Gaara x Sakura

~20~

Sakura sat underneath a tree, her head leaning against its surface. She stroked the large feline's head resting in her lap and struggled to hold back brimming tears. Her gaze fell and she couldn't stop them from spilling down her cheeks.

"I'm breaking your contract Makato," She whispered through hitched breaths to her summon. "I'll miss you."

"Oh darling," he purred. "I'll miss you too, but I'm glad you're happy. You deserve a good man."

Sakura smiled at those words as Makoto sat up and gazed at her through those intense blue eyes of his. "Don't cry dear. It makes your eyes puffy."

Sakura chuckled then stood and pulled out her contract with Makoto. With shaky hands, she ripped it in half. "I release you from our contract."

Makoto stepped toward her as Sakura threw her arms around the large saber-tooth tiger's neck. He nuzzled her and reached his front paw up to grasp behind her back, pulling her into a tight hug. Makoto closed his eyes and inhaled her scent, making sure that it remained embedded in his mind even if he'd forgotten its origin. Sakura released her former summon.

"Farewell Sakura-chan."

He disappeared in a whirl of smoke. Sakura's hand covered over her mouth as she tried to stifle her hitching breaths. Her heart ached with indescribable pain and it would only get worse. She still had to visit Lady Tsunade and Ino. Sakura sprinted to the Hokage tower, wanting to save the hardest goodbye for last. She bounded up the steps, entered and padded down the hallway until she reached familiar double doors. Sakura inhaled to steady her breathing then knocked hard. She heard the powerful "enter!" and did as commanded. Sakura bowed to her teacher.

"Lady Tsunade. I h."

The Hokage gave her a hard, concerned stare. "What is it, Sakura?"

Sakura wore her emotions on her sleeve, but it was different with close friends. They could sense what emotion Sakura felt. Their perception made her open to talking about her thoughts. The medic linked her fingers together, gaze filtered to the gigantic window.

"Would you leave everything to follow someone you loved?"

Tsunade's eyebrows shot up in surprise at such a question. "Are you in love Sakura?!"

"I am," she whispered.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair while she studied her student. Was Sakura contemplating leaving the village? A small twinge of pain echoed in her heart as she feared the worse. Almost every time someone close to her left, they didn't return. However, times were different now with a peace that lasted over a decade. Standing with someone you loved was a concept Tsunade understood.

Tsunade walked around her desk.

"Do you wish to rescind your title as a Leaf kunoichi?"

Sakura's breath hitched again. "I... I do."

"I see," Tsunade continued. "Bring the man responsible for this path to me before I give my decision."

Sakura paused. She wanted Gaara to meet her and Ino. She doubted they would hunt the Ones for their power. In fact, it seemed impossible. Sakura learned once a human disappeared from the mortal realm to the One's dimension, their friends and loved one's memories got wiped clean. It was like they never existed, but if they returned, depending on how strong the relationship was, they might remember. Sakura hoped they'd remember if she visited.

"Gaara, show yourself to Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade gazed around with confusion. Her eyes landed on Gaara's form as he emerged from the shadows to Sakura's side. "Good afternoon Lady Tsunade."

He bowed to her as the Hokage studied him, body tense with mistrust. "What village are you from and why couldn't I sense you? Only Sakura entered."

Sakura paused, knowing that it would require proof for her master to believe that Gaara was a One. He'd have to transform. Sakura waited for Gaara's response.

"I've been here on business and found Sakura. If I told you why you couldn't sense my presence, you wouldn't believe me."

Tsunade stared at him for a moment before nodding in response. Sakura knew the Hokage had many questions she had to ask, but her gaze bounced between them first. "Do you love her?"

"Yes," Gaara answered without hesitation. "I cannot bear the thought of being away from her."

Tsunade halted the smile creeping over her features. Love was such a powerful emotion. It made a person change their plans and ignore better judgment to stay with their loved one. Dan's face flashed into her mind and a smile tugged at her lips. Tsunade focused on the young adults awaiting her response.

"You didn't answer my question on which village you're from."

"I'm not from a village. I've descended from another realm."

Tsunade's eyebrows furrowed. "Don't toy with me! I-"

Her words ceased when the wind picked up within the office and half of Gaara's face morphed into the Shukaku. Since the battle, he'd learned to summon the Shukaku with ease. Paperwork whipped around them like a cyclone. Tsunade shielded her eyes, mouth agape at his form. She'd read about the Ones in mythical books. They shouldn't exist, but here stood the one of Rage. What brought him to Earth? Were the other Ones here? The Hokage bombarded Gaara with questions until she felt satisfied. Tsunade relaxed in her chair listening to the amazing battle of the Ones. During her interrogation, she scrutinized their interactions. The love between Gaara and Sakura radiated off them in waves.

Tsunade sighed and rubbed her temples. "When do you want to leave, Sakura?"

"Tomorrow morning," Sakura breathed.

Tsunade closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts before getting to her feet. She walked to Sakura and embraced her. "Very well." Tsunade grasped her student's chin and kissed her forehead. "Please take care of yourself Sakura."

Sakura threw her arms around the Hokage's shoulders. Tsunade rubbed her back. "You're making this harder on yourself Sakura." The blonde pulled back. "Get out."