Chapter 4

"Well, who do you like then? You can't really hate all guys." Sasumi looked at Shokidenai who shrugged. They were getting closer to the house. Gaara's fierce gaze laid on Shokidenai, though whenever he turned to look at Sasumi, his gaze was soft and caring. Shokidenai sighed, and looked the other way each time that Gaara stopped staring at her, feeling relieved. She looked over at Sasumi, who smiled warmly at Gaara. Him and Sasumi were meant for each other. She felt that now. She smiled slightly at a warm thought. But it quickly got darkened by a lost memory. The memory of a shadowy figure, taking her in it's arms. She remembered the vigorous training she went through. She remembered everything. Though, she still felt something for the dark figure, a caring tender feeling. She felt as if it was the reason of her downfall.
"Gaara, when we get inside or outside I want to talk to Shokidenai... alone." Sasumi smiled sweetly at Gaara, he rolled his eyes.
"Like I would want to hear girly shit that she has to talk about." He grumbled and rolled his eyes again. Sasumi walked up behind him and grabbed him in a hug. He put a hand on her arm and lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her hand. He let her hand go as they got up to the house He opened the door for her, and Shokidenai pushed him out of the way, He grabbed her wrist and glared at her, sending a mental message. She shrugged it off. She walked over to Sasumi, who looked at Gaara. After going inside and feeling a bit crowded they went back outside. The sun was falling, and the moon rising.
"I don't know what should we do? I mean we could leave but Gaara would not go for that. We can stay but then Gaara will find out and then that won't help." Sasumi looked over at Shokidenai who sighed.
" We have to leave it is the only choice." Shokidenai looked over to her with honesty written on her face.
"Yeah, well I was planning on leaving. But maybe I can stay. I don't know." She looked in the direction of the house.
"What? Sasumi this is dangerous, we are at the top of the bingo book. Have you lost you're mind?" Shokidenai looked with a surprised face at Sasumi.
"Well if we can go kill those guys. But then they will send more. Goddamn why can't this be easy?" She shook her head, and sighed.
"Because this is what we chose. The path we took, we can't change the past but we can change the future." Shokidenai looked at her with a small smile.
"We need to figure something out." Sasumi looked at Shokidenai seriously.
"I don't think they will be here for another two months. So I propose we use that time to train and become strong enough to defend the village." It was Shokidenai's turn to look serious.
"It does not matter they will just send more." Sasumi looked down.
"Why are you always so negative? You are so pessimistic and always look down on yourself. Stop it, we will find away to get those asshole's off our backs." Shokidenai smiled reassuringly at her. Sasumi was staring up at the sky, and didn't hear what else that Shokidenai had to say.
"Sasumi did you hear me?" Shokidenai looked at Sasumi.
"Um what you say?" Sasumi snapped back to reality.

"Never mind you need to start listening." Shokidenai looked at Sasumi.
"Yeah well you need to get some manners." Sasumi answered back.
"You need anger management." Shokidenai stated that as a fact.
"Yeah well I don't want it." Sasumi simply stated.
"Well I don't want manners." Shokidenai scoffed. Shokidenai leaned over and poked her on the arm.
"You're it." She giggled and started to run.
"What that is so unfair." Sasumi smiled. Sasumi got up and started to chase Shokidenai, and caught up with her. Soon they were rolling and laughing on the ground. Someone, not known by Sasumi or Shokidenai was looking out one of the windows at them. They rolled around and laughed a few moments more.
"See there is the Sasumi I remember always having fun. But still you were always negative." She laughed.
"What can I say it runs in my blood." Sasumi smiled
"Speaking of blood. Are Mosquito's getting you too?" Shokidenai started to scratch her arms.
"Lets go inside. It's better in there." Sasumi walked inside. Shokidenai nodded and followed her inside.
"Gaara... Still doesn't like you." Sasumi looked at him with a what-am-I-going-to-do-with-him look. Shokidenai smiled.
"It's OK. I don't like him either remember?" Shokidenai laughed. Sasumi smiled slightly.
"Usually your in a better mood. Even around guys." Sasumi walked to her room, with Shokidenai who smiled.
"So. They did all this for you?" Shokidenai looked at the nicely furnished room. She sat on the bed, and slid off her pack, that held a lot of stuff, onto the floor. She did a few hand signs and it turned into a cute little glass bunny. She smiled at it and put it in her pocket. She put her hand on the bed and smiled slightly. Her smile faded though as Sasumi sat down on the bed with a serious face on.
"There is something we have to talk about. You know what it is don't you." Sasumi's serious face did not fade.
"Yes. I do. They have been following me. Not the Akatsuki, but... The others." Shokidenai looked over to the side. She tried to avoid eye contact.
"How come the Akatsuki don't follow you? And how do you know so much about them? And the others are following you?" Sasumi looked at Shokidenai with a more worried than serious face now. Shokidenai sighed.
"The reason to why the Akatsuki don't follow me is a deeper secret than one I can freely tell you. And 'they' are following me yes." Shokidenai averted here eyes from Sasumi's again.

