Blaze 1
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." — Andre Gide
"I'll be fine." Tami said flatly. She was packing for her first real mission in months. Her last real mission was when she went to a cafe with Mozuku to meet an informant. Tsunade wanted to send her out to Suna directly, as her mishap had interrupted the Ambassador plans the woman had for Tami. Although the younger blonde rejoiced over the idea, the other told her the bad news; not only was she to work with Gaara of all people, but he requested her specifically once hearing it was an option. In essence, he refused to work well without her involvement. So off she was to go to Suna. In nearly the opposite direction her heart wanted to go.
So there she was, preparing. Her darling Kakashi was there, staring at her from where he sat on her bed. His slouch was back, and a small but persistent mark of concern in his brow appeared ever since she had awoken in the hospital. She never implicitly told him about her Uncle, but as she hadn't found the note and the was a knowing look in his eye Tami knew he was aware. She turned back to the closet and started to riffle through the clothes. She just needed a couple pairs of clothes - it should be fine.
"I know." He said firmly.
"You know?" She countered, glancing back at him. The stubborn look in his eye told her not to question it further. For a man who had lost near everyone close to him, she understood why he was stressed. Usually he hid it far better, however now — now Tami could almost see the concern wearing him down. While trying to decide how to best handle this development, arms wrapped around her middle and a chin rested on her shoulder.
"Maa — Tami, stop worrying about me." He said gently.
"Oh? I'm worrying about you now, ah?" She teased, her hand finding his hair, ruffling through it.
"You already picked out your clothes for the mission. You've been staring at the closet for five minutes." He pointed out and Tami blanched. Maybe she had been concerned, "Let me be strong for you now."
She breathed out slowly, letting her shoulders drop. For just a moment she leaned back against him, drawing into him. The comfort she hadn't allowed herself to indulge in she finally sunk into.
"I know what it's like to fail the ones you care about." He murmured. Tami flinched and turned her head away.
"I-" She began, but wasn't able to continue. Her Darling, instead, held her tighter.
"Sasuke-kun-" she flinched as he spoke the name, "chose to leave. You did everything you could. Your Uncle wouldn't want you to trade places with him, if the novel was anything to go by."
She breathed in slowly to calm herself. That confirmed it for her - he knew.
"That novel," she murmured, "it did Uncle justice."
Kakashi nuzzled her neck, "he would be very upset with you if you did."
"And you?" She asked. He didn't answer, only holding her tightly to his chest.
Tami held his arms, squeezing them trying to return some comfort.
"I can't do that to you." She finally confessed, "Kakashi, Darling, I- as much - as much as I want to go and sneak in and rescue my Uncle. I won't do that to you."
He didn't move, but just continued to hold her. It didn't take long at all for the two to leave to go to the couch. Both of them needed the reprieve, the two reclined together. Tami's head resting on his chest, just listening to his heart beat.
She hoped that her Uncle wouldn't hold it against her for her decision. But she didn't know if she wouldn't hold it against herself. She was torn between the two most important men in her life. Even then.
The rest of the day, Kakashi stayed by her side. While the slouch didn't leave and the concern in his brow remained Tami did her best to not worry for him in return. Even when he left later that night.
Walking into the Hokage's Office early the next morning, Tami did her best to put her game face on. She couldn't worry about her Uncle - nor Sasuke. Although both were still flittering about in the back of her mind. Tsunade was there, at her desk behind stacks and stacks of papers. She barely glanced up when Tami entered.
"Welcome back." The woman said, still focused on the file before her, "You practiced before this right? How's the arm."
The buxom woman leaned back in her chair and eyed the other critically.
Tami hadn't even thought much about it. It was odd for it to so suddenly be gone. Like a mole or tattoo that mysteriously disappeared, she caught herself often double checking to ensure it hadn't shown up again.
"Well enough. I practiced a touch earlier. Everything seems…." She drifted off, trying to place the word.
"Seems?"
"To be working well enough." Tami finally finished. In fact it had. She was able to produce a third Shadow clone if pressed, and no longer had to deal with the delay - which of course had its drawbacks.
'No more getting out of genjutsu easily.' She thought sadly. It was a pity, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Her other little handy skills had sharpened some, but it was something she'd have to work on.
