Utakata sat on the back balcony of Gaara's house, staring ahead and spacing out as he smoked his pipe. He experienced enough stress in one day to last him a few years. Naga and Ryuga were coiled on the table in front of him, a little saddened that Kaida yelled at them over who was going to nap with Azumi. "She can be a little sassy," Utakata said, "but do not let that stop you from keeping your human company." The snakes looked at each other and shook their heads rapidly. Utakata chuckled, reminding them that she was not even venomous like them. They shook their heads again and sighed heavily.
"Everything okay?" Gaara asked, stepping out onto the balcony with a new pot of tea.
Utakata looked at him. "Everything is fine," he said. "These two are a little afraid of Kaida right now."
"Afraid of her?" Gaara hummed, sitting down. "But she seems very sweet."
Both snakes hissed frantically, shaking their heads again. "She yelled at them over who was going to nap with Azumi," Utakata explained. "And why it was going to be her."
"I see," Gaara chuckled. "Did you want me to go get her then?" The snakes shook their head.
"It is the principle of the matter now," Utakata chuckled, taking a long drag from his pipe.
"That's okay, us boys can hang out. Shira is coming back," Gaara smiled at them.
The snakes moved up to nuzzle Gaara on either side of his face while he poured the tea for him and Utakata.
"Is she alright?" Utakata asked.
"She's asleep."
Utakata nodded. "The poison was draining her energy and the antidote fighting it inside of her drained it even faster. She will be out for a little while."
"Thank you," Gaara said, swirling his cup of tea, "for everything. I don't want to think about what would have happened to her if you hadn't found her." He looked up at the other man.
Utakata took another drag, taking his time before blowing out a cloud of smoke. "I saw her in the coffee shop with Komushi," he said. "When Komushi noticed I saw him, he took off with her." He took a sip of his tea. "I followed them until I lost sight of them and then I found Kenzou. He helped me find her. But by the time I got there, she had already endured quite a bit of damage...as you know."
Gaara took a long, long sip from his cup of scalding hot tea to keep his temper in check. Of course, Komushi was involved. "Kenzou," he said when he finally came up for air. "Did he stay behind then?" He could only assume since Utakata had shown up with Azumi and Kenzou did not.
"He did," Utakata nodded. "Sasori is coming completely unhinged," he shook his head.
"I don't even want to think about what he did to her while he had her for that short period of time," Gaara frowned.
"I am sure neither does she," Utakata said, taking another drag. "But..." he sighed, "she is here now and she just needs to heal. Keep someone with her at all times, especially since she cannot walk."
"That's what I'm here for," a beautiful young woman said, putting her hand on her hip in the doorway of the balcony.
"Oh?" Utakata turned around to lean on the rail on the balcony with a grin. "And who are you?"
"The love of Shira's life," Gaara grinned, crossing the space to bow to Sayumi. He took her hand and pressed a kiss to it.
"It's nice to finally meet the husband of the love of my life," she grinned, hugging Gaara.
Shira walked up behind her. "She was excited to meet you," he chuckled. "Well, now you know Gaara." He gestured to Utakata. "This is Utakata. He runs a shop in the middle of the city."
Utakata bowed to Sayumi. "Pleasure," he said.
"The pleasure is mine," she bowed back. "Is the lady of the house awake?" she asked Gaara. "I heard she had a rough day, to say the least," her smile was dazzling. Shira was nearly floating behind her.
"Ah, she just went to sleep," Gaara chuckled.
"Aw," Sayumi pouted very slightly, "no matter. I can wait until she wakes up."
"I left the food in the kitchen," Shira said.
Sayumi gasped softly, moving toward the table when she saw Naga and Ryuga coiled on it. "Oh, are these her snakes?" she cooed, petting them both. Ryuga came forward first. He slithered up to her and up her arm, nuzzling her cheek.
"They are," Gaara chuckled. "Ryuga, you aren't usually this bold," he teased.
"He thinks you are pretty," Utakata told her.
"Oh!" Sayumi grinned, petting him some more. "Thank you," she said to Ryuga. Ryuga's head snapped to Utakata, hissing to him about betrayal.
