A/N: I don't mean to update so late. I've just been super sick lately and editing takes a lot of energy. Sorry.
An hour or so later, Azumi woke up with the sudden urge to pee. She groaned softly, kissing Gaara before maneuvering herself out from under him. She scratched his head gently before getting out of the bed and heading to the bathroom. As she walked through the hall, Naga slithered out of Mitsuki's room and followed her to the bathroom, telling her he was not going to take any chances and was still going to escort her when she was alone.
After she was done, she stretched hard on her way out into the hall again. Looking down at Naga, she ran her hand through her hair. "Want to go for a walk around the house?" she asked softly. He hissed, moving up her body to coil around her. She walked aimlessly through the halls until she came across the back balcony that looked over the desert behind the city and the river running away. She remembered standing there with Sachiko the night of her party. Leaning against the balcony, she mindlessly started petting Naga. "How is Ryuga?" she asked him. He hissed, telling her that Ryuga was doing fine and just needed to be careful with how he moved for a little while. She hummed, resting her chin in her hand. "That is good to hear."
They fell silent, looking out at the scenery and feeling the light breeze of the desert night. Very far in the distance, she could see the sky changing colors, meaning the sun would be rising.
"Shouldn't you be asleep?" Sandaime asked as he drifted into the doorway. He had changed into his own pajamas, his robe catching the light morning breeze as he joined her at the railing. He was cradling a mug of fresh tea in his hands.
Azumi and Naga jumped slightly, not expecting anyone to also be awake. She turned around and looked at him. "I was," she chuckled. "I had to use the bathroom and now I am having a hard time going back to sleep," she hummed. "But should you not also be asleep?" she smirked.
"I'll go to sleep soon," Sandaime smiled. "Your brother and Sachiko are cuddling and I don't have the heart to break them up," he chuckled. "Tea?" he asked, offering her the cup.
"Oh, I do not want to take your cup from you," she said.
He shook his head. "I can always make myself another."
She slowly took the cup from him. "Thank you..." she said softly.
"You're welcome," he smiled. He took a seat on the patio set to the side.
Azumi looked at the cup, staring into the tea for a moment before looking back at him. "Um...may I ask you something?" she asked, sitting in the seat across from him.
"Of course," he smiled at her. "You never have to ask permission." He rested his chin in his palm, giving her his full attention.
"I am hoping you will be the one to not judge me about this but...when you followed my father...how bad did Lord Sasori look?" She frowned at the cup in her hands. "I know I should not worry about him...but I honestly cannot help it."
Sandaime's smile faded as he considered her question. He turned away from her, looking out over the vast desert. "I'll spare you what I'm sure you've heard from everyone else," he started, drumming his fingers very lightly on the table. He took a deep breath, frowning. "He didn't look good. He looked even worse after your father was done with him," he said, turning back to her. "And I'll be honest, it was hard not going in there to save my brother or even to tell your father not to kill Sasori. He's still my nephew..." He paused, looking at her hard. "But you can't save him."
"I know I cannot," she whispered. She took a deep breath before looking at him. "But...I do not want him dead. I understand he deserves everything he has gotten from both Gaara and my father. And I know I should not feel any sympathy towards him. And it is not my intention to save him myself...but he...is a much more sad individual than he is evil. And do not think that killing him is necessary."
He looked at her hard, taking his time to mull over her words. He hummed softly, absentmindedly petting Naga who had decided to coil up in a puddle of growing sunlight on the table. "He is sad," Sandaime finally agreed. "And it's not my place to tell you how to feel," he said, looking back at her. His sharp eyes met hers once more. "But I want you to consider all of the people he's killed before you. What did they do to deserve death? Do you think he would have spared them because they were sad? Would he spare you?" His expression was a strange mixture of grim caring. "Did he ever spare you?"
Azumi closed her eyes and sighed deeply once more. "I see your point..." she said. She did not expect him to understand completely. She did not think anyone would. He was not there for the conversations she and Sasori had. Or for the times they grew closer and got along. "I am sorry for dropping this on you," she frowned. "My own inner turmoil is the last thing you need to hear about."
