Bluebird (Naruto Fanfiction)

Part One: 16, the branch boat

*Aiko's Perspective*

Being stuck in the Hokage building was definitely not amusing. I had to stay in a room all alone, with guards standing outside the door. I sighed and sunk into the bed. At least it's my own room, there were pictures of Kiyomi and I smiling all around the room. It reminded me that she was in danger and made my stomach sick just thinking about how much she must be suffering right now. Her empty bed felt like a hole in the room and if I stared at it too long I might just get sucked into a state of depression.

I wished I could be out looking for Kiyomi right now, but according to Neji I just get in the way. I knew Neji thought I was weak when we first met but I hoped that I had improved enough in his eyes that I'd at least be of some use in a real battle. I was a bit angry that he called me useless but if that is still how he sees me I'm going to have to get stronger and just show him that I can hold on my own. Even though we weren't on the best terms at the moment, I already missed him. Even though he's blunt and sometimes dismissive, he was also sweet and caring. I realized how much I enjoyed him being by my side.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of the thought. I didn't want to think about what Neji said when I was leaving. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, either way it still hurt me.

"Lady Akimoto, would you like to take a visitor?" One of the guards said.

"How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Aiko" I groaned loudly. "And, of course I'd like to take a visitor. I'm so bored and lonely in here" I sighed, looking at the floor.

The door creaked open and I was welcomed by two familiar faces. I jumped up, without even thinking, a wide smile grew on my face.

"Temari! Kankuro!" I exclaimed, running towards them.

"I haven't seen you in so long, come here!" Temari gushed, bringing me in for a hug.

"What are you guys doing here?" I questioned, pulling away from Temari and giving Kankuro a side hug.

"We're here for the chunin exams, our students are participating" Temari informed me. I remembered my chunin exam, I thought about how I fought using only Taijutsu. I felt proud for a moment, thinking about the new jutsu's I have learnt.

"We heard what happened" Temari said with sympathy. "I'm sure Naruto and his team are going to bring her back safely" She smiled lightly.

"So are you visiting Shikamaru later, or did you already sneak a visit on the way here" I winked suggestively, trying to lighten the mood.

"Speaking of Shikamaru, he told me something interesting that I need to talk to you about alone" Temari retaliated with a smirk. My eyes widened, I wondered what he could have told her.

"Umm speaking of talking alone, do you have a second?" Kankuro asked nervously and shyly scratched the back of his neck.

"Sure but I'm trapped in this room" I answering, glancing at Temari. She understood what I was hinting at, and left. She mumbled something about boys and closed the door behind her.

"Soo.. how's everything in the sand, how's Gaara?"I asked him awkwardly.

"You know the sand will never be the same without you" He answered, I winced internally. I knew that soon he would ask if I had made my decision, and I would have to break his heart. "Gaara's fine, he said to tell you and Kiyomi he says hi. But Kiyomi's not here, so I guess only you get the message"

"I wish he weren't so busy, I miss him and his non existent eyebrows." I laughed. It has never been this awkward between Kankuro and I, it was a foreign feeling.