"Hey, Sasumi.. Can I come in for a second?" It was Kankurou who was at the door. Sasumi was slightly worried that he heard something.
"All right, I guess." She looked over to Shokidenai. He came in, he was slightly embarrassed.
"Sorry for bothering you two. I just wanted to ask Shokidenai a question." He smiled at her slightly and then dug in his pocket and pulled something out, he tossed it over to her. Shokidenai caught it. It was a pin. A bunny pin. Red background, and a black bunny. The bunny had in it's paws a daisy. She touched it a few times.
"Where did you find this?" Shokidenai glared at Kankurou who was surprised by her sudden burst.
"I.. Found it on the roof when you left to go to Gaara's office. Why?" He glanced away for a moment.
"This pin... Is so important to me. I thought I lost it." She put it in her hair. She walked over and smiled at Kankurou. He blushed deeply.
" Well... Its... not lost.." He fidgeted. She leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks. Thanks a lot Kankurou. By the way... You can call me Akira." She walked back to the bed and sat down. Kankurou felt his cheek.
"Your... your welcome. Anytime... Akira." He walked dazed out of the room, forgetting that she didn't answer his question. Shokidenai looked smug with her pin now.
"Where did that Shocky come from?" Sasumi looked over at Shokidenai. Shokidenai shrugged and smiled.
"Gotta catch me to find out!" She giggled and ran downstairs, accidentally tripping once. She entered the Living room and ran around the couch, Gaara growled.
"What in hell are you doing?" He glared at her from his sitting position.
"Running, what else does it look like Grumpy?" She laughed. Sasumi ran after Shokidenai and pulled her arm. Shokidenai fell on top of Sasumi and laughed.
"Gah! Shocky get off of me! You weigh a ton!" Sasumi was groaning underneath Shokidenai who laughed.
"Excuse me? I weigh how much? Last time I checked I weighed less than you." She scoffed, still not moving.
"I know you know that muscles weigh more than fat." She groaned and pushed Shokidenai off. Shocky sat down,
"Well I am all muscle!" She tried to look dignified, but failed. Gaara's sudden giggling was creeping her out.
"What the fuck was that about? Did he just giggle?" Shokidenai pointed at Gaara as she looked at Sasumi with an oh-my-god-did-he-just-...-he-did-didn't-he look.
"Yeah well, there is no way your all muscle. That is just impossible." He laughed again and then sighed.
"Well, a majority of her is." Sasumi looked at Shokidenai, who was, well, lets just say she could fit in a size extra small and still have it be a bit big.
"Well then, why doesn't she prove it?" He got up and got in a fighting stance, Shokidenai got in one as well. They ran at each other, but, Sasumi stopped them with her hands.
"There will be no blood spill on the carpet OK? So enough out of you two!" She glared at the both of them, Shokidenai's lips wiggled and she played the puppy-dog face.

