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Author's Note:
Hello again, lovelies! This will be the final filler chapter for now. Yes, that means we're not only going back to the cannon portion of my story, but we're going to approach the best part of the story. The final filler chapter will have Kankuro, Tenten, and Shino in it. If you do not feel like reading, please feel free to skip it and look for the next chapter. It's gonna be amazing!
Warnings: Strong language,
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Chapter 110: Kankuro's First Christmas
Normal P.O.V.
After the Winter Cherry Blossom Festival, the three Sand Siblings decided to remain in the Hidden Leaf Village to celebrate a new holiday to them: Christmas. This was a first for the Sand Siblings. Not only had they never truly experienced winter, a winter festival, or snow, but now they've been introduced to a new holiday. According to the Hidden Leaf villagers, it was recently adopted within the past five years from the Land of Iron. However, it is not considered a public holiday. And unlike other holidays, there's no religion or spiritual reasoning behind it. It's just a simple time late in the year when family and friends come together for entertainment, joy, gift-giving, and laughing at their fellow drunks. Yes, a lovely time for fun and activities. And if all goes well, then Suna may join in the celebration.
Luckily, the Sand Siblings could take the time off since there was only a week difference. It also helps when the Kages come up with an excuse for the siblings' late return. This also gave Gaara and Temari time to bond with their mates Neji and Shikamaru. Temari stayed with Shikamaru while her brothers found lodging in the Kage Suit in a nearby hotel. However, when he wasn't in meetings, Gaara found a way to either visit with Naruto and Sasuke or sneak off with Neji. Luckily, Kankuro had a monkey and beetle to keep him company.
With nothing to do today, Kankuro thought it would be fun to tag along with Shino on a walk through the village and marvel at the Christmas décor that was set up. The streets were packed with villagers as they rushed to buy last-minute presents. Each store was filled to the brim, and the restaurants were no different. All of the sights and sounds were stimulating to the puppeteer.
"So, you mean to tell me that almost everyone in your village spends the entire week buying groceries and presents to make fancy dinners, host parties, get drunk, and give gifts? That's pretty fucking cool." Kankuro whistled as he looked around the busy village.
"That would be the gist of the holiday, yes. However, it's not something that my clan is not interested in."
"Why not?"
"To put it simply, my clan is not very… close with one another. In fact, it would be safer to say that we're closer with our insects than we are with each other. It's just the way we've always been. That is why there are no more than one to two children in each household." Shino explained with his gloved hands in his pockets.
"Damn. That's kind of sad bro. Even when Gaara went through his demonic phase, I can't imagine not being close with my siblings. We needed each other as we went through our rough childhood."
"I can see where your pity comes from. But do not waste it on me. I am quite content with the way my clan is run. I don't think I could handle it any other way if I am being completely honest."
"But still. It's kind of sad to hear." Kankuro sighed before he threw an arm around Shino's shoulder. "Good thing you have a friend like me. I'll make sure you're never lonely again!"
His action caused the brunette beetle to blush as he pushed his dark glasses up on his face. "Thank you."
"Kankuro! Shino! Over here!" A female's voice called out.
Both boys turned around to see Tenten running towards them with bags in her hands and a smile on her face.
"Tenten? What are you doing out here?" Kankuro asked with a blush across his nose and cheek.
"Duh. I'm out Christmas shopping. Oh, wait. Duh! I heard that you and your siblings don't know anything about Christmas, right?"
"Yeah. This would be our first." He nervously chuckled as he scratched the back of his head.
"Well, I hope you guys are staying to enjoy the festivities. Naruto and Sasuke said they were throwing a party in their apartment. Well, I should really say that Sasuke is letting Naruto throw a party in their apartment." She giggled. "I hope you guys are coming?"
"We weren't invited, unfortunately." Shino sighed.
"Nonsense! Lee and Ino were supposed to tell everyone, but you know how they can get distracted. I'm sure they were coming to find you guys soon. Well anyway, I'm inviting you guys, so you better show up."
"You sure that'll be cool with Naruto and Sasuke?" Kankuro asked.
