Calixta took the initiative late the following morning and went to visit with Kakashi. But that was all the further she was going to push it, figuring he was going to say something to her anyway. She figured it was more polite to let him do it so she simply began their conversation by telling Kakashi which dates she had picked for their travel to the Sand Village.
"Thank you," he took the piece of paper with the information on it and slipped it into one of his pockets. "Actually, if you have the time, there is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about," he broached carefully.
Calixta gave a gentle, if only slightly annoyed, smile. "I had a feeling you might."
Kakashi gave a thoughtful sigh. "I don't think I have to tell you that I saw what happened between you and Sasuke yesterday," he began.
She nodded. "But you can tell me how long you were watching us," she chided.
"Uh, you were still in the kitchen…and you were bickering rather viciously at the time," he replied.
She nodded with understanding but definitely not approval. "Was it a good show?" she countered.
"Umm…I would certainly say it was informative," he managed.
She rolled her eyes.
"You had me completely convinced that you were the worst ninja ever," he stated, his wounded pride starting to show.
"Then that is what I am," she conceded.
"Not after what I saw yesterday. You were deceptive, manipulative, and down right tricky and you did it very well," he half-complimented.
"I suppose that's one way of looking at it," she dismissed.
"That's exactly how it looked from where I was standing," he asserted. "When did you start to do that? How long have you been deceiving me about your capabilities?" he pressed.
She faltered at that. She hadn't expected him to feel quite that way about it. "I-I don't know. It's not like it happened all at once…but I think I told you a long time ago that I like being underestimated," she pointed out.
"This is different," he argued. "I am your sensei. I have an implicit right to know exactly what you're capable of."
That made her laugh a little. "I thought your job was to help me fit in to your society?"
"That is part of my mission," he conceded. "But it doesn't change the facts."
She sighed. "I didn't really even think about it at first. In a way, I think I was hiding things from you so that you wouldn't push me any harder than you already do. I know it probably wasn't the right attitude to have but I wanted to do something at my own pace for once. Besides, it's not like I was on some dumb covert mission to assassinate somebody," she dismissed.
"But you very well could have been," he grumbled under his breath.
"And you don't fully understand what was happening between us at the time. Sure, I bet you saw a lot, but there was more going on than what could be seen," she half-teased.
"Enlighten me," he dryly encouraged.
"As you wish. Though, I would like to point out that in spite of all those bitter little feelings you have, I let you see what you saw yesterday. Once I realized you were watching or even just nearby, I could have stopped everything there. I could have just given into Sasuke, even if it would greatly annoy him, and continue to only show you my weaker side." He appeared unimpressed so she continued. "I'll admit that it took some genuine deception and manipulation to pull off what I did but at the same time…I was really only acting out of Sasuke's deeper desires."
"You're blaming all that on Sasuke?" Kakashi scoffed.
"I could lay some of the blame on you as well. It seems that since your birthday, a little part of him has become fascinated by the idea of being dominated by someone. Of course, he can't just let someone do that to him. He's far too strong and too willful for that. So, I had fight for every inch of progress in overtaking him as I did."
Kakashi disliked the blame placed on him even more than that placed on his male student. "So, you're saying that you were only doing what he wanted you to do?"
She nodded confidently. "I'm not really sure he had even really realized that was what he wanted, which made it difficult at first to figure out. That's why we bickered for so long," she reasoned. "But I could tell by the way he was antagonizing me that he wanted me to step it up and if I was going to do that, I was going all the way. Anything less and I would have failed."
"You really scared him when you faked unconsciousness like you did," he chided.
"It wasn't really a fake-out. I let everything go black for a few seconds so he'd let up on me," she answered.
"And what about Gaara?" he pressed.
"What about him?" she offhandedly replied. "Our connection is even stronger than I thought. I knew before I tried it that even just sensing his chakra would give me an extra boost but honestly, I didn't expect to channel him the way I did. It was very…invigorating."
"Sasuke was right. It was really unfair," he pointed out.
"And who are you to lecture me on the finer points of fairness?" she retorted bitterly. "Besides, I offered to let him ask for help from someone else. I even gave you a chance to come rushing to his rescue," she taunted.
"Why did you do that anyway?" he questioned seriously. He was starting to understand that it was a tactical move on her part but she rarely liked dragging others into her personal encounters.
"It was a concession," she admitted. "If there is one thing I have learned very well here it is when to make a concession and just how much to risk. Of course, I already knew he wouldn't take the bait and even if he did, if he had chosen just about anybody but you, or Master Jiraiya, who he wouldn't dream of asking, at that point I think I would have been able to keep good on my threat to charm them both."
He nodded at her bow to his resistance to her abilities.
"I can sense that this whole thing greatly disturbs you," she noted. "Is it really because you feel like I betrayed you?"
