Shikamaru sighed,as all of them appeared in front of Tsunade. "I didn't expect any of you back. Hm.." Sakura frowned. "Shikamaru you are off this mission. Naruto,Hinata, and Ino you are to be protected. No missions for a while." Kakashi looked at Sakura and Shikamaru. "What about them?" He asked. "Oh. They're going to Suna. We can't protect everyone,but Gaara and Anko made it back. He said he could look after them." Tsunade smiled. "Don't worry,on there way ANBU will be watching them." Sakura nodded and took Shikamaru's arm. "Hai.." She said,slowly. Shikamaru said nothing and continued to frown. "Shikamaru have a better idea?" She asked with an irritated sigh. "No,Tsunade-sama." She smiled. "Then stop frowning at me!" He turned his head. "Kakashi I'd like you to also accompany them. Everyone know the plan? Shikamaru and Sakura leave tomorrow." They all bowed and disappeared into smoke.

Gaara stood in his office. "Anko...go back to Konoha with this note." He handed it to her. "Sure thing..." 'Or I might just throw it away...' Gaara gave her a nasty look. "Do not let anything happen to it. It's very important." "Okay okay kid." Anko disappeared. 'I hate that woman...' Gaara looked at Kankuro,when he stpped in. "Kankuro,long time no see." Temari ran up to him. "Gaara!"

Shikamaru finished packing and went to Sakura's home. "Done packing yet?" He asked,outside the door. Sakura opened it and gave him a hug. "Yes. Come in." She said,opening the door wider. He had his bag and walked in. She grabbed his bag and put it on the couch. "Had any dinner?" She asked. "Yes." Shikamaru sat down on the chair. "Shikamaru before we leave at dawn...I'd like to say something." She said,as she bit her lip. "Um yes?" He asked,calmly. "Please have me." He tilted his head. 'What..did she..just say..?' Shikamaru's eyes widened. "Sakura...I..." She put a finger on  his lips. "Please...I want to feel more close to you." He sighed. 'I don't know...should I...?' She sat on top of him. "Shikamaru..." He kissed her lovingly. "Come on..." He picked her up bridal style and headed into her bedroom.

Sakura woke up at 5:30 when the alarm buzzed in her ear. "Shikamaru! We're late!" She said,rushing out of the bed. "Crap." She put on some perfume to get rid of that smell on her. "No time for a shower. Here!" She put the perfume on him too. He frowned. "Vanilla?" Sakura smiled and grabbed her bag,he did the same. "Let's go!" Walking out the door,and meeting up with Kakashi at the gate,they were on their way. "Kakashi-sensei..you're early?!" She said,as they continued their journey. "Unlike you two." They both laughed. She smiled nervously.

**3 days later**

They walked into Suna,and Sakura yawned. "Wow boring." Temari met up with them at the gate. "Gaara was waiting for you. This way." Finally being at the kazekage's mansion,Sakura and Shikamaru walked into his office. "Sakura-chan..Shikamaru. Nice to see you." "Same for us. Where will we be staying?" She asked. "In our geust room." Shikamaru walked out of the room. "I'm catching the shower first." Sakura frowned. 'Jackass!' "Sakura-chan. How have you been?" He asked. "Well okay. You?" He nodded. "Better." Was all she got. "So...um...ooh look! What a cute dog." Gaara smiled. "Yes..very cute. Look..I'm really sorry about  you know..the chunin exams..." He said,with a sudden hit of sadness. "It's okay! I forgot but I forgive you." He smiled. "Thank you,Sakura-chan. That means alot." She nodded. Shikamaru came into the room. "Sakura-chan your turn." She smiled and waved bye to Gaara. She ran out of the door.