"Aww, but He started it! And I'm bored." She let her lip wiggle a bit more, then glared at him when she said 'he started it'.
"Well guess what? I am ending it right now!" She pushed Shokidenai down, and pushed Gaara back. Gaara retreated to the couch and glared at Shokidenai.
"Hey Sumi? I am going to go take a shower, change and go to bed all right? You can stay down here with Gaara if you want to." She smiled kindly at Sasumi.
"All right, but did you just call him Gaara?" Sasumi had a wondering kind of look on her face.
"Psh, No. I called him Grumpy. Why would I call him by his name?" She rolled her eyes and left the room. As Shokidenai left Sasumi walked over to Gaara and sat next to him and kissed him. Shokidenai peered behind her for a moment to see them snuggle and start to talk. She sighed and left to go up to the bathroom that was Sasumi's. She turned on the water than left to go get her bag. She walked back to the shower and got out her bathroom necessities. She got in the shower only a moment later after stripping off her clothes. She began to think, she held her pin in her hand, she looked at it. She felt the pin. Memories flowing back. She refused them. She shook her head. The water from her hair splashing against the wall and the protective plastic. She sighed. A song tingled in her throat. She started singing. She put her pin down and sang while getting her shampoo and conditioner and washing her hair. She sang 'The Sign by Ace of Base'. She started to wash her body, she loved that song. It made her feel... Well, alive. When she was done singing she turned off the shower, she felt nice and clean. She moved to the sink where she started to brush her teeth. When she was done she gargled with mouthwash. She felt fully refreshed. She opened her pack and pulled out a pair of boxer-like pajama pants and a T-shirt that said 'I do whatever the voices in my head tell me to do...' and she laid down on Sasumi's bed. She had a feeling Sasumi would sleep on the floor anyway. She grinned, because only ten minutes later she heard two pairs of footsteps come up the stairs, and separate, one pair coming this way, the other in another direction. She pretended to be asleep. Sasumi got dressed and fell asleep on the floor. Only moments later Shokidenai was asleep as well.
MORNING!
Shokidenai rolled over and fell on the ground. She landed on Sasumi.
"JESUS SHOCKY! Get the hell off of me! Stop rolling off the damn bed!" Sasumi growled. She tried to push Shokidenai off of her.
"Just five more minutes, Sensei, I am sleeping." She mumbled, as if remembering the past. Sasumi continued to try and push the, heavier when sleeping, Shokidenai off of her.
"Shocky I am not your Sensei, whoever it was, and you are sleeping... ON TOP OF ME!" she finally pushed off Shokidenai.
"I am going to make breakfast OK? It's pancakes." Sasumi was just about to get ready when in a flash Shokidenai was fully awake, with a wide grin on her face.
"Breakfast?" Her grin just enlarged, and her eyes sparkled. She jumped for joy. "Can I help? PLEASE! PRETTY PLEASE?" She begged. Sasumi shook her head.

"No. Your food can kill I mean. Think about it. A person who makes poison making breakfast? Anyway the last time you made breakfast it made even you vomit." She shook her head.
"I've been practicing! Please?" She did the puppy-dog face again. Sasumi sighed again, but in defeat.
"Fine. But only if after it's ready you wake everyone up." Sasumi looked at Shokidenai. Shokidenai grinned and nodded her head vigorously. They started to make the pancake batter. Shokidenai took down the plates and made sure they were clean, she also helped butter the griddle. Sasumi did the flipping. Shokidenai gawked at how high one of the pancakes went. When they were done Sasumi looked at Shokidenai.
"OK. Go wake up Temari, just knock on her door, Soku, the same but only if he is here. Kumi you have to throw something at her, and for Gaara you have to scream at him, he hasn't slept for most of his life. Kankurou you have to scream, throw things at him, and jump on his bed. OK? Now go wake them up." Sasumi looked at Shokidenai as she ran out of the room. Sasumi heard knocking and then saw Temari who was slightly sleepy. She then heard Kumi who was screaming and running down the hall. Next was Soku who walked down the stairs after having his door knocked on. She heard a large crash and some yelling and Gaara walked down the stairs pissed, that is until he saw her and he kissed her. Kankurou was last, but, there was no screaming, crashing or yelling involved and he walked out in some sort of a daze. Shokidenai sort of skipped behind them and in a sing song voice greeted them all.
"Hello everyone! Have a good sleep filled night? I hope." She grinned and then went over to Sasumi and started to pass out the plates,
"You didn't poison anyone did you?" Sasumi asked worriedly.
"No, I didn't have enough time to create any poison. Besides, why would I want to kill anyone at a moment like this?" Shokidenai smiled. She put no food at the extra chair she was supposed to sit at. Sasumi grabbed her aside and looked her in the face.
"How did you get Kankurou to get up? I didn't hear any screaming, crashing or anything of that sort? What did you do?" Sasumi couldn't think of it.
"A secret's a secret, no matter how big or how small. Kind of like Dr. Suess's 'A persons a person, no matter how big or how small.' only it involves a secret." She put a finger to her lips and winked and skipped out of the room. Sasumi stared with a blank face at Shokidenai. Everyone started to eat, they grinned at the food. They had started to gobble it down when Shokidenai was back downstairs with her pack ready and she was in a pair of shorts and a tank top. She grinned. Gaara scoffed.
"Well I see your leaving. Well it was not nice to meet you. Have a pleasant death or something." He said. Sasumi smacked him upside the head.
"Gaara!" She growled. But Shokidenai didn't take the comment at all.
"No. I am just going out that's all. See you guy's later!" She turned to leave but then Sasumi stopped her.
"Aren't you going to eat? After all you were psyched about the breakfast." Sasumi looked at her friend.
"Nah, I got food in my pack if I got hungry. So I am OK. Besides, I don't feel like sitting at the same table as Mr. Grumpy. Don't get pregnant while I'm gone Sumi." She waved and left before anyone can add a comment.
"Damn it. She acts like she owns MY house. 'Don't get pregnant while I'm gone.' Jesus Christ. How can you have a friend like that?" Gaara grumbled now brimming with anger.
"Calm down. She didn't mean it that way... I hope." Sasumi looked over at the door. She sighed and walked up stairs done with her meal and took a shower and got dressed in a pair of black jeans and a black shirt, she grabbed her shoes.
"I'm going to the weapon shop OK?" Sasumi stated as she put on her shoes. Kumi gulped down the last of her meal.
"Can I come too Sasumi? I have to get a new sword." Kumi grinned.
"Fine, Just hurry up OK? I will be waiting outside." Sasumi walked outside and waited for Kumi to get ready.