Sandaime reached out, taking her hand in his. "Your mental health is just as vitally important as your physical health," he told her seriously. "Besides," he cracked a smile, "listening to your troubles is a lot easier than listening to the city council. I'd take caring for my family over that any day." He gave her hand a small squeeze. "And you are family."
She smiled softly at him. "Thank you, Lord Sandaime," she said. She paused for a moment. "Which I am still going to call you. At this point it will feel a little awkward to drop the title," she chuckled.
He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "You could always try a new title," he smirked at her. "Like Uncle."
Her smile turned into a wide grin. "I suppose I could try Uncle," she laughed. "Just give me a little while to transition."
"Take all the time you need," he hummed happily through a yawn. "Mm, maybe I'll find a guest room to fall asleep in," he chuckled again. "I don't think I can throw your brother out. Sachiko might get upset."
She chuckled softly. "I should be getting back to bed as well." She sipped the tea he gave her and stood up with it in her hand. She paused for a second. "Thank you again," she said softly, "for...everything."
He smiled at her, shaking his head. "Think nothing of it." He stood up with her, circling the table and pulling her into a hug. "This is what family does for each other." He smiled as he stepped back. He reached over and gently picked up Naga to wrap around him her shoulders. "Sleep well, you two," he winked at her before heading into the house.
She finished the tea on her way back to her room. Naga went back into Mitsuki's room with the other two snakes and, very quietly, Azumi crept back into her room and back into bed as gently as possible to not wake Gaara up.
The moment she was settled, Gaara's arms wrapped around her, pulling her snuggly to his chest. He mumbled something softly in his sleep then buried his face in her shoulder. He pressed a kiss to it before falling back asleep.
She ran her fingers through his hair and scratched his head until she also fell back asleep.
It was nearly noon when everyone started to wake up. The snakes in Mitsuki's room dispersed to find everyone and get them up. The black mamba went into Yashamaru's room, hesitantly tapping his nose against Yashamaru's to wake him. He was not sure how the man would react. This family was revered as gods to snakes, it seemed almost blasphemous to wake them up. Yashamaru groaned softly before opening his eyes. "I did not order a wake-up call," he smirked, petting the snake's head.
In Orochimaru's room, Ryuga did not even dare to try and wake him up for the same reason the black mamba was hesitant to wake Yashamaru. Instead, he coiled up beside him and waited patiently for him to wake up. He also figured that unlike Azumi and Gaara, he did not need to be woken up.
Naga went into Azumi and Gaara's room, hissing softly as he nestled himself in the very small space between them. He reached his head out, tapping his nose against Gaara's.
"Mmmm," Gaara whined softly in his sleep. His face twisted into a pout. His arms pulled Azumi—and by extension, Naga—a little closer. "Sleep, Naga," he mumbled, dozing back off.
Naga sighed, moving to nuzzle his face against Azumi's and then tap her nose to wake her up. He knew these two were going to be the hardest to get up which is why he was the one to do it. Azumi hummed before opening her eyes very slightly. "Good morning," she smirked sleepily at him. He hissed, telling her it was actually noon. "Good morning," she repeated. He tapped her nose again, telling her to get up because he was sure she needed to vomit. It was not until he mentioned it that she started to feel nauseous. "Do not ever do that again," she groaned. She kissed the top of Gaara's head before unwrapping his arms from around her and got out of the bed. One her way to the bathroom, she started putting her hair up. Naga followed closely behind her, wanting to be there to help her out in any way, despite not having any arms to do anything for her.
Gaara woke up the moment Azumi was out of his arms. He pouted a little harder as he sat up in bed. He rubbed his face hard then swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He knew her morning sickness was going to leave her dehydrated and hungry so he decided to head down to the kitchen to make her a cup of tea and some breakfast.
"Finally up," his aunt smirked at him as he walked in.
"Mm," Gaara grunted softly. "I wish I wasn't though," he sighed, setting the kettle on the fire.
"Did you not sleep well?" Sachiko frowned. "Are you okay?"
