Hey guys, so I don't know if anyone noticed, but ToTM turns 1 year old tomorrow! WOOHOO! I would like to take a moment to thank each of you who have helped support me up through this point. I remember when I approached Tallman about my idea for a side story to his. I can tell you right now that Beki was just a joke; someone to point out the plot holes in the Naruto verse and a dumping ground for parodies of Mean Girls lines. What began as a series of notebook doodles and snippets of dialogue slowly evolved until I had a tangible working story with dynamic characters that I could use to explore more of the Narutoverse. I remember the anxiety I felt when I posted that first chapter (I had a whopping 34 views. I swear I refreshed that page 87 times that night).

I know that over the last year my posting regularity has varied, from two chapters a week (haha...those were the days) to sometimes once a month. For those of you who have stuck it out with me, thank you. I just want you to know that I really do listen to you and if you have PM'd me or left a review I have taken your thoughts and opinions into consideration. Its because of active community members like you that ToTM is what it is today. What was originally probably going to be a 50 chapter said and done story is this growing, evolving thing set within the universe of Love, Hinata.

I don't want to give too much away, but your support and the way this story has helped me grow as a writer has given me a sense of confidence as a writer. I feel comfortable taking risks, developing bigger and more complex story arcs, because I know you all will be there reading it. Some of you will even take the time to give me feedback and encouragement to help the process even more.

So here's to ToTM turning 1, and here's to you. May the coming year be just as fruitful and I think you are going to enjoy this next arc. Its the biggest one in ToTM history and it is going to get messy.

Slowly, Miki began to feel again. It started with sensing her own weight pressing into the soft surface beneath her and culminated in the increasingly intense throbbing pain in her head. That means I'm alive, at least. Her limbs felt like they had been turned to stone. Through the thick fog of her returning consciousness, Miki forced them up to her face. She ran her fingers over her face and up through her hair. She paused at the sizeable goose egg that had formed on her crown. Miki winced and inhaled sharply at the contact; the injury was tender to the touch.

"Awake at last," Miki heard Kabuto chuckle. "You should have only been out for a few minutes. I didn't expect you to be catching up on your beauty sleep."

Miki opened her eyes and found herself in an unfamiliar place. "Where are we?" She looked around at all the creature comforts in the room, like the desk, the chest of drawers, and the armoire in the corner. "Are we at a hotel?"

Kabuto was rifling through some papers at the desk and didn't bother to face her. "No, we're on the second floor."

"So, this is how you live," Miki ran her fingers over the sheets. "What's the thread count on these sheets? They feel like clouds."

"I wouldn't know," Kabuto was rolling up the papers and putting them in a rucksack. "I usually just sleep in the armchair." Miki's brow furrowed. Kabuto, as if sensing her confusion, added: "If I'm here, Orochimaru is usually present. I need to be ready to respond to his summons at a moment's notice."

"That makes sense," Gingerly, Miki sat up and swung her legs out of the bed onto the polished concrete floor. To be fair, the room wasn't a lap in luxury. It certainly had more amenities than the bunks but it clearly wasn't a long-term residence. Miki laid eyes on the bathroom, specifically on the tub, and her eyes grew wide with greed. "Can I take a bath? It seems like a decade since the last time I had an honest to God bath."

"Orochimaru wants a report on what happened ASAP," Kabuto closed the rucksack and finally turned around. "It's in your best interest to speak with him while you're still drowsy."

Miki thought for a moment and then nodded. "You think the head injury will excuse some inconsistencies in my story."

"Not to mention that you are the only survivor," Kabuto cocked his head. "Try to tone it down a little. We can't have you looking all bright-eyed, can we?" Miki flashed him a smile and he scoffed. "It's impossible for you, isn't it? You're just too shiny all the time."

"That's funny coming from you," Miki stretched. "I don't think I've ever seen you without a smile on your face."

Kabuto took ahold of Miki's arm and led her out into the hall. "You've spoken with Orochimaru before. When he asks you a question, answer him in a timely manner and don't mince words. He is a busy man and doesn't have time for a story."