Kakashi thought for a moment. "It's just as much that as I'm disappointed in myself for continuing to underestimate you after all this time. I suppose it makes you an even better ninja to have been able to keep it from me for this long."
"You're just lucky I let you stay as long as you did. If Sasuke had seen you, it would have ruined everything," she complained. "I think your problem is that you don't want to see Sasuke that way. If you had gotten there a little sooner, you would have seen that he was the one who started the argument that led to what you saw. He did most of the name-calling, if only to provoke me into aggravating him even more," she babbled.
"Maybe I'm just surprised that would be something Sasuke would actually want," he tried.
She laughed a little. "Oh, just between you and me, he wanted it…and pretty badly too…and the only way he would let himself enjoy it is if I took it from him kicking and screaming the entire way," she bragged.
He was still unnerved that she was capable of such a thing.
"He has this peculiar habit, you might have noticed it," she smirked. "Sometimes he really likes to say the exact opposite of what he's thinking. He likes to lie to me because he knows I'll be able to tell. Actually, I've found that's one of the easiest things for me to do now, probably thanks to him."
"To sense a lie? I thought sensing attraction was your forte," he presumed.
"It still is but it seems I've discovered something else as well," she conceded. "It goes back to that dial versus switch thing I told you about. Attraction is subtle, or it's supposed to be. Either someone's lying or they're not and those little white lies, lies of omission, and everything in between, they register with the same middle degree," she explained.
"I see," he muttered even though he was only beginning to understand. "All things considered, I think that it would be best to keep our visit under wraps until we get there. If we can find a way to let you spend at least a little time with Gaara…and Shukaku if you have to, then I think things will work out for the better. Unfortunately, I don't think that's something that will be very easy to hide for very long," he reasoned.
"Whatever you think is best. You may think I am a good ninja now but I am not practiced in planning these kinds of events as you are," she bowed a little.
He did agree with that and promised to work out the finer details closer to their departure.
About a month later, Kakashi was standing rather nervously across the desk from a very annoyed and overworked Tsunade.
"Let me get this straight. You want permission to take your team on a mission so that one of your students can go on a date?" she incredulously questioned.
"Well, when you put it like that, it doesn't sound as important," he admitted sheepishly.
"Then how would you put it?" she pressed.
"Tsunade-sama, if Calixta doesn't get to see Gaara and let out Shukaku, the demon has threatened not only her life but maybe even those around her," he insisted.
"She had no right to make that kind of deal," she asserted.
"She only did it because he was going to kill her if she didn't make some sort of compensation and demons always ask a high price for failure. If Baki didn't so staunchly disapprove of their relationship, it wouldn't be an issue," he pointed out.
"I'm not convinced his disproval is entirely misplaced," she grumbled. "And you sound convinced that if she does get him let out again, he won't just rampage," she presumed.
"I am convinced that he won't. They have a very special relationship and I think it's worth the effort, the risk," he continued.
She let him leave after that without her decision. She wanted the extra time to go over his plan and what information she could find on the girl.
Eventually, she decided to let them go and that she would follow them without telling them to make sure nothing went too badly. If it had been anybody but Gaara, she would have tossed the whole thing aside. She knew that he needed to be reigned in and if Calixta had the ability to do that, it would benefit everyone.
On the day they were to leave for the sand village, Calixta stopped by Kiba's home to thank him again for sending her letter. Then, she went to the gate to find Kakashi and the rest of his team waiting for her. She was disappointed that he had chosen to bring his three more normal students along but tried to hid it.
"Looks like everyone's here. Let's get going," Kakashi started to lead them out.
"Kakashi-sensei, I appreciate the moral support but I don't know how much help the others are going to be on this mission," she tried speaking in his language in hopes of being better understood.
"I think you're wrong," he argued simply.
"Naturally," she sighed. "But if any one of us is seen in the Sand Village then the whole plan goes to shit. The way I see it, the more people we have, the greater chance there is of something like that happening," she reasoned.
"I told you she wouldn't want us," Sasuke scoffed. The comment was directed at his teammates but he made sure it was loud enough for the older pair to hear him as well.
She gave a sigh of irritation and regret. She genuinely appreciated their presence but her concern was equally genuine.
"I had a feeling…" Sakura grumbled under her breath.
"Kakashi-sensei said it was our mission to go," Naruto pointed out.
Calixta nodded.
"I understand your concern," Kakashi addressed her, "but I think it would be safer to at least travel in numbers. I want to be well rested when we get there," he informed.
"Yes, sensei," she reluctantly agreed.
When Kakashi left to secure the perimeter for their first camp, Sasuke couldn't hold his tongue any longer.
"I just don't see why we have to come along for this too. It's not like either of them is going to want us or anybody else around anyway. And like she said, as soon as somebody sees even one of us, our cover is totally blown!" he ranted.
"I'm sure Sensei has a reason for bringing us along," Naruto tried to reason.