"Sorry," Utakata chuckled. "I thought you would want her to know."
"You can understand him?"
"I am from the same village as Azumi," Utakata nodded. "Our family can communicate with snakes."
"Your family?" Gaara and Shira asked in unison.
"Azumi and Mitsuki do not really know because I left when they were young but we are cousins."
"That...actually explains a lot," Gaara muttered.
"Well, I think you are very handsome," Sayumi grinned. "And you, too," she told Naga, tapping his nose gently. "Let's go eat," she said brightly as she turned on her foot to walk back in the house. Shira wore the dopiest grin on his face, watching his girlfriend walk ahead of them.
"Isn't she beautiful?" he asked them. "Lovely? Just amazing?" he sighed.
"She's all of that," Gaara nodded with a slight chuckle at how his friend fawned over her. Shira floated into the house behind Sayumi.
Utakata stepped up next to Gaara, putting his pipe out. "Gaara, she looks like your aunt," he said lowly.
"I know," Gaara chuckled as they followed the other two inside. The group went into the kitchen and sat down at the table. "So what do you do?"
"I'm an acrobatic performer," Sayumi grinned.
"She performed for Lady Sachiko's party," Shira explained.
"Your aunt is beautiful, by the way," she gushed. "But I love a man who can cook," she giggled, pulling the food out of the basket, all ready to start eating.
"Shira is the best chef in the city," Gaara chuckled, taking a seat from across from her. Utakata put the kettle on for more tea and pulled out two new cups for Shira and Sayumi.
"So are you going to take our Shira away?" Utakata teased, walking over to join them at the table.
"I could never," Sayumi laughed. "I don't think I could ever rip him away from the true love of his life," she said, gesturing to Gaara.
"He has a new love of his life," Shira said.
"Sounds like a very complicated love square," Utakata smirked.
"Eh, it's not that complicated," Sayumi grinned. "I've seen webs a lot worse," she giggled. "You see a lot of that when you travel. Been caught in a few I didn't want to be in too." She rolled her eyes, lifting a mouthful of food to her lips. She groaned softly, licking her lips. Shira gripped the back of her chair hard. Gaara and Utakata shared a look.
"Do you need a glass of water Shira?" Utakata teased.
"No," Shira's voice cracked. He cleared his throat. "No, I'm good...thanks."
Utakata chuckled softly as he started to eat. After a few minutes, the tea was ready and he set it down on the table for everyone. "Are you still traveling or did you settle in this city?"
"Settled," she said between mouthfuls. "Shira won my heart and I don't know if I can hit the road again knowing he is here," she smiled up at him. "Maybe in the future but for now I'm content to settle some roots for him."
"How did you get so lucky?" Gaara teased, resting his chin on the back of his hand.
"You got an actual princess," Shira chuckled. "I'd say we both got really lucky."
Naga hissed in slight protest, proclaiming that he was actually the lucky one as the true love of Azumi's life. Utakata stifled a laugh. "You cannot tell everyone that," he said softly. Naga hissed again with a small smug flick of his tail. Gaara chuckled, looking to Utakata for translation. "Ummm," Utakata smirked at Naga who slithered up to him to poke him hard in his chest with his tail. "He is the father." He and Naga went back and forth like this for a minute or two with the other three watching in mild confusion and amusement. Naga looked at Gaara and hissed at him as if he could understand. "He said he likes you, you are great and all," Utakata translated, "but he is the real love of Azumi's life."
"What?" Gaara chuckled.
"That is something for you two to settle."
"Wow," Sayumi giggled. "Azumi is really loved," she smiled brightly. "And I believe those are fighting words," she winked at Naga and Gaara.
"They are," Gaara pouted. "After all the treats I've given you!" He was joking...mostly.
Naga moved to nuzzle Gaara's jaw, telling him that they could share her. Ryuga hissed softly, telling them that they could have Azumi and he wanted Sayumi.
"I think you both need to relax," Utakata told the snakes. "And maybe get some mates within your species." Both snakes hissed at him to mind his own business. Utakata snorted, shaking his head as he ate his food.