Chapter 5

"Let's get going!" Kumi giggled and laughed as she started walking into the village with Sasumi. Sasumi smiled slightly as they walked. When they got to the Shop the shopkeeper smiled.
"Kumi and if my old eyes aren't deceiving me Sasumi. My have you grown Sasumi." The old lady laughed then coughed once as she smiled at Sasumi, her old eyes happy. Sasumi smiled back lightly.
"Sasumi? How.. Do you know Sasumi ma'am?" Kumi looked at the Shopkeeper, who smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, Kumi. She knows me. I used to go to all of the villages. Except the sound. I come here whenever I need swords that are perfect examples of perfection." Sasumi walked over to a dagger that looked like it was in perfect shape.
"Miss Shopkeeper ma'am? Could you fix my Katana please?" She walked over to Sasumi after the old woman shuffled to the back room. "I come here to get my weapons too. Do you want to see my favorite?" Kumi smiled and bounced when she said that. Sasumi smiled and nodded. Kumi bounced over to a sword that had a wolf and a dragon on it's hilt. Kumi didn't pick it up.
"It's too heavy for me right now. I would buy it if I could pick it up." Her face darkened as she said that. Sasumi walked over and picked it up, she held it with ease.
"It is a good sword. Maybe I will buy it for you when your older? How about that?" Sasumi smiled a little at Kumi.
"It'll be gone by then. Someone would probably have bought it. Why don't you buy it for yourself Sasumi?" Kumi's expression lightened.
"Are you really sure about that?" Sasumi looked at Kumi, who's face brightened so much she was gleaming.
"Yeah, Besides I like this other sword a lot better!" She chirped, as she jumped off, she stopped at a sword that shone brightly. It had a tiger on it's hilt and also... Kumi's name engraved. Kumi grinned at Sasumi as she hopped back.
"See? It has my name Engraved in it and has a tiger! And it is light and quick!" Kumi smiled, but did not demonstrate. She handed it over to Sasumi. Sasumi looked at it and wondered why it would have Kumi's name on it. The Shopkeeper walked out, her clothes creating a soft muffled wheezing sound. Kumi walked to the Shopkeeper and got her Katana.
"Thank you ma'am." She grinned and bowed to the Shopkeeper.
"Your welcome little Kumi. Aaaah, I see you have shown Sasumi your favorite sword." The Shopkeeper gave Sasumi a wise old look. Kumi nodded.
"Yes ma'am I have. But I could never get it." She looked down slightly.
"Of course you could Kumi." Sasumi smiled, Kumi's face jolted to life. "Ma'am I would like to buy these two swords. The one with the dragon and the wolf, and the one with Kumi's name on it." Kumi just stood there as Sasumi started to dish out the dough.
"Ahmmhmmhmm." The old lady laughed slightly, "Why certainly Sasumi. It would be.. This much." The old lady walked to her cashier and then the price rang up with a old, wheezing clang. Sasumi smiled as the old lady started to package the swords.
"No thank you Ma'am. We will take them out as they are. But thank you for offering." She smiled a pretty smile. "May I ask why that sword.." She pointed to the sword that had Kumi's name on it, "Has Kumi's name on it?" She continued to smile the same smile.
"Because she was the inspiration for the sword, just as a note is an inspiration for a song, and a word for a poem, she is the inspiration for this distinct sword. She told me what it should look like, what it should feel like, and so I thought to myself that I should make one like that." The old lady grinned and then wheezed once.
"Thank you ma'am. Now Kumi can have the sword she designed, and loves." Sasumi bowed and then left with Kumi who was absolutely brimming with happiness.

