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Chapter Text

Present days

Kankuro was sitting at his working bench, when the final rays of the Sun shot through his small window.

He straightened up, feeling exhausted and drained due to the intensive crafting of that day and the previous weeks. Only construction that demanded all his attention seemed to keep his mind off of the ever lasting ache in his heart.

Leaning back he sighed and looked at the finished parts - he was nowhere near done, but some day he would create the strongest puppet that ever existed. He was determined to reach that goal, even if his work was clumsy with how much his thoughts wandered off these days.

His eyes drifted to one of his puppets, hanging not far from him.

Sasori.

It would be hard to outdo his genius, but Kankuro loved building and upgrading his puppets. That was also the only thing that brought him joy now.

He stood and stepped to the puppet, taking in the perfection of each bit of him, from his soft red hair to his slender fingers. He remembered the first time he saw Sasori's true self, how much it startled him that the great puppet master looked younger than him despite being much older. He could still recall the moment he realised that his predecessor was also a puppet himself.

Kankuro reached out to touch at Sasori's cold chest, near the gaping hole where his flesh core, which was the only living part of him, once had been.

He clenched his jaw, and he couldn't help but feel torn as memories started clouding his mind.

Two months ago

When Gaara was captured by the Akatsuki Kankuro immediately rushed to his rescue.

In his attempt to save his brother Kankuro was almost killed, since the Akatsuki member he had to fight happened to be Sasori of the Red Sand, the man who created the puppets he used, Kuroari, Karasu and Sanshouo. Knowing every ability of the puppets Kankuro's attacks were easily read by the other puppet master, and Kankuro lost in the end.

But rather than finishing off the young shinobi, Sasori departed being sure that his poison would kill Kankuro in a few days.

Unknown to Sasori however, with the help of Konohagakure shinobi Kankuro was healed, and in a few days he was ready to hit the road again to retrieve his brother.

After forming two groups, one of faster jounin, led by his sister, Temari, and one supporting group under the command of Kankuro himself they set out, following the trails left by both the two Akatsuki members, and by Team Guy and Kakashi who left a day ago to pursue the Akatsuki as soon as possible.

Everything went according to plan, until Kankuro's team unexpectedly encountered one of the Akatsuki. This was the worst possible scenario for them, since their group consisted mostly of medical shinobi, specialised to heal rather than to fight.

The point of their formation was that this way the support team could avoid direct combat, and take care of the injured while the more skilled fought their opponents. The hidden leaf ninja should have gotten here sooner, or Temari's team.

As much as Kankuro wanted to be in the first line of battle he was still healing, and he knew he would be more useful protecting his teammates rather than being the first one to fall to the enemy.

None of them expected to stumble upon their opponent so soon, and in these circumstances. Still, they couldn't avoid the confrontation now, and Kankuro led them confidently, refusing to show his doubt or steadily rising panic to his fellow nin.

~

Sasori was walking on the edge of a forest, having already left the Land of Wind. The Sun just reached its peak on the sky when he felt his pursuers closing up onto him.

Earlier, Deidara and Sasori decided that he would act as a diversion, but it seemed that only a small group of shinobi were fooled by the tracks he purposely left behind. He doubted the Sunagakure ninja would try to hunt them down with so little numbers. Perhaps the other teams had members who could sense that Gaara was with Deidara, much more ahead, and on a different route. Or they could have decided to split up, wanting to take revenge on both him and his partner.

None of this mattered to him, though. Sasori was ready to kill anyone, even if they were from the village he once considered his home.

Things like that stopped bothering him long ago now. As more of his body became artificial, morality and feelings seemed more and more distant to him. Except one feeling, that kept haunting him throughout his younger days and ever still.

Loneliness.

Sasori let out Hiruko's iron tail from under his Akatsuki cloak as he prepared his attack.

The first sand ninja tried to get behind him, and engage him while two others attacked him from the front. Sasori sent the first one flying with Hiruko's tail, and in the meantime shot needles from his mouth at the two approaching men.

As the three ninja fell to the ground dead, Sasori recognised the young man he fought previously standing farther away. This unsettled Sasori, since this probably meant that his grandmother had also joined the mission, and told them everything that she knew about his powers. They most likely were prepared with antidotes and some kind of strategy against him.

Not that he felt threatened. Their first try was undeniably underwhelming, and since then the remaining four made no move on him.

Nevertheless, he couldn't give them time to form a plan, so he shot his senbon again. These ones could evade them, jumping into the cover of trees, but they wouldn't be able to hide there for long.

When Sasori was about to shoot his sharpnel from Hiruko's left arm, that upon exploding would send needles in every direction, the sand shinobi suddenly headed deeper into the forest.

Regardless Sasori quickly shot, and his needles hit at least two of the men. The two other shinobi moved on, which disappointed Sasori. In his time no ninja would leave their teammates behind, or run away from their opponent.

It really had been many years since he abandoned Sunagakure after all, he noted to himself as he neared his two last targets.

One of them abruptly stopped and took on a defensive stand as the one Sasori had previously fought went ahead. Sasori had already reloaded his left arm, but didn't shoot, in case he would need it later, and went to finish the man off with his tail instead. He would have to be careful - although everything went smoothly so far, shinobi tended to make drastic last moves when they knew their life was at stake.

The man before him trembled, but ran towards Sasori, both hands full of kunai with explosive tags attached to them. In the last meter before Hiruko's tail could reach him, the man threw them all, but missed, the kunai landing next to Sasori, just far enough that he wouldn't have to worry about them. Explosives were useless against Hiruko's shell anyways, Sasori thought as he impaled the man before him.

In that moment he heard the tags blow up, and also the sound of wood breaking, and looking around he saw trees coming down at him from multiple directions. He could have evaded them, but Hiruko's shell was hard enough to withstand the weight, and Sasori didn't want to move carelessly into a trap that the one he failed to kill could have laid out for him ahead.

As expected, neither the explosions or the trees caused much damage, but for some reason Sasori was unable to move an inch.

~

Kankuro carefully looked out between the branches of a tree that was still standing. He could see Sasori stuck below, but waited a couple of seconds to assure that his plan fully worked out.

Since the Akatsuki remained unmoving Kankuro jumped down from his hiding spot and slowly drew closer.

"It's you again." The deep voice said, only his eyes turning to the nearing ninja. "If I knew that they still had the list of ingredients for the antidote around, I would have made sure to kill you before I left." He said coldly, but even though his tone was filled with murderous intent, he couldn't act up on his words.

"I didn't actually get an antidote, but that doesn't matter." Kankuro said as he stopped in front of Sasori.

This was his last move that he could think of, and he was surprised he actually succeeded. Now the sacrifice his teammates made wasn't for nothing. Still, he was mad for not being able to protect a single one of them.

He sighed and looked down into the lifeless eyes before him. Hiruko, Granny Chiyo told him that was the name of this puppet. And inside it, hidden in a safe spot was the puppet master, Sasori. Kankuro turned his gaze away form the inspecting eyes, and studied the burnt grass before him as he continued.

"I knew you were certain that nothing could break your shell. And that you would save the trouble of evading such a wide ranged attack." Kankuro explained and brought his hands to his hips. He raised his head and looked at Sasori with disappointment and anger. "Although doing so didn't hurt you, I placed a seal on all of these trees, so even if one hit you, the seal would activate, and immobilize you."

Sasori rarely became irritated, but something about the man in front of him made things stir up inside him.

Previously, Sasori thought that he was just a kid that thought he was something, because the puppets Sasori had created must have helped him along his way. But now Sasori realised that he had much more to him.

He glanced into the young man's dark eyes, that promised him no mercy before he spoke up.

"So what do you plan on doing now?"

~

At first Sasori could clearly see the surprise on the other man's face upon discovering the secret about his body, however he proceeded to manually and thoroughly remove every hidden weapon, blade and scroll off of Sasori without saying anything, including his spinning claws that were attached to his back, and also the stinger which was hidden where his stomach should have been.

Afterwards, the sand ninja tied Sasori up with his arms tightly to his sides, leaving some of the end of the rope loose, and moved Sasori to sit with his back against a tree, before he proceeded to remove the seal, granting him some freedom of movement again.

In the end Sasori felt quite exposed with neither Hiruko or his Akatsuki robe around himself.

He wondered if he should have made his move right then, but found himself unsure of what to do and decided to give himself some more time to plan things out.

All the while, his eyes never left the young man, following his every move as he wiped some sweat off of his cheek that was probably caused by his concentration in the past few hours, also smudging his purple face paint a little in the process.

"What's your name?" Sasori hated to admit it, but his voice sounded much more soft and much less threatening in this state. "I shall remember the shinobi who managed to capture me." He smiled gently, a smug expression sitting on his face.

For a brief second he thought the man wouldn't answer him, searching for something deep inside his backpack. "Kankuro." His voice and face no longer showed as much anger towards Sasori, although he must have been under the shock of his discovery about his puppet body still.

"What will you do with me now, Kankuro?" Sasori tilted his head. "You stripped all my secrets away, I am helplessly at your mercy at the moment." Despite his words his tone indicated that he wasn't scared, rather he was looking forward to his captor's next move.

"I will take you back to Sunagakure, where you will be judged and punished for what you've done." His hands stopped while he lifted his eyes to Sasori giving him an unfriendly look. At last, he pulled out a dark brown cloak from his bag, and stepped in front of the Akatsuki.

Sasori allowed Kankuro to pull him away from the tree and wrap it around him, surprised, but pleased by the privacy it granted him, as opposed to having his flesh core out to be seen by anyone they would encounter.

"We will get going now." Kankuro said looking up at the sky. They had perhaps three or four hours before the Sun would set.

Sasori let himself be dragged to his feet, and led by the rope Kankuro placed around him they began walking away from his discarded weapons and scrolls.

~

Kankuro paid attention to not tiring himself out entirely, and set camp in a forest earlier than they would have needed to.

He knew he would be needing every bit of remaining strength once he let his guard down. Sasori would be smartest to try to escape when he was asleep.

Nevertheless, Kankuro made a point of hiding the Akatsuki's scrolls with which he could summon more puppets. Hopefully they were far away from the site, so that if Sasori managed to break loose, Kankuro could recapture him faster than Sasori could get to his tools.

After he lit a small fire to grant some warmness throughout the night, he pulled some food out of his pack. About to bite into his onigiri Kankuro stopped, and raised his eyes to the other puppet master.

Sasori was sitting across from him, resting against a tree in a similar manner to earlier, and he was staring at his captor in a way that would have unsettled Kankuro if he hadn't already realised that Sasori didn't have to blink.

"Do you need to eat?" Kankuro asked, his voice quiet in the evening.

Sasori laughed lightly and tilted his head back against the trunk. "You have already seen my true self." He paused, catching the dark eyes of Kankuro and smiled at him. "This body has no such weaknesses."

Kankuro turned his eyes back to his food, and felt Sasori observe him as he bit into the rice ball.

He ate the rest of his meal in silence, deep in thought, gazing into the fire before him.

If Sasori had a living part, he would surely have to eat, wouldn't he? But that part was most likely his heart, with which he would be unable to consume food. This whole thought process led to even more questions that Kankuro was unable to answer.

Having finished eating he wiped at his mouth, and wondered how much of a mess he must have looked with his face paint likely smudged in many places by now. No wonder that Sasori seemed to not be taking him seriously. If he washed it off, and redid it before him, it would be even worse though, Kankuro thought. Yet he couldn't afford to leave Sasori alone for even a minute, so he had to put up with his paint as it was.

He already went as far as peeing with Sasori right behind him, with one hand on the rope that he led him with, so now wasn't the time to change his mind and leave Sasori unattended.

Kankuro sighed and stood up, in order to walk to the Akatsuki. Sasori looked up at him before he crouched down to be at eye level with him.

"I'm going to remove your arms now." He said, as Sasori's light brown eyes bored into him, his face just inches away from his, and he opened the cloak around him.

Despite trying to look confident, Kankuro could see the discomfort Sasori felt, as he turned his head away from Kankuro with shame when his arms were detached from under the ropes, just below his elbows with a clicking sound.

Kankuro didn't want Sasori to weave any hand signs while he was asleep, otherwise he wouldn't have resorted to such humiliating actions. He wondered what it felt like for the other puppet master, before he folded the cloak to conceal Sasori's body again.

Returning to his spot Kankuro placed the cold arms not too far away from him, and not knowing the proper thing to say he lay down to rest.

He could still see Sasori's unmoving calm expression, that somehow screamed pain before he fell asleep.

~

Sasori hated waiting but he had no other choice - unable to cast a jutsu and not having a single hidden blade on him, he couldn't even free himself from the rope restraining him, much less defeat Kankuro and get away safely.

Being a puppet, sleeping was more of a distant memory to him from when he was younger, rather than a real necessity. But at least this way he had plenty of free time to plan his escape and analyse the situation he was in.

He had to either go back to fetch his scrolls, or head to their secret hideout first to get other puppets he could use, in case other shinobi would be waiting there for him to show up. But then again, another group might have already taken his scrolls, and he might just end up being caught once more or not finding anything.

Frustrated, his thoughts turned to his partner. He hoped that at least Deidara managed to get the one-tail to the meeting point. Maybe after he succeeded, the Akatsuki would send someone to his aid. Having only one shinobi guarding him, it wouldn't even be a difficult task to save him.

He raised his eyes, and through the branches saw the sky slowly turning a brighter colour as the Sun, out of his vision, rose above the horizon.

As if sensing this, Kankuro slightly turned, but didn't wake up yet. Looking at his painted face, Sasori felt sorrow and regret gnaw at his only living part. His eyes fell to the smoldering fire, as his thoughts chased each other in his mind.

He simply couldn't ignore how much he saw himself in the younger man, but he was also unable to remember when exactly he lost this younger self that he reminded him of.

He hardly knew the pleasure he felt when creating his first puppets anymore, or the enthusiasm that flooded him when he was working on a new project. On the outside, he always had an indifferent, cold look, but back then he knew what joy was.

As the years went by, despite crafting the best puppets ever made, he felt unsatisfied. And during the task of making himself more and more into a puppet, in a desperate way to become eternal beauty, he completely lost himself.

He was an incomplete project, a human being who couldn't become a real puppet. A puppet, whose lifeless frame still contained a beating heart.

He considered himself neither dead, nor alive.

"I guess you don't have to sleep either." Sasori's eyes quickly turned to the young shinobi who was sitting up with a tired but pleased look on his face.

"I have told you already. This body has no such weaknesses." Sasori said, putting on his usual look and act of superiority.

"Yeah, right." Kankuro said and laughed, by which Sasori was taken aback. For some reason the younger shinobi seemed to be in a great mood as he was packing into his backpack.

Sasori wondered just how long Kankuro could have been awake, and if perhaps he had caught a glimpse of the melancholy that was most likely written on his face a moment ago.

In another unforseen act, being done with putting his things away, Kankuro went to Sasori, and reattached his arms.

This confused the puppet master even more, and he couldn't help his words slipping. "Why would you-"

"You're not a puppet." Kankuro interrupted as he readjusted the cloak around Sasori. He stood up, confidence and energy radiating from him. He raised a hand to his hood covered forehead to scout the way ahead of them. "I shouldn't have done that." He was still surveying the forest. "I'm sorry." He said quietly.

Sasori stared up at the man before him, speechless and eyes wide open. Astonished, he felt something strange in his flesh core, something that he almost forgot he was capable of.

His heart skipped a beat.

~

Kankuro had to admit, Sasori was beautiful.

After getting over the shock that he was in fact a puppet, Kankuro took his time and observed Sasori's body more closely. Every detail, from his eyelashes to his painted nails was appealing. Kankuro could only imagine all the trouble Sasori must have went through to achieve this desired outcome.

Even now, as he walked next to him, Kankuro hardly found any marks that would display Sasori's secret. Although the sky was clouded, a shimmer still played on Sasori's mousy red hair and his skin also glinted with life. Of course, it would be a whole another story, if he didn't have the cloak around him that covered his limbs, neck and chest.

"What are you looking at, Kankuro?" Sasori asked, turning his head completely to the side in an unnatural way.

Kankuro quickly moved his eyes back to the road, while he failed to make up something, so he went with a white lie instead. "Nothing." However, not even his voice stayed calm as a nervous smile settled on his face.

Sasori smiled as well, and following Kankuro's example watched the way ahead of them. Satisfied, Sasori was up to chat with his captor. "If it wasn't you that caught me I would think that you don't belive that I'm a puppet." He glanced at the shinobi from the corner of his eye.

