Chapter 2.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Time-jump)
Kankuro unlocked his apartment and entered with Kiba and Akamaru behind him. They had picked up a bit of groceries that Kankuro had insisted on paying to make up for the fight at the office and adventure with his sister. Kiba had agreed just to end the argument. He was grateful for the company.
The Inuzuka kept glancing at Akamaru as the dog walked over and lay down in front of the sofa. His comrade was not being moody but clearly something was on Akamaru's mind. He couldn't help wondering why the dog thought Kankuro as a suspect of something. Normally he trusted Akamaru without doubt. His partner was able to detect the enemies' chakra and strength which was crucial during their precious battles. But now…Kiba's gut told him he didn't want to treat the puppet master with mistrust. Not until he had a real reason to.
"I hope Gaara will be in contact soon. It's getting late." The brunette said as he followed Kankuro to the kitchen corner, helping out to hand out the food products of his bag. "It shouldn't take long now. I will accompany you to the border. Might as well use the time and train a bit and there is an area perfect for that not far off."
"That sounds great." Kiba couldn't help wondering. "Is it also because you want to avoid your sister."
"More like avoid her fan." Kankuro snickered.
"She seems quite temperamental. My big sister is fond of raising me alongside mom, but she just pulling my ear at most when we argue. She is a Vet and a very calm nature for being an Inuzuka. Mom said it's after our dad."
"He is not around?" Kankuro asked with hesitation.
"Mom drove him away when I was 6." The brunette smiled big. "Her temperament makes Temari seem soft."
"Hn. Hopefully they won't meet and join forces."
"Agreed! So how about your parents?"
Kankuro went quiet for a second. He never talked about his family with anyone. But for some reason, he felt he could talk with Kiba. The kid didn't seem noisy and shared a fair part too. It was equal exchange of information. "Both dead…"
Kiba knew there was that possibility and was going to leave the subject, when the puppet master continued unexpectedly. "Our father, Rasa, was the fourth Kazekage. He was killed by Orochimaru before the Chunin exam. And our mother Karura, died giving birth to Gaara."
"The Chunin exam…" Kiba thought out loud and he recalled the damaged that was done to the village.
"Did…you lose anyone in that incident?" Kankuro asked stiffly. It was an awkward conversation to say at least. His village trying to destroy Kiba's village was not the best topic when to bond.
"No, I was lucky. And I missed most part of it. My teammate Hinata collapsed before Gaara's match. She received help from a guy we thought was a Konoha ANBU. Turned out, he was an enemy in disguise. He ambushed me because Akamaru identified him. And at the same time, ninjas from the hidden cloud village, who had come to Konoha as spectators for the exams saw an opportunity to kidnap Hinata and bring the Hyuuga clan's powerful bloodline out of the village. So me, Tenten and Neji left the village and managed to save her. When we came back, most of the damage was already done."
"Of course I like to say that those damn cloud ninjas were scum for pulling a stunt like that, but I guess I would be a hypocrite." Kankuro said as he leaned against the kitchen bench.
Kiba shook his head. "Look, this is really bad subject. And our villages managed to solve this peace treaty. Personally I think you had your fair share of hurting on your end. I agree with Naruto when he blames that Orochimaru-bastard. To believe one of the legendary Sannin to go rogue like that…He seems to have been involved in most tragedies concerning Konoha. Anyway…you guys came to our rescue at the Sasuke-mission. We have been good after that, and the bond just gets stronger."
"That's very generous attitude to see it like that."
"Well, our ninja world is cruel and messy. Not everything is black and white. If there is something I've learned is that everyone is hurting somehow."
Kankuro's stare fell to the floor. "Yeah… that's about right." The silence where instant but at the same time comfortable. Kankuro realized that Kiba and him was on the same page. Who would have thought they would get along like this? A sudden knock on the door bought them back to reality and the puppet-master went to open it. A Chunin was waiting on the other side and bowed respectfully at him. "Kankuro-sama, I have a message for our Konoha guest from Kazekage-sama. Is he present?"
"Yes, I'll take it. Thank you." Kankuro accepted the note and closed the door as the ninja left. Kiba approached him and accepted the note. Kankuro read the Inuzuka's face. "Something wrong?"
"That's strange. Your brother wants me to stay in Suna over the night. Says here he will summon me tomorrow."
"He probably want to send something to Konoha with you, but don't have the time to do it today. He is very busy right now." Kankuro moved away and walked over to the closet. He pulled out a spare blanket and a pillow. "Since you are obviously are staying, you can take the couch again."
"Then I can make the dinner." Kiba offered.
"Only if I get to decide what to do after."
Kiba raised an eyebrow, ignoring Akamaru's low growl by the couch. "What do you have in mind?"
"You are such a cheater!"
Kiba laughed and picked up the cards Kankuro threw on the bedsheet. "nah, you are just a sore loser."
After dinner Kankuro had brought a bottle of Sake from the kitchen. They were now sitting on Kankuro's double bed with a nightly view over the Suna streets nightlife. Kiba glanced around in the bedroom while mixing the deck of cards in his hands. It was quite big, and the best part was obviously the pent house view. But it was also relative empty. Like Kankuro didn't spend much time decorate it. No pictures or decorations on the walls and only one nightstand on Kankuro's side of the bed. It was a door that Kiba guessed was the closet. The Inuzuka couldn't help but wonder why there weren't any family photos.
Kankuro took another shot of sake before he refilled the small cup. "Of course I am: that was your third win."
"I have to admit. When you said Sake, I expected a night out with your friends or something."
"Yah, like that would happen…"
"But this is great. Don't feel like getting into more trouble today."
Kankuro grinned. "No? Where is you adventurous side?" Kiba grinned back and handed out a new round of cards. "It's here! But getting on your sister's nerves again is more like death wish than adventurous. Oh, I forgot. Hm… personal question…" he couldn't help but laugh out loud as Kankuro emptied another shot of Sake.
"How long have you been an alcoholic?"
"Shut up, it's not that bad. I like to have a few shots at night when I'm free. Even if you would have left I would serve this stuff tonight. What? Just because you are a softie with the liquor."
"I can drink when going out with the teams back home. We go to BBQ and hang out. But I don't drink when I'm alone." Kiba did however empty his shot and didn't complain when Kankuro was fast on refilling his cup as well. He didn't want to lose to the bastard. This round of cards however, Kankuro came out victorious. "Finally! Ok, so what are the rules again?"
"You decide on question or dare."
"Fine. Question: That girl you mentioned before. Hinata? Is she your girlfriend or what?"