"I'll make up a plate for Azumi," Shira chuckled, making sure to make two plates in case the baby wanted to eat first. He picked the best pieces of everything for her and set them aside.
"Ah, I should go check on her," Gaara said. "I'll be right back." Naga immediately moved to coil up his body as he stood up. He would be less afraid of Kaida with Gaara around. Together, they made their way up to the bedroom.
Azumi had woken up and was sitting against the pillows, conversing with Kaida about how she became Utakata's companion when he left the village and practically fell in love with him. "So you have been together for a long time then," she hummed.
Kaida hissed softly to say yes and went on to say he was a bit of a mess when he first arrived but had gotten much better over the years and started to take care of so many snakes in the city. She perked up the moment the door opened. Naga hid behind Gaara a little the moment Kaida looked over at them.
"Wow, you really are afraid of her," Gaara chuckled. "Did you sleep well?" he asked Azumi. He smoothly sat down on the edge of the bed, taking her hand in his.
"I did," she smiled, lifting his hand to kiss the back of it and then gently pulling him close to kiss him softly. Naga moved to coil around her, nuzzling his face against hers and hissing softly.
"Good," he returned her smile, pressing into the kiss lightly. "Naga missed you," he chuckled as he pulled back. "And Ryuga did, too, right up until Sayumi showed up," he laughed. "I think he might be smitten."
"Sayumi?" she hummed and then gasped. "Shira's girlfriend?" she grinned. "She is here?" She paused for a second. "Wait, Ryuga?" Naga hissed, confirming that Ryuga was definitely in love with Sayumi. "Huh...he never struck me as the type of snake to fall for a human."
"She is going to stay with you when everyone else has to leave. This way, someone is here to help you no matter the time," he told her.
"Oh?" Azumi smiled. "That sounds like it will be a fun time. I do not think I have been around many women our age since I arrived here," she chuckled. There was a quiet rumbling noise coming from her stomach. Kaida moved her head closer to Azumi's stomach, tapping her nose against it lightly and hissing to the baby. "Yes, they are hungry," she told the snake.
"Oh, I'll be right back. Shira set two plates of food aside for you," he smiled, moving to get up. "Sorry, he set a plate out for you and one for the little one," he chuckled. He kissed the back of her hand then her forehead. "Be right back." Azumi chuckled, waiting patiently for him to return with the food. Gaara went back down into the kitchen. "She's awake," he announced. He grabbed a tray and set a cup of tea, a glass of water, and the two plates of food on it for her.
"Is she really going to eat all of that?" Utakata asked, looking at the piles of food.
"Oh, yeah," Shira nodded. "And then she's going to want dessert after."
"I love her already," Sayumi grinned. "Should I come up with you?" she asked, finishing up her own food. "Or should I bring up the dessert?"
"She'll love you immediately if you brought up her dessert," Gaara chuckled.
"Then that's what I'll do," Sayumi smiled. She looked into the basket and picked up both a chantilly cake and a strawberry shortcake. "Which one should I take up?"
"Both, if you want her to really love you," Shira laughed.
"I am admittedly curious to see such a small woman put away all of that," Utakata mumbled softly.
"It's a sight to behold," Shira chuckled. He was beaming, between his girlfriend and his wife in-law loving his food he was a very content and happy man.
"Nothing is stopping you from visiting her," Gaara chuckled. "She just won't talk much since she will be eating."
Sayumi picked put a slice of each cake on a plate then looked at the brown one. "What is this one exactly?" she asked.
"A chantilly cake," Utakata answered. "A cake from our village." He cut his own small piece. "I have not had this in years." He wanted to see if Shira made it exactly the way it was supposed to be made. As soon as he took a bite, he nodded his approval.
"Try it," Shira smiled at Sayumi. "I'll bring up a second slice for you."
"Thank you," she grinned, leaning over to kiss him and causing him to swoon. He cut a piece of cake for her and they all headed up to the bedroom.
Kaida and Naga were having a small fight in Azumi's lap which she seemed to be enjoying a little bit. "You know, Naga, it is unfair. She is not venomous you cannot just attack her like—" She was cut off by a frantic hiss from Naga. "Okay, yes, you are my companion, but—" She was cut off by a hiss from Kaida. "She has a fair point," she told Naga.