"I just wish he'd tell us the real reason he wanted us along," Sakura grumbled.
"That would be nice," Sasuke bitterly agreed.
"Maybe he really only does want us along for the trip there and back. I mean, having a few extra people along just to travel with is always nice," Naruto tried to reason.
Sasuke almost punched his teammate. "Don't be so dense. It's never that simple, not with Kakashi-sensei and especially not when Calixta's involved," he snapped.
"I think that's enough," Calixta suddenly interjected.
"I don't wanna hear any of your crap right now either. If you could handle your affairs half as well as you pretend to, we wouldn't have gotten dragged into this mess!" he yelled.
"Look, I don't want you here anymore than you want to be here. I appreciate that you're here, especially since you don't want to be. I hope everything goes over as quietly as possible so you have to deal with as little as possible," she tried.
"M-Maybe we should talk about something else," Sakura suggested.
"I think Sasuke's jealous," Naruto chided.
"Naruto!" Sasuke and Calixta both exclaimed.
The blonde snickered.
"That is absolutely outrageous!" Calixta protested.
"Take that back!" Sasuke ordered of his blonde teammate.
"I mean after what happened when you first met, I can understand how it might bother you," Naruto playfully tried to reason but his good nature was ill received.
"Naruto," Calixta eyed him dangerously. "Most of the reason that happened was because the two of you weren't there for him when he needed you," she finally snapped. "Don't turn on each other this time as well," she stormed off and finished making their dinner. She hardly had any before going to bed.
None of them spoke a word of their conversation but Kakashi could tell when he returned that something was wrong. However, he had more important things to worry about and pushed it aside.
"Sasuke," Sakura carefully broached when she came to relieve him of his watch.
"Good, you're here. I'm beat," he stood.
Then she did something he didn't really expect. Apparently, Calixta's words had hit home for the young girl. "Please forgive me!" she suddenly burst out, bowing deeply to him.
"Sakura," he was taken aback by her at first. "Tch. That was a long time ago. Forget about it," he dismissed.
"I didn't realize you felt that way. She never even hinted to me that you would have rather we interfere," she defended.
"It's okay. I forgive you," he finally said, if only to get her to stop apologizing. "None of us had much control over what happened so don't worry about it, okay?"
She gave a confident nod and took her place by the fire.
The following morning, Sasuke had a similar conversation with Naruto.
"Hey, sorry we didn't do anything to help you on that mission. I didn't even realize there was anything wrong," the blonde admitted regretfully.
"That was most of the problem," Sasuke grumbled, not even looking at the one speaking to him.
"But if you had just said something-" Naruto tried to reason but was interrupted.
Sasuke suddenly stood from packing up his things and stared down his more rambunctious comrade. "First of all, I shouldn't have had to say anything. Second, are you touched? What the hell was I supposed to tell you?"
"Uh-er, I dunno. Anything would have been good," he tried to reason but when he was ignored, he went back to his own duties.
The rest of their travel was uneventful. After that first night, Kakashi noticed a slight easing in his three primary students and understood that to mean whatever sort of bickering they had left the village with, it had been worked out by now. This was very good because as they drew closer to the Village Hidden in the Sand, Calixta grew increasingly anxious. She started to become withdrawn, hardly speaking to any of them unless spoken to. She spent most of her time staring straight ahead of them. Though, her stare wasn't a vacant stare. Her eyes were sharp, as though she was looking for something far off in the distance. For the most part, the others were content to let her be, to allow her to prepare for her ordeal in her own way.
However, on the night before their arrival, Calixta decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She had been planning to sneak away and get to the village ahead of her party from the very beginning, another reason why the extra three individuals made her life a little more difficult. So, she bided her time and when she thought it was safe, she snuck out of her tent.
Unfortunately for her, Sakura was especially vigilant that evening and caught her.
"Where are you going?" she asked quietly through the darkness, her whispered voice masking the irritation in her tone.
"Damn it," Calixta cursed under her breath. "Well, I was trying to get a head start on you guys but it looks like I'm out of luck in that department," she sighed.
"Why don't you just go back to sleep? It sounds like you're going to need the rest anyway," Sakura reasoned.
"I can't sleep right now. There's too much going on, too much about to happen. Look, I won't try to get away if you come away from the fire to sit and talk with me while you're on watch," she bargained.
Sakura nodded in agreement and they sat down on the ground a few meters away from the camp, close enough for Sakura to still watch but far enough away that their voices wouldn't wake the others.
She tried to get the older girl to talk about what was going to happen or maybe say more about their first meeting but no such luck. The older woman seemed intent to ramble aimlessly, much go Sakura's dismay. Usually, when they spoke, Calixta was very polite and considerate. However, sometimes, usually when she was under a lot of stress, she started to babble, making almost no sense.
