Caranril: Gomen gomen gomen nasai! I dunno how many peeps have eagerly anticipated another chappie from a faithful authoress, but I'm home for the holidays and everything's a mess due to new paint and carpet in pretty much every room. I probably won't get another chapter up until after the holidays. Company and all.

Legolas: Many thanks to: WindDancer18 (Hah, but would it have been too predictable if she had won? It was a difficult decision, since Caranril would love to kick Mao's ass herself), Moonlight (Woot a long-ish review. We're glad you agree with our choice to make Kaori lose. Caranril thought 'what would Kishimoto-sama have done'?), Aisuhana (I agree.)

Caranril: Merry Christmas and and and and Happy New Yeeeaaaaar! (lights fireworks)

disCLAIMER: While I do not own Naruto nor any affiliated subjects therein, Kishimoto-sama does and therefore he owns my soul.

Chapter 12: Recovery

"We could kill him in his sleep," the voice cackled.

"You are way too violent."

"You failed again, child. What did I say about that?"

"You are so annoying. What did I say about that?"

"No matter. We'll find it again. We won't need this prize."

"What are we looking for now?"

A tongue licked the scorched lips. "Him."

Tsunade studied the girl sleeping in intensive care. Kaori was wrapped in bandages soaked in an aloe poultice to heal the first degree burns she'd received on most of her body. She had yet to regain consciousness since her battle. Tsunade returned to check on Kaori's progress and had come across one of her conversations. This was her first time witnessing one. Except now she was done.

"I wonder who she's talking to?" Kakashi commented. He'd caught the end of the conversation as well.

"I wonder who they're looking for?" Tsunade added. "She says she never remembers her conversation when she wakes."

"How convenient." He sat in a chair and propped his feet up on Kaori's bed as he pulled out a book. "You know the first rounders are done, right? Did you check up on that Mao guy?"

"Yes. He's been placed under arrest and withdrawn from the exams. Mao was using a steroid-like substance to forcibly increase his Chakra mass. He won't say where he got it. I don't know specifics yet, but I'd like to leave a team here to investigate the source. Kazekage-sama will take care of the interrogation."

"I'm sure some of Mao's goons know something," Kakashi sighed. "But they don't seem very smart."

"You're not talking about us, are you?" Kotetsu whined as he and Izumo entered the room.

"Never," Kakashi said with his eye-smile. Kotetsu glared at him suspiciously.

"Aw, she's still not awake?" Izumo said loudly.

"Quiet," Tsunade ordered. "Her body took a lot a of damage from Mao's technique. Plus her body takes a long time to heal itself."

"She still rocked, though," Kotetsu said, reclining in a chair and propping his feet up on Kaori's bed.

"Kotetsu! Your feet are covered in sand!" Izumo squealed at the mess Kotetsu's sandals left on the blanket.

"Oops." Kotetsu feigned an apologetic look but couldn't keep his face from smirking mischievously. Izumo rolled his eyes and brushed the sand off the bed.

"So about the team left behind to investigate Mao's drug use," Kakashi said casually. "My team hasn't had any yet, and I feel that we're more than ready."

Tsunade shook her head. "Sorry, Kakashi. It would be best right now to take Kaori out of the country. For all we know Mao still has power despite being incarcerated."

Kakashi sighed. "Hai."

"I promise you'll have a mission waiting when you return to Konoha. I also think your team is more than ready. In that case, Hagane Kotetsu. Kamizuki Izumo. You will remain in this country and investigate the source of Mao's Chakra enhancement. I especially want to know if it has anything to do with Orochimaru, which I believe it does."

"Hai!" the pair said in unison.

"Hoo! Real missions again!" Kotetsu sighed. "I need a good challenge."

"Not that filing paperwork and running errands isn't challenge enough," Izumo added hastily when he saw Tsunade's look.

"Let me know when she wakes up," she said as she left the room.

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Several days passed before Kaori awoke. Tsunade's painkillers kept her under, as did the slow process Kaori's body took to heal. Izumo, Kotetsu, and Neji said their farewells before leaving to investigate Mao's home village. Tenten would meet them in a few days to take part in the mission.

