Wind of Truth & Sands of Change

Because We're Siblings

095. After the Attack on Konoha By the Sound and Sand…

Kankuro sighed, "Tem, you need to see a medic about your ribs."

Temari shook her head violently, "Suna only has so many medics.

Baki is hurt. And so are many other Suna shinobis because of that stupid war we ignited with Konoha. If I go complain and ask for treatment, the medics are going to leave someone else unattended." Temari looked him square in the eye, "They'll leave Gaara unattended. I don't want him hurt." Temari winced, "My injury can wait. It's only minor."

Kankuro ran his hand through his hair in frustration. He wasn't wearing his hood. "Temari—"

"Kankuro, please," Temari pleaded, "He's our little brother. You know they won't hesitate to let him suffer."

"Lay down, Temari, and don't move an inch." Kankuro moved from the couch and helped her lie down. "I'm gonna check on Gaara, alright?"

"Thanks, Kankuro." Temari muttered. "For keeping it quiet."

"Well, you have a point, and he is our little brother."

Temari just smiled.

"Remember, don't move."

096. The Fucking Crazy Relationship of Siblings

Kankuro and Temari had a strange relationship.

Or so Gaara believed.

Kankuro insulted Temari even though he knew it would only piss off the blonde female; and a pissed off Temari was a very frightening thing. Temari would hit Kankuro with her fan and he would yell – loudly, even though this would only result in more insults and complaints between the two. Then it would be as if nothing had happened.

Kankuro would console Temari when she was feeling upset with herself. He would say nice things with an insult hidden in there. But Temari never hit him or yell at these times. She would smile and softly whisper 'baka'.

Temari would wrap her arms around Kankuro when he was feeling particularly angry. Then she'd swat him with her fan gently, to where it wouldn't hurt the puppeteer. Kankuro would then roll his eyes and call her bipolar.

They had a really strange relationship, he thought.

He didn't understand the meaning of the whole thing, but he was being accepted into the strange rituals of yelling, insults and fan swats. Of hugs, compliments, and utter irrationality.

Temari attacked him with her fan almost daily and Kankuro called him a raccoon; on odd days Temari would wrap her arms around him and kiss him kindly on the cheek and Kankuro would grumble something really nice.

They had a strange relationship indeed.

097. When Squishing Isn't Appealing Anymore

Gaara wanted to become stronger. He swirled sand before his feet. Naruto fought for hose he cared for. He was strong for hose he loved.

Gaara wanted to be acknowledged, he wanted…something. His purpose in life was changing. Temari kept reminding him he wasn't a monster, and Kankuro did the same.

He wanted to be more like Naruto.

Although he wasn't sure who he was to protect. Who cared for him? Who loved him? Who did he care for?

"Gaara," Temari called, slightly annoyed from somewhere below him. "Come on inside. Eat some dinner."

He was on the roof collecting his thoughts. He descended down and halted before Temari who was standing in the doorway, "I don't want to eat."

She frowned, a strange expression on her face. He didn't understand it. It was very soft, almost … concerned. But Temari wouldn't be concerned about him…right? "Don't be stupid, you have to eat or you'll get weak." Her tone was annoyed and bossy. "I don't want you getting hurt. Now, get inside and eat something. You haven't eaten all day!"

Gaara opened his mouth to protest when Kankuro stuck his head out the kitchen window. "Yeah, come on, Gaara. It's actually good for once."

Temari stamped over to the window. "For once! It's always good!" She exclaimed indignantly.

Kankuro snorted. "So says the psychopathic female."

"SHUT UP!" She screeched, irate, at Kankuro. "Gaara," she addressed him again, "go eat."

"She has a point, for once. Come eat." Kankuro grumbled from inside the house.

Gaara sighed, "I could squish you both."

There was no sign of fear in Temari's eyes. "Temari first!" Kankuro joked from inside.

Temari smiled softly. "But you won't."

Gaara looked to the side in irritation. He could squish them easily. It would be so simple and they wouldn't be able to bother him again. But he didn't want to squish them. The Shukaku demanded he squish them for their insolence but he didn't want to.

"Now go eat before I get violent." Temari threatened

He sighed and trudged inside. Somewhere along the line they'd stopped fearing him.

It was…strange to hear Temari order him around and Kankuro joke so easily toward him.

He wanted to become stronger. Like Naruto. He dint have that many people to protect. He didn't have that many he cared for and cared for him. But he did have two. Two he cared for. Two was enough. He didn't want them hurt. He would protect them, as strange and annoying as they were.

098. I Lie To Shut You Up.

"Temari wanted me to see if everything was okay. You've been bombarded in here for a really long time. Is everything…fine?"

Gaara looked up from his desk. "Yes, I've just…paperwork."

Kankuro looked at the stack of papers before his brother. He pulled a chair up to the desk and took half the papers. "Let me help."

"No. It's fine. You should go eat dinner."

Kankuro picked up the first paper, "Not hungry."

Gaara glared at him, "You lie."

"Of course I'm lying. When am I ever not hungry? But that doesn't change anything. I'm helping you whether you like it or not."

"Why?" Gaara questioned. "Why would you skip dinner to help me?"

Kankuro shrugged. "You're my brother. That's the only reason I need."