"Are we interrupting something?" Sayumi laughed with a soft knock to the door frame to announce their presence. Both snakes froze, looking over at the new voice. Ryuga was still wrapped around her shoulders.
"We can come back if you need to mediate," Shira teased, walking in the room with Sayumi. She set the plate of dessert on the bedside table while Shira grabbed a chair for her. "Azumi, this is Sayumi," he beamed with pride.
"Oh!" Azumi grinned, immediately opening her arms for a hug. "Hello! It is nice to finally meet you, even though the circumstances are," she pointed to her leg, "not exactly ideal," she chuckled.
The other woman slipped her arms around Azumi. Her hug was firm but gentle. "There's rarely ideals in this world," she said, pulling back. "It's wonderful to meet you. Shira has told me so much," she giggled.
"Has he?" she chuckled. "I am excited to be spending time with you. I see you met Ryuga," she smirked at the snake wrapped around Sayumi. Kaida's head perked up when Utakata walked into the room. She looked between him and Azumi as if conflicted about who she wanted to be with. Azumi smiled and pet her gently. "He is the love of your life," she told her softly. "Go to him."
Utakata raised his eyebrow at the phrase, smirking a little as his snake crossed the bed. He reached out an arm to let her coil around his shoulders. "So I am the love of your life, huh?" he asked softly, petting her once she was settled. She hissed softly and he chuckled.
"Oh, yes! He's really comfortable," Sayumi smile. Ryuga perked up, getting excited at the compliment and then even more so when she nuzzled his face against her jaw. "You have such handsome boys!"
"Thank you," Azumi chuckled, petting Naga who coiled comfortably in her lap now that Kaida was gone. "They are also very protective." She looked at the tray in Gaara's hands and grinned. He set it on a small table and brought the table closer to the bed. She reached for the cup of tea which was just out of reach but with a discreet nudge of it from Gaara, she grabbed it.
"Is the baby okay?" Sayumi asked.
"The baby is fine," Azumi nodded. "They have been through a lot but they are going to make it."
"This child is going to be as resilient as you," Utakata chuckled. "That is for sure."
"May I?" Sayumi asked softly, looking down at Azumi's stomach. "They are lucky to have such a warm and strong family," she smiled. "You are very loved," she said to the fetus.
Azumi moved her arms out of the way so Sayumi could feel the small baby bump.
"I know if you two are having a girl, her father is going to spoil the life out of her," Shira teased.
"If we have a boy, his father is going to spoil the life out of him," Gaara smirked. "I'm just excited to be a father."
"You're a sap," Shira teased.
Sayumi smiled as she pressed her hands to the warm belly. "They really are strong," she whispered. "I hope I get to meet them when they are born," she smiled at Azumi, pulling back. "And I hope I can help you in any way with your leg and the baby!" Her dazzling smile was back.
At that moment, Azumi was convinced that Sayumi was Sachiko's sister. Or even a clone of Sachiko that did not inherit the golden angelic aura. "Thank you," she smiled, setting the cup on the tray and picking up a plate. "It will just be nice to have the company while my movement is limited." She looked at what was on the plate and grinned at Shira. "And thank you."
"I think you should hold off on the rumman for a few days," Shira told her. "But there is a new pitcher of it downstairs for when you can drink things other than water and tea."
Azumi tried her best not to pout. "I appreciate that," she chuckled.
"I'll get it for you as soon as you can have it," Sayumi winked. "Would you like some time alone with Gaara or—"
"We should give you time to get to know each other," Gaara said, leaning over to kiss Azumi's head. "I need to work out a few things for the project you want to work on," he told her. "But I shouldn't be too long."
Azumi smiled at him, lifting his hand to kiss his knuckles. Both women waited for all three men to leave the room before continuing their conversation.
"So you and Utakata are from the same village," Sayumi hummed.
"We are," Azumi nodded as she started to eat. "He came here years ago on his own free will and I was brought here as a slave."
"A slave?" Sayumi asked.
"Did Shira not tell you that part?" she chuckled.