Since the Chuunin exams would conclude with the finalists in another month, Tsunade insisted Team Kakashi go back to Konoha. The longer Kaori remained in Suna, the more danger she'd be in. Naruto decided to return with them, feeling quite homesick. He also swore to protect the feeble Kaori, who had to grudgingly accept piggy-back rides from him as she tired easily. Kakashi was much relieved that all tension had vanished and his team seemed to be getting along like they used to. Or, rather bickering like they used to.

Kakashi hadn't teamed up with Naruto and Sasuke since Sasuke had left Konohagakure. It was almost like the good old days, except Kaori hardly took after Sakura. Even still, he felt nostalgia bubble warmly inside. He would have whistled if he could through his mask.

It took them longer to return to Konoha with Kaori's fatigue, but she insisted that she was well enough to make the journey. She discovered along the way that her skin began to peel, something it hadn't done before. Naruto had to hold her still while Kakashi explained that it was natural and she wasn't falling apart. Apparently, she tanned naturally and hadn't been sunburned before. Just another thing for Naruto to tease her about.

They arrived back late afternoon, but the streets were much emptier than usual, for many civilians had gone on vacation to the Sand, while others obtained permission months in advance to set up booths on the strip. The cool spring weather was a relief from sand-filled hot days in Suna.

Once inside the gate, the group departed ways. Kaori dragged her feet, kept awake only by Naruto's soothing voice describing a hot meal, a bath, and a real bed. When Kaori reached her apartment, she collapsed into her bed and sighed contentedly. Naruto tucked her in and promised to buy her ramen the next day, filling Kaori's dreams with longing for Ichiraku Ramen. As he left, Naruto glanced back at Kaori's sleeping form. He sighed. For some strange reason, he felt proud. He felt like...well, never actually having family, he couldn't describe the feeling. But if he ever had a sister...he imagined she'd be exactly like Kaori.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kaori didn't wake until after noon the next day. Since Naruto didn't specify what time they'd meet for ramen, and because she was feeling much better, she took to the streets of Konoha. Besides several Genin, there weren't many Shinobi around. Kaori suspected Shizune was running a tight schedule and keeping up on what paperwork she could. Several Shinobi were assigned to rotate shifts on the walls, just in case some idiot thought it okay to invade while the Hokage was gone. But with Jiraiya making his obnoxious presence known, anyone would hear that the legendary Sannin was in town and stay far away.

Kaori came across a crowd in front of the Yamanaka Flower Shop. She squeezed her way through and peered at the action in the centre. Lee was lying unconscious on the ground, and Ino was kneeling beside him and fanning him with her apron.

"Excuse me everyone!" Sakura plunged through the crowd and touched Lee's neck and checked his breathing. "Did anyone see what happened?" She froze as something landed on her nose, and everyone looked about in amazement at the glittering confetti that had suddenly appeared. In a flash, Lee was on his feet giving Sakura a sweeping bow.

"I knew you would come faster than any other if it was to save someone's life, Sakura-san," he said grandiosely. He swept his arm forth, suddenly bearing a large bouquet of flowers. "A token of my gratitude. And also to wish you happy birthday."

Sakura stared at the flowers a moment before taking them. "You...you never were..."

"Ah, I am as healthy as the day I was born," Lee puffed out his chest. "But there was no other way I could get you to rush here to take these flowers from me."

"You tricked me." Sakura was on the verge of exploding. Then she relaxed and grinned. "Thank you , Lee-san."

The crowd applauded and slowly dispersed, some offering birthday greetings, leaving Lee, Sakura, Ino, and Kaori at the front of the shop.

"Kaori-san!" Ino waved. "Did you come to buy flowers?"

"Nah, I'm here for the entertainment." She patted Sakura's shoulder. "That's a great bouquet, Ino."

"Oh, glad you recognize my work," Ino replied smugly.

"Sakura-san, I realize I've cause you a lot of trouble, and I know I've asked you this before, but would you let me take you out to dinner tonight?" Lee went to one knee. "I'd be the luckiest man in the world!"

Sakura flushed prettily. "Stop Lee. Stand up." She sniffed at the flowers. "These are lovely. Um, I can't tonight, because Ino, Hinata and I have plans."

