A Naruto One Shot: Lavender Lies (A Kimimaro Love Story)

A NARUTO ONE SHOT
Lavender Lies
PART I
Daylight streamed through an open field, shedding light upon every tiny blade of green grass. Warmth accompanied the gushing radiance, along with a fair breeze. The wind and warmth blended harmoniously. A slight wind blew through, rustling the emerald blades back and forth, while whistling a happy tune. Evidence that people had come to the lovely meadow lay all around the area. Small pebbles lay scattered in various patches of trampled grass. A brook ran down the middle of the field, and an enormous oak tree stood proudly at the center of all this majestic beauty that glimmered in the sunlight.
Tranquil as the environment was, it was on the outskirts of a large, dark forest that housed many large, overbearing trees. The wind was ominously harsher here, and the atmosphere was heavily coated with fog and mist and mystery. Rotting mold was smothered along the mushy ground that still had muddy footprints gored into it. A moldy smell lingered in the air.
Then, there was a continuous squishing noise, which went in a pat, pat, pat pattern, as a girl went running out from the forest and into the field. The girl's sandals were drenched in mud, as she spread it along the ground. She had lively green eyes with blue pupils. She had long brown hair that was tied back in a ponytail.
The girl's eyes had a curious glint in them as the girl smiled playfully. Her name was Aiko, which meant lovable.
Aiko was a fourteen year old kunoichi, who was in the servitude of Orochimaru. She tried to remain cheerful, often trying to escape the loneliness and bitterness that Orochimaru exhibited. She was a highly skilled medic nin, and prospered with her unique poison abilities. Aiko loved to relax, but at the same time, she highly enjoyed displaying her abilities and easily became cocky. Today she was supposed to be training with her colleagues; Kimimaro and Kabuto.
Aiko had left Orochimaru's lair early, and she reached the heavenly field in no time. She laid down in the soft grass, and folded her arms behind her head. Aiko looked up into the sky to watch the clouds as they floated by.
A couple of hours passed, and then Aiko heard a squelching noise that came from behind her around the forest area. Aiko sat up, alarmed, and looked around. No one was there. She shrugged and lay back down. She closed her eyes for a moment and then reopened them; Kimimaro was standing above her.
"What are you doing?" Kimimaro asked, appearing out of nowhere.
Jumping up, Aiko quickly said, "Kimimaro when did you get here? You scared the crap out of me!" Breathing in and exhaling deeply, Aiko calmed herself down. She then looked around. "Hey, Kimimaro?" Aiko asked.
"Yes, what is it?" Kimimaro replied.
Aiko scratched her head and asked curiously, "Where's Kabuto? I didnt see him at Orochimaru's either. How strange; is he sick?" Kimimaro shrugged.
"I think that he's off with Lord Orochimaru today," Kimimaro said indifferently.
"Ooooh," Aiko said, putting her finger to her lip, "I see."
For a couple moments it was silent, and then Kimimaro said, "Well, it's no use fretting over not having Kabuto here; we can resume training without him." Slowly nodding, Aiko looked at Kimimaro closely. He looked back at her.
"Is something wrong?" Kimimaro inquired.
"Your skin tone looks a lot lighter than normal," Aiko commented. "Are you feeling okay?" A somewhat blank look formed in Kimimaros green eyes, as he looked away, and stared at the ground. "Kimimaro?"
"It's nothing," Kimimaro said, closing his eyes, and looking up at Aiko. "Anyway, we need to start training."
"Right!" Aiko said, nodding.
Resuming her normal fighting stance, Aiko got prepared to spar with Kimimaro. She closed her eyes, made the sign of the tiger with both her hands clasped together, focused her chakra, and then in a flash she opened her eyes. They were gold now, with pink dots around them; her pupils had turned vividly orange. This was Aiko's unique Kekkei Genkai: she had the ability to see her opponents chakra, much like the Byakugan, and she could send out pulses of her chakra into her opponents bloodstream and stop their organs. It was similar to the Byakugan, but instead of using chakra channels to get to the organs, Aiko would use the bloodstream, which was a quicker passage for chakra to travel through. This went perfectly in sync with Aiko's poison and medical abilities.
