Chapter Two

Kuro sat, in his human form, crossed legged on the side of Kohana's bed wearing nothing but a pair of loose black pants. He had a grin on his face that just filled Kohana with the overwhelming urge to push the crow boy off her bed, just to watch him sprawl ungracefully on the floor. He was grinning at her like that because he knew a really juicy piece of gossip and was currently withholding it from her. She hated it when he was like that. She stuck her bottom lip out in a pout as she glared at him. Granted, yesterday, she had laughed her ass off at him when he had fallen off the headboard of her bed. But now he was getting her back.

"Can't you just tell me?" she wheedled.

He leaned back slightly using his long lean wiry arms to prop himself up, "I could but it's going to cost ya." he replied with a smug grin.

She narrowed her eyes at him, pretty much aware of what the price would be and instantly deciding that it wasn't worth it.

"Forget it." She said as she crossed her arms and looked out the window.

He shifted forward, putting his arms on either side of her and bringing his face just inches from her own.

"Trust me. This is a titbit that you would really, really want to know." he said quietly, his eyes shining with mischief.

She slowly turned her head to look at him, unfazed by his close proximity. She opened her mouth to reply but before a word could get out Kuro quickly closed the gap to claim her lips with his own in a short, intense kiss. She was rendered momentarily witless with surprise. But before she could gather a reaction together he pulled away and out of reach of her swinging palm. She shot him a glare, it wasn't the first time that he had stolen a kiss from her but for some reason, every single bloody time, it took her by surprise. The only consolation that she had was that he wasn't always fast enough to dodge the slap that invariably followed. He grinned at her, his dark eyes dancing with merriment.

"For your sake, that better have been worth it, 'cause as soon as I can lay a hand on you I'm slapping you into next week." She ground out between clenched teeth.

His smirk widened further and he opened his mouth to speak but then his entire face fell blank and his eyes unfocused for a moment.

"Someone's coming." he murmured before shifting to his crow from in a swirl of blue-black chakra.

Hastily Kohana grabbed the now empty pants and shoved them under her pillow out of sight, just in time because the door opened and a man stepped in. Kohana looked at him, this was someone new. He was dressed casually in dark grey pants and a black top, a mop of spiky dark brown hair topped his head but his most striking feature was the fact that his face was covered in deep magenta paint. She just blinked at him a few times, the only person she had ever seen wear more make up then this guy was her older sister. He gave her a grin.

"Gaara couldn't make it in today so he asked me to drop by for him," he gave a low whistle, "now that I've seen you though, I can't say that I blame him for sneaking off each day to come see you. You're cute."

Kohana just turned a bright shade of red, waving her hand she spluttered out a few sounds trying to deny his claim. No one ever called her cute before, except for her parents but they didn't count. He heard Kuro giving his crow equivalent of a chuckle and this time she gave into her urge and pushed him off the bed with a frown, her face still red. Much to her disappointment he didn't fall to the floor, he just fluttered to perch on the end of her bed, still laughing at her. She looked back up at the stranger who was just grinning at her.

"You look even cuter when you blush." He decided to add.

She didn't think it possible but her blush deepened and she fiddled with the edge of her blanket, not being able to look into his face, and muttering something about how the heat of the desert must be affecting his head. He decided to take pity on her though and grabbed the chair. Settling it next to the bed backwards he sat down in it resting his arms on the back.

"Your Kohana right? My name is Kankuro." he said holding out his hand.

"Pleased to meet you." Kohana replied grasping his hand, her blush finally fading. "The crow's name is Kuro."

"Cool, is he your pet?"

She shot him a dirty look, "No, that's just degrading, he's my partner."

"Partner?" Kankuro's eyebrows shot up, "interesting. So are you a ninja?"

"No." Kohana replied, "I'm a healer."

"Oh, so what does Kuro do then?"

Oh he's fishing, Kohana thought. "He's a pain in the ass." she said shooting said crow a glare, he still needed to tell her that titbit of news. Kankuro gave an absent nod and rested his chin on his folded arms.

"Actually, could you do me a favour." she asked sweetly.

"For you, sweetheart, anything." Kankuro replied with a grin.

"Could you bring my small bag over to me, I promised Gaara that I wouldn't get out of bed unnecessarily."

"Sure." He got up and walked over to the corner where her things were stored and grabbed the small bag that sat on top. He walked back over to the bed and placed it into her lap.

"Thank you." she said.

He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants, "No problem. I've gotta go but I'll defiantly be back. See ya." with a wave he left.

Kohana just waved at him absently before rifling through her bag. She finally pulled out a wooden box. Placing her bag on the floor next to the bed she rested the box on her lap and opened it. Inside was a pile of paper, two small blank scrolls and a couple of pens. A swirl of chakra at the end of her bed told her that Kuro had changed back to a human form. She pulled the pants out from behind her pillow and tossed them at him.

