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Chapter Text

After Sasuke's departure on his redemption journey, Sakura found herself increasingly frustrated. That affectionate gesture he had of tapping her forehead before leaving had filled her with hope, making her believe that they would finally forge the loving relationship she had longed for. But as the months passed, reality hit her hard: Sasuke was not returning, and there were no signs that he would do so anytime soon. She didn't even receive letters from him, so she didn't know if his absence would be short or long.

Added to that, Sakura felt even more alone surrounded by her friends who, little by little, were finding partners and starting their own families. She, on the other hand, was completely alone, not knowing what to do with those feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness other than pouring her time mainly into the hospital.

However, it was not enough. She was tired of waiting and lamenting. So finally, Sakura decided to take a vacation, tired of feeling like the girl who waits. So when the opportunity arose to provide medical training to the staff of the Suna hospital, she didn't hesitate for a moment and requested to be in charge of the mission.

"It will be the perfect excuse to get away from Konoha for a while and from all the memories of Sasuke," she thought with determination.

Before leaving, Sakura talked to Ino, her best friend.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Sakura?" Ino asked, looking at her with concern. "I understand you need a break, but... won't it be too difficult for you to be away from Konoha?"

Sakura sighed deeply. She knew those words hid the fact "Won't you just end up waiting for Sasuke?"

"I know, Ino, but I need to do this," she responded, with a determined look. "Being here is suffocating me. I need to get away, breathe a little, and think about myself for once."

Ino nodded, understanding her friend's internal conflict.

"Okay, Sakura. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself and not shut yourself in," she said, hugging her affectionately.

"I promise," Sakura returned the hug, feeling grateful to have Ino by her side.

"You might even have an adventure with a cute guy," Ino added as she pulled away from the embrace, winking mischievously. "Don't forget that you're still single."

Sakura smiled at that "still" despite the fact that in her mind, she wondered if what most people believed would come true. Sasuke had never promised her anything, and he could even return with a woman. Maybe she was thinking nonsense, but it had been years, why would he choose her? And when she asked herself that, worse thoughts came. What if it was just to restore the clan? That made her feel pathetic, because even so, he had been willing to kill her, he believed that she would still love him. And the worst part, he was not wrong. A part of her -no matter how small- loved Sasuke Uchiha.

That's why she had to leave, get away from Konoha. She had to get Sasuke out of her mind, at least for a while. Feel that she loved herself at least a little. Because she knew she had lost part of her dignity by begging him if she could accompany him on his journey, and his answer: "Maybe, next time" perhaps said without commitment was a noose that she tied around her neck, keeping her awake for his possible return.

But no more.

Sakura didn't want to keep waiting.

If possible, she wanted to forget him.

And in Konoha, with her vast memories haunting her, she couldn't, not with her loved ones bringing him back and giving her hope that he would return... for her.

The more hope she had, the more it hurt.

There was no certainty that her love would be reciprocated.

There never was.

Only dreams of a girl who loved an ideal unconditionally.

The dreams turned into nightmares. Hope into desolation. Sakura was being consumed by fear, loneliness, and sadness.

Sakura felt pathetic for still keeping those feelings in her chest. Over the course of her life, she had learned many things. She was good and quick at learning. But she never learned to stop loving Sasuke Uchiha, to stop revolving around him. She always knew, she could never kill Sasuke Uchiha, she could never kill her feelings. Only her love for herself.

With her heart still filled with uncertainty, but with renewed determination, Sakura embarked on her journey to Suna, determined to fulfill the mission and take advantage of the "vacation" that would help her find the peace and happiness she so desperately needed. And if she could erase Sasuke from her mind and, if possible, from her heart, it would be better.

After all, she didn't tell anyone, but that's what she was looking for in Suna.

...

After a journey full of anticipation and nerves, Sakura finally arrived at the imposing gates of Suna. Breathing deeply, she approached the entrance, where a familiar figure awaited her.