"I had a crush on her back at the academy and when we first became a team. But then it turned out it was more of big-brother feelings I had. And I consider myself lucky for that, because the girl is obsessed with Naruto since who knows when."
"Really? What does she sees in that dope?"
"I have no Idea. Must be using her Byakugan to find something decent there…now, I'm going to kick your ass in this round." A few minutes after, Kankuro let out another groan of defeat. "That's the second time you have that hand!"
"No, it was slightly different. Don't throw the cards!"
Kankuro got off the bed and picked up two cards that had escaped his hand. They were spread out on the duo's abandoned shoes on the floor. As he got up again, he was taken off guard when Kiba suddenly yanked his black hood off his head. "Ha! You are a brunette! I always wondered!"
"You could have just asked." The puppet-master drew his fingers through his neck awkwardly, feeling quite naked. Kiba returned the hood but he decided to relax, putting the fabric on the end of the bed before rejoining the other. The moon was high in the sky now, giving a nice light into his bedroom. "You don't get a question now. That was a secret revealed."
"I take that secret with me to the grave." Kiba laughed. They took a good few shots more of sake, before Kankuro admitted defeat in cards. But it was okay, as they continued to talk heatedly between training and tactics. "Don't try and deny it. You may call them silly dolls but I know how impressed you were when I saved your ass against the crazy twins."
"I clearly remember that container, what's it called?"
"I have Karasu navigates the enemy into Kuroari's torso. Then I have Karasu stab them. It took me six months to learn how to enter all swords through the slots at the same time."
"That technique is brutal." Kiba commented.
"But very effective."
"Quit saying you saved my ass. I repaid the favor."
"As I recall you and the other guy was mostly in the way."
"We gave you a signal!"
"How should I know your signal!?"
Both laughed out loud at the memories. "Hopefully we would be a better team today." Kiba said and leaned back on his hands, looking at the moon view. "Gaara… I remember how he changed the landscape against that bad guy who kidnaped his student. Hey, was that the same girl who we teased earlier today?"
"Sure thing. Matsuri is training hard, but in my opinion she is too gentle and soft to be a ninja. But Temari has taken over her training since Gaara became Kazekage so it will probably be fine. Just as long I don't have to. I hate kids."
They both took another drink and continued to talk some more. It turned out the conversation just went on and on. And no one noticed how time passed until they fell asleep…
Kankuro groaned a little as something woke him up. The room was way too light, so he was sure he had overslept. The traces of sake made his head feel heavy. When was he going to learn? Other than that he felt fine. Well rested and relaxed. So what woke him up? He stretched out his arms and got startle as his left hand was met with resistance. That was not right. His bed was wide enough to stretch at any direction. He turned his head and eyes widened in shock. "Oh shit…"
Kiba was sound asleep next to him. The brunette lay on his side, facing Kankuro while hugging one of the pillows. He had removed his forehead protector at some time, making his brown locks almost cover his closed eyes. Kankuro thought Kiba looked even wilder without it. The puppet-master didn't know what to do. It felt wrong to wake the other up and order him to go to the couch…and it felt awkward to just go back to sleep. What if Kiba woke up and threw a fit?
Kankuro reached out his hand again, conflicted on what to do. The Inuzuka looked to be totally out. Then he was interrupted at the sound of the door. That must have been what woke him up… With another groan he reluctantly got up from the bed and walked out to answer the door…
Kiba woke with a small startle as Akamaru licked him on the nose. "Akamaru? What's wrong?" He whispered and felt confused. His companion was standing on the bed he slept in but he didn't recognize the room. Then it hit him, he must have fallen asleep in Kankuro's bed. He looked over but the other wasn't there. Akamaru took his attention again, puffing his shoulder. "What is it boy?"
Kiba followed the dog as he jumped off the bed and very silently approached the door. Then he understood what it was…he could hear voices in the hallway. Carefully he sneaked up to the door next to Akamaru and peeped out from the bedroom.
"Kankuro-sama, I ask you to reconsider." A ninja was standing in the doorway with a very concern face.
"I won't." Kankuro said firmly. Even though he could only see his back, Kiba could see how tense the Jonin was. "I'm not accepting another mission. I'm currently a guide to a guest from Konoha."
"I'm aware. That's why Kazekage-sama sent me. I will take over as guide for Inuzuka Kiba while you go…"
"Out of the question! You have my answer. Leave my apartment."
"Kankuro-sama, I'm following orders. If you have any complaints then take it up with your brother…"
"What is it you don't understand, Kiba is staying here. He was assigned to me. Last warning, leave now or this will get ugly!" Kankuro growled out and slammed the door in the other's face. Kiba crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe as Kankuro turned around.
"What is going on?" he asked firmly and shook his head. "And don't tell me nothing."
"Apparently Gaara appointed me on a stupid B rank mission."
"And why won't you go?"
Kankuro raised an eyebrow at the question and approached Kiba. "I'm here with you." he said simply.
"What? You think I'll get in trouble? They had another ninja assigned…"
"I don't want to hand this over to someone else!"
It was Kiba's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Why?" He almost tipped his balance as Kankuro pushed passed him and went back to bed and lay down.
"Kankuro?"
"Does it look like I want a conversation? Shut the fuck up, I have a headache." The Jonin said, resting his arm over his eyes to block the light out.
Kiba sat down on the edge of the bed. "That does happen when you drink too much." He didn't flinch as Kankuro sat up and glared at him a few inches of his own face. "What the fuck is your problem? If you want another guide then fine, leave."
"If it will keep you out of trouble then I will leave. I don't want you to miss out on a mission because of me." Kiba said and started to leave. However he was forced to a halt when Kankuro grabbed his arm. The Jonin ignored Akamaru who growled from the doorway.
"I don't need you to protect me, Inuzuka. I handle my own business with my brother, you don't need to do anything. You are here on a visit."
"But I can't just ignore it when you are acting this strange!"
"I don't."
"You are! It's like you don't want me to leave your sight."
"Fine! I don't! Are you happy!?"