"Of course! It's not like you guys are strangers. And even if you were, Naruto would never turn you guys away. I know he'd be happy to see you there. It's tomorrow night. Are you guys planning on bringing anything?"
"We didn't even know about the party until today! And now we have to bring something too?!" The crow panicked as he gripped his hood.
"Don't worry about it. Just bring yourselves. Naruto doesn't care as long as you're having a great time. Well, I better get going. I still have a few more things to get before tomorrow. I can't wait to see you there!" She left with a smile.
Kankuro stood frozen in place as he watched the brunette monkey disappear from their view. It wasn't until he heard Shino give an awkward cough beside him before he remembered where he was at.
"I'm sorry, did you say something?"
"You were daydreaming about her again."
"I was not! I don't know what you're talking about!" Kankuro huffed as he folded his arms and looked away.
"It's alright if you like her. Tenten is an attractive beta female. She would make for a great mate."
"Mate! Whoa, I think you're getting ahead of yourself there, buddy. I don't even know the girl, let enough try to mate with her. Sure, she's attractive, kind, smart, talented, and a heck of a fighter, but I still don't know anything about her."
"Really? Because it sounds like you know more than you're letting on." Shino smirked.
"Not really. I only know all of that from stories I've heard, or from the few times we've spent together. After all, this is really the most I've talked to her since the last time we visited the Hidden Leaf."
"Well, why don't you get to know her at the party tomorrow? That seems like the perfect place to get her alone and get to know her better."
"I don't know man. What if I say something stupid and she doesn't end up liking me?"
"I don't think that'll be an issue. Tenten, unlike most of the kunoichi in the village, is a simple woman. She mostly likes to talk about fighting and a few other things. If it makes you feel less nervous, you can try talking to her teammates Neji and Lee." Shino advised.
"No. I don't need that type of embarrassment, especially since I don't know Lee enough and Neji is practically my brother-in-law. I'll be better off trying to wing it. Talking to a girl can't be that hard, right?"
"Beats me. Women aren't really my forte." The beetle shrugged.
"Don't worry, I know that. At least you'll be there with me in case I make an ass out of myself."
"I don't see that as a possibility either. But it's the least I can do before you forget me."
"Forget you?! What the fuck does that mean?!"
"It's alright. It happens more times than you think. It seems that all of my peers are either wrapped up in how they plan to spend their lives in this new peace era, or they're looking for their mate. It seems you're no different. I know they say that I'm their friend, but it doesn't stop the lonely feeling I get when I think about how far behind I am. And it's not getting any easier."
Kankuro stood there in shock at Shino's confession. It was heartbreaking knowing that his friend felt this way even about him. However, he was no different.
As Kankuro watched her brother and sister grow into themselves, their abilities, power positions, and their mates, he couldn't help feeling that he was left behind. At his current age of nineteen, Kankuro was further behind most males in his age group. A small part of him felt that his thoughts were ridiculous and that he was fine where he was, but the other part of him was depressed at the constant realization. However, seeing it in someone else didn't sit right with him.
Suddenly, the brunette crow slapped his hands onto Shino's heavy coat and gave him a gentle, sincere smile. "Hey, I want you to know that I know exactly how you feel. As you can tell, outside of my siblings, I don't really have a lot of friends. And I know what it feels like to be left behind. I'm nineteen and don't even know how to go about mating a female. I know I'm supposed to do it, but that's a language I'm a complete stranger to. However, I can't let that stop me from living my life. Like most things in life, I'll figure it out. And so will you. You're not being left behind because I'll be right there with you the whole way. We'll figure it out together, alright?"
The brunette beetle stood in the snow, shocked, and amazed by his taller friend's words. If he thought about it, Shino can't remember the last time he heard those words. Naruto might have said them a time or two, but that was a long time ago. It was nice to have someone else say it for once, and recent too. Without saying a word, Shino adjusted his glasses again and nodded to his friend.
"Great, now come on. I'm freezing and hungry. Let's find somewhere to eat."