"Sakura!" Temari exclaimed, approaching with a smile. "What a pleasure to see you, welcome to Suna."

"Temari, thank you for receiving me," Sakura responded, feeling a little more relaxed at seeing her.

"Don't worry, it's a pleasure," Temari gave her a few pats on the shoulder. "Come, let me show you where you'll be staying."

Sakura followed her through the lively streets of the Hidden Sand Village. She observed, fascinated by the peculiar architecture and the animated markets, feeling that this change of scenery was doing her good.

They soon reached the imposing Kazekage's Palace.

"This is it," Temari announced. "Gaara asked me to have you stay here during your stay."

"The Kazekage?" Sakura was surprised. "But... isn't it too much?"

"Not at all," Temari waved it off. "Gaara insisted that you stay at the palace. He says it's the least they can offer to thank you for your help at the hospital. Although it's not just that, you know... you did a lot for us."

"I see..." Sakura couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed.

"Come, I'll show you your room," Temari guided her through the elegant halls, giving her a tour of the rooms, like the dining room, the luxurious hot springs bathroom, among others.

When they arrived at her room, Sakura was amazed by the spaciousness and luxury of the place. She never imagined she would be staying in such a place.

"It's... impressive," she murmured, looking around the space.

"I'm glad you like it," Temari smiled. "And well, as for your duties here, you're expected at the hospital tomorrow morning. You have to give a training seminar to the medical staff."

"Understood," Sakura nodded. "I'll do my best."

"I know you will," Temari gave her a warm look. "And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're here to support you."

Sakura felt moved by her words. Maybe this trip to Suna was offering her much more than she expected, well, she was already starting by staying at the very palace.

...

After saying goodbye to Temari, Sakura found herself alone in the impressive room, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She looked around the space, admiring the meticulously crafted details and the sense of luxury that permeated every corner.

"The Kazekage is really making an effort to make me feel comfortable," she thought, gently falling onto the spacious bed and delighting in the silk sheets.

She sighed deeply, trying to relax and assimilate everything that was happening. It had been so overwhelming to arrive in Suna and be received in this way that for a moment she felt out of her element.

However, as the minutes passed, Sakura began to feel a sense of tranquility enveloping her. Being away from Konoha, away from all the memories and pressure that weighed her down, allowed her to breathe more freely.

She got up from the bed and approached the window, contemplating the desert landscape that stretched out before her eyes. So different from Konoha.

"Maybe this trip is exactly what I needed," she told herself, feeling a slight smile forming on her lips.

At that moment, there was a soft knock on the door. Sakura turned, wondering who it could be.

"Come in," she said, in a friendly tone.

To her surprise, it was none other than the Kazekage Gaara who entered the room.

"Kazekage-sama," Sakura made a slight bow, feeling a bit intimidated by his presence. "I didn't expect your visit."

Gaara gave her a brief nod.

"Welcome to Suna, Sakura," he said, with his usual serene tone. "I hope your stay here will be to your liking."

"It is, thank you very much," Sakura gave him a warm smile. "I am honored to be able to stay at the palace."

Gaara nodded, approaching her a little closer.

"It's the least we can do to thank you," he explained. "I know your experience and knowledge will be of great value to our medical staff."

"I will do my best to live up to your trust, Kazekage-sama," Sakura looked at him with determination.

Gaara observed her in silence for a few moments, his penetrating gaze seeming to want to read the depths of her soul.

"Sakura," he said finally. "You can call me Gaara. I would like you to feel comfortable during your stay here."

She blinked, surprised by the kindness and informality with which the Kazekage spoke to her.

"Okay, Gaara-sama," she responded, suddenly feeling nervous.

Gaara almost imperceptibly smiled.

"I hope you can enjoy your free time and find the peace you are looking for," he said, his voice soft but laden with meaning.

Sakura looked at him, intrigued by the depth of his words, as if he had perceived what was guarding her interior.