Kankuro thought his words carefully out this time before he answered. "As a fellow puppet master, you must understand how rare it is that we see true art."

Sasori thought, that his heart had skipped a beat that day for the second time.

After catching himself, he replied calmly. "Great puppet masters think alike, I suppose." His tone was soft, no hint of the smugness he so far seemed unable to shake.

Kankuro said nothing to that, and somewhat disappointed Sasori decided not to push his luck with his captor, and to continue the trip in silence. He was lucky that for some reason, that was beyond him, Kankuro was going rather easy on him, having reattached his hands, and engaging him with ordinary conversation.

Whatever it was that made the sand ninja act in such a humane way towards him, Sasori was thankful for it.

Still, he had to get away sooner or later, as the distance between his puppet scrolls and them was dangerously growing, while they steadily got closer to Sunagakure with each passing second.

Kankuro glanced at his silent captive, and noted to himself that his actions today seemed to deeply touch Sasori. Even if the Akatsuki tried to hide it, his overall behaviour showed how pleased he was with these recent turn of events.

So Kankuro was right to assume that the sadness he saw in Sasori was caused by his environment and didn't derive from his heart - that he wasn't completely a bad person. In a way, Kankuro could easily read him now, and knowing from Granny Chiyo the things he went through as a child, Kankuro could piece together the other puppet master's feelings.

He didn't forgive Sasori for kidnapping Gaara, however a part of him could see that Sasori was just a mere lost ninja, who somewhere along the way forgot his nindo, and now was willing to do anything for the people who he believed to be loyal to him.

If it wasn't for the lack of attention and love, Kankuro was sure that Sasori would not have been corrupted to this extent.

The weather, as if mirroring Kankuro's thoughts, turned worse by the second, and soon enough it began to rain.

First only small drops fell on them, that wouldn't soak their clothes too badly, even if it ruined Kankuro's face paint to the point that the lines on his nose and across his cheeks looked like he did them without a mirror, and in some places thin lines were drawn towards his jaw and chin as the water washed some of the paint away.

Sasori didn't seem to mind the rain though, and kept looking at the sky, his eyes not blinking even when the drops hit them directly. To Kankuro, the rain water slowly running down Sasori's face from the corners of his eyes made it looked like he was crying. Naturally, he knew it wasn't possible, but combined with the hazy look plastered on Sasori's face it seemed real.

Moments of consideration later Kankuro reached out towards Sasori, and pulled the hood of the brown cloak over his head. The Akatsuki didn't look at him, but lowered his eyes to the muddy road ahead of them, and his mouth opened a little in surprise.

They went on in silence, the rain getting heavier and the ground under their feet slippier.

~

In the end, the wind picked up as the night approached, so they had to take cover in the next small village they came across, checking into a cheap modern style inn.

Kankuro asked for a room for two while Sasori stood behind him, his tied up state concealed by the cloak that was heavy with rain.

After they were escorted to their room Kankuro shut the door and placed a seal on it carefully, so that it couldn't be opened from the outside.

This made Sasori smile as he sat down on the edge of the bed that was along the wall of their room. Perhaps Kankuro forgot who he should be really mindful of.

Afterwards Kankuro quickly untied the sash around his waist and pulled off his soaked long black top, then a dark blue jumper revealing a tight green sleeveless shirt underneath, which was still dry.

Sasori keenly took in the sight before him, especially Kankuro's hair which he had not seen before. It was a dark brown colour, that somehow looked rough to the touch, which in Sasori's opinion suited the shinobi quite well.

Before he could perceive him more closely though, Kankuro disappeared in the bathroom, leaving Sasori alone for the first time since he had been caught.

Now was his chance.

If he removed the seal with his mouth he could easily leave this room. Then, he would have to loosen the ropes around himself in order to be able to make someone from the staff into his puppet. Kankuro would certainly be at disadvantage if he had to fight a living person opposed to normal puppets. But first he needed to loosen the rope that seemed to be his greatest enemy currently.

As he moved around his arms he could hear the sound of his wooden arms sliding on his sides and picked his head up to see if Kankuro would suddenly exit the bathroom.

Seconds of tense silence passed, only disturbed by the pitter-patter sound of the rain outside, and the sound of running water that came from the bathroom.

Sasori then struggled against his binds again, to no avail.

Defeated, he wanted to lie down, so that even if Kankuro heard him he would think that only the bed was creaking, but stopped, remembering his clothes would soak the blanket.

So instead he stood up and walked to the table in the middle of the room, and managed to move a chair with his feet just enough that he could sit on it.

Then, he threw his head back to shake the hood of off him and jerked his head, sending several small droplets flying around him.

Before he had time to reconsider his chances, Kankuro entered the room, one hand on a small white towel over his wet hair, and in his other one of a similar style. Under his arm was a lilac coloured gown, and he was now wearing a clean light blue robe.

His purple face paint was completely gone, uncovering a rather handsome face. The dark eyes looked questioningly at Sasori as he was caught staring.

"Do you want to wash up too?" He asked with a calm tone.

Sasori just shook his head as a reply after he turned his gaze away hastily. He knew that because of his open sandals his toes had to be muddy, but didn't want to bother Kankuro with them.

He was pleased with the way he was treated as of now, and still felt somewhat touched and light-headed by his captor's earlier words. Kankuro saw him as true art, exactly what he wanted to be seen as.

Despite his answer, Kankuro put the dry towel on Sasori's head when he sat down next to him. He then went on to take off Sasori's cloak, and hanged it on another chair on his other side.

"I couldn't find any other spare clothes, so this will have to do." He said, placing the gown on his lap before he leaned forward to begin untying Sasori.

This sent the other's heart racing. He would finally be able to weave signs and escape. As he weighed the odds he stared at Kankuro's naked chest before him, the robe opening slightly as he was removing the rope.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Sasori asked instead of making a run for it immediately, as he moved his arms around a bit, being finally free. He lifted his gaze up to meet Kankuro's eyes.

"You're not going to run away." He answered confidently, placing his binds on the table. "At least not yet." He handed the lavender gown towards him.

Sasori studied his face before accepting it, and pulling it around himself. "And what makes you so sure?" He was genuinely interested in understanding the younger shinobi's motives.

Kankuro leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes and sighed while he began drying his hair.

"Let me just say that... I think you have a plan." Sasori started to rub his hair with the towel as well, listening. "But something's holding you back. Perhaps you don't know what it is either." Along with his last words he offered Sasori a smirk, that inclined that he was positive Sasori would indeed stay around a bit more before attempting to escape.

Sasori closed his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. He had to agree with that, even if he didn't voice his doubts to the shinobi. He had now every means to get away, yet he found himself glued to his chair, wanting more of Kankuro.

Sasori was sure that he could defeat him as soon as he got at least one human puppet, but rather than challenging his odds he put the towel he used in his lap, propped one elbow on the table and rested his head in his hand, still watching his captor in a satisfied manner.

"So... How long are we going to stay here?" He felt his eyes being drawn to Kankuro's lips.

"Until the rain stops we cannot set out. We will have to stay for tonight." Kankuro, finished with drying himself stood up and went to his backpack for some food. Upon returning to his seat he could still feel the Akatsuki's gaze on him.

"I don't like to wait." Sasori said, his tone somewhat playful.

"I know." Kankuro kept his eyes on his food, unable to decide if he should encourage Sasori or not. Lately he seemed to find everything Kankuro said amusing for some reason. He undoubtedly took a liking to him. Which wasn't a bad thing, Kankuro thought, but he had to be careful with the Akatsuki, in case he was just pretending in order to distract him or to make him let his guard down. After swallowing he added. "You already told me when we first fought. You also said that you would make it quick."

"Did I now?" Sasori laughed once, more of a show than actual joy as he realised how wrong he had been to have said that. "Look at us now, I certainly failed, don't you think, Kankuro?" He whispered his last words, one could say in a flirtatious way.

Sasori was pleased to see that his captor almost choked on his food upon hearing his name being said by him in such a manner. But instead of saying anything to that, Kankuro resumed eating and kept his gaze strictly on the table.

Displeased, Sasori sighed out loud and at last turned his attention away from the shinobi.

After Kankuro had finished, he turned to Sasori, who noticing this, also turned back to him, waiting to see what Kankuro had in mind next.

However, his content smile fainted as he saw Kankuro hold up a hand in front of him, waiting for Sasori to place his hands in it, while he reached for the rope with the other.

"So my freedom was momentary, after all." Sasori said, but allowed Kankuro to start tying him up, this time wrapping the rope only around his wrists. He wanted to laugh, this way he could still weave hand signs if he wanted to.

"I might as well rest if we are stuck here because of the rain. It's almost nighttime anyways." Kankuro said, his eyes fixated on Sasori's slim fingers as he was working on the knot, almost done. "See, I told you you wouldn't try to esca-"

But his words were cut off by Sasori, who leaned in to press his lips against his. Sasori had his eyes closed, looking relaxed and Kankuro couldn't help finding him even from this close enticing.

After he got over the shock of being kissed, Kankuro pulled away.

"What... what are you doing?" He asked, raising one hand to his lips.

Sasori looked away from him and hanged his head a little, clearly hurt by Kankuro's reaction.

"I... If you take me to Sunagakure, I'm going to die. And I have never..." He struggled to finish his sentence. "I have never... kissed someone." He muttered quietly.

Sasori carefully glanced back at Kankuro, who although didn't seem to be disgusted, didn't look happy either. Most of all, he looked confused and so Sasori stayed silent and watched the table instead of the other man.

The next thing he knew, Kankuro gently placed a finger under, and his thumb on his chin, and turned him to be facing him, before he placed a soft kiss on his lips.

This time, Sasori was caught off guard, but he let Kankuro draw him closer and eventually closed his eyes, realising Kankuro meant it seriously, as he cupped his face with one hand, and placed the other on Sasori's hip.

Kankuro was surprised to find out that Sasori's lips didn't feel hard against his, nor were they cold or dry. They felt completely alive and real, driving him crazy with the sensation.

As his tongue slipped into Sasori's mouth he felt that even the insides were normal, nowhere rough or threatening him with getting a splinter as he would have imagined.

Having discovered that it was perfectly safe, Kankuro licked more hungrily into Sasori's mouth, causing the other to moan into their kiss.

Another surprise to Kankuro, Sasori was able to extend his chakra into every part of his body, and much like with nerves he could feel every movement the younger shinobi made. To let Kankuro know this, he eagerly kissed him back, and voiced his appreciation when the other man licked his tongue passionately or bit his lip teasingly.

Curious, Sasori slightly opened his eyes to peep at Kankuro, whose eyes were tightly shut. Yearning and lust was written all over his face.

This was to Sasori's liking, and so he let himself ease into the kiss more, when he felt Kankuro's grip on his hip tighten. Sasori moved his bound hands to Kankuro's chest, and shyly brushed the exposed skin with his fingertips in a means to return the treatment that his body received.

Soon, the hand that caressed Sasori's face moved to his hip as well, before Kankuro slowly forced Sasori to lean back. Breaking their kiss, he quickly moved Sasori's arms around his neck, and then as he stood up, he also lifted Sasori up by the waist, and met his lips again.

Sasori quickly wrapped his legs around Kankuro, while he was carried to the bed. Shortly, he was laid on his back, Kankuro on top of him, pulling the lilac robe Sasori was wearing apart.

With his left arm, Kankuro pushed Sasori's bound wrists hard into the bed above his head, as his right hand rapidly got closer to Sasori's pants.

Sasori, realising what was about to happen wanted to stop him, but was too late, as he felt Kankuro's hand slide under the fabric.

As if he had just realised what he was doing, Kankuro pulled away, letting Sasori's wrists go and withdrawing his other hand from his pants as well.

They stared at each other, the sound of the rain and their breathing filling the room. Kankuro blushed, and Sasori turned his head to the side, feeling mortified and wanting to run away now more than ever since he had been caught.

"You... You don't have a..." Kankuro didn't want to hurt Sasori's feelings, but his bewilderment took the better of him.

"What did you expect?" Sasori said, indifference plastering itself on his face, while he blamed himself for not stopping when he still had the chance.

"It's... I mean- I don't mind but..." Kankuro felt like he forgot how to speak. What was he supposed to do? He would continue, it wasn't that he regretted going this far, he just had no idea how he could please the man under him.

Puzzled, he sat back on his heels between Sasori's legs, who was evading his eyes. Looking at Sasori's pants compared to his own, it should have been obvious to him that Sasori had nothing there.

"The answer to the question you are thinking of..." Sasori hesitated, he had never shared this with anyone. "I... I can't. Not that I know of how it would be possible, anyhow." He blurted out at last, and felt his heart beating anxiously as he waited for Kankuro's response.

Moments later, he still haven't said anything, and Sasori unable to take it anymore, glanced at him, to get a grasp of what he was thinking.

Kankuro catching his eyes realised he forgot to answer, but before he could now, he saw Sasori's eyes drift to his lower regions, where his erection was quite visible.

In a futile attempt he tried to cover it with both hands, knowing well that this only made the situation worse.

"I-I see..." He said finally, nervous, and expecting Sasori to kick him off the bed.

Instead, the Akatsuki turned his head away, with his bound hands pulled the robe close around himself and moved his legs to his chest as he positioned his body also to face the wall.

"I want to rest." He said quietly.

Kankuro swallowed, but not wanting to press the subject any further if Sasori felt uncomfortable, he went to switch the lights off.

In the dark, he tucked himself in next to Sasori, and tried to think of things that would help him with getting rid of his hard on.

"Good night, Sasori." It was his last attempt to make the Akatsuki feel better, still he wasn't shocked by the lack of an answer.

Hours later, when he was already long asleep, Kankuro turned towards Sasori, who still had his back towards him. However, hearing that Kankuro moved, he was unable to stay put, and decided it wouldn't do any harm to watch him in his sleep anyways. It would be a lot more entertaining than staring at the wall, he thought.

He moved silently and not disturbing the man in front of him. His eyes, already used to the dark could take out Kankuro's features.

He felt his heart sink upon looking at him.

He wanted to kiss Kankuro again, but was afraid that now that he knew Sasori couldn't have sex, Kankuro wouldn't bother with being nice to him anymore. Of course, he wasn't kind because of being unaware of that in the first place, Sasori reminded himself, but the events of tonight would surely leave a mark on their future relationship.

Then again, Sasori was able to leave anytime. Sighing internally he shrugged that idea off.

He made his mind up, first he would have to set things right between himself and the young shinobi.

~

Being honest with himself, Kankuro couldn't really explain his actions from the previous night.

One thing was pitying Sasori for never having kissed, and another was throwing him onto the bed with the intention of fucking him.

Kankuro sighed out loud, catching the attention of the Akatsuki walking beside him.

At least Sasori seemed to be okay, no sign of the shame he must have felt yesterday was detectable in his devilish smile, that never left his lips today. Or perhaps he had formed a plan in which he tortured Kankuro to death to regain his dignity, and that was making him so lively.

Whatever it was, Kankuro didn't know, and tried not to worry too much about it.

In about two days they would reach Sunagakure, and then he would have time to process thoroughly the feelings stirred up inside him.

He might even get news of Gaara when he got home. If he knew his little brother was safe that would truly put his mind at ease. He wouldn't feel as much of an idiot if Gaara got back in one piece for having tried to fuck one of his kidnappers.

He was such a terrible big brother.

As the Sun reached its highest point of the day, they got to a small creek. The nearby trees granted a perfect spot for rest.

"We're going to take a break here." Kankuro said, heading to sit down, with his back resting against a tree.

Sasori followed him in silence, but rather than sitting down he went ahead to the trickling water. It wasn't further than about eight meters, so Kankuro said nothing as he started eating, just kept his eyes closely on Sasori, in case he would try something.

Kankuro watched as he ducked down on the bank of the river, and after taking off his sandals with his still bound hands, he washed his feet in the shallow water.

From where he was sitting, Kankuro could see the light reflected by the water playing on Sasori's delicate features. He looked at his lips and could almost feel them on his own as he chewed on his onigiri.

Sasori put his sandals back on, and afterwards also washed his face with the water, in which Kankuro saw no point at first, but then remembered that Sasori could probably feel his face when he wanted to, just like the rest of his body.

It only made sense - yesterday, he would only whimper when Kankuro made him, and he also seemed to sense where Kankuro's hands touched him. So Kankuro concluded that he was able to feel, just the same as him.

