/ / / HOPE / / /
Disclaimer: I don't own 'Naruto' and I don't make any money from these writings.
Warnings: yaoi, domestic violence, AU, eventual incest.
Pairings: At first KankuroxKiba but eventually GaaraxKankuro.
Summary: Kankuro's abusive boyfriend is beating him up in fits of jealous rage. Gaara is worried but what can he do? At first KankuroxKiba but eventually GaaraxKankuro. AU, VIOLENCE, SANDCEST/INCEST.
A/N: It is not totally clear to my why my stories always tend to have elements of abuse and violence, and this story will not be an exception to that rule. Enjoy – if that's your cup of tea.
The characters might be a bit OOC (especially Kankuro). I wanted to write a cute fluffy KankuGaa story (including lemon), but of course things spiraled out of control: I wanted it to be (somewhat) believable, I needed a plot, and before I knew it this story had reached its 33+K words length. It was too long to be released as a one-shot, so I divided it into four chapters.
This whole story was written within a week. I was like a maniac, fingers glued to the keyboard. ^_^ I've felt quite depressed lately, but now I feel the winds are changing and I'm hopefully heading up. There's nothing like writing a bit of violence and abuse to put anyone into a good mood, lol. Heh I'm kidding (right?).
/ / /
Chapter 1
/ / /
It was an early, rainy morning and most people were still happily in their homes, sleeping or getting ready for the day's work. On the lonely and empty streets, in the middle of autumn's dull grayness, a small figure was walking hurriedly.
With his black umbrella, Gaara was heading home from the bus stop when his cell phone suddenly rang.
"Hello," he answered without looking who the caller was. At first, nothing could be heard from the other end of the line but silent sobbing. Surprised, he checked who was calling him.
"Kankuro?" Gaara asked, now worried. What was wrong?
"Gaara . . ." came a silent reply, then more sobbing.
"What's wrong?" Gaara asked, pressing the cell phone closer to his ear so that he could hear his brother's voice better.
"Could you . . . Could you come over? Right now?" the voice in the other end asked.
"Of course! I was just getting home from my night shift. I'll be there in fifteen minutes," Gaara promised and made a U-turn towards the bus stop. The next bus to Kankuro's district would leave in five minutes.
"Okay . . . Thanks. Bye," came a feeble voice, then came the beeping of the line signaling that the call was over.
After that, only the humming of the rain could be heard, reminding Gaara unpleasantly about his brother's sobbing.
/ / /
Gaara got on the bus after a few minutes of waiting, happy that his red Converse shoes weren't wet—yet. As he sat down onto the bus bench, a grim expression came back to his face. He couldn't get Kankuro's sobby voice out of his mind. What on earth could've gotten his brother in a state like that? It was so out of ordinary for Kankuro to be anything else than happy . . .
Not more than in ten minutes Gaara was on the familiar district and got out of the bus. He walked hurriedly to an old apartment building and after entering via an annoyingly creaking front door, he went straight into the elevator. The buttons were old and worn-off, just like the whole building was, but Gaara knew that his brother couldn't afford better. Without hesitation, he pushed the button which read '3' and in no time, he was on the right floor.
For a brief moment, he stood behind the familiar door of his brother's apartment, as if memorizing the worn-off texture of the wooden surface. Everything in this building was old, reminding Gaara how his brother never minded about it. Then, after bracing himself for whatever was waiting for him, he rang the doorbell.
After a few seconds, the door to a small three room apartment opened and a wary looking man peeked out, as if afraid of opening the door further.
"Hello Kankuro, I came as fast as I could," Gaara said warmly yet a hint of worry could be detected in his voice.
"Come on in," Kankuro said quietly, his voice sore probably because of crying. Even though his sad voice didn't let it out, he was very happy that his younger brother was here to see him.
After the door closed, Gaara turned to Kankuro and whispered almost inaudibly, "Is he here?"
For an answer Kankuro only shook his head. Then he said silently, "He just left for work an hour ago."
"Good. I thought it would be better if we were alone," Gaara said, feeling the need to talk now that the brunette was so silent. Usually it was Kankuro who did the talking but today, the brunette seemed to have fallen quite silent.
In the silence, Gaara put his wet umbrella into the corner to dry and took off his shoes. Luckily, they were still dry despite the heavy raining. Lastly, he took off his black, velvet jacket and hung it onto the rack.
"Would you like to have something? Like tea?" Kankuro asked quietly, leading the way to the kitchen. "You must be cold. It's been raining the whole morning."
"I could have some tea if it's no problem," Gaara accepted.