Before she could respond, Gaara headed towards the door.

"Rest well, Sakura," he said, turning to her. "They'll let you know about dinner in a few hours."

She nodded, feeling strangely moved by the Kazekage's kindness.

When Gaara left, Sakura decided to unpack.

...

That night, Sakura was nervous but excited about the Kazekage's dinner invitation. She didn't expect to eat together. When she arrived at the palace's dining room, Gaara was already waiting there along with Temari and Kankuro.

"Welcome, Sakura," Gaara stood up to greet her.

"Thank you for inviting me, Gaara-sama," Sakura responded, making a slight bow.

Temari and Kankuro greeted her enthusiastically, and soon they were all seated around the elegant table, enjoying the exquisite dishes prepared especially for the occasion.

During the dinner, Sakura was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and kindness with which Gaara treated her. Unlike his usual seriousness, the Kazekage was relaxed and even somewhat playful alongside his siblings.

As the evening progressed, Sakura felt increasingly comfortable in that environment. The initial tension dissipated, allowing her to enjoy the company and conversation.

...

Sakura spent the following days immersing herself fully in her duties at the Suna hospital. She gave various training seminars to the medical staff, enthusiastically sharing her knowledge and techniques.

The doctors and nurses were extremely receptive and grateful for Sakura's teachings. They were impressed by her mastery of medical ninja techniques and her ability to convey her knowledge in a clear and practical way.

Sakura felt revitalized by being able to share her passion for medicine and see how the hospital staff absorbed each of her lessons with great interest. Little by little, she earned the respect and admiration of everyone.

At the end of the workdays, Sakura returned to the impressive room assigned to her in the Kazekage's Palace. She still couldn't believe she was staying in such a luxurious and elegant place.

She then decided, as she usually did, to take a well-deserved rest and go for a walk to admire the views of Suna. As she walked through the dunes, Sakura couldn't help but sigh deeply.

At that moment, the sky turned a deep orange color, announcing the sunset. Sakura stopped and looked up, losing herself in the beauty of the sky.

"This same sky that I'm contemplating now is the same one that Sasuke must be seeing on his travels," she thought, feeling a pang of nostalgia in her chest.

Despite her efforts to stay busy and focus on herself, Sakura's thoughts always ended up returning to Sasuke. His absence still weighed on her, reminding her of the loneliness that filled her heart.

And she was tired of it. Every so often, she kept thinking about Sasuke. And she went back to that again, her eyes began to sting, and it was not only because of the sand that was constantly floating in the place due to the wind that drew it towards her face. She was overwhelmed.

"Get out of my head, Sasuke!" she yelled strongly towards the vast desert. "I want to love myself!"

Suddenly, some footsteps took her out of her thoughts. She turned around, finding the serene figure of the Kazekage Gaara, who observed her with a calm gaze.

"Gaara-sama," Sakura made a slight bow, feeling a bit surprised by his presence.

Gaara approached her calmly, his steps leaving faint footprints on the sand.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his tone soft and careful.

Sakura nodded, offering a timid smile, feeling shy for surely being overheard.

"Yes, it's just that..." she hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should share her thoughts.

Gaara looked at her in silence, Sakura saw a discreet concern reflected in his clear eyes. He seemed to be scrutinizing the depths of her being. She blushed, becoming increasingly convinced that he had heard her.

"I didn't mean to put you in an uncomfortable situation," Gaara said, his voice calm and respectful. "But if you wish, I want you to know that I'm here to listen to you."

Sakura nodded slowly, deeply appreciating that silent invitation to open up. Gaara's warm and patient gaze conveyed that she could trust him, perhaps because he was not from Konoha, and adding to the fact that she had never been able to talk about it, she crumbled, her eyes shed a few tears and the sand was not guilty.