Especially if she wanted to show that no good, two-bit, vile cretin Kabuto what-for should they ever meet again.
Tsunade hummed, "And that means?"
"Chakra is working all well and dandy." Tami stated. The other woman huffed and pushed herself up to stand.
"When you return from this mission, I have other things to talk to you about. Particularly the Uchiha Compound." The Hokage said.
The younger woman cleared her throat and turned her head. It was everything she could do to not react further.
"Is there something wrong-?" She asked, her voice pitching awkwardly mid sentence.
"No. There's nothing wrong. Something has to be done with it. Since the last Uchiha is gone, there's some who think the compound needs to be destroyed. But we'll talk about that when you return." Tsunade explained, and glanced behind the younger woman.
Tami could almost feel someone there. Almost. It was the first time she'd had that sensation in her life. She tried not to think about it much as she stepped back and saw Shikamaru stepping into the room. He looked tired, bored and a little irritated all rolled into one. The boy glanced from Tami to Tsunade and his mouth pursed into a thin fine line.
"Now all we need is your leader." Tsunade murmured.
That caused Tami to pause - the only ninja she knew who was habitually late was-
That was when Anko breezed right into the room and the blonde did everything she could to not scowl. The woman's hands were stuffed in her pockets and a backpack hung from one shoulder.
"Sorry for the wait. We ready?" She grinned glancing between the group. The woman slung an arm around Shikamaru who turned to her with disgust and shock written on his face.
"Good luck. Remember - we're trying to improve relations with Suna. Work on the next Chunin exam plans. Now get going."
Anko let out a whoop and dragged a protesting Shikamaru with her. Tami stared after them in horror.
The last interaction she had with Shikamaru had been unpleasant and Anko herself was a mixed bag of wet-and-crazy cats.
"This is revenge for my matchmaking isn't it?" She asked Tsunade weakly.
The woman only laughed and shoved her out the door.
Tami took that as a yes.
Following after her jumbled mess of a team, she found that they were waiting for her outside.
Anko grinned cunningly at her, her teeth shining dangerously in the morning sun.
"Come on. Let's get going."
Regretfully, Tami started running with her group towards the west - to Suna.
Sasuke's life revolved around training at all hours of the day, now. Orochimaru had taken a keen interest in his development and growth personally. This was what Sasuke wanted, so he didn't complain. With the new training, he found new partners to work with. Kabuto, of course, and a handful of other Oto nin that flocked to Orochimaru's fame and charisma. The last Uchiha could say for sure he hadn't a friend there - save for the one friendship he cultivated at night.
Sasuke had the chance to meet a real detective - just like Batman. One that looked worn down by life and a little bedraggled most times Sasuke saw him. The dirty-blond man was very different from his niece, Tami.
More often than not, Oliver had a scowl on his face. His shoulders were hunched and his eyes were haunted. The Uchiha knew that look. He'd seen it in the mirror far too often. But Oliver didn't look as haunted or as scared. There was a focus with his pain that made the younger boy curious. Since his first introduction to Oliver, Sasuke came by from time to time to see the man.
What made him tick?
"You back again kid?" Oliver called out from his cell. Sasuke took a few seconds to compose himself and step out. He was sure he kept himself veiled in the darkness. How had the other man known?
"How did you know I was there?" He asked.
"Guessed." Came the reply he didn't expect.
"You guessed?" Sasuke repeated.
"Either you'd walk out or I'm talking to thin air. Either way, it don't matter."
"Yes, but…" The Uchiha paused; he took such a meaningless chance to be wrong?
"Kid - bein' wrong ain't the worst thing in the world. Just shows you where you're not supposed to be. Now if this was a life or death situation - then ya got a reason to worry." Oliver explained with a tired sigh.
Sasuke didn't know if his father would have agreed.
The older man eyed Sasuke for a moment and jerked his head over.
"C'mon - I talked the terrorist into leaving a game. You gonna leave this old man's mind to rot?" Oliver tempted. It took the Uchiha only moments to move on the request. With care, he stepped over, set up a chair, table and the shogi board on top.
Their game started shortly after he sat down.
"You get that letter out to my niece?" Oliver asked, not even looking up from the board.
"I did."
"Good kid. Knew you would."