As Kankuro concentrated in preparing the tea, Gaara took his time to take in the other man's appearance. Kankuro's naturally messy brown hair was now even messier than usually and under his eyes were dark circles from staying up too late in the night. The older brother was wearing only a pair of black pajama pants and a worn rock band T-shirt, attire Gaara wasn't used to seeing. Usually when they met Kankuro was dressed up properly and his hair was combed.
"You look like a mess," Gaara couldn't help but comment.
"Yeah I do," Kankuro said and tried to laugh it off. He had been awake almost the whole night and in the morning, he had been too tired to even take a shower.
"No but really, what's wrong? You sounded awfully depressed on the phone," Gaara said in a concerned voice.
"It's about Kiba . . ."
"Kiba?" Gaara asked, curious.
He didn't like the 22-year-old very much, even though he never showed his dislike straight to him. Kankuro knew of his dislike, but it was their secret. Ever since his brother and Kiba had started going out, Gaara had thought that something funny was going on. Sure Kankuro was happier than ever but whenever Gaara called his brother and Kiba answered, the boy only said that Kankuro couldn't come to the phone. From what Gaara knew, sometimes Kiba had even told Kankuro not to meet his brother so often, or at all.
Gaara didn't know what Kiba had against him, but whenever the three of them were together, Kiba let him somehow know that he wasn't wanted around. Sometimes Gaara had talked with one of Kankuro's friends, Shino, and the boy had had similar experiences—Kiba didn't seem to want anyone around Kankuro.
"What about Kiba?" Gaara asked, curious to know what the link was between that guy and the fact that his brother was suddenly this depressed.
"You remember when I told you yesterday that I was going to see Shino?" Kankuro started with a question. He didn't look at his little brother but the full tea cups that were now ready to be served.
"Yeah," Gaara answered and followed Kankuro as he took the tea cups to the living room coffee table.
"I told Kiba I was going to be home at 8 p.m. but me and Shino were playing Tekken, so I didn't notice the time fly by and so I wasn't home until 10:30 p.m.," Kankuro explained, sitting on the couch next to Gaara and staring into his tea cup.
"Yeah," Gaara said, willing his brother to continue.
When Kankuro didn't continue but looked even more depressed, Gaara couldn't help but get even more worried.
"What happened then?"
"I . . . When I came home Kiba was very upset with me and he wanted to know what we had been doing. He asked if we'd been . . . f-fucking and I said of course we hadn't. I would never do that to him! When I told him that we had been playing video games the whole time, he . . ." Kankuro trailed off.
"He what?" Gaara asked, concerned.
"He h-hit me," Kankuro said, his voice cracking. "And then he hit me again, and again . . . " the brunette continued, his voice trailing off where his sobbing started. Heavy raindrops hit the window just then and he felt like even the heavens were crying with him. He put the tea cup back to the coffee table and wiped his eyes, ashamed that he had been beaten up by his own boyfriend.
"Oh no!" Gaara exclaimed and put an arm around Kankuro's sobbing form. His skin burned temptingly where their bodies touched but he suppressed his thoughts, like on so many times before. He knew he was sick for feeling like this around his brother and besides, now was not the time for these feelings.
"You've got to tell the police!" Gaara said, confused about what would be the right thing to say. "Violence is always a crime."
"No!" Kankuro said through the sobs. "It's too shameful! They'd only laugh at me!"
"No one would laugh at you, I'm sure about that," Gaara assured and hugged Kankuro tighter.
"Yes they would! I'm 24 and they would only say that can't I defend myself," Kankuro cried, hiding his eyes behind his hands. This was all just too shameful but his little brother was the only person in the world who he could tell about this.
"I know you can defend yourself—"
"But it's not about that!" Kankuro interrupted. "I didn't want to defend myself, not when he did it. I kinda felt like deserving it, anyways . . ."
"Why would you feel like that, Kankuro? You didn't cheat Kiba in any way," Gaara said, his voice soft but his eyes holding even softer gaze. He was this caring towards no one else than his brother. His lovely brother . . .
"But I'm unemployed, STILL. And because I didn't call Kiba that I would be home later," Kankuro sobbed quietly.
"Well you didn't notice the time fly by, it's not your fault. If anything, it should be Kiba who should understand you. And it's not your fault you haven't got a job yet, there are many people who have lost their jobs because of this financial crisis," Gaara soothed his brother. His hand caressed Kankuro's back while his other hand held the brunette's hand.
"Whatever Kiba says, you didn't deserve it," Gaara continued soothingly.
"But he says I did!" Kankuro cried again.
"Well then he's wrong!" Gaara corrected. "I'm here for you, and you can trust that whatever I say is true. You didn't deserve the beating, no one would."
". . . Thanks," Kankuro whimpered through the sobs. His eyes were red and puffy because of all the crying.
