Heh heh. Manlove. Nice. That made me giggle like a nut. I was working on QM but this chapter wanted to be written so badly it pretty much kicked me and QM's asses. Ha ha ha!
Note: (see chapter one)
Chapter Four
-Naruto-
'He's not here.' was all my brain seemed to put together. My heart kicked into overdrive. Where is he? Where is he?! I ran to the window but it was still locked. I turned around frantically and threw open the closet door. Not there. I tore from the room and ran to the living room. He wasn't there either.
"Naruto." I turned to Kiba's whisper and ran over to my bedroom door. The room inside was lit a pale pink from the setting sun illuminating the two figures on my bed like a dream. My heart stopped and quickened all at once. The little boy was nestled against Gaara's chest mumbling quietly, the red head's arms were wrapped loosely around the small body as if he wasn't sure what he should be doing, but still wanting to comfort the boy. Both seemed unaware of our presence and both were shaking. I gulped unsure of what to do. The scene was beautiful in my mind, I was sure it'd never leave my memory, but I wanted to rush to my child and calm whatever fear was making them shake. I chose to stay rooted to the spot.
A few words made their way to my ears. 'Glass', 'Owie', 'Dark', 'Scream', 'Water'. I knew exactly what had made my brother scream out for me in terror. I shivered watching the redhead stroke his hair and whisper something back. Something about this... something about this was... I walked into the room silently but both turned to me instantly, their eyes widened and afraid. Konohamaru lept into my arms as soon as I was close enough. I caught him easily and sat down on the bed as Gaara pulled his legs to his chest, watching us with those unique eyes. I smiled at him and he tentatively returned the gesture.
"You're awake now. It's okay little one. Don't cry." I whispered into his hair, my eyes sliding shut. His tears stopped after a few minutes as he hiccuped and looked up at me. I smiled down at him opening my eyes. He snuggled his face into my shirt and sighed 'Papa'. I didn't open my mouth to correct him this time. I could never figure out why he would wake up in the middle of the night screaming and calling for me until he could finally voice his nightmares. But ever since he could I understood without another word. The dream would be a part of him until new memories or time made it fade and I was always ready to get him help if he needed it. I rubbed the scar hidden by his shirt sleeve and wrapped myself around him physically, mentally, emotionally.
The room was a light blue when Konohamaru finally announced he was hungry and tugged on my arm to indicate he wasn't getting off my lap and he didn't want me to put him down either. We shared a smile and turned to our neglected, and probably frightened, guest. I almost laughed when I realized the poor kid was asleep again, arms loosely encircling his thin legs, head tilted and resting on his shoulder. Konohamaru crawled off my lap and looked up at me. "Goo boy. Goo boy." He muttered, stroking the teens hair softly. I smiled, nodding and shifted the boy into a more comfortable position, laying him on his side because it seemed that's the way he liked to sleep. Once I'd finished, the toddler was in my arms once again. Konohamaru watched the boy as we left the room and I smiled, leaving the door open slightly.
Kiba and Akamaru were gone. A note scribbled on the fridge the only thing they left behind. I'll call you tomorrow when we head over. I opened the fridge, glanced down at the little boy in my arms and walked over to the phone. "Okay, we can have taco, rice or pizza." He tilted his head, tongue sticking out in concentration.
"Taco." He smiled. I returned it and looked at the notepad next to the phone for the number for his favorite Mexican place. After the call was placed, with Konohamaru reminding me to order something for our guest just in case, I put in a movie and waited for the knock on the door. The little boy lost himself in the world of Disney make believe known as Peter Pan while we waited.
We ate in the living room, took a bath, got changed into pajamas and ended up switching out movies twice before he finally nodded off when I sang the lullaby I knew would knock him out. I smiled at his gentle noises of sleep, too loud to be considered breathing, too soft to be called snoring, and laid down, keeping him in my arms and on my chest, thinking about the 'Goo boy' sleeping in the other room. My thoughts bounced between him and my brother before I finally fell into a light sleep.
-
I awoke to the sound of laughter. I smiled sleepily and pulled my arms closer around the lump on my chest. My eyes squeezed themselves shut even tighter and my brow furrowed as I squeezed the mass in my arms three times. I finally opened my eyes and looked down, surprised to find a pillow in place of my toddler. I sat up and stared at the thing. Had he turned into a pillow? I squeezed it again laughing at myself as my brain finally made the connection. Apparently I hadn't gotten enough sleep. I stood and stretched, pausing when the laughter sounded out again. Following it down the hall, I stopped in Konohamaru's bedroom doorway, almost laughing out loud at the sight that greeted me.
The teen sat in the center of a circle of stuffed animals, guarding them by by growling at the laughing and smiling three year old who held a foam sword. Konohamaru swung at Gaara's arm, the redhead wailed in mock pain and folded the arm behind his back. The toddler swung the sword once more, conking the other boy on the head. Gaara dropped instantly and made exaggerated noises of death while Konohamaru squealed in delight. My laughter finally became too much for me and I let it free. The redhead blushed brightly as his teal eyes caught mine and shielded his face behind his hand, Konohamaru just ran to my side and attached himself to my leg.
"Gaawa pay dagon wif me!" He beamed, looking at me and Gaara in turn.
"I seen that. I think he makes a better dragon than Kiba." I smiled at the still hiding teen.
"He goo boy."
I nodded. "Yes. He is a good boy." Blue green eyes finally peeked out at me. "Why don't you find some clothes to wear?" I asked my brother, eyes still on the pale body on his floor. Gaara stood up, scooping up the stuffed animals and laying them on the bed before skirting passed me. I grabbed his arm gently as he tried to get by, forcing his eyes to meet mine in question. "Feeling better this morning?" He nodded wordlessly. "You must be dying to take a shower, I know I always am after being sick anyway. I know I've got some extra clothes that might fit you around here somewhere." He swallowed and just nodded. I smiled at him again. "Just down the hall." I watched him pad slowly down the hallway, footsteps almost silent on the hardwood floor.