Activating his own Kekkei Genkai, Kimimaro faced Aiko readily. He would spar with her often, and he always found that Aiko didn't cringe at the sight of his bones coming out from his body. Most people thought that it was rather disturbing. Aiko, in fact, found Kimimaro's Kekkei Genkai fascinating, and she always wanted to know more about it, and enjoyed watching Kimimaro fight.
"Ready when you are," Aiko said, as she began to make hand signs. A sinister smirk crossed her face. She reached behind her into her pouch and pulled out a senbon that was coated in poison. Kimimaro watched Aiko; he knew how she would start.
"Then let it begin," Kimimaro announced indifferently. Aiko nodded, twirled and threw her senbon at Kimimaro, showing off as usual. Kimimaro dodged the senbon as if it was nothing, and he brought his hand over his shoulder. The skin began to split apart at the top of Kimimaro's shoulder blade, and a bone extended out.
Fascinated, Aiko silently watched, as Kimimaro gave her a piercing look. Aiko cocked her head to the side, curious about his next move. Kimimaro watched Aiko and knew that she was just playing innocent and he knew not to underestimate her.
Kimimaro's shoulder bone was now out of Kimimaro's body and in Kimimaros tightly clenched fist, as he sped towards Aiko. Grinning, Aiko began to think out useful tactics to use against Kimimaro. She knew that she had to get Kimimaro's bone out of his hand and then bang, Aiko would kick in with her Kekkei Genkai, and she would take Kimimaro down before he could make his bones lurch out from all his sides. A smirk played across Aikos lips, as she reached behind her and pulled out a katana that was strapped to her back.
Seeing the katana, Kimimaro got prepared for a barrage of attacks. Aiko had skill with a blade and could wield it well if she put her mind to it. Kimimaro was prepared for her attack, as he speedily rushed in to attack.
CLANG!
The sound of two weapons crashing together sounded off across the field, as Kimimaro brought down his long, sharp bone upon Aiko's katana; and shattered it. Aiko gasped surprised that Kimimaro had been able to break her katana so quickly and fluently. Aiko gulped, and jumped backwards a couple yards away from Kimimaro, just as he brought down his blade.
"How did you break my katana?" Aiko asked, bewildered.
"Chakra," Kimimaro whispered. "I poured it into my bone not only to make it harder, but to make it sharper as well; and to add more power to my blow."
"Ah, clever," Aiko said, raising her eyebrows indicating understanding.
Then, there was an outburst of pit pat noises that sounded like someone was running through the mud. Aiko and Kimimaro both turned around, and saw Kabuto running out to see them. Kabuto had a piece of paper in his hands, as he ran over, breathless.
"You guys have a special mission from Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said between gasps of breath. "It's an emergency; he's busy with some things and needs you guys to go gather information from Sunagakure and take care of some business."
"Right now?" Aiko asked, narrowing her eyes, "But we just started training! What kind of business could be so important?"
Kabuto shoved the papers in front of Aiko as he adjusted his glasses. "Read this and youll understand," Kabuto commanded. Aiko took the papers out of her hand as she looked them over.
As she was skimming through the papers, Aiko said to Kabuto, "Where were you during the beginning of our training? Hmm?"
"I was with Lord Orochimaru of course," Kabuto said.
"Ah, I see," Aiko said. She finished reading the paperwork. "So, Kimimaro and I basically have to kill the Kazekage?"
"Right," Kabuto said. "Lord Orochimaru and I will meet up with you there; take the Kazekage's body to a remote place where we can stay concealed, understand?"
"Yes," Aiko said, sighing heavily. She turned to Kimimaro. "You ready to go, Kimimaro? We just need our weapons and sleeping bags; we can run home and grab some backpacks; plus, I need to get a new katana."
"What happened to your other katana?" Kabuto asked. Aiko pointed to the ground, where her katana lay in shards. An astounded look flooded Kabuto's taken aback face, as he scratched his head. "How interesting."
Shrugging, Aiko turned around to return to get her backpack, when Kabuto called, "Oh Aiko, I forgot, I've got your backpack right here. Oh, and I have your's too, Kimimaro." Aiko turned around and went to get her backpack, as she slung it over her shoulders.
"But what about my katana?" asked Aiko.
Kabuto shrugged and said, "I don't know what to tell you, but were running on a tight schedule, so off you two go."