"Anytime," Gaara whispered, still caressing the brunette's back.
". . . He hit me where no one would see the bruises," Kankuro suddenly told and pulled up his shirt. On his sides and stomach were large bruises, showing where Kiba's fists had hit him.
Tenderly, Gaara touched one of the bruises, a feather-light touch. "Do they hurt?" he asked.
"Yeah," Kankuro replied.
Gaara felt his cheeks grow warmer at the light touch. It was a shame how Kankuro's beautifully bulky body was now covered in ugly, wrongful bruises. Gaara would've wanted to touch more, to make Kankuro feel good, but he didn't dare. He wouldn't be able to tell when a touch meant as brotherly comfort would turn into an incestuous one, and in Kankuro's fragile state, he didn't want to confuse the brunette even more.
"You've got such a beautiful body," Gaara blurted out and once he realized what he'd said, he froze.
"What?" Kankuro asked, surprised, and pulled his shirt down again to cover his bruised body. His cheeks were tinted with pink as he thought about the words.
"I mean . . . It's so shame that you're covered in bruises because . . . I'm sorry," Gaara finished and looked at his lap, too ashamed to meet his brother's gaze.
"Nevermind," Kankuro muttered and stood up, collecting the now empty tea cups. He knew Gaara said sometimes things in a funny or weird way but now he felt like he needed to get out of the room.
Gaara got up, too and followed Kankuro into the kitchen. The raindrops were still hitting on the windows, their sound the only thing in the now quiet apartment.
"You've got to leave him," Gaara said and broke the uncomfortable silence.
"No," was Kankuro's instant reply. He put the dishes onto the sink to wait for later washing.
"What do you mean no, he's hurting you!" Gaara defended his point. He couldn't understand what could possibly keep Kankuro from leaving Kiba.
"I love him . . ." Kankuro whispered as he turned to face his little brother.
"But he clearly doesn't know how to show love, he's dangerous!" Gaara went on, even though a hurt expression came to Kankuro's face because of his words.
"He's not as bad as you think. I know he has his moments of jealousy but otherwise he's okay and very nice," Kankuro defended his boyfriend.
"Besides, I have no one else . . ." Kankuro trailed off, staring into the distance.
Kiba was a safe rock in the sea of life and with all he got, he clung onto him. At least Kiba got a proper job and he got paid well, and in the bed, the younger male was a real gentleman even though the dominance was sometimes too much for him. Not that he had anything against being on the bottom but he didn't like being tied up or otherwise restrained.
"You have me," Gaara reminded, his jade eyes shining with brotherly love. "And I will never leave you or let you down. You will always have me," Deep down, Gaara wished he could be something more than just a brother but his rational side always quickly doomed those burning wishes.
"I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that," Kankuro apologized. Gaara had always been there for him and more than anything else in the world, he loved his little brother.
"Don't apologize, it's alright," Gaara waved the apology off. "But Kankuro, I'm worried about you and I wonder if you should spend a couple of nights at my place, away from Kiba."
"No thanks, it'll be alright. After Kiba . . . hurt me, he cried and said he was sorry. He promised never to do it again," Kankuro said quietly, staring into the distance.
". . . But you're still hurt and the hurt won't go away even though he'd apologize a hundred of times," Gaara said, giving a stern look to the brunette.
"You're right. But we're staying together. And we have this apartment and all," Kankuro mused. Besides, Kiba paid their rent because he had no job. Without Kiba, he would be living on the streets or worse. Or at least so he thought.
"You could live with me, I have a job. And if you wanted, you could still go out with Kiba if he had proven to be trusted," Gaara said, doubting the young male's trustworthiness. "That way you would be safer than now."
"No, I'll be fine. Besides, I don't want to burden you," Kankuro said.
"It wouldn't be trouble at all, believe me when I say so," Gaara argued back.
"But I'm staying here, the end of story," Kankuro finished their conversation. He knew Gaara only meant well but in this business, no one could help him. Kiba loved him, he had said so yesterday many times, that was all that mattered.
"You should go now," Kankuro said after a brief silence as he looked at the clock.
"Why? Are you driving me away because of my opinions?" Gaara asked playfully. He wasn't playful around anyone else except his brother.
"No, but Kiba will be home in a couple of hours because he's having a short morning shift. I don't think you want to see him right now," Kankuro answered.
"Or maybe I should stay so that I could beat him up the second I see him," Gaara huffed, ready to defend his brother's pride.
"I wouldn't let you do that and you know it. Besides, shouldn't you go to sleep after that night shift you just had?" Kankuro asked, ruffling Gaara's hair.