Sasuke tried not to frown; he wasn't a kid. It had been a long time since he considered himself a child, but Oliver refused to call him anything else.
"I'm not a child."
"When you stop thinking like one, I'll stop calling you one."
Sasuke scowled moving his piece a little too fast.
"I don't."
Oliver overtook his piece a few moves later. He didn't even bother to say I told you so.
"You ran after a terrorist to train you. You turned your back on your people, your village and home. For… what?"
"There's a specific person I have to bring to justice." Sasuke stated.
"What does a terrorist care about justice?" The old man last Uchiha tried not to frown.
"I have a plan." Was all he could say. It was better to not say more.
"Whatever you say, kid."
Sasuke huffed. When the other man won the game, it only added salt to the wound. But, again, Oliver didn't comment about it so Sasuke did his best to take it in stride. They started in another game, and the young Uchiha was focused on winning. He would win.
"So tell me about this person?" Oliver asked.
"Why? You want to tease me about that?" The boy scoffed. He might have felt a little foolish from his loss and might have been taking it out on the older man.
Said man slowly looked up at Sasuke with a quirked brow.
"Near thought I heard my niece." He rumbled before sitting back in his seat and crossing his arms. "I'm not going to tease you. I'm making conversation."
It took him about three more turns to answer, "my brother."
Oliver hummed knowingly, but Sasuke doubted he understood.
"There's no pain like the wounds caused by family." The blond rumbled.
"He killed my clan." Sasuke said lowly.
Oliver made a low whistling noise and shook his head. "Sorry to hear that. You know why?"
"To test his strength. He said I wasn't even worth his time." Sasuke didn't even know why he was divulging the information. There was something about Oliver that made it easy to talk. It was almost as if he'd seen far worse than Sasuke's story regularly. The only thing the Uchiha could surprise the older man would be by any simple Ninjutsu. Anything else? The man seemed to have seen it five times over. Sasuke's jaw tightened and he stared at the board as if it insulted him. "My entire clan is dead. I'm the last one."
"Bull."
"What?"
Sasuke leapt to his feet with a scowl. Oliver only watched him, clearly unimpressed.
"Bull. You're telling me the entire Clan is gone. He murdered how many babies in their cribs, pregnant women, children - depending on how big your Clan is, but you weren't worthy? It don't pass the sniff test, kid."
"What do you mean." Sasuke said lowly.
"How was your relationship with your brother before this? You two close?"
The flinch the Uchiha had must have answered Oliver's question for him. The man hummed again and waited for Sasuke to calm down. It took a few minutes for his rage to turn to mild curiosity but it happened. Only when he finally sat down did the Detective continue.
"I want you to think for a minute. Think hard. If you were back home, and you decided to kill the people in your life - who would you have to deal with first? The ones who would stop you." He said, "Who would those be?"
"Tami… Naruto and Kakashi…. and Sakura." The Uchiha muttered out.
"Murderers who want to destroy their clan wouldn't have skipped you over because you were too weak. Something else is going on, kid. Usually, the first to go are the ones closest to them." Oliver explained. Sasuke sat back in his chair, shell shocked.
But he said - Itachi said.
And yet - and yet what Oliver said made sense. The Uchiha remembered how he reacted before leaving Konoha - how Team 7 and Tami tried their hardest to keep him there. How he had to go through them to leave and do what he wanted.
Oliver was right - it didn't make sense. But it also didn't make sense why his brother made him experience his parent's deaths over and over. He breathed in a ragged breath.
"Sasuke, you good?" Oliver asked.
It couldn't be though - why would Itachi lie? He couldn't have - wouldn't! His heart started to thunder in his chest as he tried to work through what the old man said.
"I - I-" Sasuke stuttered before racing from the room. He didn't stop until he returned to his room. He fell to the ground, gasping in deep breaths.
Why did Itachi lie?
The run to Suna wasn't near long enough for Tami to feel any better about her particular set of circumstances. The sun was bearing down hot on the back of her neck, but at least the air was dry. The landscape was near pure sand and stone - it reminded her of New Mexico, or even the Sahara. Beautiful rock and sand formations - but an edge of danger and mystery. Especially with the mission they were on. Tami quite didn't know what to expect.
