" Misako remarked, eyes dancing between her own and Gaara's to gauge their reaction. Gaara, who had somehow found himself firmly beside Sakura once more, stiffened, just so. Misako's sharp eyes didn't miss that slight motion.

"Haruno-san is nothing if not generous. Which is quite strange considering how....ruthless she can be with people she calls enemies." Gaara supplied. A dark, cunning glint climbed into Misako's eyes and Sakura stiffened, straight as a rod. "Say Minamoto-sama, have you ever had the opportunity to see her crush a skull in his bare hands?" Sakura stiffened and went against her every instinct that wished for her to turn and gape at Gaara in shock, because what in Kami's name was he doing?

"I have." Gaara continued, uninterrupted. "It's quite a sight. Not, in my opinion, meant for the weak of heart."

A Cheshire cat grin spread on Misako-san's face. "You must forgive me Gaara-sama, but I'm a pacifist. Though I appreciate the work Shinobi put in to protect the rest of us, defenceless common citizens." She complimented, eyes firmly on Gaara's.

"And as for opportunities to crush skulls in her bare hands?" She continued, easily. "I'm sure she needn't worry about pesky things like wayward enemies under your jurisdiction in Suna. You are, after all one of the most powerful Kazekage's in our illustrious history, wouldn't you agree-" She said, gaze whipping terrifyingly fast towards Sakura, "-Sakura-san?"

Sakura gulped indiscernibly. What the hell had she stepped in on? Bracing herself, she smiled and resisted the urge to wipe her clammy hands down her pricey Yukata. "He is one of the finest Shinobi I have ever come across, if not the best, Misaka-san. You needn't worry over such trivial matters."

Misako responded with deceptive calmness. "The matter of safety could never be trivial, Sakura-san"

"Hn. I'm inclined to agree. Especially since one can never be too careful." Gaara confided. Misako raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, in question and amusement. "Often, there are vicious vipers hiding in the most unlikeliest of places" Gaara all but snarled the last bit, tone dripping with hostility. Misako-san finally chose this moment to acknowledge how unwelcome she really was.

"Right again you are, Gaara-sama." she agreed gracefully and bowed her head "If you'll excuse me, there are other guests I must meet tonight." Taking turns to look at the both of them, "Gaara-sama, Sakura-san." She breathed, and turned to go greet the other guests, the ends of her dress swirling like waves with the movement.

As she got out of earshot, Sakura murmured. "So. Want to let me in on what is going on here?" Gaze accusing, she fixed a curious look on Gaara, who could only sigh in turn. His eyes continued to pursue Misako's footsteps across the banquet, as she quietly settled herself on the low table beside an exuberant Akio.

Akio, who had now caught Sakura's gaze, wasted no time to enthusiastically wave at a demure Sakura, who politely returned the wave, minus the enthusiasm. Gaara exhaled and sent a look so rife with foreboding that Sakura felt unease slither into the hollow pit of her stomach. "Whatever you do, be wary of her." He warned and tipped his head in Misako's direction. "There's a reason why she climbed so swiftly through the ranks of the Wind nobles."

"Just, how much trouble do you expect a noble civilian woman to cause, Gaara?" Sakura pressed on, puzzled, baffled.

"She's not just trouble." He revealed, exhaling with resignation. "It would be easier if she was only a nagging little harmless woman, trying to cause worthless trouble. But she?" He hissed. "She's dangerous."

Sakura stiffened, observing his tone and rigid stance. Misako-san had somehow visibly gotten under his thick skin, deep enough to raise his hackles.

"And what exactly has she done to warrant such a reaction?"

"It's not about what she's done yet. It's about what she's here to do."