"Hey, Let's see Gaara!" Kumi grinned as she started to stray towards Gaara's Office. Sasumi was slightly worried.
"I don't think that is such a great idea Kumi... What if he is busy?" Sasumi continued to walk towards the house.
"Nah, He doesn't have any stupid paper work today. He just has to be there to pretend to be a good role model." Kumi walked up to the front doors and knocked on the door. Sasumi followed behind her, with only slight nervousness. They were escorted to Gaara's office. Kumi burst through the room and jumped onto Gaara's lap. Gaara looked at her dazed. He sighed. She shoved the sword in his face.
"Look what Sasumi bought me Gaara! She is the bestest. most awesomest person alive!" Kumi grinned, Sasumi sighed, but smiled. Gaara looked at the sword, he saw Kumi's name engraved in it.
"Kumi? Did you have Sasumi make the old lady engrave your name in this sword?" He eyed Kumi suspiciously.
"No, she did not Gaara. She was the inspiration for the Shopkeeper. Is that too hard to believe?" Sasumi walked over and sat on his desk since Gaara's lap was taken.
"Oh well, I guess it was nice of Sasumi to buy you this sword." He pet Kumi on the head, she closed her eyes and grinned.
"You know what?" Kumi looked at both Sasumi and Gaara. They stared with blank faces. "You guys are like my mom and dad." Sasumi lost balance and jumped off the desk, Gaara almost puked and put his hand over his mouth. They calmed down after a few seconds. Kumi stared at them.
"What? Was it something I said." Kumi stared at them, she was oblivious.
"Do you, know how children are born?" Gaara looked at her, his face slightly paler than usual. Sasumi, sat on the floor just in case.
"Um, I think so. Isn't from like... this general area." Kumi pointed towards her pants. Gaara nodded, and coughed slightly, staring at the ceiling..
"I meant the process. Not where they come from. Though I am amazed you know that." He whispered the last part, Kumi looked at him with wide, learning eyes.
"Nope. I don't think I do." She continued to look at him with those wide eyes, it started to burn him.
"Well good, don't ever try and have children, don't even venture upon the topic ever again. In fact. Distance yourself from the thought of having a family of your own." He tried to avoid telling her anything more. Kumi just gave him a puzzled look.
"But what about you and Sasumi? Don't you want children?" Gaara looked away, and coughed blushing, Sasumi just had a wide eyed, look that stated slight fear and amazement.
"That... Is confidential. And... I am not sure if we should have kids. And never believe your body. Believe your mind." He finished talking about it with. "No more on that subject please."
"Well, you guy's are kind of like my parents. Sasumi healed me and Soku when we were hurt and took care of us, and you Gaara took care of us when Sasumi left. Isn't that what parenting is about." Kumi looked at him with the still wide and learning look.
"Kumi, can we please just drop it?" Gaara put his fingers to his head and began to rub his temples. Sasumi quickly walked over and picked up Kumi in a hug and smiled at her.
"I think that is enough Kumi." Sasumi quickly leaned in and gave Gaara a quick kiss before she left with Kumi.