"Alright, maybe I should go then. But please, call me if you're in trouble, or come to visit me. Please. It won't burden me at all," Gaara pleaded on their way to the door. He just wanted Kankuro's best, that's all.
"I will," Kankuro promised, even though he knew he wouldn't be in trouble anymore.
Kiba had promised never to hurt him again.
And as Kankuro thought about that, a golden ray of sun penetrated the grey clouds outside, streaming inside from the kitchen window.
/ / /
After getting home, Gaara slumped onto the bed in his small one-room apartment.
He was dead tired, after working for ten hours in the 24h open grocery store and then spending a few hours in the company of his big brother, no matter how much he'd enjoyed the latter.
He glanced around, noticing that his apartment looked like a mess. Oh boys, just what he needed. So before he could get to sleep he would have to clean up, for being a relatively tidy person, he refused to sleep in a trashy room.
Taking a vacuum cleaner out of the cleaning cupboard, he got to the task at hand.
After two more hours, his one-room apartment looked a lot tidier. No more dust and dirt on the just-washed floors, and the undetermined heaps of clothes that had lain on the corner just moments ago, were now tidily put into a wardrobe.
After this huge achievement, Gaara slumped onto the bed again and admired his work . . . until his eyes caught the sight on the sink: a pile of dirty dishes waiting to be washed.
Damn, Gaara thought and decided to do it later. Now he was so tired that he had no energy to do such a thing. His stomach grumbled, telling him he should eat, for the last meal he had had was over fourteen hours ago.
But he didn't, for he remembered that Kankuro had once told him that skinny boys were beautiful. Like Kiba, he was rather thin. Gaara knew that he himself was thin, too but not skinny enough. So he skipped the meal, hoping that one day, Kankuro would notice him.
His eyelids were like lead by now and slowly, they closed, allowing Gaara to go into the realm of dreams.
The last rational thought he had was how Kankuro was doing at the moment. Hopefully, everything was fine.
/ / /
In the past hours, the raining had only increased and it had even thundered a couple of times. Kankuro was worried that Kiba might get wet on his way back home, for the younger brunette had a tendency to forget things like umbrellas.
Not long after these thoughts, there were noises from the front door and soon in walked a familiar man.
"I'm home!" Kiba yelled happily as he entered the apartment. He put his wet umbrella on the hallway table—he hadn't forgotten it after all—and soon, his boyfriend emerged from the kitchen.
"What took you so long? I was getting worried," Kankuro greeted him, a smile on his face. Gaara had left about an hour or two ago.
"I had to work overtime, sorry honey," Kiba explained and gave his boyfriend a kiss. "I missed you, babe."
"I missed you too," Kankuro said happily, pleased that his lover was in a good mood. Every time he moved, the bruises hurt but he ignored the pain. Now everything was well and it was all that mattered.
After getting off his black Converse shoes, Kiba went to their bedroom to change off his uncomfortable work clothes and spoke from there. "God I was so horny at work! It was hell!"
"I see," Kankuro replied from the kitchen. He had to raise his voice so that Kiba could hear him. "You want some action tonight?"
"Oh do I!" Kiba said enthusiastically as he now entered the kitchen. With him, he carried handcuffs. To him, restraining his partner was a turn-on and tonight, he wanted to make their evening special. He was still sorry for what he'd done to Kankuro last night and thought that some good sex would make everything up.
"I bet you do," Kankuro managed to say before the eager younger male sealed their lips into a passionate kiss. "Mmh . . ." Kankuro moaned, feeling himself hardening. Sooner than he could even notice, Kiba had guided his hands behind his back and handcuffed them.
"Hey!" Kankuro exclaimed after he noticed his restraints. To him, handcuffs were a turn-off.
"I thought you'd like them, bitch" Kiba talked dirty, getting even hornier than before.
"Ah . . ." Kankuro gasped and blushed as Kiba pushed him against the sink, their hardened members pressing against each other. Kankuro didn't like to be called dirty names but he let it be, thinking that maybe if Kiba got his way the good mood wouldn't be broken.
But it was then that Kiba noticed the two empty tea cups on the sink.
"Who was here?" Kiba barked instantly, his eyes narrowing and the love-filled gaze turning into an accusing one.
"Was it Shino?" he growled, suddenly gripping Kankuro by the T-shirt.
"What? N-No," Kankuro stuttered, caught off guard by his lover's sudden change in demeanor. He hadn't expected Kiba to mind if he had guests.
"You're lying! I bet it was Shino," Kiba said in an accusing voice and jerked Kankuro to the floor. Jealously burned inside of him as he remembered how not too long ago, his previous partner had cheated on him.
