Chapter Text
“No.”
“I’m not asking.”
“Then give me someone else.”
“Kankuro, stop this. It isn’t as if I can simply tell the Hokage to send someone else. And for what? Because you just don’t like her,” Gaara says exasperated, rubbing his temples where a migraine brews. There was a time when the Biju was his greatest source of mental pain. Nowadays, his elder brother has taken that mantle.
“Okay, then you send someone else. Please? Okay, I said please,” Kankuro hovers above Gaara’s desk, both hands planted on the surface, bringing him closer to eye level with his brother seated behind the desk.
Gaara’s eyes pop open, “You can’t be denying a mission. You have never.”
“I’m not refusing. I’m begging you, anyone but her.” Kankuro lowers himself as if threatening to beg on his knees literally.
Kankuro is typically a proud man, though you wouldn’t know by this childish display.
The older man looks down at his ankles, likely feeling the sand curl around his limbs. “Stop this,” Gaara demands, tone serious. “If it is that important to you, I will make a compromise.”
His features lift in elation, Kankuro reaches over the desk and attempts to drag his little brother and Kazekage into a clumsy hug.
“The agreement is this: if you complete this mission as instructed, I will ensure that you are never assigned with her again.” Gaara keeps his tone steady even as he is being dragged by the larger man.
Kankuro’s expression falls, and he drops Gaara’s robes, “That’s not what I’m asking for.”
Gaara shrugs, “The mission was designed for the two of you. There is nothing to be done now, she will be here tonight.” The red-haired man looks curious, “Besides, I never understood your feelings toward her. She is a pleasant woman, attractive, and driven. I’m surprised you haven’t pursued her —---”
Kankuro chokes on air, “Don’t say that”, he croaks.
Undisturbed, “--- And despite your poor behavior, I don’t believe she even dislikes you. Maybe it will be a good bonding experience.”
“I’m pretty sure the assassination of a honeymooning, organized crime boss isn’t supposed to be about bonding, Gaara.”
The other man waves his hand as if brushing the statement away, “You weren’t listening, were you?”
“To what?”
“Your mission instructions. Kankuro, for this mission, you are also on your honeymoon. You will frequent the local hot spots to locate Hara Masaru. Befriend him and his new wife, if possible, and identify the ideal opportunity to poison him.” He pauses to observe his brother’s face, making sure it sinks in this time.
“The leaf is sending a kunoichi to act as support. She will play the role of your wife to allow the two of you to blend in. The two of you must play these roles convincingly.” If Kankuro was fuming before, he was livid now. His lips thinned and brow pinched, Gaara was rarely on the receiving end of such a look, but he didn’t let it deter him.
“If there are no suitable opportunities for your poison, she will utilize her proficiencies to deliver a killing blow that cannot be linked to either the Leaf or the Sand. Neither of you can be identified as a member of the hidden villages. That's why it has to be you, Kankuro, you are a leader in novel poisons and head of the assassin branch in the puppet corps, you have to develop something that cannot be traced back to us.”
Kankuro waves off the last statement as if that were the simple part. “Does it have to be her?”
Gaara slams his hands on the desk, finally done with his brother’s antics. “Out, go. You have your orders. I expect you to behave!” The sand begins to drag Kankuro from the room despite his whining. “And she better get home in good health, Kankuro! I will not accept the negligence of her safety because of your one-sided feud.”
Gaara pauses a moment before calling out, “And you’ll show her to her room when she arrives today.”
“Goddammit, Gaara, if you hate me, just say so!”
I don’t hate you, big brother. I just don’t believe you. There is more to your feelings for her than you will share, and I am done waiting. Good luck. Three weeks is an awful long time to be married to someone you claim to hate.