"Papa, dis shir no fit..." I looked over to see the three year old, laughing at the sight of his head stuck in the arm hole of a backwards shirt. I helped him right his clothes before walking into my room, slightly shocked at the sight of the made bed before walking to my closet, looking around for the bag of clothes Sakura had left when she had to stay over when I had to work out of town for three days. I finally found it and dumped them out on the bed that was usually only made on laundry day. I chewed on my lip, worried that the boy would dislike being dressed in girls clothing, but brushed it off. These were the only clothes that would fit him. I picked up a pair of black pants, amazed at the size, and a white long sleeve tee. I folded them quickly and walked to the bathroom door, stopping myself when I grabbed the handle. That probably would not have the best of results. I knocked on the door and panicked slightly when I heard something thud inside.
"Gaara?"
After a moment the reply came softly. "Um... y-yes?"
I smiled. "I've got the clothes. I'm going to leave them right outside the door. Okay?"
"Thank you." was the soft answer. I placed the clothes on the floor with a smile and walked back to the room, shedding my own clothes and pulling on a new pair of boxers. I stared out the window silently, dreading the tasks I had ahead of me, when Konohamaru scrambled up onto the bed, jumping on it with glee.
"Papa!" I turned and smiled at him. "I lie Gaawa. He pay today?" I just smiled and turned back to my closet, pulling out some jeans and slipping them on.
I stretched and yawned. "Kiba's coming over again. I think his sister might be coming too. I'm sure she'd love to play."
He stopped jumping and stared at me as if I had insulted him, lip jutting out into a pout. "Buh I wan Gaawa pay." I opened my mouth to answer but the wail of Lies Like Me interrupted. I snagged a shirt and ran to the living room, flipping open the phone and tugging the blue and orange shirt over my head.
"Hello?"
"Hey. We're on our way right now." Kiba answered.
"What? No good morning honey bunch, sleep well?" He laughed. "Is Hana with you?"
"No, one of the horses is sick so she stayed home. Why?"
"Damn. I was hoping she'd keep Konohamaru occupied."
"Ask the kid to watch him. He seems to like the waif." I grinned at my friends choice of words, but frowned after it passed.
"I don't know..."
"We're pulling up now. Ma made you some posters for the nanny thing. We'll bring 'em up. See you in a minute." The line went dead. Fuck. I shut the phone and turned around. Gaara stood at the edge of the room while chatting with the talkative three year old. I was stunned by the sight. He was even more beautiful all cleaned up. I had been right. Sakura's clothes fit him perfectly. They weren't as tight as the clothes he had on when I brought him in but still tighter than the clothes I would've worn. His hair was even redder and skin even whiter, making his teal eyes glow and the dark circles around his eyes pop out. His eyes connected with mine before looking away quickly. I smiled, reached up and ran a hand through my hair.
"Gaara... Can I ask you a huge favor?" He looked up at me again. "I know you probably want to leave, but I was wondering if you could keep an eye on him for a few hours? I promise it won't be more than three and the person I thought would watch him isn't coming. Please?" My hands clasped in front of my face and I gave a slightly guilty smile. "I'll take you guys with when we drive out to Tsume's. Please Gaara?"
He looked shocked for a minute before Konohamaru chirped up, tugging on his sleeve. "Peas Gaawa?" The redhead looked down at him before nodding in consent.
"Of course." I beamed at them before jumping on the boy.
"You're a life saver!" I cried wiggling him around a bit before setting him back on his feet. He mumbled something and didn't look me in the face, before I could ask him what he'd said, Konohamaru pulled him towards the kitchen announcing he wanted 'Ho'ey Cheeo's' for breakfast, delighted that the boy had agreed to stay for a few hours. I smiled at the two before slipping on my shoes and walking to open the door. Kiba and his mother entered the room moments later, both greeting me with smiles.
Tsume gave me a hug and pulled back. "Geez. You will never stop growing will you?"
I laughed. "Maybe you're just getting shorter?" She punched me playfully before I led them through the kitchen to the back room. Gaara looked up from pouring Konohamaru's bowl of cereal and gave me a tiny smile. I returned it and waved. "Tsume, this is Gaara. He's watching Konohamaru this morning. Gaara, Tsume, Kiba's mom." The shaggy brunette woman gave him a wave and continued to the room while Kiba set a packet of fliers on the table and hurried after her. I turned to follow when I stopped as I realized something. "You've got to be hungry. Where's your bowl?"
Teal eyes met mine. "I, uh, it's, um..."
I smiled. "If you don't like Cheerios, we've got some sugar riddled stuff in the cupboard for Kiba somewhere."
"No, it, uh, I mean..."
"Gaawa no eet wif me?" By now the poor kid seemed to have no idea what to do. He looked so confused at the onslaught of two trademark Uzumaki 'innocently-badger-until-we-win' looks I let out a low laugh. His eyes met mine again, so flustered that it made my laughter just grow.
"You're pretty cute when you're flustered." I reached over and ruffled his hair as his pale face lit up a shade of red.
"Cute!" Konohamaru echoed, patting the boy on the leg. I smiled when he finally pulled out a second bowl and began filling it for himself. I watched them for a few minutes, feeling not one single shred of guilt for practically bullying the poor kid into eating. My smile fell to the floor and I hurried to the back room when I realized I had just called the boy cute. Kiba and his mother were grinning while loading up the dolly so I knew they had heard. Thankfully they both said nothing.
We made quick work of clearing out the room. I was surprised at how small it looked when we were done. Taking the boxes out made the small room seem empty and sad. A large hand dropped onto my shoulder and I turned to see Kiba giving me a sympathetic smile. I just grinned back at him before sending an elbow into his stomach. He countered with a hand to the back of my head. "Boys!" We both jumped and turned to see Tsume giving us an amused glare. "We're set to go. Why don't you get your boys and we'll head out?"