An 'oof' escaped through Kankuro's lips as he hit the floor with his side. The bruises on his body hurt like hell but he tried to ignore it, taking the pain like a real man should. He was lying on his side on the floor, muttering quietly, "It wasn't Shino . . ."
"Then who was it?" Kiba asked, putting his foot on top of Kankuro's shoulder.
"It was Gaara," Kankuro answered truthfully, hoping that this little show would be soon over. He was scared now and because of his restraints, he felt even more vulnerable than yesterday.
"Did you tell him?" Kiba asked angrily, putting more weight to the foot that lay on top of Kankuro.
"Tell him what?" Kankuro asked, trying to play dumb. Maybe it would end this fight.
"Don't lie to me, you know what I mean. You always tell him everything, don't you," Kiba spat the words, jealous of Kankuro and Gaara's special bond.
"I didn't," Kankuro lied, hoping Kiba would buy it.
But he had no such luck. It didn't take even two seconds before the first kick landed on his stomach, knocking the air out of him.
"Ouch!" Kankuro cried, tears coming to his eyes. It hurt like hell but he tried his best not to show it. Maybe this really was what he deserved . . .
"You liar!" Kiba yelled in rage, kicking again. "You lying slut! You fuck everyone behind my back, don't you!?" He was sure of it, it had to be so. Sai had been like that, too, so why would Kankuro be any different?
"No, I would never—aah!" Kankuro said as the third kick landed on his stomach. Tears streamed down his eyes not only because of the physical hurt, but because of the emotional hurt, too. How could Kiba think he cheated on him, when he practically adored him, worshipped him.
"I l-lov—" Kankuro tried but couldn't finish as the fourth kick hit his stomach. It was then he tasted copper in his mouth and right after that he coughed blood, spitting the stuff onto the floor.
"I know you cheat on me, that's why you were so happy that I had to stay so late at work," Kiba said, gripping Kankuro's now bloody white T-shirt and lifting him to a sitting position.
"No! I was happy because you came home!" Kankuro explained hurriedly, still coughing some blood. Please, no more hurting, no more, Kankuro prayed, tears pouring down from his eyes down to his wet cheeks.
"I . . . I'm so sorry h-honey," Kiba started to cry as he looked at his lover's bloody and wet face. How could he do such a thing to another person? But his confusion was overcome with anger, as the rage of jealousy hadn't still left him, and the haunting memories of Sai still plagued his mind.
"It's o-okay I forgi—Aah!" Kankuro yelled as a fist landed on his very sore stomach. Why God, why? he thought, hot tears streaming down his cheeks. What had he done to deserve this?
"I'm so sorry I hurt you again," Kiba cried, his face now almost as wet as Kankuro's. What had he done again? He was a . . . monster! But he couldn't help himself, not when he was so scared that Kankuro would actually betray him.
"I l-love you . . ." Kankuro managed, for the pain in his stomach was affecting his ability of speech.
"I love you too, you know that don't you?" Kiba sobbed, now hugging Kankuro. "I'm sorry babe, so sorry!" he whispered into the older brunette's ear. "Will you ever forgive me?"
"Of course," Kankuro whispered back, sobbing. Tears still burned in his eyes and his stomach hurt like hell.
"But you know . . . you kinda deserved this, for not telling me that Gaara was here," Kiba started, as he looked into Kankuro's beautifully black eyes.
"What?" Kankuro asked in a rasped voice, his eyes widening in surprise. What was Kiba talking about? Only today, Gaara had told him that none of this was his fault.
"If you had told me straight away that Gaara had been here, I wouldn't have needed to doubt you, dear," Kiba reasoned. "You know how paranoid I am, I can't help it."
"I know you can't," Kankuro said lovingly, for he adored his lover. Kiba was the best thing that had happened to him in a long time. Being bullied in the middle school and high school for being gay, no one had been interested in him. People had only avoided him and called him names. Only when he had turned 23 he had met Kiba at some party, and the younger male had fallen for him instantly. Such attention from Kiba had raised his self-respect dramatically, and soon after, they had moved in to live together.
"It's not your fault. I understand you," Kankuro whispered and looked at Kiba affectionately. Kiba was his first boyfriend, his first lover ever, and he didn't want to lose him.
"Thanks, you're a great person, Kankuro," Kiba said, tears coming to his eyes as he thought how noble and understanding his boyfriend was. From the moment he'd seen Kankuro for the first time, he'd known that they were made for each other. He had just broken up with Sai, and the fact that Kankuro had accepted his love had meant a world to him.
"I . . . I l-love you," Kankuro whispered, his black, friendly eyes shining like stars.
"I love you too, honey," Kiba answered, and kissed the last of Kankuro's tears away.