Next, Sasori ran his wet fingers through his red hair, and ruffled it a little throwing his head back, in a way that made it seem like he was putting on this show exactly because he knew Kankuro was watching him.

When Kankuro finished his rice ball he joined Sasori, and taking off his hood, he washed his hands, and his face too, since he didn't trouble with putting his face paint on in the morning. Sasori looked closely at him, and smiled. Kankuro was sure by now that Sasori had his doom planned out in depth.

"We've made quite a lot of progress today. A thirty-minute break won't hurt us." He looked into Sasori's dreamy eyes, before getting up, and going back to the spot where he ate, dropping his hood next to his backpack, and settled down.

He comfortably drew his knees up before his chest, and placed his head sideways onto them with his arms around his legs. He saw Sasori approaching him, but made no move, there was plenty of shadow for the both of them if he wanted to sit there too.

Not too surprisingly though, Sasori had something to say to Kankuro, so he raised his head to look at the Akatsuki, now standing in front of him.

Despite the questioning look Kankuro gave him, Sasori didn't say anything, just crouched down and leaned close to Kankuro, who watched him with wariness.

Sasori made sure to look his captor up and down before he batted his eyelashes lightly at him.

"Can I kiss you, Kankuro?" He asked seductively, leaving a long pause before saying his name.

He saw the shock flash in Kankuro's eyes for a second.

After considering though, Kankuro nodded, and pulled his knees apart, to give more space to Sasori, who licked his own lips, before he captured Kankuro's.

This kiss was humbler at first, but no less passionate. Soon enough, Sasori was giving sound to his pleasure, and Kankuro pulled him closer by the waist to sit in his lap, opting to enjoy this opportunity to a full extent.

However, this wasn't the smartest move on his part, Kankuro noted, as Sasori began grinding himself against him while they kissed. It was beyond doubt pleasant, but even without that extra friction Kankuro was getting hard, and now he even felt himself leaking precum as Sasori was practically dry humping him. He wondered if the Sasori had noticed, and was doing it on purpose, or had no idea about the effect he had on Kankuro's body.

A few minutes later feeling his cock throb painfully Kankuro had to pull away from the kiss, and breathed deeply as he touched his forehead to Sasori's shoulder.

Mistaking Kankuro's intentions, Sasori took off his cloak, and taking one of Kankuro's hands, he guided it touch at his chest.

"No, Sasori..." He panted pulling his hand away. "I think... we should get going..." He leaned back against the tree, away from Sasori's sensual lips, and closed his eyes tightly, aiming to chase his arousal away.

Sasori seemed discontented with Kankuro's sudden change of mood, but climbed out of his lap.

To Kankuro's delight they continued their journey without Sasori complaining.

~

They stopped for the night to rest in a traditional style guest house, that was in a village just a few hours away from the desert in which Sunagakure was located.

They would still need to spend one night in the wilderness tomorrow, so Kankuro wanted to relax while he still could.

He washed himself and put on a dark green night gown that he had found in the bathroom. Upon returning, he untied Sasori, and gave him one of a slate colour to change into.

This time Kankuro also ordered dinner, that consisted of Pork Cutlet Bowl and some Syrup Coated Anko Dumplings as dessert.

Sasori sat beside him in silence the whole time, seemingly lost in thought, and for a change not staring at Kankuro while he ate.

When Kankuro was full, he decided to start a conversation, not feeling tired enough to fall asleep yet, and also wanting to clear some things up.

"Why haven't you run away yet?" He asked, genuinely wondering.

Sasori had a calm, sad look on his face since their midday break, and turning his doll-like eyes to Kankuro, who could hardly see a dangerous enemy in him anymore, he forced himself to smile lightly.

"I don't know it either." He admitted, lowering his gaze, playing with the rim of his gown, enjoying that his hands were free once again.

Gently, Kankuro pulled one of his hands away, and pushed his sleeve back to reveal a line across his arm, one of the few telltales of Sasori's puppet body.

Sasori followed Kankuro's fingers brushing the inner side of his wrist with his gaze.

"Have you... regretted it?" Kankuro didn't stop his motions as he raised his eyes to study Sasori's face.

"Turning myself into a puppet?" He laughed downheartedly. "My heart has become like this puppet body, without any emotions, and so incapable of regret too."

Kankuro knew that wasn't true, but didn't press the matter. Instead he kept caressing Sasori's arm.

Craving more of Kankuro's touch, Sasori soon turned with his whole body to him, and while he raised his free hand to pull Kankuro's gown open, he planted a kiss on his lips lustfully.

Kankuro returned the kiss, and let Sasori undress him, even though this wasn't his intention in the first place. He wanted to understand and uncover what Sasori felt, so that he could help him, but it seemed the Akatsuki developed a great liking for kissing, which was technically Kankuro's fault.

After the green robe fell on the floor, he allowed Sasori to push him onto his back and lie on top of him. His hands were running down on Kankuro's body with curiosity, until they reached his trousers.

Stopping Sasori, Kankuro grabbed him and turned him over so that he was on top. He earned a muffled moan into their kiss from Sasori with the rough treatment, before he went on to tear the other's robe off.

Sasori knew this pleasure wasn't leading up to gratification, but let Kankuro have his fun, as he began kissing Sasori's neck, and he buried his fingers in his brown hair.

Kankuro kept tracing lines on Sasori's body, and made him shudder when he licked at his stomach. Raising his eyes, he saw how Sasori had his head turned to the side and was evidently enjoying himself.

Regardless, Kankuro paused to make sure Sasori didn't mind what he was planning to do next.

"I shouldn't have stopped last time. I have a theory... If you're okay with it." Not receiving an answer, Kankuro moved back closer to Sasori, and kissed his cheek. "Sasori..."

"I feel like... I'm burning..." He whispered, his eyes finally finding Kankuro's, begging for him to continue.

"I know..." Kankuro took a hold of his face, brushing his lips against his, before kissing him deeply.

Sasori clawed at his back without any real force, and instinctively lifted his hips to meet Kankuro's still clothed erection. However, the other man stopped him, pulling Sasori's pants down.

"What- ahh..." Sasori cried out as Kankuro's fingers lightly brushed over the area where his dick would have been if he still had his human body.

"I thought so..." Kankuro noted repeating the motion and making Sasori tremble below him. "You can still feel this-"

"That doesn't... ahh... make sense..." Sasori managed, with Kankuro planting kisses on his neck, not stopping the gentle motion of his hand.

But it did add up, Kankuro thought. Just like how Sasori could feel with his tounge and lips, and all over his body, it would only make sense that his groin could sense temperature, pain and pleasure all the same. In addition, the chakra points hidden there must be more sensitive like in a real body, judging by Sasori's reactions.

Not much time later Sasori's breathing became shallow, and he grabbed more firmly onto Kankuro, who read his reaction, and applied more pressure into his strokes. He also bit into Sasori's neck, and felt the grip on his back become painfully tight, as Sasori came with a sob.

Triumphant, Kankuro pulled his hand away, and placed it on Sasori's cheek, fondling him with his thumb.

"It seems I was right." Kankuro smirked, before pecking Sasori's lips, who was still coming down from the height of his orgasm.

Kankuro lay down next to him, busying himself with trying to ignore his throbbing cock, while he listened to Sasori's slowly deepening breaths. It somehow made him relax.

Kankuro closed his eyes, and began pondering on their relationship.

He remembered how during their first fight he admired the puppet he believed to be his enemy, only to learn later that it was a puppet around the real puppet master. And how surprised he was to meet Sasori of the Red Sand, the creator of the puppets he held so dear.

The anger flooding him when Sasori refused to kill him, and the agony he felt for days caused by his poison.

The shock of seeing Sasori's real self for the first time, and the inner turmoil he went through because of his steadily developing contradictory feelings.

The way Sasori seduced him, and wrapped Kankuro around his finger as if it was child's play.

And now, he even had sex with the Akatsuki who was supposed to be his captive.

Somewhere along the way, Kankuro messed up.

He opened his eyes, feeling his trousers being tugged at, and was startled to see Sasori positioning himself between his legs.

Kankuro watched how Sasori freed his cock, and let out a heavy breath as Sasori grasped it with one hand at the base, observing it closely. The sight of him so close to his dick made Kankuro ache even more for some long-awaited relief, still he forced himself to sit half up, propping himself on his elbows in order to speak.

"You don't have to do it, if you don't want to Sasori." His voice came out weak compared to usual, as their eyes met.

Instead of answering, Sasori experimentally licked the underside of Kankuro's cock, causing him to take in a sharp breath.

Next, he took the head into his mouth, and sucked on it, before he went fully down on Kankuro's shaft.

Sasori was by no means experienced in this, but perhaps thanks to the fact that Kankuro had gotten aroused twice in a row now without ever getting to reach an orgasm, Sasori's licks and the way he sucked while also stroking him, brought Kankuro closer to his orgasm in no time.

And not only did it feel amazing, but the look of Sasori bobbing his head up and down his cock made Kankuro catch his breath.

"Sasori..." He panted as he felt his climax nearing. "Look at me..." He did so as he was told, and their eyes locked, while Kankuro groaned, taking in the lewd scene unfolding before him.

In the very last moment, he pulled Sasori off of his dick, and doing so shot his load all over his face.

Sasori wasn't bothered by this in the slightest, on the other hand, after Kankuro's mind had cleared, and he realised what he just did, he felt warmness flood his cheeks.

He quickly got up to fetch a towel, mumbling something incoherent in his embarrassment.

Amused, Sasori laughed a little, and wiping down some of Kankuro's cum with his finger, he began inspecting it.

Kankuro returned a moment later, sat in front of him, and seeing Sasori curiously examining his cum, Kankuro proceeded to rapidly clean his fingers first. Sasori allowed him to do so, and after Kankuro was done cleaning his face as well, he stole a quick kiss from his lips.

Kankuro was somewhat uneasy still, eyeing the towel rather than Sasori, but the Akatsuki wasn't about to let him regret anything just yet.

A kittenish smile playing on his lips he pulled Kankuro's hands to his groin, causing the other to finally look at him.

"Could you do that again, Kankuro?"

~

The following day they carried on their journey, both of them feeling well-rested, but deep down they knew this was only the calm before the storm.

Tomorrow, they would arrive at the Village Hidden in the Sand, and just like the stars at sunrise, this untroubled relationship would cease to be.

Before noon they reached the desert, and in the unforgiving heat they ventured deeper.

The endless maze of dunes made it feel like they were going in circles, however, Sasori had a chill feeling settle over him that he couldn't shake, assuring him that they were steadily getting closer to his late home.

Shortly after darkness fell over them, they finally stopped when they got to a small cave, that Kankuro apparently knew would be there, and they took shelter in it from the wind.

By now, Kankuro's mood was entirely ruined, the joy he felt in the morning erased by thoughts of what would happen to Sasori the next day.

The Akatsuki noticed the distress plastered on his face, and moved closer to him as they sat by the fire. Their knees touched, making Kankuro glance up at Sasori, who gave him a playful smile.

"You would be smart to tie me up while you can." His tone indicated no threat, and he was clearly trying to enlighten the mood.

Kankuro couldn't bring himself to do so, or to answer at all, and just returned to squint at the fire.

Sasori was displeased by his lack of a reaction. He leaned in, and began kissing Kankuro's neck in hopes of getting some of his attention, but was pushed away.

"Not now Sasori." He refused to look at him, while Sasori's previous smile fainted from his lips.

Sasori returned to his spot, also watching the flames, as if he was trying to figure out what was so intriguing about them.

The silence was heavy around them, only the sound of burning wood and the harshly blowing wind disturbing it.

Sasori, unable to stand the quiet anymore, decided to voice his thoughts.

"Do you love me Kankuro?" His whisper was almost drowned out by the crackling fire.

Kankuro sighed and closed his eyes.

"Why do you have to make this even harder than it already is?" His voice bore no scolding, but sadness.

Sasori smiled sadly. "You know that they will kill me, don't you?"

Kankuro rubbed at his eyes with his fingers, before turning to Sasori and gently taking his hands in his.

"You will cooperate like you did so far, and I will speak up for you, and tell the Suna Council that you were forced to-"

"You think they would believe that?" Amusement appeared on his features - listening to Kankuro trying to convince him and himself as well made him want to laugh.

Kankuro drew circles on the back of Sasori's hands, with a serious expression, before he lifted his gaze to Sasori, pain written all over him as he spoke.

"I showed you that you can trust me. Now you have to prove yourself to me too." He stopped the movement of his fingers, and squeezed Sasori's hands a little. "If you come with me, I promise I will protect you."

"You know that's not possible." Sasori's laugh was disheartened, as his light brown eyes lowered to their hands. "Whatever you would say they-"

"Please..." Kankuro lifted his hands to his lips, kissed them, his eyes shut. "I won't let them take you from me." He then kissed Sasori's palm, his eyebrows drawn close together, struggling not to cry.

"Kankuro..." Sasori cupped the other man's face and kissed him in a soothing manner. "Thanks to you, I'm alive again." Kankuro opened his eyes, and they glistened with tears.

Before he could say something, Sasori pulled him into a kiss again, this time with more force, in order to make Kankuro snap out of it, and enjoy their last night together. It seemed to be working, as Kankuro pushed him onto his back and ran his fingers through Sasori's red hair.

In a few minutes though, Kankuro pulled away, heaving.

"I... I don't think I can do this today Sasori." He looked at the man below him apologetically, and sat up again.

Sasori remained on the ground, his heartbeat slowing down.

"Well then, I guess we better rest." His tone revealed that he was dissatisfied, as he turned on his side and closed his eyes, making a show of it, especially since he didn't need to sleep.

Kankuro didn't hurry to beg for his forgiveness, which further let Sasori down, who was longing for Kankuro's touch now more than ever.

Still, Sasori couldn't really blame him for feeling the way he was. Kankuro might have thought of a hundred scenarios for the next day, and still found none that would be desirable for the both of them.

This was mostly because the weights heavy on Kankuro's shoulders were the result of not only his worry for Sasori, but the fear of people finding out about their relationship.

Sasori could understand that, sleeping with your enemy was never a good idea, and Kankuro could be judged based on it for the rest of his life.

Hesitantly, he looked over his shoulder, and saw Kankuro hanging his head, one knee drawn up to his chest, his arm resting on it. Sasori turned his head away, and waited as patiently as he could, despite his impatient nature.

Thankfully, only a few minutes later he heard Kankuro get up, and then felt him lying down tightly behind him. An arm was thrown around Sasori's waist, and Kankuro snuggled into his neck, planting a small kiss on it.

"Instead of tying you up... this would have to do." He whispered and pulled Sasori's body a little closer to his.

"Good night, Sasori."

"Good night." He replied briefly.

They stayed in that position as Kankuro dozed off.

Hours later, when Sasori was certain that the other man had fallen asleep, he carefully squirmed out from under his arm and sat up.

Never making a noise, he stood up, and proceeded to the opening of the cave, sticking his head out, scouting the area around them.

Afterwards, he stepped back to Kankuro, and ducked down to brush his lips tenderly against his cheek before he would depart.

He stopped one last time, touching the wall of the cave, but didn't look back at the soundly sleeping man a few meters behind him.

"You were right Kankuro." He whispered, gazing into the night ahead of him. "I had a plan all along." His smile could be heard in his voice.

"And this is the point where I escape."

~

When Kankuro woke up, with his eyes still closed, he patted the ground around him, looking for Sasori.

Failing to find him in order to hug him again, and to kiss him good morning, Kankuro opened his eyes.

His heart almost stopped, the realisation hitting him.

Sasori had left.

Kankuro hurriedly stood up, and almost falling over himself he ran to the opening of the cave, grabbing a hold of the uneven surface, afraid his legs would give out any second now, and surveyed the desert around him, the Sun just about to appear on the horizon.

He saw no footprints in the sand, which meant that Sasori must have left when it was still windy.

He was shaking with the flips he felt his stomach doing, so he sat down and began methodically packing into his backpack, taking deep breaths in order to calm down, and regain control over his shaky movements.

Soon he did, since a part of him was relieved, despite how hard he wanted to deny it.

At least Sasori would be safe now, Kankuro thought, ignoring the guilt building up inside of him. He wasn't supposed to be happy about the Akatsuki running away after all.

But he couldn't help it.

Sasori's question from last night popped into his mind.

"Do you love me Kankuro?"