"Got it," Miki nodded and then blinked, subtly scanning the hall. "He...he isn't, here, is he? How long was I out?"

Kabuto shook his head as he used his keycard to open the door. "He'll be on a conference call."

Miki narrowed her eyes at Kabuto and she tugged at his sleeve. "Then what's the big idea, whacking me over the head? Couldn't you just tell me to act like I had a head injury?"

"So I could tell him with clear conscious that you had a head injury," Kabuto explained. "Orochimaru has a bullshit detector like you wouldn't believe. That, and I would hate to falsify medical records. That goes against my good conscience as a doctor."

Miki sighed. "You're right, you're just too ethical for your own good." Kabuto flashed her one of his trademark grins as they walked into the conference room. He motioned for Miki to take a seat at the long table beside the phone. She surveyed the room while Kabuto fiddled with the buttons. The room was sparse and looked like it was only used for meetings. There was the table she was seated at, which looked like up to six could be comfortably spread around it. There was an empty sideboard and a mural of a few intertwining snakes adorned the long wall across from Miki.

"Hello, sir?" Kabuto kept his tone measured. "Yes, I have her with me. Nomura. She was Morioka's understudy. Yes. Putting you on speaker now." Kabuto pressed the button and then pat Miki on the shoulder to begin.

Miki looked at the clock. "About five hours ago, Morioka had sent me out of the lab to fetch some supplies. When I returned, he was dead. It looked like an escaped experiment so I followed Protocol C." Miki paused for a moment. She was so accustomed to normal conversation she had expected some sort of confirmation that Orochimaru had heard her. Instead, the static on the line grew louder and Kabuto shot her an impatient look. "I went down to Labs 1-5 first," Miki explained. "There were no survivors, so I went down to labs 6-10. My investigation of the site led me to believe that the incident began in Lab 7. The...grisliness of the killings seemed to be worst right at the site of the shattered glacier. Something had been inside that thing, sir. I guess it decided to come out."

"Kabuto," Orochimaru's voice, although not directed at her, sent Miki rigid with fear. The raspy, hissing quality of his speech was like something right out of a child's nightmare. "Have you had a chance to investigate the site?"

"Yes," Kabuto replied. "Nomura's story checks out. Per the tech's notes leading up to the incident the glacier had been behaving strangely, creaking and glowing from within. There's no indication of what was inside the glacier, sir."

Orochimaru scoffed. "I know what was inside the glacier. Do you think me fool enough to investigate something so dangerous without understanding its source?"

"I tried to pursue it, sir," Miki said compulsively, pinching herself instantly for speaking out of turn. She flashed Kabuto a glance to check how much trouble she was in. Instead of appearing furious, Kabuto had a passive look on his face. He waved his hand in a gesture of "go on". Miki steadied herself and continued: "I could hear it moving around on the floors above me. I made my way up to the surface. There was some structural damage it had caused. As I passed under it to pursue the thing outside the roof came down on me."

"Kabuto?" Miki had no idea how Kabuto could handle Orochimaru saying his name so much. When Orochimaru said something, it sounded like he was laying a curse.

"I came across her unconscious in the entrance. No sign of any other survivors. The creature was rather meticulous in its genocide." Kabuto explained. "It had dragged staff out from under beds and busted open lockers to get at them."

"That sounds about right," Orochimaru said half to himself. "Don't bother pursuing it. You're fortunate to be alive, Nomura. Take care of that base and head back here. That business I sent you to take care of can wait, Kabuto. This changes our plans somewhat."

"Yes, sir," Kabuto answered. "Thank you, sir." He nudged Miki.

"Thank you, Orochimaru sama." Miki bowed automatically even though she knew he couldn't see her. The line cut and Kabuto hung up the phone. Miki looked up at him and asked: "So, what did he mean by 'take care of the base'?"

Kabuto took ahold of the back of her chair and leaned on it. "You know the river about a quarter of a mile away from the entrance?"