It was the sweetest thing Kiba had done to Kankuro, and so the older brunette smiled, happily. Kiba was sometimes so sensitive and even romantic, and it made Kankuro love his boyfriend even more.
"You won't leave me, please . . . " Kiba suddenly whimpered, his eyes filling with unshed tears. Kankuro meant a world to him, he couldn't lose the brunette. Even though he couldn't control his jealousy sometimes, it didn't mean he couldn't change.
"I would never," Kankuro said, leaning in and kissing Kiba on the cheek. If he had his hands free, he would've dried the tears that were in his lover's eyes. Kiba was really one of the best things in his life. Still, in some nightmares, he heard his bullies' voices: "Get him, he's a fag!" or "Don't stop hitting him," or even "You like it, don't you little cocksucker." And the last one was officially Kankuro's worst memory, and whenever he saw nightmares about it, he woke up all sweaty and screaming.
But after he had met Kiba, the nightmares had eased a bit. So in a way, Kiba was his savior.
"And I'd never leave you, babe," Kiba said, smiling shyly. He then remembered the handcuffs and took them off, freeing Kankuro's hands.
It still rained heavily outside and the large water drops drummed against the window. There was no sunshine but Kankuro knew that behind all those dark clouds, the sun still shone down on them.
/ / /
It was his day off. He sighed deeply and relished for it. He was lying on his bed, looking at the ceiling, at the streaks of sunlight that flooded into his tiny apartment.
Gaara's happy indolence was interrupted, however, when somebody rang the doorbell.
Hastily, he got up and walked to the door ― it was only a couple of long steps given how small this place was. He straightened his shirt, and it was only then it crossed his mind what he was wearing: a tight tank top and boxer briefs. He was about to go back and find something less . . . revealing, when the doorbell rang again.
With some sort of urgency, he went to the door however and opened it.
"Hi, is it a bad time?" Kankuro asked as he glanced at him from head to toe.
"No, come on in," Gaara said. He dismissed his earlier thoughts of finding something more decent to wear. Kankuro didn't think of him like that, so there was no need to cover up.
They walked into his living room, which was also his bedroom and a kitchen. Convenient how these modern, cramped residences that architects seemed to love could wrap all of life's necessities into one single room.
"So. . . Kiba let you out of the house?" Gaara asked, as they sat down on his unmade bed.
"Of course," Kankuro said instantly, looking at him with a slight defiance. "He's not like that."
Gaara knew the younger male was exactly like that. Nevertheless, he was happy to see his brother, so he didn't want to bring up his well-known opinions this time.
"Has he been behaving well lately?" Gaara asked.
"Yeah . . . " Kankuro replied, his voice confident but something in his eyes had changed. And soon, the big brother was looking elsewhere.
Gaara frowned a bit, and studied his brother for a moment. His black clothes covered up everything but his face and hands, and on that exposed area of skin, he couldn't see any marks of domestic violence.
"Maybe it was a one-time lapse, then," he pondered aloud, searching his brother's face.
"It was." And now Kankuro looked at him again, his eyes matching the confidence his voice had. "I told you he's a good guy."
"I know," Gaara replied, once again deciding to keep his opinions to himself.
Kankuro was still staring at him, and his expression had softened. The rays of sunlight flooding into the room almost competed with the caring look on his face. Suddenly, Gaara felt so bare under that stare, and he became once again aware of his scarce clothing.
"Thanks for caring," Kankuro spoke with a gentle voice. "I know you're worried. You don't have to be."
"Move in with me," the redhead replied, surprising himself, too. His thoughts had come out weird once again, and judging by the confused look on his brother's face, he thought so, too.
Kankuro glanced around the tiny apartment. His gaze moved from the TV in the corner to the kitchenette on the other wall, to a cramped closet and a drawer placed next to a window, and finally, his gaze stopped to the bed they were currently sitting on. It was large enough for two, but because of that, there was no room for a sofa in here.
With a brotherly smile, he turned to his little brother. "How would the two of us fit in here, anyway?"
"I'm almost always at work, so you'd have the place to yourself for the most of the time," Gaara explained. It was nice that Kankuro had spared a thought to his silly idea, even though he knew his brother would never move in with him.
"What about at night. Where would I sleep?" Kankuro asked, once again looking around for that non-existent sofa.
"Well," Gaara began, mastering his best monotonous voice. For the most of the time, people seemed to assume he was some emotionless, reserved non-human asexual. That idea was stupid and far from the truth, but at moments like this, he adopted that assumed persona rather gladly.
"The bed is wide enough for two."
"Haha, yeah," Kankuro laughed like a big brother amused by the silliness of his younger sibling. "But don't you think it'd be weird for adult brothers to sleep next to each other?"