He buried his face in his hands. Could he really have fallen for someone like Sasori? He had already attempted to find reason behind the way his heart fluttered when those big eyes looked at him, but he failed each and every time. And how Sasori's kisses awakened something deep inside of him, something that no one ever managed to do before.

It wasn't like he could choose who his heart desired at the end of the day, so he shouldn't blame himself for it, Kankuro concluded.

He slung his backpack over his shoulder, and readjusted his hood that he forgot to take off last night, sighing.

Perhaps he did love Sasori.

~

By the time Kankuro reached Sunagakure in the early afternoon he came to fully accept the fact that he had in fact fallen for the Akatsuki, and believed that it was okay, since even if they would meet again, the circumstances would be different, and if he was lucky his feelings would have faded by then.

Upon his arrival, the sand shinobi at the gate drew their weapons, so Kankuro took on a defensive stand, and looked at them questioningly.

"What is the meaning of this?!" He was happy to get home after such a roller-coaster of an experience, but the treatment he received from his underlings made him want to turn back.

"That's the real Kankuro, you idiots!" His Sensei, Baki came to his rescue, grabbing the shoulder of one of the men. "You're finally here Kankuro, you're needed."

Kankuro stood upright again, and walked to the other men.

"Care to explain what's going on?" He was relieved that he didn't have to fight his fellow nin, but sensed that he would still have some work ahead of him before he could return to his quarters.

Baki nodded, with his visible eye scanning their environment as he spoke.

"Someone used an impersonation jutsu to take on your appearance, and sneak into the Village. He was discovered about an hour ago, but he disappeared. He might still be around."

Kankuro couldn't help but think of Sasori, and he felt a lump forming in his throat.

"But wait, what happened to your mission?" Baki inquired. "Aren't you supposed to be leading the supporting squad?"

"I will tell you everything after we catch this impostor." And by that, Kankuro meant that he would exclude some of the things that were better left unsaid. "We should split up. From what you're saying the other teams didn't come back yet, right?"

"That's correct."

"Then we're short on men. We have to individually scout the whole Village, and watch the gate." Kankuro instructed. "I still need to get something, you're in charge, Baki." Kankuro said, and hurried off in the direction of his home.

He was on edge to discover who this deluder was, however a tug in his guts told him that he already knew the answer to that.

His feet seemed to be moving on their own, as Kankuro felt light-headed, and dizzy with all the the thoughts running around in his head, but soon enough, after finding nobody in his bedroom, they carried him to the slightly opened door of his workshop.

He took a kunai into his hand, and stepped cautiously inside, looking around.

At first, Kankuro couldn't see anyone. He saw his puppets, Kuroari, Karasu and Sanshouo on his table where he left them, since they were almost destroyed by Sasori during their first fight, and he hadn't had any time for their reconstruction yet before he departed. Some other puppets were hanging also where he remembered they should - all in all, everything looked like nobody trespassed here either.

However, when Kankuro was about to leave, he heard the door shut behind him, and swinged his arm only to stop midway, seeing Sasori standing in front of him.

"I expected a warmer welcome." The Akatsuki said, a smug smile playing on his lips.

A smile, that Kankuro couldn't help but wipe off of Sasori's face, by capturing his lips with his own. He wrapped his arms tightly around the shorter man, who in turn pressed himself against Kankuro wantingly. He sucked in Kankuro's bottom lip, biting it, before the other slipped his tongue into his mouth, deepening their kiss.

Sasori's hands found their way into the other's clothes and rested against Kankuro's stomach, who pulled away at last, leaving the both of them huffing.

"Something like this?" He asked playfully. Sasori laughed softly, his hands now getting rid of Kankuro's pants.

"Well, this is certainly better." Sasori said, his fingers gripping his cock firmly. "But I hoped for more..." He whispered, looking at Kankuro through his lashes.

Hot-blooded, Kankuro kissed him again, and pressed him against the door behind him, causing Sasori to moan into his mouth, as Kankuro planted one hand next to his head, while he held Sasori's face up with the other.

He then moved one of his legs between Sasori's, to press against the Akatsuki's groin, and started moving it in a way that made Sasori's grip on his dick tremble, although he kept on his stroking motions all the same.

Feeling out of breath, Kankuro pulled his lips away from Sasori's, but leaned his forehead against his. Noticing he had his hood on, and so between the two of them, Kankuro quickly took it off, and threw it somewhere behind himself carelessly.

On a second thought though, he decided to look where it fell, not stopping his leg for a second, and saw that it landed on his working bench.

Getting an idea, he lifted Sasori like on the night when they first warmed up to each other, and reengaging him in a kiss he stepped to the table.

He set Sasori on the edge of it, and as they carried on in this position, Kankuro getting a lot more space to work with between the other's legs, who was now moaning more into their kiss than not.

Having another thing that he wanted to try out, Kankuro stepped away to pull Sasori's pants down to his ankles, and gripped his hips, as he proceeded to pepper Sasori with kisses, progressively getting closer to the other's groin. Sasori cried out, when he finally licked the surface between his legs, and continued to voice how great it felt with every movement of Kankuro's tongue.

Not even a minute had passed, and Sasori was whimpering with pleasure, but before he would come he stopped Kankuro and pulled him up into a kiss.

An inner instinct surfacing, Kankuro pushed Sasori down hard onto the table, and began grinding his dick against the other's groin.

The warmness of Kankuro's cock made Sasori lose his mind, and after he grabbed onto the other's shoulders, he started to simultaneously push up against Kankuro, who took heavy breaths, leaning over Sasori, and kissed into the crook of his neck.

Kankuro groaned and sucked at his skin, feeling his climax approaching fast. Sasori seemed to be in the same situation, his moans becoming shorter, and the way he jerked up less coordinated.

"Ka-Kankuro... if... we ever... meet a-after... this..." Sasori struggled to form his words, but kept trying. "We will-ahh... have to ahh-act... as if... we ne-ngh-never...ahh-"

"I... I know..." Kankuro replied, knowing exactly what Sasori meant, and kissed him on the mouth again, muffling his sobs, that were becoming dangerously loud for their current situation.

Shortly, Sasori came with long moans that were silenced by Kankuro's tongue in his mouth, while the other also rode out his orgasm, pressing his cock swiftly against Sasori and spilling his cum over his otherwise spotless stomach.

A few peaceful moments later that they would never again get to have, Kankuro forced himself to get up. No matter how powerless he felt, they needed to do something about the way they looked.

He reached for a cloth not far away on the bench, that he would normally use to wipe his hands down after he oiled his puppets. Successfully finding a mostly clean spot on it, he went on to rub away the proof of their intercourse from Sasori's flat stomach.

Afterwards, they readjusted their clothes in utter silence, that only their heavy breathing broke, and they both sensed that this was where they would have to part.

Kankuro knew it was pointless, but tried anyways.

"You can stay here, hidden if you want to..." He was staring at his hood that he was gripping tightly, instead of putting it on.

Sasori's hands came into his vision, taking the clothing from him, and making him turn his gaze to the Akatsuki.

"Let me have this..." He said, smiling gently at Kankuro, whose dark eyes filled with tears. "To remember you by." He glanced at the floor as Kankuro's tears dropped there, and took a step back, the distance feeling greater than he had ever been from the other, even if he was still in an arm's reach.

"Wait!" Kankuro blinked the tears away best as he could, and made an effort to steady his voice.

"We're going to have company." Sasori's voice bore no emotion, and his eyes were boring into a spot somewhere on Kankuro's chest.

"I... I still haven't answered your question yet." He said, wiping his face once with the back of his hand. "I... I think I love you, Sasori." His eyes burned with new tears forming in them.

"Don't cry, Kankuro. It will be hard to explain." He put the hood away, as the other looked at him, begging him to stay.

"Sasori, please don't leave me-"

"Goodbye... Kankuro." His eyes met Kankuro's for the last time, and he gave him the same smile as always, not caring how forced it seemed.

Then, in an instant he turned into smoke, and vanished.

By the time the shinobi, that Sasori talked about arrived, Kankuro stopped crying, nevertheless the redness around his eyes made it evident what he had been doing.

"Captain Kankuro! We have been looking for you!" One of them said.

"What is it?" He sounded indifferent, but couldn't manage to do anything about it.

"We saw the impostor leave a few minutes ago. Also some important scrolls that held top secret information went missing from the Kazekage's office." He reported.

Kankuro laughed darkly.

Maybe this was Sasori's plan all along.

~

Sasori would have been soaked to the bones if he had any, by the time he had arrived at one of the Akatsuki's hideouts.

Six days had passed since he departed from Sunagakure, and now he stood in front of an abandoned, run down looking building, that inside would be just fine to give room to their organisation.

Stepping inside, and then into the living room, he was met with Deidara's and Kisame's brief 'welcome back' and 'hello' before they resumed playing shogi.

Sasori sighed, and heard the water droplets falling from him onto the floor around him.

"Did seriously nobody think of coming to see if I was still alive?" His disappointment was clear in his voice as he stepped to the table to glance at who was winning, while he also noticed that Deidara had his left arm, that was crushed and torn off by the Kazekage, sewed back.

"We didn't underestimate you, and see, you came back in one piece on your own." Kisame said, not lifting his eyes, planning his next moves.

"So, care to tell the tale, my man?" Deidara smirked up at him briefly, happy that at the moment he had the upper hand in the game.

Sasori felt bitter, realising that he didn't miss these people he hurried back to so loyally at all. "Not in the mood." He said simply, and headed for his room, but was stopped by the words of his curious partner.

"Come on, at least tell us what took you so long, hm." Sasori didn't turn back, and stood in the doorway, with his back to the other two.

"Let me just say, that my art proved to be superior to your explosions, once again." He smiled softly, crushing Deidara's pride not failing to make him feel a little bit better.

"Don't say that Sasori, my man. I respect your art, so you should respect mine too, hm." He replied, raising his voice stubbornly.

"Since it took you almost two weeks, you were captured right? How did you manage to break loose?" Kisame asked, a little too smart for his own good, Sasori marked.

"It doesn't matter, I used my wits, something that neither of you have." He turned to glance back above his shoulder, and squinted at them with irritation.

"Wits? More like your pretty face, don't you think?" Kisame said, his tone carrying the same type of authority.

"Oh, so you stunned your enemy with your looks again, hm." Deidara said, catching on to Kisame's train of thought. "Tell us, was it a lady, or an old man again, hm."

Sasori, knowing he was only going to be made fun of, and not feeling like sharing the details of his journey, wanted to close up the conversation. "It's none of your business."

"So a man." Kisame whispered, in a mocking way, rather than actually making sure Sasori couldn't hear him. "He would admit it, if it was a woman."

"You're right, hm." Deidara whispered back, snickering.

A second later both of them were laughing, making Sasori even more annoyed. He was about to get going, as his partner spoke up once more.

"Don't take this the wrong way, my man. It just never ceases to amaze me how you can seduce anyone-"

"Maybe you could do it too, if you kept that mouth of yours shut more often." Sasori said, being fed up with them.

"Or if you used the ones on your hands." Kisame added jokingly, and as Deidara reached into one of the bags on his belt for his clay, screaming something, Sasori left them, and headed off to his room.

Inside, he found Hiruko, his scrolls, and the parts that Kankuro had removed from his puppet body. So at least someone went to look after him.

He changed into a spare Akatsuki robe he found, throwing away the brown cloak he wore in the past days. Afterwards, he carried the scrolls that he stole into Pain's office-like room, and placed them on his table, since their leader was away.

Hearing that the raining had stopped, he decided a stroll wouldn't hurt him.

On his way out, he found only Deidara in the living area this time, who was playing with two clay bugs before he noticed Sasori, and shoved them hastily into his bags, when he did.

"What's up, my man?" He asked, with a nervous laugh, afraid that Sasori would make a remark on his actions.

"I'm going out for a while. Do we have a mission that I should know about?" He asked his partner nonchalantly.

Deidara put his hands on the back of his neck, and closed his eyes, bearing a tense smile. "Actually, we have to leave tomorrow." Sasori was about to scold him for not saying it earlier, but Deidara continued. "You don't have to worry though, we will just quickly catch the nine-tails, and then you can rest, hm."

Sasori brought his eyebrows together in thought. "Don't tell me they're still pursuing you?" He sighed, these bijuu hunts were getting on his nerves.

Deidara opened his eyes, taking a glimpse at his partner. "Well, they got me last time, and turns out they weren't after me, but the Kazekage's body. I almost died, you know, hm. Anyways, I couldn't catch the nine-tails. But what they took was just a copy, so they could return to get the real thing anytime, hm." Deidara summarised, massaging his neck.

Sasori turned towards the entrance, letting out a tired breath. "Then I guess I'll have to repair Hiruko before that happens..." He said, rather to himself than to his partner.

In spite of this, he then went on to leave the hideout anyways.

He headed to a cleft, not far away. He knew there was a river running deep down in it, and when he got there, he saw the water flow furiously below, with the rain upsetting it.

He stood close to the edge, and took Kankuro's hood out of a pocket inside his robe. He inspected it closely, as the wind blew against him harshly.

He recalled when he first saw Kankuro. He was a mere kid in his eyes back then, and he felt honored to learn that after so many years he was still remembered as one of the greatest puppet masters. He smiled warmly, as the memory of being unable to kill Kankuro right then and there reemerged in his mind.

That decision set this cycle into motion, resulting in them meeting again, and inevitably leaving a huge mark in each other's heart.

Sasori couldn't deny it now, could he...

He remembered how he began to respect Kankuro after he had captured him, and how that respect grew into a feeling of mutual admiration.

How they both took secret glances at the other, and how they were both unaware of it at the time.

He held out his hand in which he held the piece of clothing, the only evidence that it was all real. He trembled, looking into the abyss, the rushing water loud, even with the roaring of the wind.

He raised his eyes back to the hood, as it was almost teared out from between his fingers.

Sasori's face had a focused expression on it, trying to let go, but he was not being able to do it, such a simple act, he cursed himself.

Kankuro, looking with anger at him.

He drew his hand back quickly and collapsed onto his kness, holding it close against his face with one hand, while his other clawed at his living core, feeling a terrible pain inside.

Kankuro, smiling at him.

His breathing quickened, and he could swear, that his heart was twitching and misfunctioning in his chest. A smile filled with sorrow crept onto his lips - that was what he got for having a real human part.

Kankuro, kissing him.

Wasn't this why he turned himself into a puppet? To become eternal beauty, and to forget about the pain of being human?

Kankuro, holding him through the night.

All of this was his fault, he wasn't supposed to feel like this...

Kankuro, making love to him.

Angry, he threw the hood away, and followed it with his eyes, as it was carried by the wind, but still falling lower with each second - until he could no longer see it.

Kankuro, crying, begging him not to go.

Another wave of pain hit him, and he jerked forward, placing one hand on the ground next to his head, still pressing his fingers hard against his unruly heart.

If he was able to, he thought, he would be crying. That was this strange feeling that he couldn't shake.

His thoughts drifted to the carefree moments, when Kankuro pulled the hood over his head to protect him from the rain. The way he kissed his hands, and palms, longing in his eyes. And the way he would touch him, knowing his puppet body better than Sasori himself did.

He clenched his fist on the ground, tearing some of the grass out.

After all, Kankuro wasn't Sasori's victim. It was the other way around. Kankuro had him turn into someone else, and feel pleasure and pain like never before.

Sasori sobbed, pressing his forehead harshly into the ground, no tears leaving his eyes, as one single thought filled his mind.

'I love you too... Kankuro...'

~

Two days later, Team Guy and Kakashi arrived at the cave, in which Sasori and Deidara waited for them, in the company of the Kazekage's unmoving body.

After the shinobi managed to break the barrier sealing the cave, the Akatsuki split up, and Sasori was tasked with taking care of a young girl, and his grandmother Chiyo, leaving Hatake Kakashi and the nine-tail's Jinchuuriki to Deidara.

In the long battle, Sasori could have killed the two women multiple times, but couldn't bring himself to.

He had changed, Sasori thought to himself, when he let his grandmother stab him with his Father and Mother puppets, unwilling to fight anymore.

With his last words he told the two all he could to help them.

Sasori died, feeling that he did the right thing for the first time ever since he had left his home.

Present days

Kankuro was roused from his thoughts and pulled his hand away from Sasori's chest, when he heard someone knock on the door of his workshop.

He cleared his throat and sat in his chair. "Come in."

His sister, Temari stepped in with a worried smile.

