Destiny of the Cursed

Chapter 17: Of Blushes and Denial

Flashback:

Taking a piece of paper and pen, she wrote a message and placed it on his hand.

'When people worry about you, it doesn't mean you're helpless. You're still the same, Gaara. Even though Shukaku isn't with you now, you're still strong enough to deserve the title of Kazekage. Maybe even stronger… Remember, it's not bad to show weakness. The people around you don't only want you to protect them. They want to protect you too in return. Let them protect you.'

End Flashback

The hazel brown girl yawned and stretched in bed. She rubbed her eyes tiredly. Taking one look outside the window, she frowned. Katana woke up too early, even for her own liking. But it's not like she could stay in bed either. It was already too hot in the room for someone to sleep. Changing from her night clothes to her usual wear, she went down.

"Ah, Katana-chan, what made you wake up so early?" There was Temari on the living room, just about to leave. "The heat", answered Katana so bluntly, it made Temari laugh. "Where are you going?" she asked the blonde girl.

"I need to take care of something in Konoha, being ambassador and all. One of my brothers will tour you around the village later on. You can fix yourself some breakfast in the kitchen." She replied. The younger one nodded in understanding. Before Temari went out of the door, Katana smiled at her gratefully. "Thank you, Temari-chan." She said.

"Thanks for what?" asked the wind mistress, clueless. "You know, for letting me stay in your house, for treating me like another family member. I don't even feel like an outsider to you guys." Temari beamed at the explanation. "I've always wanted a sister." She confessed. "And, seeing that you make Gaara so happy", Katana fought the urge to blush, "and you liven up the house, I don't see any reason not to welcome you." Winking, she closed the door with a soft click. Katana heard a grumble from her stomach and laughed. She proceeded to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, cold air swept on her face. Basically, she took out anything edible and tried to make something out of it.

An hour later, she finished cooking. Katana glanced at the food in the table and sweat dropped. 'How am I supposed to eat all this? It's enough to feed five people.' The sound of someone getting closer broke her off of her thoughts.

"Hm, why'd you cook so many, Tem? Are we having guests?" asked Kankuro with his eyelids half-open and began searching for the said sister. He was surprised to find Katana instead. "Good morning, Kankuro-kun." She greeted, trying her best not to laugh at the sleepy, childish sight of him. His eyes snapped wide open.

"Ka-katana! Kami, you scared me…" Katana snickered. "Aren't ninjas supposed to be always alert and ready?" she teased. He flushed. Before he could protest, Katana waved her remark away. "I've prepared too much. Mind helping me eat?" she offered, sitting down on the chair. Kankuro shrugged and took a seat as well. The two talked about random topics as they ate. Puppets, fighting techniques, Gaara…

"Oh, and speaking of Gaara, how's it going between the two of you?" asked Kankuro, before taking a bite out of a bacon strip. For the second time of the day, Katana forced herself to control the pink taint that was readily forming in her cheeks. "It's fine. Nothing special. We're just friends after all." She told him. She thought the reply would have Kankuro drop the topic. Instead, the dark-haired boy pressed the matter further. "And how long are you planning to stay as 'just friends'?"

An exasperated sigh escaped Katana. She sent him an annoyed look. "Well?" he inquired again. Seeing no way out of it, Katana spoke. "I don't know. I do like him more than a friend…but I don't know if he feels the same way." Kankuro looked at her in disbelief. "Are you kidding me? Look how he treats you! Isn't it obvious that he likes you back?" he sighed, muttering under his breath something about 'dense geniuses' or something like that. Katana glared and reddened like a ripe tomato. "I'm not dense!" Obviously, she caught the comment. "And how could I know what he feels if he doesn't even tell me!" she complained.

"You know how he's an anti-social… geek." Kankuro finished awkwardly. "You just have to understand him better." Katana broke into a grin. "Seriously, a geek?" She laughed, making Kankuro smile along.

"I really don't care if he's a geek or not. But I'm happy with the way things are right now and I believe so is Gaara. There's no need to rush. We'll, um, go on further when the time is right." She told him. He seemed a bit disappointed with the answer, but decided to stop pestering the girl. When both of them finished eating, Kankuro stood up and collected the dirty plates. Katana volunteered to bring Gaara some breakfast in the office.

"Go ahead", said Kankuro,"after I finish washing these, I'll meet you upstairs and tour you around town." Katana climbed up the stairs, the tray at hand. I hope Gaara will like it… she thought nervously. As her fist was about to come in contact, a feminine giggle from inside the room was heard. She stopped in mid-air.

"It's been long since we last met, Matsuri." She heard Gaara's voice. Katana bit her lower lip and hesitated. She took a deep breath. Why am I so panicked? I mean, come on, we're not anything right? Just…Just friends. She reminded herself.Three knocks were sent on the wooden door. "Come in."