"Right. Since you have so much free time on your hands at the moment you are going to deliver a message for me." Kohana said as she started to scribble out a letter on one of the blank scrolls.

Kuro finished putting on his pants and sat himself on the mattress, "I dunno about that, idle time is always great. You can find out useful information."

With a frown Kohana stopped her writing and looked up at him, "That's right, you own me some information. Spit it out and if it's good then I might restrain from knocking your head from your shoulders."

He reached out to tuck a lock of her hair behind her ear, "You shouldn't frown so much," he said with a grin, "you'll end up with wrinkles at a young age."

Kohana just gave a long suffering sigh, "Just tell me."

He leaned in close his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper, "The Kazekage, that Gaara guy, he used to be a Jinchuriki."

Her eyes widened, "Are you sure." she asked in a hushed voice.

He nodded, "It's faint, but the echoes of demonic chakra are still etched into his body."

She stared at the letter before her, thinking hard.

"We have to let Sensei know about this." She looked back at him, "If he once had a demon sealed within his body, then we have to know how it was removed and where it went." she started to write furiously again.

Kuro slid off the bed and went around to rummage through her bag while she wrote. After some searching he pulled out a hairbrush and a hair tie. Gently he held her shoulders and directed her to turn. She paused in her writing long enough to shift around on her bed so that he could reach her hair. Grabbing her brush he started to brush out her hair. Kohana was writing as quick as possible, fitting in everything that had happened on her trip and ending with her injury and the piece of information about the Kazekage. She signed her name and put the pen back in the box. Then she quickly rolled the scroll back up. She turned her head to find Kuro tying up the end of the plait that he had done with her hair.

"Thank you." She said, "Can you fetch the message case."

Kuro walked over to her bigger bag, which still sat in the corner, and started to rummage.

"I don't see why I have to be the messenger birdie." he said as his fingers closed around the cylindrical case and he pulled it out.

As he handed her the case she grabbed his cheek, "But you make such a useful little messenger birdie."

Kuro just pulled a face and crossed his arms as Kohana slid the small scroll into the case. She patted the side of her bed with a grin.

"Come on overgrown wren, time to earn your keep."

He poked his tongue out at her but climbed onto the bed. The familiar swirl of chakra surrounded him and a large black crow now stood on the bed. He spread his wings allowing Kohana to attach the case to his back more easily. The tips of her fingers glowed with chakra as she drew them over the straps connecting the case.

"Ok, once you change to your true form the straps will simply expand to accommodate your larger size." she held out her hand and the crow climbed on. She gave him a scratch around the neck before murmuring, "Safe journey friend." With a toss towards the window Kuro took off out the window and quickly disappeared into the blue sky. Kohana leaned back onto the pillows and closed her eyes. She hoped that her Sensei would reply quickly.

***

Gaara sat in his office catching up on the paper work that he had been putting off the past few days when there was a knock on the door. Without waiting for an answer the door opened and Kankuro walked in. Gaara barely spared him a glance but his whole being was attentive to his older brother. Sitting himself down in the chair Kankuro gave a grin.

"She's fine."

"What did the doctor say?" Gaara asked, finally putting down his pen and looking up.

"That she is healing extraordinarily well. He's actually little puzzled at the speed of the healing, said that something is helping it along. But he's not too concern, suspects one of the medical ninja interns is using her to practice on."

Gaara just rested his chin in his hands. The silence stretched out for a bit before he spoke.

"Thank you for seeing her for me."

"No problem," Kankuro replied standing up, "the pleasure was all mine actually, she is quite cute."

A faint shade of pink touched the Kazekages face at his brother's words. He ducked his head to try and hide it before Kankuro could notice, but it was too late. Kankuro's eyebrows shot up to almost his hairline.

"Ooooh, you think so too, don't you." he said with a wide grin leaning over the desk and peering intently at his brother.

Gaara just mumbled something under his breath, his blush darkening.

"What was that?"

"I never said anything of the sort." Gaara said a little louder.

Kankuro narrowed his eyes, "But she did?"

Gaara looked up, startled, how on earth does he do that? Kankuro straightened up and pointed at Gaara triumphantly.

"Ah ha! She did say something! What exactly did she say?"

"I'm not telling you." Gaara said mutinously.

"Fine," Kankuro said spinning around, "I'll go ask her." With that he took off out the door.

"Kankuro! NO!" Gaara shouted running after him.

Kohana was just stuffing the last of Kuro's pants into her small bag when she heard a scuffle going on out in the hallway behind her closed door. Curious, she dropped the bag on the floor and turned towards the door. What the hell was going on out there? She heard a shout and suddenly the door flew open and Kankuro took a step in. She just stared at him wide eyed, what was he doing back so soon? He looked like he had been running.