The room fell into a heavy silence. They looked at each other either knew what to say. But in the end, Kankuro had to break the contact. "I don't have any friends." His hand let go of Kiba's arm but the Inuzuka didn't move away. He carefully sat down to show Kankuro had his attention as the puppet-master struggled with his words
"Gaara know a whole life of solitude, hurt, and pain. But he changed his stars. What he didn't know was that he wasn't the only one carry that curse of alientation. Marked as Gaara's brother and sister was not easy when trying to get friends. Even to this day, people might be more open too Gaara. Damn, some people even care and look up to him now. Acknowledge him as both Kazekage and a person. But I'm still the same. Just cold and ruthless Kankuro of the Sand." The puppet-master shrugged. "It went alright for a while. Being a ninja doesn't give you enough time to focus on friends when there are missions to take care of. But now…you keep talking about your friends and the teams…going to BBQ and stuff. It tells me you find new friends all the time. So I…"
Kiba tilted his head to the side curiously. "You what? Thought I would forget about you if I got another guide or met another person in Suna?"
Kankuro let out a snarl and looked away; he hated to talk like this. He felt vulnerable and weak. Maybe Temari was right, feelings was for soft people. However the Jonin was startle as Kiba suddenly jabbed his fist into his shoulder quite hard. "What the hell are you doing?" He yelled, holding where it surely would leave a bruise.
"You are such an idiot." Kiba laughed. "I wouldn't just forget about you if I met another person. I'm not like that. I thought it was obvious that we were friends."
"It might be obvious when you have a lot of them. How should I know?"
"Well now you do. So don't worry about that. You are stuck with me puppet-freak." He grinned loving how a spark in Kankuro's eyes. "What did you call me, mutt!" the Jonin let out a growl as Kiba avoided his jab. "You heard me, doll-boy!"
"That's it!" Kankuro got hold of Kiba's neck and pulled the other down before the Inuzuka got time to run. He tried to pin Kiba's hands on the mattress but Kiba put up an equal fight. "I'm a close range-fighter." The younger grinned and swiftly put up his knee in Kankuro's rib, getting him off balance. But Kankuro was fast and on top of him once more. "See if that's helping you if I strangle you, cur!"
" Haha,you are feisty when you have a hang-over!"
"I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face." Kiba let out a yelp as one of the pillows was pressed over his face. "Let see you roll out of this one…son of a bitch!" the Jonin double over as Kiba struck his kidney with a precise hit. The brunette took advantage and pulled the pillow away, rolling them over and was sitting on Kankuro's back: pinning him to the bed instead in no time. "What did you say, I couldn't hear you buddy."
"Get off me you beast!" Kankuro growled in pain as Kiba twisted his arm hard to keep him in place. "Should I return the favor maybe?" Then Kiba froze as he heard something in the distance. Even though involved in an playful fight his senses kicked in automatically. "What was that?" He got off the Jonin, crawled over to the head of the bed and opened Kankuro's bedroom window. There he saw a suspicious dust-cloud about two quarters away. It was getting bigger and bigger.
"Kankuro, something is wrong…ough!"
Kankuro showed up in the window, taking in the scene while putting all his weight on Kiba to be able to see properly. Kiba's face was pressed against the window-frame. "That's the orphanage!" The second later Kankuro had left the bed.
Kiba recovered and crawled over the bed as well, looking for his shoes and leather jacket. "Akamaru! Let's go, see if we can help as well."
The dog barked in agreement and a minute later, the trio was rushing out of the apartment.
The street had been filled with people who observed the spreading cloud while screaming for help at every direction. The ninja trio had quickly taken the roof way towards the damaged area to avoid the crowd. Ninjas from Sand joined them on all sides, trying to reach the orphanage as quick as possible.
Kankuro and Kiba got shocked as they arrived at the scene, landing in front of a degrade building of stone. "The orphanage is gone…" one ninja on Kankuro's left said. The Jonin started to look around for witnesses.
Kiba turned around as three other Ninjas ran up to them from another street. "My god! W-we were practicing Doryūheki,(Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall) on the street next to this. The vibration must have spread under the ground!"
Kankuro immediately took charge. "You, get this report to Gaara and confirm that reinforces are on their way!" he said to the ninja next to him. "The rest of you, start digging for survivors, but be careful! There is still much of the building that can collapse!"
The remaining ninjas spread out and started to look through the remains. It didn't take long before children were being pulled out from under the rocks. "We need the medic team here, NOW!" Kankuro yelled and a few other ninjas ran away to find their colleagues. More ninjas arrived to help and the scene became more and more hectic.
"Kankuro!" The Jonin looked over at Kiba. "Shouldn't we have earth-ninjas here as well. Maybe they can try to stabilize the rest of the building."
Kankuro nodded and pointed at the ninja next to Kiba. "You heard him, find ninjas with earth-elements. But only Jonins! We need the experts here!"
"Yes, Kankuro-sama!"
"ARRF!" Kiba looked at Akamaru who started to dig and crawled under some rock- foundation and he quickly followed the dog. "Careful boy." Soon Kiba saw what Akamaru wanted to show him. A little girl was covered in dust, with a huge gash in her head. He reached for her and pulled her into his arms, quickly checking for a pulse. He sighed in relief as he felt a steady one. "Good boy, Akamaru." Carefully they crawled back out and Kiba handed the girl to the closest medic ninja.
Temari arrived at the scene and immediately helped two other ninjas lift a big piece of rock away. "Kankuro! Have you sent someone to Gaara!?"
"Yes," her brother called back, not stopping removing stones.
"And have you requested earth…"
"Yes, and more medics too!"
"Good." She confirmed and cursed as a ninja pulled out a boy who was too crushed to be alive. "Keep looking for survivors!"
A woman yanked in Kankuro's arm. "I'm looking for my son! He could have been in this building, please!"
"We are looking the best we can." The Jonin said, not stopping to lift away the heavy stones. "If you are cable of help removing stones, then do. If not, please back away and let us work." he told her firmly, but the woman quickly moved on the next Jonin. She was in too much of a panic to listen to words.
Temari dug her fan between two rock-blocks and bend them apart while looking around for more signs of life. Two other ninjas approached her and she pointed to another heap of stones. "Start there!"
"I need some help over here!" was called from the other side of the building. Kankuro quickly moved over and met Kiba there at the same time. "I think I heard a voice under here, but we have to get through this piece of wall first."
"Can we dig under it?" Kankuro asked.
"No, this wall was unharmed when the building came down. And the real entrance is blocked. This is the fastest way."
"I can get through that." Kiba jumped in on the conversation, causing both Suna ninjas look at him. "But my attack might cause the rest to collapse."
"Then we get someone here who can support it all after you are through." Kankuro said.
"Got it."
