TL (guest): Thanks for pointing my grammar mistakes out. Veryu helpful. As for your question. Yes, Orochimaru did let it slip.

Arymed: Thank you very much. I'll think of something.

Shadowgirl608: More Kankuro and Sakura in this. Did you find it too rushed? I thought I made the gradual, but in-denial fellings clear, but if it was not, I'd like to know, so I don't repeat the same mistake again.

Chewie Cookies: Thanks for the suggestion. I did something that I think might go in that direction, but the 'Shinobi-Version' of it. Anyway you can see for yourself. Not much Naruhina fluff in this one, I'm afraid.

I don't own Naruto.

-13-

"Are you still moping?" Tenten shook her head in disbelief. "You're the Hokage, you can't go on a mission! Besides with Bee-sama there, they will be perfectly safe."

"I know and I'm glad the Raikage insisted on sending Bee with them, but still. I don't get to see Hinata for another month." Naruto complained loudly.

Having to let Hinata go after the terrifying experience of almost losing her, was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. She had clung to him and Naruto could just feel that no matter how much she claimed to be fine, she wasn't. And he had almost refused; the urge to take her back with him, where she would be safe and sound had been overwhelming. But her whispered words of logic, of how now was the perfect time to bring forth the proposal, because in the face of the danger Orochimaru posed every village was even more aware of how much they needed to grow closer. Her voice of reason was the only thing that allowed him to let her slip from his grasp. That and the fact that Bee would be traveling with them, in case of an attack, not only could he protect them but if worse came to worse Naruto was sure he'd feel a Bijuu-bomb should one be released.

"Yes, but that makes reunion so much better, don't you think?" Tenten's chipper voice cut through his thoughts.

Grumpily the blond agreed and finally forced his thoughts away from his beautiful girlfriend. "How's Neji doing? I haven't seen him in forever."

"He's busy. Hiashi left to take care of some diplomatic business, as you would know if you had read your paperwork for the last three days. And I'm busy with the wedding preparations and all."

"… - …Wait, wait, what? You and Neji are engaged?"

Tenten nodded. The Hyuga Clan didn't insist on a wedding, but the council had made it clear that they would prefer if there was one. So Neji had asked her… well, he had informed her that she was to marry him.

"How did he ask?" Naruto's deep voice pulled her away from reminiscing.

"He didn't." She deadpanned. "He summoned me into his office and told me it was either May or June. At least he let me pick."

Naruto laughed hard. That did sound a lot like Neji. "I bet he was just afraid you would say no."

Tenten shrugged. "It's one of the reasons I love him, besides I'm not a fan of all that romantic rubbish. It would have been nice to have a say in it, tough, but that's the way it is."

"Bet Lee's exited, too. Did he try to make it a double wedding?"

Her face darkened. "Don't you know it. The Hyuga Clan may take a year to plan a wedding, but by noon those two had already picked out the cakes."

He sniggered. "I wish I would have been there."

The brunette shook her head. "I've never seen Neji look so pale."

Naruto snickered at the picture before he changed into a serious expression. "Have you heard how Kiba's doing?"

"You've been there yesterday, I haven't heard anything new." She sighed. "Even Neji is worried, he went to see Kiba yesterday. According to him Kiba didn't say a word during the whole time he was there."

With a nod the blond faced the window and Tenten took it as her cue to leave. Kiba barely talked and if monosyllable. The only person he showed any kind of emotion to was Karui.

There had been one exception. When Kiba's mother suggested he'd take on another dog, Kiba had thrown a tantrum. A lot of tableware had to be replaced after he was done.

Six months ago an Inuzuka Clan member had died on a mission and left his dog behind. The dog was a little older than Akamaru but basically it would work out. Only Kiba refused and according to Kiba's sister the dog was in depression too. Karui had agreed to let the dog stay with them, despite Kiba's declaration he didn't want to see the dog.

As Hokage Naruto had to see it professionally and Kiba was an excellent Shinobi he didn't want to let go off. But he hadn't found it in him to pressure him in any way. Kiba needed his time to mourn and he would give him as much as he needed. But not only as Hokage, also as a friend he hoped Kiba would build himself up again soon. Naruto hated the feeling of helplessness more than anything, nonetheless he couldn't do anything for his friend in the moment.