Miki nodded. "Yes?"

Kabuto pulled her chair out from the table as he spoke. "When Orochimaru had this base built, they created canals leading from the river to strategic points throughout the upper levels of the structure. There are charges in the walls in front of the channels. On our way out, I stop in the security office and detonate them."

"So, we're flooding the place?" Miki stood up and walked out into the hallway. "We aren't taking anything, like the research notes?"

Kabuto tapped her nose. "I took care of all that while you were sleeping, which means," Kabuto pulled off his shirt. "We can go take that bath."

Miki grinned. "We do have the whole place to ourselves."

Kabuto took her arm and led her down the hall and around the corner. "That's why we're using the presidential suite."

When he opened the door and Miki saw the jacuzzi tub her jaw dropped. "You know, I thought this was going to be one of the worst days of my life. Ever since you showed up it just keeps getting better."

Kabuto walked over and started to run the water. Miki watched how methodically he moved around the room and couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of admiration for him. He was so good at everything. He was the second most powerful person in their village and here he was, drawing her a bath. "Thank you," Miki smiled at him.

Kabuto shot her a strange look. "What are you thanking me for?"

"Well," Miki walked over and leaned against the counter beside him. "I know you don't have to help me. I really appreciate you."

"Don't make this weird, Nomura," Kabuto tested the temperature. "It's not that I like you or anything. I just hate you less than everyone else."

"That's good enough for me," Miki's smile faded as she began to take off her jumpsuit. "Uh, Kabuto?"

"Hm?" He blinked at her innocently.

"Where are my underwear?" Miki eyed him suspiciously.

"Oh," Kabuto took off his glasses and set them on the counter. "I must have misplaced them when I mopped the gore and grime off you. I couldn't just let you stew in possible contaminants, now could I?"

"Creep," Miki splashed him playfully. Kabuto leaned slightly to avoid the spray and shoved her into the tub with one quick, controlled motion. Miki surfaced and shot him a testy look. Kabuto shrugged.

"Don't get my hair wet."

Miki folded her arms over her chest. "You wanna play hardball? I can go put my bra back on."

Kabuto was pulling some of the fluffiest towels Miki had ever seen out of a cabinet. "Try and I'll burn it. Then you'll have to jog to the next base bouncing like a set of beach balls."

Miki settled into the divinely hot water. She knew it was impossible the water was hot enough to sterilize her after everything she had walked through. Jogging through the flooded levels had left her feeling chilled even after her nap. "Then I'll make you cuddle me later."

Kabuto scoffed. "Ew, no. I don't cuddle."

"You seem content enough to cuddle while you're sleeping," Miki smiled wickedly.

Kabuto shot her a disgusted look. "You watch me sleep? You're the creep! How do I know you haven't molested me?"

Miki switched on the jacuzzi jets and imitated the bored expression he often threw at her. "I guess there's no way you can know. Get in the tub already."

…

Beki picked at the loose strand on the hem of her shirt. She had been kicking around the idea all day and as easy as it would be to walk away, Beki knew it was the right thing to do. The Kazekage stepped out of Tsunade's office, gave a polite bow, and then headed down the stairs with his brother in tow. As they headed her way, Beki took a deep breath and stepped out in front of them. "Hey guys,"

Based on appearances alone, Gaara experienced a mix of emotions. His face lit up at the sight of Beki but his body went rigid like he had heard terrible news. I guess the awkwardness from the other night hasn't quite worn off.

"Hey, Beki," Gaara smiled. "It's good to see you."

Beki waved at Kankuro and he jerked his head in a half assed nod in greeting. An expectant silence fell between the three, with the Kazekage and Beki's gazes falling on Kankuro. "What?" He raised his hands. "Oh. I get it. I'm the third wheel." Kankuro sighed and started to walk in the opposite direction. "I know when I'm not wanted. Its not like I have feelings or anything. I'll see you later, Gaara."