"I slept fine." He cracked a smile for emphasis. "It just wasn't long enough." He yawned hard. He sniffled a little as he turned to pull out a pan. "I'll wake up after something to eat and some tea." He reached for something to his side as he placed the pan down and fumbled, nearly dropping it on his foot.
Sachiko crossed the room quickly, catching the pan in the nick of time. She laughed softly, cupping his face. with her free hand. "Go sit down," she ordered him. "I'll handle food."
Gaara chuckled softly as he nodded and moved to the table to take a seat. "Are you the only one awake?" he asked.
Sachiko shook her head. "Mitsuki is up. He's in the next room. I think your uncle slept in a guest room," she chuckled. "Mitsuki fell asleep with me."
"Mitsuki is moving fast I see," Gaara chuckled, leaning his head against his hand.
"He's moving a little slower than your uncle did," she joked.
Gaara grimaced, then broke down into a laugh. "I don't know if I want to think about that," he waved a hand in front of his face. He glanced at the door then at the kettle.
Sachiko laughed, walking over to run a hand through his hair. "If you're that worried about her, go to her." She gently pinched his cheek. "I can handle everything here. The tea is ready anyway," she said just as the kettle started to squeal as if on her command.
Gaara chuckled and nodded as he stood up. "I'll be right back with her," he told his aunt.
"I'll have her tea waiting for her," Sachiko smiled.
Gaara left the kitchen to head to the bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Azumi was sitting against the wall with Naga coiled in her lap. "If you did not remind me," she groaned, "this would not be happening."
Naga hissed a small protest, telling her that he gave her time to get to the bathroom. If he had not woken her, she would have thrown up on Gaara and it would have been gross.
Gaara chuckled, listening to Naga hiss sassily from the doorway. He crossed the room, dampening a rag with cool water before sitting down in front of her. "I take it it was bad?" he asked softly, lifting her chin on his fingertips. He leaned in to kiss her forehead then started to wipe her face.
She sighed softly through her nose and nodded. "It was definitely not enjoyable," she hummed. Once he was done wiping her face, they stood up and she washed her mouth out. She held back a shiver as she turned around to face him. "I need to be put under a heat lamp," she chuckled, wrapping her arms around him. She hummed softly at how warm he was.
He frowned, feeling how clammy her skin was. He pulled her closer, trying to warm her up. "Would you like to sit on the patio?" he chuckled. "It's not a heat lamp but it's warmer than inside."
She giggled, nuzzling her face against his chest. "Mhm," she hummed, nodding against him.
"As you wish," he whispered. He smiled, kissing the top of her head. He pulled away just far enough to kiss her forehead before bending his knees a little, letting his hands slide down and scooped her butt to pick her up. He wrapped her legs around him to carry her down to the patio.
She chuckled softly, resting her arms on his shoulders as he carried her. "You sure do carry me a lot," she smirked. "When I get heavier, this will not happen as much."
"Are you doubting my strength?" Gaara smirked, challengingly. "I don't think it's your weight I'll ever be concerned about. I'll just have to carry you a little differently."
"I would never doubt your strength," she grinned. They stepped outside to the patio and he put her down. "Your strength is unmatched," she said dramatically, leaning against the table.
"Glad you're aware of that," he grinned, kissing her cheek. He laughed softly, running his hand through her hair. "I'll be right back with breakfast. Do you want anything special?" He knew his aunt was making breakfast but he was willing to bring anything she wanted in particular.
She tilted her head back and hummed in thought for a moment. "Farina?" she asked. She looked at Naga who nodded and then she nodded. "Farina," she said with finality.
"Farina," he repeated with a nod. "Be right back, my love." He kissed her temple one more time before turning to return to the kitchen. She smiled as she watched him walk away, sitting down to bask in the sun.
In the kitchen, Sachiko turned around when she heard Gaara return. "Is she alright?" she asked. Mitsuki was sitting at the table and she placed a bowl in front of him.
"She is better now," he chuckled. "She is sunning herself now on the patio. Good morning, Mitsuki," he smiled at the boy. He walked over to the counter to put together a tray.