…

"Karui, this has been going on for almost three weeks now. He barely leaves the bed, barely talks and we have to force him to take a shower once in a while." Tsume leaned against the kitchen counter disapprovingly.

"I know." The red head felt familiar tears well up, but as always she bit them down. "I just don't know what to do. He won't listen to me at all."

"I'll give him another week, but after that I'll kick him out of that bed." She put her mug down. "I'm needed back at the clinic; let me know if anything changes."

After Kiba's mother had left Karui rinsed the dishes before she felt a nudge on her feet. "Igi! Hey girl, what's up?" The little puppy was not so little anymore, by now her head reached over Karui's knees. "You want to play, don't you? I'm sorry that I neglected you, Igi. – Where's Hanta?"

Hanta was the giant dog that Tsume had demanded to become Kiba's new partner. Karui understood that Kiba was not yet willing to even consider something like that, and honestly she couldn't understand how his mother could be so cold. Hanta had been staying with them for a week now. And while Karui had taken Hanta to her heart, Kiba had not even looked at the grey dog twice.

When Hanta had come here, he had still been depressed about his master's death but it didn't take Igi too long to conquer his heart and the dog had become a lot more cheerful. How could one not like the gently grey giant?

Karui smiled as she watched Igi run in circles around the patient Hanta and yelp in excitement. The Kumo kunoichi threw the Frisbee for the first time in a day. Many throws would follow after this one.

Kiba stood by the window and watched his girlfriend play with the two dogs. He couldn't help the smile when Igi almost fell over her own feet only to get picked up by Hanta. The older dog could barely control Igi's untamed enthusiasm without hurting the pup and they both ended up tumbling into a laughing Karui. He was really pathetic, here he was alive and healthy and all he did was sulking and bury himself in self-pity. Akamaru had died for him, he couldn't change that, he couldn't bring him back. But watching Karui playing with the dogs, he understood that life went on.

"Ok, one more time Igi." Karui panted. "Hanta you're not supposed to help her this time." She turned and started to run followed by the golden-colored dog she threw the Frisbee with all her might.

Igi yelped happily, turned and ran toward the house. "Igi, that's the wrong way!" Surprised Karui whirled around.

"Kiba!" Barely above a whisper her voice constricted in her throat. She stood frozen as she watched her boyfriend, who hadn't left the house in three weeks stroll over to meet Igi and pet her to calm the hyper dog.

Hanta berth both ears and observed the tall stranger warily. Kiba prostrated in front of him, but still several meters away. Karui couldn't make out what he was telling the dog, but Hanta relaxed and graciously let Kiba fed him a treat and pet his head.

She still didn't move as Kiba made her way over to her and put a chaste kiss on her lips. "Sorry I worried you. I'll take Hanta out for a while, we need some bonding time, alright?"

Barely able to nod she watched him whistle on his way out and the grey dog followed him obediently. "See you later, hot stuff."

Only when Igi pushed against her knees hard did she snap out of her daze. "What was that?"

…

It was already late at night when Karui finally heard the door open. She heard his footsteps in the floor, then he made his way into the bathroom and she tensed when he neared the bed room door.

"Hey, I thought you were already asleep." Kiba smiled and entered the room. He had already shed his clothes in the bathroom to take a shower so he pulled out one of his boxer shorts and slipped in bed next to her.

Her golden eyes glistered with tears and pearl after pearl ran down her soft dark skin. "Hey, what's wrong? Hot stuff?" Concerned Kiba forced her head to look at him. His thumps whipped her tears away. "Karui, what's wrong?"

Kiba almost lost his balance as she threw herself into his arms. "I was so worried. You wouldn't talk and I felt so useless and I didn't help you at all…" Whatever more she wanted to say he couldn't make it out over her sobbing.

"I'm sorry, Karui. I know I let myself go, but honestly I just didn't know what to do." He stroked her hair and kept her close. "I didn't know how to deal with Akamaru's death. I've been with him all my life and with him gone it was and still is like a part of me is gone."