I smiled and nodded, heading for Konohamaru's room. "Hey. We're going now. You guys up for a car ride?" Konohamaru smiled up at me, but the redhead looked confused. "The place we're dropping the stuff off is just outside of town. Then we'll be done." I smiled again and waited for him to nod before leading them out into the main hall where my friend and his mother were waiting for us.
"Up! Up!" I looked down, shocked to not see my brother jumping at my feet. I turned to see Gaara lifting the boy into his arms. There was shock on Kiba and Tsume's faces, but I just smiled, not letting it show that that kind of stung a bit but still made me happy for some reason. The brunettes climbed into the moving van with a picture of a dog and the words 'Inuzuka: Moving and Storage' while I lead my group to the older Dodge behind it. Gaara had the three year old buckled into his seat without me having to explain the complicated system, making me quirk an eyebrow at him. He just shrugged and moved to strap himself into the seat next to Konohamaru when the toddler stopped him. "No no! You spot in funt nes to papa." We both stared at the child for a minute before Tsume honked and we both scrambled to climb into the car, me behind the wheel, Gaara in 'his spot' beside me in the passenger seat.
The drive took seventy minutes and we unloaded in half that time. I smiled slightly at the boxes stacked there fighting the wave of sadness that the sight of those plain brown cardboard boxes that held my parents things. True they just took up space and we didn't need them, but the things in them belonged to the ones who brought me into this world, the ones that gave me Konohamaru, the ones who loved me unconditionally. I shut the door and twisted the key, listening closely for the sound of the lock sliding home.
"Hey brat." I turned to see Tsume holding something. It was beige with red straps and strange marks... it took me two full minutes to realize it was an oddly decorated duffel bag. "Kiba didn't tell me much about that cute redhead playing with Konohamaru, but I did learn he didn't have many clothes. My brothers kid used to be about the same size and I still had some of his old clothes laying around. I was gonna give 'em to Goodwill or something, but..." I smiled at the woman and took the bag. "I don't know if they're his style or not, but they're better than nothing."
"I'm sure he'll appreciate it." I slung the bag over my shoulder and reached over to hug her. She laughed and we walked out to the field the boys were supposed to be playing. My natural grin disappeared when I spotted them, a look of awe taking over. The last blue and white wild flowers of the year sprinkled the area around them magically. Gaara sat leaning against a tree trunk holding a large book, Konohamaru on his lap listening to the story Gaara was telling him, watching the brown, red and yellow leaves fall from the wide branches to the ground. They both wore crowns of flowers, my toddlers expertly put together while the teens was barely holding. Konohamaru reached forward and turned the page before settling back against Gaara's chest. Again, the beauty of the scene in front of me caught me off guard. "What are they reading?" I asked in a low voice, afraid the scene would disappear if I spoke to loudly.
"I don't know, but it must have been one Hana read to Konohamaru because he got excited when he seen it on the table and pulled the boy out here to read it to him." I could hear the smile in her words as she followed my example by whispering as well. A gentle hand grabbed mine and lead me into the trees. We circled around silently, hidden in the woods until we were behind them. We stopped at the tree they were sitting under still out of sight and listened to the soft voice.
"Bluer than the bonnets fair, that in the springtime bloom,
Bluer than the berries round, unfairy-like in her gloom.
For what could harm a fairy, whose essence is the light,
Whose joy reigns unencumbered, through all the seasons bright?
Might I, mere mortal, intervene to soothe her wing so torn?
My flute inspired by fairy song, the notes aloft are born.
Bluer than the summer sky, unmarred by threat'ning storm,
Bluer than the bluebird's call, notes match her fragile form."
He paused to take a breath and I shuddered at the loss of his beautiful voice gently forming the sad words. I could hear the soft sound of his thumb on the paper. "I'm sorry Konohamaru. I can't make out the last few verses."
"It otay. Still petty. Where Papa?" Tsume gave me a giant push and I fell out from behind the tree, landing harshly beside them. There was silence as I laid there for a few moments before lifting my face from the ground and smiling at them. Two eyes looked at me, Gaara looking like he was having a heart attack, Konohamaru trying to figure out just where I had come from.
"Uh, what's up?" I grinned, scratching my cheek and trying to look innocent.
The toddler got over his shock first. "Papa!" He screamed happily, jumping up. I rolled over and allowed him to jump onto my chest. I looked up when I felt eyes on me. Gaara's eyes watched as Konohamaru began telling me about his day excitedly, most of it didn't stick. I was too busy staring right back at the gentle boy. He smiled at the little boy when he asked him a question and rose to his feet holding something in both hands gingerly. Konohamaru pulled on my hand and made me sit up. I looked up at the redhead questioningly before he placed another wreath of flowers on my head. "I maded it fo you!" He cried happily then pointed to his head. "Gaawa maded dis one fo me!" I beamed at the pair happily as the little one took the boys hand naturally, tiny hand only able to grab three slim fingers comfortably. "We go?"
I nodded and peeked behind the tree, not surprised to find the woman already gone. "Let's go say goodbye and we'll head home." I climbed to my feet, hefting the bag higher on my shoulder before the tiny brunette grabbed my hand. We walked in silence for a few moments until I felt the tiny hand let go slightly before leaving entirely, I reached out a bit further and gripped the still offered hand tighter. The fingers were colder and felt much different, but I squeezed them gently and watched the tiny brunette run forward. It wasn't until Konohamaru was a few yards a head of us did I realize what was wrong with the picture. It seemed Gaara just figured it out as well because we both froze and looked down at the same time. My face exploded with heat at the sight of my dark fingers loosely wrapped around a pale, slim hand. I pulled my hand back and stared at the red faced teen. He blinked once before walking at a quicker pace towards the jumping brunette at the edge of the old wood fence with three very amused looking Inuzuka's beside him.