Anko took the front while she and Shikamaru hung back. The dark haired woman looked thrilled. Tami and the newly designated Chunin didn't share the sentiment. They shared a look of discontent before the Nara scoffed and turned his gaze away.
It was too bad.
The little Sherlock would be a fascinating puzzle to pick at should she have a better understanding of him. Otherwise - well, she was a part of a group of an insane needle-throwing woman and a lazy genius whose father wasn't fond of strong women (that she knew of). Potentially, Shikamaru shared his father's sentiment.
It was possible.
Likely even.
'Grand.' She thought to herself as the gate to Suna was in view.
When they stopped at the gates, Anko did the talking with the guards. Tami did wonder if it was a good idea, with her experience with the woman - however she was professional and courteous.
Perhaps Tami was a tad overzealous in her assumptions.
"They're contacting the Kazekage's office and sending their representatives." Anko said as she returned. Her hands were on her hips, and her grin was still in place.
"So - long time, Walker. Good to see you up. Gonna be fun to work together again, huh?" The dark haired woman cheekily said.
"Thrilling." Tami murmured dryly. The last thing she wanted to think about was that. She lost far too much that day.
Anko either didn't catch her sarcasm or didn't care and tossed her arm right over Tami's shoulder.
"We're going to have so much fun." Anko said cheerfully, and it was then the blonde realized the woman was being annoying on purpose.
"Tons." She replied as she saw the representatives walking up.
The Suna Jounin who Kabuto had worked with was there, as well as the little blonde girl - Temari, if she recalled correctly.
"C'mon. The welcoming committee is here." Anko cheerfully said, she patted Tami on the shoulder and meandered over to the representatives.
"We'll be walking you to the office." The Jounin who was later identified as Baki stated.
Temari glanced from each of the Konoha nin face before landing on Tami's. Recognition flickered in her eyes before she turned away.
"This way." She said.
Shikamaru groaned out as they followed.
"What a drag." He grumbled as he fell into step beside the young blonde girl.
Tami quirked an eyebrow, glancing at Anko. The sly glance the woman tossed back told Tami she saw the same.
As the group was led through Suna, she kept an eye out. The architecture was simple but effective, near sprawling and crowded. Almost as if they were trying to stay contained.
As they went down winding roads and past thick crowds, Tami could see the selected onlookers in the shadows scowling in Temari's direction. A handful muttering under their breath as they went.
'Dissent.' She thought to herself, noticing the scowl in Temari's face. She could clearly see signs of defensiveness; the pre-teen had a clear chip on her shoulder. Her brother becoming Kazekage, while being so young, let alone having the father who beat her's for Worst Father of All Time.
The unrest that the siblings went through even then was probably nearly unbearable.
It was only when they reached the Kazekage Office did Anko let her go and nearly prance into the building.
Tami watched in mild horror as she went, 'There goes our fearless leader.'
The grumbling from Shikamaru echoed her thoughts.
As they entered the office, Tami could hear Anko asking various questions.
Temari and Shikamaru entered next, followed by Baki. Tami tailed in after, her hands slipped into her back pockets.
The room was rather large - open, with a desk, chairs and a set of sofas off to the side. That was where most of the people in the room were congregated. Her team was already there with the Suna nin. The Puppeteer Tami had seen in passing at the Chunin exams was sitting on the sofa, his arms crossed and face stern. A few older nin were present - clearly council members. Two elderly people; a woman with faded purple hair and a man with turban. Beside them sat another man with a full beard and also wearing a turban. In the back, sitting in his own chair was Gaara. His arms and legs were crossed and his head held high. The moment Tami stepped into the room, his gaze zeroed in on her. There was barely any recognition in his eyes, but a small amount of approval was there.
Tami approached the group when the puppeteer pointed her out.
"Hey, I remember you - we dragged you back to Konoha. How's it been?" The boy grinned at her.
Anko snickered and Shikamaru facepalmed. Temari shot her brother a dark look.
"Being dragged." Tami stated dully. She had hoped that reminder would be done. The Puppeteer chuckled at her. She made her way over as business started to go down.
And thus began the talks Tami had been dreading.
Politics.
Sitting there for hours, she listened to the struggle of who would have what part of the exams. Anko added in when she could - Tami keeping her mouth shut. The plan they formed was:
The first round of testing in Konoha and the second round in Suna nearly immediately after. In meaning - the first part of the tests before the preliminary matches were to take place in two separate places. The written part in Konoha, and the wilderness portion in Suna.
