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Chapter 3

"Tell me about the boys," Gaara said as they watched the two play at the restaurant's small jungle gym. "Why do they call you their mother?"

"In our second year in University Hinata and I volunteered at the Konoha Orphanage. We found the two boys as they were being abused by the matron. They were only two years old then."

"What kind of abuse?"

"From what we could gather, the boys had been on her shit list since they came in. She would refuse to give them food, she didn't allow them to play with the other children and she hit them, a lot."

"Where were they from?"

"Suna. Their parents died in a car accident on the way here and no one ever came to see them while they were at the hospital so they were brought to the Orphanage. The matron had apparently had children who were killed in Suna."

"So I guess she took this opportunity to take her rage out on the boys?" he asked. "How long were they there before you came?"

"Four months. But they were in really bad shape when we saw them. Hinata and I removed them from the Orphanage and took them in. I once asked them why they only call me kaa-chan and Sasori told me that the way I acted around them reminded them of their real mother."

"What about Hinata? How come she's only an aunt to them?"

"Despite her care for the boys, it's just not the same. Apparently, she's more like an aunt to them or so Kyuu tells me."

"Did you ever look for their real family?"

"We tried but no one came up. It turned out that they had no other family. Their parents were only children and their grandparents are dead." they fell into silence as they watched the boys play. "What about you Gaara? Do you have siblings?"

"I have an older brother and an older sister. Kankuro has taken over our father's company and Temari, well she has her own world."

"Are you still in contact with them?"

"From time to time. We didn't really get along as children and they saw me as a rebel when I joined the band."

"I wish I had siblings. My parents died when I was only five years old and my father's student took me in along with his partner. Kakashi was fresh out of college then and Iruka was in his final year but they didn't care. I have my grandparents but they're really not the best role models."

"What do you mean?"

"Tsunade-baachan is a drunk gambler and Jiraiya-jiichan is the writer of the Icha Icha Series." at the redhead's frown she chuckled. "Yeah I know. They mean well but..."

"Naru?"

"Hai?"

"Are you sure about this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Being involved with me in any way is..."

"Exciting? Dangerous? Adventurous?'

"I'm serious about this Naru. You and the boys will be exposed to the media, you'll probably be on the brunt of many rumors and people will be coming up to you as if they know you."

"That's already started." she smiled at him. "And I'm pretty sure even if we break things off now, that would just spread more rumors. Besides, the boys and I live for the limelight."

"Right. I often forget you're a painter and an aspiring actress."

"If we decide to continue this, I wouldn't mind anything that comes with being with you. I really do like you Gaara, even before I knew who you were to the rest of the world."

"What do you mean if?"

"It seems to me as if you're having reservations with having a relationship with me." Naru said. "And I wouldn't want to go into it if your heart's not really in it. I enjoy the time we spend together and I'm sure the boys do too but if you're having second thoughts then we can just stay like this."

"Kaa-chan help!" both of them looked up to see that Kyuu had gotten stuck on the rope ladder and his twin was standing above him smirking at the bigger boy.

"I got it." Naru said when Gaara made to get up. She rose quickly to help her son out leaving the redhead to his thoughts. Gaara thought about her words. He was indeed having second thoughts about starting an actual relationship with Naru but that was only because he was worried about what it will do to their lives. Just the few photos of them online had gotten around the world, what more would it do to her and the boys when they got even more involved with him? He did enjoy their time together the past few weeks, even meeting her friends and family had been fun. It was the best time he could remember not counting his time with his band mates.

"Tou-chan, are you okay?" once again, it was Sasori who broke through his swirling thoughts.

"I'm fine Sasori-chan."

"Ne, tou-chan. Are you going to leave kaa-chan too?" he was taken aback by the blunt question.

"What do you mean?"

"Jiraiya-jii and Tsunade-baachan looked like that when they leave." Sasori said. "They didn't really like us and they wanted to take kaa-chan with them but she didn't want to go with them. You're not going to leave, are you?"

"Gaara, can we go? Kyuu's tired and it's really way past their bed time anyway."

"Of course." he stood up and took Sasori's hand in his. He met Naru who was already carrying Kyuu and they left the restaurant walking side by side with the children.

XoxoxoX

Naru stood by the doorway of the twin's room in hers and Hinata's apartment. Gaara was sitting on the bed watching the two boys sleep. He'd been the one to tuck them into bed and had even read them a short story before giving each boy a soft kiss on the forehead and telling them to go to sleep. She wondered what Sasori had told him when she noticed that their conversation took a bit longer than someone who was simply being told to sleep but didn't dwell on it when her son smiled up at the older redhead. When Gaara didn't move from his spot for a few more moments, Naru decided to leave him with the boys and went to the kitchen to prepare some tea.

"How was the date?" she was greeted by her roommate and best friend who was sitting glumly on the counter.