What Sakura didn't know was that this time Calixta was doing it on purpose to assure the younger girl that she was in no state to go wandering off on her own. After about an hour of that, Calixta stood and brushed herself off.
"Thank you Sakura-san," she smiled and offered a hand to help the other girl up. It was happily accepted but before she even realized what was happening, Calixta had her in a choke hold.
"C-Calixta…don't do this…" Sakura managed to choke out.
"Don't wake too quickly," the young woman prayed a moment before Sakura lost consciousness. Knowing that it probably wouldn't last, she pulled a piece of paper out of her purse, scribbled onto it a sleeping script, and stuck it to Sakura's forehead. As soon as she was sure it would stay, she was gone, leaving Satu to guard the camp in her place.
Naruto was the first to wake, as it was his turn for the final watch, and happened to do so a little early but since there was no sense in trying to sleep for another hour, he decided to go talk to Sakura instead. However, once he sat up he had a strangely apprehensive feeling. Confused, he threw back his blanket and crawled out of his tent. The fire was dying and Sakura was nowhere in sight.
The blonde felt his heart skip a beat, "Sakura-chan?" he called carefully but received no response. Worried, he went looking. It didn't take long to find her. "Oh, no," he gasped and ran to Calixta's tent to find it empty. "Sensei!" he rushed over to Kakashi's tent and threw open the little door. "Sensei! Calixta's gone!"
"What?" Kakashi sat up immediately. "What happened?" he demanded, making his way out to survey the situation.
This commotion had awoken Sasuke who also emerged from his sleeping place to find out what was going on. He followed them to where Sakura was sleeping.
"Damn it!" Kakashi swore loudly, tearing the piece of paper off Sakura's forehead, watching her eyes flutter open immediately.
"Calixta, no!" Sakura yelled as she sat upright. When she saw the three concerned faces peering down at her she knew what happened. "I'm so sorry I let her get away," she bowed deeply, pressing her forehead against the ground.
"Get up and tell me what happened," Kakashi ordered evenly.
As they quickly packed up their things, Sakura told them about what happened.
"I didn't realize what she was doing…She caught me completely by surprise," Sakura admitted.
"It's not your fault. All things considered, you did well," Kakashi praised in spite of his racing mind. "The important thing now is that we catch up with her before she gets to the village." He couldn't help grumbling. He knew that Sakura was largely immune to Calixta's powers of attraction but apparently that wasn't as much of an obstacle as it used to be. From the sounds of things, she had confused and tired Sakura before making her very decisive move. He also scolded himself for teaching her so many scripts after finding out how much she loved to write. She had the perfect handwriting for it.
It was the second night of the festival and she managed to buy a long, concealing cloak from one of the first shops she saw and get lost in the crowd. She had to find Gaara before anyone found her. Then, she had a better idea. She would find a suitable place to meet and then call him to her. That was likely to get her better results.
She considered finding an out of the way place to reunite face to face but reasoned that was impossible with the village being as crowded as it was. So she went for the opposite approach. She chose one of the busiest spots she could find. She found that, even though they were much closer to her in terms of physical distance, the incredible number of people made it difficult for them to find one another but, with enough time, he did zero in on her, finding her sitting off to the side of a rather busy pub, still blanketed in her cloak of anonymity.
Gaara tried to contain his excitement when Kankuro first delivered her message but since he was only in the company of his brother, he couldn't help smiling, even laughing with glee at the audacity.
"Baki-sensei's not gunna be very happy when he sees her," he pointed out.
"He's not very happy about anything," Gaara dismissed. "And it sounds like if this works out, he won't know she's here for quite a while," he grinned as he burned the letter.
"Well, you know I won't say anything. I've had just about enough of manual labor for one lifetime," Kankuro grumbled.
Suddenly Gaara grew serious. "Kankuro…thank you for delivering this message." Then he saw his brother out.
Then, the problem became containing his anxiety as he felt her approach. The first time, when Baki had invited her, he didn't bother to hide most of the outward signs of his excitement but this time was much different. He felt that if he even showed a twitch of difference, their plans would be foiled. Fortunately, being as reclusive and standoffish as he was came in handy for maintaining that kind of façade.
Then, Gaara found it incredibly frustrating that once he knew she was nearby, he had trouble locating her. Though, he was at this point taking for granted the fact that they could do such a thing.
As soon as he saw her, he rushed over to her, threw back the hood of her cloak, and gave her the warm embrace that he had been holding onto since they parted.
"Oh, Ai-sama, I missed you so much," she raved between kisses.
"We need to find some place a little more private," he urged.
She nodded and they exited together. By this point, they were both so immersed in one another that they didn't bother to hide her presence anymore, a fatal mistake. One of Baki's other underlings caught sight of them as they were leaving and ran straight to the young ninja's sensei who managed to head them off on their way to Gaara's house.
"Stop right there!" he called as he parted the crowd of people. "Right now!"
