Paths Unforseen

Two days shy of a week later saw Kankuro and Naoki walking out the door of the hospital. It still took a lot out of her to go long distances but Naoki was determined to make it to their new apartment on her own two feet. Kankuro had spent the week fairly busy trying to get the apartment ready, complete the few missions that Gaara had assigned him, and still visit with Naoki at the hospital. Once word had gotten out that the medic was recovering and conscious most of the day; unauthorized medical personnel had started to pour into her room asking for instruction and advice on their work. Many were apprehensive about approaching Daichi, so they went to Naoki with their problems. Daichi had almost growled in frustration when he learned that the rest he had prescribed his patient was being usurped by his own medics. Deciding that Naoki would never get the rest she so desperately needed in the hospital he sent her with Kankuro two days early. Luckily the puppeteer had been anticipating the older man's frustrations and he had already finished sorting out the apartment. It was still relatively bare but it held all the necessary furnishings and left room for Naoki to decorate however she pleased when she was well enough.

However with Naoki’s early release came strict instructions for another two days of bed rest and absolutely no heavy physical activity for another five after that. It would be another two days before Naoki would be allowed back into the hospital to work on half day schedules. She would have to wait until Daichisama got annoyed with running the hospital before he would let her go back to full time. When they finally arrived Naoki was winded and couldn’t even stop Kankuro as he swept her up into his arms and carried her across the threshold. Naoki laughed breathlessly as he deposited her onto their bed. They kissed passionately and as they broke apart Naoki reminded Kankuro of a certain key point in the rules that Daichi had given them. Kankuro growled and went back to kissing Naoki when she pulled back and laughed again. “You do remember what he threatened you with, don't you?”

Kankuro shivered and pulled back, “You really think he could do that to another man?”

Naoki smirked, “A man violated a woman and the civilian policing squad had been forced to take him down violently. He came to the hospital with a simple cut on his thigh. I didn’t understand it at the time but Daichisama insisted on healing the man. I was confused but let it go. It wasn’t like I thought he couldn’t do it but he was the head of the hospital and I thought he had more important things to finish. By the time the rapist had left the hospital a day later he had… ‘lost’ part of his manhood and would need a catheter the rest of his life.” Kankuro shuddered as Naoki continued. “I asked him one day why he did it and he just said, ‘Certain people shouldn't have access to such a weapon.'” Naoki shook her head and smiled, “It is one of the most central memories I have of Daichisama.”

Kankuro swallowed hard, “Why on earth would you want to remember that?”

“Daichisama was the first person I knew that took his oath to protect others so seriously. He was willing to hurt his own career to prevent the injury of someone else. Yeah it was completely nuts and he almost lost his position over it but he decided the risk of the man repeating his crimes of the past was too high and he did what he thought was best no matter the consequences. I admire him for that.” Kankuro studied Naoki’s expression as she explained her thoughts to him. Just when he thought he had her figured out she would reveal something else and he would be lost all over again. Her compassion for others often times got in the way of her own health but every once in a while Kankuro could see why Naoki was such an efficient interrogator. When she decided to be, Naoki could be as cold as "pre-Naruto" Gaara. However her thirst for justice would never allow her to fall into what Gaara had been in the past and Kankuro was grateful for that.

Naoki’s recovery was slow and although it gave her and Kankuro more time together it almost drove the green haired kunoichi up the walls of their new apartment. When she was finally allowed back to work part time she almost ran to the hospital in her eagerness to get back to work. It wasn’t much longer before she and Kankuro had set a rhythm to their lives. The only thing that still stood between them was the continued exile of Mai. Often times it was after dinner that the two started the old argument once more. “She served in the war and was permanently injured. She deserves to be given recompense.”

“So we give her a few bucks and let her be on her way.” Kankuro said heatedly. “You can’t just lift someone’s exile, the council wouldn’t even dream of it.”

Naoki rolled her eyes, “The council hasn't lifted a finger against Gaara since the war. I doubt seriously they would try to stop him from reinstating Mai. Not to mention that their accusations were obviously false since Mai was fighting against Madara’s forces rather than with them.”

“They could always argue that it’s another attempt to put a sleeper agent into our forces.”

“Yeah with who in control of her, Madara is dead… both of them…”

Kankuro sighed, “If it were just up to me, Mai would have already been hunted down and brought back… but you know the real reason why her exile hasn’t been lifted…” Kankuro looked up at the woman he loved with a sorrowful gaze. “Gaara still doesn’t even talk about her.”

Naoki pursed her lips, “Then talk to him. If he’ll listen to anyone it’s you. He needs her and she needs him. They’re just too stubborn to admit it.”