With those last words, Aiko and Kimimaro both set off down the field together. Although Aiko was not especially fond of Orochimaru, she was indeed loyal, and served him well. She was grateful that Orochimaru had provided her with food and a home, after her clan abandoned her. Memories of old filtered in and out of Aikos mind, and it took her a while to realize that she and Kimimaro had reached the main road already.

Yay! Road Trip!
Happy, happy, happy, happy!
...
Traveling was one of Aiko's favorite things, and there was an array of many pretty flowers on the side of the road. Aiko marveled at them and she looked over at Kimimaro.
"Aren't the flowers gorgeous?" Aiko asked. "My personal favorite is the camellia."
"I see," Kimimaro said, acknowledging Aiko. Aiko smiled.
"I enjoy working with you," Aiko said. Kimimaro tilted his head slightly, looking at Aiko questioningly. "I envy your jutsu; it's so cool! I mean, you can take your bones out and use them as weapons; how sweet is that? You know, you havent given any of your fighting styles specific names yet; but they kind of look like dances, don't they? So elegant and planned out, with a very original touch."
It went silent for a moment and Aiko didn't know quite what to think, as she peered over at Kimimaro. He was always so calm, and was very devoted to Orochimaru. Aiko could see why though; Kimimaro was just like her and they both shared the need for affection, which Orochimaru gave to them. Orochimaru liked them for the unique skills that they were cast out for, and treated differently for. Aiko and Kimimaro owed their lives to Orochimaru and they both knew it deep in the chasms of their hearts.
Time passed by, and soon Aiko and Kimimaro had entered Sunagakure. Aiko looked around the gates that stood closed and barred in front of her.
"It looks pretty tight on security," Aiko said, "How do we get in?"
Kimimaro looked at the large gate that stood in front of him and Aiko and he put his hand on it. "Well, it certainly isnt very strong," Kimimaro said. "I could cut out a piece and we could enter in that way."
"Okay!" Aiko said, "Whatever works!"
Kimimaro cracked his shoulder, and the skin split apart, allowing a bone to rise from within the skin. Aiko watched with enthrallment. Focusing his chakra on the bone in his hand, Kimimaro slashed at the gate, and cut out a chunk of it, just large enough for Aiko and him to squeeze through. They carefully infiltrated Sunagakure.
PART II
Luckily, there were no guards at the entrance of Sunagakure, which enabled Kimimaro and Aiko to easily sneak in unnoticed. They walked into and through Sunagakure casually; Aiko was especially used to this, because she had been on many spy missions into Sunagakure, Konohagakure, and many of the other Hidden villages. She was an expert at spying now.
The towns in Sunagakure were in poor condition, because the economy was not doing well. Aiko took immediate notice, and she gently nudged Kimimaro.
"It looks like they're suffering poverty," Aiko said to Kimimaro. "That must be why there were no guards at the gates earlier." Kimimaro nodded. "We need to find a secluded area to recap," Aiko suggested. "Lets go into the forest."
So, Aiko and Kimimaro traveled into the forest, where they did an evaluation on the situation at hand and so forth; they would strike at dusk.
Night rolled around, and it got dark quickly, and the temperature dropped quickly in the desert. Goosebumps formed on Aiko's neck and her arms, as shivers crept up her back, chilling her to the core. She walked closer to Kimimaro.
"It's so cold," Aiko whispered, as tears stung at her eyes from the bitter iciness. "I wish it was warmer." Kimimaro watched his teammate shiver, and he eventually put his arm around her. "Kimimaro?"
There was no reply from Kimimaro as they continued walking. Together, they looked like a normal couple, which caused Aiko to blush; the more she thought about it, the redder she got.
When Aiko and Kimimaro were out of the forest, they heard a sudden voice that began to shout at them.
"What are you doing out at this late at night? You know the rules, everyone is to be home and in bed at the regulated time!" a sand Shinobi yelled at Kimimaro and Aiko.
Aiko pulled away from Kimimaro and said, "May I take care of him? You can have the other one." Another Shinobi appeared behind the first officer, and Aiko and Kimimaro charged at them...