The couple froze.
"That's right! How the hell did you get here?" he demanded as he approached.
"Gaara!" she gasped. "You have to do it now," she urged.
"What?" the teen questioned her sudden request long enough for Baki to get close enough to pull them apart.
"Now, you have to do it now! If you don't then…then I came here for nothing!" she pleaded desperately.
"What does she want you to do?" Baki demanded of his student, not caring that by this point they had drawn the attention of everyone within earshot.
"I-She wants-I'm supposed to-" he stammered.
"Don't explain it! Just weave the sign and let go!" she continued to yell. "You've already defied him, don't give up halfway!"
"You! I've had just about enough of you!" Baki reeled back to slap the woman now literally trying to wedge herself between him and his student but he was stopped halfway by a strong hand on his arm.
"What the-?" Baki turned to find his Kazekage holding him back. "K-Kazekage…" he barely managed as he let his arm fall and he gave a bow of respect.
"Baki, why are you about to strike this woman? She is barely half your size," the old man questioned seriously.
"Sir, this is the woman who has been harassing my students, the one after Gaara," he pointed out.
"I see," he eyed the young woman evenly. She was much quieter now, as was the rest of the crowd, as she barely managed to keep her gaze upon his face. "Regardless of who she is, this is hardly the place or the time for such a dispute." He gave an authoritative motion and started to walk away with the concerned parties behind them.
As they walked, Calixta clung to Gaara, who had all but silenced completely upon the arrival of their leader.
"Get off him!" Baki shoved her away.
"Baki! I know you don't like this woman but you are causing a scene. The people don't need to see you pushing her around like that even if she is as evil as you say she is," the leader reasoned. "But apparently you don't realize that, which is why I had to make myself involved."
"Sir, she shouldn't be here in the first place. I expressly forbid it," he asserted.
"So I've heard," the old man placated. Even if he had more to say, he was cut off by the sound of barking followed by someone calling in the distance.
"Calixta!" Kakashi yelled when he first caught sight of her. Then he noticed who she was with and he felt his heart start to race even faster, making him rush over without warning and leaving his students and their most recent addition, Lady Tsunade who had caught up with them during their mad dash to the village, to catch up with him a moment later.
"Kazekage," the white-haired man gave a polite bow.
"Ah, Kakashi. Am I to understand that this young woman is still your student?" he asked
"Yes, she is."
"I see. Can I assume by your rush that she got away from you?" he continued chidingly.
Kakashi swallowed hard and he felt Calixta's guilt somewhere in the back of his mind. "Yes. That is what happened."
The older man nodded. "And not just you it seems," he mused when he saw the other four approach. "Hokage Tsunade, it is a pleasure to meet you," he greeted when the woman in heals approached.
"Likewise, Kazekage. My only regret is the circumstances. If you like, we can take her back right now," she offered.
Gaara could feel Calixta panic as she held onto him even more tightly, so tightly that he thought he might lose circulation in his arm. He was about to try to ease her, hoping that even just a little reassurance would calm her, when she started to mumble quietly under her breath.
The young ninja's eyes suspiciously darted around but everyone's attention was too fixed on the pair of leaders to pay more than peripheral attention to them at the moment.
"Do it now. Please. Don't waste anymore time. You have to do it now. Now, please," she pleaded so quietly she thought only Gaara could hear.
Unfortunately, Baki was still paying much of his attention to her. "What are you doing?" he demanded, stepping right in front of her.
"She's not doing anything," Gaara argued defensively.
"Then what's she saying? Some kind of spell or just trying to get you to run away with her?" he rudely pressed.
With all the excitement, Calixta's emotions were already in overdrive. On top of that, the heightened emotional states of those around her was only making it more difficult to compose herself. "Now, please," she barely muttered as she started to lightly tremble.
"Baki," Kakashi protectively tried to coax the other man away from his distraught student. "This isn't helping."
Suddenly the Kazekage, irked by their interruption, spoke again, "Yes, now would be a good time to deal with all of this. I don't think that will be necessary for you to take her just yet and as for the circumstances, I would rather meet you over a dispute about love than about war. Both are messy businesses but one usually has less bloody resolutions," he reasoned.
She smiled. "Indeed."
Calixta could hear Sasuke mumbling curses at her as they followed but she didn't acknowledge him. She had too much on her mind already to worry about his petty insults.
"Now," the old leader sat down at his desk, "we need to get this worked out."
"The solution is to enforce my decision," Baki immediately argued.
"I am well aware of your decision and while practical and pragmatic, it doesn't seem to be working," the old man chided, eliciting several snickers in response. "Tell me, Lady Tsunade, I know very little about this young woman who has so thoroughly won over my son. Should I be worried about her?"
She thought for a moment before replying. "Personally, I know her very little but what I do know of Calixta is that she is a kind, generous person. She may step out of line from time to time but not usually without good reason."