"No," Gaara replied truthfully, with a top notch impassive voice. He wouldn't mind it, at all.
"I'll keep your offer in mind," the big brother smiled, and instantly the redhead knew that never in a million years would his brother take his offer into any consideration.
"By the way," Gaara changed the topic. "I talked to Shino the other day. I bumped into him on my way to work. He told me he hasn't seen you for a long time."
"Yeah, that's true," Kankuro said, shrugging casually. "We've both been busy."
"He told me you haven't even called him, since . . ."
"I told you I've been busy," the brunette said calmly, but the undertone in his voice carried a slight nuance of annoyance.
"He has tried to call you," Gaara told, and now his brother was looking elsewhere, again.
"He has?" the brunette asked, like it was a surprise to him.
"He has. Many times. Why haven't you answered?" the redhead asked, waiting for his brother to meet his eyes, but it didn't happen.
"I haven't been near the phone," Kankuro explained.
"I see," Gaara accepted, still keenly studying his brother. In a comforting manner, he put his other arm around his brother's waist and pulled him into a brotherly sideways hug.
Kankuro tensed, his lips a tight, grave line and his breath caught in his throat.
"Are you okay?" Gaara asked in worry.
"Yep, never better," the big brother said, pulling the redhead into his arms and hugging him back.
Gaara noticed that the tenseness never left the brunette, instead his movements seemed to be restrained and forced. He broke free from the hug and stared at Kankuro.
"He's hurt you again, hasn't he?" Gaara asked with a raised voice.
"No . . ." Kankuro denied, looking at his brother like he had just said the most absurd thing in the world.
"He has," Gaara said, desperation and anger rising in him. He took a hold of the hem of Kankuro's shirt and pulled it up, revealing the tanned, well-toned torso that was―
"Gaara!" Kankuro exclaimed, pulling down his shirt and scooting away. There was a slight pink hue on his cheeks that didn't quite go together with the angry look in his coal-black eyes.
"There are bruises!" the redhead almost yelled, coming closer. "You've got to leave him!"
"No!" Kankuro said sternly and got up. "He said this is the last time. He won't do it again."
"Didn't he say that the . . . last time?" Gaara asked with a grave voice.
"Look, I know," Kankuro admitted, the anger slightly vanishing from his figure. "But he promised, and I trust him."
"No," Gaara began, shaking his head. "No," he repeated again, standing up, too. He looked at his brother in the eyes pleadingly. "No, Kankuro. You have to leave him. He won't change."
"But he will, you just don't know him. He . . . he's had a hard life, and because of that, he tends to overreact sometimes," Kankuro explained. "But he said he will change, because―"
"Because he loves you," Gaara finished the sentence.
"Yes," the brunette said, a little smile-like expression ghosting on his lips. "He loves me."
Gaara shook his head in exasperation. He wanted to help his brother out of this situation. That pitiful scumbag with over-eager fists would be the end of Kankuro, if he couldn't figure out a way to intervene in some way. Why did his brother so willingly refuse to see the facts?
"I know it might be hard for you to see where I'm coming from," Kankuro spoke, "But once you experience such unconditional love from someone, you'll understand. I know Kiba has his minor flaws, but he's trying, he really is."
"Look," Gaara replied patiently. "There are other people in the world who would be interested in you."
"Like who?" Kankuro asked, confused, rising his eyebrow.
Like me, Gaara thought to himself, lowering his gaze. He was aware of his brother's low self-esteem and the scars the bullies had left on his fragile psyche. It was not totally Kankuro's fault that he now clung onto the first guy who had shown romantic interest in him. With a sigh, Gaara shook his head, driving away his stupid feelings once again, and met his brother's questioning stare.
"I'm sure a lot of people would love you. Your goodheartedness and loyalty are something special, not to mention your sense of humor," the redhead told, holding his brother's hands in his.
"Thanks," Kankuro smiled faintly.
His brother's words warmed up his mind, and it was nice someone thought he had all those qualities. Still, his little brother did not truly know the depth of his scars, and how hard it was for him to connect with other people. Kiba had been an exception straight from the beginning. No one else had ever lifted his spirits like him, and the occasional overreactions wouldn't change the fact.
He knew Kiba had been stressed out lately, with his parents and because of workplace dynamics, too. He loved him, and he wanted to support him, and that was why he didn't want to cause him any extra worry. And if that meant staying out of contact with Shino, then be it.
/ / /
At home, Kiba was watching television. The soft clink of plates carried from the kitchen, then the sound of running water. His beloved Kankuro was doing the dishes, after making him a delicious dinner. They had agreed that since Kankuro was unemployed, he should do all the housework around here. That would keep him busy during daytime, too.