Karui nodded, she understood that, but still she cried. She cried tears of relief and tears of pain, tears of anger and of happiness.

"He's not you!" She whispered against chest. Her cries had died down.

"What do you mean?" Kiba frowned at her.

"I loved Akamaru, I did. But he's not you. When Tenten told me that something happened…I thought…" She hiccupped heavily and the tears spilled harder. "I thought…"

In this moment Kiba felt like an idiot. He had never even considered her feelings. His grief had blinded him. As absorbed as he was in his own pain, it wasn't an excuse to let her down. His arms tightened around her. "I'm sorry, Karui."

She felt his breath at her ear and gradually her clenched fingers let go of his hair. "Sorry, I know you're hurt and you miss Akamaru, but…"

Kiba shushed her softly. "You don't have to apologize. I'm sorry, too. The last weeks I've been behaving really pathetic."

"You haven't." Karui pushed herself off of him and controlled her breathing. Her tears stopped. "I just missed you."

Apologetic he kissed her.

"So what did you and Hanta do?"

The man leaned back and crossed his arms behind his head. "Well, like I said bonding time. If I want to take missions again we need a connection." A small shadow fell over his face. "It won't be like with Akamaru, but Hanta is a great dog, so I guess we'll work it out."

"I'm glad." Karui snuggled up to his side.

"Me too." Kiba pressed a kiss to her temple.

…

Nervous fingers pounded against the table.

"Naruto, would you quit it?" Gaara looked up from his papers.

"This sucks. Hinata is probably already in Konoha and I'm stuck here" The blond complained but stopped with the drumming.

"You are a Kage and we are here to figure out a plan to stop Orochimaru from destroying our alliance. Quit your whining."

"You're just in a bad mood because you didn't get to see Hanabi either." Naruto complained and by the way Gaara glared at him he figured that he hit bull's eye.

Naruto and Gaara had arrived in Iron a day earlier than the other Kages. They had already been informed that the Mizukage had arrived this morning. The Raikage and the Tsuchikage would be here shortly.

"Good afternoon." A happy Mei walked through the door. "My, my, haven't you two got handsome." She smiled wildly and took a seat, all the while making good-humored small talk.

"Sorry for our delay." The loud voice of the Raikage interrupted the light talk between the three. He had entered the room together with the Tsuchikage. "We should start immediately."

Gaara and Naruto started by conveying the happenings considering the team that had been attacked.

"Orochimaru is a serious danger to the alliance and I propose we put together a team to track him and deal with him accordingly." The Kazekage let his eyes lock with everyone around the table.

"I agree!" A slammed is hand down on the table and the loud sound echoed in the room. Gaara cringed at the loudness of A's voice.

General Mifune of Iron Country nodded. "Of course we will support the alliance if needed."

"I suppose it would be best, to combine our strengths." The Mizukage said. "Maybe we should have more than one team on the lookout for him."

"Mizukage-sama, one of our best trackers is Shino Aburame. He is currently in Kiri as our ambassador; I would kindly ask you to let him join one of the teams. For the time being he will be replaced by a Clansman." Naruto addressed Mei, who agreed instantly.

In the end they decided on three teams, each team consisting of five members, one representing each village.

"In case of affirming his whereabouts the team is not to confront him. They inform us and we will support them personally. This matter is of such an importance that we cannot risk him getting away. He is the last of the three Sannin and extremely dangerous." The Tsuchikage phrased the last sentences of the official order.

"The Sandaime Tsuchikage and my predecessor had the utmost confidence in the alliance. I will not let anyone tarnish that." He said in the end and gave a smile to the Kazekage who he knew Onoki had respected deeply.

…

"Ah, it's so good to be back, especially after a successful mission." Kankuro stretched his arms above his head and yawned deeply.

"Yes, yes it's great. Bee-sama thank you very much for accompanying us so far." Hanabi smiled at the host of the Hachibi.

"No problem at all. I couldn't leave two beautiful women on their own – and that guy." Bee told her with a nod in Kankuro's direction. "Besides when we were in Konoha the food your Clan provided was way worth the effort."