"Her reason is to defy me and control Gaara!" Baki argued contemptuously but was ignored.
"So then," he turned to the young woman in question. "What might that reason be?"
Calixta swallowed hard and stepped out from behind Gaara, who until this point she was using as partial cover. "I came here today to…to see Shukaku again," she announced as bravely as she could and she heard gasps from around the room.
Those few who were already aware of her intention were astonished with her brazenness. Those who weren't gaped at her audacity.
"Don't you mean Gaara?" the Kazekage questioned.
"As well as Gaara," she amended.
"That's insane! Kazegage, please, surely you can see she's crazy. Gaara doesn't need that," Baki coached.
The old leader stared evenly at her for a long moment. "Gaara, were you aware of this motive?" he pressed.
"Yes, sir," he nodded.
The Kazekage pursed his lips. "Interesting. Calixta, you are aware of what, exactly, Shukaku is, I assume."
"I do. He is a part of Gaara that cannot and should not be ignored," she asserted, earning another nod.
"Indeed but he is also not to be taken lightly. I want to make sure you understand the gravity of what you're asking for," he curtly reminded but it was ill received.
The look Calixta gave him was almost seething. She hadn't meant to look at him like that but she couldn't help it. "I am also not to be taken lightly," she replied evenly.
After that, the Kazekage wanted to speak alone with Lady Tsunade so he had the two groups of ninja taken to separate rooms, knowing that putting Baki in the same room with Calixta would only lead to more fighting. Unfortunately, at this point, he couldn't justify taking his son from his sensei and left Gaara to keep Baki company during the deliberation.
"I can't believe you went behind my back again for that woman!" Baki raved once the door was closed.
"She went behind your back. I simply followed. I didn't tell her to come here. I haven't even written to her or gotten any letters from her since the last time we saw each other. I just got this note on my doorstep one day, telling me that she was going to try to be here," Gaara argued.
"And you should have told me about that too," Baki growled.
"Why? So you could ruin everything just like you always do?" Gaara childishly complained.
Baki turned back to Gaara and looked him in the eyes. There was a part of him that sorely wished that everything would be as good as his student seemed to think it would. However, his experience told him not to trust the situation or the woman who caused it. "Why can't you see that she's manipulating you?" he took the short teen by the shoulders and shook him.
Gaara just gave a sigh of resignation and shrugged way the older man's grip. "I'm done arguing with you about this. It's not getting either of us anywhere," he grumbled. "Why don't we wait until after we see what Father decides before we waste any more energy?"
"Would you really obey your father?" Baki pressed, genuinely curious.
The young ninja thought about it for a long moment. "I don't think I'm going to have to," he admitted. "But if he's like you and refuses to see the reality of the situation, then I will have to defy him as well."
Baki frowned and took the chair across the room, not looking at or speaking to Gaara until someone came to get them over an hour later.
"You're here to see Shukaku?" Sasuke raved even before the door to their room was shut.
"You never asked why I was coming," she dismissed, flopping down in one of the overly plush chairs. Satu was on her lap a moment later, having just been delivered, dry and fluffy.
"If I had known that was why, I wouldn't have come on this mission!" he continued to protest.
"Sasuke, please," Kakashi coaxed. "Shouting about it isn't going to solve anything. I think Baki proved that."
"Sensei," Sakura carefully broached. "Did you know she wasn't coming to see Gaara?"
The older man gave each of his student's an even look but only the younger three were actually looking back at him. "Yes, I did. It was why we had to try to keep it such a secret."
"Sensei!" Naruto gave a betrayed gasp.
The other two weren't as surprised by the lie of omission but still glared at him.
"But for now, it seems things are out of our hands. The two Kages are going to hash it out for you," he turned to Calixta, hoping to elicit a response.
"Which is only necessary because it seems that Baki's sole purpose in life is to interfere where he's not wanted," she griped.
Kakashi had also prompted her in hopes of illustrating the gravity behind the fact that it took two village leaders to referee Calixta and Gaara's relationship.
"What do you think they'll say?" Naruto finally asked.
"I'm not sure. Calixta-san, did you get any sort of impressions from the Kazekage?" Kakashi diverted.
She started a moment at the question. "N-No, not really."
"Lair!" Sasuke slammed his fist down but she didn't flinch.
"He is understandably deeply concerned about the situation but I think that's mostly because it escalated like it did. He's like any father. He wants the best for his son," she explained.
"Too bad he has to settle for you," Sasuke sniped.
Kakashi let it go but only because of something Calixta mentioned to him, that Sasuke, when he was uncomfortable speaking his true feelings, would say the exact opposite instead, knowing that she would understand.
"I might have been able to get more if there were less people around, but that can't be helped," she sighed. "And what certainly didn't help was all the negative energy Baki was dumping on me. It almost made me sick to my stomach."