"Kumi? How would you like some lunch?" Sasumi asked after a few minutes of walking, Kumi grinned.
"Sure! I would love some lunch!" She chirped. Sasumi opened the front door, and saw Kankurou who was sitting on the couch, Kumi ran up and jumped on his lap as well and showed him the sword. Kankurou started to tickle Kumi, who was giggling and laughing.
"Hey Kankurou, I am going to be making lunch, you want some?" Sasumi turned to Kankurou after putting her sword against the wall.
"Yeah, sure, thanks Sasumi." He started to tickle Kumi harder, and soon she couldn't breathe, he let up. Sasumi was in the Kitchen and put a ball of ramen noodles in a pot and started the rice cooker. Only ten minutes later the food was ready.
"Lunch is ready!" Sasumi stated. She made a bowl for herself and for Kankurou and Kumi.
"Where's Temari?" Sasumi said as she blew on the glob of noodles she held with her chopsticks.
"I don't know, I guess out, she said she had business to attend to and Soku is on a mission right now." Kankurou skipped blowing on his ramen and gobbled it right up. Sasumi thought of Choji.
"Hey Kumi? Why aren't you on missions right now?" Sasumi had finished a majority of the giant glob an it was too cool, she started to drag it along with the rest of the noodles. Sasumi finished her bite of rice.
"I only go on stealth missions. Gaara says I am really stealthy." Kumi looked proud.
"Well that's really cool." Sasumi finished dragging the noodles and popped them in her mouth. It was late, and the day was almost gone by the time Temari got back as well as Soku. Gaara came home around 9 o' clock P.M. Sasumi looked at the clock worried, she kept looking at the door as well.
"Jesus Sasumi. Stop worrying. I am sure she just got eaten by the damn buzzards or something. Nothing to worry about." Gaara held Sasumi in his arms on the couch. Kankurou sat, in a slouching position, he too, looking at the clock, and stated he wanted to see a certain show. Sasumi looked at Kankurou, he was masking slight fear, and badly. It was 9:59 P.M, Sasumi had it, it was only seconds away from Ten o' clock. She got up and walked over to the door, but it opened itself. Shokidenai walked in. She had a few cuts and bruises. And was bleeding a little. She yawned, and trudged past them, she cricked her neck, ignoring them.
"Shocky? What in hell have you been doing? You look horrible, what happened." Sasumi started towards her but Shokidenai turned around
"I'm fine." She snapped at Sasumi. "Sorry, I just popped a nerve there. Nothings wrong. I was just clumsy and ran into a few things. Like that wonderful rock wall you have here surrounding this village. I ran into that thing my first day here. Hurt like hell but I lived." She shrugged, then walked up the stairs. Sasumi heard her door open, then close, and her bathroom door open and close. She heard the shower start. She sat back down slightly nervous then got up and grabbed something and mixed it with a drink and waited downstairs for Shokidenai. Kankurou got up from his slouching position.
"I don't have to watch that show. I am going to bed." He trudged off and went into his room. Gaara leered after him. As Kankurou was passing Sasumi's bathroom he saw the handle move and Shokidenai walked out, only in an towel, and she just walked past him, and to Sasumi's room.
"I am forgetting more and more it seems." She yawned again, and disappeared into the room. He blushed slightly, and went into his room. Only moments later Shokidenai was downstairs. Sasumi walked up to her and grabbed her aside and handed her the cup with the awkward smelling goop. Shokidenai just stared at it.
"This isn't supposed to kill me is it? Because if it is, it won't do much." She stared at the goop again. Sasumi shook her head.
"It is to heal those damn injuries. That's all. Will you please drink it and stop staring at it?" Sasumi pleaded slightly.
"Blegh, Bottoms up." Shokidenai gulped down the grotesque drink and found it's odd taste pleasing.
"Tastes like... Apple Juice." She grinned sleepily.

Chapter 6

"Apple juice? It tastes like apple juice?" Sasumi looked questionably at Shokidenai who was thinking while licking the residue off of her lips.
"I am pretty sure that is what it tasted like. But I could be wrong."She shrugged then jolted upstairs with surprising speed. Sasumi just glanced at Gaara and Kumi, who was still up, and Soku who fell asleep on the couch. Kumi was sharpening, and cleaning her new sword. Gaara smiled lightly, he patted the seat next to him. Sasumi walked over to him and sat down. He pulled her closer, until his face was imbedded in her hair. He took a deep breath. She still smells the same as she did years ago, not that he would think that she smelled any different. She snuggled closer, and stared at the blank TV. Kankurou had turned it off when he left for upstairs.
"I wonder what is going on..." Sasumi whispered lightly, Gaara looked down at her.
"Hmm?" He continued to look at her, his eyes soft.
"It's just. After so many years, she seems. The same. Nothing, is different really. Nothing that I can see anyway." Sasumi snuggled even closer. Kankurou walked downstairs and went into the kitchen and opened the fridge and grabbed a bottled water and chugged it down.
"Hey Gaara?" Sasumi continued to look at Kankurou who finished the water and wiped his mouth dry with his sleeve. Gaara glanced down again.
"What?" Gaara's voice was as soft as his eyes, calm and lucid.
"Do you think that Kankurou and Shocky should be together?" Sasumi snuggled as close as she could her head nuzzled Gaara's Adams apple.
"What!" He slightly growled that, it was enough that she was staying at his house, but to be going out with his brother was just crazy! "No. Don't even think about it Sasumi." Gaara held her tight, he stopped holding her that tight as he realized he could be causing bruises. Sasumi yawned and stretched. She kissed Gaara before she got out of his grasp and started up the stairs. Kankurou plopped back down on the couch. He sighed out of boredom, He looked at the ceiling. Gaara just looked at his brother. He thought "Kankurou wouldn't be able to handle a relationship. He is just too... what was a word that could fit Kankurou? I guess Experimental. He never had a relationship.. I don't think. He always is watching the girls. It would just cause trouble. For him and me." Gaara sighed and started to stare at the ceiling as well. He didn't want to sleep. He couldn't get into a good sleeping pattern anyway. He closed his eyes, but Kankurou cleared his throat. Gaara opened his eyes and looked at Kankurou, but Kankurou said nothing. Gaara turned back away, his brother's plain, no face paint, face was rather foreign to him. Sasumi came back downstairs, dressed in her nightgown she had taken a shower and was refreshed. Shokidenai was following after her, practically falling on her face.
"I can't believe I can't go to sleep you know?" Shokidenai's voice was raspy and tired. She slammed her hand on her face and dragged it down.