Five minutes later, blood was stained on the streets; both of the police Shinobi were dead. Aiko and Kimimaro dragged their corpses back into the forest and buried them beneath the ground. They then proceeded to the Kazekage's.
Sneaking into the Kazekage's was no hard task; it was simple seeing as how there were no guards to stop them. They entered the Kazekage's chambers silently, slowly opening and closing the door. Behind a screen in the room sat the Kazekage; he was writing something down, bent over as he poured over a scroll. Aiko looked at Kimimaro and he nodded.
Raising his fingers, Kimimaro pointed them at the Kazekage. "Digital Shrapnel." Bones shot out of his fingertips, and over to the Kazekage; striking him in the skull; blood spurted out, and there was a thud. The job was done. Aiko nodded at Kimimaro, and Aiko went over, and threw a poisoned kunai into the corpse of the Kazekage to make sure that he was really dead.
Aiko and Kimimaro then hauled the corpse outside. They buried it in the ground and had a funeral (think of Raiga and Ranmaru from the last few filler episodes; LOL!); too bad they didn't have any old memories to think about during this tragic time period. Arent I just so funny? You know what? I dont think that the Kazekage deserves a funeral! No, just no! Anyway, enough with the funnies and back to the story...
As soon as Aiko and Kimimaro were done, they heard a distinct crunching noise, and they whipped around. Aiko readily reached into her holster and pulled out a group of poisoned senbon, but before she could throw them, a hand clasped her own. Aiko gasped; it was Orochimaru (now that creepy organ music starts playing)!
"Lord Orochimaru, what are you doing here?" Aiko asked perplexed. She lowered her hand and Orochimaru let go.
"I came to make sure that you and Kimimaro were behaving yourselves," Orochimaru said in his usual melodic voice. "Not to worry, I brought Kabuto along as well."
Kabuto appeared and said, "Good evening."
Aiko gave Kabuto a disgusted look. Did he always have to pretend to be so polite? It made Aiko's skin crawl.
"Well," Aiko said, "We finished with the mission."
"Excellent," Orochimaru said, licking his lips with his long tongue. "Then I can assume the position of Kazekage, and all of Sunagakure will be at my disposure." He cackled evilly.

My, Orochimaru does have issues, doesn't he?
Kabuto is dumb. Yeah. My brother hates it when Kabuto does that thing with his glasses, where he shoves it up his nose.
Then, Aiko heard a soft cough behind her. It had come from Kimimaro.
"Kimimaro?" Aiko asked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Kimimaro said. Then, in a sudden moment, Kimimaro began to cough even more violently. Kimimaro sank to his knees. Aiko quickly crouched down next to him; worried.
"Kimimaro, what's wrong?" Aiko asked. She got out her medical kit, and began looking for cough drops, when Kimimaro's coughing became even more severe, and then Aiko noticed blood seeping down Kimimaros fingers. "Kimimaro!" Aiko said franticly, as she took his hand in hers, and analyzed his blood drenched palm.
Orochimaru walked over and looked at Kimimaro. "Ah, what's this Kimimaro? You don't look so well. Aiko, darling, what's wrong with him?"
Carefully looking over Kimimaro's face, as he caused even harder, Aiko placed her hand on Kimimaro's forehead; it was warm; he had a fever. Aiko tried to think of a jutsu that would help in this situation, but she had no idea where this severe illness had come from and it frustrated her.
"We need to get him home, immediately," Aiko said, taking charge.
"Alright," Orochimaru said, "But I have to stay here; Kabuto and I will both stay here actually. Send in Sakon, Tayuya, Jirobo and Kidomaru when you get back. They must be deployed here as soon as possible. I'm going to need all the help that I can get."
Aiko nodded, as she slung Kimimaro's limp arm over her shoulder and helped to support him as they started the long journey home. Kimimaro hacked up blood the entire time, so Aiko tried to hurry, occasionally giving Kimimaro food pills to make up for some of the lost blood. Then, just as they had entered Otogakure, Kimimaro passed out...
"Kimimaro, just hang on, we're almost there," Aiko said, trying to sound brave, even though on the inside she was more frightened of hell itself. Aiko was growing tired, as she plopped a food pill into her mouth for energy. They had just crossed over the borderline, when Kimimaro's body went limp, and he became unresponsive. Aiko stopped walking.
