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Shogi Anyone?	By : Shortcake Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 13931 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything Naruto related. I make no profit from this story.

Chapter List
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- 26
Author's note: Semester is almost over, so I finally have some time to write again. Enjoy. Reveiws appreciated.

Gaara wondered idly if he should be nervous. He’d been dead once before, so he didn’t fear eternity. He wanted to live more than anything; to marry his sweetheart, to see his sons born healthy, to teach them the ways of the Sand, to protect Suna. Yet he also felt safe knowing the contingency plans were in place if he passed on. Kankuro would not fail him. He’d hate being kazekage, but he would do it for Suna. He would look after Sakura, though monogamy didn’t seem likely for his brother. Those details they would have to work out on their own. He prayed it didn’t come to that. Sakura, his precious cherry blossom, he wanted more days with her. Children, growing old together, he wanted her more than anything. He had to live for her. He couldn’t have his darling crying at his graveside. That was simply not an option.
Sakura popped into the prep room, already wearing her scrubs with her pink hair in a tight bun, clipboard in hand. “Gaara, I want you to know what to expect today.” Her clinical hat was firmly in place as her professional tone came across. “Ino will be in right after me to log your memories. It’s just a precaution. You don’t have to do it, but it is highly recommended. Tsunade will be your lead surgeon today, assisted by Ino and myself. Naruto will also be there to monitor your chakra flow. You should wake up in the recovery room later. Common side effects after anesthesia include nausea and disorientation, so give yourself time to wake up gradually. The nurses and most likely relatives, will be there so you’ll be well cared for. Do you have any questions, Lord Kazekage?”
Gaara flashed her the smile he usually saved for the bedroom, “How long until I can have sex again, doctor?”
Sakura blushed deep red, but managed a reply, “Once you are discharged from the hospital and feel up to it, you may gradually resume your normal schedule. Is there anything else, sir?”
She was so cute in those scrubs of hers. “Only one thing.” He motioned her to come close and squeezed her hand, “Just remember I love you, Sakura.”
“Always.” She said softly squeezing his hand in return.
She let go as Ino came in, “Sakura, I’m here for the kazekage’s pre-op.”
Sakura cleared her throat, “Yes… We finished his checklist. He’s all yours now, Ino.” She bowed and headed down the hall.
The carefree blond was similarly clad in scrubs with her characteristic pony tail. “Lord Kazekage, I know we’ve discussed this procedure already, but do you have any questions before we begin?”
“Yes, I do. Do I correctly understand that you and I have a doctor-patient privilege? That anything we discuss or share here would be kept completely private?” The red head queried.
“Absolutely.” Ino assured the kazekage.
“And that would include keeping our interactions private from the rest of the medical team?” He raised an eyebrow expectantly.
“I can assure you, Lord Kazekage, that I would only divulge any information to the other medics if two conditions are both present. One, if it were a matter of medical urgency that they know the information, and two, that you were unable to provide that information for yourself.” She replied, explaining the details of their professional association.
Gaara nodded. “Excellent… I want to decline this procedure, Ms. Yamanaka. I’m grateful for the offer, truly. However, after my experience as a jinchuriki, I simply cannot bare having another entity rifling through my mind.”
Ino sighed. She might be young, but the Yamanakas taught their children psychology and sociology the way most families taught their young to play baseball or learn piano. While she didn’t know all of the details, she knew enough about Gaara of the Sand to know he’d been through more trauma in two decades than most people faced in a lifetime. “I see… Lord Kazekage, there are methods to make this easier for you. I am fully trained and able to utilize hypnosis, or there are medications that would alleviate anxiety for you during the procedure. The decision is yours. I just want you to know all of your options, the risks, and that I am fully committed to doing whatever I can to help you.” She did her best to give him open and intentional body language as she silently prayed he’d change his mind.
“Thank you. I appreciate your consideration and your time. However, I’ve thought this through at length. I want to forgo the memory back up. I do keep rather detailed journals, so if I or the next kazekage need information those are available.”