"Sometimes... I miss Sasuke a lot," she confessed, her voice almost a whisper. "I know he's on a redemption journey, but... I don't know when he'll come back, I don't even know if he'll ever... - her voice broke slightly - come back for me," she sighed. "He didn't promise me anything, I made up ideas. But I know I no longer want to think about him, it makes me feel pathetic to live around him, because in the end, that's what it seems, I don't seem to have self-love. I came to Suna to try to forget him but..."

She stopped when she said that phrase. She opened her eyes wide and began to shake her head quickly with her hands.

"I mean, I came for the training, I'm not neglecting my duties, I..."

"I know, I know you work diligently, I don't doubt that," at his words, Sakura felt happy for the trust given. "It seemed to me that the reason you came to Suna was not just for the training," Gaara said calmly. "There was no need for you to come, it was much more than what we asked in terms of experience and talent."

She blushed at his praise.

"Here in Suna, you can find the tranquility and space you need," Gaara paused, seeking her gaze. "And if you wish, you can also count on my support."

Sakura looked at him with a mix of surprise and gratitude. The warmth and sincerity that Gaara conveyed in that moment touched her deeply.

"Gaara-sama..." she murmured, unsure of what to say. "Thank you..."

"You don't have to thank me," Gaara told her, offering a slight smile. "I know from personal experience how important it is to have someone who supports you. And Sakura, you are not pathetic, it may be that Sasuke was your driving force, but you are who you are thanks to yourself. You are amazing."

Sakura blushed, looking at the Kazekage with her shining eyes, feeling a sense of relief and hope washing over her. Gaara's words had been like a balm for her wounded heart.

"I really appreciate it."

Gaara nodded, and they immediately set out to observe the sunset that painted the sky with warm and orange tones, giving Suna an almost magical appearance.

Chapter Text

The days passed, and Sakura had already established a routine in Suna. In the mornings, she immersed herself fully in her duties at the hospital, giving seminars and training the medical staff with great enthusiasm. She felt that this task filled her with a deep sense of purpose, temporarily taking her away from the thoughts that troubled her.

However, there was something that escaped the control of that routine: the encounters with the Kazekage Gaara. Every time Sakura returned to the palace, she used to come across the serene figure of the redhead, who greeted her warmly and asked about the progress of the training.

Sakura enjoyed those moments, in which it seemed that everything else faded into the background. They talked about the hospital, the ideas Gaara had for Suna, and sometimes even more personal topics. But she always avoided mentioning Sasuke, she didn't want to be a burden to the Kazekage when he had already been so kind to her.

However, on one of those occasions, when the soft breeze dragged small grains of sand that tangled in Sakura's hair, she could feel Gaara's penetrating gaze on her. When she looked up, she saw a clear concern reflected in his aquamarine eyes.

"Are you better with regards to you know who?" Gaara asked, his voice calm but laden with meaning.

Sakura looked at him in surprise, suddenly feeling vulnerable. She wanted to deny it, to divert the conversation, but the warmth and trust emanating from Gaara made her know that she could trust him, but letting out what she was guarding inside still seemed like it would be a nuisance and inappropriate.

"I... " she hesitated, lowering her gaze. "Can we talk about something else? I don't want to be a bother with my issue. I appreciate it, but..."

"You're not a bother," Gaara interrupted, moving a little closer to her. "I told you before, I'm here to listen to you if you need it. And I've noticed that lately you get lost in your thoughts, I suppose your thoughts are "him."

Sakura raised her gaze, meeting the Kazekage's serene and understanding look. She felt a comforting warmth envelop her, giving her the confidence she needed to open up and the assurance of being heard but not judged.

"Sometimes... it's inevitable," she confessed in a whisper. "I know I have to move on, but it's so hard to forget him. And with that, my feelings come back and I feel pathetic again."

"I know what that feels like, Sakura," he said, his gaze acquiring a more personal nuance. "I have also considered myself pathetic in the past."

Sakura looked at him with surprise, perceiving the honesty in his words.