"Hey, Kimimaro, we're in Otogakure now," Aiko said, sounding optimistic. There was no reply from Kimimaro. He now seemed heavier as well. "Kimimaro?" It was eerily silent, all except for the sound of Aiko's voice. "Kimimaro?" Then, Aiko realized that Kimimaro had blacked out; not good.
Aiko went tearing through the woods to get to Orochimaru's, as she hurried along as fast as her feet would carry her. She was desperate now, as she summoned chakra to her feet to allow her to go faster and faster and faster, until they reached home.
Bursting in through the door, Aiko awakened Sakon and Kidomaru; it was dawn.
"What was that?" Sakon groaned as he got out of bed to see what had caused the ruckus. He drowsily left his room and no sooner had he opened his door, than Aiko went sprinting past his room.
Curiously, Sakon began to follow Aiko down the hallway, and Kidomaru poked his head out of his room. "What's going on, Sakon?" Kidomaru asked. "Is someone having a party or something?"
"No, it seems like Aikos returned from her mission, but something doesn't seem right," Sakon said, "We had better go and check it out."
"Okay," Kidomaru said grouchily, upset that Aiko had woken him up.
Meanwhile, Aiko was in the medical room, where she and Kabuto would operate on everyone and take care of them. Aiko laid Kimimaro down in one of the beds and she gently stroked his forehead; it was warmer.
Then, Sakon and Kidomaru came in and Aiko looked up. "Hey Aiko," Sakon said, "What's going on?"
"We have a medical emergency," Aiko explained quickly, "Listen to me, Kidomaru, you get me a cold, wet towel, Sakon, you bring me extra blankets, and hurry!"
Sakon and Kidomaru hurried as they both obediently left to get the supplies that Aiko had ordered for, as Aiko rushed over to her medical cabinet and went searching through the bottles for a remedy. She began mixing potions, as she ran over to Kimimaro and pried open his mouth, as she allowed the medicine to slide down his throat. Sakon and Kidomaru brought the towel and blankets that Aiko had asked for.
"Here you go," Sakon said, handing over the blankets to Aiko. Aiko nodded and sprawled them over Kimimaro's body.
"Yeah, here's that towel you asked for," Kidomaru said, giving the dripping wet washcloth to Aiko.
"You dummy," Aiko said, "You're supposed to wring it out!" Aiko wrung out the washcloth herself and placed it on Kimimaro's head. She then began to think of what to do.
"Hang in there Kimimaro," Aiko whispered. "I know that you can do it."
Aiko closed her eyes as she calmed herself down, and got ready to perform a powerful medical ninjutsu, that she had only needed to use on a couple occasions. She plopped yet another food pill into her mouth as she began what was going to be a long night.
"Is there anything that we can do to help?" Sakon offered.
"No, not right now," Aiko said.
"We'll stay and keep you company anyways then," Sakon said with a smile.
"Thank you," Aiko said.
Drawing in a deep breath, Aiko unzipped Kimimaro's shirt so that she could reach his chest and she then began to activate her healing jutsu. She made the sign of the tiger, the sign of the horse, tiger again, dragon, tiger, dragon, horse, dragon, and a blue glow emitted around her hands. She placed her hands on Kimimaro's chest and began to concentrate.
Hour after hour passed by; the healing jutsu was taking so long, and it was draining Aiko of nearly all of her chakra, but she kept at it, until Kimimaro's heartbeat became regular, and there was nothing left to heal. Kidomaru had left, because he was so tired, but Sakon loyally remained with Aiko until the end.
Aiko dropped to her knees, exhausted from all the intensive labor. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, and Sakon walked over to her.
"Hey Aiko, are you okay?" Sakon asked.
"Yes, I am quite alright," Aiko said, as sweat began to pour from her head. "That jutsu takes a lot out of me. I won't be able to stand for awhile. I don't have the strength."
"Here, I'll help you," Sakon said, as he took Aiko's arm and helped her to her feet. Aiko was shaking, and Sakon helped her into the hospital bed next to Kimimaro's. Aiko thanked Sakon many, many times.
"Sakon," Aiko whispered, "Thank you so much. I don't know what I would've done without you."
Scoffing Sakon said, "Well, it was nothing."