"I can't believe your still breathing." Gaara growled, but smiled at Sasumi whom he thought was going to bed. Shokidenai stuck her tongue out at him.
"Sumi!" Shokidenai whined. "Put your boyfriend on a leash. I don't like being pestered by little people when I am tired." She whined really loud. Soku yawned and got up and moved to his room and Shokidenai to his seat which now laid vacant and sat with her legs curled up to her chest. She groaned slightly as Gaara glared at her. She hid her face, not out of fear or submission but because she didn't like him and wanted the glaring to stop.
"I HATE LITTLE PEOPLE!" She practically screamed. "Even if I am a bit short myself." She was a inch shorter than Sasumi (when Sasumi stood erect), but the difference was unnoticeable. Sasumi looked over at Shokidenai from Gaara's grasp and smiled lightly.
"Come on Shocky. Stop beating on your height, Your only sixteen you know. You just haven't had a growth spurt. Remember how tall you said your dad and mom were. I am sure you'll be close to their height." Sasumi smiled and then got out of Gaara's grasp to pet Shokidenai on the head, she smiled and looked less sleepy.
"Yeah, My dad was pretty tall. He would always be there when I needed him." At the last of that sentence her smile faded. Sasumi saw the slight sadness welling in Shokidenai's eyes and smiled and turned on the TV.
"How about a Scary Movie? I bet that will cheer you up." Sasumi went and got a really scary movie. Shokidenai uncurled her legs and put them on the floor, she started to get up.
"Sorry Sasumi. I.. Just don't want to watch anything. I just want to go to bed, or at least try to OK?" Shokidenai smiled a small smile. Sasumi looked at her with an Awkward glance.
"But you love scary movies. It's the thirteen ghost. I thought you loved that movie." Sasumi was clearly shocked at Shokidenai's sudden turn in disinterest. Shokidenai just walked up the stairs. Sasumi went and sat back next to Gaara. Kankurou took the tape from her and popped it in. He started the video. Shokidenai heard the movie starting up, She did love scary movies. Just... Something was bothering her right then. She sighed and didn't plop on the bed, she walked over and did a few hand signs and fell asleep in Sasumi's closet. Later she heard, subconsciously, Sasumi enter the room and get dressed and go to sleep shortly after the movie ended. Temari put Kumi and Soku to bed with Kankurou. Shokidenai awoke possibly three hours later. It was 3 o' clock in the morning. She couldn't stand it any longer. She got up and packed her bags, forcing her muscles to not cripple underneath the stress. She shook her head fiercely. She walked over to the desk with a piece of paper in her hand and started to scribble on it.
Dear Everyone,
Thank you so much for the short, but, rather pleasant stay. It has come to my attention that, some, mainly Gaara, in fact only Gaara, has seen it unfit for me to stay. It is not by his distaste for me that I am leaving, but for my own health, and also so I do not cause a racket or two over something silly such as glares and hate. I truly loved staying with all of you, even you Gaara, but only because it made Sasumi happy. I might be back. I might not. I am not sure even if I will think about coming back towards the village. But if you do wish to look for me, you will just have to wait. I may pop up faster than you think. Gaara, I know that we have our differences but possibly, in the future maybe, could we have a one on one chat? Just the two of us just to see what we have in common so that we won't bicker as much as to ease Sasumi's stress? And Temari, it was lovely going to the club with you, I did enjoy myself really I did. And Kankurou, Thank you, thank you, thank you! For finding my pin, you couldn't even think of how important it is to me. Little Kumi and Soku, I am sorry I did not spend much time with you. But I will possibly later when I come back. I hope all of you are having fun! And Sasumi... Make sure you an Gaara don't have any babies while I am gone. It might give Soku and Kumi Ideas.
Much love, Ciao,
Shokidenai Akira Hana
When that was written Shokidenai scribbled a little face making the peace sign. She folded it and laid it on the table and pet it. She opened Sasumi's window and disappeared from the room into the night.