Kiba lined up a few meters away focusing on that wall. Akamaru barked but he shook his head. "I'll take this one, boy. Our combine attack will cause too much damage." Kiba signaled to Kankuro that he was ready and two ninjas with earth- element ninja joined him. As they made their hand signs, Kiba clapped his hands together before slammed them onto the ground, his nails already out. With a leap he threw his body into the air and spun until he created his whirl of attack. "Tsuuga! (Fang Destroyer)
The stone wall gave in to his attack like nothing, just like he thought. But then he had to move quickly. As he landed on his knees under the building- ruins he located a child and he threw himself forward and covered the boy with his own body as he felt how the roof came down. That until another force from the ground rose around him and started to support the roof, causing him to sigh in relief; the earth Jutsu had worked.
The boy was maybe five years old. He was crying and clutching on Kiba's leatherjacket with all his strength. "It's ok. You are safe now." The boy was in too much shock to say anything but he managed to point with a shaking finger to Kiba's left. The Inuzuka followed the direction and found a small arm on the ground. The rest of the owner's body was buried under big heap of remains.
Kiba swallowed and slowly approached the arm. He knew it was probably too late but even so he reached out and checked the pulse on the small wrist. Feeling no sign of life he cursed to himself that it all had happened. What if they had made it sooner?
"Kiba! You have to come out! Kiba!"
Kiba was pulled out of his thoughts at the sound of Kankuro's voice and he started to crawl with the sobbing boy in his arm. The current roof was low and the dirt was loose, making it hard to crawl very fast. He heard cracked sounds above him, giving him a good hint why Kankuro seemed so stressed.
"He is ok." He called out. As he reached the opening he was met with a hand with a black fingerless glove on. He accepted Kankuro's aid and was pulled up from the hole. "You too?"
"Yeah."
"Kankuro-sama! MOVE!" The earth-Jonin screamed and gasped. "WE CAN'T HOLD IT!"
The duo looked up and saw how a big part of the building wall leaned towards them and came down fast. Kiba felt Kankuro grip his arm and was going to jump out of the way but the boy pulled in his jacked made him loose his balance and fall on his knees. He didn't have time to take a new foothold so he did the only thing he could. Protect the boy with his own body once again.
Kankuro had only taken two steps when Kiba fell, making him turn around, halting his own escape. "Kiba!"
"Kankuro down!" The Jonin heard his sister's voice and did as he was told by instinct. Temari gave out a high yell as she waived her huge fan. The wind, mixed with her chakra stopped the falling building and made it crumble at the opposite direction. The area was covered with new cloud of dust…
Heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway toward Gaara's office. They were both rushed and firm.
"Temari-sama! Kankuro-sama! Now is really not a good time to talk to your brother, I must insist…!"
"Out of our way, Naki!" Temari yelled and literally pushed the Kazekage's assistant out of the way. "Don't try and stop us!"
Kiba was following the siblings but kept in the background. Akamaru's nose nudged his hand telling him of another presence coming up behind them. Baki didn't pay the Konoha-duo any attention as he caught up with the group just before they reached their destination.
"The situation at the orphanage, report now!" he stated firmly but Temari was busy slamming in the door and entered the office.
"Gaara! Where were you, we needed you out there…!" Temari halted, causing Kankuro to walk into her back with a grunt.
It turned out that their little brother was not alone. The Kazekage had company not only by two ANBU but by two of the Elders of Suna as well. The first one was an old man, with abnormal, big, white eyebrows. He wore white bandages around his head and had very sad looking eyes. The other was a very old woman. Her eyes revealed a very stern persona and she wore her grey hair in a bun and a purple headband. Both were dressed in classic Suna-robes to protect them from heat.
"What in the world is this behavior, Temari!?" The old woman roared at the new arrived ninjas.
"Chiyo-baasama!" The blond kunoichi bowed, completely taken off guard. Kankuro repeated the action, causing Kiba to do the same with an awkward delay.
"Gaara." Baki called out informally. "There is no sign of a threat after further investigation."
"What are you talking about?" Temari asked alarmed by the statement.
"It seems…" Ebizō, the elderly man said in a very raspy voice. "That an incident occurred in the village an hour ago. We put in the necessary precautions to protect Gaara from an enemy attack."
"Gaara." Temari turned to her brother with a concern face. "It was not an enemy attack. It was an accident."
"The orphanage collapsed due to an earth-jutsu session gone wrong." Kankuro took over and moved over to slam his hands into Gaara's desk. "We're been digging kids out for over an hour! Seven kids dead. We waited for you to arrive, cause your sand could have made a huge difference to keep the rest of the building intact while we worked. What happened Gaara!?"
Kiba didn't see any reaction on the redheads face, he was just as calm and stoic as he remembered him. But his tone turned out soft. "I wasn't aware of that."
"Didn't you get the message I send you!? I send a ninja to inform you of the situation!" Kankuro roared.
"That wasn't the only thing you did." Another voice behind Kiba replied, causing the group of people to turn around. It was the same ninja that had visit Kankuro's apartment the same morning. The ninja bowed before entering the room. "You seemed to send out a lot of orders Kankuro-sama. I was the one who received the message from the ninja you send. He did not inform of an accident, only the destruction of the building."
Temari looked at her brother, not knowing what to say. She had arrived after that information had been passed on.
"He shouldn't have missed that detail. He was right next to me when we were informed on the sight!" The puppet-master said firmly.
"And yet, since it was you who took matters in your own hands, I see it only fair you take the blame for the miss." The ninja replied dryly, causing Kiba to glare at him.
"You dare to blame me!?" Temari put a hand on Kankuro's shoulder to calm him down.
"No one asked you to take charge. You have not been Jonin very long to qualify as an emergency rescue leader. But I suppose your pride got in your way. A pity really."
"You son of a bitch!" Kankuro raised his hands against the other but Baki stood in between them. "Enough!"
"Kankuro did all he could." Temari stated. "As I arrived at the scene, he had already requested medic-ninjas and Earth-skilled Jonins. We all did what we could to save those children!"
"I do not state that Kankuro didn't want to save the day. I say he lack discipline and is full of arrogance. I was first witness to it this morning. I was clearly ordered to take over as guide for Inuzuka Kiba, but was denied by the great Kankuro-sama as he felt too good for a mission sent by his younger brother."
"Enough." Gaara stated.
"And may I put in that he was plain rude as well…"
"I said enough." Kiba almost flinched at the cold tone that washed over the room. Gaara had an amazing talent of sounding threatening while not even raising his voice. Even Akamaru felt the cold. As the dog could determine how powerful chakra one person had, it was a clear sign as the dog lay down by Kiba's feet with a small whine. It reminded the Inuzuka of that time on Forest of Death; where Akamaru had hidden inside his jacket the first time they saw the sand siblings.
