Chapter Text
They said, "Things happen for a reason."
Kankuro wanted to laugh.
Fifteen years had passed since the Fourth Shinobi World War had ended, and along with it the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the illusion, in which Kankuro had lived happily with Sasori. He was right at the beginning to assume, that once the dream would end, he would become even more of a mess than he had been after Sasori's death. The knowledge of how much better his life could have been if only Sasori was alive drove him deeper and deeper into despair, and he refused to even try to move on. He was falling into pieces, and the first few years were pure hell for him.
Thankfully, as time went on, he learned to maintain a peaceful and collected image to all outward appearances - while really, he was anything but that. He felt more trapped in reality than he had ever in the Tsukuyomi, but he wasn't about to give up his life just yet.
Instead of losing himself, while his siblings formed their own, perfect little families, he was working persistently, striving to learn about a way to get his love back. He was willing to do anything to attain his goal, as long as he didn't have to kill anyone. He couldn't forgive himself if he did that. Although he was desperate, he would never abandon his morals, or commit murder for the sake of his own selfish desires. This was the exact reason why he couldn't simply use Edo Tensei, since that technique required a living person to be sacrificed.
So he had to come up with a different plan. For years, he researched all kinds of jutsu - how he could combine them to create and simultaneously bring back a soul from the world of the dead.
Initially it sounded impossible, but Kankuro was up for the challenge, since it was the only thing keeping him from shattering completely.
~
This could kill him, or end up with him handicapped for the rest of his life.
Kankuro took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. It was about two in the afternoon, the air was warm, even inside. He was in an abandoned sand fortress near the border of the Land of Fire, where he knew he could avoid intrusion for weeks if he had to. He needed the privacy mainly because what he was doing was a Forbidden Technique, and against the laws of nature. Had any of his family found out why he had to leave for 'something important', they certainly would have stopped him.
He placed the scrolls he himself made onto the cold stone floor, a few torches on the wall and a tiny round window granting him all the light he would need for the ritual. He had made numerous preparations in the past month, step by step filling up this run-down place with things he would need in case he succeeded. Plenty of blankets were folded neatly in a corner, rolled up futons waiting for someone to sleep in them, buckets of fresh water, towels, and a bag full of food and medical equipment - these were only some notable mentions of the stuff he had stored up. Despite the state this room was in when he chose it - which he did, because it was the only one that wasn't too large, and had a fireplace as well - it was now quite clean, no dust or cobwebs in the corners.
Basically everything was ready, except him. A crushing fear had taken over him, his hands shaking as he seized the syringe with the anaesthetic, and rolled up his sleeves to free his left forearm. Swallowing once, he concentrated, as the needle pierced his skin and he injected the liquid into his bloodstream.
He waited a few minutes until he felt the effects, pinching his skin hard to see if there would be any pain. He felt nothing at all, so he decided to move on. He placed Sasori's puppet body into the middle of the scrolls on the floor, laying him on his back before he covered him with a thick slate coloured blanket. Then he moved to sit down close to Sasori's head, with all the tools he would need by his side, in arm's reach.
Forcing himself to breathe normally, he counted the seconds between his breaths, and let his mind wander a little to help him relax. It wasn't like he didn't want to do this, the risks were high, but living aimlessly and without love or passion was even worse in Kankuro's opinion. Sasori was his soulmate, without him, there was no point in waking up in the morning. Kankuro spent almost half of his life to finally get to this moment, so he wasn't going to quit now.
Without giving himself more time to hesitate, he grabbed the scalpel beside him, and drew the sharp metal along the inside of one arm, then the other. While it didn't hurt, the cut was deep, and Kankuro was getting dizzy with the sight of his blood gushing out of the wounds. He summoned all his strength and started to form hand seals, chanting their names under his breath, so that he could keep up and focus on anything but the warm liquid running down his arms, and dripping from his elbows.
He watched as the pools of blood that formed around him began to move, sluggishly making their way to the scrolls around the other's puppet body. They were Summoning Scrolls, in which he had loaded his own chakra and others' as well. He had been collecting different types of chakra natures, and Tailed Beast chakra too. All with permission of course. But the amount of chakra didn't equal success, Kankuro reminded himself as he felt the power flood into him.
Next he fought the urge to lie down so that the blood still in his body would flow into his head, and instead went on to guide the chakra into the puppet before him, forming new hand seals. This was the part where it got tricky, and losing all that blood did nothing to make it easier, he was becoming number by the second. Shutting his eyes to get rid of the gut-wrenching sight, Kankuro placed his hands on top of the fabric covering Sasori's chest. Inside his mind, he was calling out the other's name, as if it would actually speed up the process of finding and binding his soul into the puppet. But if it was possible with Edo Tensei, Kankuro was certain that the Summoning Jutsu he developed could do it as well. He didn't devote all that time to fail now, he thought, his fingers slightly scraping the blanket as he opened his eyes.
Relatively quickly, he felt something, a presence perhaps - all he knew for sure was that it was warm where he touched the blanket, his fingertips, his palm heating up. But then again, his anaesthetic could be wearing off, and he might be experiencing that. He didn't have time to wonder about it though, so he went on to the last step, the step that was the most difficult and also the one he awaited most - Medical Ninjutsu.