"I knew you would be here..." She said, her tone gentle, while she looked at Kankuro who had been a mess lately. "We have to depart early tomorrow to get to the Five Kage Summit, so you should have some rest." She said, unsure of how she could cheer her brother up.

They tried many times, both Gaara and her. However, the last time Temari saw him smile was when she arrived with Gaara safely back to Sunagakure, almost two months ago.

"I know..." He lifted his eyes, and saw how distressed his sister looked. "Don't worry, I promise I will." He said with a little more certainty in his voice.

Temari smiled at him broadly. "Also, dinner's ready... will you be joining us?" It was more of a request than a question.

"Sure thing." Kankuro returned her smile, although weakly.

"Alright." She said, and content with this outcome, closed the door as she left.

Kankuro stood up, and he felt exhausted and hungry, now that he thought about it.

He cleaned his hands, and organised his tools for the next day, before he turned around and looked at Sasori again.

Did Sasori just use him, after he realised Kankuro loved him? Was it all just an act when he kissed him, so that Kankuro wouldn't tie him up again? Did he fake the pleasure, to make Kankuro feel at ease, and let him get away with what he had stolen?

None of those questions would ever get to be answered, Kankuro realised.

He knew this only made the grief last longer, but he stepped in front of the puppet again, and took his right hand to lift it against his lips, with which he pressed a soft kiss into Sasori's palm.

He felt his heart ache, because Sasori no longer feeling like a living person, just like a finely crafted piece of wood. His hands, his chest, no part of his body felt alive under his lips anymore.

He wasn't alive anymore, Kankuro remembered and placed the hand carefully back next to Sasori's side.

He headed out, and turned back as he stood in the doorway, taking a glance at Sasori's still features, and unblinking eyes.

"Good night... Sasori."

Chapter Text

"Please, stop a-already, that ti-tickles!" Sasori said, laughing as Kankuro was peppering him with kisses all over his stomach. His stomach, that had no lines on it that would indicate he was a puppet.

Confused, Kankuro stopped to stare at the other's skin, finally giving Sasori a break. Kankuro lifted his head to look at Sasori's smiling face, which was enveloped in an almost blinding white light.

Still, glad to see Sasori, he moved closer to gently kiss him. Sasori began to caress his arm, returning the kiss, his lips soft and warm against Kankuro's.

Suddenly, Kankuro felt Sasori's hands stop, and his lips going cold. Opening his eyes, Kankuro saw unmoving, lifeless eyes staring back at him.

~

Kankuro woke up feeling like shit. Which wasn't uncommon, if he thought about it. He sat up, wiping some sweat off of his temples, shaking a little.

Looking around, he saw that the other shinobi were still asleep, so he decided he would go to the nearby lake to freshen up, as well as to clear his mind.

This wasn't his first nightmare. To be honest, he couldn't even count them if he wanted to, but he wasn't getting used to them, no matter how many times he had these dreams.

The water of the stream was cool enough to rouse him completely, yet he sighed, head full of thoughts about Sasori. The Fourth Shinobi World War had just began, but he couldn't care less about that. All he wanted was to be with Sasori, which was impossible. He was already dead, after all, Kankuro remembered, looking at his reflection in the calm water. He looked even more exhausted than usually, and he had a grim expression on his face, one he couldn't get rid of these days.

He sometimes wondered, if he could have changed things back then. Whether it would have had an impact if he had spoken with the village elders or Granny Chiyo about Sasori. Not necessarily their relationship, but rather what Kankuro had seen, the light inside the Akatsuki member. Whether Sasori would still be alive, if he had told them that he was actually a good person.

Thoughts like these had been gnawing at Kankuro's heart ever since Sasori had left him that day. And being in possession of his puppet body didn't make it any less painful to deal with his death. It probably made it impossible to forget him, however seeing Sasori's beautiful features every day was the only thing that kept Kankuro going, and prevented him from giving up.

Hearing his comrades chatting, Kankuro got up, and headed back to the campsite.

~

Meeting Sasori, even if he was reanimated - meaning that he was still dead - was something Kankuro expected least to happen that day.

It was quite a shock, seeing Sasori again, his moves, his attacks so vivid and so much like him. Everything was right, except that he was their enemy, and Kankuro had to remind himself, that in his life Sasori did indeed belong to the Akatsuki. However, that did not explain why he was still helping them, even in his death, especially after what had happened between them.

Kankuro's questions were soon answered during their fight, as another reanimated man, Shin explained why they were there, and how they were immortal, sent here to kill them. Apparently, Shin was someone dear to Sai, since they referred to each other as brothers.

On the other hand, Sasori was seemingly unaware of their past relationship, and Kankuro concluded that he was under the control of the person who reanimated them. Nevertheless, that didn't mean that he wouldn't take his chances, and try to free Sasori.

Kankuro waited for the right moment, and after Omoi had cut Sasori's chakra strings, he caught them with his own, and dragged him down to where they were.

While Sasori was falling down, Kankuro shouted to one of the Iwagakure shinobi. "Ittan, raise us up!"

He did so with his Earth Style, which would make Sasori's meeting with the ground more severe, but Kankuro already knew he wouldn't feel any pain, and it would only help with slowing him down. Still, Sasori's partner, Deidara had dulled the collision, since the other fell on top of him. Sasori didn't suffer much damage, and standing up he looked more annoyed than hurt.

"You attached your strings to mine and reeled me in." Kankuro couldn't detect any emotion in his voice. "Your string-handling skills have improved some... Kankuro." As he said his name, he smiled, which made Kankuro's heart drop, but he doubted one simple hit could have freed Sasori from the control he was under.

"While it does please me to be praised by you, a Red Secret Technique performer..." Kankuro said returning the other's smile, while he reached for the scroll in which he stored Sasori's puppet body. "I, of the Black Secret Technique, am the better player now." And with that, he summoned Sasori's body, and watched the reanimated one's reaction, hoping that it would stir up some memories in Sasori, and help him with overcoming the jutsu binding him to attack them.

"My own puppet... I no longer care for that body." He sounded nonchalant, making Kankuro nervous, since he was starting to run out of ideas. "I am finally a true doll that will never rot, what I had always longed to be." Kankuro swallowed, realising that this wasn't going to work out as he wanted.

"Run... away..." Shin said, as Sasori's strings took control of his body. Kankuro had no idea why he had gained the ability to speak freely, while Sasori was clearly held back from doing so.

Things were soon getting out of hand, when Shin almost blew them all up, if it weren't for the Byakugan user in their team who noticed Deidara's clay inside him, and warned them in time. After Omoi's failed attempt at stopping the detonation with his Lightning Style, Kankuro used Sanshouo to confine Shin.

Deidara and Sasori took the high ground once again, which put Kankuro and the other shinobi at a disadvantage, however, thanks to the blond Akatsuki's big mouth, and outrageous statements about art and such, Sai became enraged, something nobody had ever seen before. He then used his Ink Technique to yank Deidara and Sasori down from the clay bird they were flying on, and Kankuro moved two of his puppets under them.

The moment they fell inside them, the puppets closed, trapping them inside, while several blades impaled them, to prevent them from moving. Deidara received an additional one from Omoi, so that he couldn't explode.

"My Puppet Jutsu has got these two. Omoi, go help Sai!" Kankuro ordered, at last in charge of the events.

He kept his eyes strictly on his puppets, and confident about his plan to save Sasori, he smiled, while the battle continued.

~

"You were a first-rate Puppet Master. The Sasori I know would have never allowed himself to be manipulated by others." Kankuro said.

The fight was over, and they moved deeper into the forest to be out of sight, and to compose themselves. Kankuro wasn't particularly tired, but he wasn't getting any rest either until he would free Sasori. The other shinobi were setting up a fire to cook something for their midday break.

Out of them all, Sai seemed to be in the worst condition, even if only mentally, not physically. His otherwise snow-white skin had turned pink from crying. Kankuro understood perfectly what he was going through, and not receiving an answer from Sasori from inside the puppet, he spoke up again.

"A Puppet Master who is controlled by another is done for. You know that, Sasori." Kankuro sounded certain, his will unwavering - he wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.

"Kankuro..." The sand shinobi almost didn't catch Sasori's quiet voice. "Let's talk in private." He added a little louder.

Kankuro's heart began racing with hope. This could have been a trick to escape, or a sincere attempt to have a chance to talk with Kankuro, since the people around them couldn't, and should never know about the true nature of their relationship. Kankuro swallowed, he couldn't mess this up. First he had to make sure Sasori was really meaning his words, so that nobody would get hurt just because Kankuro was desperate to have him back.

"Are you trying to get me to drop my guard?" He asked, his doubt showing in his voice. He was beginning to fear he would collapse if he tried to move. His stomach was doing flips, and cold sweat trickled down the back of his neck from how anxious he was getting.

"In the past you always seemed convinced I wouldn't run away." Sasori said, and even though Kankuro couldn't see it, he knew there was a smug smile playing on the red-haired man's lips.

"That doesn't mean I trust you now." Kankuro responded, butterflies flying in his stomach with excitement. Sasori was undeniably fighting the one controlling him.

"I don't like to wait, so don't make me." Sasori had a small bite to his words, making Kankuro's smile wider by the second.

"Come on, hmm! What are you talking about my man?!" Deidara interrupted them, but neither acknowledged him.

"You had stripped all my secrets away before, and I am helplessly at your mercy at the moment." Sasori said, ignoring his partner. Kankuro felt his heart sink, these were almost exactly one of the first things Sasori had said to him, after Kankuro had successfully captured him all those months ago. "Let us speak in a more secluded area, just you and me, one Puppet Master to another." This was it, Sasori had to be in control right now, or else he wouldn't be saying these things, and Kankuro couldn't wait any longer anyways.

Making up his mind, he told Omoi briefly about how he had previously caught Sasori once, and that he probably wanted to speak privately, since Kankuro was a fellow Puppet Master.

Omoi wasn't the sharpest mind out there, and he tended to overthink everything, but he nodded shortly, and placing a new lollipop in his mouth he asked Kankuro to be careful.

"I'll be." Kankuro said briefly, trying to conceal the sudden delight taking over him.

~

The puppet opened around Sasori, and he saw Kankuro standing in front of him a few feet away. The other lowered his arms, detaching the chakra strings with which he let Sasori out, and he struggled, not knowing what to do next.

Sasori felt the same, at last being in control of his body he could rush right into Kankuro's arms, yet he found himself trembling, and completely powerless as he stepped out of the puppet onto the grass.

He watched Kankuro's face growing sadder by the second, and tears forming inside his dark eyes. Other than the anguish he was in, he looked the same as Sasori remembered him - his purple face-paint was flawlessly applied, he was wearing his signature hood, that Sasori loved so much, and it was slightly moving with the gentle wind. Sasori felt his lips curve up into a smile.

All the while, Kankuro's earlier joy turned into sorrow. Sasori was so beautiful even as a reanimation, but seeing him smile at him brought back so many memories, and Kankuro couldn't stop his tears from falling. No matter how much he tried to let go of the past, he wasn't able to get over the pain of losing Sasori, and even if he was here in this moment, he was still dead, which made Kankuro's heart ache more than anything.

"Kankuro..." Sasori took slow steps towards him, the smile on his lips reassuring Kankuro that Sasori was in control, and that he didn't have to worry about being attacked. Not that he seemed to be troubled by that, but Sasori made a point of approaching him cautiously and not making any rash moves.

When he was within arm's reach, Sasori lifted both of his hands to cup Kankuro's face. He wiped away his tears tenderly, so that his face-paint wouldn't be ruined because of them.

"I-I'm sorry..." Kankuro muttered, shutting his eyes tightly. "I just... I missed you... so much." He said as he sobbed, making Sasori's heart sink with his words.

They stood like that for a while, until Kankuro's tears stopped, and he took a hold of Sasori's wrists. Like he did so many times before, as a way to say good night, he turned one hand over to press a feathery kiss into Sasori's palm, but he didn't stop there now, like he did with his puppet body. Instead he pulled Sasori closer and planted kisses onto his wrist, then his forearm.

Sasori remembered how Kankuro did the same thing once long ago, and with his thumb on his other hand, he caressed Kankuro's cheek.

Before he reached the inner side of Sasori's elbow, Kankuro stopped and quickly hugged the shorter man, as if he was afraid that Sasori would run away or turn into dust. He felt the other's arms wrap around him, and squeeze him gently.

Several minutes later, Kankuro pulled away, and guided Sasori to sit with him on a log not far away from them. Sasori settled down close to him, not letting his hands go, and with their thighs touching.

Kankuro's tears were entirely gone as he looked into Sasori's light brown eyes. Neither could hide the desire they felt, and Kankuro watched Sasori's gaze lowering to his lips from time to time. It didn't surprise him though, since kissing was Sasori's favourite activity to pass time with when they were together. Kankuro smiled, recalling how Sasori had grasped every opportunity to kiss him after they first did it.

When Sasori realised that his thoughts and longing were obvious to Kankuro, he didn't bother with hiding them anymore. "Can I kiss you, Kankuro?" He asked quietly, leaving a pause before he said the other's name, like he did when they had stopped by a stream for a break.

Instead of answering, Kankuro closed the remaining gap between their lips, and brushed his against Sasori's, who was pleased that this time he didn't even have to bat his lashes to get Kankuro to do what he wanted. He then opened his mouth and licked Kankuro's bottom lip to signal that he wanted more.

Fulfilling his wish, Kankuro pushed his tongue inside Sasori's mouth, while he raised one of his hands to caress the other's neck. Sasori, in a similar manner, pulled off Kankuro's hood, and ran his fingers through his brown hair, relishing the sensation of the kiss.

Kankuro felt like he was dreaming, this was all too good to be true. Sasori was here again, the way his fingers fondled him, how his tongue moved against his, and the sounds he made - everything felt so surreal. Still, he didn't stop, but savoured every minute that he could spend with Sasori now that life had given them another chance.

Breaking the kiss, Kankuro took in the sight before him. Sasori was panting, some of Kankuro's face-paint had transferred onto his lips and nose, and he looked somewhat dissatisfied with the sudden pause. Yet, not even the little cracks over his skin or the black sclerae of his eyes could ruin the overall picture. Sasori was simply too captivating in Kankuro's opinion.

"What's wrong?" He asked, since Kankuro was still bewitched by his beauty. Although it was certainly to his liking, Sasori wanted to get as much of him as he could while he was in the world of the living again.

Returning to the present, Kankuro smiled, the paint over his lips smudged thanks to their passionate kiss. "Nothing..." He quickly pecked Sasori's lips, before he whispered, "I'm just happy to be with you again."

~

Not much time later, after Kankuro had reapplied the ruined parts of his face-paint to avoid questions, he managed to convince the other shinobi that they shouldn't move now that they had captured Sasori and Deidara. His reasoning was that transporting them would make the team vulnerable, since their numbers weren't enough to effectively take care of them while travelling. So they split up, everyone except Kankuro and Omoi moved on to get a support group for them, while they would stay there and guard the captives.

Over the course of the afternoon, Kankuro made sure to check on Omoi quite a few times, who was tasked with watching over Deidara. They could have moved the two reanimated men to the same place, but then again, Kankuro could also easily escort his puppets even if there was someone trapped inside them - it was just that he didn't want to.

And so he could spend the rest of the day with Sasori, talking about things that weren't actually important, but mostly kissing and cuddling. They didn't dare to go as far as trying to have an intercourse, with Omoi nearby, and a war going on. They were happy that they could be together undisturbed. Also there was the problem of knowing that Sasori's reanimated body actually contained a shinobi, which didn't fail to ruin the mood. Nevertheless, that didn't stop Kankuro from getting an erection at least once an hour, and it was becoming harder to refuse Sasori, who offered to blow him every time as well. It wasn't Kankuro's fault though - he didn't have sex ever since he had been with Sasori.

When it was time for dinner, Kankuro got up to go get something to eat, and also to see if everything was okay with Omoi. The Kumogakure shinobi was sleeping, but thankfully Deidara either hadn't noticed it yet, or he was still unable to escape despite it. Judging by the silence in the air, Kankuro guessed he didn't know about it.

"Omoi..." He jerked him a few times until he woke up. "It's time for dinner. You should eat something too." Kankuro said, and went to his bag, which he had left here earlier that day.

"Yeah, yeah you're right..." Omoi said stretching, and he covered his mouth with one hand as he yawned.

Hearing the conversation, Deidara began struggling against his binds, and the puppet he was in was clattering loudly because of his movements. "Let me out already! Or I'm gonna blow you up, hm!" He shouted, but his words were only empty threats.