Katana turned the door knob. Peeking slightly, she saw a tuff of brick red hair seated behind the table. "Katana?" She heard her name called. "What are you doing outside?" Taking another deep breath, she went in. "Good morning, Kazekage-sama." She greeted. Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow on given honorific. "I've brought you breakfast." Said Katana, putting the tray down on the desk full of papers. Gaara eyed the food and nodded in gratitude. "By the way, Katana." He said, motioning for the other girl beside her. "Meet Matsuri", he sent the girl a quick glimpse, "She's my student. Well, was my student. She's currently of chuunin level, like you are." Katana smiled and offered her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Matsuri. I'm Katana Yotsuki and I'm working here as Gaara-sama's assistant." Matsuri shook her hand. "Nice to meet you." Replied Matsuri. Matsuri had short hair, a brown shade lighter than Katana's. Her onyx eyes glinted in the sunshine. She turned to Gaara. "Ah, Gaara-sama, may I pardon myself? Sari may need me this moment." She laughed sheepishly. "You may." Said Gaara.

"Well, goodbye Gaara-sama!" she bowed to him, her smile wide. Turning to Katana, her smile seemed to twitch, as if forced this time. "Goodbye, um, Katana-san." She bowed and took her leave. When the door was shut close, Gaara cleared his throat to get Katana's attention. She turned to him. "What?"

He glanced at her, before pulling the tray of food in front of him. "Why'd you act so distant from me in front of Matsuri?" he asked, taking in a mouthful. "I was not distant." She said defensively.

"And what's with the honorific? You sounded like an old lady."

"Why you—!" she thumped a closed fist on his head. Gaara's only response was to wince. He glared at her, but she didn't seem to care. If I were a different girl… I'd probably be dead by now. She thought. "Besides, if I acted too comfortable and friendly around you, they might get the wrong idea." She explained. "What's wrong about being a close friend?" asked Gaara. Katana sighed inwardly. Of course, Gaara didn't quite understand her. He was still learning to socialize after all. His mind was pure and naïve, like a child. She smiled. "You're right. Nothing's wrong about being a friend." She sat down on the sofa. "Still…" she muttered. Ah, another excuse. "If she saw me thump you like it's nothing… what would she think of me? I'm an assistant, so I'm not supposed to do that." She said.

"Exactly. So stop doing it." Gaara teasingly remarked. She rolled her eyes, but not before catching the handsome smirk on Gaara's face. Unknown to both, outside…a bole-haired girl eavesdropped on their conversation and clutched her chest in jealousy.

As promised, Kankuro showed her around. So far, they've visited the Suna academy, the hospital, and the market place.

"And that's Mrs. Shimizu right there. She owns the best bakery here. Ohayo, Shimizu-obaa-san!" Yelled Kankuro as he waved to the old lady. The lady smiled at him and motioned for them to get closer. "My, my, if it isn't Kankuro-kun!" exclaimed the joy woman. She pinched Kankuro's painted cheek playfully. Laughing, she let go. She turned to Katana. "Oh, and who is this young lady?" she inquired. Katana bowed respectfully. "Ohayo, I'm Katana Yotsuki."

"Yotsuki? Hm, that's weird, I'm sure I've heard of a Yotsuki before…" Katana gulped. I hope it's not my relation with… she trailed off. Mrs. Shimizu brightened up like a light bulb. "Ah! Are you one of those Konoha shinobi that saved the young Kazekage-sama? I heard one girl stood out the most. The one who helped up Kazekage-sama? Was that you, my dear?" The series of questions made Katana's cheeks burn like hell. What is with people and my relationship with Gaara these days?

"Ah, h-hai. I believe that was my doing." She answered. The woman smiled. "Then, personally I thank you. If it weren't for you and your brave friends…Our village would still be in despair." She smiled warmly. Katana returned it. Kankuro coughed lightly. "We'll stop by your store later, Obaa-san. But for now, let's continue, Katana." They continued walking down the dirt path. "The people here are really nice." Commented Katana, glancing back on Mrs. Shimizu. Kankuro smirked. "Of course. They wouldn't want to offend the Kazekage's girlfrie—"

A death glare. Kankuro chuckled nervously. "I was joking, I was joking!" he said. Still sensing the murderous aura around the girl, he quickly pointed his hand to the nearest place possible. "We're here!" he declared, a little bit too fast. Katana whirled around to see the place. "The...orphanage?" She looked at Kankuro quizzically. His face wasn't a bit reassuring. He himself looked shocked on what he pointed at. "Yep, the orphanage." He tried forcing cheerfulness. Fortunately, Katana asked no more and let Kankuro lead the way.

The bell chimes rang as Kankuro opened the door wide. A black haired woman approached them with a smile. "Good morning, Kankuro-kun! How may I be of help?" she inquired. He pointed at Katana. "A friend of my brother from Konoha. She's staying here for some time so I'm showing her around." He stated. Nudging Katana up front, she introduced herself. "I'm Katana Yotsuki, nice to meet you…"

"Yuki Takeda", she said. They shook hands. She led them to a hallway. "I'm glad you told her of this place, Kankuro-kun." Said Yuki as they walked. They stopped in front of a door. It had a gold title embedded on the wood that says 'Section A'. The inside of the room was like that of a daycare. Lots of toys and crayons were sprawled on the floor. There were about twenty pairs of wide eyes staring at the three adults.