"Either way, thank you very much. I guess I will turn in." Hanabi found herself locked in a bear hug. Despite her rather huge dislike of physical contact with anyone but Gaara, she didn't complain.

"I think I'll go to my room too. I want to journey back early in the morning." Bee shrugged.

But Kankuro would have none of that. "Hey Bee, how about spending some time in the Suna nightlife?" Kankuro threw an arm over the man and dragged him away.

In response Bee grinned brightly. "Only if you introduce me to some nice girls here in Suna."

Shaking her head Hanabi let them lose in the nightlife of Suna. Her pale eyes searched the night sky for stars and she took a deep breath. The whiff of her breath was visible in the cold night. The youngest daughter of the Hyuga main house was finally able to relish the feeling of relief. She hadn't liked to admit it but in truth during the whole trip her uneasiness had not let off. She wasn't sure if Gaara was back already. They hadn't met Naruto in Konoha and were told he was going to be back in a weeks' time.

It didn't really matter that much, because she was going to his room anyway. She only hoped the gathering of the five Kages was going as well as the 'Border-relationship treatment'. After the remaining unclear point would be negotiated the five Kages would sign the contract. Hinata and her hoped that they could finish up within the year.

While Hanabi let herself fall into deep slumber, on the other side of the town Kankuro and Bee enjoyed Suna's nightlife.

"Another round please!" Kankuro ordered gesturing to the table where he and Bee sat, accompanied by a few girls.

He coughed violently when Bee hit his back in a friendly manner. "Taking your sweet time to order, eh? The girls are missing you already."

Kankuro forced a smile on his face, thoughts of pink hair and smooth skin running through his head. Next to him Bee raised an eyebrow in confusion. Last time Kankuro had visited them in Kumo with his brother they had painted the city red. Back then it didn't take half an hour for Kankuro to chat up a girl.

"What's wrong with you? Thinking about giving up the Bachelor life?" He inquired suspiciously.

The puppet master grimaced. "As if I'd get a woman worth doing that for." She probably still hates my guts.

"Kankuro! Why don't you come back?" A pretty brunette clutched his arm and pressed her breast into his side. He faintly remembered her name to start with a J... or something.

He wiggled his arm out. "Sorry, but I guess I'll turn in for the night."

Her big brown eyes blinked up at him seductively. "Is that an invitation?"

"Not tonight, sorry but I'm tired." He must be crazy to turn her down; she was literally throwing herself at him. Damn that banshee for consuming his every thought and making it impossible to tell his brain anyone else would do.

He bumped his fist with Bee, who took it onto himself to console the poor rejected brunette.

By the time he had reached his home, Kankuro really wanted nothing more than drop in his bed and sleep. He almost doubled over in shock when he opened the door to his bedroom. He was fairly sure that he only had a couple of drinks; it wasn't enough to cause a hallucination. But then how come the pink spot on his bed wouldn't disappear no matter how often he blinked. A look on the clock told him that it was indeed two o'clock in the morning and after he had made sure that he was indeed standing in his very own room, his thoughts started racing. His mouth fell open; Sakura Haruno was in his bed. And this time there was no discussion how she got there.

The conclusion he drew left him with several options. He could either wake her up and demand an explanation now, or pretend he didn't see her and slip under the cover with her. That way he would be able to hold her in his arms the whole night and would only have to face her wrath in the morning. Slowly and carefully he crept over to the bed. Exhaling he sat at the edge and reached out to let his fingertips travel over her cheeks and before he knew it he traced the outline of her pink lips.

She shuffled and he removed his hand at the light of speed. Her eyelids fluttered and soon her beautiful green eyes were visible still glazed over with sleep.

His breath hitched in his throat when her unfocused eyes fixed on him. Whatever Kankuro expected to happen next, including her punching his lights out or screaming her head off, it was nothing compared to what occurred.

"Kankuro?" She blinked and before he could react Sakura had thrown her arm around his neck and Kankuro tumbled on his back with her on top. Despite his astonishment he seized the opportunity and pulled her closer. She smelled crazily good and no matter how often he told her that her body was lacking in certain departments, the way her body fit into his was quite to his liking.

"Are you alright? They didn't mess up, did they?" She asked him in worry.