"Forgive me - but isn't this a little much?" Tami started, glancing between the faces. "We know the Akatsuki are after the Jinchuriki. Shall we send them a personalized invitation? There is no way we can secure that large of a space for the examinees to be safe. Assuming you are going again."
"They signed up for it." Anko shrugged.
"If they can't handle it they shouldn't apply." snarked Kankuro.
"I'm meaning - what's stopping the Akatsuki from killing a couple examinees and taking their place - and going after Gaara personally?" Tami asked.
The energy immediately shifted and Kankuro scowled. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Gaara.
"Actually, been wondering about that." He grumbled.
"We're planning to draw out the Akatsuki that way." Gaara confirmed.
"When was this decided?" Tami questioned.
"Last meeting." Shikamaru confirmed.
No one in the room was surprised - save for Tami herself. Her jaw dropped open for a second, glancing around the room once again.
"So you're glorified bait." She said, pinching her nose. There was a headache brewing behind her eyes, she could feel it coming on.
"I don't like it either." Kankuro grumbled, "but we can handle it."
"And the other Jinchuriki? We've no idea who else is coming. For all we know, a handful more of Jinchuriki are coming. I'd rather not deliver their goal on a silver platter." She said.
"Then what do you propose?" Temari asked.
The older woman leaned back and looked at the ceiling.
"I don't know - but this sounds foolish." She said flatly.
Shikamaru grumbled under his breath and glanced at her.
"Why don't we take a lunch. We will continue after." Goza said - he was the middle-aged man in the turban.
The group parted and as they were leaving Tami could feel the eyes on her as they left.
'Me and my big mouth - may as well have painted a target on my back.' She thought with a sigh.
Maya wished she could say she was attentive for lessons today. However her mind kept drifting. Ebisu had come by again to continue teaching her. She was staying in a large home, two bedrooms with a really nice study. The study itself looked so familiar, but she couldn't name it. The tree right outside the window of the study was just the right height for a visitor to sit upon, should a ninja wish to visit. None had, of course. Tami was keeping her distance so that those who knew their secret wouldn't catch on, and Maya knew no other ninja personally save for the obvious few. None of them had the time to visit and the one who did — he always used the door.
"You must focus, Maya-chan." Ebisu ordered, for not the first time. She might have her mind elsewhere.
"Y-yes, Ebisu." Maya stuttered, but after his pointed look she added, "sensei."
"Much better. I will not let you become like that other foreigner. Her blatant disregard!"
The man pushed his glasses up his nose, a firm frown plastered on his face.
Maya ducked her head, knowing he was talking about Tami. It was big talk, considering Ebisu had a heart to heart discussion with Kakashi and Asuma a few weeks ago. Considering the anger on their faces and the fear on Ebisu's, Maya could guess immediately what had taken place.
'Poor Kurenai and Tami… being spied on by a perv.' She thought to herself.
But to be honest, Maya was finding that wasn't all Ebisu was. While she knew he loved order, things being just so and perverted things — she didn't quite seem to see beyond that at first. For the month he'd been teaching her, she started to see that there is more to him. And the others.
To say she still saw him as an anime character was on shaky ground. For a manga character, he acted just as living as she did. Including having moments where he would space out and his mind would go elsewhere.
Through the month she'd been there, Maya was struggling to see anyone as a cartoon character. All of them seemed so real. Like she had gotten a look into a different universe and was able to see something magical - before arriving there. But her fear of change still made her freeze.
What if her actions or Tami's caused even worse things to happen?
What if when Pain arrived, Naruto wasn't able to convince him to stop?
What if Kakashi stayed dead.
Although Tami changed so much all ready, Maya was trying her best not to fault her. Tami hadn't known. But Maya knew.
But maybe - maybe she could help.
It was a tempting idea. She doubted she could stand by as the ninjas she looked up to died. Asuma's death was tragic and unnecessary. Itachi's was the final nail in the coffin for Sasuke's mental state.
What if her fears were lying?