"Are you hungry?" Gaara took Beki's hand as he spoke. "We could go on a dinner date like we used to."

Beki shook her head. "I'm not hungry." Besides, I don't want to have this conversation out in public. "I um, I need to talk to you about something."

Gaara gave her a searching look, concern already tugging at the back of his mind. "What is it?"

"It isn't anything bad," Beki whispered. "It's just…private. Okay?"

"Sure," Gaara shook his head, dismissing his doubts. "Come on." Sand formed under their feet and carried them up into the sky. "Is up here ok?"

Beki looked over the side. "People are watching us, Gaara. Look, the kids are literally snapping pictures of us." Gaara moved the sand cloud out of town and over the woods. Beki spotted an isolated copse of trees and motioned for Gaara to land.

Gaara looked around and stared Beki down. "Wouldn't be planning anything shady, would you Miss Tsukimori?"

Beki cocked her brow. "Please tell me that wasn't a forest joke."

"Tch. That was bad, sorry," Gaara shrugged. "It was worth a shot."

"You should leaf your puns at home," Beki folded her arms, smiling defiantly.

"That attitude is the root of our problems," Gaara pointed at her, pseudo accusingly.

Beki's grin stretched. "I think it's important for us to go out on a limb oak-casionally."

"I can't believe this, I'm pine-ing for my brother's company," Gaara could feel a smile pulling at his own lips. By this point his brother would have hit him but Beki kept upping the ante.

"Don't be such a birch, Gaara," Beki sighed. "We're a newly established couple. Shouldn't we be acting sappier?"

Gaara looked at the ground.

"What's up? Done throwing shade?" Beki poked him.

Gaara shook his head. "I've got nothing after that. You win."

"Okay, sorry," Beki stepped towards him and pressed her forehead to his. "I couldn't help myself."

"Please tell me you didn't lead me into the middle of nowhere so we could have a tree pun fight?" Gaara asked, grateful to finally can hold her in his arms.

"No," Beki sighed. "It's about the other day."

Gaara tried not to let on that those words sent so much fear coursing through him. "What about the other day?"

"I know things didn't go so well," Beki explained. "because it was our first time. I think we should try again."

"What?" Gaara blinked in surprise. "Really? Are you sure?"

Beki shrugged. "I mean, if you don't want to that's fine."

Gaara's thoughts slipped back to all the good parts of that night. The warmth Beki's silky body pressed against his, her scent, and the deep longing he felt in her kiss. Gaara let out a nervous laugh as he felt the heat rising inside him. "Of course I want to try again. Nothing would make me happier than us finding a way to make this a good thing."

"I believe it can be," Beki brushed her hair behind her ear self-consciously. "A lot of the right stuff was there. We wanted each other, it felt right, I think just like anything else we need practice before we're any good at it."

"I'll have you know," Gaara took her face in his hands. "I've never missed a day of training in my life."

Beki smiled up at him. "Then I guess we know we'll get good at this fast."

"The sooner the better," Gaara kissed her. After a few moments wrapped in each other's embrace, Gaara pulled away and nuzzled her. "All right, lets head back to town."

"Wait, what?" Beki tugged on his sleeve. "Did you think I just brought you out here to talk?"

Gaara furrowed his brow in confusion. "Wait…you meant that? Now?"

"Yes," Beki laughed. "I'm coming on to you!"

"I apologize," Gaara shook his head, laughing softly. "I thought this was a meeting for mapping out our future encounters."

"No," Beki pulled him close. "I need you now." She marveled at how well their bodies fit together. Gaara was just tall enough that Beki had to look up to kiss him but not so much so that he had to bend down. It was strange how after they had slept together, Beki's body had been craving his. It wasn't just a longing like it had been before. It was a need, a physical emptiness when he was gone.

Gaara pulled away. "What should we do? Its broad daylight. I think if we burst into the hotel right now it'll be obvious what we're doing."

Beki looked around the copse of trees. "I don't know. Visibility here is pretty low and I don't think there's anyone around for miles."