"Leave us." He ordered but then nodded to his brother and sister. "Except you two."
It took a minute but then the room was slowly being evacuated. The old woman got up from her seat with her stern look. "We do not approve of this information Gaara. We leave you now as you wish, but do not make it a habit to dismiss your elders like this. You have not been Kazekage long. And it's clear that you still have much to learn about handling things around here."
Baki held the door open for the two elders, followed by the reporting ninja, the two ANBU, Naki, Kiba and Akamaru before closing the door behind them. The Inuzuka sighed a little and leaned against the wall opposite of the office. He was going to wait for Kankuro there, but Baki's sudden hand on his shoulder made him gasp in surprise.
"If you tell anyone about this…!" the Captain growled.
"I won't." Kiba answered. He wasn't going to act scared to please the other. But he still needed to be polite as a guest.
"You have heard nothing, and you know nothing. Gaara is Kazekage now and the last thing we need is a gossip in Konoha that Suna is being ruled by a teen with family problems."
Kiba didn't show a sign of pain despite Baki's fingers dug into his shoulder. "I would never speak a bad word about Suna or Gaara's family."
"You better not. I would hope a Konoha Chunin would behave with a proper standard. If you ask me, these problems only started after you got here."
"I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm not trying to cause any trouble. Now…. Please let go of me."
The frown on Baki's face got deeper as if he was trying to read Kiba's sincerity. But after a warning growl from Akamaru behind him, the Captain relented and stepped back and left the duo without a word.
"Arf arf!"
Kiba rolled his eyes. "Yes boy, biting his leg off would definitely making the situation better." He said ironically.
Kankuro was leaning on the desk again. "Gaara, I did send that message properly."
"Why did you deny that mission I sent?"
"C'mon are you serious? We have a collapsed building here with dead kids; can we stick to the subject?"
"I am. Answer me."
"What's this about?" Temari asked.
"Kōji was complaining about your attitude Kankuro, not your work. Clearly you insulted him."
"So what, Kankuro insults everyone. What the big deal?" the kunoichi dismissed.
"But he never dismiss a mission given by me. That has never happened before. So why now, Kankuro?" The redhead raised his chin when the Jonin didn't answer. "You don't have to tell me why. It has to do with our guest. I want you to tell me what's happening here."
"I don't know what you are talking about. I already had a mission. Why give it away because that jerk came banging at my door. He is a self-righteous brat."
"You are right. Kōji shouldn't have been at you apartment. He was sent to the inn Kiba was assigned at. But the inn-keeper said you had him checked-out. Kiba was living with you. You saved him the first night he arrived. You caused trouble at Temari's lesson the other day. And now you refuse a mission cause of him. I hardly need to say anymore. Start talking."
Temari became very silent, as if she was in deep thought. "What is there to talk about? I was assign as Kiba's guide. Kind of hard not to without actually spending time with him!" Temari now frowned as she heard her brother's argument.
"Spending time with him yes. But that doesn't explain him living with you. And it does not explain you refusing handing him over to another shinobi. His presence here is what is causing your strange behavior, Kankuro." The Kazekage's voice was harder now as he was sick with games. "Do I need to interrogate him? Are your hiding something to protect us?"
Kankuro's eyes widened. "You think Kiba is threatening me? Blackmailing me? Gaara, you are wrong. Kiba is very loyal to Suna. He stayed on your request. He has spent the last hour digging out kids for god sake! He even used his own body to protect an orphaned boy from getting crushed!"
"Quit with the bullshit, Kankuro. You don't defend people like this!" Temari yelled, obviously switching team from Kankuro to team Gaara. The puppet-master looked at her in surprise. "Well… I'm telling the truth here."
"You risked your life because of him." "What?" "Gaara is right. Something is wrong here. As the wall came down you had all time in the world to move out of the way, but you stopped because of Kiba." Kankuro had to let out a small laugh. "It would be kind of a bastard move- even for me- to just leave him there when he had a defenseless boy in his arms!"
"But that's not the reason you reacted. I saw you. You were…" Both Gaara and Temari watched their brother closely as the puppet-master slammed his fist against the desk. "You know what…I don't need this shit." The Jonin said and moved towards the door despite his sisters calling.
"Kankuro!" Kiba looked up in surprise as the door flew open and Kankuro marched passed past him, gripping his arm and pulling him along.
"Oi! What's going on?"
"We are leaving!"
"I can see that. Where are we going?"
"Anywhere, got a problem with that!?"
"I…guess not?"
Temari turned her little brother. "What should we do?"
"Let them be. I will handle this."
At this point Kiba was used to be dragged around by the other, so he focused to keep up the pace and not trip on the stairs down. Kankuro seemed to boil in anger but at least Kiba felt included this time in some kind of retreat and not being left behind.
"Are we going back to the orphanage?" he asked even though he doubted it since all kids had been accounted for, included the deceased.
"No." Kankuro confirmed a little harsher than he intended.
"Then wher…"
"Can you just be quiet and come along!? Anywhere but here!"
The canine handler rolled his eyes but decided to just go with the flow. That was, until, Kankuro made an abrupt halt. if It hadn't been for the grip on his arm, he would have fallen on his face. As he recovered Kiba peeped out from behind Kankuro's larger frame and recognized Kōji and the other kid Temari had called Naki, talking to each other in the hallway. As the Shinobi noticed the duo he stretched his own posture and gave Kankuro a dominant look.
"I was hoping to talk to you again, Kankuro-sama." He said but by the tone it seemed like he wanted to pick a fight.
"That wish is very one-sided." Kankuro said and continued to walk, Kiba followed automatically.
"I really don't see a reason for us to not get along Kankuro." Kōji tried again.
"Even you must see that Gaara has too many responsibilities to have to worry that we can't handle our differences. All I want is to avoid this pig-headed conflict in the future when we get our orders. Surely it will make our duty a lot easier."
"Kankuro had to smirk as he stopped right in front of the blond. "Poor little Kōji. You think this discussion in there was about you? Let me ease your worries. Your little speech in there is already disregarded and forgotten." He stated loving the hint of hate in Kōji's eye.
Naki couldn't help but to gasp, obviously worried that the two Suna ninjas would start a battle in the hallway. "Um…let's just get along, ok?" the assistant said in a shy tone.
Kankuro was done with the trash and turned to leave, when Kōji instead turned his attention to Kiba. For some reason it took all of the puppet-master's willpower to don't act on his instinct to pull Kiba along despite Kōji's greeting.