"It was fine. How are you 'Nata-chan?" she knew her friend well enough to feel when there was something wrong.

"I really thought Sasuke liked me." the blue-haired girl pouted at her blonde friend.

"What makes you think he doesn't?"

"Naru, can't you see it? They're only with us because of their damn manager!"

"Are you sure?" she walked past the other woman in search of her tea leaves. She put their electric kettle on and turned back to her friend.

"What do you mean?"

"Kimimaro-san aside, you and Sasuke spent time together at the beach. That was before their manager even knew about us."

"But~"

"'Nata, you didn't even let them explain what they meant before you rushed off the other day. Yes, maybe their manager did want to use the cover of you being his girl to increase their fan base but what does that have to do with you and Sasuke just being together? You didn't care about the rest of the world before, why would you change now?"

"Naru-chan?"

"Yes," the blonde smiled at the bright lavender eyes shining at her.

"You know I love you right?"

"I love you too 'Nata-chan." she smirked then turned back to the water as it was already boiling. She turned the kettle off and poured the water into a serving pot with the leaves already in it.

"Naru?"

"Hey Gaara," she didn't turn to face him, still busy with preparing the tea but she could feel him walk towards her.

"I really should be getting back," he was suddenly there, standing right at her back. She could feel his chest pressed against her while he whispered in her ear.

"It's so late though, would you like to just stay?" she offered him a smile as she turned in his arms. "I've got a big bed."

"Is that a proposition Suki-chan?" he growled as he leaned closer, using the name she'd given him the first time they actually spoke to each other.

"Just to sleep." she gave him a peck. "I know you have a recording tomorrow with the guys." he raised an eyebrow in question of how she even knew about that but smiled anyway. "It wouldn't do you any good if you're tired." Gaara smirked at her then finally took her lips in his own.

"Okay, I'll stay." he said when they pulled away. "Besides, we need to think of a cover story anyway, for the boys especially."

"You mean~?"

"I want to give this a try Suki-chan. I want you and the boys but only if you're sure you want to be involved in all the craziness that is my life."

"Don't worry Gaara-kun," she assured him. "I'm sure we'll survive."

XoxoxoX

"I have to say Gaara, you are absolutely inspired these days." the band had just finished another recording session and they were currently stowing away their instruments. "These songs are going to be a hit."

"Of course he's inspired," Kiba stated. "I would be too if my inspiration comes to bring me lunch."

"Hey guys!" Naru came carrying bento boxes for them. Hinata walked behind too and went straight to Sasuke who had been putting his bass guitar in its case.

"Ano, Sasu-kun, would you have lunch with me?" the young woman was blushing softly as she held out a bento box towards Sasuke. His lips lifted on one side in a small smirk and he nodded as he reached out for the bento box. The two left the room to smiles and smirks of the people around them.

"What about me?" Kiba asked as he looked around seeing a bun-haired girl with Naru and Hinata and knowing her to be Neji's girlfriend.

"Don't worry Kiba-kun. I didn't forget you." the blonde smiled and handed the tattooed man his own lunch box. "Sorry it doesn't have an Ino attached to it."

"What?"

"You're not the only one friends with her, you know?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Please, don't try fooling anyone, you'll just make yourself look stupid."

"B-b-but~"

"Alright, Kiba that's enough," Gaara wrapped an arm possessively around Naru's waist. "I'd like to have my lunch with Naru now."

"Oh, so it's gonna be like that, is it?" Kiba asked but the redhead simply raised an eyebrow at him. "Fine, fine, I"m going!" the couple watched the tattooed man leave with an amused smile on both their faces.

"Are we going to eat here Gaara-kun?" he shook his head and led her to another room that looked to be the pantry. There was a rectangular table in the middle with four swivel chairs surrounding it. When Gaara reached for the bento boxes Naru pushed him into a chair and shook her head. "Let me." she was setting out the bento boxes in front of him when he tugged on her wrist and pulled her into his lap.

"I missed you Suki." he whispered.

"Well, you did leave early this morning." she smiled as he caressed her waist tenderly. "Aren't you hungry yet?" Gaara shook his head and tightened his hold on her. She wrapped her own arms around him and just settled herself on his lap. They were quiet for a few moments until the tender scene was interrupted by a loud voice.

"Gaara-kun!" the swivel chair was pulled and the pair tumbled out of the seat. Fast reflexes had the redhead curling his arm around Naru's head as they fell with him on top of her. Her breath left her chest in a soft woosh as he cushioned her fall. Sapphire met teal as pale pink lips stretched in a small smile.

"Thank you." Naru whispered as she leaned up to kiss the tip of his nose and he smiled back at her.

"I am so sorry!" the voice thundered above them but they paid it no mind.

"What the hell did you do to them Lee?"

"Ten-chan?" Naru looked up to find a bun-haired girl and a young man who was wearing a little too much green.

"Naru-chan?"