Ino sighed. This was voluntary and not an interrogation. She had to let him make his own choice even if she didn’t approve. “As you wish, sir.” She bowed and gathered her clipboard to leave.
Gaara reached out and touched her arm. “One more thing. Don’t tell Sakura. It would only worry her, and she has enough on her plate right now.”
Ino put her other hand over his kindly, “Of course, Lord Kazekage. As I said, everything we’ve discussed is absolutely confidential.”
…
Gaara of the Sand could hear voices like the distant echoes of a box canyon.
“Go get some sleep. I’ll stay with him tonight.” … His brother Kankuro… Why was Kankuro with him?...
“I’m fine, Kankuro, really. I just need a food pill and – “ … a woman… familiar, but who is she?
“Don’t bullshit me, doc. You puked your guts out twice today, the surgery was 6 hours, and Gaara will kill me if anything happens to you in… your condition. Go back to the house and let Jiro feed you, then get your pretty little ass in bed.” … Kankuro was worked up about something… What was it? Where were they?...
“Kankuro, I am a medical ninja. I’m keenly aware of my ‘condition.’ I also know how critical this time is for Gaara.” Her voice changed, softer and tinged with fear, “I want to be here when he wakes.” So, she was a medic… was he in a hospital? Why would he be there?
“Doc, that was not a suggestion. I’m acting kazekage, remember? You can follow my orders, or I’ll report your insubordination to Lady Tsunade.” Acting kazekage? What? How? The medic was so… defiant…The hokage? Why was she involved?
“Fine… But you’ll pay for this when we spar on Tuesday.” Whoever she was, the woman was feisty… and she sparred with Kankuro? He heard the door slam behind her…
Kankuro sighed heavily, “Gaara, I know you probably can’t hear a thing, but brother please, please wake up soon. We need you. She needs you. Hell, better than that, she wants you. You’ve just got to wake up, okay?” He wanted to. Wanted to talk to his brother. But his eyelids were lead weights on his face… just… a bit… of … rest…
…
The incessant, rhythmic monotone of the heart monitor finally lifted his conscious mind to the surface. Just a few more minutes… no… it wasn’t the snooze button of his alarm clock… what was that sound? Turquoise eyes fluttered open. His brother and sister sat at his sides… A strong wave of nausea assaulted the former jinchuriki. He turned his head to the side, swimming dizziness added to the swell, a surge of vomit erupting from his mouth.
“He’s awake!” Kankuro pronounced ecstatically.
Temari was on her feet already, “I’ll let her know.” She was out the door.
He felt his brother’s strong hands lifting him up, a wet cloth wiping his face. “It’s good to see you Gaara! How do you feel?” The puppet master leaned him back against a fresh pillow, the soiled one pulled to the side.
Gaara groaned, feeling as though he’d been flattened by a boulder, “Kankuro… where am I?”
Temari flew back through the door with Tsunade a step behind her. The ample bosomed godaime hokage wore a lab coat and stethoscope over her usual attire. “Gaara, let’s take a look at you, shall we?”
A small flashlight came into his field of vision as the elite medical ninja assessed the sand shinobi.
Gaara’s thinking was cloudy, as though he’d consumed too much alcohol the night before. But what had he done the night before? “Lady Tsunade?” Gaara inquired, unsure what else to ask. The hokage sat on a stool at his bedside as Kankuro and Temari stood on the other side of the bed. Hospital. He must be in a hospital.
“Yes, Gaara. You’re recovering from surgery. Everything went as planned. How do you feel?”
“Terrible.” The kazekage replied honestly. “What surgery? What happened?”
Kankuro and Temari both failed to hide their concerned looks.
Tsunade spoke to them calmly, “Don’t worry. Disorientation is normal at this point. He’s awake, speaking, and recognizing people. Just be patient.” She turned her attention back to Gaara, “We’ll get to that in a moment. Right now, I just want you to know that you are safe, in the hospital, and everything is being taken care of. All of your orders are being followed exactly.”
Gaara relaxed slightly. Anesthesia… He was coming out of anesthesia. “I’ve had anesthesia?” Confirmation would alleviate the building anxiety.
