Becoming One 》Kankuro love story《

Saving Gaara!

I decided to stretch my legs and began to walk around the ward Kankuro was placed in.  There really weren't many differences between this hospital and the one in Konoha, but I was reaching for straws at this point to occupy my time as Kankuro was resting.  I made my round and was almost back when I saw Kankuro and Baki rush out the room.  I jogged up to them, Kankuro noticing me first.  "We got word from Lady Chiyo.  Stay here, if I need you then I will come for you ok?"
I nodded my head, knowing as a foreigner I wasn't as high up as they were.  I entered the room and began to slowly pace, tracing my fingers along the wall.  After a while Kankuro came back.  "You said you wanted to help right?"  I nodded my head.  "Then I'm going to need your help, come on!"
I smiled, "more action?  Hell yeah!"  I followed him until we stopped at some stairs outside.  He sat down and patiently waited.  I stood behind him and looked around slowly, curious to why we were waiting.  My eye caught to the right and I made a noise of understanding, Temari and a few Sand Shinobi were coming up.  I stayed quiet as the siblings spoke, though I couldn't help smirking at the attitude coming from Kankuro.  Temari looked up at me, "You coming too?"
I nodded my head.  "I will help as long as my help is wanted."
Kankuro stood and ruffled my bangs, "got myself a bodyguard now!"
I rolled my eyes.  "Don't get cocky there"
He smirked at me before turning back to the others.  "Let's get going."

Time skip cause I can

We've been running for a while now and from behind me I could hear heavy panting.  I ran slightly ahead and turned around shouting stop.  Temari looked at me as if I was insane.  "I think we should take a break."
Temari looked angry at me.  "Are you kidding me?!  Do you REALLY think this is the time to lounge around?"
Kankuro stepped beside me.  "Now come on Temari, it's not like you to lose your cool."  He motioned behind her, the other Shinobi were sitting and damn near wheezing, yet still apologizing for not being able to keep up.  "You call yourself Shinobi?!"
I frowned at her as Kankuro defended them, I mean I couldn't imagine how hard it would be to go from a 24 hour guard duty to rushing after the Akatsuki.  A female Shinobi stood up.  "No!  We must keep going, our Kazekage needs us.  What Shinobi would be be if we couldn't help our Kazekage."
I smiled warmly at her.  The dedication they were showing was truly admirable.  "Now don't be hasty."  I looked up as Lady Chiyo's brother spoke up.  "Rushing in recklessly isn't something we should do.  Kankuro rushed in after an enemy and nearly died from it.  If it wasn't for that Leaf Shinobi he could have easily died."  I awkwardly looked away as Kankuro nervously laughed.  "Look over there."  I gasped at the torn up earth.  "This is clearly the scene of a battle between the Akatsuki and the leaf so it's safe to assume were already in Akatsuki territory."  I clenched my fists and gazed around, praying that i didn't see anything that would mean bad news for my leaf friends.  Ebisu offered to tell a story of the 3rd Kazekage while they rested.  I sat down next to Kankuro and intently listened, not wanting to miss the chance to hear a story like this.  We finally decided we were rested enough and rushed on again.  It took a while but we finally reached the others.  I gasped at the sight of Gaara waking up.  Slowly everyone started cheering.  I smiled and looked to Kankuro, who was smiling back at me.  I giggled and hugged him, glad that things turned out good for him.  I followed him up as he spoke to Gaara.  "You really gave us a scare you know, had us running around everywhere."
Temari called Naruto and Kankuro nitwits before shoving Naruto aside to ask Gaara how he was feeling.  I giggled at her and felt Kankuro nudge me.  I whispered "What?  She's concerned."  I looked back as a few of the female Shinobi were fawning over Gaara, saying oddly flirty things about him.  They rushed forward, knocking Naruto farther away.  Kankuro grabbed me and pulled me aside Before I found the same fate.  Kankuro walked up to Naruto, "don't sweat it, most girls fawn over the mysterious elite types."
"Jealous?"  I smirked over at him.
He only chuckled, "hardly.  Though you have been hanging by me a lot."
I blushed and playfully glared.  "I'm sorry I thought YOU were hanging on ME when I carried your ass through the desert." 
Kankuro's face turned blank as he looked into the distance.  He then turned back to Naruto and thanked him.  "Nahh no need to thank me!  Thank Lady Chiyo for her special medical ninjutsu!"
I felt my smile fall away as Kankuro began to explain the jutsu she used to save Gaara.  "Lady Chiyo is dead."  I gasped and looked over at her unmoving body.  I slowly looked around until my eyes fell upon my dad who looked crestfallen.  I put my hand over my mouth and dropped down next to Naruto and Kankuro. Naruto slowly stood up.  I reached out to grab at him, but Kankuro gently placed his hand over mine.  I looked over at him and nodded, feeling the tears in my eyes threatening to fall.  He put his hand on my head and pulled me closer, I let him as my tears began to flow.  I silently cried as the reality of the situation set in.  Slowly we all stood and Kankuro kept his hand on my head as we all closed our eyes and prayed for Lady Chiyo. 
As we all made our way back to Suna, I let myself fall behind until I reached my dad.  It was silent for a while before he spoke up to me, "You seem close to that sand sibling."
I pretended to gaze around, hoping he didn't see my blush.  "He asked for my help and I stood by to do so, as a Leaf Shinobi it is my job to defend."
Dad hummed and in that moment I cursed his mask.  I wish I could see his facial expression.   "Should I be concerned?"
I scoffed but kept my gaze away.  "What?  Come on dad we met a few days ago!  All I've done in his presence is strategize and fight along side him."
"Mhmmm"  He kept silent for a while.  "How are you feeling?"
I shrugged my shoulders.  "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bummed out.  I'm sore too but nothing a good rest won't fix."  Dad grunted and paused for a moment, "dad are you ok?!"
He nodded his head but I still let him drape an arm over me.  "I didn't sustain injuries dad, let me help you."