Kakashi eyed her carefully. Even without empathy, he could sense that but something told him that the pangs of anger and betrayal weren't entirely his own. "Did you happen to…share that with anyone else?"
Calixta faltered again, this time quickly looking about the room at each of their faces. "I…I did. If you felt anything like that…I'm sorry I had to share it…but it aggravated me so much that I almost attacked him again," she admitted regretfully.
"Then you should be glad that we're here," Naruto asserted with a generous smile.
A fair portion of Calixta's smile returned.
"And what did I say about apologizing?" Kakashi playfully scolded.
"Of course. So I guess I just say thank you," she gave a little bow but then her smile fell again.
"What's the matter?" Sakura suddenly asked.
"There's really not a whole lot of time left. I hope they don't intend to take too long," she sighed.
"Why didn't you tell them you were on a tight schedule?" Kakashi pressed.
"Because I didn't want them to think I was trying to interfere in their decision anymore than I already have. If I rush them, it will only make things more difficult," she reasoned.
"So, what'll you do when they do decide?" Sasuke bluntly inquired.
"Well, that depends on what they decide, doesn't it? I suppose the question really is how we have to approach our relationship from now on. We will be together," she asserted. "They're just deciding how easy it's going to be on everyone else," she scoffed.
"Arrogant!" Sasuke almost reeled back to slap her but knew he wouldn't get away with it so stopped himself.
"Dedicated," Naruto added with a smirk.
"Head over heals," Sakura chimed in, her tone absolutely matter of fact.
"Bingo," Kakashi pointed at her.
"Shut up," Calixta sighed.
"What are your impressions so far?" Tsunade asked when she was sure they were alone.
"Well, I regret to confess that it seems I am only as close to my son as you are to Calixta," he admitted.
"But Calixta is not my daughter. At the very most, I have healed her while on duty at the hospital during her stays there," she pointed out.
The older man nodded thoughtfully. "I apologize for my reservation. I find myself wanting to like this young woman but Baki has warned me that even that is too much," he continued.
"That used to be the case but that is why she came to our village. She is now in control of her abilities," she assured.
"Which Baki also contests on the grounds that it makes her even more dangerous. Unusual chakras are usually quite difficult to control but once that power is harnessed, it often turns into a formidable opponent," he contested. "And I would say that she has proven herself to be at least that to those who try to resist her will."
"I suppose it could be seen that way but Baki has never taken the time to actually speak with her, to get to know her. It's like Naruto, many protested his ninja training because of the demon in his belly, a subject I'm sure you're familiar with, but look how he turned out. He even whipped your boy into shape," she bragged.
"Are you implying that her companionship could improve my son in some way?" he cocked a curious eyebrow.
"I wouldn't be surprised if it did," she shrugged.
"I would like to get to know her better before dismissing her. Hearing two so completely different accounts is more than a little disturbing and I must admit that it makes me feel a little misinformed," he told the woman seated across from his desk.
"You could speak to her yourself," she suggested.
"Oh no, that, unfortunately, won't do. If I make my decision after speaking to her alone, Baki won't trust it and frankly, I wouldn't blame him for that," he dismissed.
"Well, it just so happens you also have as your guests this evening, her sensei and three teammates. I'm sure they could be convinced to give us an honest account of her," she continued.
"That's not a bad idea," he nodded and then sent for Kakashi. "But what if Baki is right and she has charmed them as well?" he proposed.
"That is why I would like to stay. I may not know Calixta very well but I do know the four of them. I will be able to tell you if they're behaving strangely," she assured.
"I can accept that," he agreed.
Kakashi entered a few minutes later. He wasn't surprised that the pair of leaders had decided to dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point.
"Tell me about Calixta," the Kazekage ordered, pouring the younger man a saucer of sake.
Tsunade had suggested that they drink while they talked about half way through their conversation so it only seemed polite to include him as well.
Kakashi took a moment to gather his thoughts. "She is…very strong, very passionate. Because of her empathic skills, she is one of the kindest people I have ever known. I'm sure you've noticed that she has quite a stubborn streak but it's usually good natured. She does not want to be a ninja," he asserted.
"But it seems she is a rather effective one. Wouldn't you say?" he prompted.
"She only did those things because she felt like she had to. She'd been pushed into a corner by trying to work within what other people thought was acceptable. Actually, I'm surprised it took as long as it did to come to this. Their relationship was like a flashbang from the very start."
"Then, do you think it could be a simple case of infatuation?"
"I thought that at first too but watching them together and listening to her talk about him changed my mind. I think they're a good fit," Kakashi explained.
"What kinds of things does she say about him?" the older man pressed in a fatherly way.