He pulled his hands back, and after long years of training, he cast a jutsu, that used up Sasori's DNA to form cells of his body. At first, Kankuro struggled, but this was just like closing up a cut. Except that there was no cut, and he already felt that he was beginning to run out of the chakra he gathered. His arms were shaking as control was steadily slipping out of his hands, the threat of losing consciousness and bleeding out closer than ever. As a way to balance himself he cupped Sasori's face, and looked at him, noting that even upside down he provided a stunning view. Just then, the last bits of the borrowed chakra left Kankuro, and he knew the rest was entirely up to him. He still had his own, and he was willing to use up every last ounce of it, if it meant that he would get the desired outcome.
And so he kept on performing the justu, until the hard and cold puppet laid out in front of him started to gleam with something close to life, and the cracks of his puppet body that were not concealed by the blanket faded away, as tissue filled them. Kankuro could feel more heat radiating from Sasori's skin, but he was still far from done, and the more life poured into Sasori, the weaker Kankuro felt and the slower he was progressing.
And then, just one small motion - Sasori's chest rose, as a deep breath was drawn in through his nose, and when he exhaled, Kankuro felt the warmth of the air against his skin. He smiled to himself - he could hardly believe it, but he did it. Now the only thing left was to avoid his own death.
He let go of Sasori's cheeks, and interlocked his arms in a way that his palms were above both of the wounds. His hands trembled, and he had barely any chakra left. If he was to faint now, Sasori would likely find him dead as a doornail when he woke up. Thus, he mustered the last of his power and clenched his jaw with the effort, as his hands glowed dully above the bloody cuts. He flinched with the sudden ache, the painkiller having left his body - probably with all the blood - but in a few more moments his injuries were healed, and he sighed with relief that he was still alive and kicking. Still, he almost didn't make it, and he shortly felt exhaustion sweep over him, as his limbs became heavy. Shortly his head hit the floor, and he passed out.
~
When Kankuro woke up again, he felt much better. Even if it couldn't be described as refreshed, he was sure that some of his blood had been replenished. Despite this, he didn't even think about standing up just yet.
It was already dark outside. The torches had burnt out, therefore, the only source of light was the moon, but it managed to illuminate the room decently. Kankuro's eyes were used to the darkness by now anyways, so he could easily make out the still form of Sasori, close to him on the floor. Since he couldn't see or hear if the other breathed, he cautiously moved closer on all fours to him.
When he was by Sasori's side, he sat on his heels, and leaned forward, over the other's chest, as he breathed heavily. He didn't expect to be so out of breath just by this simple act. Maybe he should have fetched some water first, he thought as he swallowed, but only felt extreme dryness inside of his mouth. Nevermind that now, he would check on Sasori, and after that he would drink some cool, revitalising, water-
"Ka-Kankuro..." The quiet voice immediately made Kankuro forget about his thirst, and he hurriedly returned his attention to Sasori. In spite of the darkness, those doll-like eyes glittered, as Sasori looked up at Kankuro who leaned over him. He was likely just as fatigued as Kankuro was, almost unable to keep his eyes open, instead watching the other through his lashes that must have felt incredibly weighty at the moment.
"Sasori... Don't worry, everything will be fine now." He gently caressed the other's face with his thumb. "But you need to drink some, and rest first." Sasori nodded weakly, definitely feeling the same type of dehydration in his mouth.
It was as though Kankuro's strength returned to him, his will to take care of Sasori outweighing the terrible state his body was in. After he filled a bamboo bottle from one of the buckets, he sat back in the same place, and helped Sasori lift his head a little while he drank. He gulped it down eagerly, his hands sliding out from under the blanket to grasp at Kankuro's wrist that offered him the drink, as if he was scared he would take it away. Kankuro lightly brushed the back of Sasori's head to assure him it was okay, while the other finsihed and sighed contently as Kankuro lowered his head back to the floor.
"You need something to sleep on," Kankuro said, before he went to grab a futon, and swiftly laid it out for Sasori, careful to avoid his own dried blood on and around the Summoning Scrolls. He would have to clean that up later.
Sasori's frail groan of pain brought him back to the present, and he went to scoop the other up in his arms. It was only a few steps, but it was the most trouble he had ever had with carrying Sasori - the jutsu undeniably had long lasting effects on his body. He knew he wouldn't have to wait much more to find out what was the real cost of bringing Sasori back.
After Kankuro had placed the other onto the mattress, he tucked him in, and started preparing another futon, right next to Sasori's.
"I'm... I'm cold..." The red-haired man spoke up, glancing at Kankuro from the corner of his eye, who at once turned to him again. He placed one hand on Sasori's forehead to see if he had a fever, but his body temperature seemed normal. Still, he was indeed shivering, so Kankuro was concerned nonetheless.
Not having a better idea, he took off his sandals, and climbed into Sasori's futon, turning the other on his side, in order to embrace him with his whole body from behind. Sasori was only wearing trousers, so it was no wonder he was cold, Kankuro thought, and scolded himself for not packing more clothes. How could he forget something so obviously important? He moved away briefly to pull off the long black top he had on, the fabric already warm because of his body, and covered Sasori's exposed skin with it under the blanket, before taking his previous position, and wrapping his arms around the other's form. He had a shirt on underneath, so he wasn't cold either like this.
Soon he was glad to register that the tremors running through Sasori had died out, and in the coziness of the heavy blanket and each other's body, they drifted into a much-needed slumber.