Lee's face fell momentarily, then brightened with a look of determination. "Girls' night out on your birthday. I understand! Of course you would tend to your relationship with your female friends first and foremost! Alright! I'll try again..." Lee struck a good-guy pose, "tomorrow!" With a wild cry, he went leaping to the rooftops. The three girls stood awestruck for a moment.

"Lee's always been so...enthusiastic," Ino snorted. "Great. Now I hafta clean up all his confetti." She entered the store and returned with two brooms, handing one to Kaori.

"I wonder where the confetti came from," Kaori wondered, looking at the sky. Ino shrugged and Sakura smiled. Kaori cleared her throat. "So, uh, you guys have plans tonight?"

"Yeah. Hinata's leaving on a mission early morning, so we wanted to celebrate Sakura's birthday tonight."

"How old will you be?"

"Eighteen."

"Ah, so you're older than Naruto."

There was an uncomfortable silence as Ino and Kaori swept and Sakura gazed at her flowers. Kaori handed her broom back to Ino and prepared to head to Ichiraku Ramen.

"C'mon ask her Sakura!" Ino whispered loudly.

"H-hey Kaori? Are you busy tonight?"

Kaori stopped and turned. "Um, no?"

"I realize this is short notice, but do you want to celebrate with us tonight? I realize that you just got back," Sakura continued hurriedly, "and that you've been injured and haven't recovered, but we'll keep things mellow if you need and-"

"Ah, don't do that on my account," Kaori said, blushing. "I-I'd really like to come. But I don't want you to cut out some of the fun just because I'm hurt."

"Okay!" Ino said cheerfully. "We'll stick to the plan!"

"I don't know Ino..."

"What plan?" Kaori asked curiously.

"The owner of one of the bars left to set up shop in Sunagakure during the exams, and he left the business to Genma-senpai. He said we could come in as long as we altered our appearance to pass as 20. Though honestly I don't think I'll need to use Henge no Jutsu do that." Ino flipped her long blond hair over her shoulder.

"We also can't drink much," Sakura reminded her. "He'll know who we are and will watch what we drink. Ordinarily he wouldn't mind, but it would be bad for him and for the owner if something happened to underage Shinobi in a bar."

"I don't have to change, do I?"

"Well, we might have to doll you up again..." Ino said with a wicked smile. Kaori gulped.

"We're meeting at my house at eight for dinner," Sakura continued. "My mother's making my favourite meal, and then we'll do presents. Then we'll go to my apartment and get ready to hit the bar."

"Sakura, you really don't seem like the type to 'hit a bar'," Kaori commented.

"Well, that's going to change," Sakura replied, slightly flustered.

"Kaaaaooooori-chaaaaaan!"

Just as Kaori was about to turn, a large orange figure glomped her from behind. Still weak, she collapsed beneath the weight. Sakura screamed at Naruto and knocked him several meters away with one blow. As she told him off, Ino helped Kaori up.

"Ow."

"That Naruto." Ino rolled her eyes. "He never changes."

"No, he doesn't," she agreed with a small smile. When Sakura finished berating him, Naruto approached her meekly.

"Sorry Kaori-chan."

"No worries, Naruto-kun."

He brightened. "Ready for ramen?"

"Yup, but don't make me too full. I have a birthday dinner at eight o'clock."

"Ahhhhh!" Naruto freaked out. "I forgot I forgot I forgot I forgot Sakura-chaaaan! I'm so sorry! I didn't get you anything."

"It's okay, Naruto," Sakura said, holding up her hands. "You don't have to worry about it. Besides, my birthday's tomorrow. We're just celebrating tonight before Hinata leaves."

"Hinata?" Naruto's face drained of blood. "I've been back all this time and I forgot to see her! Oh no!" He took off full-speed. Kaori's mouth hung open to call him back, but his panic made him much swifter than normal. She couldn't help but smile after him.

"Well, we're were going to visit Ichiraku together, but I guess I'll hafta settle for the best ramen in world by myself."

"I'll go with you, Kaori-san," Sakura offered.

"I'm in charge of the shop today," Ino whined. "Besides, I can't eat ramen."

"Diet," Sakura explained.