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Tomorrow night came before either of them knew it. Shino met Kankuro at his hotel with Neji and escorted the Sand Brothers to Naruto and Sasuke's apartment. Once they got there, they barely had to knock on the door before Naruto threw the door wide opened and greeted each other with a smile.
"I'm glad you guys could make it! I wasn't sure if you got the word from Ino and Lee. You would think they would have done better with inviting people."
"I heard that, blondie! Don't think that because you're hosting this party you can say whatever you want!" Ino yelled as she came around the corner.
Soon the two blonds argued with each other as the small group of four bypassed them into the living room.
"Welcome." Sasuke greeted as he set food onto a nearby table.
The group nodded as they looked around and noticed a blue and orange Christmas tree and decorations.
"Wow, you guys went out for this party." Kankuro whistled as he looked around.
"This was all Naruto's doing. He's more into the Christmas spirit than I am." Sasuke shrugged.
"Yeah, he said he's trying to establish the true meaning of the holiday before we're too drunk to remember." Sakura giggled as she came over.
"Um, you two might want to grab Ino and Naruto from the front door before they start fighting for real." Neji warned.
Sai and Sasuke sighed in unison as they mumbled "thanks" and headed toward the arguing couple. The group of four split off and mingled around the room with the other party goers. Outside of who they already met, Kakashi, Iruka, Lee, Temari, Shikamaru, and Choji were already there. Once Naruto and Ino stopped fighting, they said they were still waiting for Hinata, Kiba, Tenten, Anko, Asuma, Kurenai, Karin, Suigetsu, Jugo, Might Guy, Tsunade, and Jiraiya to arrive. Luckily, it didn't take too long, and the party finally got started.
The whole night was spent, drinking, playing games, telling stories, dancing, keeping Choji away from all of the food, and eating what was left. It was definitely a party they were going to remember. About halfway in, and after having some liquid courage inside of him, Kankuro saw Tenten talking to Temari and Ino in a corner. He didn't know what they were saying, but he figured it was the best time to do it before he lost his nerve. So, he downed another shot of sake, grabbed some water, and walked over to the group of women.
"Hey, guys, what's up?" He asked with a light blush on his cheeks.
"Oh nothing, Tenten was telling us about a new sealing scroll she created." Temari answered.
"That's our weapons specialist, always one step ahead of the rest of us." Ino complimented.
"Oh, it's nothing really. It's just another simple sealing technique that I tweaked to make it easier to summon weapons from your wrist. I was inspired by the ones Sasuke used to wear on his wrists." She blushed as she swirled her drink around.
"Well, I think that's pretty amazing. I heard a lot about your techniques, arsenal, and scrolls from other people. But I've always wanted to hear it from you." Kankuro smiled at her.
The blush deepened on her cheeks as she brushed a brown loc behind a slightly larger ear.
"I won't mind telling you about it sometime. Ya know, if you're ever free."
"I'm free right now. Indulge me a little."
Sensing the romantic tension between the two, Temari and Ino quietly slipped away with a "good luck" whisper on their lips. Before long, the both of them stood in that corner for about an hour and a half while the rest of the world disappeared around them. They talked about everything from how her clan is the local blacksmiths, to his love of puppets from a young age, how both of them got into their crafts, and new ways they discovered to improve their craft. It's the longest they've ever talked, but it was one of the best conversations either one ever had. It also didn't help that both had some liquid courage to keep their momentum going.
"You know, other people don't usually listen to me talk about my puppets this long." Kankuro smiled as he took another drink.
"I could say the same for my weaponry, It's usually A few questions here and there before we're onto the next topic. I've gotta say, it's a bit refreshing."
"Well, I definitely don't mind. In fact, I think it's something I could get used to."
"Hn. Is that your attempt at flirting with me, or are you just trying to find weaknesses in my technique?" She teased.
"What?! No, I would never do something like that! That's considered cheating if anything!"
His outburst caused her to giggle behind her hand. "Relax, crow man. I was just teasing ya. You're too good of a fighter to use dirty tricks like that."