MORNING! DING DING DING!

Sasumi grumbled as she lifted her head, she glanced around the room. She stumbled up, it was earlier than usual for her to get up. Something was wrong. She walked over to her wall, did the appropriate hand signs. She opened her mouth to say good morning to Shokidenai whom decided she wanted to sleep in Sasumi's closet but when Sasumi didn't see her she was fully awake and was worried. She glanced around the closet. She then spotted the folded piece of paper. She opened it and skimmed the words. She put the paper down, and sat on the bed, a hand to her head, she sighed.
"I have to tell them." Sasumi lifted her head and went downstairs. She sat on the couch, moments later Gaara came down, then Kankurou, soon everyone was downstairs, they all knew something was wrong. Kumi rubbed her eyes, she yawned.
"Everyone got up... and without any screaming, yelling, throwing things, or jumping on peoples beds." Sasumi stated the fact out loud. "And I assume that everyone feels that something is wrong. Right." Everyone nodded. "So do I, I couldn't help but wonder why Shokidenai would leave, and leave a note. Especially one that has no signs of anger in it. And says 'Love' more than once when it isn't talking about her poisons or anything that she cares deeply for." Sasumi held up the note and handed it to Gaara who speed-read the paper, he handed it over Kumi and Soku to Kankurou who handed it to Temari. Kumi finally got it after grabbing it from Temari who let Kumi rip it from her fingers. Sasumi however grabbed the paper before they could reach the last line. They all looked at Sasumi, there wasn't much that they could do now. They didn't know when she left and the real reason. Sasumi took a deep breath she looked at Gaara, then Temari, then Kankurou, then Soku and Kumi.
"Everyone. I... don't know how to say this but... Shocky and I... are in the bingo book. At the top of the list. No joke, no ha-ha's I'm only pulling your legs." They just stared at her, Kumi shook here head in fear, she couldn't handle it. Kankurou moved forwards, Gaara glared, with disbelief and anger.
"I can believe Shokidenai but not you. Not you Sasumi." Gaara looked at her with the same expression.
"We have our middle names. Mine Kisea, hers Akira. That is the reason I believe she left for. I am sorry for lying to you, I knew that I should have told you but... it was too hard. She came to warn me. The men that were following her, were only following her because we... are best friends. I killed an entire village, and many others, Shocky can tell you if we ever find her again. Or maybe even Lady Tsunade. But you have to understand I wanted to leave for this exact reason. Not because I hate you, but because I love you.! If they had found us out sooner they would have killed you... All of you." Sasumi looked down, she stood up and stared at her hands.
"I still don't believe you." Gaara tried to fight the knowledge he held in his mind, but it couldn't be fought. He just clenched his teeth and mad his hands into fists. He jumped up.
"Damn it!" He threw himself back into the couch, he was trying to refrain from killing Sasumi, He still loves her.
"I am sorry Gaara. Everyone. I have to go, before I put this village in Jeopardy. Good bye. Possibly forever." Sasumi turned and ran into her room and got her pack ready, then changed and walked down stairs again. She glanced at all of them then left. She went out the gates. A large group of shadowy figures approached the horizon.

She was surrounded in less than five minutes, she got in a fighting position, the shadowy figures eyed her suspiciously, Gaara, Kumi and Soku, as well as Akiki gaped as they saw her surrounded. The leader laughed.
"Kill her, We must Kill her" He grinned a devious grin.
"No!" Soku wanted to shout, but only whispered.
"Well, looks like you've found me. But the only question is. Can you fight me?" Sasumi smiled, she seemed assured that she could win.
"Nay, it is if that friend of yours will bring that damned uncle of hers and his minions. Or if she comes with a few poisons up her sleeve. We have been watching all of your moves. You are as good as dead." He sneered and in a flash. All of the people in the circle were gone. Including Sasumi.