When he had been coming home from work, he had seen something from the corner of his eye. At first, he had dismissed it and thought it was just a mix-up.
But then, he had taken a few steps back and looked again.
Through the window of the coffee shop, he had seen Kankuro and Shino sitting at a table, laughing and having a good time. They were even toasting their coffee cups in the air.
And now, his beloved brunette was humming quietly, once again unaware of his presence. From behind, he entwined his arms around him, his touch so demanding and hungry that it made the older male tense and then wince. The bruises were still hurting, it seemed.
"I love you," Kiba breathed, resting his chin on his boyfriend's shoulder.
"I love you, too," Kankuro whispered, pressing his cheek against Kiba's. This moment felt nice, even though the reminder of his aching bruises made him a bit nervous.
"Thanks for the wonderful meal," Kiba said affectionately, breathing into his ear. The whisper made shivers run up and down Kankuro's spine.
"Anything for you," the older man said, smiling softly. He leaned more against Kiba's body, into that warm, possessive hug. He liked possession, it made him feel wanted, it made him feel needed.
"Really? Anything?" Kiba asked, his hands gently tracing down the brunette's body, from his pecs to his stomach, down to his hips . . . And there, he squeezed and pressed his groin against him.
"Yeah," Kankuro breathed, feeling heat gather up into his groin. And as if the other had read his mind, a soft yet tempting kiss was placed on his neck. He was about to lean deeper into that titillating contact, when Kiba suddenly pulled away.
Kankuro turned around, some sort of a confused look on his face.
With a sweet smile, Kiba looked at him, coming closer and holding his chin gently with his fingertips.
"Good," he said, placing a soft kiss on the brunette's lips. "How about that lepidopterist, then?"
"You mean Shino?" Kankuro asked. His friend loved to collect butterflies and other kinds of bugs. It was a weird hobby to be honest, but it made him all the more interesting person. "What about him?"
"You said you won't see him again," Kiba cooed, gently caressing the tanned skin on his boyfriend's face.
"Yeah I said," Kankuro knew, once again leaning into the touch.
"It was a promise," the younger man whispered, leaning closer, their lips almost brushing against each other.
"Yes," Kankuro agreed, entwining his arms around his boyfriend, caressing his sides and then settling his hands on his hips. He was about to press his hips against his lover's, when the other suddenly tensed all over.
Kiba looked at him pointedly, and the sudden change in his demeanor perplexed Kankuro. His chin was once again gripped, but now the touch was not tempting or teasing, but demanding.
"Then explain to me why you were at the café with him today."
Kankuro gulped, and the grip tightened. His inner panic was rising, and hastily he was trying to come up with what to say, so that things wouldn't escalate out of hand, this time. He had been cautious to meet his friend, certainly aware of the promise he had made. Back then, he had deemed the idea of going to Shino's place as too risky, and certainly the man couldn't come here, for obvious reasons. So that's why they had decided to meet in a nearby coffee shop. Finally, he was able to breathe out, "He wanted to see me."
"Is that so?" Kiba asked, disbelieving. "Then why did you agree to meet him?"
"He had some news he refused to tell me on the phone," Kankuro explained, shifting uncomfortably under the grip.
"What news?" Kiba barked, trying to retain his calmness.
"Well . . . he, he got that job he's been dreaming for years. At the Konoha Museum. He'll be working in the biological department," the brunette said, moving his head to get free of the oppressing touch. "And he said . . . that maybe he could get a job for me in there, too."
"Really," Kiba whispered, withdrawing his hands and stepping away a few inches.
"Yeah, wouldn't that be great?" Kankuro asked, a little edge of happiness clear in his voice. "We would be financially more stable, and you wouldn't have to provide for me, anymore."
"No."
"No?"
"What about the housework?" Kiba asked, glancing around.
"Well . . . we could," Kankuro began, but when he saw the other raise his eyebrow, he corrected, "I mean I could do the housework in the evening."
"Hmm," Kiba pondered. "I don't think you want that job. You could do so much better."
"Look, it's not like there are plenty of jobs for me to get, so I really think I should take this."
"To me it sounds like you really want to work with him," Kiba pointed out, his voice a bit too light, a bit too carefree for Kankuro's liking.
"It's not that," Kankuro assured. "I just want the money, that's all I care."
"If that's the case, then you probably won't mind if you stay home and I give you a weekly allowance for the work you do around the house," Kiba said calmly, shrugging.
"That's not the same," Kankuro pointed out, a little exasperated. "I want this job."
"You want to work with him."
"That's not the point," Kankuro said, taking a slight step further away from his boyfriend.
"That is the point exactly," Kiba hissed, and dramatically left the room. After a moment, the bedroom door slammed shut.