The gates of Suna were bustling with cheering people.  I made eye contact with Ami who was in the front of the crowd and she squealed and began to jump up and down excitedly.  I laughed and waved at her.  We all turned silent as Lady Chiyo's body was properly taken care of.  I wanted to talk to Ami but we were taken to the Kazekage office.  All the leaf Shinobi stood and waited.  Lord Gaara offered to let us stay a day or two to rest but everyone turned his offer down, wanting to report back to Lady Tsunade.  I meekly raised my hand.  "Actually.."  Everyone looked my way and I blushed, not liking how many eyes were staring at me.  "I would like to take you up on that offer Lord Gaara, but I would also like to help anywhere I can.  I originally came here hoping I could get to look around Suna, but wasn't able to given the circumstances.  I ask if I could assist in any way as I rest and prepare for my journey back."
Gaara smiled and nodded.  "Yes, Kankuro has told me of your efforts to aid us and I thank you very much for it.  If you wish to stay and help I have no problem with it.  I will have Kankuro show you to your hotel and have him or Temari get you in the morning."
I bowed in respect when I noticed the suddenly tense atmosphere.  I looked to my dad who was intently staring at Kankuro, as if he was trying to read his mind.  Gaara awkwardly coughed, "Well once again I thank you all for your help, Sunagakure is in your debt.  I wish you all safe travels."
We all bowed and slowly made our way outside.  Once out I immediately walked over to my dad and Guy.  "Are you going to be ok?"
I saw him look over my shoulder, but I didn't need to look back to see that Kankuro was there.  "Yes.. will you be?"
I looked over to Guy who gave me a large smile and a thumbs up.  I turned back and softly smiled and threw my own thumbs up to my dad.  "Of course!!  I'm with good people!  I'll be back in a few days ok?"
Before he could respond he fell forward.  I grabbed onto him but Guy just slung his backpack forward, grabbed my dad and tossed him into the air.  I squealed in surprise as my dad fell onto Guy's back.  "DON'T WORRY MIMI!  I'LL ENSURE HE GETS BACK HOME SAFELY!  YOU TAKE CARE NOW!  COME NOW!  LET'S MAKE HASTE!!"
I laughed as Guy and his team walked off.  Ami came up and hugged me tightly.  "Don't scare me like that!!!  I was so worried!" 
I pulled her away and smiled.  "I'm ok!  I'll be back in a few days so keep Kirou in check until I'm back ok?  Can't have my squad falling apart while I'm gone!"
Ami thumped me on the forehead and smiled. "Don't let you being a Jounin make you big headed!  We're still Daikoku-Sensei's team!  But yes, I will let everyone know you're ok."
I gave Sakura and Naruto a hug and waved as they walked away.  Once out of sight I sighed and turned to see Kankuro with his eyebrows raised.  I lifted some of my silver hair up.  "The masked man is my dad."
Kankuro's face seemed to pale and Temari barked out a laugh.  "Come on Mimi, let's get you to your hotel!"