"No, he just mentioned you were having problems with the city's apothecary. I thought it was a crazy stalker ex-boyfriend type of situation."
Azumi paused for a moment, realizing that out of context, it could be perceived as such. "No," she said with another chuckle. "The apothecary was my master. And Gaara's cousin."
Sayumi's jaw dropped slightly. She took a moment to process the news then nodded as she took Azumi's free hand. "I wish a slow and painful death on him." The smile she flashed her was entirely out of place with her words and sweet tone. "Especially since he put you and your baby in such danger."
Azumi squeezed her hand slightly. She knew she never wanted to see Sasori again but she still did not wish for him to die. She just wanted to get as far away from him as possible. "You and everyone else," she said as she continued eating.
"Mmm," Sayumi tilted her head to look at Azumi. "What about you?" she asked her softly. "It's hard to leave something toxic. Even when it's good for you. Maybe especially when it's good for you." She picked up her own piece of cake and released Azumi's hand.
Azumi did not answer at first, eating a little more as she figured out how she wanted to word her answer. As strongly as she felt about the situation, she had a hard time putting it into actual words. It bothered her to say them out loud. "I want him out of my life," she started, "but...not dead."
Sayumi chewed on her piece of cake, considering her words before she spoke. "That is reasonable," she smiled softly. "And it also makes you a much kinder person than he deserved to have in his life," she said, cutting into her cake again. "The way you feel, though...I've seen it before in the troupe." She looked at Azumi hard. "You'll be okay. You have a lot of support and a baby to keep you away from that man."
"Right after the baby is born, we are leaving." Azumi grabbed the glass of water and took a sip before continuing to eat. "My family, especially, does not want to stay here. I just need to get through the rest of this pregnancy."
"Well, you have me to keep you company until then!" she grinned. "Have you had a shower yet?" she asked excitedly.
"I have not," she hummed, shaking her head. She finished the first plate of food and switched it out for the second plate, taking another sip of her water before starting the second plate. "I think it is still a little early for one. But Lady Sachiko said she wanted to throw one so I suppose I will be having one," she chuckled.
"Ah, baby showers are always so interesting." Sayumi ate another piece of her cake. "It's interesting to see how each culture celebrates their mothers and babies," she said, finishing her dessert. "If Lady Sachiko is throwing it then you know it's going to be amazing."
"I am excited to see her ideas," Azumi nodded, "and how she would incorporate both traditions from here and where I am from." She paused for a long moment as she thought about something. "But...I hope she does not make this like all of her other parties."
"What do you mean?" Sayumi asked.
"The, uh...the orgy at the end."
"Oh...that's a normal thing for her parties?" Sayumi asked with a spark of excited scandal in her eyes. "That's bold for a lady of her standing. Usually, stuff like that only happens in seedy parts of town or with creepy old men," she shuddered a little. "I'm sure she's sensible enough to not do that."
Azumi looked at her hard for a while. As pleasant as Sayumi was, she could see something in her eyes that was sad. "How long have you been traveling with the troupe?" she asked.
"About nineteen years," she said nonchalantly. She picked up her cup of tea and sipped it slowly. "I was five," she smiled, putting the cup down. "I don't really remember how it happened. But I made the most of it over the years. I became the second-in-command to the ring leader and the leader of the acrobats."
Azumi frowned slightly. She had no doubt that this woman experienced abuse of every kind. She knew traveling acts such as that were quite notorious for mistreating their performers. "I see..." she said softly.
"Don't think too much about it," Sayumi said softly. "I've made peace with my demons. For the most part," she laughed softly, swirling her cup of tea.
"It is interesting that we are both performers," she chuckled. "Maybe when I am healed, we can do something together."
"We should!" Sayumi lit up again. "You do belly dancing, right? I'm not much of ground dancer," she looked up, thinking about the phrasing, "but I'm sure I could learn quickly."
"It will be fun," Azumi smiled. "There are not many belly dancers. I have danced with a few people here but it was more...traditional types of dancing. The only person I could actually belly dance with here was," she stopped for a second, her smile slowly turning into a frown, "Lord Sasori," she finished quietly.