Tsunade nodded, “Yes, Gaara. Nausea and confusion are normal at this point. You are alright.” The dazed shinobi relaxed visibly at her words. “Gaara… Can you tell me what the last thing you remember is?”
“Of course. Yesterday we returned from the battlefield. Jiro fed us well and I fell asleep in my own bed for the first time in weeks.”
Tsunade was unfazed, but the shinobi’s siblings both looked stunned. The godaime spoke calmly, “Don’t worry, his memory will probably improve over the next few days. Just give him some time.”
Kankuro frowned, “Lady Tsunade, in this respect, extra time is not something the kazekage has.”
Tsunade nodded, “I’m keenly aware of the situation, Kankuro. I expect you and your brother to fulfill our agreement, one way or the other. It was a pain in the ass to negotiate it, after all.”
Kankuro nodded. “Of course, Lady Tsunade. When would you suggest I discuss this with my brother?”
Gaara was cool as ever. “Now. You will tell me everything now.” His voice left no room for discussion.
Tsunade looked over her patient once more briefly, her chakra laden hands at his temples. “As long as he isn’t too tired, you may speak as long as you wish. It’s five in the morning, so use your time wisely. Gaara, you may have any liquids you like today and then solid food at dinner if that goes well. We’ll reevaluate you again in 12 and 24 hours. I’m going to get some rest myself now. Sakura will be attending physician today if you need anything else.” She prayed he remembered more and quickly. After all, her dear Sakura’s heart was on the line.
The door had barely closed behind the medic when Gaara began, “What the hell is going on here?”
Kankuro took a deep breath, allowing the fresh oxygen to feed his body and mind before he spoke too hastily, “Gaara, this will take some time to explain.” He turned to Temari, “Go tell her he’s awake and how he is. I won’t have her blindsided, understand?”
Temari nodded solemnly, “Of course, Kankuro. I’ll take care of it now.” Temari stepped to Gaara’s side, kissing him on the cheek, an unusual display of sisterly affection. “Gaara, I’m glad you’re still with us. I know everything will be okay now.” Then she was gone in a ninja moment of silent speed.
Gaara simply looked at Kankuro. “Hand me a glass of water and explain.”
Kankuro raised the head of the bed, handed Gaara some cool water, and began the tale, “First, if you remember things I’m telling you, just let me know. Just to be clear, the last thing you remember is coming home from the war?”
The refreshing liquid soothed his sore throat, “Yes. What’s today’s date?”
“It’s December 20^th.” No use holding back, he supposed.
Gaara’s eyes widened. “Five months? I’m missing five months of my memories? That can’t be good. What is this treaty Tsunade is talking about?”
Well, his memory might be shaky, but the kazekage’s intellect was as sharp as ever. “Gaara, please try to understand, you negotiated this treaty personally with Tsunade. No one else was in the room, by your explicit instructions.”
Gaara thought a moment, “Hmm… that sounds like something I would do. But why? What does it concern?”
How could he tell Gaara this? Kankuro felt the weight of the world press down on him as he simply laid out the situation, “It’s a marriage treaty Gaara. Your wedding is in eight days.”
Gaara’s eyes narrowed as he considered his brother. Surely this was some plot of his siblings or the council. Perhaps both? To force him into marriage and heir production they’d no doubt concocted some scheme with the hokage. “This is your scheme, isn’t it, brother.” The words seethed from the red head’s lips.
“No. I had nothing to do with this, other than, of course, hiding your courtship for the last three months.” Kankuro sighed heavily. This was not going to be easy. With two boys on the way, what did he expect? “I realize this is difficult for you to imagine, Gaara, but all of this was your idea. You noticed her. You pursued her. You proposed to her. You negotiated with the hokage, specific terms so she can marry you.”
Gaara pondered the implications. “You expect me to believe that I planned to marry a leaf kunoichi in eight days? Why the rush? Why not wait a few months? Don’t tell me she’s pregnant.”
Kankuro resisted the urge to put his head through a wall. “If you don’t want to hear the truth, why are we talking?”