"When I was younger, I hated myself for being unable to control my emotions, my darkness," Gaara confessed. "I saw myself as a monster, unworthy of being loved."

Sakura could see the echo of that suffering that had once consumed him in his clear eyes.

"But over time, I learned that this self-contempt only kept me trapped in a cycle of pain," Gaara continued. "I already told you that you are not pathetic, Sakura. Loving so deeply is a strength, not a weakness."

Sakura felt that Gaara's words resonated deeply within her. Seeing him so vulnerable in sharing his own experience gave her a new perspective.

"It's hard for you to forget Sasuke because what you feel for him is genuine," Gaara said. "And that's not something you should be ashamed of."

Sakura nodded, feeling the weight that had been oppressing her start to lighten.

"I also had to learn to accept and value my own emotions," Gaara confessed. "And you will too, with patience and compassion towards yourself."

Sakura looked at him with new admiration, understanding how much the Kazekage had had to fight to reach that point.

"Thank you, Gaara-sama," she murmured, her eyes shining with renewed hope. "Your words mean a lot to me."

Gaara nodded silently, and Sakura could see a slight smile form on his lips.

...

Sakura knew that Gaara, who had gently given her a hand, was figuratively taking her arm. He was the Kazekage, he had to occupy his time with his people, but lately he had been with her, listening to her, advising her and providing his valuable company.

That made her feel truly guilty.

She didn't know how to handle it. Sometimes, while he spoke in his calm and reflective tone, she could barely hold his gaze. Not because it bothered her, but because she didn't understand why someone like him, with so much on his shoulders, was helping her so much.

One morning, while reviewing her notes for the next seminar, her fingers stopped on a blank page. She couldn't concentrate. Her thoughts returned to the previous night, to the moment when Gaara said goodbye to her with a long look, as if he had wanted to say more, but had restrained himself.

She sighed, resting her forehead on the paper.

She didn't want to become a burden, in the past she had felt that way many times, and she didn't want to feel that way again.

And yet, every time he was near, she felt something akin to relief. Not for what he said, but for how he said it. With that calm that did not demand, that did not pressure. He just was. And that was enough to sustain her.

She straightened up again, forcing herself to concentrate. She had work to do. She had a purpose in Suna beyond her emotions, and she wasn't going to betray that trust.

...

One afternoon, Sakura went out to the palace garden, which consisted of a kind of oasis surrounded by vegetation, while seeking a moment of tranquility. She carried a folder containing details about the various poisons and medicinal plants in the area, and in her hand she held a steaming cup of tea.

To her surprise, Gaara was already there, sitting on a bench under the shade of a palm tree. The Kazekage said nothing when he saw her, but he diverted his gaze to the empty space next to him, as if extending a silent invitation.

Sakura approached with some insecurity, and Gaara made a slight gesture with his head, indicating that she could take a seat next to him. She obeyed, settling down carefully.

For a few minutes, silence took over the small garden, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind dragging the grains of sand. The atmosphere was soft, almost comfortable, as if it didn't need to be filled.

Sakura, instead of setting about to read the folder she had brought, chose to enjoy the tea, observing the plants that grew, especially the strangely shaped cacti, crowned by striking flowers.

"Do you like them?" Gaara asked with his usual serenity.

Sakura blinked, surprised. She had forgotten for a moment that he was watching her.

"Yes... they're beautiful," she replied, and then, after a brief pause, "A little strange too. I guess that's why they catch my attention."

"Are they also your favorites?" Gaara inquired, with a tone so calm that he seemed not to expect a specific answer.

Sakura looked at him, tilting her head, curious.

"Also?" she repeated. "Then... are cacti your favorite plants?"

Gaara didn't respond right away. He just turned his gaze to a nearby cactus, one particularly tall, covered in thick thorns.

"Yes," he finally said.

Sakura smiled, looking at the plant as well.