"Mmm," Sayumi frowned, looking the other woman over. "We will change that." She set her cup down and turned to Azumi. "I promise I won't step on your feet and I learn fast," she winked. "How did you start dancing?"
"I learned from the snakes," she said, her smile returning almost instantly. "They all love to dance. Naga and I actually met while dancing the day I was sold." Naga perked up, hissing softly with pride. He nuzzled Azumi's jaw, saying he wished he had met her sooner.
"Really?" Sayumi grinned, leaning in to gently tap his nose. "I would have thought you two have been together forever." Naga hissed again, saying that they will be.
Azumi grinned, petting Naga and then kissing the top of his head. "Honestly, I do not know how I survived my whole life without him. Having him around when I was serving Lord Sasori made everything...just a little more bearable." Naga tapped his nose against hers and hissed happily. "I love you, too," she chuckled.
"I could only imagine," Sayumi hummed, resting her chin in the palm of her hand. "Having a companion always makes life more bearable. Think you could help me learn to dance, too?" she asked Naga directly.
Naga hissed excitedly, nodding and raising his body so he could sway around and show her how he danced. "He is demonstrating for you," Azumi chuckled. Ryuga hissed at him, telling him to stop showing off to his woman. "Calm down, Ryuga."
"Oh, very impressive," Sayumi nodded seriously. She looked down at Ryuga and giggled. "Would you prefer to teach me? We could dance together if you want." She stroked his back gently. Ryuga perked up, hissing that he should be the one to teach her anyway. He moved to rest in her lap and show her how it was really done. He finished his demonstration and hissed as he bowed when he was done. "Wonderful," she grinned, clapping lightly.
Naga hissed softly, nuzzling Azumi again. "He is not upstaging you," she said softly. "You are both good dancers."
"I might need extra help," Sayumi said to Naga. "Do you two think you could work together to help me? I want to make sure I can dance really well with Azumi!" she said encouragingly as if she were speaking to small children.
Both snakes looked at each other, shared a nod, and then looked at her and nodded. "Wow," Azumi whispered, finishing off her second plate. She looked at the two cakes Sayumi brought up for her and grabbed the strawberry shortcake first. "Can you two also work together in helping Gaara and me raise our baby?" she asked them. The snakes hissed at her as if she had insulted them. Of course, they would help raise the neonate! It was going to be a part of Azumi. Who else was going to watch it when she and Gaara were not around? "Alright, alright," she said, going back to her cake. She was about to say something else when she heard something crash downstairs. "Oh, that cannot be good," she hummed.
"What was that?" Sayumi asked, looking toward the door.
Azumi had a bad feeling that maybe Sasori had come to finish what he had started. "I do not know," she said softly.
A few seconds later, Utakata entered the room, quietly closing the door behind him and then pressing his back to it. "So, Sayumi," he started, "I need to ask you a question. Did you leave the troupe with permission...or did you escape?"
"Oh," Sayumi's mouth split into a massive, sheepish smile. "They found me fast..." she laughed but it had a biting edge of stress. "I escaped."
"You might have wanted to mention that," Utakata sighed. "Whoever they sent to look for you is here making a mess downstairs," he sighed again, running a hand through his hair.
Sayumi bit her lip, her brows knitted in worry. "Do you want me to go down there?" she asked him. She did not want to leave Shira but she also did not want to cause any more trouble than these kind people were already dealing with.
Utakata looked at her hard. "You escaped," he said, "which means you do not want to go back."
Sayumi shook her head. "I...really don't," she said softly.
"Then do not leave this room. Gaara and Shira can handle them easily. And Gaara has a lot of pent up rage from what happened earlier."
"Ooh," Azumi winced. "I do not think they will be back after that," she told Sayumi.
"I'm not sure they will make it out," Utakata winced at the sound of something breaking. It sounded like it was over someone's head. There was the heavy thud of a body hitting the floor and a long groan.
"Thank you," Sayumi said softly. "I'm really sorry about this," she said to both of them. "I didn't think they would hunt me down so quickly."
"Looks like we are more similar than we thought," Azumi chuckled, finishing the strawberry shortcake and picking up the chantilly cake.
