Kankuro X OC

Chapter 10

I could hear an annoying beeping sound near me. The smell of sterile cleaners invaded my nose; my body aching in every spot possible. I slowly openes my eyes to see white around me. I was back in the hospital. I looked to my left and saw Kankuro sitting there, smugged kabuki paint, eyes closed but holding my hand gently. My right arm had needles entering my veins, I realized the beeping sound to be my heart monitor. I turned to look back at Kankuro.

He had lost several pounds, his face one of the most noticeable places. He had dark rings around his eyes which were also swollen from what looked like crying. Had Orochimaru starved him and forced him to hear my screams. I felt the tears start flowing and I began to sob.

Kankuro began to stir and then was leaning as close as possible. "Hana what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"What did he do to you?" I asked. Kankuro lookes shocked. "Orochimaru. He said he had you captured."

"Oh Hana. No, I've been looking for you since you were taken. He lied to you so you'd talk." I felt him wipe away my tears and winced. "I'm sorry." He whispered.

"It's a-alright. My body just hurts."

"I'm not surprised. He broke several ribs, your right hand and wrist. And your stomach injury had started getting infected."

"Kankuro, how long have I been gone? And what happened to you?" I asked.

"You were missing for three and a half months. It was torture for me." He looked away from me. "I didn't eat or sleep well. My concern was you. If Gaara didn't order me to eat or sleep sometimes I wouldn't have. He forced me to take breaks from searching. I'm glad he did though." He said finally looking back to me. I shook my head.

"Kankuro," I whispered. I couldn't believe he put so much time for me. I reached my hand up and cupped his face.

"He hasn't left your side since we were allowed back here." I turned my head to see Temari standing in the doorway smiling. I looked to Kankuro to see him blushing, confirming Temari's statement. "Go home, eat and take a shower Kankuro. I'll keep her company." Kankuro sighed and stood, stretching. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. A feeling of happiness washed over me.

"I'll be back. I promise." He said before leaving.

"How are you feeling?" Temari asked walking to a small sink.

"I'm sore." I replied. She walked over with a washcloth and washed my face some for me. I winced when she touched a spot, I assumed had a cut on it.

"Sorry. They didn't want to wash your face cause they were worried it would wake you."

"Thank you." I said smiling weakly up at her. "How long have I been back?"

"We got you 3 days ago." She said putting the washcloth back near the sink. She then took Kankuro's seat next to me. "You were awake when we got to you, but once Kankuro had you, you were out cold."

"I'm sorry you guys had to go through that." I said dropping my head.

"Hana, it's not your fault." She said placing her hand on my shoulder. Suddenly we hear loud bickering and Naruto entered the room and raced to hug me, causing me to yelp. He instantly pulled back.

"Sorry Hana! Once we heard you were recovered we came quickly." Naruto said. I looked around him to see Sakura who was setting flowers on a stand next to me, and Shikamaru who making his way to Temari.

"Sakura." I felt my eyes start to water.

Sakura came to my side and knelt. "What's wrong?"

"S-Sasuke. He's aweful. He won't ever come back." I began sobbing, the memory of him questioning me about Itachi.

"What do you mean?" She asked becoming serious. I knew her love for him was strong, but I didn't want her to keep going after someone as aweful as him.

"He was with Orochimaru still. And he'd question me about Itachi. Why he joined the Akatsuki, but I wouldn't answer. So I was punished."

"Why would you know why he joined?" Naruto asked.

"Cause he joined a few years before I left." I confessed. I head Naruto and Sakura gasp. I looked to Shikamaru who nodded, finally understanding.

"All that training you did was so you wouldn't get rusty." He said. And I nodded.

"I was kidnapped the night Naruto was born. Konan sent me back. It was too dangerous."

"You're the one who gave Gaara intel then." Sakura said thinking. "Tsunade had a feeling but wasn't sure."

"Please don't tell her. I don't want to be in trouble."

"You won't be." It was Gaara entering.

"Why are you here? I thought you had a meeting soon?" Temari asked.

"I cancelled it when Kankuro came home and told me Hana was awake. I came to speak with her about what she remembers. And Hana, I will not let the other Kage harm you. With how much Kankuro cares for you, and you staying with us, Temari and I see you as family."

"Thank you Gaara." I said with a smile.

"Alright. I need everyone to leave so I can speak with Hana." Temari stood, taking Shikamaru's hand.

"Thanks for visiting guys." I said smiling. Gaara closed the door behind them and sat next to me with a pen and pad.

"Do you know why Orochimaru took you?"

"He thought I had part of Kurama. He ran a bunch of tests, most of which I was unconscious for. He'd question me, I never answered, so he'd lash out. Sasuke was there too, questioning about Itachi. Orochimaru said he had Kankuro to try to get me to talk as well."

"Why does he want the beast? The Akatsuki already has one."

"What if they're working together?" I suggested.

"I doubt that. Orochimaru was a part of the Akatsuki for somentime after you were sent away."

"He must know why the Akatsuki want them though. But I also vaguely remember him saying something about using the nine tails power."

"Thank you Hana. I'll report to Tsunade. You get some rest." He started to open the door.

"Gaara?" I asked. He turned his head to look at me. "Thank you for looking after Kankuro, and making sure he ate and rested." He smiled and left.

Shortly after a nurse came in to take vitals and to administer medication. Once she left Kankuro came back in and was by my side again, holding my hand. He hadn't reapplied his kabuki paint, and I was grateful. I ran my hand along his soft face, grateful to touch him again.

"I missed your touch," he whispered leaning into my hand. "Let me rephrase. I missed everything about you Hana. I missed your presence." I smiled and leaned over towards him. He touched his forehead to mine.

"I'm glad to be back. To be with you. I wanted nothing more than to know you were okay." I wrapped my left arm around his neck, initiating and awkward hug in which he reciprocated.

I pulled back and held his cheek in my hand again. I pulled him gently to my face and kissed him. His soft gently accepting the kiss. It felt nice to feel his lips touch mine after so long.

When we pulled back, Kankuro held my face in his hands gingerly. "Hana, I love you. I love you more than anything."

I pressed my forehead to his. "I love you too Kankuro."