I jogged to the five waiting for me when I realized I hadn't moved and inch. I hopped over the fence before helping Konohamaru who crawled under it, covering his shirt in dirt and grass. He ran over to the car and waved excitedly. The five of us walked to join him leisurely, Tsume and Kiba making small talk. As Gaara helped the three year old into his plastic booster seat I turned to face the family. "Uh... We're gonna head out now." I let the duffel bag be pulled from my grasp, not looking at who did it. "Thanks for the storage space."
"Naruto, can I speak with you for a moment before you leave?" I raised my eyebrows and nodded, turning to see Gaara place the bag in the backseat beside Konohamaru.
"I'll be right back." Both boys in the car nodded, my toddler smiling while Gaara seemed unable to look me in the eyes. Tsume and Hana lead me to the house a few feet away and into the kitchen. They pulled out some homemade preserves and a cooling pie before turning to me with disappointed looks on their faces.
"I thought you were looking for a nanny for Konohamaru." My eyebrows shot up again.
"I am." The two women let out frustrated groans. "Um... Are you okay?"
They both glared at me, arms crossing in front of their chests. Yeah, you couldn't tell these two were related at all. "And what's wrong with the one you've got?"
My brow furrowed in confusion. "I sorta fired Sakura-"
"Not that one you idiot!" I jumped as they both shouted. "That cute redhead!"
"Gaara? He's just watching Konohamaru for the morning, when we get back to town, he'll probably... leave."
"Where will he go? Kiba said he was homeless."
My eyebrows stayed scrunched together. "He is." The older woman slapped her hand to her forehead. "What?"
"Are you an idiot?" I nodded with a smile and abruptly received two hits to the top of my head. I rubbed the now sore area and stared at them. "We're going to have to spell this out for him Hana." The younger woman nodded, eyes shut in anger. "You," Tsume held out a hand, "have a room." Her other hand came up. "He needs a place to stay. You need a nanny. Konohamaru adores the boy."
Hana opened her eyes and looked right at me. "Not to mention you o-" The mother move one of the hands towards her daughter, who closed her mouth as they both smiled, seeming to share something I missed.
"You seen those two together. Konohamaru interacts with that boy, Gaara, better than he had with Sakura. And that kid obviously adores your son... I mean, your brother." It suddenly dawned on me where she was going with this. "You could help each other out. I don't think you'll regret it."
"I don't know anything about the guy, Tsume. What if something were to happen? I'd never forgive myself."
"You're a better judge of character than anyone I've ever met. Even better than Akamaru and Kuromaru, they love him by the way, and they're almost always spot on. You brought him into your home, you let him watch Konohamaru, I know for a fact you wouldn't let anyone you thought was dangerous come within ten feet of the boy." I closed my eyes as I listened. I hadn't felt any danger from him, I hadn't thought anything would go wrong and my brother did seem to love the kid, taking a shine to him immediately. I rubbed the area between my eyebrows and opened my eyes.
"I don't know."
"Think about it." She smiled at me and held out the pie and jars she usually sent with Kiba every week. "I'll kick your ass if you let him get away." She grinned devilishly sending a shiver through my body. I knew she could put me in the hospital if she really wanted to. You don't mess with the Inuzuka women. Everyone in the state knew that. I grinned uneasily and took them. "Go on now, we aren't gonna bite."
I gave her a look that I knew screamed 'oh really?' "You know you wanna." I smiled before hightailing it out of there. Kiba laughed as I stumbled on the stairs, ran to the car and threw open the door, scrambling inside. "Get in the freakin car before your mom and sister come out to kill me!" His laughter only intensified. Gaara undid his seat belt and moved to allow the shaggy brunette his seat when Konohamaru spoke up.
"No, tha you spot. Chiba sit wif me." The redheads ears turned pink and he held his head down as he re-buckled the seatbelt. Kiba just made a show of being huffy and muttered something about no longer being the favorite while throwing himself in behind me. I handed the pie over to the redhead that still didn't look at me and pulled out just as Tsume and Hana came shooting out of the front door, dogs running out with them. My friend threw his door open and let the smallest jump in before slamming it shut before the others could even leap off the porch. I shot them a peace sign before speeding down the driveway, keeping an eye out for any of the animals. Konohamaru squealed with delight as we hit a bump and one of the jars flew from the startled pale hands. I grabbed it before it could hit the floor and slowed down. Gaara looked at me in amazement as I handed it back to him, before turning back onto the highway. I just grinned at him turned on the radio.
"I'll think about it." I muttered under my breath.
-Gaara-
I was frozen in my seat as the blond expertly handled the car on the rough driveway, when the jar flew into the air and he caught it I was amazed at the speed and the fact he could do it while still maneuvering on the road without even swerving. When he handed it back to me and smiled, I couldn't breathe. My heart was still freaking out from the accidental moment earlier, there was no way I was going to get it to slow down now. My thumb moved across the fingers he had held softly. I hadn't even felt the hands change. One minute it was the adorable child's hand in mine, the next his fathers.
I turned and looked back at the toddler I knew I was growing attached to when he said my name in that sweet voice. He giggled and smiled his fathers smile before jabbering on in words I barely had to work at to understand anymore. I opened my mouth to ask him to ask the question he had just asked again when the wild brunette practically jumped over the seat when Naruto changed the station on the radio. "Wait! I like that band!" The dog crawled onto his masters head and licked my forehead making the child laugh.
"Shi-Dang it Kiba! Sit down! It's just a damn cover song!"
"Who cares? The songs good too! Right Konohamaru?"
"Yeah! Wight Gaawa?" The child smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
"Right."
"Wait a minute!"
"Majority rules! You lose! Suck on it papa." The brunette sat back in his seat when the station was finally where he wanted it to be.