"Good morning, children." Greeted Yuki. "Good morning, Yuki-sensei!" they said back energetically. A boy with flaming yellow hair stood up and pointed at Katana. "Sensei! Who's the pretty lady over there beside Kankuro nii-san?" he shrieked.

Yuki planted her hand on her hip. "Now Hiro-kun, is that the polite way to greet a guest?" she reprimanded softly. The boy sat down. "Everyone, meet Katana Yotsuki. She is a friend of the Kazekage Gaara-sama, so behave, alright?" Yuki gave a smile. "I'll let you bond with them, okay?"

Katana nodded and watched as Yuki went out of the room. Everything as silent again. The children stared at her with curiosity and bewilderment. She bit her lower lip and whispered a question to Kankuro. "What am I supposed to do again?"

He shrugged indifferently. "I dunno. Play with them. Entertain them. Make sure they stay alive." She stared at Kankuro. He looked down on her. "Katana, you're a shinobi. A strong one at that. And these are kids. They don't bite." Sighing, she turned to face the crowd and put on a big grin. "Ohayo! I'm Katana. I'm from Konoha and I'll be staying here in Suna for a while. So! Um, any questions about me?"

Fifteen hands were raised up in the air. Her eye twitched. Scanning the little ones, she spotted the yellow ball of energy again. "Yes, you." She picked. "Hiro, was it?" The blond boy nodded. "What's your question?"

"Are you a ninja, onee-chan?" he asked or rather, shouted. Katana's eyes softened. He sure reminds me of someone back home…

"Yes, I am." She answered.

"Then you must have some wicked jutsu!" he guessed.

"Yeah! Can you teach us?" piped in some others.

Katana smiled. "You guys are still far too young to handle the immense training I had."

"Oh, oh!" she picked a little girl this time. She wore a pink dress and had two, big front teeth. "What does Konoha look like?" Now that question had many answers. And as Katana described the place to them, her longing to go back home grew.

"Onee-chan! Is the Kazekage-sama a good friend?" queried a small girl with violet eyes. Kankuro's ears perked up. "The Kazekage?" Katana thought of this. "Well", she answered hesitantly. "He doesn't talk much and he can be rather indifferent around strangers…" a smile graced her lips. "But he's strong and brave. And he could be really nice to you, if you'd get to know him." The girl blushed. "Really?" she asked again, her tone full of admiration. Katana chuckled. "Really."

Now all the others were interested. "When I grow up, I want to marry Kazekage Gaara-sama!" declared a bold girl from the group. There were laughs and cheers. Kankuro couldn't help but shake his head and smirk. "You can't do that!" shouted a brunette.

"And why not?"

"Cause I'll marry him first!"

"No, I will!"

Hiro broke up the argument. He crossed his chubby arms across his chest. "You girls can't marry the Kazekage-sama!" The girls went 'aww' in disappointment. "Why not?" pouted the previous girl. "Because", reasoned out Hiro, "You're too annoying for him."

"And too loud." Added another.

"And picky." A big argument about which gender was better broke out. "Whoa, whoa. Calm down." Said Katana, trying to break the two groups apart. The children, although not very happy with the idea, listened to Katana and made up. Once they were done fighting, Katana taught them some basic jutsu like Henge, Bunshin and some others. By the end of the day, the kids were weary from all the practice. But they thanked Katana and requested her to come over again some time. As Katana was leaving, she felt a small hand tug at the black fabric of her shirt. Looking down, she saw a timid girl fiddling with her fingers. She knelt down to the child's eye level. "Hey…" her soothing voice went. "What's your name?"

"…Miyuki…" Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Well, Miyuki, you wanted to tell me something?" The girl nodded shyly. "Go ahead." Katana encouraged the mousy girl. She edged to Katana further and whispered something on her ear. She listened carefully to every word. Then she broke into a beam. She stood up. "Of course. I can do that, Miyuki-chan." Waving good bye, she and Kankuro left.

"Here's your coffee." Katana laid down the warm cup on Gaara's desk and took some documents. She sat down and went to signing them to speed up the work.

"Thank you." Said Gaara. Katana only grunted in reply. "So… how did your tour go?" It's surprising that he's talkative and concerned today. Thought Katana. "It went well. The people were all nice. So were the children."

"The children?" Bingo! He took the bait. She mentally cheered.

"Yes. Kankuro and I went to the orphanage. And I must say", an uncontrollable smirk forced its way to her face. "you have quite a lot of admirers over there." Gaara blinked twice, his brain trying to process the idea. "…Really?" he asked suspiciously.

"Yep." She said. "Some wanted to be your future bride." His aquamarine eyes widened visibly. Without saying another thing, he sipped on his coffee. "Oh, and", added Katana, now finished with her share of work and ready to leave, "One girl requested me to ask you if you'd mind to be the father of her child." Coffee sputtered out of the redhead's mouth. He coughed and gagged, making Katana's smirk grow wider. She headed for the door. "Don't disappoint her." With a wink, Katana shut the door firmly. Walking in relaxed strides, she thought aloud. "So that's why she's so shy to ask." Ah, kids these days…

End Chapter