The Plant Kunoichi (Rock Lee x OC)

A Sweet Goodbye

The sun draped over the hills the next morning, and team Guy was at full strength after a long rest. Kaia had slept like a rock. Draining and controlling all that chakra exhausted her.

When she finally awoke, she sat in her room silently until Guy came to tell her it was time to leave.

She slowly made her way through the palace, toward the door. Thinking about Haru, she considered looking for him, but felt like she had done enough damage already.

As they made their way to the carriages they rode in on, someone shouted from behind them.

"Hey! Wait!"

It was Haru. They all turned to face him and he approached them with a warm smile.

"Before you all leave, I wanted you to know I met with the leader of the resistance. We have made choices together to bring this land into a more modern and prosperous time. I want to thank you all for everything you did to help us. It wasn't your fight, but you stood for what was right, and we will not forget it. Please tell the real Princess that I will honor our alliance, no marriage required." He said with a bow.

Guy bowed to him as well, thanked him, and gave him a thumbs up.

"You betcha! We thank you as well!"

They turned to continue packing up everything and Haru approached Kaia. She knew she had to say something.

"Um.. I'm really sorry about everything. I didn't enjoy lying to you. I may have lied about who I was, but when we talked, I was myself. I hope you will believe that."

Haru's smile didn't waiver. He softly said to her, "I do believe that. You did what was right, and I am eternally grateful for what you have done here. Your words and your bravery inspired me to do the right thing as well"

Kaia smiled back at him and he continued.

"You know, you may not be a Princess, but you are welcome to stay here with me if you would like. I know we would all benefit from your presence."

She blushed at the thought of him seeming to still have feelings for her, despite what had happened.

"That is kind of you, but I belong in the leaf village. That is my home."

Haru didn't bat an eye at her response, he knew that would likely be her answer. He figured he'd give it a shot even though he took notice of how often she would look over to check on her teammate in the jumpsuit the night before. It was obvious she cared deeply for him. He looked over at Lee and back to Kaia.

"And your heart belongs to someone else," he said, looking back at Lee once again.

Kaia's face went red. Before she could say anything Haru quickly added, "He is an honorable fighter, and a very lucky man. Please take care. You are welcome here, always."

Without thinking Kaia reached out and hugged him tightly. Lee, having heard only enough of their conversation to know Haru had asked her to stay, worried he was going to lose her. He was given relief when he heard them exchange goodbyes.

As they rode away, back to the leaf village, they all moved in silence. They were processing all that happened as it had happened so quickly.

Kaia felt like a weight was off her shoulders as they left the land of valleys, knowing she could just be herself again.

She moved a bit slowly because of her injuries, but decided to walk rather than ride in the carriage. She moved closer to Lee with every step until they were right next to each other.

He looked over at her and smiled. She couldn't help but melt at the way he looked at her. She had a difficult time with feelings like that. Proper social skills for display she understood, but when it came to honest matters of the heart, she was clueless.

After the past few days, she didn't want to spend anymore time wondering about how he felt. She wasn't quite ready to make some sort of declaration of love, but she wanted something.

As they were walking, both looking forward, Kaia reached out her hand and grabbed his. She held onto it and refused to let go.

Lee looked down at his hand clasped firmly in hers, and then looked forward again. As he looked ahead his small smile grew into a large one and his hand moved around to adjust her hold, interlocking their fingers together tightly.

Guy and Neji noticed but said nothing, just quietly smirked as they all made their way home. It took a few days to get back to the village because they took their time. It had been a tiring mission and even Guy could see his team would appreciate it, especially Kaia. Her body was reaping the sour rewards of taking more chakra than she was ready to handle.

By the time they finally made it back, it was dusk and they were all happy to be home. Until now Kaia had only thought about her comfy bed, but she realized now that she was here she was also excited to see Kakashi.

When they arrived at the gates they immediately went to brief the Hokage on all the details of their mission. Tsunade made various facial expressions throughout their story, but it seemed like she expected some bumps along the way. She was just satisfied the mission ended up being more of a success than expected.

When they got to the part about Kaia stepping into the battle she perked up a bit, seeming to be very interested in that turn of events.

When they were finished she dismissed them all. They bowed, including Kaia, and made their way out of her office, except for Guy. Kaia thought for sure that Tsunade would ask her to stay behind to scold her for not sticking to the plan, but nothing was said so she left with the others.

As they were walking out she could hear Guy and Tsunade had started talking about the Prince, and she thought she heard Guy mention her name, but she kept walking.

They all went their separate ways after they left the Hokage's office. Neji gave Kaia a small smile and even mentioned her good work again before bidding them both goodnight.

"A compliment AND a smile from Neji of all people? I must be dreaming," she thought to herself.

Lee offered to walk Kaia home but she declined, she was ready to be alone after being on constant watch. He understood with no explanation needed.

Once she arrived home she wasn't surprised to see Kakashi was out, he was hardly ever home. It was a bit strange he was still out this late though, he usually at least came home to sleep.

She didn't want to spend her night waiting for him, so she headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, then to bed. It seemed like her head had been foggy since they left the Land of Valleys. She felt like her power had grown overnight, as if seeing her friends in danger awoke something within and she somehow felt more powerful than she ever had.

She hoped all the meditation and discipline could help her keep control. Lying in her bed looking out at the moon, she thought about her Mother.

Her Mother had spent so many of their years together crying to Kaia, ridden with the guilt of all the pain she allowed Kaia's Father to bring to them. Kaia never held it against her, she had felt the same confused, devoted, and abused love for her Father. Her Mother gave her a life filled with love and kindness when it was just the two of them.

They traveled together, but always returned to their little village Kakashi had taken them to all those years ago. Her Mother even took her to the place where the Hanako clan originated before their numbers dwindled. Kaia had been so amazed to see there were shinobi that used plant jutsu's just like she did.

Before she fell asleep she could hear her Mother's voice in her head, giving her advice she never paid much attention to as a child.

"Someday this gift may feel too strong to control without breaking you, or hurting those around you. So you must always be stronger. Don't fear what you are capable of. It can be your greatest strength, or your greatest weakness."

As she drifted to sleep she softly whispered, "I miss you, Mom."