~
By the time Sasori opened his eyes again, it was bright outside, rays of sunlight beaming through the small window on the wall. Shifting on the futon, he felt the lack of Kankuro's body against his, so he lazily rolled onto his other side to look for him. He didn't have to search for long, since he saw the other washing his hands in one of the many buckets along the opposite wall.
Kankuro didn't notice the other's gaze on him, and Sasori took this opportunity to survey the brown-haired man thoroughly. He had changed since the last time Sasori saw him, his face no longer screaming inexperience or the naivety of youth, but instead he looked mature, dependable and most of all even more handsome - he was a downright grown man now. Sasori wondered about just how many years had passed since they had met during the war, but the paleness of the other's skin also didn't escape his attention. Perhaps it was the absence of his face-paint, but more likely it had to do with his physical condition.
Before he could think much about it, Kankuro noticed him. "Oh, you're finally awake." He smiled and after drying his hands, he walked to the futon, crouching down close to Sasori. "How do you feel?" He brushed out some strands of hair from the other's face, who leaned into the touch, closing his eyes, and placing one hand on the back of Kankuro's.
"I'm fine," Sasori said, and he really meant it. Compared to how he woke up earlier, he was now quite well, even if not thriving with energy. He sighed, the feeling of Kankuro's skin against his more gratifying than ever, and he opened his eyes to smile dreamily at the other. "You really are something, Kankuro." He chuckled at the absurdity of the situation. "Bringing me back from the dead..." The man in question returned his smile, an expression of sincere love and joy on his face, before he leaned down to press a light kiss between Sasori's eyebrows.
"I saw no problem with trying. It's another thing that it worked," he said jokingly, but the other knew there was a lot of tough work behind this little stunt Kankuro had pulled. It was probably far beyond his abilities, and not without risks. Sasori couldn't decide if he was pleased with his endeavours, or angry for putting himself on the line. He opted not to argue though, thankful for the chance to live again, and knowing that this time, he could avoid the mistakes he had made in his life.
For example, turning himself into a puppet. It was a desperate attempt to become eternal beauty, but now, feeling with his own, living skin the light breeze of Kankuro's breaths on his face and neck, he couldn't be happier to have a normal body. He nuzzled his face against the other's hand, savouring the gratifying sensation, and pulling it over his lips to kiss into Kankuro's palm, the way the other liked to do to Sasori.
"I cannot say I'm displeased." The red-haired man smiled as Kankuro's hand ran into his hair, and fondled him tenderly. "But how did you..." He pondered what word he should use. "...bring me back?" Their eyes locked, before Kankuro averted his.
"It's... kind of complicated. Medical Ninjutsu, Summonings, you know. But all that matters is that you're with me." He tried to change the subject, and Sasori let him, not wanting to sound ungrateful. "By the way, you should eat something. There's onigiri, if that's okay." Sasori nodded in approval, and after Kankuro brought it to him, they ate in silence.
Sasori had four before he felt full, and Kankuro stopped at three. "There's going to be proper food once we'll be able to travel a few miles. We'll sleep in an inn until you regain your strength." Sasori thought that it was really Kankuro who needed to rest and heal, but he decided not to mention it.
Without any further words, Kankuro lay next to Sasori, and threw an arm around his waist. They were face-to-face, and both were lost in their thoughts gazing at the other. Kankuro was still unable to belive how lucky he got, while Sasori was calculating the number of years it took to learn this level of 'Medical Ninjutsu'.
"How old are you now, Kankuro?" Sasori asked, breaking the comfortable silence that settled around them. He watched as Kankuro's eyes flickered to his, and a smirk appeared on his lips.
"Thirty-four, so I'm still younger than you," he reminded Sasori, and pecked his lips playfully, their first kiss since he had brought him back. But there was a reason behind this - he didn't want Sasori to be all over him once he got a taste of kissing in his new body, knowing well that the red-haired man wouldn't want to rest or stay put for another moment afterwards. Thus, he closed his eyes, prompting the other to do the same, and they fell asleep relatively easily despite the early hour.
~
Two long days later - during which they talked over the war and everything notable that had happened since Sasori's death - they were at last sure they were capable of making the small trip to the inn that was fairly close to them, on the other side of the border, in the Land of Fire. Kankuro specifically picked this forgotten fortress because of its location - not only was it far from busy roads, but the whole area was dormant. Naturally, the inn didn't have many visitors so they would be undisturbed there too, and have warm water at all times as well as freshly cooked meals. It wasn't that Kankuro didn't try to cook, but he knew it was far from suitable for anyone's taste, and he had no intention of feeding Sasori with his inadequate, miserable cooking for longer than necessary.
Therefore, after Kankuro packed a few things they would need, and Sasori had dressed into his long black top, that looked silly and oversized on his slender figure, they headed out to the inn.
One and a half hour later they checked into a room for two and they got rid of their clothes before Kankuro filled up the tub for them. They were both worn out, and a relaxing soak would do them good, Kankuro thought, while he held onto Sasori's arm as he stepped into the tube, alert not to let him slip and hit himself.
When they were both in the hot water, with Sasori in the front and Kankuro sitting behind him, they began to rub their bodies all over with a citrusy scented bar of soap. Kankuro helped Sasori with washing his back and hair before he did so with his own, and shortly they utterly rinsed off all the sweat and dirt of the past few days.