Kankuro sighed again. “I’ll give it a try.”

Naoki crossed her arms and smiled. “I’m glad you see it my way.”

Kankuro closed one eye and growled, “It’s hard not to when I know you’re gonna make me sleep on the couch again if I don’t agree to something.”

Naoki laughed and crossed to room to the puppeteer. “I didn’t think the couch was so bad.” She whispered in his ear as she let her hands wander before getting up to get ready for bed.

“Hey” Kankuro called after her before getting up and following.

It was the following day that Kankuro found himself in Gaara’s office, trying to tactfully bring up the subject of the nomad. After a few moments of tense silence he growled, “Screw it, Gaara we need to talk about Mai.”

The red head froze sharply before speaking, “have you heard something?”

“No, and we’re not going to until we try to find her.”

"Why would we do that?” The red head said before continuing his paperwork.

Kankuro sighed, “We were wrong about her, and we need to make sure we fix it, before it’s too late.”

Gaara closed his eyes and pulled his hands up in front of his face. “you’re not wrong.”

“Yeah well, I try-jan… Mai needs to be given the chance to come back and explain herself.”

“you’re talking about expunging her record… ending her exile…”

“Well considering her exile was a sentence given on false charges it’s only right.”

Gaara continued to stare at the space in front of him. “If she’s allowed back they’ll use her again.”

Kankuro stiffened and then relaxed. “you’re probably right but that’s her decision, not ours. Plus you never know, she might turn the council down.”

Gaara looked up, disbelief written plainly across his face. “Why would she do that?”

Kankuro shrugged, “I think that people do a lot of unexpected things… if they’re given the right reasons.” Kankuro smirked and waved as he left the office, “At least think about bringing it up to the council.” Gaara nodded as his older brother left the room... maybe it did need to be addressed…

Kankuro didn’t hear anything more about it until almost a month later when Gaara brought it up during another forced lunch break. “She hasn’t responded.” Gaara said as he ate his beef tounge and Kankuro dug into ramen.

“Who Temari? Probably because she’s so caught up in that Shikamaru guy. She never has time for us any-“

“No,” Gaara interrupted, “Mai.”
Kankuro choked on his food for a minute before he regained his composure.” “You mean you let her back into the village?”
Gaara nodded. “A squad reached her a week ago and gave her the letter stating her release from exile but they said she didn’t have a corresponding message.”
Kankuro sighed. “Yeah well you know her, she’ll decide to come back when she wants to and not a moment sooner. Give her time, women don’t like to be rushed.”
Gaara raised an eyebrow, “You talk as if you have experience in the subject.”
“Hey!” Kankuro cried, “I have plenty of experience.” Gaara smirked and Kankuro laughed. “Well let’s just say I tried to convince Naoki I was ready to meet her dad and I ended up on the couch again.”
“That would explain why you keep cracking your spine.”
“It’s not the most comfortable of places to sleep.” Kankuro said, wincing. “Anyway, we’ve been living together for a while now and I’ve still never met him. I don’t know, I guess if I were in her shoes I wouldn’t be too eager to introduce her to our dad.”
This time Gaara winced as he remembered how their father used to respond to them. “You’re not wrong. However if you two are to progress together you will have to meet him at some point.”
Kankuro raised an eyebrow, “Yeah? What gave you that idea.”
Gaara shrugged, “Temari had to meet Shikamaru’s family at some point. You remember when he formally introduced himself to us as Temari’s boyfriend.”
Kankuor snorted, “Gaia yes. There’s no forgetting how awkward that was.”
Gaara looked at his older brother blandly, “Or the bruise Temari gave you after you gave him a difficult time.”
“Hey, that was totally unwarranted. I didn’t even threaten him.”
Gaara gave a small smile. “Either way the situation stands. You’ll have to meet him at some point if you’re going to continue cohabitating.”
Kankuro moaned, “Sure sure, just don’t call it that, you make it sound like we’re a science experiment.”
“No, merely a social experiment. “
Kankuro coughed again as he looked over at his younger brother. “Yeah well just wait until you’re in the same position before you start calling us experiments.” Gaara smiled again and paid for their tab as they got up to leave. “You know I could treat us at least once when we do this.”
The red head looked over at his older brother. “I make more than you.”
“Yeah, I know but it supposed to be the other way around. The older brother is supposed to take care of the younger one and all that jazz.”
Gaara continued to walk as he replied, “I sign your checks as well. If you want I can take out some of our lunch bills.”
Kankuro rolled his eyes. “Ughh it’s not the money that counts it’s the gesture-“ When he saw his younger brother’s blank stare he stopped and put his hand on his face, “Nevermind it’s not important anyway.” Gaara nodded as they kept walking; confused as to why the puppeteer had even brought it up in the first place.