"Apologies, we haven't had the chance to formally meet yet. You can call me Kōji." He said and held out his hand.
Kiba felt Kankuro's let go of his arm, and he hastily turned around and accepted the hand. "Inuzuka Kiba. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise." The dark blond ninja smiled smugly. "It's very nice to have a fellow ninja from Konoha here. Let me assure you that I take my assignment from our Kazekage very seriously and will guide you with the best standard possible when all this embarrassing mess is sorted out."
In the corner of his eye, Kiba saw Kankuro turn around, most likely to punch Kōji's lights out. So he decided to interfere. It a way to make it look completely natural he put his arm around Kankuro's neck just as the Jonin turned around, making it seem like a friendly manner, he grinned big at the other.
"Thank you Kōji. I appreciate your offer, but I already have the best guide that Suna can offer me. Have a nice day." And with that it was his turn to pull a very confused Kankuro along, not even glancing back at the stunned duo left behind.
Kiba sat in the sofa, causally looking through a magazine. It had been over an hour and Kankuro had not spoken a word. The Puppet-master was sitting by a table placed behind the sofa, and the wooden surface was filled with puppet-parts and tools. From time to time Kiba could hear the Jonin muttering and cursing to himself, no doubt about the earlier conversation with his siblings. Kiba rolled his eyes a little when he heard tools being placed on the table with much more force than necessary.
The Inuzuka sighed and let the magazine drop next to him and he leaned back against the back support. He didn't know how to deal with Kankuro's stress. He wasn't sure if it was best to let the Jonin be, or confront him so he could let it all out.
But he did know one thing; He liked the Jonin and he felt himself get very affected by the situation. Like Kankuro's pain became his own.
What had happened in Gaara's office was unfair to say the least. Kankuro didn't deserve that kind of bashing. He had handled the situation with the orphanage like a leader should. Hopefully Gaara could see that. Or maybe he didn't. Was that the reason Kankuro was upset? Kiba became tired of sitting around doing nothing. He wanted to help Kankuro.
Like Akamaru could read his mind, the white wolf let out a grunt in disapproval, causing Kiba to smile. He simply ruffled the dog on the head before getting up from the sofa and move over to the table.
Kankuro felt Kiba presence coming over but he didn't know what to say. Surely Kiba would see there was only one chair and get tired of just standing next to him. He had been wrong. The puppet-master twitched an eyebrow in annoyance as the brunette simply jumped up on the table and sat down. Just removing a part or two from under his legs.
"Care to talk about what's bothering you now?"
"No." Kankuro said and yanked a puppet-arm away from Kiba's hands in annoyance. Kiba didn't say anything about it, just studied Kankuro's tense body language.
"Look… you shouldn't let what that guy Kōji get to you. He is probably jealous about your status." He said, ignoring Akamaru who walked into the bedroom, probably in protest.
"I know he is. He volunteered for the position by Gaara's side. But Gaara wanted me and Temari." He answered, not looking up while putting together another part.
"Then why do you let him affect you like this?"
"You know…I thought I told you I didn't want to talk about it." Kankuro let out a growl as Kiba this time yanked the screwdriver out of his hand and dodge the puppet-master's hand as he tried to take it back.
"I know you did. But I think you need to talk to someone about it."
"And why does it have to be you? You who…!" Kankuro stood up so the chair tipped over and slammed into the floor. With dark eyes of rage he yelled in Kiba's face. "Just get out of my face!"
Kiba frowned, but was not affected by the scream. "me what?" They were both interrupted by a high howl and a bang.
"Akamaru!?" Kiba jumped down from the table and rushed into the bedroom with Kankuro close behind him. As they entered the other room they found no sign of the white wolf, but loud noises came from the closed Kuroari's torso.
"You stupid mutt, Kuroari has an sensor that closes his torso as soon as something is entering him." Kankuro growled and took control over the puppet, making the hatch open again. Akamaru came out, a bit shaken and sought comfort at Kiba's side.
"Uh uh, you know better than that." Kiba said but still gave the dog a loose hug.
"Go and take a nap." He said, pleased as the dog did as told without argue this time. Kiba looked up at Kankuro who closed the hatch again.
"It's something I've done. I caused this fight between your siblings. Baki said I started this." The puppet-master turned to him.
"Baki did? He too?" Kiba got to his feet and approached Kankuro as he held his head in frustration.
"Why! Why! Why do they have to interfere!? Leave me alone!"
"Kankuro, what causing this pressure on you? What have I done?" Kiba held back a yell as the Jonin took hold of his shoulders and tried to shake him.
"You are here, inside my head. Why? The others sees that. What's with you Kiba?" Kiba pushed the other away and quickly moved over to the bedroom door, closing it in Akamaru's face.
"Stay here." he ordered against the protest. He then returned to Kankuro and blocked the puppet-master's hand as Kankuro tried to shove him away. "Let's talk about it." Kiba stated firmly.
"Are you crazy!? I don't want to talk about it!"
"I feel it too, Kankuro, let's sort this out!"
"How can I sort it out, when you are in my face!"
"Calm the fuck down!" Kiba had trouble keeping Kankuro at bay as the other tried to leave, so he tackled him causing them both end up on the bed with Kiba on top. Both were breathing heavily and Kankuro felt it again. The magnetism drawing him closer to Kiba. The uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. Kiba's brown eyes, staring deep into his own; exposing his private soul.
"I…I…"Kiba took a deep breath.
"Akamaru feel it too. I'm drawn to you…I don't know wha-!" the brunette gasped as Kankuro rolled them over, making him end up on top.
"Kiba…" the eye contact continued. Both trying to figure out what these feelings came from. Kankuro clutched at Kiba's leather-jacket so his knuckles turned white, but at the same time he leaned in closer.
Kiba wanted to let out his claws into Kankuro's shoulders to keep him at a safe distance, but at the same time he almost pulled the Jonin closer.
Kankuro's lips barely touched Kiba's parted ones. They simply brushed at one other, once…twice… three times. Kiba took in Kankuro's scent, letting it consume him. Their noses touched. And then there was another brush of parted lips. No one closed the distance completely but they both took in the other's presence and chakra.
"What are you doing to me, Kiba?" Kankuro whispered with a hoarse tone Kiba never heard before. He could feel the Jonin's breath against his mouth.
"…Kankuro…" Kiba gasped as the Jonin threw himself backwards with a cry of rage, breaking their contact, punching the pillow next to Kiba's head, before taking flight.