In spite of their clean state, they remained in the hot water for a long time. Sasori leaned back and tucked his head under Kankuro's chin, who wrapped his arms around him, and occasionally pressed kisses into Sasori's damp hair. He was still careful not to caress Sasori's skin in a way that could arouse him, afraid that any type of sex could harm his body, which must have needed more time to get stronger. It was only flesh and bones like his, and although Kankuro could have used Ninjutsu to speed up the healing process, he was unable to even create chakra strings, something that was generally second nature to him. Then again, he didn't really feel any chakra inside his body-
His thoughts were cast away as Sasori turned slightly and brushed his lips against his neck. Kankuro caught his breath, but pulled away, remembering that this wasn't the right time for this. Sasori tried to follow, only to be put to a halt by a fleeting kiss on his temple, before Kankuro suggested that they get dressed, since the water was getting cold.
Fortunately Sasori didn't oppose him, and Kankuro climbed out of the tub to dry himself, and bring them two hazelnut coloured dressing gowns. He helped Sasori out, and towelled him, the caring act putting a smile on the red-haired's face.
Only when Sasori was all nicely nestled between warm and fluffy blankets in the modern style bed did Kankuro call for the room service. He ordered an early dinner for themselves and asked their clothes to be washed - they could wear the guest robes until they would get them back.
In about thirty minutes their meals were ready, Tonjiru, Pork Soup as the first course, and Yakizakana, Broiled Fish with rice as a second. After the hearty dinner Kankuro sent Sasori right back into the bed, but at least he joined him, and soon they were lying together, while Kankuro was breathing in the soft scent lingering around Sasori, pressing his forehead against the back of the red-haired's neck.
He felt at peace more than ever, the presence and the evident well-being of Sasori making his heart want to burst with happiness. This, combined with his full stomach made Kankuro almost fall asleep, when the other started shifting on the mattress. He tried to ignore it, and seem unaffected, but Sasori turned around to face him, and his plan to fake having dozed off was disregarded as he felt lips on his. He didn't open his eyes though, just kissed Sasori back, fighting the urge to pin him down and have his way with him already. All those years of longing made it near impossible, but Kankuro somehow pulled away after a few minutes, scarcely able to restrain himself. He was panting, already having a hard-on, but he was still in control of his actions.
Unlike Sasori, it appeared, since he hungrily chased the other's lips, and when a steady palm on his chest kept him just a few inches from Kankuro, he let out a grunt of disapproval, while he opened his eyes to scowl at Kankuro. "What?" He asked simply, eyes running over the other's face, searching for the reason behind Kankuro's sudden cold behaviour.
"We... can't..." was all the other blurted out between heavy breaths. However, Sasori was not willing to cooperate without hassle.
"Why? Did you have to cut off your dick so I could have one?" Sasori asked with a smug smile, half jokingly of course - he already saw in the bathtub that Kankuro had everything in place just fine.
"Sasori, please..." Kankuro sighed, the temptation unfathomable, even so he had to hold on for Sasori's and his own sake. "We'll wait until you're fully recovered," he announced, his tone signalling that he would not be tolerating any objections the other would come up with.
Frustrated, Sasori let out a displeased groan, but he didn't give up yet - he had some cards up his sleeve. Since Kankuro would just push him away if he continued, Sasori saw no point in attempting to kiss or touch him. Despite the other's distant manner at the moment, Sasori was sure he could make Kankuro change his mind in a snap with something else, still. As if he was complying Kankuro's wish, Sasori rolled onto his back, only to be touching himself seconds later, with his breaths becoming shallow again, and he moaned louder than it was required to draw Kankuro's attention to the show he was giving. When the other realised what he was doing, he abruptly caught Sasori's wrists under the blanket.
"Really Sasori?" Kankuro asked, disappointment audible in his voice. Sasori was about to feel guilty, but his self-reproach was short-lived, as the other captured his lips in a passionate kiss, and moved over him, his knees on either side of Sasori's thighs, and hands planted next to his head.
Kankuro kissed him greedily, and he felt Sasori's hands tugging at the tie of his dressing gown, as he pulled it loose to hang open around him. Kankuro pulled back to look at the alluring form under him - Sasori's own robe was opened already, and his cock was erect and curved up, touching his stomach. His otherwise light brown eyes were dark with lust, and his lips were parted as he breathed in. While Kankuro observed him, Sasori wrapped his fingers teasingly slow around the other's erection, and Kankuro let out an appreciative groan as Sasori thumbed his slit, before he collected his thoughts again. "But I'm not... putting it... in..." Kankuro breathed out as the other started stroking him. Taking in Sasori's keen expression and the pink that tainted his cheeks, Kankuro wished that the other would take him seriously. However, there was nothing wrong with having a bit of fun, Kankuro guessed, willing to indulge in what Sasori had in mind.
"You know that I don't like to wait," Sasori replied, his voice even, since Kankuro didn't touch him yet. "Besides, I promise I will sleep afterwards." He gave Kankuro a suggestive smile as his grip became tighter on the other's length, and with the sound that left Kankuro lips, Sasori felt his own erection start throbbing with want.
As if Kankuro could read his mind, he leaned forward to kiss him again, while he reached with one hand towards his cock to return Sasori's delightful treatment in a similar manner. Kankuro was undoubtedly better at jerking off - Sasori had been a puppet most of his life, and despite not lacking in enthusiasm, Kankuro was the one who had the expertise that would make the other see stars.