"You really did put all of that away," Utakata mumbled.
"I had help from the life growing inside me," she smirked. She looked at Sayumi. "Shira will not let them take you back," she assured her.
Sayumi gave her a smaller, still worried smile. "I know he won't," she said softly. "I...really am falling hard for him. I don't think I've ever connected with someone so fast. He's such a good man."
"He is a very good man," Azumi told her. "And you have nothing to be worried about."
"I'm lucky to have found him," she sighed contently.
"It sounds like they are done," Utakata hummed, opening the door very slightly to listen for the noise downstairs.
"Knowing Gaara," Azumi chuckled, "he probably punched them in the throat so if they are still going, you will not hear any screams."
Sayumi bit her lip to keep in a hard laugh. She stood up, squeezing Azumi's hand. "We should go check in them," she said turning to Utakata. "Just in case they need a little help."
"Well, it is you who is being looked for so it is probably not a good idea that you go down there," he said.
"And what about you?" Azumi smirked.
"Azumi, do I look like I fight?"
She stifled a laugh as she finished her second slice of cake. "I suppose not," she said softly, setting her plate on the tray and picking up the tea.
Moments later, there was a soft knock on the door. Utakata opened it slightly to see who it was. "Ah, your knights have returned," he said, opening the door all the way for Gaara and Shira.
"That was fun," Gaara grinned, stretching as he entered the room. He looked a lot more relaxed. He leaned down to give Azumi a kiss. "How is the cake?" He tasted the sweetness on her lips and could not help kissing her again.
Shira followed after Gaara, beelining for Sayumi. He pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her thick hair. "They won't come for you again," he told her, cupping her face as he pulled back. "Gaara throat punched a guy so hard, I'm pretty sure his neck broke." He chuckled, smirking at his best friend.
"I did not and it did not!" Gaara protested.
"You do not have to deny it," Azumi said, gently tugging his hand so he would sit on the bed with her.
Sayumi looked at Shira and pulled him into a kiss. "Thank you," she said softly.
"I had a feeling we'd be dealing with them soon," Shira chuckled. "No one can just leave organizations like that. I wish you had told me sooner." He turned to take her seat and pull her into his lap.
"We protect each other in this family," Gaara smiled, kissing Azumi's knuckles. "We wouldn't have let you deal with that alone."
Sayumi blushed, hooking her arms around Shira's shoulders. "You guys are already dealing with so much," she said softly.
"And I got to blow off some steam," Gaara grinned.
"Some?" Utakata spoke up. "It sounded like a full bar brawl down there."
"I had...quite a bit of rage pent up," Gaara said sheepishly.
"Oh, we know," Azumi chuckled, gently rubbing his back.
"They're gone now," Shira said. "But in case we have another attempt with different people, I should probably get her out of here."
"I can walk with you guys," Utakata said. "My place is on the way to your restaurant." He looked at Azumi. "I will be back tomorrow with the items you need."
"Thank you," she smiled.
Gaara laid down on the bed, resting his head on Azumi's shoulder. "It does bother me that people are finding my home so easily," he pouted a little. "I'm not very public with my place of residence.
"Well, one person followed me and knew where you lived anyway and the other..." Shira frowned. "I feel like they followed someone here, too." He started to look a little stressed again. "Maybe I should hold off on coming over," he chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I'll still send food but...if I'm the common denominator..." he trailed off, looking at everyone in the room.
"That does not mean you should stop coming here," Azumi hummed. "I am sure after what just happened, there will be nothing to worry about here." She looked at Sayumi. "If anything, you are well-protected here. You just need to be careful when you are anywhere else. Especially if you are alone."
"I hardly have anywhere to be and I'm here to be your legs until you can get around again on your own," Sayumi smiled.
"I have enough rooms here that if you wanted to stay I could set you up," Gaara offered.
Sayumi's eyes widened at the offer. She looked to Shira then Azumi, blushing a little. "That's very generous of you, Lord Gaara, but I don't want to stifle you and Lady Azumi," she said apologetically.
"I practically live here," Shira chuckled. "He really wouldn't mind," he shook his head.