Naruto glared playfully at him in the rear view mirror. "I thought I told you to stop that?"
"Hey, it's catchy. Besides, you practically are a papa." My eyebrows came together in confusion as I stared out the windshield, feeling I was missing something. I turned to voice my confusion but realized both the blond and his friend singing along with the male voice streaming from the radio. I saw Konohamaru's happy face from the corner of my eye and listened to the blonds voice. I closed my eyes as their sounds reached me. Kiba's was gruff, but perfectly balanced to the smooth voice of Naruto, each seeming to take the place that fit their voices best. The words themselves were beautiful, speaking of magic, fairy tales and love, but it was the way the pair sang it that made them come alive, putting the singers on the radio to shame. Without thinking, my hand reached out and turned down the volume on the radio slightly. They didn't seem to notice. When the song came to a close, I felt myself sink down in the seat in disappointment, but the next song started and they smoothly made the transition.
I relaxed against the seat and continued to listen, while my mind went back to the conversation the dog lover and I had when Naruto disappeared into the house.
"Konohamaru seems to like you." I smiled softly and nodded. "He's cute isn't he?" I just nodded again. "You know... Naruto's looking for a new nanny. A live in nanny. That's why we had to clear out that room this morning." I froze, knowing what he was implying immediately.
"I hope he finds one then."
"I thin-"
"He'll find one quickly. Single fathers never have trouble finding women for that." He looked at me quizzically. "People like me... are not trusted with children..."
He was silent for a few moments before opening his mouth again. "Then how do you explain him trusting you this morning?" Naruto had then burst through the door shouting at Kiba.
"Hey, you feeling alright kid?" I opened my eyes to see the blond glancing between the me and the road. I nodded and sat up straighter, feeling small. My head barely reached the top of the seat, while his was inches above it. He smiled and passed a car in front of us. I let out a soft sigh and looked out the window. He didn't trust me with his son earlier, he was in a jam, I was there and he spied on us during that time, probably the entire time.
A loud snore sounded out from the backseat and made me visibly flinch. Naruto chuckled and glanced at the rear view mirror and turned down the radio. "Our backseat passengers seem to have fallen asleep." I felt myself blush lightly when he said 'our' but quickly forced it away. "Can I ask you something?" I felt hope rise in my chest before stomping it down and nodding. "What poem were you reading earlier? I mean, the one that had Konohamaru hanging on your every word when I came up behind you in the field?" Hope thoroughly squashed...
I thought back. "Broken Wing by Dorothea Barth." He nodded.
"What was that book?"
"I think it was 'Poems and Stories of Fairies, Pixies and Wonders'." He smiled again, glancing back at the two sleeping.
"He loves things like that. Magic and fairy tales... not magicians though. I don't really know why, but they terrify him." He laughed, unaware of how it made me automatically smile. "Learned that the hard way." He reached over and ruffled my hair. I scowled up at him and he just laughed again. "Sorry. Our dad used to do that all the time to me. Just kinda picked it up."
Confusion crept through my brain again, but I pushed it aside once more and silence spread throughout the car, only broken by the soft sounds of the radio and Kiba's snoring. It wasn't intended to be awkward, I could tell by the relaxed way the blond sat, humming gently, but it had me nervous as hell. I licked my lips and stared out the window without really seeing, thoughts going in a million different directions. "Where's his mother?" I sat straight up and sealed my lips together when I realized I had just asked my mental question out loud. My eyes darted to him. Cussing myself out immediately as soon as I seen the look on the blonds face. His mouth had fallen into a sad line. Fuck. What if she didn't just leave? What if she died?
His smile returned, but it was still sad. "Konohamaru's? She... died."
Oh fuck. Smooth Gaara. Real fucking smooth. Throw yourself out the door before you say something stupid. "He looks a lot like you. He's very lucky to have a father like you..." His head turned to face me abruptly, shock on his face. I punched myself in the face in my mind. I should've thrown myself out when I had the chance. The belittling in my head was interrupted when he began laughing softly.
"I'm not his father."
"But..."
"He calls me his papa and I guess I'll never change his mind that I'm not until he gets older."
"Sorry, it's just he looks so much like you. Is he from his mothers first marriage?" He smiled and shook his head pulling onto an off ramp that lead only to a motel and a gas station.
"Konohamaru is my baby brother." The realization kind of hit me like I should have know when he said he wasn't his father. Needless to say I felt like an idiot. "But... I like it when people think we are father and son..." He seemed sad when the words came out, but he shook his head and pulled into the gas station next to a pump, muttering something about the price of gas before turning the key and killing the engine. He opened the door and got out before reaching into the backseat and punching the snoring man in back. Kiba spazed out and sat up abruptly.
"Wha...? The fuck'er we?" He mumbled, stretching.
Naruto hit him over the head. "Keep it down. Konohamaru is sleeping." He made a move to step away, but reached out to smack his friend again. "And watch your mouth." The brunette jumped out of the car and made a move to punch the blond, but he just held him back and ducked his head into the car. "What kind of juice you want kid?" I opened my mouth to deny thirst, but he held a hand against my mouth. "I'm getting you something whether you want it or not, so you should just tell me what you prefer to drink or I'm coming back with a red bull." He smiled as I grimaced.
"They wouldn't have any of those Strawberry Banana juice boxes would they?" I asked after a minute of thinking. I was definitely hooked on those suckers.
He laughed and shook his head. "I don't think they would, but I know something along the same line. We'll be right back." I watched them disappear into the building, still shoving each other and jumping on each others backs, acting like a bunch of frat boys that would show up in the bars around the area I usually worked. That thought made me realize how young the blond looked. He couldn't be very old, no more than twenty two and already he was taking care of a child. Why hadn't that made me realize the kid couldn't be his? Well... parents were getting younger and younger these days... I wondered what kind of woman he dated, but shot that thought down as soon as it formed. Who cared? It didn't involve me at all, but try as I might I couldn't stop thinking about it. I growled and shook my head. Once I got away from the kid and his adorable brother... I mean the man and his adorable child! I would be able to think straight. Being saved by the blond was seriously fucking with my head...