As Kankuro predicted, Sasori melted under his hands, and soon the red-haired even forgot to move his hand that was around the other's length. Not wanting to trouble Sasori later with his own boner, Kankuro removed the other's hands, placing them around his neck, and he began to rub both of their dicks in one hand, as he did long ago in the Tsukuyomi. Not only was this reality, but it also felt so much better, and shortly Kankuro had to break their kiss, to instead nibble at the other's neck, since Sasori became unable to contain his moans and cries anymore. Then, Kankuro sucked on his skin as the sweet whimpers and the way Sasori's cock pulsed against his drove him crazy, and he came onto his own hand and the other's dick and stomach. That seemed to do it for Sasori as well, as he held more tightly onto Kankuro, and his moans became even louder before he spilled his cum over himself. Taking some time to admire the disarray on Sasori's abdomen, Kankuro lay next to him after a few moments, and they both closed their eyes, short of breath and weary with their intense orgasms.
For a while they were silent, attempting to calm their nerves, before Sasori turned his head and snuggled closer to the other. As tiny kisses were pressed on his jaw, Kankuro suppressed an impulse to headbutt the love of his life. "Sasori... you promised," he said instead, and earned an apologetic smile as he glanced down at the other.
"I know, I know..." Sasori said, and rested his head on Kankuro's shoulder, and stared at the opposite wall, the cheap decoration on the table - anything to keep his mind from Kankuro's body, the warmness of him, and his newly hardening cock.
"We should wipe you down," Kankuro suggested, before he kissed Sasori's hair, and went to grab a towel. There was nothing the red-haired man could do about his semi-erect cock now, and when the other would come back to him, he would inevitably discover the excited state of his body. Sasori sighed, already embarrassed that he was reacting to the attention like some teenage boy would.
As he heard Kankuro approaching, he closed his eyes, figuring that he would be either scolded for not keeping his word, or laughed at for becoming so hot and bothered even without any stimulation, and so soon after his last climax too. What he didn't dare hope for was a nurturing hand on his face, and a feathery kiss on his lips while Kankuro cleaned him up.
Sasori eased into the other's touch, charmed with this outcome, however he was then dragged to the edge of the bed by his hips, and he opened his eyes warily to see Kankuro kneel down before him on the floor. He sat up and watched in confusion how Kankuro peppered his thighs with kisses, bit by bit getting closer to Sasori's groin. A shudder ran through him when Kankuro licked up from his base to the tip, and proceeded to suck on his tip, making Sasori moan with the welcome feeling around him.
Kankuro had absolutely no idea if what he was doing was actually good, but Sasori had previously blown him before his death, and in the genjutsu world multiple times as well, so he at least knew what he was supposed to do. Judging by Sasori's frequent sobs of pleasure, he wasn't that bad, and encouraged by the other's hand that run into his hair, Kankuro took his dick deeper and deeper with each bob of his head. Not even a minute later Sasori tugged at his hair and he pulled off his cock, as cum spurted onto his left cheek, chin and lips. He looked up at Sasori, who breathed heavily while he was intently taking in the picture he painted, satisfied to see Kankuro lick it off his lips as their eyes locked.
Kankuro remembered the time he accidentally came on Sasori's face - the situation was now reversed, and Sasori was far from shy like Kankuro had been about what he'd done all those years ago. On the contrary, Sasori was clearly loving the way the other looked with his cum on his face, and he could hardly bring himself to pick up the towel from the bed and hand it to Kankuro.
In the end, they went to sleep after that for real.
~
"What? No, I'm not going back there!" Sasori protested stubbornly, and having laid his chopsticks on the table he crossed his arms before his chest.
"I live there, and I will have to go back sooner or later," Kankuro argued, his tone calm, knowing that Sasori would understand and agree with him. "I want to introduce you to my siblings, and-"
"Hold on..." Sasori interjected. "You think your little Kazekage brother will pat you on the shoulder and let you spend the rest of your life with a criminal?" A bitter smile appeared on his lips as he drew up his eyebrows, but he didn't give time for the other to answer. "If you want to see me dead, then there's no better place you could have picked."
"Sasori, you don't know my family," Kankuro said, his voice stern, but he held out a hand towards Sasori, laying it on the surface of the table, and waited until the other hesitantly placed his own into it. "They are not like that at all. They would at least listen to what I have to say before they'd imprison you." The joke lifted the tense atmosphere around them, and Kankuro gave Sasori's hand a little squeeze, as the red-haired man let out a laugh of disbelief and shook his head, before he met Kankuro's gaze and smiled at him.
"Fine," he said, and as Kankuro let his hand go, they resumed eating their breakfast. "But you better run away with me if they don't like me," Sasori added, before taking a bite.
Kankuro snorted. "How could anyone not like that pretty face of yours?"
~
They made the journey to Sunagakure in two days, which was normal, indicating their improved health state. They arrived in the late afternoon, and when they were just out of the scouts' vision, Kankuro put his own hood on Sasori to cover his mousy red locks, just in case they would run into someone that used to know him.