"Ino, your skinnier than a freaking twig. How could you need to diet?" Kaori asked in amazement.

"A twig? Really?" Ino flushed proudly. Kaori and Sakura glanced at each other and rolled their eyes as they walked away.

"One of these days she's going to die from exposure, just because she hardly wears anything and has no body fat," Sakura muttered. Kaori couldn't help but agree.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

"Kaori-san, Naruto wanted me to tell you that he's sorry for ditching you and that he'll train with you tomorrow morning," Hinata said quietly. She joined Kaori, Sakura, and Ino in the Haruno's living room. She handed Sakura a small package. "Happy Birthday Sakura."

"Thanks Hinata." Sakura graciously accepted the gift. "Shall we eat?"

The four girls sat down to a hot meal with Sakura's parents. Pictures of a young Sakura sat on the counter. Among them was one of Team Kakashi when she was twelve. Kaori couldn't help but think that they were all so cute. The irritated expression on Naruto's face was priceless, as was Sasuke's glare. Sakura had long hair in the pictures. Kaori glanced at her practical style, bobbed just below her chin. The shorter hair suited her better.

After dinner and gifts, the girls bid the Harunos farewell and walked to Sakura's apartment. There, Kaori watched in fascination as the younger women altered their appearances slightly to appear older, and less recognizable. Hinata grew her hair out and placed blue irises in her eyes. She wore a midnight blue halter dress that complimented her fair skin. Ino created prominent cheekbones and a smaller nose, her long blond hair cascading about her shoulders in huge curls. The purple two-piece outfit she wore bared her flat stomach. Sakura grew her pink hair out too, but she piled it atop her head and fastened it with multiple pins. Her black skirt and maroon top were simple but flattering. They all wore makeup to help with the aging process. Kaori couldn't help but feel inferior to the beauties before her.

In a moment of sheer awe, Kaori gaped at the dress Hinata had brought for her. Apparently her younger sister was close to Kaori's size and Hinata had managed to snag it without Hanabi noticing. It was a slinky black dress that clung to every curve. The boots to match zipped up to her mid-thigh. She looked like a...

"This is so...not me," she said carefully. She wasn't sure why Hinata had picked such a dress for her. She let the girls unknot her hair and brush the waves down.

"I told her to steal something of Hanabi's," Ino said. "If the rest of us hafta be different to do this, you might as well be too. I must say Kaori-chan, you look hot!"

"Shouldn't I just be comfortable?" Kaori said meekly, blushing furiously, as they fussed over makeup and hair.

"Not when you're going to a Shinobi singles bar!" Ino stood back and admired her handiwork. "Done!"

Kaori stared at her reflection. She didn't look like herself, but now she looked like she belonged with the other girls.

"Ooh, we're going to have so much fun tonight!" Ino squealed.

"I didn't know we had it in us," Sakura admitted proudly.

"I feel so different," Hinata giggled. "If only Naruto-kun could see me."

"He's not supposed to, Hinata. We're going to a singles bar. If he's there, you're in trouble."

Hinata's eyes widened, but a pat from Sakura reassured her that Naruto would do no such thing. Unless he was fooled into the act. Which could be quite easy.

"Don't worry, Hinata, I'll keep unwanted guys off you," Sakura smiled.

"Hm, I don't think so Sakura-chan! I'll keep them off with my beauty!" Ino patted her curls. They made for the door, Sakura stopping to snatch Kaori away from the mirror and drag her along.

"I don't know guys..." Kaori said nervously as they reached the bar.

"It's too late to turn back, Kaori-chan!" Ino announced as they paid to enter. A live band was performing and the dance floor was in full swing. Apparently, this singles bar was very popular. There seemed to be plenty of couples dancing and drinking. Hinata secured a table while the other girls urged Kaori to get their drinks. She was over twenty and could solve any questions that might arise with her order. She returned with Genma, who reminded the younger girls that he was keeping an eye on them. And because several bars were closed due to the exams, his bar was open for couples that night too. Before returning to the bar, he slid his hand over the small of Ino's back and gave her a lusty eye.