"What did...!" he never finished his sentence because he was suddenly spear tackled from behind. His assailant turned out to be Gaara, who had grabbed one of his arms, had him pinned to the ground and was now trying to gag him. Kohana bit her bottom lip to stop from laughing, but a snort escaped her anyway. This was hilarious, reminded her of her two older brothers when they wrestled.

At the sound of a snort Gaara's head shot up and he realised that they were in Kohanas' room. He looked up at Kohana as she chewed her bottom lip the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile as she tried not to laugh, her midnight blue eyes twinkling with mirth. Underneath him Kankuro had twisted his head and was able to see his brothers face. He grinned; his brother was absolutely smitten with the girl and didn't have a clue. With a heave he pushed Garra off his back, sending him sprawling to the ground. He stood up brushing off his pants.

"Very dignified, Kazekage." Kohana said, amusement lacing every word. Gaara came to himself with a start then quickly got to his feet. Latching onto the back of Kankuro's shirt he then proceeded to drag his brother out of the hospital room without saying a word. Kankuro just gave a grin and a wave to Kohana as he allowed himself to be dragged out. Kohana just waved back. That was strange, she thought, but amusing.

She leaned down to pick up her bag, she was sure she had bought a book with her; she would need something to pass the time until Kuro returned.

***

With a thump Kohana banged the back of her head on the headboard of her bed. It had only been a day and a half since she sent Kuro off with the message but she was sooooo bored, it was driving her crazy. She thumped her head again. If her calculations were right Kuro should have almost reached home by now, and if he didn't dawdle he should be back in about two or three days. She rolled her head to the side to look out the window. That would be two or three days too long. Tucking her arms behind her head she sighed, at least she was able to get dressed into her own clothes, but she was still confined to the bed. The monotony of her days broken only by visits by Kankuro. For some reason she hadn't seen the Kazekage since that day he speared tackled his brother. She had been mildly surprised to find out that the boys were brothers. But although Kankuro was good company, she kind of missed seeing Gaara, even if he didn't say much or didn't stay long, he was still damn good eye candy. Kohana gave a rueful smile, yes her sole reason to want to see Gaara was to perv on him. Shaking her head at herself Kohana rolled her eyes, she was spending too much time with Kuro, his favourite hobby was to perv.

The door opened and she gave a start, surprised out of her musing by the doctor. Without a word he came over put his hands on either side of her foot, his hands glowing green with chakra. Kohana looked at him expectantly, she had been strengthening the healing tissue in her foot every day and she knew that it was healing nicely. But she needed the doctor to say that, she needed him to give her the ok to be able to get out of the damn bed and do something.

"Well," the doctor finally said as he straightened up, "It looks good. You can do some light exercise, but you still have to use the crutches."

She gave a whoop of joy, "SWEET! I can go home now!"

The doctor raised an eyebrow, "I didn't say you could do that. No hard travelling yet for you missy." he said as the door opened and Kankuro walked in.

"But..."

"No. I recommend that you check into one of the inns and come see me in a few days for another follow up."

Kohana buried her face in her hands, "I can't, I have don't have enough money left. I didn't budget for this bloody injury." she fell back against the headboard.

"Well your welcome to stay here in the hospital if need be."

"No, I wanna get out of here." She whined.

"Why don't you come stay with me?" Kankuro chirped up suddenly.

Kohana looked at him; she had forgotten that he had entered.

"I... I couldn't. I don't want to intrude upon you." Kohana stammered.

He waved his hand, "Nonsense, I live with Gaara in a nice big house that now has a spare room since our sister moved out. It'll be no problem."

"But..."

"Gaara won't mind either."

Kohana's resolve melted away like butter under a hot sun, "Are you sure?"

Kankuro nodded firmly and gave a grin, "Yep. Besides it is for purely selfish reasons, this way I get to see more of you."

Kohana just flushed bright red. Kankuro pretended not to notice, instead he pointed to her large bag.

"I'll carry that for you, we'll leave now so we can get you settled."

Kohana just nodded, this was going to get interesting.

***

It had been a long and tedious day and Gaara was glad to be home. He opened the door and let himself in, finally he could relax. As he walked into the lounge room he stopped dead. Sitting on the couch were Kankuro and Kohana chatting away happily. Kankuro looked up and gave a lazy wave.

"Welcome home. I hope you don't mind, but I've invited Kohana to stay with us until her ankle is fully healed." he said with a wide grin.

Kohana gave a nervous little smile and a small wave. Gaara just walked through the lounge room, hooking his brother and dragging him into the kitchen.

"You did what?!" Gaara said quietly, once they were safely ensconced in the kitchen.

Kankuro just slapped his hand on Gaara's back, "Relax, she has nowhere else to go," he leaned in and gave a wink, "and you can't tell me that the thought of seeing her more doesn't appeal to you?"

Gaara just massaged the bridge of his nose, "Kankuro, you will leave her alone. She won't become one of your conquests."