The shinobi greeted them at the gate, and they inquired about Kankuro's companion, so they acted out the plan they had come up with last night. Sasori faked being afflicted with the heat of the desert, while Kankuro explained short as he could how he found this unfortunate man lost in the desert. He had no desire to lie to his fellow nin, but it was best if they didn't know the true identity of Sasori, and he was relieved when they told him that the details weren't important now, and asked him to hurry and take care of the poor man.
Kankuro did so without a second thought, and they headed straight to his home. Thanks to the fact that it was a workday, the the streets of the village weren't as crowded as they would be at the weekends in this hour, and they reached their destination without encountering many people.
Once they were safely in Kankuro's bedroom, Sasori collapsed onto the bed with closed eyes and the corners of his lips curving up, as he breathed in the 'Kankuro-scent' of the room. The other climbed over him to kiss him once, and take his hood off from Sasori's head before he stood up again. The red-haired opened his eyes and gave him a pleading stare asking him to stay, while Kankuro adjusted his hood on himself.
"I'll try to be quick," he said, stepping to the door. He was getting anxious about the discussion he would be having with his brother in a minute, but it couldn't be helped. He knew that it was inescapable, and hopefully Gaara would listen to him and grow to tolerate Sasori's questionable past.
"Just give me a sign if I should hide under the bed," Sasori said with a kittenish smile as he rolled onto his stomach, proud of himself when he saw Kankuro peek at his behind. "And don't make me wait too long..." He added, his tone flirtatious as he moved around just enough to make Kankuro swallow, and all the more disinclined to leave.
Nonetheless, he at last raised a hand to the door handle as he spoke up, "I'll be back in a while."
~
Kankuro wiped off some sweat of his forehead, before he knocked on the door of Gaara's office. After catching the quiet 'Come in.' Kankuro stepped in, and offered his brother a friendly smile, that probably came across as taut and insincere with all the pressure he felt.
"I heard word from the gate that you came back," Gaara said while he stood up from his desk, and walked to a couch, implying that the other should sit with him. Kankuro accepted and took a seat next to him, but his uneasiness didn't go unnoticed. "Is something the matter, Brother?" Gaara asked, while his seagreen eyes examined the other's worrisome features.
"Well... There's something I've been debating talking to you about for quite some time now," Kankuro started, fixing his eyes on the tendril and floral pattern of the rug in front of him. "I just... Please don't jump to conclusions." He internally slapped himself, Gaara wouldn't do that. "And uhh... This will all sound complicated, but bear with me, okay?" He glanced up at Gaara, who nodded, and Kankuro sighed, knowing that this was his last opportunity to turn back.
Well, at least Temari wasn't here. Gaara was a man of few words, and he wouldn't interrupt him. On the other hand, Temari would throw hands right after he would say 'Sasori'. Maybe if Gaara would give him his blessing, Kankuro could get him to lend a hand with convincing their sister.
Kankuro exhaled one last time, and he began telling Gaara all the things he had kept secret so far, and all the feelings he had hidden from everyone, including his family.
~
He kept the story vague when it came to their relationship, instead he mentioned every instance of Sasori's principled nature, and only gave small clues of their true closeness a couple of times. Gaara wasn't stupid, and he wouldn't make things awkward with questioning Kankuro about the nights he had spent together with Sasori. And although at first he was beyond doubt confused if he heard Kankuro correctly about the identity of his 'friend', he kept his calm composure all through his brother's speech, and carried on being open-minded.
Ultimately his adoration for his brother proved stronger than his hostility towards Sasori, and when Kankuro finished, he pulled him into a warm hug to comfort him, since he was still prominently nervous. Not much later Kankuro relaxed in his arms, and as Gaara let him go, he had a wide smile on his face, and he felt like he could embrace the other again and again saying his thanks. But he would have also liked nothing more than to go and tell Sasori about his brother's response.
Gaara knew how he longed to be with Sasori, so he didn't plan on keeping Kankuro with him much longer. "I'll keep an eye on him until he earns my trust," Gaara said, wise as ever. "And nobody should know about this. Although you barely lived, people wouldn't leave us alone if they found out we know of a technique similar to the Edo Tensei." Kankuro nodded, that much was crystal clear to him as well. "And Brother..." His face twisted in pain. "You know that your chakra-"
"Yes," the answer came, as Kankuro's smile faded. "It's gone... permanently." He thought he should say he didn't mind, or that he would get used to it, but what interested him more was Sasori's case. "Without any chakra I can't tell, but... does he have any?" he asked, gaze lifting to Gaara's.
His brother thought about it for a second, presumably sensing their surroundings. After a few seconds he answered, "Not much. If it wasn't for the shinobi that informed me, I wouldn't have known that you were with someone." Gaara could recognise Kankuro's chakra in Sasori now that he was closer, however the amount was insubstantial and it wasn't replenishing like normal chakra would be. This way, Sasori wasn't a threat, but Kankuro was also deprived of his chakra, furthermore this had to be irreversible. Yet, Gaara couldn't detect any regret in his brother, so he would support him through this no matter what. Thus, he gave Kankuro's shoulder a light squeeze, before he stood up to walk to his table. "I should write to Temari, and ask her to visit us," Gaara proposed, looking for a small scroll used for letters in one of the drawers.
"I guess you should," Kankuro said, but his renewed stress was written all over him. Gaara had a knowing look plastered on his face when their eyes met, and they both laughed a little. "Just... Be there when I tell her," Kankuro requested, while Gaara started writing with a hint of a smile still on his lips.