"Morning," Mitsuki said, pulling his bowl towards him.
"That's good," Sachiko smiled, joining Gaara at the counter with two mugs of tea and two bowls for farina. Gaara stared at the breakfast she chose to make. "Something wrong?" she asked him. "Did she want something else? Mitsuki said it's one of her favorites."
"No, it's exactly what she wanted," he smiled.
"Oh, good," Sachiko chuckled.
Mitsuki dropped a few spoonfuls on cinnamon into his bowl. "I know my sister," he smirked.
"Thank you, Mitsuki," Gaara smiled, loading the tray with a few more things.
Sachiko placed a bowl with a spoon in it just before he started for the door. "Extra cinnamon," she explained when he looked at it inquisitively.
"You cannot have farina without the cinnamon," Yashamaru said, approaching the kitchen in tow of his father.
"Thanks," Gaara chuckled as he went back out to the patio. Ryuga had joined Azumi and Naga outside. Both snakes were coiled up on the table, basking with her. All three of them looked up at Gaara as he approached them. His smile softened, taking them in as he set the tray down on the table. "Your brother knows you well," he chuckled. He leaned down to kiss Azumi then took a seat next to her. Naga and Ryuga raised their heads, moving a little closer so Gaara could also give them kisses on their heads.
"Does he?" she chuckled, watching him kiss each snake on the head. "Or it is because it is also his favorite," she smirked. "Either way, thank you," she smiled.
"Both sound right," Gaara chuckled, picking up his cup of tea. "Auntie also sent extra cinnamon." He opened the little bowl for her to see. "Are you feeling a little warmer?"
"I am," she grinned, taking the little spoon and putting two spoonfuls of cinnamon in her bowl. She passed it to him in case he wanted some. "I am hoping this particular symptom does not last the rest of the pregnancy."
"It shouldn't," he told her as he spooned a healthy helping of cinnamon into his own bowl. "You're close to your third month and morning sickness usually goes away after the first trimester," he said, taking on his official doctor tone as he spoke.
"I cannot wait for the morning sickness to go away," she groaned, mixing her cinnamon into her farina and taking a bite. She hummed happily as she continued to eat. Naga hissed softly at her, telling her that he and the other snakes were going to go on a hunt later and to not be alone at any time throughout the day. Azumi rolled her eyes. "Yes, Father," she scoffed.
Gaara chuckled, digging into his own bowl. "Getting your daily orders?" he asked her.
"It seems so. Even though my real father is here," she muttered. She looked at Gaara and hummed. "Do you have any patients today?" she asked.
"Oh," Gaara gasped softly. He blinked wide as if remembering at that moment that he was, in fact, an active doctor. He looked at her, laughing a little. "I think I have three or four, actually, to make rounds on." He scratched his head. "Did you want to come with me? Stretch your legs a little?"
She chuckled softly. "Is that...something I can do?" she asked. "Will they be okay with me leaving?"
"They won't," Gaara shook his head slightly. "But we could force my brother to come along. Or pick up Shira. I have to go see him anyway." He gave her a devilish grin. "But we should actually be fine on our own right now. Sasori is too much of bitch to move right now," he swore uncharacteristically. "He won't be out and about."
She grinned and then nodded. "I am convinced," she chuckled. "I would love to go if it is alright with you."
"It's fine with me," he smiled, leaning in to kiss her. "We can leave after a bath though." He sat back again.
"Alright," she chuckled. She finished off her food and started drinking her tea. "I do not think I have really seen your brother since that one party where...everyone had that...accident..."
Gaara grimaced through a laugh, recalling the moment she was talking about. "Ah, that." He giggled again, trying hard to compose himself quickly. "He's an artist so he's kind of all over the place. We might run into him while we're doing the rounds."
"Oh, now I am excited," she hummed. "To be able to walk around freely and to...see you at work," she smirked, leaning over to kiss him.
"I can agree with the walking around," he smiled into the kiss, "but my world is a little boring," he stole another kiss. "I'll go run the bath for you when I'm done eating."
