An Unexpected Friend (Book 1 of the Unexpected Series)

Ch. 3 - Sandy Adventures Part 2

"Jinchuuriki are feared all over the world, so it's very probable," Kakashi concluded.

"It's not fair," Kokoro said with a pout and tears. "Gaara is fun to play with! Naruto too! They didn't ask to be jinchuuriki!"

"Calm down, Koko," Kakashi said, rubbing her back and placing her head in the crook of his neck. "I'm sure they're very happy having you as a friend."

Kokoro pulled back from her dad, looked him in the eye with her own glossy orbs, and said, "You won't forbid me from seeing him?"

"I tried with Naruto and look where that got me. As long as he doesn't hurt you, I'm fine with it."

Kokoro giggled and laid on her dad's chest. She listened to his heartbeat and was lulled to sleep. When Kakashi deemed her asleep, he carefully laid her next to him and shut off the light, engulfing the room in darkness. He sighed and gazed at his daughter. He wondered if she would react the same way at every single injustice in the world. It was good for her character, but things weren't always black and white. Some things you couldn't change or fix. He hoped she learned that soon.

The next morning, Kokoro was woken up by a knock on the door. She opened her eyes to see her dad doing push-ups in the corner of the room. He had most of his uniform on - his jacket was still hanging on the back of the desk chair - and his shoes on. She pushed up from the bed, alerting her dad that she was up. He stopped his activities and ushered her into the bathroom to get ready for the day. While she was in the bathroom, she heard the door open and voices conversing quietly. She walked out of the bathroom and was greeted by her dad's smiling eye.

"We've been invited to breakfast," he said. Kokoro cheered and grabbed Kakashi's hand to pull him out of the room. She made it all the way to the end of the hallway when she realized she forgot where the dining room was. She hesitated at the corner and turned to her dad with pleading eyes. He chuckled and led them through the building and to a set of open doors. Kokoro spotted Gaara immediately and rushed to the empty chair next to him.

"Kokoro," a voice stopped her. She gulped and turned to face the Kazekage. "Why don't you sit next to Kankuro today."

He gestured to an empty seat in the middle of Kankuro and Temari. She frowned. She didn't want to sit next to them. They were mean to her friend and let other people bully him even though he was their younger brother. She looked at her dad for help, but all she got was a pointed stare. Her shoulders slumped and she slowly walked towards the seat. She perked up when she realized it was across from Gaara's seat. She smiled at him and he returned it with fervor. Her dad sat next to Gaara, close to the Kazekage, and Kokoro made it a point to stare him down. It was her way of telling him to be nice to her new friend.

"How was your sleep? I hope your temporary living quarters were up to par," the Kazekage made small talk.

"Yes, the room was sufficient," Kakashi said.

"Good. And you, Kokoro?"

"The bed was comfy," was all she said as she dug into her food. She was hungry and didn't feel like waiting until they were done with formalities. Beside her, Kankuro laughed under his breath. He caught her eye and smirked. She looked away. It was quiet in the dining room as the six of them ate. Kokoro made it a point to stuff her face to avoid talking with Kankuro. She could tell he wanted to say something by the wandering glances he gave her. When mostly everyone was done eating, the Kazekage cleared his throat.

"Kakashi, we best be going," he said as he stood up from his spot. Kakashi nodded his head and mirrored his actions. The Kazekage paused in the doorway and looked back at Kokoro.

"Why don't you spend the day with Kankuro. I'm sure he'd enjoy your presence," he said. By the gleam in his eyes, Kokoro knew it wasn't a suggestion. It was an order. She lowered her head and twiddled her thumbs. She wanted to spend the day with Gaara again. And she didn't want to leave him by himself. He looked so sad when he was standing by himself while Kokoro tried to get away from the bully. Kankuro pushed back in his chair and stood up. He grabbed Kokoro's hand and pulled her out of her chair.