Chapter Twenty-One

With arms struggling to keep the brown paper bags up off of the ground, I attempted to reach into my coat pocket to retrieve my wallet to pay the vendor in front of me for the bag of rice. My muscles quivered and my skin perspired in strain, and the slightest movement from my wrist caused the bag to split, and all of its contents were left to spill onto the floor of the market. Heaving a sigh of embarrassment, I lowered myself to the ground to round up all of the produce that had been in the bag. Apples and persimmons had scattered all around me, claiming freedom from my grasp.

Out of my peripheral vision, I caught sight of a pair of feet coming in my direction, and I glanced over to the brown leather boots and traced them up the dark pants and to the crimson winter coat. The face that I found gazing back at me surprised me, caught me off guard. His teal gaze held mine, and my tongue flicked across my lips as I opened my mouth to speak.

"Gaara," my voice came out choppy, and instinctively, I cleared my throat. The redhead before me outstretched an arm, bestowing upon me a captured fig. Swiftly, I gathered everything from the ground and stuffed it into the second bag - the bag still holding on with all its papery might. Standing up straight, I brought myself eye-level - or, as close to eye-level as I could naturally be - with Gaara. "What are you doing here?"

Gaara placed the runaway fig on the top of the bag cradled in both of my arms, then reached out to take the bulk off of my hands. For some reason that I am unaware, I felt as though I shouldn't object to his generous gesture.

"Matsuri and I might be breaking up," he confessed to me without hesitation, and the shock hit me harder than a zooming train. While I didn't physically feel my jaw unhinge, I was aware of the physiological change when it hit the floor. "I came to Konoha to find Kankuro and ask for advice, but I can't find him."

"Kankuro is in Konoha?" I cocked my head, then waved my hand in front of my face. How cold of me to focus on such an unimportant, minute detail. The big problem was the fact that a relationship was in trouble. The big question is whether or not the allegiance is better off split. If it is, then neither I or anybody else should interfere. "Why don't you come back to my apartment and maybe Naruto or Itachi can give you advice."

With a slight tilt of his head and an innocent flash across his turquoise eyes, Gaara brushed his tongue against his bottom lip before opening his mouth to reply. "Itachi is at your house?"

With a huff of a half hearted laugh, I nodded and folded my hands behind my back. "Yeah. He's helping out around the house. Has nobody told you about the accident?"

"Accident?" His voice quivered for merely a moment, and I could tell that this was complete news to him.

"Everybody's okay," I spoke quickly to relieve him of any terrible scenarios coursing through his mind. "But Naruto can't get from place to place without someone to support him, so I left work to help him and take care of the children. Itachi was sent by Sakura to help me."

It was oh so slight, but I could hear a deep breath escape through Gaara's mouth, relief rushing through his entire body. He and Naruto were very close in high school, and even though they rarely see one another anymore, I can still tell that their bond has been free of strain. And now, because Gaara cannot seem to find his brother, I do believe he will go to Naruto for help.

Almost on cue, Gaara held the paper bag filled with groceries on his hip and gazed down at me, opening his mouth to let out a request. "You look exhausted. Let me carry these to your house." Indirect, but I can see the intent within his cerulean eyes. I couldn't help but bite my lip and nod, a slight grin snaking up the edges of my mouth.

"Whatever makes you happy," I told him, and folded my arms behind my back, leading the way out of the market and into the winter wonderland that had fallen across Konoha.

The entire way to the house, Gaara and I exchanged pleasantries and updated one another on our lives since we had seen each other last year. I told him everything about my family at Mikoto's, and he ended up asking about Sasuke, and the conversation veered to our friend and his wife, how they were doing and how big their children are becoming. Beautiful boys, but what else could be expected from two lovers like the classic dark-and-mysterious Sasuke and the drop-dead-gorgeous Sakura? It was only natural that the two of them produced such pulchritudinous children. I told him about Senri, and how happy and healthy he was, despite all the trouble that had befallen him and Sakura during pregnancy. On the topic of pregnancy, Gaara had inquired about Megumi, about how everything went with her birth, and I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was praying that Megumi had been born, and that I hadn't miscarried. I didn't let on that he was easy for me to read. I explained the night of the hurricane, how Minato and Kushina had been there for Naruto and me every second.