As Kankuro walked home he thought about what his younger brother had said. Gaara was right, if they couldn’t ever overcome the hurtle of Naoki’s father then they would never progress any further than where they were now… and Kankuro wanted nothing more than marry Naoki but that couldn’t happen if he had never met the only family she had left. Steeling himself for another argument the puppeteer walked into their apartment. However when Naoki greeted him smiling and finished making dinner he knew he wouldn’t be able to break the peace tonight… maybe tomorrow night he would be ready…

Naoki smiled tiredly as she hauled lunch up the steps of the Kazekage tower. She didn’t often bring Kankuro lunch. It usually only happened when he was on protection detail for extended periods. But when she did she always included something for Gaara. She knew if Gaara didn’t stop to eat, neither would Kankuro. Nodding to the assistant outside of Gaara’s office, Naoki knocked before she walked in. Gaara barely looked up as he smiled and motioned for her to come in. Once Naoki had set down the tray of food she turned to leave when Gaara stopped her. “Wait, I have something to discuss with you.”
Naoki nodded “Is it something about the hospital?”
Gaara shook his head and signaled for his ever present protection to leave for a moment. “It’s more personal than that.”
Naoki frowned, “Is there something wrong-“
Gaara shook his head again. “I am not certain this is any of my business but I’ve grown fond of you and I know my brother loves you more than he usually cares to admit. So I will say what I have to say and you can either disregard it or take it into consideration as the heartfelt advice I mean it to be.” Naoki nodded cautiously. “It has come to my attention that Kankuro has not met your family yet and I know it is bothering him.”
Naoki’s brow furrowed, “I really don’t th-“
“Please,” Gaara interrupted, “let me finish. I, of all people understand how difficult such bonds can be. However I have chosen to accept those bonds no matter the pain. It is what has allowed me to grow in my family and become Kazekage. I believe you are one of the people who helped me on this path. It’s one of the reasons it pains me to see you stumble on this same path. You’ve chosen to stall such a meeting, which in some ways prevents some of the pain that I am sure awaits you. However in stalling you only make such matters worse. The longer you and Kankuro continue to ignore him the harder it will be in the end. I can only imagine how difficult it would have been for me to turn away from my path of hatred if I had waited even one more day.” Gaara paused and sighed, “I only say this because you and Kankuro are my precious people and I want to see you grow together… not stunted by your own fears and stubbornness.” Gaara stopped and looked at her. Naoki swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.
“If I may take my leave-“ She said quietly and walked out of the room, her silence filling the empty space she had left.

Naoki spent the rest of her day in the greenhouse. Diachi-sama knew when she got like this it was best to leave her with the plants. They were the only ones who could weather the storm in her heart. She spent the day watering, tending, and remembering… each belt lash her father gave her, her mother’s body hanging in the bathroom, the alcohol her father still drowns himself in. Finally fed up Naoki broke down and cried, her tears watering the soil. It was midnight when Kankuro walked in quietly while she finished cleaning up. In all his boisterous qualities and theatrical personality quirks he knew when to wait. As a puppeteer, silence could be invaluable and Kankuro used it to his advantage. He waited for her to start. “I think it’s time for you to meet my dad.” Because despite all the things her father had and hadn’t done in her life he was still her daddy… the man who chased her and her brother around in what seemed like endless games of tag… the man who held her when sandstorms raged outside of their home and she cried well into the night.

Kankuro tensed at her statement, “Are you sure? Gaara told me what he said and I don’t want it to be because he pushed you into it. It needs to be on your terms Naoki.”

Naoki shook her head. “Gaara didn’t push me he just pointed out the obvious... it’s something that should have happened a while ago.” Kankuro nodded; waiting for her to continue.“I thought I could sort out some of it before you met him. Maybe get a few kinks soothed out but every time I go and see him it just gets worse.” Naoki ran a dirty hand through her hair and drew closer to Kankuro. “I’m sorry.”

Kankuro nodded and wrapped his arms around Naoki. “Thank you for telling me. I wish we could have done this sooner so I could help you but I understand how complicated fathers can be. I honestly don’t know how I would have handled this if my father were still alive.” Kankuro looked down at Naoki. “Just… thank you.”

Naoki nodded and smiled, “I don’t think we can stand here all night.” Kankuro chuckled. “Yeah well, I’ve got dinner waiting so we wouldn’t want to anyway.” Laughing Naoki locked up and they both set off for their apartment.