"Ebisu-sensei, do you — when you're on a mission, are you ever scared things will get worse?" Maya asked, glancing up at the older man. Ebisu was a character who did experience hardship. Not directly, but he did face off against the Ninja Swordmen of the Mist with his team. That was when Might Duy died to protect them - and his son. Had that experience ever affected him negatively?
He was a ninja.
They made hard choices.
He should know something of Maya's concern.
Ebisu paused for a moment, pulling into himself. His arm crossed and his freehand stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"What an interesting question." He hummed, "I suppose I haven't thought of it that way."
'Of course he hasn't.' Maya lamented to herself. She nearly sighed in regret, but his answer shortly after stopped her in her tracks.
"I'm more concerned about ensuring my companions remain safe. If I have the power to do something, I will. I can only do what I am able to. To worry about what might not even happen is a waste of my time." The Jounin gave her a sparkling smile.
"I guess that makes sense." She muttered, pulling on her ear nervously.
'Was that-? Is that how Tami sees things? Kakashi?' She wondered.
How nice it would be to not have so many questions.
"What brought this on?" Ebisu asked her, his fingers wrapped around his chin curiously.
She jerked back and tried to hide behind a nervous giggle, "Oh - you know… just wondering. I can't imagine how hard it is to be a ninja."
The boost to Ebisu's profession and skill caused the man to puff up like a cooked pastry, and a proud grin graced his face.
"To think the daughter of Jiraiya-sama trusted me." He said to himself under his breath.
Maya gave an uneasy smile. She guessed Jiraiya was a better father figure than her own. He certainly wasn't a roaring cruel drunk. And he had been a good surrogate father to the Ame Orphans while he had been around them.
Her thoughts were interrupted again when a hand was placed on her head.
"Don't you worry, Maya-chan. If you're scared about something, just look into it more. Maybe you'll find you have no reason to be afraid. Or, at the very least, you'll know what to do." Ebisu advised.
Out of all the lessons she learned from the Tokubetsu Jounin, this one she took to heart.
However, first she had to get done with her language lesson. And then a direction. Maybe - maybe she could talk to Hayate. Maybe see how he is handling his new lease on life.
Certainly she'd be able to know what to do then.
Tami hadn't even taken time for lunch - her mind far too full. She instead found a place outside overlooking Suna. She just needed a decent spot - maybe some time to brood. Suna was beautiful in a way. The architecture itself was unique - a little similar to Konoha but everything was made of terracotta instead of wood. While it was obscenely hot with the mid-day sun, there was something just cold and isolating in the air. She was thankful for the small amount of wind and the shade she found.
Tami sighed, staring off into the distance.
Things were - what they were. Sasuke was elsewhere, her Uncle was captive and she was playing politics. She was in the middle of running her fingers through her hair when the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.
Someone was watching her. She didn't particularly care for that feeling. It was incredibly uncomfortable.
Tami straightened up, and turned to see Gaara standing behind her like a specter. He watched her unblinking and far too focused for her comfort, like a cat staring her down from across the room.
'Of course.' She thought to herself. She turned back around and nodded to the spot beside her. She wasn't quite up for a talk - but this was why she was there.
"Spot's open if you need it. Not like I could stop the future Kazekage from standing wherever he wishes." She commented.
The redhead stepped up beside her, just as quietly as any other ninja she knew. The two stared out across the distance, over the buildings silently.
"Naruto said you helped him." Gaara finally said.
"Oh?" Tami hummed, glancing over. She wasn't quite ready to give him anything - for all she knew he was still interested in destroying anyone he wanted. Although he wasn't showing any signs of aggression.
"You accepted him. You and his sensei Iruka. Why?"
Of the questions Tami had ever dealt with - she was near done with that one. She chuckled under her breath and shook her head.
"I suppose that's a long story."
"We have time." The red-head stated firmly. She laughed at his bluntness.
"Not one to mince words are we?" She replied, but the look she earned for that caused her to laugh harder. Anger flickered in his eyes, and she waved her hand. "Forgive me - it's just refreshing."
The rage in his eyes settled but the impatience was still there. His arms were crossed firmly over his chest as he waited for her answer.
"Well. Naruto may have mentioned you too." She began, "He told me about your - unique history."
The young boy turned his head away, his jaw clenching.
With a long drawn out sigh, Tami began her tale.