"You just want to…" Gaara scanned the trees. "You're right. No one else is out here." He laughed. "You make me feel like a madman."

"What do you mean?" Beki asked as she pulled off her shirt and draped it over a bush.

"If you would have told me six months ago I would be having sex with you out in the open I would have called you crazy," Gaara began to take off his harness. He paused halfway through unbuttoning his jacket to watch Beki undress. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

"That's just the sex talking," Beki laughed. "I'll ask you if I'm still pretty in an hour."

"I didn't say pretty, Beki," Gaara smiled. "You're beautiful. I don't think I've met another person that just…glows the way you do."

Beki sized him up and shot him a sly smile. "You're pretty good looking yourself."

"Thanks," Gaara chuckled. "Your enthusiasm really sells it."

Beki took ahold of his face and Gaara's heart raced. She was naked now and so at ease with that fact it made the situation seem surreal. Even in the shade of the trees Beki seemed bright and ethereal. Beki's behavior was so graceful and confident it would be easy to convince Gaara this was her natural state, that she wasn't a kunoichi but was in fact a creature of myth.

"There isn't anyone else I would do this with," Beki traced the love scar on his forehead with her fingers. "I feel safer with you than with anyone else; safe enough to be myself and to be vulnerable around you. You could ruin me, Gaara."

Gaara swallowed hard as Beki's hands ran down his torso. He kissed her again, gently at first but with increasing force over time. He could feel the goosebumps form on Beki's skin as the sensation set her hair on end. It was an animal response and it drew an animal response from him in reply. Gaara pressed Beki's body up against the trunk of a tree. She let out a small gasp of surprise, which sent a shudder down his spine. He had to stop himself from throwing her on the ground right then. Gaara held himself back, knowing it would be better if Beki was as warmed up as he was. She gazed into his eyes, her dilated pupils undeniable proof of her desire for him.

"Don't worry," Gaara said softly. "I'll only ruin you if you ask me to."

Beki drew him into another kiss, her tongue grazing his. The way she moved only made him want more. She let go far too soon, Gaara thought, but then she pressed her cheek to his and whispered: "Do your worst."

…

"That," Gaara panted. "Was a lot better, don't you think?" He looked over at his girlfriend with a smile.

Beki lay on the ground, Gaara's jacket casually thrown over her for warmth. Their romp had left her out of breath so she stayed as still as she could with her hands on her head. "I can't move."

Gaara let out a laugh. "I've defeated you then?"

Beki held out her hand to him, one arm still draped over her eyes. "I submit. The Kazekage proves victorious once again."

"I feel like I really could fight a bear right now," Gaara put his hands behind his head.

Beki made a disgusted noise. "Please don't. The bear probably couldn't keep our secret."

"Bears are known to be rather untrustworthy," Gaara pulled Beki up on top of him, using his body to cushion her from the ground.

"You're burning up," Beki wiggled to get away.

"Escape is not allowed," Gaara tightened his grip. "Accept my sweaty cuddles."

Beki held still. "You have never been this silly before."

"I honestly don't believe I've ever been this happy," Gaara sighed. "That's it, I'm kidnapping you and bringing you back to Suna with me.

"Calm down, Gaara," Beki laughed. "I'm not going anywhere. No need to start a war."

"I just don't know what I'm going to do without you," Gaara kissed the back of her head. "I don't know how much longer I can handle being away from you."

"If you ask me to marry you again I'm going to punch you in the nuts," Beki held up her fist threateningly.

Gaara sighed. "Fine. I won't ask you to marry me. I will ask you to come get dinner with me, though. I've worked up an appetite."

"Of course you have," Beki rolled her eyes as she dismounted and began to put her clothes back on.

Gaara took ahold of Beki's arm after she pulled on her shirt. "Hey,"

"What's up?" Beki asked, her pants in hand.

"Remember what you said earlier?" Gaara smiled. "You're still beautiful and I love you."

Beki reached up and stroked his face. "I love you, too."