"Thank you," Aiko whispered again, "Please, tell Kidomaru that I said thank you too; and I'm sorry for snapping at you guys."
Aiko's eyelids fluttered, as Aiko tried to keep them over, but the reverse effect of the pills would not allow her to stay awake any longer and Aiko inevitably fell asleep. Her mind was fatigued beyond exhaustion.

Nappy time for Aiko! YAY! Kimimaro!
PART III
The next morning...
Stirring uncomfortably, Aiko's eyes slowly opened. Light was interfering with her sleep, and Aiko placed her arm over her eyes; she couldn't see anything because her vision was so blurred. Everything soon came into view, and four familiar faces were peering over her; Sakon, Tayuya, Jirobo, and Kidomaru were all leaning over Aiko.
"Well hello to you guys," Aiko said as she rolled over, and pulled the blankets over her brown head and nestled herself inside the blankets. "I'm tired, let me go back to sleep. What time is it anyway? It's so bright in here."
"It's noon now," Tayuya said, "Come on, wake up Aiko Chan! You have to tell us what happened on the mission earlier!"
"If she doesn't feel like talking, then let her be."
Aiko sprung up, to see Kimimaro sitting in the bed next to hers. He was sitting up, with a calm look in his green eyes. He held his hand up to his face, and he allowed his bones to grow in and out. Tayuya wrinkled her nose in revulsion. Jirobo shivered.
"Why don't you all go train?" Kimimaro said specifically to Tayuya, Sakon, Jirobo and Kidomaru. They were about to object, when Kimimaro shot the four of them a death glare that made them just want to run away. The four of them nodded, and left the room, closing the door behind them. This left Kimimaro and Aiko; alone.
Struggling to get out of bed, Aiko pulled herself out from under the blankets, and placed a foot lightly on the floor. She then slid the other foot out of bed and onto the floor. Aiko tried to stand, but she was shaking so badly; the reverse effects of the pills would be in action for a while to come. Aiko could still walk, but it would be increasingly painful and stressful on her weak body. Aiko sighed, and lay back down. She looked over at Kimimaro.
"This stinks, I can barely move and it hurts if I do," Aiko said, sighing again.
Kimimaro turned to look at Aiko. His green eyes bored into hers for a moment, and then Kimimaro beckoned to Aiko with a wave of his hand.
"Come here," Kimimaro said in almost a whisper.
Doing as she was bid, Aiko got out of bed, and went over to Kimimaro; although it strained her leg muscles terribly, and she hurt all over. Kimimaro patted the side of the bed, meaning that he wanted Aiko to sit down next to him. Aiko plopped down next to Kimimaro, and continued to stare into those into those daunting green eyes that she adored so much.
Reaching over to Aiko, Kimimaro began to stroke her long, brown hair. He took Aiko's ponytail down, allowing Aiko's hair to fall across her shoulders, and down to the middle of her back. Kimimaro ran his fingers through Aiko's hair.
Aiko did not know quite what to say. She was nervous, but excited, and she felt so close to Kimimaro now. Aiko then daringly got under the blankets with Kimimaro and she snuggled up to him.
"Mmm," Aiko murmured, as she pressed her head on Kimimaros bare chest. "I can hear your heartbeat; it's steadier now, than it was before."
Kimimaro quietly watched Aiko, and when she lifted her head up, Kimimaro kissed her lovingly and passionately. He got on top of Aiko, and began to kiss her roughly, and Aiko kissed him back, just as roughly and avidly. Aiko could feel her heart pounding in the deep chasms of her chest.
Pulling away for the briefest moment, Kimimaro looked into Aiko's eyes once again, and then he began to kiss her again; only this time he used his tongue, as he greedily pushed it up against Aikos soft lips, demanding entrance and enticement. Aiko willingly let Kimimaro in, as they began to play their own game of tongue-tag.
Kimimaro then began to work his way down Aiko's neck, and he lightly nibbled on it, and caressed it, as Aiko prepared herself for what was coming next. Kimimaros hands began to go further down her body.
Kimimaro slyly slid his hands under and up Aiko's shirt. Aiko's heart skipped a beat, as Kimimaro began to lightly massage her breasts. He fondled them avidly, pressing and pushing and such. Aiko pushed herself up against Kimimaro, and he pressed harder. Aiko moaned with satisfaction.