Inevitably, the conversation eventually came to the topic that I dreaded most: the accident. But it wasn't like I couldn't tell Gaara; he is one of Naruto's best friends. He deserves to know. So I explained everything to him, beginning with Itachi barging into the studio at Mikoto's, out of breath and in a panic, and I gave him as much information as I possibly could. I told him what the doctors had said, and I presented him with the injuries that Naruto had obtained. But the thing that I didn't tell him was how much of a struggle the whole thing has been, because I wanted the conversation to stay clear of me and how I was feeling about the whole thing. For a moment, I was almost terrified that he would eventually ask the typical how-does-that-make-you-feel, but he didn't. Rather, we moved on to his relationship issues with Matsuri.

He explained to me as objectively as possible that he didn't know what went wrong. He said, from his point of view, they just suddenly started fighting. Initially, it was over things like forgetting an important conversation, or missing specific dates of events, but then it gradually grew to arguing over leaving a bowl on the table or drinking all of the milk. I could see the sadness behind his eyes, the fear of losing her for reasons that he was unaware of. He opened up, saying that he couldn't help but wonder if she was seeing somebody else on the side, but she couldn't find the time to break it off. While I hoped there was no unfaithful actions happening, he did present a possible point. Not everybody was as honest in relationships as they should be, and to be completely honest, it's pitiful. If Matsuri is stringing Gaara along while she's seeing another man, then I no longer have any respect for her. However, I forbid myself from making any rash judgements until all the details are presented to me.

There was never a quiet moment between the two of us, which honestly shocked me; we both had rather reserved dispositions. Perhaps it was that common trait that allowed us to speak freely with one another. It sounded strange, but I was going to go with it. It didn't really matter anyway; I like Gaara, and I'm glad that he and Naruto were able to maintain their friendship after high school. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see his friend after so long.

At the base of the snowy steps leading up to the front door of the apartment where Naruto and I are raising our family, I led the way, advising Gaara to watch his step. He glanced down awkwardly, peering over the bags cradled in his arms. With a grin, I turned my attention back in front of me and led the way to the front door. My hand slipped around the knob, but before I opened up, I waited for my escort to scuttle over to where I stood.

Together, one after the other, we slipped inside the warm, cozy apartment, Gaara setting the bags tenderly on the floor so that he could slip off his boots and slither out of his winter jacket.

"We're back," I called out to the house, and Itachi came around the corner of the kitchen, an empty laundry basket in his hands. At the sight of Gaara, his face dropped for a split second, then a warm and welcoming smile returned to his face.

"Welcome home."

"Gaara?" Naruto chimed from the couch, sitting up straight and staring at his friend as if he had grown a second head. "What are you doing here?"

"I ran into Hinata at the market," he said, bending over to retrieve the bags. "I figured I'd help her carry these heavy bags back, since she was by herself."

Naruto blinked, his eyes slightly hazy, and they traced Gaara's steps as he made his way through the living room and towards the kitchen. That was never a look I liked; it was as if he was confused. I guess the concussion still hasn't subsided.

"You can just put those in the kitchen," I advised him and marched over to the couch, toward my husband, whose foggy expression only clouded more. For a brief moment, it was as if he didn't recognize me, as if he had forgotten who I was. For that swift second, the excruciation of a thousand daggers piercing my heart took over me.

"Hinata," he said, his expression clearing up. With a ginger touch, I held his jaw in my hands and examined his eyes, watching deeply to see if he was all there, or if a part of him was drowning in the depths of the unknown of his brain. Something clicked inside of his brain, and he grinned that sexy grin of his and whispered to me, as if we were the players on the stage and I had forgotten my lines. "This is the part where you kiss me."