It was a week or so when the couple finally made it to Naoki’s father’s house. It was tense, strained and it only took 30 minutes before Naoki got up and left… Kankuro only staying for a few moments before leaving with her…

“Father.” Naoki said when the older man opened the door after hearing her knock.

He grunted in response and looked behind her to see a man. “Who is that?” He asked. His gaze focused and sober.

Naoki shifted, letting Kankuro move forward a bit. “This is Kankuro, he’s the man I’ve been living with recently.”

“Sir.” Kankuro nodded toward the man nervously.

The older jounin scowled at the puppet master and then stepped away from the doorway, “Call me Jotaro.” Kankuro nodded again and waited before Naoki had walked in before following. “So what are you here for this time? Another check in? Make sure you scratch off your daughterly duty for the month before leaving me alone again.”

Naoki grit her teeth, her jaw clenching. “I didn’t leave on a whim and you weren’t alone.”

Jotaro snorted bitterly, “Not alone? Do you see anyone else here?!”

Naoki’s eyes flashed as she motioned toward the jug of sake that sat on the counted half empty, “You made it pretty clear that you preferred the company of your alcohol over me.”
Before it could get worse Kankuro jumped in, “Maybe we should all eat something before we hash this out.”

“Finally someone with sense.” Jotaro muttered before moving toward the counter. “What did you bring?”

The trio worked quietly, unpacking the food and preparing it. Dinner was almost as silent. Naoki grit her teeth once more as her father reached for the jug of sake. He tensed under her stare and turned toward his daughter… seeing the judgement in her eyes. “Go on. Say it.” He all but growled.

“Say what?” Naoki asked, knowing she wouldn’t be able to hold her tongue much longer.

“Whatever it is that’s burning you up. Is it the alcohol?” He challenges her, rising halfway from his chair.

“The alcohol is only part of it dad.” She said quietly. Kankuro just watched silently as the scene unfolded. He knew this was something they need to get out.

“Only part.” He snorted again, “So what is it? You want your mother back? Your brother? Quit whining over the past Naoki, move on.”

“Like you have?!” Naoki asked with indignation. “You mourn them with every swig from that bottle! I hate the alcohol. I hate how you run to it whenever you start missing them. I hate how you let it become your crutch, your excuse!”

“YOU HATE ME!” Her father exploded. “Don’t act like it isn’t true. Once your mother and brother died you hated that you were left with me… like I wasn’t enough for you. Well I’m all you’ve got!”

Naoki stood up and matched her father, “Don’t put words in my mouth! I hate that you hit me! I hate how after they died you decided to follow them to the grave with this!” She took the jug and shook it, liquid sloshing out over the table. “I hate how quiet the house got after you had passed out and I was alone, even with you I WAS ALONE…” Naoki paused, tears threatening to fall. “But I never hated you dad. I still don’t.”

Jotaro grit his teeth as Naoki rushed past him and walked out of the house. She continued to go a few houses down and wait for Kankuro… knowing that she couldn’t go back in now.

Kankuro watched Naoki leave. He looked up at the man before him. He seemed to have aged profoundly in the few moments it took his daughter to walk out of the door. Jotaro finally looked to the young man before him. “Enjoy the show?”

Kankuro stood quietly and ignored the question. “She does love you even if it doesn’t seem that way.” Kankuro looked toward the door and then back at the old man. “We’ll be back next week sometime.” And before the aged jounin could protest Kankuro had followed Naoki out the house.

It was a small step for the couple but a step nonetheless. After the initial visit to Naoki’s father both Kankuro and she would make concerted efforts to visit the aging man at least every other week. After a month of a few visits things fell into an easier pattern. Each diner was still hard but things didn’t feel so pressed and with Kankuro there Naoki felt less defensive. It became easier to open up to her father with someone else there to validate her emotions. And as change blew in with the eastern winds so did an old friend...

Kankuro hesitated when he heard voices yelling his name. It was a rookie gate guard. Kankuro had told the younger man to come to him with any problems but it was starting to get out of hand. The puppeteer was just about to make a run for it when the rookie caught up. “Sir!” The man said loudly.

Kankuro sighed, “I’m off duty right now Ken. If you’re having trouble your supervisor should-“

“But sir!” The younger man cut him off, “an exiled shinobi has returned to the city with a letter of aquital! Should we let her through?”

Kankuro was about to roll his eyes and say yes when he paused, “Who did you say it was?”

“The name on the passport is Mai.”