Audaciously, Kimimaro brought his hands down Aiko's thighs, and caressed her buttocks. Aiko breathed in and out, as Kimimaro kissed her even more enthusiastically. Aiko was surprised by Kimimaros sudden actions, but she liked it very much. It pleased her.
This went on for a while longer, before Aiko began to grow tired, with the pills affects beginning to develop steadily worse. Aiko snuggled up to Kimimaro, and fell asleep on his chest; the rhythm of his heartbeat had become her lullaby.

Heeeeeeeeeeey, wasn't that part great? *blush* /////////
Heh, heh, that was probably my favorite part...
PART IV
It was another two days before Aiko awoke, and when she remembered everything that had happened, she turned crimson red. Kimimaro was gone, and Sakon walked into the room.
"Sakon," Aiko said, "Where's Kimimaro?"
"Dunno," Sakon replied. "Why?"
"I need to talk to him," Aiko said.
Sakon smirked and said, "You know, I'm always here if you want to talk to me. But you're always so stubborn."
"What do you mean?" Aiko asked, growing defensive. Sakon wasn't acting normally.
"I don't know," Sakon said, "But you know, I've noticed something."
"What?" Aiko asked.
"Go watch Kimimaro train, and you'll see," Sakon answered, sneering.
Confused, Aiko dashed out of the house and into the training field where Kimimaro was. Aiko hid behind a rock, and listened to Kimimaro carefully...
"Tsubaki no Mai! Camellia Dance!" Kimimaro said, as he began one of his few fighting maneuvers. Aiko gasped; she had suggested that Kimimaro should call his fighting styles dances, and now he was! Aiko listened and watched closely.
"Yanagi no Mai! Willow Dance!" Kimimaro said, as he went through another dance, "Karamatsu no Mai, Larch Dance." Aiko's eyes widened; each dance had something to do with flowers too; and Aiko loved flowers! Aiko peered at Kimimaro through a bush, until he stopped.
"Aiko," Kimimaro said in a strong tone, "You can come out now; I know that you're there." Aiko sighed and she stood up and walked over to Kimimaro.
"Hello," Aiko said brightly.
"Aiko," Kimimaro said, "I have news from Lord Orochimaru."
"Yes?" Aiko asked. "What kind of news?"
"I'm going to become the new host for Lord Orochimaru," Kimimaro said.
Aiko gulped and said, "But I thought that--!" Her face went red and she looked like she was about to burst into tears. "Kimimaro, I-I don't want you to!" She buried her face in her hands and Kimimaro tilted her chin upwards.
"I wasn't serious, Aiko," Kimimaro said. "Kabuto told me to say that to you. He said that it would get you riled up and it looks like it worked. But that's not really what Lord Orochimaru said."
Half angry, and half relieved, Aiko asked puzzled, "Then what did he say?"
"We're partners now."
"What?"
"Yes, from now on, it's you and me."
Tears welled up in Aiko's eyes, as she threw her arms around Kimimaro's neck, as she kissed him over and over again, lovingly and passionately. She had never loved him more, as they kissed each other for a long, long time.
EPILOGUE
So what happened after that? Well, to make a long story short, Aiko and Kimimaro were partners for eternity, and Kimimaro never suffered from the disease, because Aiko took care of it earlier on, and Orochimaru never took on Kimimaro's body, because Aiko persuaded Orochimaru that Sasuke's body was much more suitable. Orochimaru made some crude jokes at Aiko's expense, but realized that Sasuke would probably be more useful, because Kimimaro had inevitably become more devoted to Aiko, than Orochimaru. ^_^
THE END

ALL OVER! THANKS FOR READING FOLKS! GO ONTO THE RESULTS NOW!
Didja like it? Well, I hope so; my next one shot is a Sasuke one shot called Cerulean Flames (please don't ask why the names for my stories are so random, they just are -_-'")... anyway, look forward to my next one shot and please take my poll!
For the Sasuke one shot, a girl named Kyoko, who works for Orochimaru, appears as Sasuke's partner and the story basically tells how Sasuke and Kyoko fall in love. SPOILER ALERT! The ending is rather sad! Anyway, yeah...