"Here you go." I jumped as a bottle of juice was held out in front my face. "Whoops. Didn't mean to scare you kid."
Kiba laughed loudly. "Told you your face was fucking scary!" I heard him get whacked upside the head. "Ow!"
"Watch your mouth." The blond snickered as I took the bottle of organic juice. The brunette grumbled as he climbed into the backseat. We were back on the highway in moments, the men singing along to the radio while I just listened staring out the window. When we finally entered the city, a knot formed in my stomach. I didn't know why it was there, but it hurt... it made me sad. I felt the feeling climb through my body painfully as we got closer to our destination. What was this feeling? The juice I'd enjoyed earlier turned to stone and held me down.
"Dude drop me off here. I wanna grab a bite to eat before I go home." Kiba announced as we passed a bar and grill, while the puppy barked happily.
"What? I thought you were coming to help me with the damn fliers?" Naruto whined slightly, when the brunette passed my open window. He leaned down and stuck his head in slightly as the blond leaned closer to him over me.
"Nope. Gotta sell that car." There was a pause and a large hand clamped down on my head. "Gaara here said he wouldn't mind helping earlier though." The grin he sent me was pretty victorious. I opened my mouth to deny it, but I was cut off.
"Really?" The blond turned to me, face inches from mine. I felt my face heat up and couldn't do anything but nod like an idiot. "Awesome! For a minute there I thought I'd have to do it by myself." He smiled brightly as he sat back in his seat and waved at his friend. "See you later dog breath."
"Later moron." They both smiled, as if the words they just shared hadn't been insulting. I just sat there like an idiot, giving a slight wave when the man said goodbye to me as well. It was a short ride to the apartment complex, but when we pulled up I noticed the knot in my stomach had disappeared when I had agreed to help. I froze. The feeling had come from the thought I would be leaving the pair when we got back. Knowing I had a little more time with them made me... made me happy.
I grabbed the sleepy eyed child from the back as Naruto took the duffel bag. He gave me a curious look when I did it. I couldn't figure it out until we were starting up the stairs. He had planned on carrying the kid and the bulky bag. Did I offend him by automatically assuming I should take the child? Fuck. So many mistakes in one day should be fucking illegal... "Papa... me an Gaawa hungy." Naruto laughed as he unlocked the door and stepped inside.
"Oh really? How do you know Gaara's hungry?"
"He tummy tol me." My face flared up for the fiftieth time and I didn't met the sapphire eyes I was pretty sure were looking at me as he stood aside and let us enter before him.
"It is lunch time. What do you want to eat?" He asked laughing.
I set him down and he ran to the kitchen. "Brok'lee an Mac'n'chee!" I raised an eyebrow at the broccoli part. What kind of three year old likes that green stuff? I joined Konohamaru in the kitchen and open the cupboard I remembered had boxes of Macaroni and Cheese. I pulled it out and set it on the counter before turning to get the vegetable from the fridge, but froze when I saw both of them staring at me in shock. Oh my god... I did it again! My arms snapped across my chest and I shuffled to the side, blushing as I went.
"I-I'm sorry! I j-just, I mean, uh, uh-"
The blond grabbed me by the shoulders and I quivered under his touch. "Calm down. It's fine. Breathe kid, breathe." I took several deep breaths and swallowed nervously. "It's okay. I didn't realize you knew where everything was. I don't mind at all." His thumb rubbed my shoulder gently, calming me down slowly. He laughed and gave me a smile that I saw Konohamaru give me as well. My shaking stopped when he reached up to ruffle my hair before he stepped away. "I actually wanted to look at these fliers before we put them up, if you'd cook that'd be great." He smiled again, taking a seat by the child. I smiled back, unsure of myself, and turned to open the refrigerator.
I set the water to boil, watching the water heat up and little bubbles begin to form. One half of me listening to the two chatter, the other half off in la la land. "I don't know, why don't you ask him." Naruto yawned out. I turned when a slight tug started on my pant leg. I smiled at the cute toddler and nodded.
"I dis many." He announced holding up three fingers. "Many is you?"
"I'm seventeen."
I flinched when a loud crash erupted throughout the small space and turned around. I bit my tongue to keep from laughing at the sight of the blond sprawled out on the floor, his chair on its back. He remained silent for a second looking over at us. He stood up and smiled sheepishly, an arm behind his head. "That's why we don't lean back in our chairs Konohamaru." He announced breathlessly while righting his chair and remained standing. I couldn't help it. I laughed. It was low and barely audible, but I could tell they could hear it because childish giggles sounded out below me and Naruto joined us with a low chuckle. Then Konohamaru said something that made me flush and turn back to the stove.
"Papa, Gaawa petty when he laff."
The blonds laughter just grew louder. I grabbed the broccoli, washed in the sink, face still on fire, and walked over to the cutting board, suddenly at a loss. Should I cut it? Most people cut it, but father liked his torn from the stalk... I wondered if I should just ask when Naruto spoke from just behind me. "Do you know where the knives are?" I shook my head and he grabbed one from a block in the cupboard. "Here you are." He smiled, offering me the knife, handle first. I took it and turned back to the broccoli I cut a piece off before I was stopped. "Konohamaru is pretty picky about his vegetables." He smiled and took my hands. I ignored my heart preforming acrobatics in my chest and tried to focus. "Like this." He said, slicing off a few pieces at a sharp angle. "I don't know why, but he won't eat them if they're cut in a straight line." I nodded mechanically and let him continue.
"Papa! Le Gaawa do it!" The toddler shouted. The blond stepped back, laughing.