"Kankuro…Kankuro, no don't go!" Kiba crawled off the bed as well. The Jonin threw open the door, ignoring that he almost stepped on a growling Akamaru and rushed to the front door, not even closing it behind him. Kiba stumbled out from the bedroom, taking support on the doorframe while panting.
"Kankuro I'm sorry! Please!" He would probably be able to catch the other, but something uncomfortable held him back. Everything was ruined. Their friendship. Everything they had built. Gone in one stupid moment.
"No…damn it! Kankuro, do not leave like this!" he called out in the empty room before letting himself fall to the floor. "I'm sorry… I fucked up…"
Temari had just been at the Main Gate picking up the daily reports for Gaara. Her thoughts was disturbed as a loud banging sound came to her as she entered the hallway leading to her little brother's office. She quickly picked up her speed and gasped as she found Kankuro in the middle of the hall, slamming his fist over and over into the wall. "Kankuro!" "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck it all!" the Jonin roared, not realizing that his fist was currently losing the battle against the stone surface. Dropping the reports, Temari rushed forward and grabbed her brother's arm. She was forced to duck as Kankuro struck out at her in his blind rage, and she then swiftly used her fan to pin him to the wall. "What's gotten into you, baka!" "I can't!" Temari's eyes softened as she saw how her brother was breathing heavily and showing such vulnerability in his eyes. "Temari…I can't!" he gasped. -
Kiba was rushing through the Suna village, Akamaru close behind him. "Damnit. This was not supposed to happen. Kankuro where are you?" He had only stayed in the apartment for a few minutes before panic consumed him. He didn't want to lose Kankuro. They had messed it up but if this was the end of their companionship, then he would never forgive himself. Akamaru whined next to his master. The heat was too heavy to focus on his nose. But Kiba's distress was affecting him as well, so he was not ready to give up.
The duo made a halt on a roof-top and Kiba scanned the streets below but there were no sign of him. Just as he was going to continue he cursed mentally as he felt a well- known ninja presence behind them. That could not be a good sign. "Inuzuka Kiba of Konoha. You have been summoned." A Suna Ninja announced.
"I thank you for your service here." Gaara stated. "Your mission is complete. Please send my regards to Lady Tsunade." Kiba glared at the floor in defeat, but forced himself to bow respectfully. "I assume your message is done for me to bring to her?" he asked, but already knowing the answer.
"After reading the scroll you brought, I found there was no need with a hastily replay. I'm sorry for kept you here unnecessarily."
"No need for an apology Kazekage-sama." He bowed once more.
"I will be taking my leave as you wish." He dared to say, but was not able to read Gaara reaction. The redhead had a mysterious calm that was out of this world. As Kiba turned his back he took two steps before his stomach twisted painfully.
"Something wrong?" Gaara asked at the obvious discomfort from the brunette. Kiba didn't turn around, as he felt himself holding back his emotions.
"Kankuro…may I say goodbye to him?" he asked in a mere whisper. The silence between Gaara's answer was like needles and the Inuzuka almost screamed out his frustration.
"….I'm afraid Kankuro was sent out on a urgent mission an half hour ago. He won't be back for a couple of days."
"…. Please…tell him thanks for everything."Kiba didn't wait for a replay, wanting to get out of that office as quick he could. Akamaru and he walked in silence back to Kankuro's empty apartment to pick up their belongings. He half expected the Jonin to be there, working on his puppets. But he realized that was too easy. Kiba put on his backpack, watching the table with abandoned parts. He wondered if he should leave a note. He really wanted to leave a note. Explain. But he didn't know what to write. He wasn't sure why it went so bad. That panic in Kankuro's eyes would haunt his mind years to come. How could he have been so reckless? Despite being a ninja he had let his feelings get the best of him, not caring about the consequences. And now he had ruin Kankuro's trust. No, it was best not leaving a note. Kankuro didn't want anything more to do with him. And he would respect that wish.
The walk towards the main gate was a heavy one. He passed the inn he had been assigned to. If only he had reached that place without being jumped. He also passed the restaurant he and Kankuro had shared breakfast. He had laughed so hard, having the best time with the Jonin. Last, as if the fate wanted to punch him in the gut, he walked past the training ground, where they had played the prank on Temari's students. The girls were there, working hard on their kunai-skills. As he passed them they took noticed of him and whispered between themselves like typical schoolgirls. He ignored them and picked up the pace, the funny memories of his and Kankuro's great time together haunted his mind already. The sign out at the gate was a quick one. Gaara had already sent word that he would leave. He couldn't help but to feel like an illness that was being deported. Akamaru's nose nudged his hand but he hardly noticed as they exited the city together.
A pair of black eyes and a pair of green eyes were following the Konoha duo from a safe distance.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Temari asked.
"I'm not sure of anything."
"You better be. Gaara did you a favor, lying to him like that."
The blond lectured and put a hand on her hip. "You really screwed this up, didn't you? Getting involved with that brat."
"Kiba. His name is Kiba, Temari." Kankuro said roughly. He watched as the duo stopped at the main gate and talked to the guard. He had panicked. His emotions had been so unnatural for him, and he had screwed everything up. Once he realized what had happened between them, he had run off to his siblings, asking them to solve his mess. This was not who he was. Kiba was not a threat to him, and even if he was. Kankuro was not a person who asked his siblings to fights his battles. Hearing Temari bitching about it now, should be enough to get on his nerves, but it wasn't. It was the feeling of failure and loss that consumed him. He flinched as his sister's hand touched his shoulder.
"Do you really like him that much, Kankuro?"
"No!" He answered too quickly. "No…how can I?" he added, more to himself than to her. Temari didn't know what to believe. Never in her life had she seen her brother like this. Protecting her family had been her main job for years and she had been so used to have her brothers close that she never even gave it a thought that they one day would have separate lives. It didn't matter that Kiba was a male. It had been just as shocking if Kankuro would have freaked out over a girl. They were the three sand siblings of Suna. They didn't have normal lives!
And yet…she had been dragging her brother into the bathroom and forcing him down under the tab just to get him to cool down from his hectic state. The face-paint along with his sweat had been washed off, and she had continued to bandage his hand while getting the story out of him. And there was no doubt about it…not then…not now…her brother was in love… what an idiot.
A warm feeling filled her and she closed her eyes while smiling. She loved her brother. And it was only one thing she could do for him now. Guide him. It was her job as big sister after all.
"No, I suppose you are right. What would people think if you ran away with a stray mutt like that?" She said with the best overbearing voice she could master. "I say we avoided a real kunai there."