Yep. He's fine.

In order to keep him unconcerned, I pecked him on the lips once and dropped my hands to my sides. Turning around toward the bassinet, I checked on Megumi, who was kicking at her stuffed Totoro that Minato and Kushina had gotten for her. Her little legs moved as if she was treading water, her toes balling up under the cotton of her socks.

Footsteps swept across the hardwood floor, coming closer and closer to me, but I didn't turn around; I knew it had to be one of two people. The steps were too calm and controlled to belong to one of the boys, and Naruto was still stuck on the couch, unable to move on his own.

"She's gorgeous," Gaara complimented and lowered his hand down into the bassinet, giving Megumi something to grab hold of. She wrapped her tiny little fingers around his pinky finger and held tight, gazing up at the stranger with a look of perplex. A rare grin appeared across Gaara's face, and I took the moment in with all of my senses, recording it and storing it within my brain. I guess small children could make such a generally indifferent face change. "Do you mind if I hold her?"

"Go ahead," I gave him permission, and his arms instantly ducked down under her tiny body, holding her with tender care and caution. The smile was sustained on his face as he supported her head with the crook of his arm, and he touched her cheek with a single finger. Megumi glanced back and forth between myself and Gaara, not knowing what to make of this stranger. This was a man that wasn't Naruto, that wasn't Itachi, Minato, or Sasuke. She did not know this man, and when her eyes left mine, she stared up at Gaara's face with both confusion and awe. And the warm grin on Gaara's face never faltered.

With a crack of a smile upon my own lips, I turned and retreated for the kitchen to unpack the groceries that Gaara had so generously carried home for me. This would give the two friends time to talk to one another, and hopefully resolve the issue between Gaara and Matsuri.

When I stepped into the kitchen, Itachi was placing the two loaves of bread in the cabinet to the side of the refrigerator. Of course; leave it to him to begin the task that I had set out to do. For him and all of his help, I am eternally grateful. Coming up to his side, I reached into the bag and began plucking out fruits, examining them to make sure they weren't too bruised after their little avalanche earlier. As far as I could see, they were fine. Small wounds were present, but they shouldn't be too big of a deal.

"Usui took Tadashi to the park," Itachi murmured to me as I turned for the fridge, and my eyes flickered in his direction. He turned his gaze to me and watched as I opened the door and stuck the fruits inside on the bottom shelf.

"Did they bundle up well?" I asked, my motherly concern coming out, despite the fact that I tried with all my might to suppress it. I trust Usui to take care of his little brother.

Itachi smiled a bit. "Usui wouldn't let Tadashi leave the house without two pairs of socks." I laughed; yes, I definitely trust Usui with my toddler.

"Good." I grinned and slipped past Itachi, who was moving toward the fridge with an armful of vegetables. Our arms brushed as we passed one another to switch positions. I glanced down into the bag of dwindling groceries and retrieved the carton of eggs, flipped the lid open to be sure they were still intact, and extended my arm out to Itachi, who took them from my grasp and set them on the top shelf of the refrigerator.

"Why did you leave in tears?" When he asked me this question, I could tell that he had been working up some sort of courage to bring up the topic. There was a twinge in his voice that I don't think I've ever heard before; it was something other than the confidence that he constantly displayed. With a shake of my head, I turned my eyes to him, holding up a front that he was not about to break.

"We're not discussing this," I told him and leaned backwards on the counter, resting the back of my hips on the edge. "This is something between Naruto and me, and I don't wish to discuss it."

"Everything's okay, right?" he asked, clearing whatever it was that was lodged in his throat. "With your marriage, I mean?"

"Everything is fine, Itachi," I told him, forcing a reassuring smile onto my face. "Naruto is gradually healing, and everything is going to be okay."