"It makes sense. You're a bit like one," she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Gaara turned his head slightly towards her.

"Do I resemble a cactus?" he asked, without a trace of annoyance, only genuine curiosity.

Sakura blushed instantly at having been overheard.

"It's just... cacti protect themselves with thorns. Like your sand does with you."

As she spoke, she slowly raised her hand, in an unconscious gesture of approach. Instantly, the sand reacted, rising between them like a barrier.

Sakura gently withdrew her hand and lowered her gaze.

"See?" she murmured, with an embarrassed smile. "It's always there to protect you."

A small silence followed. Sakura felt the shame growing in her chest like ivy.

"Sorry... it was a silly comment. Out of place too," she added in a low voice.

Gaara observed her for a few seconds. Then he looked back at the cactus.

"It's the first time someone has compared me to one," he said calmly. "I suppose... it's not so strange. As you said, the sand protects me like the thorns protect a cactus."

There was a pause.

"But there are also cactuses without thorns," he added in an almost meditative tone. "Although I... may not be one of those."

Sakura glanced at him sideways. Her fingers played with the edge of the tea cup.

"Maybe someday you will be," she murmured. "I mean, if you find someone who makes you want to lower that barrier, who inspires trust, who makes you feel like you don't need to protect yourself all the time."

The silence that followed was not uncomfortable. Gaara's gaze remained fixed on her for a few seconds longer than usual. Before turning it away and asking her about her folder. In response to that question, Sakura commented on the poisons, antidotes and everything related to them, while Gaara listened attentively.

...

The days passed and Sakura felt increasingly comfortable in Suna. In addition to her encounters with Gaara, she felt welcomed by the hospital staff as well as the various residents who were treated by her.

One day, Kankuro surprised her by offering to take her on a tour of Suna. Sakura gladly accepted, enjoying the company of the Kazekage's brother as she admired the colorful markets and the peculiar constructions of the hidden village.

"I see you've been adapting well," Kankuro commented with a crooked smile as they walked among the market stalls.

"Yes, everyone has been very kind," Sakura replied sincerely. "Especially your brother. Although... isn't he too busy? I feel like I'm taking up his valuable time."

Kankuro raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Oh, he's always busy," he said in a carefree tone. "But lately... he's found the time."

Sakura blinked, confused.

"Is that good?"

Kankuro let out a brief laugh.

"Of course it is. The stubborn one needed to relax a bit. And it seems you have that effect on him," he added with an almost imperceptible wink.

Sakura blushed slightly, lowering her gaze.

"I don't think it's that much..."

"The Kazekage doesn't take many breaks. Now that he does it with you around... well, do the math," he said with a shrug, as if he didn't want to get involved but did it anyway.

Sakura blushed slightly, unsure how to interpret those words. She preferred to change the subject, focusing on praising how fascinating she found the culture and lifestyle in Suna. And the detail that had not escaped her notice of the movement in the area, and to her question Kankuro told her that there would soon be a festival as well as a puppet theater booth.

...

During the breaks, she used to come across Gaara again, who was interested in the progress and offered his opinion. Sakura deeply appreciated those moments of conversation, feeling that little by little, a special connection was being forged between them.

Although the memories of Sasuke still lingered in her mind, Sakura made an effort not to let them consume her. She knew she had to focus on the present, on making the most of this opportunity that had presented itself in Suna.

And with each passing day, Sakura felt that she was finding a little more of the peace and happiness she had been searching for.

...

One night, as she climbed to the palace terrace, Sakura found Gaara with his gaze fixed on the starry sky. His silhouette outlined against the firmament, motionless and serene, seemed to merge with the silence of the desert. The Kazekage turned before Sakura could speak.

"Can't you sleep?" he asked softly.

She shook her head, without explaining and not wanting the reason to have a name and surname. She didn't want to think about him, but in the silence, without wanting to, she ended up searching for him. She just sighed, truly tired. Sometimes she thought that fighting her feelings was like fighting a sandstorm.