"My father was in politics - much like what this mission is here. When I was born - he didn't want me. As I grew up alone - he still didn't. Not until I fit that image he wanted to display did he ever even try to have time for me. It didn't last as I was - unruly. He kicked me out. Thankfully I had someone come into my life. Not everyone gets that chance." She said, "It was our thing. Be what you needed."
Slowly the young boy eased his stance and let go of the tension he was holding onto.
"Naruto… Naruto said that I was like him." Gaara muttered, his gaze flickered over to her. "But you're like us."
Tami huffed, "I think your story is far more rough than mine - but you're luckier than you know. You've family who cares."
"They're scared of me."
"Have they reason to be?"
"You saw my fight with Lee. You tried to stop it. You should know."
She froze before turning to him slowly. The matter of fact way he said it made her pause. She hadn't even thought he remembered her.
"I - I read people. Your expression said more than you know." She said. Gaara's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"What can you read from me?" He asked, his head notching up.
'That's a first. Most ninja don't like that I can read them.' She thought, and turned to evaluate Gaara.
"You're calmer now. I haven't seen any signs of aggression since our arrival. Considering you spoke about Naruto - he affected you more than you're saying. You've love written on your forehead, and I've noticed you often cross your arms. It tells me that you're not used to affection from others. You grew up comforting yourself. That tattoo is about self-love - not about actual. But from how you're acting? What you're saying? I'm thinking you want to change that." Tami explained shortly. The boy barely reacted - his eyebrows creasing as he processed what she said.
"All that from so little?" He asked.
"It helps that you're not the only one to use love to keep people away, luv." She sent him a weak grin.
Gaara's brow furrowed for a moment, "But I'm not your-"
"Just a quirk of mine. Rather senseless now." She dismissed her saying with a wave of her hand, "I mean nothing by it."
He nodded along, mulling over the information presented.
"How'd you figure out how to-" He paused to try to find the right words, "-handle it."
"I'm still figuring it out. If there's a one-size-fits-all fix, I'd tell you." She grumbled.
From inside the building, Tami could hear their group was reconvening. Her talk with Gaara was already wrapping up, so she sent him a small smile and went to head in. While she was going, he spoke up again.
"They said that you ordered the Anbu agent and Anko to come after us to help." He asked and she turned to face him.
"I did." She agreed.
"Did you also order to have Sasuke killed?" He questioned.
The blonde froze, her mouth falling open.
"What?"
"The Anbu agent tried to kill Sasuke. I thought you asked them to because he betrayed your village." Gaara explained. Shock hit her hard - Owl? Owl tried to kill Sasuke?
Why?
And why hadn't Anko said anything?
"Anko didn't say-"
"This was before she arrived."
Tami dropped her head and gaze, forcing herself to breathe in slow.
"No. No- No, I never asked him to. I never wanted him to do that."
"Kabuto interfered. Sasuke got away. I just thought that it might have happened.."
She shook her head fervently, "No. That's not - I don't do that."
"Oh." Gaara said and passed her as he went inside, "are you coming?"
Tami took a deep breath.
'The show must go on.' She thought, forcing herself to calm down. Owl had some explaining to do when she returned.
AN: So I won't lie. I rewrote this I don't know how many times. Every single time it was a nightmare. Tami was far too stressed, too sad, too much to really work with. And Kakashi being stressed out too with her made it all the more challenging. So instead of forcing it I started looking for different angles. And here we are.
I hope it wasn't too jarring that I switched from first person to third. This is no longer Tami's story and far broader than that. Maya will have a significant pull. Also - there were some changes to Sparks that were made - none of them were really major but they did happen to help what happens in Blaze…. As well as to clean up the patches where I struggled with the plot. It's not necessary to go back and look. I'll be doing my best to notate when those changes show up in Blaze.
Also - also - I actually really enjoy Ino, Anko and the various other characters (Even Shikaku, who can be sexist like his son). I really do. Tami just has so much personality that, uhm, they clash o_o this is part of the reason I try to make sure she doesn't get away with too much. She's skilled but she's a little stuck in her ways in certain areas. Part of my goal in this is to show the characters as who they are - even with their bad sides and good. I'm sad to say I feel like Ino hasn't had a fair shot so far, but she will. Tami and Ino are just so very similar in specific ways so they don't get along.