"Why don't you go ahead and try?" Kankuro asked mockingly, as he looked at Omoi's blade impaling the puppet, and Deidara inside, which made it impossible for him to detonate.

Right after Kankuro returned his attention to his bag however, his shadow grew darker with a strong light appearing behind him. He rapidly turned around, and saw an alarming amount of light escaping through the small openings of the puppet. He raised his arms, actually afraid that Deidara would blow up, when he saw a dimmer light somewhere deeper in the forest, and he realised what was going on.

"Omoi, stay here!" Kankuro instructed him, before he ran back to Sasori, who had to be in the same state.

His theory proved to be right, as he saw that Sasori was glowing in a similar manner to his partner, lying on the ground not too far away from the log, where he appeared to have fallen.

"Ka... Kankuro..." His voice was frail, and Kankuro hurriedly knelt next to him, pulling him up to rest against his legs, supporting his head with one hand, while catching Sasori's with his other.

"What's happening?" Kankuro could guess by now what it was, but he didn't want to accept it. It was all too soon.

"It seems..." Sasori struggled to keep his eyes open, while he talked. "My freedom... was momentary... after all..." Kankuro took in a shaky breath - Sasori had said the very same words as on the night they first got close to each other.

It was cruel to remind him of the good times now, Kankuro thought, his eyes burning with tears that fell onto Sasori's face. "Don't say that..." His voice quivered as he cried for the second time that day, and he held tight onto Sasori's hands. "I'll find the person who reanimated you and-"

"No... Kankuro..." With that Sasori's eyes closed, and the blinding light around him took on his form, as he began to float upwards into the sky. "Please, live on like you did before, and take care of my puppet body." He was no longer bound to the weakening body in which he resided until now, and so he could finally speak his mind clearly. "This was just a mere chance for me to say goodbye properly." He said, smiling down at Kankuro, who lifted his head to look at him, and drew his eyebrows together as he cried, but he didn't interrupt Sasori, nor avert his gaze from his shining figure. "I didn't get to tell you the last time... I love you, Kankuro..." Sasori said, before he disappeared completely from the other's sight.

Kankuro hanged his head, clenching his jaw shut, wanting to scream with the pain flooding him. The reanimation jutsu came undone in his arms, ane the outer layer that made the shinobi look like Sasori fell apart, revealing a dead man inside.

Kankuro gently placed him on the ground, and stood up, in an attempt to head back to Omoi. However, when he took his first step he collapsed onto his knees again, and he fell forward, banging his fists into the ground, and he weeped, and weeped, and weeped.

~

After what felt like hours, Kankuro felt a light touch on his shoulder. Hesitantly, he turned and saw Omoi stare back at him with a concerned look on his face.

They said no words to each other, and after returning to the camp, Omoi slept like nothing had happened, not wanting to stick his nose into Kankuro's business, even though he wanted to comfort the sand shinobi.

In the dark, Kankuro lay awake all night, and although he was at last able to stop himself from crying, he was still shaking. He knew that he probably wasn't going to get any sleep - not with Sasori's final words echoing in his mind.

He did love him, and he wasn't just using him back then. It was nice to know this after all the times Kankuro had asked himself about Sasori's true intentions, but the fact that his feelings were real, and his every action genuine, made it all the more painful for Kankuro to lose him once more.

Thoughts like these kept racing through his mind, when out of nowhere, a new light appeared, as bright as the sun.

Kankuro sat up, and saw Omoi do the same thing, before the other's eyes focused somewhere behind Kankuro, and he stared at that point with a blank expression, like he was in a trance. However, Kankuro couldn't get a glimpse of what the source of the unnatural illumination was, or what had caught Omoi's attention, as he felt himself doze off.

~

When Kankuro opened his eyes, he saw the familiar caramel coloured ceiling of his room. Blinking a few times, it didn't change into the blue of the sky, so he turned his head to look around in his room. He saw his nightstand, desk and chair - everything was where it should be. However, his puppets that were hanging on his walls were all different, which Kankuro found rather odd.

But firstly, he didn't understand why he was back in Sunagakure. There was a war going on, and he was needed. Besides, how was he even transported here? And how long had he been unconscious?

Sighing, he climbed out of the bed, and put on his casual dark green robes. While he dressed, he noted that he wasn't injured, so he probably wasn't brought home because of that either. Not feeling like it, he didn't paint his face, instead he searched his room throughoutly. As he expected, he couldn't find any of his favourite puppets, Kuroari, Karasu, Sanshouo or Sasori.

Failing to recover any clue that would explain why he was home, Kankuro headed out of his room to ask someone about what exactly had happened.

On the corridors he saw several shinobi, some chatting with others, some minding their own business - and they greeted Kankuro when he strolled past them. He was confused, but he wanted to talk things over with someone he knew personally and could trust, so he didn't stop to ask the sand shinobi he encountered.

He froze in the middle of the corridor after he turned onto another passage, as he saw two shinobi standing guard outside the Kazekage's office. There was no way that Gaara was home as well, he thought before he walked over to them.

"Is the Lord Kazekage here?" He asked the guards, and after receiving a positive answer, he opened the door without taking the time to knock and ask for permission to enter.

Gaara was idly looking out of his window as if he was enchanted by the view, and hearing the sudden entrance he clumsily turned with his chair towards the door. Seeing that it was just Kankuro, he relaxed again, however he sensed the distress in his brother soon enough, while the other closed the door.

"Is everything all right, Brother?" Gaara asked, his quiet but strained tone revealing that he was worried about Kankuro's unusual behaviour.

"Why are you here? You're supposed to be leading the men in the war!" Kankuro said, disbelief showing in his voice and on his face. He was fully lost at this point, and the puzzled look Gaara gave him did nothing to reassure him.

"What war are you talking about?" The other blinked at Kankuro a few times, who rubbed at his eyes, done with this situation already.

"The Fourth Shinobi World War, Gaara!" Kankuro exclaimed, irritated by his brother's apparent unwillingness to cooperate, since Kankuro doubted anyone could forget about such a thing. He didn't yet realise that Gaara in fact had no knowledge about it. Still, Kankuro could grasp that Gaara wasn't faking his reactions.

"I don't know what you mean. There were only Three Shinobi World Wars, and there isn't any conflict between the Lands currently." His face had the same amount of certainty as Kankuro's - none, they both had no clue what had gotten into the other one.

Defeated, Kankuro gave up with pushing the subject any further, and decided to leave, when his brother spoke up again.

"Wait Kankuro! There's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." His brother turned back, and wearily approached Gaara's desk, crossing his arms before his chest, giving him a look that said 'What is it?' "I wanted to send you on a mission to Konoha, if you don't mind."

An idea sparked in Kankuro's head - maybe someone in the Hidden Leaf could explain what was going on. Gaara was clearly oblivious to it, and Kankuro started to suspect there was some sort of a genjutsu behind the strange events, that probably had affected everyone in Sunagakure except him.

Gaara's green eyes surveyed him, waiting for his reply. To be frank, Kankuro didn't really have anything to do if there really was no war, so he nodded and listened to Gaara.

"I need you to deliver a message to the Hokage, as well as check on the progress of renovations of the village." Gaara said, while handing a sealed scroll over to Kankuro, who was trying to figure out what Gaara was talking about.

This changed everything, Kankuro thought, since this could mean that this wasn't a genjutsu, but rather he was somehow sent back in time to when the Akatsuki destroyed Konoha.

"It's nothing really important, so you won't be needing a whole team to escort you. One other person should be enough." Gaara continued, resting his arms on the desk. "I was thinking about Sasori, if that's fine with you."

Kankuro's jaw dropped. "I'm sorry... What did you just say?"

"Sasori should accompany you, since he's free at the moment, and you already have a good relationship." Gaara clarified, as his brother's eyes grew with shock.

"What- what relationship do you mean?" Kankuro asked, beginning to panic.

Gaara looked at him questioningly. "I thought you were on good terms..." He seemed to have regretted picking Sasori, so Kankuro spoke up before he could have changed his mind.

"No, no it's fine..." Kankuro had concluded that this wasn't the result of time travelling after all, but a genjutsu, aimed definitely at him. A genjutsu in which Sasori hadn't deserted the village, or so Kankuro thought. "I should go and prepare then." He said, and stormed out of Gaara's office without giving him time to say anything else.

What Kankuro wanted most in the moment was to see Sasori, and so he went on a journey to find him. It didn't take long for him to realise though, that he was absolutely lost, and that he should have inquired about where to look for Sasori. Still, he couldn't do that, since that would make him seem suspicious.

So Kankuro did the next best thing he could come up with, and headed to where Granny Chiyo used to live once, in hopes of finding Sasori there.

The building looked just like it did before, no signs of anyone inhabiting it. Kankuro knocked on the door, unsure, and extremely nervous about who would open it.

He stood patiently for a couple minutes, before repeating his actions. Despite not fancying being rude, Kankuro opened the door impatiently, and ventured deeper into the home. He heard nobody, as he peeked into the rooms on the first floor, however everything was clean, and there were even a few plants, that indicated that someone actually resided here.

Finding the stairs, Kankuro had an intuition that he should go downwards. Obeying the instinct, Kankuro found himself in a poorly lit passage, with one single door in the other end of it. A cold shiver ran down his back, as he moved his feet forward. What if he didn't find Sasori in that room? In truth, he was trespassing. Nonetheless, he couldn't turn back now, and determined Kankuro pushed the door open before his thoughts could convince him not to.

Inside, it was semidark too, only one candle providing light on a work table in the opposite end of the room. A dark figure was bending over the desk, with his back towards Kankuro, who was chilled with the spooky aura filling the air. Several puppets were hanging around the room, some propped against the wall, and a lot of unfinished parts scattered around the table.

As if sensing him, the man turned around, and to Kankuro's relief, it was indeed Sasori.

"Kankuro..." His tone was kind and he smiled at the other man. "Don't scare me like that..." He put down the tools he had in his hands, and comfortably leaned back against the edge of the table as he looked Kankuro up and down. Since the other was just eyeing him in utter silence, Sasori let out a quiet laugh to catch his attention. "Can I help you with something?" His polite smile didn't waver despite the fact that Kankuro had just broken into his home.

"I uhh... I..." Kankuro swallowed, having trouble with forming a normal sentence. "I just wanted to let you know that uhh... we'll go on a mission and..." He scratched the back of his neck, studying the wall behind Sasori instead of his face, since it made it impossible to think straight.

"I know Kankuro, don't be so flustered..." Sasori said, crossing his legs and grabbing onto the edge of the desk. He noticed the way Kankuro had looked at him, hunger evident in his eyes. He certainly didn't do that before, and it piqued Sasori's interest greatly.

"Sasori... When you- wheeen-" Kankuro had to clear his throat because of how tense he was, but he felt like at last he regained control over his voice. "Could we meet later to discuss the details of the mission?" He asked, looking into Sasori's eyes that glinted brightly with curiosity.

"It would be my pleasure, Kankuro." His smile grew as he laughed again. "But please... Be more formal when you address me, I'm your sensei after all." Sasori added, their eyes meeting, as Kankuro gasped.

~

This was a parallel reality, in which Sasori didn't join the Akatsuki. Instead, he stayed in Sunagakure, and he also taught Kankuro about being a Puppet Master. At least, that's what Kankuro had learned so far, but there might still be things he didn't uncover yet.

Before his meeting with Sasori at a local restaurant, Kankuro searched through the Suna Academy's papers, to get as much information about Sasori as he could. He didn't find much about him though, other than the things he already knew. And as it turned out, Sasori was still the owner of the puppets Kankuro used most in the real world, that was why Kankuro couldn't find them in his room.

Later in the afternoon, after having gathered all his courage, and changing into a sweater and pants that gave away more of his toned form than his loose robes, Kankuro headed out to meet Sasori again, with the sun just about to set.

Upon arriving, he saw Sasori sitting alone, resting his head in one hand, his elbows propped on the table. His eyes immediately drifted to Kankuro when he stepped in, a smile forming on his lips. In the decent lightning of the restaurant, Kankuro finally had a chance to observe him properly. Sasori had to be 35 years old at the moment, which made Kankuro wonder if he possessed a puppet body in this world as well, since he looked no different than he had remembered him. His face maybe looked a few years older than before, but nothing noticeable.

In time though, Kankuro would find out whether Sasori was still a puppet or not, he thought as he took the opposite seat, and greeted Sasori. If the older man wouldn't eat, that could only mean one thing.

"I have already ordered for us." Sasori told Kankuro, when a lady brought them a bottle of sake and two traditional flat cups. Sasori went ahead and poured some, before offering one cup to Kankuro, who was grateful for the drink, since it would help him relax a bit.

A few more rounds later their meal was ready, and two plates of steaming and succulent steaks were placed before them with bowls of mixed vegetables and garnishes. Kankuro was already starving with all the alcohol he drank on an empty stomach, and also a little intoxicated. Sasori on the other hand appeared collected and sober, laughing as Kankuro struggled to lift the garnish to his mouth with his chopsticks, dropping it every time.

After another failed attempt, Kankuro glared at the man before him, who smiled back at him shamelessly with no remorse. "This is your fault, Sasori." The man in question chuckled softly, no longer shocked by the lack of honorifics when Kankuro spoke to him. He couldn't piece together what had caused the sudden shift in the habits of Kankuro, yet he had to admit he found them anything but bothersome.

"I know... I know..." He said, looking up at Kankuro through his long lashes. "But I didn't know that you couldn't hold your liquor," Sasori added, with a playful smile on his lips. On a whim, he grabbed his own chopsticks and picking up some rice from Kankuro's bowl, he lifted it to the other's lips. Kankuro's dark eyes flicked from the food to Sasori a few times before he opened his mouth, accepting the other's help.

Sasori keenly watched as Kankuro's lips closed around the chopsticks, before he took a small bite himself, wrapping his lips around the chopsticks where Kankuro had a moment ago. Repeating these actions, he went on to feed Kankuro the whole bowl, enjoying the sight and eating his own dish in the meantime. Kankuro caught onto Sasori's unique way of flirting, and despite being quite tipsy, he could also see the same type of desire in this Sasori's eyes, as the one he had seen in the eyes of the one he had fallen in love with.

By the time Kankuro finished his meal, the alcohol must have kicked in for Sasori as well - his eyes grew hazier with every passing second as they rested on Kankuro's lips, who appeared to be just as drunk if not more.

In the end, they didn't even talk about the mission, and after Kankuro had paid their bill, they went on to have a quiet stroll in the chilly night.

Despite being wasted as he was, Kankuro still offered to accompany Sasori on his way home, and the other didn't object. It was a short walk, and in less than ten minutes they were standing near the entrance of the building.

Sasori reached for the door handle after they had said goodnight to each other, but in the last moment he turned around, and taking a quick step he gripped onto Kankuro's arm instead. The other faced him, and saw raw desperation in Sasori's eyes. The red-haired man was alluring even in his current state, a flush appearing on his cheeks, something Kankuro had never seen before, and his doll-like eyes glancing up at the other invitingly. Although Kankuro saw it coming, he let Sasori pull him closer, and didn't push the shorter man away when he kissed him.

Sasori tasted like sake, Kankuro noted, feeling guilty as he deepened their kiss, and pressed his body against Sasori's. He was sure he shouldn't be doing this, thinking that he was taking advantage of Sasori by returning his kiss, since they were both clearly under the influence of their drinks. It was wrong, Kankuro repeated in his mind over and over again - regardless, he was unable to break the kiss.

Sasori, emboldened by the alcohol, rubbed against Kankuro, who at last managed to pull away, ashamed to have taken this long to regain control over his body. He then took a step back, and avoided Sasori's pleading stare, only listening to the other's short breaths.

"I'm sorry I... I need to go." Kankuro blurted out, before he practically ran away, leaving Sasori cold and lonely in his doorway.

~

The next morning Kankuro ran into Sasori as soon as he stepped out of his room. He must have been waiting for Kankuro to wake up, he realised seeing that Sasori was all ready to go on their mission.

"I hope you didn't have to wait too long." Kankuro said with a weak smile, knowing well how impatient the other man was. As they exited the building together, Kankuro hissed with the sudden pain in his head, that throbbed because of the sunlight - he was terribly hungover.