The puppet master surprised the rookie by laughing aloud. “Yeah let her in. Here, I’ll come with ya.” Making their way toward the large wall that surrounded the city Kankuro continued to chuckle in amazement. He wasn’t sure how the nomad would react to her absolvement of her crimes but while Gaara had been pessimistic about the chances of her return Kankuro knew that she would come back. What was it that Fumio always said? “You always return to the people you love”? When the guard and Kankuro made it to the gate the older man smiled and greeted the nomad. Mai had grown into her body with age and although she was still lean there was a weathering to her frame that came with time and experience. “How are ya Mai?” He asked, watching the gaurds go over her paperwork one last time before stamping it.

She smirked and shrugged. “Well enough. I’m glad to see you are doing fine.”

Kankuro smiled confidently, “Do you have a place to stay or-“

Mai cut the jounin off before he could continue, “I’ll be fine.” She smiled a little more softly and added, “You haven’t changed much. You always did worry when Temari wasn’t around to do the majority of it.”

“Hey, making sure you have a place to stay isn’t worrying.” Kankuro said, waving his hand at her. “Well either way I’d better let you settle down before I tell everyone you’re back. Oh, if you need to get a hold of me I’m with Naoki at a new apartment.” He wrote down his address and handed it to her before he started off toward the tower. “Make sure you stop by for dinner sometime at least.”

He didn’t see Mai look down at the paper with a slightly pained look on her face. “Will he be there?” She asked quietly… but it was too late. The puppeteer was out of earshot and Mai only had the whistling of wind as an answer.

The next evening found Naoki dragging Mai to the house for dinner. Kankuro smiled happily as the woman he loved got a chance to spend time with one of her dearest friends. Mai had been a sore spot between Naoki and Gaara for a while now. With this reunion maybe they would all get a chance to heal. It wasn’t surprising that when the two women got back Naoki had convinced Mai to stay with them until Temari made her way back to Suna.

After that things fell into a more comfortable rhythm. Everyone got a chance to reconcile with their exiled friend… including Gaara. Kankuro sighed with relief as he watched his younger brother and Mai converse at the get together they had before Mai set off on her first official mission since coming back. It was a sense of peace that enveloped him when Naoki moseyed her way back into the kitchen. “It’s nice isn’t it.” She said wistfully.

Kankuro smiled and continued to prepare food. “Things have changed a lot since we were all kids.”

“Thank Gaia.” Naoki said with a straight face.

Kankuro chuckled, “No kidding.” Pausing he turned toward the medic, “What do you think would have happened if we hadn’t met.”

Naoki thought for a moment before smirking. “You would have devoted yourself entirely to your brother and turned into just as much of a workaholic as he is.”

Kankuro scoffed, “That is physically impossible. The man never sleeps.”

Naoki laughed, “But you would have tried.”

Kankuro shook his head and rolled his eyes. “And you would have probably grown leaves with the amount of time you spend in the green house.”

Naoki laughed and grew solemn. She shook her head and smiled sadly. “I firmly believe that without you I would be dead.”

Kankuro looked up stunned, “What makes you say that?”

“I made it through that sickness because I could feel you there beside me; keeping me from falling away from this life.” She leaned forward and kissed the puppeteer firmly. “Thank you.” She said.

Kankuro swallowed hard and rested his chin on her head for a moment. “I will always be there for you.”

They both smiled at one another and then Naoi smirked. “I didn’t know it took you this long to make such a simple meal.”

“Hey-“ Kankuro started before Naoki made her way back out to the guests.

After that time seemed to slip from them as they settled into their happier lives. It wasn’t long before Mai moved from Temari’s empty apartment to Gaara’s rooms in the tower. Temari had started renting a room at Sakura’s apartment a while back and had slowly started to transfer her things to Konoha. Her wedding to Shikamaru was set to take place in a month or two and the happy couple was making arrangements to live in the land of fire. Meanwhile Naoki and Kankuro had a quiet wedding with few friends and some family. It made it easier on everyone that could come that it was nothing formal. A few were even still in shinobi gear when the bride met the groom at the front of the room.

Naoki looked to Kankuro gratefully as her father handed her off. “I love you.” She said softly but firmly to Kankuro while the priest started the ceremony.

Kankuro smiled, his face free of paint… and so much like his father’s. “I love you too.” When the ceremony was over and they had thanked everyone who had made it they went back to their apartment. Naoki laughed as Kankuro carried her over the threshold.

“So,” She started, “are you ready to spend eternity with me?”

Kankuro put down his wife and kissed her soundly. “Of course. We always stay with the people we love.”

Naoki laughed, "I thought what Fumio said was a little different."

Kankuro shrugged and grinned, "I made a few adjustments." Naoki shook her head and laughed, ready to begin the rest of her life.