"You may think it is boring, but I think it would be interesting to see you tend to patients that are not me," she chuckled. She cut herself off with a small gasp. "Can we get coffee and churros while we are out?" she asked softly.
"Of course," he chuckled. "No question about that." He finished off his tea and then the rest of his breakfast. "I'll be back for you," he said, getting up.
She nodded as he gathered everything from the table and went back inside, letting out an excited squeal once he was gone. The snakes looked at her. Naga hissed softly, telling her that he wanted her to be safe while she was out. He was trusting the fact that she was going to be with Gaara and he would make sure nothing happens to either of them. "We will be fine," she said, tapping his nose. "Do not worry." He hissed again, tapping his nose against hers. Ryuga did the same thing and when the black mamba approached the table. He made his way onto it and tapped his nose against hers as well. "Thank you," she chuckled. The three of them waited for Gaara to return before leaving for their hunt.
"Would you like to walk, milady?" Gaara bowed low, offering his hand to her. "Or would you like to rest your feet up for today?"
She chuckled softly, taking his hand. "I can walk," she smiled, pulling him into a kiss. "But thank you."
"Alright," he grinned, walking with her down the hall to the bathroom. He pulled the door shut once they were inside. "I tried to do it how you normally do," he told her. He had filled the bath with warm fragrant water. There was a towel already set out and a new pot of tea waiting for her.
"Oh, wow," she gasped softly. "It smells amazing." She grinned, wrapping her arms around him. "Thank you." She pulled him into another kiss, sliding her hands down his arms to place his hands at her hips.
"I'm glad to hear that," he said between kisses. He grinned into the kiss, pulling her close. His hands curled, slowly pulling up her dress. He stepped back just enough to pull it over her head. The moment the separation was gone, he pulled her flush to his chest.
"Would you like to join me?" she smirked, sliding her hands up his chest and then resting her arms on his shoulders.
"Of course," he smirked, kissing down her jaw. He nipped her neck gently before pulling back to get undressed. He took her hand again and lead her to the sunken tub, settling in first. She settled in after him, sitting in his lap and wrapping her arms around him. She kissed along his jaw and down his neck. Her hands found their way into his hair. He scratched down her back lightly, letting his hands settle on her hips as he floated towards the opposite wall of the tub. He tilted his head a little to give her better access. His hands down ran over her hips and down her thighs as he pulled her into a slow kiss. "I love you," he said softly, smiling at her. The tip of his nose brushed hers.
"I love you, too," she smiled. Her smile slowly shifted into a devilish smirk. "So," she said, pushing his hair back, "when do you want to get married?" she teased.
His cheeks turned a light shade of pink. He hummed, deep in his throat, letting his head fall back as he thought.
"Depends," he matched her smirk. "Do you want our child in the wedding while still inside you?"
"I think it would be kind of cute to have them in the wedding," she chuckled. "Having someone carry them would be precious."
"My sister could carry them," Gaara smiled. "We could have an outfit made for them, too," he laughed a little, getting excited by the very idea.
"Oh, that would be adorable!" she squealed. "I love it. Ah, I do not know if you have different wedding customs here," she hummed. "But...we have a few customs and traditions for our weddings."
"We do but there isn't anything that I'm particularly attached to," he said as he slipped his fingers up her back, pressing into the muscle. He started to work her shoulders as they spoke. "Do you want a traditional one from your village?"
"I think I do," she said. "Since I am technically a princess," she rolled her eyes, "it would make sense for me to have a more traditional wedding with our customs."
"I sort of forgot about that," he chuckled. It was a day of reminding shocks for Gaara.
"Do not worry," she muttered. "So did I."
"Do you like traditional weddings?" he asked her. "Easy would be best with the baby." He worked his fingers up the back of her neck then back down to her shoulders.
She groaned as he massaged her. "I do..." she said, biting her lip. "They are very...inclusive of the family. Everyone has a part in the ceremony."