"Not really, but next time I'll make sure not to let you drink so much." Sasori said jokingly, and Kankuro appreciated the friendly conversation, as well as Sasori's attempt at cheering him up. It seemed that he wasn't bothered by Kankuro's not-so-elegant departure last night. Rather he sounded and appeared relaxed, as if he didn't regret kissing Kankuro in the slightest. Especially with how he peeked at Kankuro, who was currently trying to keep the dinner from yesterday in his stomach.

The early hours of their journey passed in silence after that, only disturbed once when Sasori mentioned that he liked the new style of Kankuro's face-paint. Which looked actually horrible in Kankuro's opinion, since he applied it in a half-conscious state, and the lines were probably crooked and not as clean cut as they usually would be. He wondered if Sasori was just making fun of him, but the silently watching eyes told him that Sasori didn't intend to be mean.

That night they stopped to rest in the desert, by a large boulder that provided shelter from the harsh wind, and they ate a simple meal, chatting, while nothing out of the ordinary happened.

~

The next day, somewhat after their midday break, they reached the border of the Land of Fire. Afterwards, they travelled in forests, and across wide fields filled with fragrant flowers, while Kankuro felt the last bits of hangover evaporating from his body. The air was warm, but heavy and soon it started to rain, giving the plants exactly what they needed.

Kankuro was already wearing his hood, and Sasori moved the beige coloured long cloth that was wrapped around his neck and shoulders like a scarf over his head. As Kankuro looked at him, Sasori glanced up at the clouds, the raindrops running down his cheek. Kankuro turned away, having a strong sense of déjà vu. Although this was some sort of a genjutsu, it seemed remarkably realistic with how it tended to recreate the most precious memories of Kankuro, putting him in a certain set of circumstances that were all too familiar.

Hours later they arrived at a hot springs guest house where they would spend the night, and Kankuro requested two separate rooms at the check-in. Even if he would have fancied sharing a room with Sasori, he knew what that would lead to, and still rejecting this genjutsu, he tried to avoid getting too intimate with the other man.

As if being able to hear his thoughts, Sasori turned to him, while walking down the corridor to their rooms. "Why don't we take a soak together Kankuro?" He asked, a benevolent idea, nothing to suspect about it, Kankuro thought.

"Sure, why not." He answered keeping up a calm appearance before they entered their corresponding rooms, next to each other.

Closing the door behind himself, and finally alone, Kankuro slid down along the wooden surface, sitting on the floor. He let out a drained sigh - just the thought of Sasori being naked around him made his blood rush with excitement, and defying his yearnings was becoming impossible by the second.

Nevertheless, he already said yes, so it wasn't like he could do anything about it now.

~

Kankuro washed off his face-paint in his room, it would inevitably come off because of the steam, and stepping into to open with only a white towel around his waist, he approached the almost empty pool. There were only three men other than him, Sasori not yet amongst them, Kankuro remarked, settling down in the boiling water.

He didn't have much time to relax though, as Sasori joined him in a few minutes. Kankuro couldn't stop himself from running his gaze all over Sasori's slim body, who purposefully dropped his towel a little too soon before stepping into the water, granting Kankuro the chance to glance at his unclothed groin. By the time Sasori was concealed by the hot water, Kankuro was on the verge of passing out. It was like this genjutsu was making all his wishes come true.

He didn't even notice how long he had been staring, until Sasori leaned dangerously close to him, their faces just inches away, making Kankuro avert his eyes, although he didn't move away.

"Are you feeling alright Kankuro?" A fake concerned look crossed Sasori's face as he reached up to touch at the other's forehead. "Your face is all red... Is the water too hot for you perhaps?" He smiled gently, and Kankuro was sure Sasori knew that his blush was caused by him, not the high temperature of the springs.

"I... I'm fine don't worry." Kankuro replied, and Sasori hummed once, content with the other one's embarrassed state. He then pulled his hand away, sat back leaning against the side of the pool, and staring up at the orange and crimson sky, he felt Kankuro's gaze return to him shortly.

They stayed in there long after the other men left the two of them alone, and in the discreet setting, Sasori turned to Kankuro again, their eyes meeting through the thick mist. By now their faces were flushed pink, the heat making them dizzy, yet neither of them wanted to go back to their rooms and call it a night.

Kankuro fought the urge to kiss him, feeling that he was already getting hard just looking into Sasori's dreamy eyes, that openly lowered to gaze at his muscled chest and broad shoulders that were above the water level. Sasori then proceeded to bite at his bottom lip, gaze returning to Kankuro's eyes, seducing him with his every action.

Kankuro swallowed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to hold back much longer with how hard Sasori tried to get him to make a move, and he tensed when he felt a tender hand brushing on his thigh shyly. His eyes opened wider in surprise, and he caught Sasori's wrist under the water to prevent him from going any higher, and find out that Kankuro had a hard-on.

The red-haired man looked dissatisfied with his reaction, but a smug smile quickly appeared on his lips a moment later. "Scared, Kankuro?" He asked, voice no more than a whisper.

In all sincerity, Kankuro wished he was afraid instead of aroused, and realising he was clutching too roughly on Sasori's wrist, he abruptly let it go. Misreading his intentions, Sasori at last leaned forward and captured Kankuro's lips with his own, while placing his hand back to where it was, his fingers caressing the inner side of the other's thigh subtly, close to his groin.

Kankuro really intended to stop Sasori, but his lips were so soft, and delicious against his, and he could hardly stop himself from throwing him out of the pool and fucking him speechless right there. Sasori was unaware of how much Kankuro had to restrain himself, and on an impulse, he grabbed onto Kankuro's shoulder with his free hand, while he moved to sit in his lap. Never breaking their kiss, he ground himself against Kankuro, pressing their erections together between their stomachs, and he let out a needy moan into the other's mouth, as he humped him.

Subsequently, Kankuro gave up on attempting to put an end to this, and instead enjoyed the sensation of Sasori rubbing himself against him, flesh to flesh, creating small waves in the pool. It was driving him insane, he never thought he would get to be like this with Sasori - and the fact that he had a living body opened up a whole new world of possibilities for them, Kankuro thought, as another moan escaped Sasori's lips.

Surrendering the heat building up inside him, Kankuro broke the kiss to nibble lightly at Sasori's moist collarbone, careful not to hurt him, while he also moved one hand to grab the other's waist, and push him away creating enough space to reach with his other hand between their bodies.

Sasori cried out alarmingly loud as Kankuro held their dicks together in one hand, and began to jerk them off like that. Kankuro's heart wanted to spring out of his chest with how rapidly it beat, listening to the whimpers the red-haired man emitted, and Kankuro groaned, speeding up the pace of his hand. Sasori in turn ran his wet fingers into Kankuro's hair and moaned while Kankuro sucked at the sensitive skin of his neck.

It didn't take much longer before Kankuro realised they were both getting close, so he silenced Sasori's never ending whimpers with a fierce kiss, and tightened his grip around their cocks. Sasori was falling apart before him, his relentless moans muffled by Kankuro's lips and tongue as he came, his dick twitching in Kankuro's hand, who followed him soon after, breaking the kiss and groaning into the junction of Sasori's neck and shoulder. He stayed like that, embracing Sasori, who rested his head against him, panting, and heart racing.

Maybe this wasn't such a harmful genjutsu after all, Kankuro pondered, placing a faint kiss on a lovemark he left Sasori's neck.

~

Continuing their mission like nothing had happened was not something Kankuro had expected, but then again, not everything went always as planned.

Other than the occasional suggestive looks Sasori gave him, not much changed, they proceeded peacefully, little to no tension between them, with only Kankuro getting nervous whenever he caught the other's gaze.

Sasori had a triumphant glint to his eyes, and the way his lips curved upwards could only mean that he was indeed very satisfied with how their last night turned out. Kankuro couldn't blame him, he felt the same. Even so this would have to end soon, when Kankuro would find a way to end this genjutsu. No matter how happy it made him to be with Sasori again, he couldn't let himself succumb to a fake reality.

His mind could easily change though, Kankuro realised, when on the following late afternoon they booked into an cheap inn, this time with Sasori making the reservation, who asked for one room for two rather than two separate ones.

Upon stepping into the room, Kankuro sat on the edge of the bed, massaging his temple in frustration - he knew what this would bring about, and what Sasori had most likely envisioned for their stay.

Closing the door behind himself, Sasori faced Kankuro with a smile plastered on his face. "I'll take a shower, if you don't mind." He said, unwrapping the cloth around his shoulders.

"No, go ahead." Kankuro replied, kicking off his sandals, playing it cool as Sasori approached him. He stopped a few feet away, and started stripping, folding and placing his clothes on the nightstand. Although at first Kankuro managed not to peep, when Sasori got rid of his pants too, he glanced at him, and he heard how his breathing faltered at the sight. With only a long white shirt covering him, that reached just below his ass, Sasori headed to the bathroom, cheerful with how Kankuro couldn't keep his eyes off of him.

When the door was shut behind the red-haired man, Kankuro let out a long sigh, and fell back onto the mattress to stare at the ceiling. Sasori was clearly toying with him, seeing just how long Kankuro could resist his seduction, and to be honest with himself, Sasori was winning no sweat.

Nevertheless, he tried to take it easy, and placed both hands with his fingers intertwined under his head, listening to the splashing sound of the water coming from the other room.

Sasori took his time, only emerging from the bathroom half an hour later, wearing a pearl coloured dressing gown and rubbing his damp hair with a towel. Right after he sat next to Kankuro on the bed, the younger man sprang up, and excused himself, disappearing in the other room. Sasori chuckled, but Kankuro couldn't hear it over the rushing water of the shower he hurriedly stepped into. Maybe the cold water would drive away the hotness he felt.

His attempts proved to be futile in the end, since right after he stepped back into the bedroom, he saw Sasori laid out on his stomach on the bed, completely naked with the blanket showing off the curve of his ass. The red-haired man looked over his shoulder to meet Kankuro's dark gaze, who felt his whole body burn with desire, and couldn't avert his eyes from the alluring silhouette of Sasori.

After blinking away his shock, Kankuro walked to the bed, while Sasori lazily rolled onto his back, the blanket hardly covering his groin after the movement. Still he made no move to adjust it, instead he raised himself onto his elbows, eyes intently watching Kankuro, who slowly climbed onto the bed, without saying anything.

Not that Sasori wanted to be praised, the growing erection that was badly hidden by Kankuro's gown and his black underwear was proof enough for Sasori that his endeavours were not in vain, and he smiled at Kankuro, who knelt beside him on the bed, still surveying Sasori's exposed form.

Kankuro was at his limit - if it was hard not to kiss Sasori before, then it was now unbearable not to touch his lean body. His skin looked so smooth to the touch, and so pure. The reason why Sasori wanted him of all people remained a mistery to Kankuro, but he couldn't care less about that, as he bent down to kiss behind Sasori's ear. Throwing his previous efforts out of the window, he raised one hand to lightly pinch one of the red-haired's nipples, and with the other he caressed his flat stomach, while Sasori let out a wanting sigh. Kankuro then moved lower over his body, now kissing at his chest, then at his abdomen, getting steadily closer to Sasori's still covered groin, anticipation filling them both. Planting one last kiss near the rim of the blanket, Kankuro hesitantly pushed it away to reveal Sasori's still semi-flaccid cock, which was, despite that, a mouth watering sight for Kankuro, since he could only imagine what it looked like before, only catching a glimpse of it in the hot springs. When he was about to wrap his fingers around it though, Sasori stopped him by pulling him up by his arm, and pushing him onto his back, he positioned himself on top of Kankuro, knees on either side of his legs.

The sight of Sasori, naked and sitting on him like this made Kankuro's cock throb against his undergarments, but Sasori swiftly freed his erection from its confines, and without a second thought took Kankuro's length in his mouth balls-deep. In response, the brown-haired man let out a grateful groan, gripping onto the sheets under them, as Sasori moved up and down his shaft, stopping every once in a while to give a little more attention to the head, lapping at it eagerly, and earning more groans and sighs from Kankuro.

Not wanting to finish yet, he reached for Sasori's cheek, and guided him off from his dick and closer to him. Then, driven by an impulse, Kankuro sat up and threw Sasori back onto the mattress, moving to lean over him and kiss him. He noticed how Sasori was fully hard and leaking a little by now, so he closed his fingers around their dicks in a similar manner to last night.

At this, Sasori's eyes opened wider, and he moved his hands to push Kankuro away. "No ah-... Not-ahh... not like this..." He muttered, but Kankuro had already caught both his wrists, and he pinned them down above his head.

Since Sasori was not behaving the way Kankuro expected him to, he picked up the pace of his hand, intending to make them get off as soon as possible. Sasori whimpered under him, and tried to fight the hand holding him down to no avail, while Kankuro started to kiss at his cheek and jaw soothingly.

"Nghh... No... Please ahh..." Sasori tried again, and Kankuro stopped peppering him with kisses, but not the motion of his hand, and he pulled slightly away to look into Sasori's glistening eyes, that begged Kankuro to let him go. He knew what Sasori wanted, yet he couldn't bring himself to actually fuck him. Some part of him screamed that he shouldn't be doing any of this, that this wasn't right. It was a strangely familiar voice, that calmed his mind, and gave him hope and strength to fight against this genjutsu. And even if that voice was now drowned out by their heaving, and Sasori's sobs, Kankuro forced himself not to cross that one line that the voice heeded him of.

If he really fucked Sasori, it would be over for him.

"No... Sasori... We can't..." was all he said, moving down again to plant kisses on the other's neck, who at last stilled his hands, and let Kankuro jerk them off. Despite this, Kankuro didn't remove his hand from around the other's wrists, and clutching harsher, he licked at Sasori's throat, groaning with his nearing orgasm.

Sasori sobbed again, and his hips jolted up into Kankuro's hand as he came, his cum spurting onto his own stomach, waves of pleasure coursing through his body while Kankuro reached his own climax as well.

After a few more seconds, he let go of Sasori's wrists, and rolled onto his back next to other man, trying to catch his breath. He just had sex with Sasori, but at least they didn't go all the way. Once he would end this genjutsu, it would only be more painful to know what that would feel like, Kankuro reminded himself.

"Am I too old for you, Kankuro?" The low voice roused him from his thoughts, and he turned to glance at Sasori. Disappointment and sadness twisted his otherwise immaculate features, he was without a doubt self-conscious about his age, since Kankuro's actions made him believe that the other didn't find him attractive enough to have a proper intercourse with him.

Feeling sorry for Sasori, Kankuro wanted to comfort him, and say that he had never seen anyone more enthralling, or touched hair that was softer than his, or that he loved Sasori with all of his heart - but he stopped himself from doing so. The real Sasori was dead, and this reality was nothing more than a sweet dream of his, that would come to a closure inescapably.

And so he turned his back to Sasori, and said nothing.

~

Kankuro woke up to the feeling of the mattress shifting beneath him, and as he opened his eyes, he saw Sasori snuggling closer to him in his sleep. Since it was already bright outside he sneaked out of the red-haired man's arms, mindful not to disturb him. However, at the lack of Kankuro's body beside him, Sasori voiced a quiet grunt of dissatisfaction and opened his eyes anyways.

"Good morning." He said, his words barely more than a whisper as he focused his sleepy gaze on Kankuro's toned back, before the other started dressing.

"'Morning." He replied simply, pulling his shirt on, then stood up to go and wash his face. When he came back, he saw that Sasori put on his underwear, which was light blue and way too thin in Kankuro's opinion, exposing utterly what was beneath the fabric. After forcing himself to avert his eyes from Sasori, he began to search his backpack to get his face-paint, brush and mirror. In the meantime, Sasori got out of the bed, still only in his undergarment, and headed into the bathroom to freshen up.

Kankuro took a seat on a chair after he turned it from the table towards the window to attain better lighting, and he started to apply his paint onto his mouth. He hadn't even finished his bottom lip by the time Sasori joined him again, and Kankuro pretended to ignore the other man, concentrating on the strokes of his brush.

Kankuro's rejection and indifferent demeanour from last night should have caused Sasori to lose his spirits, therefore, Kankuro didn't expect him to snatch the mirror from him and cheekily smile at him.

"How about I do your face-paint today?" He asked, his tone friendly, without a trace of dejection, but Kankuro could tell he was hurt, by the way his smile didn't reach his eyes.

Kankuro closed his eyes sighing, but handed the small container and brush over, to avoid causing more unnecessary pain to Sasori, who took them with a wider smile, before he sat on Kankuro's lap. This made him open his eyes wide, and he scowled at Sasori, who was clearly enjoying himself.