"I was going to take a walk around the territory," Gaara said, his voice low and calm. "Do you want to come with me?"

As soon as he formulated the invitation, the sand that surrounded him stirred and began to rise, forming a floating platform the size of a rug.

Sakura looked at him, surprised.

"Do you want me to get on your sand?"

Gaara nodded.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, his aquamarine eyes fixed on hers.

Sakura held his gaze without hesitation and answered affirmatively.

Then, the sand slid delicately around her, lifting her up to form a firm base under her feet. Gaara got on with her, and together they began to ascend gently, flying over the sleeping streets of Suna.

Sakura held her breath. From that height, the village stretched out like a sea of lights, shining with a stillness that seemed unreal. The sky above their heads was a mantle of stars, and for a moment, all her pain, all her burden, seemed to be left behind, below, among the shadows.

A fresh breeze from the desert caressed her face, causing her a slight shiver. Without saying a word, Gaara took off his Kazekage robe and placed it gently over her shoulders.

"The nights in the desert are cold," he said, his tone as careful as the gesture.

Sakura blushed, grasping the fabric between her fingers with softness. She felt the weight of the garment, but also the weight of its symbolism.

"Thank you... but I don't think you should hand over your robe like that," she murmured, more out of respect than modesty.

Gaara looked at her calmly, not taking his eyes off her face.

"I know you'll return it to me," he said simply.

They flew in silence for a while, contemplating Suna from above. Sakura thought that that view must be a privilege reserved for very few. And that he had wanted to share it with her.

The wind blew more strongly at that height, caressing Sakura's face and making the Kazekage's robe sway softly around her. She said nothing, just observed the horizon in silence, her eyes half-closed by the breeze, but within her there was a latent sadness in her expression, a melancholy that she had not been able to shake off completely, despite the magical stillness of the moment.

Gaara glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

"If you want to scream, you can do it," he suddenly said, without taking his gaze off the firmament.

Sakura looked at him, perplexed.

"Scream?"

"No one will hear you from up here," he continued, with that calm of his that didn't sound cold, but deeply present. "You're above everything. The village. The duties. The expectations. Of... him."

There was a pause.

Sakura swallowed, unsure whether to smile or cry. It was as if Gaara had read her mind and her heart.

"You can do it," he repeated, more softly this time.

Sakura let out a brief laugh, between incredulous and moved.

"Are you really offering me to scream?"

"I'm offering to free you... at least a little," Gaara replied, and in his tone there was a sincerity so sincere that a lump formed in Sakura's throat.

She remained silent for a few seconds, taking a deep breath, feeling the wind ruffling her hair, how the firm sand beneath her feet vibrated with Gaara's energy.

And then she did it.

Sakura brought her hands to her mouth and screamed.

Not a perfect, rehearsed scream. It was clumsy, broken, half-choked by the accumulated emotions. She screamed everything she hadn't said. Her pain. Her anger. Her confusion. Her frustrated love. Her weariness of having it chase her even in her dreams.

She screamed until she ran out of breath.

When she finished, she bent forward, resting her hands on her thighs, breathing heavily.

Gaara said nothing. He seemed to have been waiting for her.

So when Sakura straightened up again, she ran a hand over her face and let out a small laugh.

"Well... now I must look like a lunatic," she murmured, both embarrassed and amused.

Gaara observed her with serenity, and his response came without hesitation:

"No. You look like someone who is allowing themselves to express what they feel," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

She looked at him. And for the first time in a long time, she felt that her chest didn't weigh so much, she felt lighter.

Not cured. Not unscathed. But a little more free.

"Thank you, Gaara-sama," she said in a low voice, sincere. He nodded gently as Sakura could glimpse a barely perceptible smile curving Gaara's lips.

After that, the rest of the walk passed in silence. Not an uncomfortable one, but full of meaning. One of those silences that say more than any word.