"Really?" Gaara smirked at the reaction. He worked a knot gently until it released. "That sounds like how a wedding should be, honestly. Do you have a religious leader to say the ceremony?" He realized they had never really talked about any of this kind of stuff. He was suddenly very curious to know more about her culture and village more so than he had before.
"Um, not a religious leader," she hummed. "My father usually does it. We do not exactly have a religion in my village. We are a very...science-based village."
"That makes sense," he chuckled, considering what he had learned about her over their year together. "Your father marrying us sounds very intimate," he said, shifting his hands down to her lower back and continuing to knead the muscles.
"I suppose it is," she hummed. "It will not exactly be an intimate setting though. Since it is the leader's daughter getting married, the wedding is going to be pretty big whether we like it or not."
"Ah," he hummed, looking her in the eyes. "I don't think I'll mind it." A soft smile pulled at his lips. "As long as we are together, that is all that will matter to me in the end."
She pulled him into another kiss, smiling against his lips. "I am glad to hear that," she said softly. Pulling away very slightly, she ran her fingers through his hair. "I think we should actually start bathing now," she chuckled.
"I suppose," he chuckled, reaching over to grab the soap.
She backed off of him to wash up as he did the same. "You know...I have never been to your house," she said through a laugh as they finished up.
"Would you like to go?" he asked her with a smirk. "It's nothing too fancy," he told her. He got out first, crossing the room to grab their towels. He undid hers first so she could step right into it.
She stepped out of the tub and giggled as she walked into the towel he held out for her. "Thank you," she said as she wrapped it around herself. She waited for him to dry off before lacing her fingers with his and heading back to their room.
They got dressed at a leisurely pace. When they were both finished, Gaara sat down on the bed, reaching out to pull her to him by her waist. He pressed his head into her stomach, kissing it softly. He looked up at her, smiling. "Ready to tell them we're leaving?"
"Yes," she chuckled, kissing the top of his head. She gently tilted his head back to catch his lips in a kiss. "Come on," she said, sliding her hands into his to pull him off of the bed. He grabbed the things he would need and they headed out.
On their way to Orochimaru's room, they passed Yashamaru. "Good morning, you two," he yawned.
"Good morning," Gaara bowed slightly, smiling widely.
Yashamaru looked them over. "Why do I get the feeling one of you is up to something?"
Azumi and Gaara shared a look and then looked at Yashamaru and shrugged. "You are paranoid," Azumi said. "Always have been. Where is your father?"
"Your father is in his room," Yashamaru smirked. With a chuckle, she stepped closer to Orochimaru's door and knocked.
"Good morning," Orochimaru said as he opened the door. He was already dressed for the day.
"Good morning," Gaara bowed his head respectfully.
"Did you two have breakfast already?" Orochimaru asked, noticing that they were also ready for the day.
"We did," Gaara smiled. "I was just getting ready to step out with Azumi." He watched Orochimaru as he said that last part of his sentence.
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at them. "Step out?" he questioned. "To where?"
"I just have a few patients to see today," Gaara replied. "It would be good for Azumi to stretch her legs a little so I'm taking her with me."
He was about to protest when Azumi stopped him. "I will be fine," she told him. "Any and all threats to me are incapacitated right now."
Orochimaru's lips pressed into a fine line as he considered her words. He sighed, folding his arms a moment later. "Fine but be back before it gets dark," he told them sternly. "Sasori might not be a threat right now but you do not know what his father might do."
Gaara held Azumi's hand a little tighter, squeezing it gently. "Of course, Sir," he agreed readily. There could be a slim chance his uncle hired someone to go after Azumi thought it was highly unlikely.
Azumi grinned and hugged her father. "Thank you," she said. "We will be fine and we will see you later." Orochimaru hugged his daughter back, a little tighter than he normally would.
"I won't let anything happen to her," Gaara assured Orochimaru.
"I know you will not," he looked at Gaara. "I expect you need to get going," he smirked when neither of them made a move to leave.
"Yes," Gaara laughed sheepishly. He was sort of waiting to be dismissed by the man. Taking the mention of needing to see his patients as the dismissal, he bowed one more time then started down the hall with Azumi and out of the house.