Kankuro didn't know what to do - it was one thing letting Sasori apply his damn face-paint, and another to allow him to hump Kankuro while doing so. It was the slightest of movements, and Sasori wasn't doing it constantly, just frequently enough so that Kankuro was getting hard, but he wouldn't dare mention it.

He studied Sasori's content expression as he dipped the brush into the paint, and started working on a different style to what Kankuro would usually sport. He lined Kankuro's top eyelids carefully, finished his lips, and went on to create various curved and straight lines across his cheek, down his nose and chin.

Kankuro wasn't worried about the design - the main problem in the moment was the underclad state of Sasori, and how every inch of Kankuro's body was itching to get more of the red-haired man. His bare chest raised with shallow breaths as he worked, but Kankuro's eyes drifted lower from his nipples shortly, to the other's groin. He couldn't decide if he liked the underwear on Sasori, or cursed it for revealing the shape of his penis perfectly. Sasori was getting turned on, Kankuro noted, seeing that the other's penis had grown in size, and it twitched ever so slightly as he moved in his lap, and when Kankuro put his hands on his hips, Sasori took in a sharp breath.

However, Kankuro didn't intend to encourage or fondle him, Sasori registered, as the fingers dug into his flesh unforgivingly, and held him in place. Unable to contain it anymore, Sasori moaned weakly at the rough touch, but he grasped soon that Kankuro wasn't going to grind against him, or touch him anywhere near his groin. Disappointed, Sasori carried on with the painting process, even though he was out of breath. Kankuro clenched his jaw, and his suspense caused by the same type of need was written all over his face, which was enough to make Sasori fully hard, still hoping that the other would give in to his instincts.

In the meantime, Kankuro saw drops of precum staining the blue material, and he was sure Sasori could feel his own hardness beneath his ass as well. He imagined picking Sasori up, and carrying him to the bed. He would go down on him, prepare him thoroughly so that it wouldn't hurt, and would only fuck him when he would be begging for it. Swallowing hard, he forced the image out of his head, and returned to the present issue, Sasori's leaking erection.

A few minutes later, Sasori was done, and he placed the tools onto the table behind Kankuro, leaning close to him. He trembed with want as his cock pressed against Kankuro's stomach, whose fingers dug painfully into his hips and pulled him back to where he sat making him whimper. Kankuro contemplated how to deal with Sasori, whose hard-on just wouldn't go away, and it was probably aching with how neglected it was.

Sasori thought Kankuro would order him off his lap, when his fingers finally withdrew from their assault on his skin, however instead of pushing Sasori away, Kankuro reached with both hands to his underwear, and at long last set his cock free. It bounced up before Kankuro wrapped his fingers around it, and squeezed the precum out as Sasori yelped. Kankuro wiped it off with his index and middle finger on his other hand, and reached behind Sasori, pushing the underwear off his ass.

The red-haired man gripped onto the back of the chair for support as Kankuro began stroking his dick skillfully, and a finger pressed against his asshole. Sasori moaned as the first finger entered him, not too deep, but the unfamiliar sensation sent shivers down his back nevertheless. The way it moved in and out of him, slick with his own precum, while Kankuro jerked him off was absolutely maddening.

As he began to loosen up, Kankuro added his second finger, and pushed much deeper, until he pressed at Sasori's prostate, making him cry out in pleasure. Positive that he found the right spot, Kankuro rubbed at it ceaselessly, and stroked the other's dick until Sasori was whimpering blatantly and he came. He almost shot his load onto Kankuro's shirt, but the other palmed his head in the last second, and with his other hand he quickly seized a towel.

After cleaning his hands, Kankuro rose from the chair with Sasori in his arms, laid him down on the bed, and pulled the blanket over him, before he returned to the table and started packing away his painting supplies.

Sasori propped himself onto his elbows, and spoke up after he was no longer panting, watching the other leisurely. "Don't you want to finish as well, Kankuro?" He received a dismissive grunt as an answer, and he collapsed back into the pillows.

~

It's not the same thing as fucking him, he was just helping Sasori with getting off more quickly, Kankuro told himself for the thousandth time that day. The sky was cloudless, and the air was warming up rapidly. By his side, Sasori was almost levitating from the ground as he walked, smiling constantly, as if he knew how his influence on Kankuro was growing day by day. Kankuro was seriously considering staying in this genjutsu - he could forget about the cruel reality in which Sasori was dead, and live happily with him here. Still, that frail, familiar voice urged him to fight and go on, and Kankuro listened to it, like his life depended on it.

A few hours before sunset they reached their destination, the Village Hidden in the Leaves, after almost four days of feverish sexual frustration and monotonous walking.

Kotetsu and Izumo greeted them at the gate, and showed them the way around. Kankuro was impressed with how well the renovations were going - from what he had heard the whole village was razed to the ground, and yet, now many buildings stood proudly on the streets, and there was no sign of the immense damage.

First, they went to deliver the scroll Gaara entrusted them with, and they had a casual, brief conversation with the Lady Hokage. Afterwards, they were escorted to their apartment where they would spend the night and the next day to get some rest before they would set out to Sunagakure. Kankuro and Sasori thanked Kotetsu and Izumo, before the leaf shinobi said farewell and took their leave.

Kankuro found the place quite cozy - the apartment had a terrace, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a living area integrated with a tiny kitchen. He could envision living in a home like this, not too big, so that there wouldn't be much trouble with the cleaning, but just spacious enough for him and another person. Of course, two bedrooms were non-essential, since he wanted to live with only one person, with his partner, the love of his life.

The very person, who was currently undressing in the middle of the living room, as if it was compulsory for him to put on a show. Sasori would never change, Kankuro thought as he went to explore the cupboards in the kitchen. Unfortunately, he didn't find any instant meals, only ingredients like rice, and some meats in the fridge. Cooking was something Kankuro took no joy in, so he decided he would go and shop for something, while also paying a visit to Shikamaru to talk about this peculiar genjutsu he was trapped in. A few hours alone wouldn't hurt Sasori, and hopefully Shikamaru could tell Kankuro something about how to put an end to this jutsu, since he was supposed to be smart. Or at least Temari said so, Kankuro recalled.

"I'm going out for a while." He told Sasori, who just pulled off his shirt, and stood half-naked near the couch, baffled by Kankuro's words. He obviously planned on seducing Kankuro like he did the previous nights, so the announcement of his departure did nothing to please him.

Averting further complications, Kankuro left, and prayed that Sasori wouldn't come up with any ideas to get back at Kankuro for avoiding him.

~

"I guess it's possible, but a genjutsu of that kind needs vast amounts of chakra to work." Shikamaru said, scratching the back of his neck, thinking. They were sitting on the porch of his home, on the so-called engawa. "If the enemy really used something like that, I don't think there's much we can do about it."

Kankuro turned away from the other, and watched as the sun disappeared below the horizon, colouring it a blazing orange. "But it can be broken, right?" He asked, becoming more and more dispirited.

"It's a pain, but tomorrow I could ask Kurenai Sensei if you're that insistent. She's an expert in genjutsu, so she could tell you more about the subject than me." Shikamaru said, sounding bored and tired. Kankuro didn't want to trouble him anymore, so he got up.

"Thanks, I'll make sure to mention it to Temari that you helped." Kankuro smirked, seeing the other's abashed expression before he walked away.

"You- you don't have to!" Shikamaru shouted after him. "What a drag..." He added, only to himself, but Kankuro could still hear him.

~

Upon stepping into the apartment, Kankuro detected an appetizing scent, and found Sasori in a plum coloured, silk dressing gown, that reached just above his knees, preparing something in the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" Kankuro inquired, stepping close behind him and looking over the shorter one's shoulder as Sasori stirred some pasta with carrots, onion, bell pepper and cabbage in a pot.

"Yakisoba Noodles with Beef." Sasori said, a smile audible in his voice, since his keen ears could catch the rumble of Kankuro's stomach. "The meat still needs a while to roast. You should shower and change before then." He added, turning his head to Kankuro, who pulled back to put a little more distance between them.

"Yeah, you're right, I will." He said, and left the plastic bag with the stuff he bought on the counter. Sasori refocused on stirring the mixture, humming peacefully to himself throughout the procedure.

While Sasori busied himself with the food, Kankuro tried out the brand new shower, and let the hot water trickle down on his back for much longer than he actually needed it to cleanse his skin. He relished the heat, and after removing his face-paint that Sasori did for him that morning, and washing his hair too, he threw on a minty green bathrobe.

Sasori was waiting for him, sitting at the table, where the noodles were elegantly centred on their plates, topped with the rich looking pieces of beef, and there were also two cups and a flask of sake. Kankuro knew the strong drink was ideal to let off some steam, even if it could backfire on him, so he accepted the cup Sasori offered him after he took his seat, and tried not to give himself a headache about it. A few shots couldn't hurt, right?

Six shots later, and having eaten the magnificent dinner, Kankuro felt dizzy, and pleasantly full. Sasori took their plates, and went to the sink to wash them - the normally easy task proved to be quite complicated in his intoxicated state, and when he felt Kankuro press against him from behind, he dropped the plate he was holding, splashing some water onto his gown. The red-haired man was delighted nonetheless, alcohol seemed to have the effect on Kankuro he wished for, so he picked up the plate to resume scrubbing the remains of their meal off of it, as he felt the other kiss into the crook of his neck.

Kankuro really didn't mean to place kisses on Sasori's neck, and he certainly didn't plan on pulling the velvety fabric off the shorter one's shoulder, but he did. He couldn't help it, it was like Sasori had put a spell on him - genjutsu or not, Kankuro knew a good opportunity when he saw one, and he always said: 'One must never miss a good opportunity.'

As soon as Sasori dried his hands with the table cloth, Kankuro spun him around, and hungrily kissed him, snatching him by the waist, and pressing him against the counter with raw force. Sasori yelped at the impact, and Kankuro pulled away, a concerned look crossing his otherwise hazy eyes.

"Still a lightweight I see..." Sasori said to lighten the mood, his tone impish, and he pecked Kankuro's lips, while he opened the robe around him. Saving Kankuro the trouble of rethinking his decisions, Sasori dropped to his knees, and fished out the other's erect member, holding it in both hands.

Kankuro couldn't interject, since Sasori carried on quick, taking his tip into his warm mouth, and rubbing up and down his shaft as he blew him. He groaned - his blood was buzzing loud in his ear, and with the mind-blowing treatment, after remaining persistent for so long, he forgot about guilt, and he ignored the voice that heeded him time and time again of the what would follow if he would forsake his own reality.

'Screw the consequences,' Kankuro thought, grabbing a fistful of the other's hair, and with caution not to hurt the other, he jerked his hip forward into the wet mouth of Sasori, who looked up at him with half-lidded eyes, and let Kankuro thrust into him. Not having to concentrate on sucking the other off, Sasori palmed his own erection, and whined on the other's dick lewdly.

When he was about to start stroking himself earnestly, since Kankuro sounded like he could finish any moment now, the other halted his movements. Sasori leaned forward eagerly on his length, but Kankuro stepped back, and bent down to scoop him up in his arms. Sensing the other's aim, Sasori eased into them, and as he was carried towards the bedroom, he teasingly nibbled at the other's neck.

Despite being far from sober, Kankuro made it to the bed without difficulties, and after having discarded all their remaining clothes, he was on top of Sasori, engaging him in hot kisses.

Although Sasori loved kissing Kankuro, he was undeniably getting impatient with not getting touched the way he really wanted to be, so he opted to let the other know about it. He broke the kiss, and met Kankuro's gaze, who was a mess, his brown hair disheveled, and his cheek burning with the effects of the strong drink. "Kankuro... Please..." Sasori panted, not knowing how to put his request into words. "I know that you want it just as badly as me..." He said, his voice heavy with lust, and his eyes drowsy from the alcohol.

To his amazement Kankuro complied, and flipped Sasori onto his stomach, before he began grinding his dick against the other's butt crack. But he stopped the motion all too soon, and Sasori was ready to complain, when he felt slick fingers poke at his entrance. One was pushed inside, and gently curled, making him whimper into the pillow under him, while Kankuro slid it in and out. As the resistance became minimal, another finger joined to stretch Sasori open, who was by now trashing under Kankuro, moaning and demanding more.

A few minutes of fingering later, Kankuro pulled his hand away, and spitting in his hand, he coated his dick with saliva. After positioning himself before Sasori's hole, he bent down, and pressed light kisses on the back of the other's neck. Instead of entering him though, he brushed his tip lightly up and down Sasori's crack just to mess with him a little more.

"Just... fuck me already..." Sasori said between heavy breaths, raising his behind seeking contact, overtaken with restlessness. The other bit into his shoulder, and Sasori cried out, as he was finally penetrated and gradually filled up with the other's stiff dick.

Kankuro sighed above Sasori's head, the tightness much more satisfying than he imagined. It felt so good he could bust right then, but that wouldn't be any fun for Sasori, so he took a deep breath, and moved slow to let the other get used to his girth. Unbeknownst to him however, Sasori wanted him to go faster - with the way his own cock was squished between his stomach and the mattress, he was anything but uncomfortable. Kankuro also seemed to have no problem with coordinating his hips, even though chances were he was drunker than Sasori, the red-haired noted, and while he was happy that Kankuro decided to actually put it in, he still found the tempo far from fitting for his taste.

"Please ahh... Go nnhg... harder..." He said, unable to wait anymore. As a response, Kankuro picked up the pace, his hot breaths tickling Sasori's neck, who sobbed as Kankuro shifted slightly, and began to hit his prostate with his hastening thrusts.

They were both panting, and Kankuro watched intently how drops of sweat formed on the lean back of Sasori, and how his muscles flexed as he arched his back, likely feeling his climax nearing. Kankuro refused to think about the fact that he was dishonouring the memory of his love, and he squeezed his eyes shut, seeing stars as he released inside Sasori with a low, drawn-out groan.

The delicious friction granted by the sheets, combined with Kankuro pummelling into him fiercely through his orgasm made Sasori reach his climax as well in no time, and his cum soaked the sheets beneath him, as he made one last sensual moan.

Kankuro pulled out, and collapsed next to Sasori onto the mattress, exhausted, and sexually satiated like never before. The other appeared to be in a similar euphoric state, still on his stomach, head turned towards Kankuro, but his eyes remained closed, and his lips parted as he started to breath at a regular rate once again.

Kankuro felt cold and sticky with sweat, but had no energy left to actually clean himself, so he seized the blanket and covered both of them with it, and lay close to Sasori, before he fell into a blissful slumber.

~

There was no going back now, Kankuro figured after he woke up the next morning. Sasori was curled up against him, soundly sleeping, one arm thrown over Kankuro's waist, the other under his pillow. He studied his calm expression, his kissable lips, his ruffled, mousy red hair, his thick lashes and his cheeks, that were rosy with life.

He slipped out of the bed silently so as to not wake Sasori, dressed up, and went to sit on a chair on the terrace to get some fresh air. Above the buildings on the other side of the street, the sun was rising higher, turning the navy blue sky a brighter colour.

Kankuro sighed, content with the experience from last night. This time, he wasn't even hungover, and he had amazing sex with Sasori. Somehow, he couldn't even name the reason why he didn't want to before...

That's right! This was a genjutsu, not reality, and he had to-

"I hope you're not planning on leaving me here." Kankuro was startled by the words, and he turned to the door, where he saw Sasori leaning against the doorframe in the silky gown he wore yesterday. He smiled at Kankuro, his light brown gaze clouded with sleep still.

Kankuro returned the gesture, already forgetting his previous distress, while Sasori began walking towards him. "And why would I do that?" He asked, his genuinely kind tone revealing that he had no such thing in mind.

"How should I know? That's why I'm asking..." Sasori said, with a fake annoyed voice. When he stopped before the other, Kankuro pulled him to sit it his lap facing him, and hugged him affectionately, nuzzling his face into Sasori's neck.

"Don't worry..." Kankuro said, and drew back to stare into those big eyes of the other that he loved so much. "I'm not going anywhere." He added, before Sasori leaned in to kiss all his regrets away.

It wasn't so bad. Not so bad at all, with Sasori by his side, Kankuro thought, smiling into the kiss. Sasori laughed into his mouth, the carefree sound making Kankuro's heart flutter with happiness.

Yes... Just to be with Sasori, he could stay here...

Just to be with him...

And with that, Kankuro drowned out the voice of Sasori telling him to hold on, and find a way out of this illusion, and he gave in to the Tsukuyomi, and became a living vessel, whose chakra could be drawn upon.

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~