"Yosh! My flames of youth were really too much for them Tenten-chan."

"You idiot!"

"Are you okay Suki-chan?"

"I'm fine Gaara-kun," she smiled again at him. "And although I'm comfortable in your arms I'd rather get up and finish our lunch."

"Okay." he smirked as he pulled her up and then they both gazed at the two newcomers.

"What are you two doing here?" Naru asked the pair.

"I came to see Neji-kun," Tenten replied. "The big lug over here had some artwork to show Gaara-san."

"I didn't know you were the one designing the band's cover art."

"Yosh! It is just one more way for me to express my flames of youth!"

"Perhaps you can express it more when you get yourself and Tenten-chan some lunch. You might wanna include Neji-nii in that order, he's bound to come here soon."

"Yosh! I shall run to the nearest restaurant and get some nourishment for us!" he was gone in the next second.

"You are so very sneaky Naru-chan."

"Would you like to join us while we wait for him Ten-chan?"

"Actually I think we'd already invaded into your alone time." she smiled knowingly at the pair. "I'll wait with the other guys."

"But I thought Lee-kun had something to show Gaara-kun?"

"That can wait until after lunch." she then left the pair alone.

"Well, that was odd." Naru commented.

"Lee has always been eccentric." Gaara replied.

"Yeah I know." they resettled on the table, this time taking two seats as they laid out their lunch.

"How do you know Lee-san?"

"Dad co-owns a dojo with his father." Naru said. "I kinda grew up with him and Tenten-chan." Gaara just nodded his acquiescence to the information. They finished their lunch in companionable silence, each of them happy that they could spend some time with each other despite the band's busy schedule.

XoxoxoX

"Ano, Sasuke-kun," Hinata called out in a soft voice. Despite being more confident with herself whenever Naru was around, she could still sometimes let her shy personality shine through especially in times such as this one. They were in Sasuke's dressing room, the dark-haired bassist having led them there for some privacy and she was about to apologize for overreacting the previous day when told about the band manager's plan. Dark onyx eyes glanced up from his food and he waited patiently for the young woman to speak her mind. "I would like to apologize for my reaction the previous day." At this Hinata blushed remembering her vehement refusal to agree to Kimimaro's plan. "It's just that I really like you..." she blushed harder at her admission. "And knowing that your manager wanted to use me to keep up your fame just..." she trailed off and pulled her gaze away from him. "Sorry..." she murmured, looking down at her food as she spoke.

"Hn." his response made her smile.

"As far as I know, only Naru has been able to interpret Uchiha speak." Hinata said.

"And how do you know that?"

"Kakashi, her father was in a martial arts team with your brother."

"I know him," Sasuke replied. "He's a man with silver hair and wears an eye patch when he fights?"

"Yeah, but he wears sunglasses when he photographs with me now." she smiled at him. "He left the running of the dojo to his friends once he got Naru but he still fought occasionally. He and Iruka opened up a photo shop since they had both been art majors." she continued eating.

"Hinata?" she looked up from her food only to become lost in his deep onyx eyes. He was suddenly too close to her, their faces inches away from each other that she could feel his breath fanning her face.

"Nani, Sasuke-kun?"

"I really like you too." he whispered mere moments before he captured her lips in a soft kiss. Hinata whimpered slightly at the first touch of their lips. She could feel Sasuke smirk into their kiss as he pulled her closer to him so that she was sitting on his lap. There was a moan, neither aware of who it came from. Long fingers tangled in black silken locks as strong arms tightened around a small waist.

"Sasuke-kun!" a boisterous shout had them pulling apart with Sasuke glaring the the intruder while Hinata hid her face in his chest. Her cheeks were burning at the thought of being caught and she refused to show her face whoever had found them in a lip-lock.

"What do you want Lee?" Sasuke snarled at the green-wearing man.

"I apologize for the intrusion but Kiba-kun has sent me here to get your opinion on the new cover I have designed for your latest album."

"Just leave the pictures on the table Lee." onyx eyes seemed to flash red as he growled, making the other man swallow fearfully at the sight.

"I apologize for interrupting your lunch." Lee mumbled as he dropped an envelope on the table and hurriedly left. Hinata couldn't help but giggle at the comical scene.

"I am going to kill that dog." Sasuke murmured to himself making the woman sitting on his lap laugh louder. "And just what is so funny?" he pulled her away from his chest and raised an eyebrow as he stared at her. She tried to speak but was unable to due to the laughter still bubbling in her chest. Soon she was shaking them both with her chuckles making Sasuke frown. Suddenly, her lips were once again caught effectively stopping her laughter. She responded to him immediately, her arms wrapping around his neck as she kissed him back. "Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" he asked once they have pulled away and their breaths were back to normal.

"I'd love to." she leaned her forehead on his as he gave her another peck. Maybe they could make it work, maybe, just maybe.

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