"You can count on me, Brother."
~
Sasori pulled back from the heated kiss, out of breath because of Kankuro's skilled tongue, that just went on an exploration inside his mouth. "You're stuck with me now, Kankuro," Sasori murmured close to the other's ear before he bit down on his earlobe, as his fingers found their way under the other's black shirt, and they brushed over his torso.
"More like you're stuck with me," Kankuro retorted, and he straightened up to pull off his top.
After he had told the red-haired about the great news, they quickly showered, struggling with keeping away from each other, and they dressed up, so that they could have lunch in the dining room that Gaara used as well. Despite not meeting him there, they couldn't risk going without fitting clothing, and so now that they were actually about to get down to business, all the pieces they had on were like excruciatingly thick layers of fabric between them.
Therefore, Kankuro freed them from a few more, including his and Sasori's trousers, but he intentionally left their boxers, as well as Sasori's aegean coloured shirt on, before he leaned over him again. The other didn't make a fuss about his clothed state, instead he let his hands wander over Kankuro's warm skin again, playing with him as they kissed. After a while though, true to himself, Sasori grew impatient with the other, so he palmed Kankuro's dick through his underwear to get him out of it. However, the other didn't share in his restlessness as much, and he parted from Sasori to nibble on his collarbone that wasn't covered by his shirt, while also getting his groin out of the red-haired's reach.
"I want you... in my mouth," Sasori breathed, while Kankuro pushed up his shirt to reveal his smooth stomach and chest. One hand found his left nipple and Kankuro pinched it lightly while he sucked at the other. Sasori whimpered under him, and was left wanting more when the other stopped to gaze up at him.
"We're doing it different tonight," Kankuro said before he went back to fiddling with the now hardened nub between his index finger and thumb, and took the other one in his mouth.
Sasori whined keenly, and he felt his cock twitch in his undergarment, however this was still not what he imagined. "What, not afraid... to wreck me... ahh... anymore?" He hoped that by 'different', Kankuro meant that he would fuck him - despite not being familiar with penetrative sex, Sasori had been wishing Kankuro would suggest it ever since he had a human body. But since he didn't get an answer, Sasori attempted again. "Are you ah- going to show me... how much you've grownngh... Kankuro?" His voice didn't come out as seductive as he would have liked, due to the times he couldn't bite back his moans, still he would get a response he figured, as Kankuro stopped and moved up to observe him.
"How far do you want to go?" he asked, not wanting to hurt or make the red-haired uncomfortable, who was amused with his question, and batted his lashes as he replied.
"Fuck me... Kankuro."
Honestly, Kankuro didn't need more than that, and after a deep kiss, he slowly pulled away, and approached the red-haired's clothed crotch, pulling the underwear down and tossing it on the floor, before he placed his hands on the back of Sasori's knees, and pushed them up towards the other's chest. "Hold them like this," he told Sasori, who readily obeyed, splaying himself out for Kankuro, who eyed the red-haired man for a long moment - the curve of his ass, the irregular pace with which his chest heaved, the dusty pink of his nipples, one glistening with his spit, the lovemarks covering the side of his neck, the rich colour of his cheeks, and the way he licked his lips in anticipation. Then, he positioned himself before Sasori's ass, and after he lightly grabbed his cheeks to spread them further apart, and to lift his behind a little higher off from the mattress, he started lapping at his entrance.
Sasori shook once, the strange feeling new, but not unwelcome, as the other licked in circular motions at his hole. Kankuro spoiled him in this position, sliding his tongue up and down and pushing the tip of it inside until he felt the tight muscle ring relax. Next, he wet three of his fingers and then gently pushed one inside, pausing at about two inches when Sasori tensed around him with an quick inhale, close to a hiss.
"Are you alright?" Kankuro asked, and Sasori nodded biting his lip. It wasn't bad or too much, it was just so foreign to him, and frankly his only issue was that at the end of the day, this really was his first time.
"You know that... I have never..." Sasori would rather not said it, but Kankuro knew what he meant instantly, and he kissed the underside of his thigh, while keeping his hand still. After a few more moments, he experimentally worked his finger deeper, and met no resistance this time. Followed by the curl of his finger - which left Sasori startled - Kankuro began stretching the other's hole more earnestly, who focused on his breaths, and the sound of his heartbeats echoing in his ears to get through the hard part. Just after he had opened up nicely, and thought that the method was becoming painfully tedious, he felt a second finger press at his hole.
"Don't tense up," Kankuro said, but it was already too late. In spite of that, Sasori loosened up faster than before, and he found that the two fingers were reaching and stimulating much more than one. It happened then - Sasori cried out once as Kankuro's fingers brushed over his prostate, and recognising his reaction, the other pressed repeatedly at that spot, reducing Sasori into a whimpering mess. "How does that feel?" Kankuro smirked, looking forward to hearing Sasori have a go at speaking while he was massaging his sweet spot. As if the other knew that he was toying with him, Sasori even silenced his moans as best as he could, and glared at Kankuro - although it came off as anything but intimidating with how turned on he was.
"How... many ahh... people have you... slept with... since ngh... I've... died?" Sasori asked instead of replying. "You're a little ahh... too... good at ngh... this..."