"How do you know that?" He asked.
"Well, I don't. But if you're anything like your siblings, I know that you'll give me a run for my money."
"Yeah, but you might have a slight advantage over me."
"I guess we'll have to see the next time you come to visit."
"Oh, now who's flirting with who?" He teased as he finished his drink.
"You started it." They both laughed for a moment before she spoke again. "Listen, I don't do this often, so thank you for this."
"What do you mean?"
"Talking like this. Sure, I get together with the girls sometimes, or I'll get stopped by a curious villager or shinobi. But it's been a long time since I could really be myself and ramble on about my passion. And it was an added bonus learning about you too. I feel like we could really get along."
"Yeah. I know what you mean. I think I feel the same way."
"What?! No way. You're one of the Sand Siblings, and you're arguably one of the most skilled puppeteers. You've already got a name for yourself. No one really knows me."
"That's not what I heard. Not only does everyone in here know you, but I've heard some stories about your slow rise to fame as a skilled weaponist. I also know about your dream to become a legendary Sannin one day. And personally, I think you're closer than you think."
"Hn. It seems like you know a lot about me before our conversation. You sure you weren't stalking me before?" She teased again.
"I just like to know who I'm dealing with before I approach someone."
"Clever. I like that in a man."
"Ok listen. I'm nowhere good at any of this, nor am I sure that I'm doing this right or where you stand, but I don't want this to stop. Maybe next time I come to visit, and after our fight, I could take you to dinner sometime? Or not, whichever you prefer."
Her eyes opened wide as she looked at him. It was as if Tenten's world stopped. Never in her eighteen years had a man asked her out on a date. In fact, she was fairly confident that no one was interested in her. But standing here, close to the much taller crow man, made her skin get goosebumps and feel hot. Suddenly she was snapped back to reality and realized that he was waiting on an answer from her.
"That's pretty forward of you to ask, Kankuro."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend or upset you. I just thought that~"
Suddenly, his words were caught in his throat when she grabbed his hand, reached up, and kissed his cheek. "I'd love to go out with you sometime. Just don't forget me."
By this point, his face was beet red. Luckily, most of it was from her and not the alcohol. "I could never."
Across the room, they could see Naruto, Lee, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Anko, Suigetsu, Karin, Kiba, Choji, Might Guy, and Tsunade having a drinking contest while everyone else cheered them on. Tenten sighed because she knew that things wouldn't turn out well if those idiots became belligerent. So, before it was too late, she turned toward Kankuro with a sorry expression and mumbled an apology.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I understand. I'll probably be over to help too. I just need to sober up first."
"Thank you. I'll see you around. Make sure you come to say bye to me before you leave, ok?"
"Yeah. I promise." He nodded.
She gave a nod herself before she let go of his hand and walked over to the rest of the party. Kankuro shook his head before he walked into the kitchen to grab some food and water to sober up. A short time later, Shino joined him.
"I take it everything went well?" He asked.
"Surprisingly so. She's gotta be the coolest woman I know besides Temari. I had a great time tonight."
"That's great. I'm happy for you. So, where do you go from here?"
"Well, we agreed to meet up again when I come back into town. We're supposed to have a fight and then I'm going to take her out to dinner. So, there's that."
"Again, congratulations."
"Hey man. I want to say thank you." Kankuro said, causing Shino's eyebrow to raise. "I'm being serious. You've been a great friend and pushed me to talk to her. Now, I'm further than I thought I was going to get. I'm actually excited and looking forward to my next visit. And maybe when I come back, you can show me around your clan's compound? I'd like to see it."
"Hn. I think that can be arranged." Shino smiled.
"Well, I think we should get back out there. Those idiots are gonna be drunk off their asses and will need people to carry them home. Care to help out, friend?"
"Hn. Only because you asked so nicely."
And with that, the two men spent the rest of the night, drinking and partying, and helping take care of the most drunken party goers. Every now and again, Tenten and Kankuro would sneak peeks at the other. Although to others, it seemed like nothing, it was definitely something for the two of them.
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To Be Continued…