"Temari…"
"Honestly brother, I don't know why you got so worked up over him for? We are the three siblings of sand. You are the right hand of the Kazekage. You don't get overthrown by feelings! It's kind of funny if you think about it, right?"
"…"
"And even if we were to get interested in other people, which we are not, surely we would never fall to such a low standard like a Konoha-shinobi. I mean c'mon! The people of Suna are in a whole different league than those weak leaf-people. Am I right?" She already knew she had hit home with him as he turned to her with a determination in his eyes.
"I can't lose him, Tem." A cool breeze came over them and the two family members shared an understanding eye contact. Not wanting to be dragged into an emotional moment Temari leaned causally against her fan, letting out an annoyed 'tch' but couldn't hold back a small smile.
"Moron. Then why are you still standing here for?" It took a few seconds for the words to sink in, but then Kankuro let out a sigh of relief. And he started to run. Temari didn't move. She expected to see her idiotic brother to rush down the street any minute now like the fool he was. However, she did not expect to get an embrace from behind. "I love you sis." Was whispered in her ear and then Kankuro was gone again. Not even the cool breeze could cool down her blushing cheek. Kankuro felt like he was flying down the street. He had to make it. But what would he say? No matter what, this needed to be handled carefully and with a humbled approach.
Akamaru held back a whine as he gazed over the endless area of sand. Luckily the hot sun was starting to set, but the journey would still be long and tough. Especially without the normally joyful energy between him and his master. This time he couldn't hold back a whine. Kiba's condition was so bad it felt like it drained him too. He tried one more time to nudge his master's hand and even gave it a small lick but the result was the same as before.
With the Suna village right behind them, Kiba also gazed out over the open terrain. He felt empty and wounded. He didn't even have the energy to complain about the sand or the distance to Konoha. Even though he tried to keep himself together, it didn't last as he felt Akamaru lick his hand and he started to shake. "No boy…I'm not fine." He whispered with effort. He felt Akamaru's worry and forced to shake the overbearing feelings off. He needed to pull himself together damn it!
"Let's go home, Akamaru."
The wolf started to pace forward letting Kiba fall a little behind. Hopefully their comrades back in the village would be able to cheer Kiba up. Lady Tsunade maybe even had another mission for them when they got back. And there was always training sessions with the Inuzuka clan that would need Kiba's full attention. Tsume wouldn't accept any day drifting…
A sudden smell brought Akamaru out of his planning and he turned around to confirm the guess. The sight made him quite puzzled. He didn't expect this. He didn't understand it either. But what the heck…who could tell how humans worked? With that conclusion he let out a form of a snicker that he had picked up by Kiba long time ago. Kiba frowned at Akamaru's sudden noise. What was the dog being ironic about all of sudden?
He watched the dog for a second and then turned around and that was all he had time to do before rogue lips crashed onto his own in a passionate lip lock. Strong arms wrapped around his waist pulling him in an almost crushing hold. Kiba's felt how his chakra stirred in his body as he went into a defensive mode. But the next moment the very familiar scent of Kankuro filled his nose and he got excited of that instead.
Kankuro worked his lips against Kiba's. His earlier plan was gone from thought. All he wanted was to hold the Inuzuka close and not let go. Not when he finally realized how he felt.
The taste of Kiba's mouth was overwhelming him completely. He didn't care if the other couldn't breathe, he needed more. As one hand stayed on Kiba's back the other reached up to the Inuzuka's head, grabbing a fist full of brown hair and fabric of the forehead protector so he could so he could yank Kiba's head back for a deeper invasion. Kiba let out a mix between groan and moan by the pull but his arms found themselves locked around Kankuro's neck.
Even though Kiba parted his lips willingly for the other, it wouldn't have mattered. Kankuro entered his mouth aggressively, searching out his tongue for a passionate dance. Kankuro let out a moan of his own, keeping the grip of Kiba's hair steady as he tilted the head to the side from time to time to change the angle. After a while he reluctantly pulled away smiling as Kiba bit his lower lip gently at the end.
"I'm so sorry Kiba…for everything." He whispered with tension, completely worried that he would get rejected. He knew he had damaged much between them.
Kiba broke the eye contact and leaned in on Kankuro's side. The Jonin felt a hot breath over his neck, making him go crazy.
Kiba inhaled Kankuro's scent again. Loving the smell and letting it fill him up.
"You fucking Idiot…" he answered making Kankuro heart to stop. "…don't scare me like that." Kankuro let out huge sigh of relief, snickering at Kiba's sadistic humor to keep him on edge. Realizing he still had a grip, he pulled Kiba's head back, watching Kiba's smirk. The brunette seemed to like to be handle firmly. The Inuzuka was quicker this time, closing the distance between them in another passionate kiss.
This time he let the go of his grip and let both hands firmly stroke Kiba's lower back, excited to feel Kiba's entire body rubbing against his own.
As they pulled back a second time, they let their forehead protectors collide with a cling-sound. The Suna symbol pressing against the Konoha leaf in a new union.
"I'll see you soon." Kankuro whispered.
"Yeah…" Kiba nodded, before he felt Akamaru tunnel him so he ended up on the wolf's back. Akamaru made distance between them as it was time to leave. Kankuro already missed his new lover's touch, but he didn't say anything about it. Their parting was unavoidable. He was however surprised as Akamaru turned his head and wiggled his tail, before letting out a happily bark. Kiba was just as surprised as him, but then let out a laugh, translating his dogs comment.
"We'll see you soon!" And with that, Akamaru took off with his master; a new energy of happiness would get them through this desert in no time.
Kankuro got the urge to call out something like 'take care out there' or 'be careful in the desert' or even 'make sure you send an eagle when you are back home' but he didn't. In love or not, it was not his thing to fuss over his lover like that. And Kiba was more than able to get home safely even though he was a trouble-magnet. He was still a Chunin from Konoha. So keeping true to himself, he turned back to his own village, keeping his head high and not showing a sign what had just occurred between him and Suna's guest.
Kiba held back the urge to turn around and waive to his new lover. He wasn't that soft and sentimental. His new relationship did however give him such joy to life and confidence that they would be home in no time. And he looked forward what the future would hold for him and Kankuro. Akamaru barked happily and he let out another laugh with his comrade. "Show me what you got boy!"
And with that the duo left Suna behind them, Kiba's characteristic howl of joy echoed through the desert.
The End.
I really didn't want to start my new story without a prologue how this pairing came to be. Want their relationship deep and rock-steady for what's ahead of them. My next Main story will be called, "Don't let our strings break."