A random idea I came up with while working on the other story.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
"I want you to be my daddy!"
Gaara stared curiously at the distress six year-old girl. Not even a minute ago, she interrupted the meeting to hug Gaara as tightly as she could. Her father tried to get her to leave but Gaara said he would talk to the young child in the hall.
Gaara stated as calmly and as kindly as he could, "But Himawari, you already have a father who loves you-"
"Then tell me why he stopped looking at me!" When the Kazekage remained silent, Himawari continued, "Ever since Mommy died he has spent less time with me and Boruto to where we don't see him at all during the day."
A few months ago Hinata had died from the same illness that killed her own mother. She won't be to congratulate Boruto when he passes the Chunin Exams when he is of age or watch Himawari attend school when she is of age.
"Grandpa Iruka is the one that makes sure we are doing what we are supposed to. When he is home, he barely talks to me and doesn't look at me when he does. He comes to eat supper sometimes but after he does he leaves for the office-"
"Himawari," Gaara soothed the girl, "there is no guarantees I can give you more attention than Naruto does. I am busy too as a Kage."
"But 'Mari said when it becomes a certain time you go home," Himari argued, having her facts straight. "She says you take your work home so you can have time with your siblings."
Gaara paused. Why was Temari talking to this young girl about something like that? Gaara only sighed as he came to a conclusion, "I will talk to Naruto when I go back to the meeting. If it appears that he might not change his ways, then I will bring up the idea of me adopting you. He can't make a valid argument then I will adopt you regardless of him opposing."
Himawari smiled for the first time since her mother's death and wiped away her tears. That was when Iruka finally found her because she disappeared on him. After giving Gaara a hug, she went with Iruka who escorted her out of the building.
Gaara walked back into the meeting room, but Naruto bombarded, "How did it go with Himawari? Were you able to calm her down?"
Gaara disregarded the question as he sat back in his designated spot. "You know...if you were to change her eyes, and remove her whiskers, she looks almost identical to her mother." The next question Naruto was about to ask died in his throat as he stared down at his desk in grief. Noticing his reaction, Gaara continued, "Is that why you stopped looking at her."
Naruto kept himself silent as he moved his face to where Gaara couldn't see his reaction. Finally, Gaara told the truth, "Himawari asked me to adopt her."
Naruto hesitated before asking, "Are you?"
"By the way you're acting, I most likely will unless you do something about it."
Naruto only sighed in anguish. "I think you adopting her would be best for everyone."
Two Years Later:
Gaara closed the door gently behind him as he heard young foot steps running toward him. They stopped abruptly at the living room entrance as a little girl exclaimed happily, "You're home early, Daddy!"
Gaara chuckled as the girl jumped into his arms. He kissed her cheek as he explained, "I finished my work a couple hours early and I stopped by the store to get you a present."
"A present!" The little girl repeated happily. "But what for?"
"It's been two years since you've became my little girl. I thought we should celebrate."
The little girl kissed the red mark on his head before hugging him tightly. "I love you, Daddy!"
Gaara embraced her back as he returned her kiss to her forehead. "I love you too, Himawari."