Sakura and Ino immediately took to dancing, while Hinata spotted a friend and ventured to chat with her. Kaori sat alone, but after a drink felt much better. She didn't mind being alone so much, plus it was entertaining to watch Sakura and Ino draw in several men, a few of which she remembered seeing with hitai-ates. She glanced at the door and froze. Iruka and his girlfriend Cho had just entered the bar. Kaori panicked. Kami-sama, being seen by her former sensei in her outfit was not her idea of a happy reunion. He'd want to talk to her too, seeing how she just returned from the Chuunin exams.

Kaori dashed from the table. At least, she dashed as well as she could in the dress and boots. She plunged into the crowd, determined to lose herself among the sweaty bodies. Yuck. She spotted an empty booth in the corner. Glasses and discarded food littered the table, but it would serve as a good hideout until the coast was clear. She slid into the booth and peered around the corner. Good. Iruka hadn't noticed her or the other girls.

Moans. Kaori froze and slowly turned her head, discovering a couple sprawled along the curve of the booth, partially hidden by the table. Their wet kisses made sloppy noises and brought a flush to Kaori's cheeks.

"Oh. Ah, sorry."

She turned away and watched Iruka, waiting for the all clear before leaving the heated couple alone. There was a smack as the couple's lips parted.

"Kaori?"

She looked back at her name, staring straight into Kakashi's one eye. He adjusted his mask. The woman removed the blindfold covering her eyes.

"Someone you know, Kakashi-kun?"

"Uh, yeah." He sat up quickly and buttoned his shirt. Kaori couldn't help but stare at the pale chiseled chest he covered up. He looked odd in the evening attire and his mask and hitai-ate.

"You wanna get us some drinks?" he asked his partner, who agreed with a kiss on his exposed cheek. Kaori rechecked Iruka's position, then groaned when he and Cho took their empty table. She and Kakashi sat in silence.

"I never expected to see you here," he said casually.

"Girls' night out," she said sullenly. She adjusted her dress. Her mad dash almost made her pop out the front.

"And the girls are...?"

"Dancing, talking, having fun."

"And you're not?"

"I'd think you'd know me enough by now, Kakashi-sensei." She looked at him. "I'm not a party person."

"You just need to loosen up a bit, trust yourself to have a good time." He scooted out of the booth. "C'mon, let's dance."

Kaori blinked. "Uh, I'm actually kind of hiding right now. And I don't dance."

"Ever?"

"Ever. And especially not with my sensei. That's kinda weird."

Kakashi sighed. "You're kinda weird. Come on." He grabbed her wrist and yanked her to the dance floor. Kaori stood rigid in the centre of the bumping bodies, preferring not to risk her breasts falling out of her dress again. Kakashi took to dancing immediately. He was obviously drunk and had done this sort of thing before. All it did was make her face hotter and her nerves worse. Why had she come?

She stifled a squeal when Kakashi grabbed her and swung her around. He tried to get her to dance, but at this point she was so flustered she could barely walk steadily in her huge boots.

Kakashi pulled her close and purred in her ear, "You look delicious tonight."

Something snapped. Kaori freaked and kicked him in the shin. The song had just ended, so the crowd stared as Kakashi yelped in pain. Kaori stumbled backwards, then took off out the door. She barely registered Iruka's call out to her.

Cool air hit her sweaty skin and sent shivers down her limbs. She didn't stop there. Kaori clomped as far as those cursed boots would let her before she pitched forward to the ground. She stayed there on her hands and knees, catching her breath. As if the stress wasn't bad enough, she still hadn't physically recovered from the Chuunin exams. When she had managed to stop shaking, she pulled herself up and trudged back home.

Kakashi was drunk beyond reason, so his actions were understandable. But it had been so disturbing to have him grab her like that and whisper those things. Had she been any other girl, she probably would have played along.

"Why can't I be normal?" she muttered to herself, imagining that none of the girls had noticed her leave. Hopefully their night would be good. She couldn't help but feel sorry for herself though. Somehow, she was always the one to miss out on the fun. It wouldn't have bothered her before. Damn.

After carefully setting aside Hanabi's dress, Kaori dove into bed and pulled the covers over her head. If kami-sama was kind, he'd let her stay in her bed's safety forever.