"I'm offering," Gaara chuckled. "Of course I don't mind."
Sayumi took a moment to think about it. "I'd love to take you up on that offer."
"You can have one of the guestrooms," Gaara nodded.
Kaida hissed softly in relief. She wanted to be alone with Utakata on their walk home.
Naga hissed a soft laugh and Ryuga slithered around Sayumi's shoulders excitedly. He came up to tap her nose gently, his tongue flicking her nose. She giggled, petting her head. "Thank you," she said softly. "I really appreciate this and I'm glad I can help you two out in any way I can," she said, smiling at Azumi fondly.
"You three are too much," Utakata sighed.
"Well, then I guess I'll prep for breakfast tomorrow," Shira chuckled.
"And I have had enough excitement for one day," Utakata hummed. "I will be by tomorrow afternoon to check on you," he told Azumi.
She nodded and grinned, opening her arms for a hug. "Do not tell my father," she said softly to him as he came in for the hug.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he whispered to her. He did not want to be the messenger who told Orochimaru his daughter was once again attacked and nearly lost her baby. No, that was someone else's job if it ever did come up. He turned to leave and Gaara got up to walk him out.
"I'll be right back," Gaara said. "Shira, you can pick a room with Sayumi if you want to," said to his best friend as he kissed Azumi's temple before pulling away to join Utakata by the door.
Shira took Sayumi's hand and then looked at Azumi. "Are you going to be alright?"
"I am going to be fine," she nodded. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," they both said to her.
"Ryuga," Azumi said sternly as Sayumi and Shira turned to leave.
Ryuga poked his head out of Sayumi's hair off the back of her neck. He hissed softly to say, yes? Naga hissed a laugh again. He looked up at Azumi and hissed again, telling her not to bother with him. She had him. If Ryuga wanted to sleep with Sayumi it meant more Azumi for him.
"I do not think they want to have him in there," she said to Naga. She looked at Ryuga. "Do not take advantage of the fact that I cannot chase you right now. Get over here."
Ryuga hissed a pouty sound and Sayumi laughed softly. "Listen to her," she said gently. "I'll be here in the morning and all day tomorrow," she gently unwound the large snake from her shoulders. Ryuga pouted harder but tapped his nose against Sayumi's as she turned to gently place him on the foot of the bed. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay, handsome?"
Behind her, Shira squinted hard at Ryuga. This snake was trying to steal his woman. He had just been bullied out of his crush by a thirteen-year-old and now a snake was trying to steal his actual girlfriend. What was his life coming to?
Ryuga coiled up at the foot of the bed, sighing longingly as Sayumi left with Shira. "She is not leaving forever," Azumi scoffed. "You will see her in the morning." Morning could not come soon enough for Ryuga. Naga moved to nuzzle against Azumi.
Gaara came back into the room and saw Ryuga was on the bed. "Not sleeping with your girlfriend tonight?" he teased. Ryuga hissed softly and rolled his eyes.
"You will get over it," Azumi said.
"This is better than him not liking her," Gaara offered with a chuckle. He crawled back onto the bed and resumed his spot next to her and kissed her cheek. The activities of the day were starting to catch up to him. "Today was eventful," he sighed, closing his eyes. "How are you feeling, my love?" he asked her softly.
"Other than the pain in my leg," she hummed, reaching for his other to lace their fingers together, "I feel fine. But you," she smirked, "look quite exhausted." Her other hand laced in his hair, gently scratching his scalp.
"I wish there was something I could give you for that," he mumbled through a yawn. Her fingers felt good in his hair and it was only serving to lull him off faster. He blinked hard then smiled.
She leaned in to kiss him softly. "Go to sleep," she told him. "You have patients to see tomorrow."
He pushed back into the kiss weakly, already drifting off. "They can wait," he mumbled, curling close to her. He was out before he could finish his next thought. Naga and Ryuga hissed a soft laugh. Ryuga decided Gaara was the comfortable place to be and coiled up in his lap for the night.
Azumi smiled softly at him as he fell asleep. Continuing to run her fingers through his hair, she picked up a book that was left on the bedside table for her and started reading. Since she had already slept, she was going to be up for a while.