"Uh… What? I'm fine." He told her confused.

"Let me see!" She demanded. She sat up, still on top of him, and Kankuro also got himself in a sitting position, which left her straddling him. Not that he minded…

"Ok…" he said unsure. He tilted his head and allowed her to inspect the wound on her head. Regardless of his curiosity he didn't dare to ask why she was here or why she seemed so worry. Honestly he was too happy to actually care, so he silently appreciated her careful touch.

"Seems like there not entirely amateurs." She huffed. "Where else are you hurt?"

Kankuro decided against letting her know that he wasn't hurt anywhere anymore. If she wanted to strip him, who was he to deny her. Lifting his shirt, he rejoiced at the faint blush as she let her eyes wander over his toned abs, carefully she inspected the already healed wounds on his body, only faint scars reminded of the attack and soon they would fade.

"Well, it could be worse. I guess some of their medics know what they're doing."

Kankuro simply raised an eyebrow; Sakura hadn't realized the position yet. Admittedly he was far from complaining, clearly indicated by the smirk on his face. Kankuro decided to lean back on his elbows and caught her eyes. "So now that were here, what exactly are you planning to strip off me next?"

Her hands snapped back and she blushed. "Well, sorry for being concerned about you. It won't happen again."

"I'm not telling you to stop." He pointed out. "But I'm rather interested why I am finding you sleeping in my room."

"T-that's… - I-it was only…" This wasn't how she planned it. She didn't think he would be home in the middle of the night. She had never wanted him to find her in his bed. "I…"

Kankuro reached out and calmed her down by running a hand through her hair. "Relax, Sakura. I get it; you were really worried about me."

The pinkette averted her eyes and nodded bashfully.

"Why?" Kankuro really hoped Sakura couldn't hear his racing heartbeat. Since he had found her sleeping in his bed there was only one thing he could think about. His eyes darkened when her green ones met his gaze hesitantly. His hand found the back of her neck and pulled her down to him until their faces where only a heartbeat apart. "Why?"

"I don't know." She whispered and he could almost feel the movements of her lips on his.

One last tug at her neck and their lips met in a long awaited kiss. Sakura's eyes fluttered close and she gave up her last resistance to meet his kiss with equal passion. He groaned at her hands on his back and flipped them over. In the process he got rid of her shirt and let his fingers brush over her soft skin.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this." He murmured against her lips.

The only sound Sakura could manage was a moan, but when his lips traveled further down and reached the hem of her bra her eyes snapped open. "Wait! Kankuro stop!"

"What's wrong?" Confused he stared down at her flushed face.

"I can't do this." She fought him off and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry." Tears stung in her eyes and she tried to control her breathing.

With concern in his eyes, he kneeled before her. "What's wrong? Come on tell me." He didn't like to see her cry and pried her hands away from her face.

"Look, I should just go. I really don't feel like being one of your numbers."

"Whoa, stop right there." He held her back a little rougher than he had planned. "Is that why you're crying? 'Cause I wasn't planning on making you one of my 'numbers'. I had another position for you in mind."

"Really?" She jerked her arm back and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "And what would that be?"

Nervously he scratched his head. "Well – I was thinking: My girlfriend?"

Sakura's mouth fell open. She couldn't believe her ears. "What did you just say?"

"Don't make me repeat it. It's weird enough as it is." He sighed and stepped closer. "I like you, Sakura. I don't know how or when it happened, but I really do."

"But what about me not being your type and being too manly and not having enough curves and…"

Kankuro flinched when he remembered the incidences where he had told her idiotic stuff like that. "I might not have meant that as much as I have made it seem. Sorry, but it was difficult for me to handle my feelings. I lied, I apologize for hurting you."

She felt the blood rushing through her body, her heart was beating like it was about to explode. "When you say girlfriend, you mean that there won't be other women, right?"

Indignantly he scoffed at her. "It may seem unlikely to you, but I do know how a relationship works."

She allowed herself to step into his embrace but kept him from kissing her. "I swear if you have forgotten my name by tomorrow…"

He smirked, "Don't worry I value each and every bone in my body."

"Idiot." She pulled him close and allowed him to lead her back to the bed.

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