With a nod, Itachi's eyes plummeted to the floor and a deep, clarifying breath escaped through his nostrils. But even still, I could see something within his eyes, a fiery passion that never seemed to escape his black eyes. Something burned deep within him, a light that could never be extinguished. I noticed it from the very first moment I saw him. He seemed to have an adoration for life itself, and a sort of bliss for all the people who surrounded him. It was something that every person should have - that appreciation for the little things around themselves. Itachi was - is - selfless, and the well-being of others seems to come to him way before the well-being and desires of himself. He is a good, strong man who deserves to have what he wants. Someday, though, he will make some lady very happy. I just hope that he doesn't have to settle for second best.

I want him to have that woman that he is so in love with. He deserves her, and she must be blind to not see the deep devotion he claims to have for her. He'll win her over, I believe.

There was a loud banging on the front door, and both Itachi and I whipped around, startled by the sudden burst of intense knocking. Somebody wanted in desperately, and the moment I took a step to go answer the door, Itachi threw his arm out in front of me and held me back, going ahead instead. I didn't stay back; my curiosity had been sparked and would refuse to be extinguished until I knew who had come to pay us a visit.

Making my way into the living room, I exchanged a glance with Naruto, who frowned and shrugged. Gaara's attention was on the door, awaiting the dramatic reveal of our visitor. Megumi was oddly quiet, which caused me to cock my head. I was almost sure the thundering on the door would have scared her enough to make her fussy. I guess not. She still lay in Gaara's arms, completely content.

With an internal shrug, I returned my attention to Itachi's back, and I watched in anticipation as he opened up the wooden door, peeking out at first to be sure the person was safe to allow entry. None of us could see who he or she was, at least not until Itachi opened the door all the way and allowed the woman to step into the foyer.

"Gaara!" she hollered, her voice cracking behind the tears that waterfalled down her cheeks.

Matsuri…

Gaara stood up swiftly and passed Megumi down to Naruto, who took his daughter graciously. His face had fallen, puzzled, and he simply stood there and watched as Matsuri barged in through the door, shoving past Itachi and not even bothering to kick off her winter boots at the foyer. Judging by the torment in her eyes, hospitality seemed like the very last thing on her mind.

Instead, we all just remained where we stood and observed as the strangest thing possible unfolded before our eyes. Matsuri stormed across the hardwood floor, her boots squeaking underneath her, closing the distance between herself and Gaara. Whipping a hand back swiftly, her palm collided with Gaara's pale cheek with a loud clap. Stunned, the redhead stood there, eyes glued to his girlfriend as she then proceeded to grab hold of his hands and fall to her knees, sobs reverberating through her entire being.

"Break up with me," she demanded, but her voice was more pleading. It was as if she had been building up the courage to say these words for so long.

My jaw dropped, and I exchanged a glance with both Itachi, who still stood pressed against the wall in the foyer, and with Naruto, whose eyebrows furrowed in perplex. The only person who seemed to know what was happening was the girl in hysterics who lay crumpled on the floor.

"I don't want to," Gaara murmured, bringing himself down to her level, down on his knees. "How did you know I was here?"

"Oh, please," Matsuri spat, never once bringing her eyes to meet her lover's, "Temari tracked your phone."

"Matsuri, if you want to break up, I need you to break up with me; don't just tell me to abandon you like this without any rhyme or reason."

Matsuri shook her head and sobbed, breaking further and further as she prepared herself to do the hardest thing she ever had.

"I can't give you what you want, Gaara."

Gaara blinked, astonished at the words that had just escaped her mouth. I was surprised; from what I had seen, the couple had always been happy together, had always seemed to have a deep love for the other that couldn't be explained. They had a beautiful connection.

Before Gaara could open his mouth to ask what she meant, Matsuri blurted out the truth behind her deepest sorrows, and her reasoning for breaking off this relationship. At least, that's what I thought was going to come out; rather, it was a deep, shaky breath that emerged from deep within her.

"I can't bear children," she confessed.