His brother gave a sharp laugh, "Not for me. I was thinking more for you."

"What!?" Gaara just looked open-mouthed at his brother. Kankuro just laughed.

A small cough alerted them to the kitchen doorway where Kohana stood leaning on one of her crutches.

"If it's too much of a hassle, I don't mind staying at the hospital." she mumbled.

Kankuro just gave Gaara a pointed look.

"No, stay here, its fine. We have the room." Gaara replied, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Thank you." Kohana said giving a wide smile that lit up her face. Gaara's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her smile and he gave a small smile of his own.

"Kankuro, you can organise dinner. I'm going to get changed." Gaara said walking out of the kitchen and towards his room.

Kankuro threw his hands in the air, "Take away it is!" he draped an arm around Kohana's shoulders, "welcome to our house."

Kohana just laughed as she was escorted back out into the lounge room.

Later that night Kohana sat on her bed, her hand glowing softly with chakra as she sent strength and healing to her foot and ankle. By the time Kuro came back she should be ready to leave. When she finished she leaned back to fall on the pillow. She still found it a little hard to believe that she was actually in the Kazekage's house, the room she was staying in was no more then fifteen feet from his. With a sigh she sat up and grabbed the crutches, despite the late hour she was having trouble sleeping. The edgy, anxious feeling that she had somehow lost something very important was gnawing at the edges of her mind, preventing her from easy resting. It was always like this whenever Kuro was away from her for any period of time. She remembered seeing a bookcase in the lounge room; she headed in that direction hoping to find something on the shelves that might be able to put her sleep.

But as she approached the room she noticed that a light was on. Curious she entered to find Gaara sitting in the single armchair with a lamp on and a stack of paper in his lap. He was holding one of the sheets in his hand, reading. Sitting on the coffee table in front of him was a smaller pile of paper, the sheets that he had already read. But at her entrance he looked up, surprise evident in his eyes.

"What are you still doing up?" He asked, shifting the unread pile of paper from his lap to the coffee table.

Kohana leaned on her crutches, "I could ask you the same." she replied with a small smile.

He regarded her for a moment before answering, "I was doing some work."

"I'm just having some trouble sleeping." Kohana said as she sat down on the couch, "I noticed that you had a bookshelf earlier and thought I might find something to read."

Gaara turned his head to look at the said shelf located behind his chair.

"I'm not sure if there is anything that would interest you, most of the books belong to Kankuro."

"And how would you know what would interest me, hmmm? You been reading my diary?" Kohana said with a smug smile.

"N... no! I wouldn't." Gaara sputtered out. Kohana just started to laugh quietly.

"You are so easy to tease."

Gaara just slumped back into the chair resting his elbow on the armrest and allowing his face to fall into his hand. Why, oh why was it so easy for this girl to put him so off balance? Kohana allowed her laughter to die away as she studied the Kazekage. Even by the light of the lamp she could see the tension that ran through his torso. Without thinking she spoke.

"Come here for a moment."

Gaara lifted his head, "Huh?"

"Tch, I said to come here for a sec." she said a little impatiently.

Without a word he rose from the armchair and sat on the couch next to her. Putting her hands on her shoulders she shifted him so that his back was facing her.

"What are...?" he started to ask.

"Shhh. Trust me." she said quietly.

Gaara sat there, not sure what she was going to do, wanting very much to know what she was going to do and also wanting to just go back to his armchair. But for some reason he squelched all the uneasiness down and just stayed put. There was something about her voice that made him want to trust her.

Once his back was turned to her, Kohana closed her eyes and drew a very small amount of chakra to her hands, knowing that she was running a risk of discovery yet unable to help herself. She opened her eyes and rested her hands on his shoulders, using her thumbs to gently massage at the muscles at the bottom of the neck before moving further down the spine and across the shoulders. Gaara let his eyes slide half shut as her skilful hands eased away the day's tension. Oh, this was good; he thought a smile drawing the corners of his mouth up slightly and a breathy sigh escaping from between his lips. Kohana just gave a smile of her own as she felt the Kazekage relax bit by bit beneath her hands. She liked to both give and receive massages; she found it soothing and meditative. Not to mention that there was also a healing element to a good and skilful massage that was why her Sensei had taught her. She believed that a good healer shouldn't be closed off from any possible healing avenue.

Pretty soon the Kazekage was nothing but putty beneath her fingers, all the tensions eased away. Kohana finished up giving Gaara a light tap on the shoulder to bring him out of the light trance. With a slow blink Gaara turned around to face her.

"Your done." she said quietly.

"Thank you." he said, just as quietly.

She tilted her head slightly and gave a smile, "Anytime." She gathered up her crutches, "I'm feeling sleepy so I'm going to head back to bed."

Gaara sunk into the couch, "Good night." he said

"Good night Gaara."