"Sheesh. I was just helping bossy." I lifted the knife, ignoring the tingling in my hand, and continued cutting the way he had shown me.
"Is not."
I nearly dropped the blade as body heat against my back told me he was there again. A hand reached out and grabbed the straight cut broccoli before moving away to lean on the counter next to me. It took me a minute to recover before I decided there was enough and set the knife down. "Just drop it in after the noodles start to soften." I looked at him incredulously and he smiled, shrugging his shoulders. The rest of the preparation went on in the same manner, me hesitating and him leaning over and helping out. By the time the meal was finished and eaten I was a bundle of nerves from his body being so damn close when I least expected it.
"Okay. We ready to hand out these fliers?" Konohamaru jumped up and ran for his room, returning with a coat. The blond ruffled his hair and zipped him up. We walked towards the door, stopping so he could pull out his own coat and hand one to me. It was too big on me and my hands didn't reach past the fur lined edges. They both got a good laugh out of that while I blushed, it only got darker as Konohamaru demanded his guardian button it up. Blue eyes sparkled with laughter while he complied.
We walked down to the street and started out. We stopped in several stores, putting up the insanely orange papers, tacking them on telephone poles and handing them to a few people. Naruto's phone went off several times and he promised to call them back the next day. I wondered about this as we worked our way around the area in a large square, the three year old riding on Naruto's shoulders, in my arms or walking between us holding onto both our fingers. The sky was growing darker and the street lamps buzzed to life when we started back. I fumbled with the wooden buttons of the barrowed coat as we got to their building, shrugging it off as we came to the door. I held it up and the man took it gently from my hands.
"Um, so I guess I should go... Thank you for... everything..." I mumbled not looking into his face.
"Go?" Konohamaru looked up from his place in his brothers arms, a sad look crushing the smile that had been there moments before. "No go! No! Peas Gaawa? Peas no go?"
"Konohamaru, if he wants to leave he can go." A warm hand ruffled my hair gently. "He should know though, he doesn't have to."
I looked up and was greeted with a soft, warm smile. My breath faltered and a tiny hand grabbed my shirt sleeve. "No go..." The child sniffled and my heart was crushed. Was he going to cry if I left? Would I actually be missed? I felt happiness flood me bringing with it the sting of tears and looked down willing them away. When they passed I looked back up with a small smile.
"I guess I could... come up... for a while." The young boy flung himself around my shoulders. The feeling of oncoming tears hit me again and I pushed them back.
"No wile. Gaawa sta." A small hiccup sounded out and I gulped.
"Okay..." I lied, hugging the boy back. I was ushered inside and into the apartment, seated on the bed in Konohamaru's room before I caught up. The toddler, once he realized I wasn't going to bolt, pulled out several toys, lined them up and announced we were going to play ninjas. As I was handed my 'weapons' Naruto walked into the room. Konohamaru smiled and waved at him before going back to the 'weapons'.
"Gaara are you staying for dinner? We're having mango stir-fry." I turned to him, something in his voice telling me he knew I wasn't going anywhere.
"Yeah he sta fo dinna." Konohamaru answered for me. Sapphire eyes danced with laughter he held back and nodded. I looked between the two finally understanding I really had no say in the matter at all before shrugging and going back to the battle that was about to break out between my army of stuffed animals and his. I heard the blond man laugh from the kitchen as the toddler began chucking weapons at me. We ran around the apartment throwing weapons back and forth, dodging around corners and doors, jumping over or on furniture. I briefly wondered why Naruto wasn't stopping us through all the ruckus before Konohamaru ambushed me and we began rolling around on the floor, both of us laughing loudly before jumping apart and returning to the throwing of pillows and assorted stuffed animals. A green throw pillow from the living room couch hit the boy in the side gently.
"I win." Naruto laughed scooping the giggling boy into his arms before turning to me. "Dinner's ready." He smiled at me as I stood up leading the way to the table. I realized the reason for allowing us to run around the house when Konohamaru's eyes began to drift close and his head began falling forward. He was completely worn out. "Come on little one, lets get you into the bath then to bed." He nodded sleepily and stood up, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the bathroom.
"Wait, Konohamaru, I don't think that's a good idea. I mean... your papa's going to give you a bath." I protested, becoming flustered fast.
"No, you lev if I le go." He mumbled rubbing his eyes. I turned to the other man, hoping he'd help my argument but Naruto just smiled and followed us into the bathroom. My fingers rubbed against my palms nervously when the child began stripping as his older brother turned on the water and pushed the stopper in place.
"Relax kid." Naruto laughed stopping my hands with his own. "It's just a bath. You and I aren't getting in with him." I blushed until I was sure I was glowing when he turned back to his kid. I pushed away the mental images and turned to the others. Konohamaru was calm, none of the splashing I was expecting and the water was oddly low. I took all of that in while Naruto described each of the steps. First washing the feet and legs, then the body, moving onto the hands and arms, and finishing with the face and hair. Konohamaru yawned and let himself be pulled from the bath with a big fluffy towel. "See. That wasn't so bad." His voice smiled at me as he watched me with amused eyes. "Will you go get him some pajamas? They're in the red drawer in his room." I nodded and left to retrieve them, when I returned the kid was barely awake, leaning against Naruto's chest, soaking his shirt with still wet hair. I handed over the clothes and watched him dress the child with surprisingly quick movements.
When we left the bathroom I expected us to go right to Konohamaru's room, so I was surprised when the blond turned into his own room, the blanket and linens already replaced at some point during the day, probably when we were tearing up the house... Naruto set the boy on the bed and peeled off his wet shirt exposing his trim body. I shuddered and backed out of the room, standing in the doorway. "Gaawa leep wif me?" I jumped when the child spoke.