Kakashi tried not to smile. "Well, she loves him. I don't know if either of you realize this but she has never even had a crush on anyone else before. By the time she got to the age for that, her chakra had already started to kick in. Since she was ten, she's had to deal with everyone else around her dumping their emotions onto her and she couldn't get away from it. I'm sure Lady Tsunade has told you that since she has come to our village, those kinds of things don't affect her as much any more and she fell for Gaara like a ton of bricks. As her sensei, it is my firm belief that this relationship is good for both of them."
The Kazekage sighed. "I highly doubt Gaara has ever felt those kinds of things for another person before," he mused. It certainly explained their erratic behavior. "Why do you think he likes her?"
Kakashi was silently thankful for his scarf because it managed to hide most of the blush that came to his cheeks at the question. "Where to start?" he laughed.
"It sounds like you are quite fond of her as well," the Kazekage pointed out in a warning tone.
"Don't get me wrong. I am but I have no romantic interest in her whatsoever." He almost admitted that she was too much for him but kept that to himself. "She loves him," he stated simply.
The Kazekage looked to his visiting leader for confirmation on their last exchange. "He's telling the truth. Kakashi is a pervert not a womanizer," she dismissed.
"Tsunade-sama!" he gasped, now he was sure that the little bits of his face that showed were bright red.
The old man chuckled and sent him away.
Next was Sasuke, who was especially uncomfortable with their situation. He was asked a similar set of questions, though they were asked less directly and less harshly than those given to Kakashi.
"You promise Calixta won't hear any of this?" Sasuke verified before answering the general question of his impressions of her in their time together.
"I assure you that this is a private meeting," Lady Tsunade replied assuredly. "We want to know exactly what you think so we wouldn't jeopardize that by telling others what you said."
"Okay…Actually, she's amazing," he admitted. "She and I don't usually get along because she's a stubborn pervert but other than that, I can't really argue."
The old man was intrigued. "Could you elaborate on that for me please?"
"Well…You sure none of this is going to get back to Calixta?" he asked again.
"This is just between the three of us. On that you have my word," the old man swore.
"Fine. It's just that she's really thoughtful. She really gives a damn about others and not just because she can feel their emotions. I think it used to be that way. Before she could control her chakra, I think she behaved the way she did because of the influences of others. But now it's different. She really cares. She and I are actually pretty close, even though we disagree on just about everything there is."
"How close?" the Hokage pressed.
Sasuke blushed. "Well, she charmed me on our escort mission to bring her to our village but that wore off after we got to our village. That wasn't intentional. It happened before she got control. On top of that…I have used some of her abilities before."
"You what?" Tsunade nearly gasped.
"With my sharingan," he explained. "The point is that when I do that and she lets me feel what she's feeling, lets me see into her heart, I can tell. She really, really, really is in love with Gaara and she won't stop until they're together, even if it kills her. She's really stubborn like that," he grumbled.
"When did you do this?" Tsunade pressed.
"About a year after she got stuck with Kakashi-sensei. Off and on since then," he answered.
"Why did you do it?" she continued to question, unaware that her concern had piqued the other leaders interest.
"B-Because…well there were a few reasons. Kakashi-sensei asked me to do it. Originally, she had wanted him to copy her but he refused on the grounds that he was her sensei, that it wouldn't leave enough distance between them. So, he asked me to do it. We did it because she didn't want to continue her training until she knew what it felt like to be charmed like that," he carefully explained.
"I suppose you know quite a bit about her and her abilities," the Kazekage noted. "Tell me about the nature of her abilities. Are they as difficult to control as I hear?"
"Incredibly difficult. The first time I did it, I think she helped me keep it under control but I think that only shows how far she's come. I can now maintain control of what she considers to be the simpler aspects of her power. When I utilize her power, I can see the auras of others, I can assert my influence over others, with varying degrees of success, and I can sense the emotions of others."
"What else is there?" the old man pressed.
"She can…sense the truthfulness of others, something I can only do with her and only after an empathic link has been established, and she understands the feelings she gets from people a lot better than I do, knows how to respond to them. She can also call out to others she's made connections with, often over great distances, as I'm sure you know. I can't do that," he elaborated.
"Fascinating. I can understand why your village values her so greatly," he mused. "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?"
Sasuke looked at his feet for a moment.
"What is it Sasuke?" Tsunade pressed.
"It's just that…I dunno if you were aware but…I wouldn't say anything if it wasn't Calixta but…she sort of has to be intimate with several different people in order to maintain her control and stability. I'm only telling you this because she has a romantic interest in Gaara but for her sex and romance are two different things. Well, they're usually two different things. I'm sure with Gaara it's different. As far as I can tell, he's okay with her being as promiscuous as she is but…I think being with him on a regular basis might help settle her down in that way. Something about him seems to stabilize her chakra." He paused for a moment before continuing. "You should know…she's not going to give up on him, no matter what it takes, no matter who she has to defy."
The Kazekage gave a thoughtful nod and let the young ninja go.