'Well, shit,' Kankuro thought, and had no idea what to say. He sped up his fingers to get a little more time to form his answer - he wouldn't lie to Sasori if it wasn't necessary, however the mention of his Tsukuyomi dream in which he fucked Sasori was something that the other would likely not appreciate right now. It didn't actually happen, since it was an illusion, Kankuro argued with himself. But eventually he would have to tell the other, right?
"What... you ngh... did all this... uhh... for me... but you... couldn't ahh- keep it... in your pants?" Sasori asked, and his voice might have been scolding if the other wouldn't have been fingering him currently.
Kankuro smiled at the other, and pecked his lips. "Sasori... you're my first as well," he said at last, which was true regardless of how one interpreted it.
His love appeared to be satisfied with his words, and shortly he returned to moaning without a care in the world. Kankuro added his last finger, and beheld Sasori as his legs trembled, while he took all three fingers inside him. By now Kankuro's underwear felt like the worst thing that could be touching his cock, and the slick feeling of Sasori around his fingers was all the more appealing as well. His eyes drifted from his aching cock to Sasori's, which was leaking precum just like his. After some consideration, Kankuro determined that the other must have been ready, however he still thought he should ask. "Do you want me to keep going?"
Sasori met his eyes, his gaze hazy and eyebrows knit. "Just... fuck me already..." He said, and when Kankuro pulled his fingers out, he whined at the emptiness, but he let the other peel his hands from the back of his knees, and his legs fell slack onto the mattress, as Kankuro kissed him.
He pulled away again soon though - at last he got rid of his underwear, and after he helped Sasori get rid of his shirt too, he guided the red-haired to lie back on his back, and put his ankles onto his shoulders. While he wet his hand to coat himself with spit, he watched Sasori's eyes peer at his length, somewhat alarmed one could say. Kankuro pumped himself a few times, finding Sasori's expression endearing, before he poked at his entrance. Thrusting inside, he groaned with the incredible tightness, while Sasori was gradually stretching open for him. Even if he was on the edge, he paid attention to the one under him, and he maintained the slow pace, halting his movements when he buried his length fully inside Sasori. It took all his strength not to start ramming into the other, but Kankuro could see how hard Sasori tried to deal with his girth. So he moved up his hands to the other's thighs, and stroked his silky skin fondly in shooting motions. The other perceived his attempt to ease his pain, and taking his hint he tried to forget the sharp stinging, and instead lifted his eyes to run all over the other's body. Kankuro's muscles - which were a lot more defined than Sasori's - flexed with effort as he held him, and he panted as Sasori clenched around him. His dark eyes were unfocused, staring at somewhere on Sasori's stomach, and his cheeks flushed with how hot he felt.
Some time later, he began to pull out, and once only the head was inside, he shoved himself in more hastily - again and again periodically, even though it was still too slow to be called a rhythm. Sasori was growing accustomed to Kankuro inside him, who could tell this by his intensifying sobs whenever his cock rubbed against that bundle of nerves inside him, and how he came looser around him with every thrust. And so deeming Sasori all set, Kankuro lowered the other's legs to rest around his waist, and he picked up the pace, leaning close above the red-haired's neck, who threw his head back, and moaned with the different angle even more lustfully. The lewd noises escaping Sasori's lips, and the overwhelming effect of the other around his dick made Kankuro pound into the other even harder and faster soon enough, and it didn't take long until he felt like he could come any moment, so he gripped Sasori's cock. After spreading the precum over his tip, he started to jerk him off, making Sasori arch up, whining under him. He didn't need much to reach his orgasm, shooting his load with only the second stroke, the sight of him coming the last drop for Kankuro too - he pulled out and came on the red-haired's stomach with a low groan, that sounded close to a growl.
Afterwards, he collapsed next to Sasori on the sheets, exhausted and high with his climax. However, Sasori grew cold fast, being sweaty and dirty with cum, and after having voiced his request, Kankuro was more than happy to wipe down the by-product of their lovemaking.
Clean once more, and still spent and content, they lay in the bed, with Kankuro on his back and Sasori curled around him, resting his head on Kankuro's broad chest, one leg over the other's, and one arm hugging him in a similar manner to Kankuro's arm around his shoulder.
This was everything Kankuro ever wanted - Sasori by his side. Although their relationship started out with them being enemies, by now they couldn't imagine their worlds without the other. Their shared love of puppetry was the first thing to make a link between their lives, and it was also the cause of their interest for the other - Sasori found an equal in Kankuro, who used and valued the puppets he made, and Kankuro regarded Sasori as a real person, despite him not being one. It all probably had something to do with how they were obsessed with the unique art, even if now they couldn't practise it anymore, since Kankuro had to sacrifice all his chakra to get the other back. Still, the warmth of Sasori lying close to him was more than enough to compensate for that, Kankuro thought. The other's breaths tickled him, and his heart beat more rapidly with the joy flooding him. Sasori must have also felt it, as he raised his head and nipped Kankuro's lips, who kissed him affectionately and only pulled away when he felt the need to yawn.
Placing his head back on Kankuro's skin, Sasori's breaths became more silent and lengthy in a few minutes, and Kankuro suspected the other had fallen asleep. Without disturbing Sasori, he drew the blanket closer around them, and pressed the lightest of kisses onto the red-haired's head.
"I love you, Sasori." His voice was barely a whisper and he let his head sink back into his pillow, when he heard a quiet voice.
"I love you too... Kankuro."
~The End~