"No, it's time for bed." Konohamaru began sniffling but Naruto stood his ground. I smiled. I thought he was a pushover when it came to his son. I guess not. When Naruto told him no for a third time the sniffling turned to full blown wailing. The blond turned to me apologetically. "Will you wait for me in the living room for a moment?" I nodded and started down the hall when the wailing quieted and a soft sound replaced it. I stopped and listened carefully, my body moving towards it automatically. When I was by the door of the bedroom I could hear the words perfectly. I slid down the wall and sat there, out of sight and listened to the blond singing softly to the toddler that was probably in his arms. "-let me sing you to sleep. If you need anything, just say the word, I mean anything. Rest assured, if you start to doze then I'll tuck you in, plant my lips where your necklaces close. It's your finger and how I'm wrapped around it. It's your grace and how it keeps me grounded. I know that you're weak. Just let me sing you to sleep." I felt my eyes slid shut. "While you were sleeping I figured out everything: I was constructed for you and you were molded for me. Now I feel your name, coursing through my veins. You shine so bright, it's insane. You put the sun to shame... Gaara?"
I looked up startled to see him standing above me, turning out the lights. I turned away quickly "I'm sorry. I just heard your voice. It's really nice and... I wanted to hear..." He didn't say anything for several minutes. I chanced a look up, nearly falling over at the sight. He was blushing! Bright red, mouth covered by his hand, not looking at me. "Are you blushing?" His eyes widened and he stalked down the hall. "You are." I smiled slightly.
"I was not." He mumbled, picking up the toys that littered the floor. I joined him, letting it drop. It was a fairly easy task and we finished quickly. As I shut the lid to the toy box I turned to face him, taking him in. He was looking off to the side, leaning against the little boys dresser, still shirtless, a swirling tattoo surrounding his navel stood out against his dark skin, muscles sleek, hugging his form while standing out subtly, his blond hair sticking up at odd angles and falling around his eyes, framing them softly, his jaw sharp and defined. His jeans hung off his hips, showing the hem of his orange boxers, the legs still damp. My eyes traveled back up and I nearly jumped out of my skin when I realized he was looking right me. I fought the blush trying to creep onto my face. I'd blushed enough for one day... fuck I'd blushed enough to last me a life time.
My fingers nervously rubbed my palms again as I cleared my throat. "I should get going... Will you tell Konohamaru goodbye for me?" His eyes focused on my face. I guess that was overstepping the boundaries then. "Um. Thank you. Really. Thank you for helping me." The last part came out as a squeak as he walked forward, stopping a foot in front of me. I looked up at him questioningly. We stood like that for what felt like hours before he opened his mouth to speak.
"He takes a nap around noon, right before lunch." His voice was impossibly soft but I still heard it. "He eats oddly cut vegetables for lunch, sometimes with something, usually plain. He's terrified of the water, but likes to drink it. His best friends live in the building. Udon and Moegi. The come over often, but their mothers or nannies come with them. He has nightmares, but just remind him he's awake and okay, call him little one because our father did when he was a baby and it calms him down. He doesn't like crayons, just pencils and watercolors. He's not allergic to anything, but don't let him eat too much canned pineapple, it makes his tummy hurt. He likes the classic Disney movies, particularly Peter Pan. I work odd hours. I leave at seven, don't get back until anywhere between five and seven and I smell like seal coat when I get home."
"Why are you telling me this?" I whispered back, eyes not leaving his. He smiled at me.
"Because... Kiba's mother and I talked about it earlier... then Kiba and I at the gas station... and I was hoping you'd become Konohamaru's nanny." My mouth fell open. He taught me how to prepare the food, he watched me when I played with his child, he taught me how to give him baths, he sent me for things familiarizing me with the layout of the apartment, and Kiba said he'd see me later. Okay that last one didn't really matter, but all day he'd been watching me, preparing me if I accepted. I took a step back. "I'd pay you, along with room and board. You'd have weekends off and most of the evening. My son-" He squeezed his eyes shut painfully before opening them. "My brother really likes you. I've never seen him take to someone so quickly. You have a natural maternal instinct. I've watched you with him. I trust you with him."
"You don't even know me." My heart skipped a beat when he said the word trust. "What if your trust is misplaced?"
He grabbed my hands and smiled. "It isn't. You're a good kid in a bad situation. Help me out and get out of it. If you don't want to, tell me and I'll call those women back and set up interviews for tomorrow... But I'd feel better if it were you." The words washed over me and I couldn't think. I knew I had so many arguments left but I couldn't reach them. He was offering me a way out of a life I hated, he was extending a hand when I knew I was drowning in the dark waters. His eyes refused to let me look away and grab the things I knew would let me sink away. I really enjoyed being around him and his child. I'd never had such a relaxing and fun day since before my own mother died. I adored the way they lived their lives. I wouldn't mind becoming a part of it, even if it was a temporary part. But then my doubts rose up. When I was pushed out of their lives it would hurt. It would hurt me so badly. I only knew them for two days and already I knew the pain that would consume me. When he came to his senses and remembered I was just a prostitute, someone who would sleep with anyone as long as they had the money. Someone who shouldn't be around children at all. Someone who was to be shunned and kept from the public eye. Somebody that didn't even deserve to be called that... I was a nobody. As that thought sunk in I knew my answer. I just had to open my mouth and speak.
"I'll do it."
Long fucking chapter. I was going to stop halfway through but it just kept pouring out and I didn't want to cut it in half. And who didn't see that coming? I mean really? Ha! It seems very drug out, but I wanted to show all the ways Naruto began 'training' Gaara. I'm pretty happy with this chapter. Except, I, have, issues, with, fucking, comma's, and, over, use, them. I'm just going to chalk this up to my 'writing style' and let it pass because I do it in every damn story. Would a beta be able to help with that? Probably not. You know Gaara kind of reminds me of Hinata in this chapter... How's that going to work if Hinata comes into play? Okay I'm rambling.
Anyway. I hope you guys liked it!