Gaara’s eyes were giant turquoise saucers in shock. “How is all this even remotely possible?” He literally pinched himself to be certain he was awake.
Kankuro rubbed his temples trying to stave off a headache of his own. “Brother, perhaps you should let me tell the entire story from the beginning.
Gaara acquiesced, “Very well. Explain.”
Kankuro went all the way back to the end of the war and the excessive casualties in the medical corps, finally finding a place of common ground with the sand user. Then he relayed the tale of his love affair with Haruno Sakura, the fake birth control pills, Temari and Shikamaru, the treaty with Tsunade and his surgery. He conveniently failed to discuss the contingency plans if Gaara died, rationalizing that as unnecessary. He wasn’t about to remind his brother of that promise now.
Somewhere in the midst of it all, a nurse had come in with tea and broth for the kazekage. After the lengthy session, Gaara felt exhaustion creeping in on him. He turned to the puppeteer, “Kankuro, I believe I need to sleep now. We’ll talk again in a bit.”
Kankuro nodded, squeezing Gaara’s hand lightly, “I’m just glad you came back to us, brother. We’ll have you on your feet again soon.”
Gaara marveled as the dark-haired shinobi left the room. Temari had kissed him… Kankuro had touched him… Had he really been so close to death’s door? And this crazy story about him having a pregnant fiancé? Could that even be real? Was he still delusional from anesthesia? What exactly had Yamanaka Ino done to him? Could his memories be restored? … So many thoughts plagued his mind as sleep overtook him with its grasp.
…
Temari knocked loudly on Sakura’s door. This was her third try to wake her pink-haired friend. How could a kunoichi sleep so soundly? “Sakura! … Sakura, open the door, it’s Temari.” With no response, she resorted to pounding on the door.
As the wind user considered her options, the door of the next bedroom creaked open as a sleepy looking Yamanaka Ino stepped into the hall wearing a see through short pink robe over an even shorter sleeveless pink silk nightgown. “Temari… What the hell are you doing?” She yawned, stretching to reveal a lacey pink thong.
Temari sighed in exasperation. In another circumstance, she’d linger over such a hot, scantily clad woman, but the current situation was urgent. “I need to speak with Sakura right away. Gaara is awake. Tsunade says he’s doing well, but there’s a couple details… Anyway, I can’t get her out of bed.”
Ino processed, becoming more alert at the news. “What do you mean? Sakura’s not a sound sleeper. Especially not when she knows where Gaara is.” The buxom blonde pounded on the door, “Forehead! Get the hell out of that bed, now!”
The subsequent silence disturbed the pair of kunoichi. Ino raised an eyebrow at Temari. Temari nodded, kicking in the door. The immediate stench of bile and vomit washed over the women in a crashing wave. Ino ran to the bathroom, a gasp escaping her lips at the sight of Sakura passed out on the floor. She picked her up in an instant, ferrying her best friend to the perfectly made bed. Obviously, Sakura hadn’t slept in it. Just how long had the pregnant woman been unconscious? Ino’s chakra laden fingers examined her quickly, her bright blue eyes full of relief as she sensed the secondary chakra signature of the babies. She tried easing a small burst of chakra into her fellow medic, but the young woman remained unconscious. They couldn’t just take her to the hospital. Dammit! Why did Sakura push herself so hard? She turned to Temari, “I’m going to get Tsunade. Stay with her, okay?”
Temari swallowed hard, “Is she…” the words were so difficult to say.
Ino nodded, “The babies are alright. I just can’t get her to wake up. Tsunade will know what to do.” She patted the other woman reassuringly as she headed for the door.
Temari grabbed her by the hand, “Wait! You should throw on Sakura’s robe, at least. You … ah… are putting on a show, Ino.” The shinobi blushed at the admission she’d noticed Ino’s underwear.
Ino simply smiled as she changed into Sakura’s robe, taking a moment to bend over as she did, noting the other girl’s frustrated reaction, saving the information for later. “Thanks, Temari,” she ran out the door, focused on the emergency at hand.
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