"You sure this is okay?"
The death of Chiyo was hard for Suna but even more so for Sasori. With the death of his grandmother, he was alone in the world. He crouched in front of her grave, blankly staring at her name carved into the marble. Kankuro and Gaara stood some distance away as Xin approached Sasori. Once she reached Sasori, she carefully crouched as well, hand resting on his back. They exchanged some words before Xin leaned forward on her knees and wrapped her arms around the older redhead.
"Why wouldn't it be okay?" Gaara asked, his stature was relaxed even as Sasori slowly wrapped his arms around Xin, folding into the smaller woman until his face was pressed into her chest.
Kankuro folded his arms across his chest stubbornly. "Because the man has feelings for your wife? Even after all these years, he still has a crush on her, God knows why."
Gaara sighed but ignored the jab at Xin. "I know but he doesn't have anyone else. Besides, I trust her anyway and it's not like she returns those feelings."
Kankuro never quite forgave Sasori for the things he said in the past about killing Xin if the situation called for it. Whether it made sense or not, it just wasn't right. Xin's spiral had been a cry for help and Sasori somehow got it in his head to murder her if she lost it. So no, he never forgave the older redhead and he never would.
"You're not jealous at all?" Kankuro pressed, eyeing his younger brother. Gaara was impassive, arms folded across his chest, as usual, expression blank. He only shook his head. "I don't know how I'd feel if my wife was comforting a man who clearly has feelings for her."
Well, when he put it like that, it did sound strange. But his earlier statement was true, he trusted Xin. Even if Sasori were to come onto her, it could go one of two ways. She'd either punch him in the face or she'd tell Gaara. The last thing Gaara wanted to ever do was get into a fight about Sasori, of all people. He'd like to think they were way past that in their relationship.
"There's no need to be jealous. I trust Xin. Even if Sasori does pull something, I can't blame her for his actions. Besides, she'll hit him if he tries anything but I don't think he will."
Maybe it was the fact that he was getting older or maybe Xin never really faltered but Sasori's advancements on her were few and far in between. Sure, he often had a soft look in his eyes when dealing with her but he seemingly kept his pining at bay. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that she always had her sons with her. It was hard trying to seduce someone with a drooling baby present.
So, in all honesty, he didn't worry about it.
"People do crazy things when they're grieving," Kankuro pointed out stubbornly. Xin's usual bumpers—her sons —weren't currently present, having been left with Asuna for the time being. Babies couldn't be trusted not to fuss at a funeral, especially their babies. Ryuu was a loudmouth like Xin, they were beginning to discover.
Gaara couldn't argue with that. Grief was a crazy thing and Sasori could be looking for something to fill that hole in his heart he'd no doubt deny having. That something could be Xin. She was a talented kunoichi but the woman could still be so painfully oblivious. She could sense killing intent but she was nearly useless when someone was attracted to her.
An airhead, he'd sometimes call her.
But Sasori only rested his face against her chest, arms tight against her waist. He had no one left, his parents being long dead and Ebizo having died just the year before. Sasori was alone in the world and unfortunately, his closest friend was Xin. It'd be wrong, cruel even, to take her away just because the older Shinobi had some crush on her.
He'd have to keep her away from Jura too then. It was only fair.
Kankuro continued to eye Gaara, not wholly convinced. Xin and Gaara's relationship was...bizarre, he found himself often thinking. A small part of him just couldn't believe Gaara was just fine with his oblivious wife comforting another man.
"Do you ever get jealous?"
Gaara considered the question. "In the beginning, when I thought there could be a chance that she would like Sasori. We fought about it a lot."
"Yeah?" Kankuro's eyebrows were high on his forehead. It's not like they talked about Gaara's marriage a lot, at least not the serious parts of it. They usually discuss the safer parts of it, the insanity that is Xin. They hardly ever talk about the beginnings of their relationship and marriage.
"Yeah," he sighed and twisted his neck, cracking it. A nasty habit he picked up from Xin. "She hardly remembers but he's kissed her before."
Kankuro choked on his spit and Gaara didn't bother to smack him on the back, letting him choke. "She doesn't remember a lot so maybe that's why she's still so lenient with him. But we did argue about it. But why argue about it now?"
The brunet rubbed warily at his throat, Xin would've at least whacked him on the back. His brother was cruel but he was pretty sure Temari would let him choke too if she were present. "Maybe I just don't understand because I'm not in a relationship."
"Do you want to be?" Gaara asked. It wasn't that he necessarily cared or not but if Kankuro made an effort with his dating life, it could shut Xin the hell up. He wasn't sure why he was the one she ranted to when it was Kankuro who refused to date. He supposed it had something to do with him being her husband and her insistence that they needed to be a united front.
"I don't know," Kankuro answered, looking every bit confused. "What if I do it wrong?"
Gaara frowned. "Do it wrong?"
Kankuro nodded slowly, his mouth set tightly. He didn't say anything for a long time, chest feeling oddly tight. "Like Rasa."
Gaara hummed, understanding immediately. He had the same fear once it settled in that he was going to be a father. What if he messed up? What if he fucked the child up beyond repair? What if he turned out like his father?
He supposed that Rasa wasn't always bad. Misguided, maybe? He wasn't sure. He didn't know him the same way others knew him, the way Karura might've known him. All he knew was the assassination attempts, Yashamaru's betrayal, and Rasa's unwillingness to put value in him unless he could control him.
Kankuro looked a lot like Rasa, he once mentioned to Xin. He was eerily similar to Rasa and maybe that's why he insisted on his face paint. Xin never really understood, just because he looked like Rasa didn't mean he was Rasa. She looked like her mother and sister but that didn't make her Manami or Hinata.
But he understood Kankuro. He wasn't Rasa but he still worried—fretted, Xin teased, that he would make the same mistakes as Rasa. That he would ruin Ryuu and Riku and turn them into weapons as his father did to him.
Never mind Xin would honestly murder him if he ruined their children, the thought still festered. And then she plopped Ryuu into his arms, all fat and pink and wrinkly and he couldn't fathom the idea of ever even hurting them in the slightest.
He was different from Rasa. He thought differently, felt differently—was different. Whether he was his son or not, he was nothing like Rasa. And neither was Kankuro.
Kankuro was nothing like Rasa, appearances be damned. Their similarities ended there. Kankuro was a good person, he was what Rasa was not. He was his person, made his own choices and mistakes but nothing would ever bring him to Rasa's level.
"There's nothing you could ever do that would equate to what Rasa did, Kankuro. Looking like him means nothing. You're not his mistakes."
Kankuro blinked, opting to remain silent for a beet. "They make you happy, huh? The twins and Xin."
Gaara shrugged casually. "They do. I think I turned out lucky given the situation."
He laughed, not sure if he'd really call Gaara's situation lucky. Worth it, maybe but lucky was a bit of a stretch. He wasn't sure if he could handle having someone like Xin as his significant other. "Lucky," he snorted. "She's a headache."
Gaara shrugged a shoulder, "she makes up for it."
Kankuro was positive that the statement might have something to do with their sex life. He cringed and watched as Xin finally peeled herself from Sasori. She cupped his cheek, smiling sweetly at him before turning to walk away.
She joined them, her smile falling away into a soft frown. "We should probably leave so he can finally cry. I keep telling him that bottling up his emotions makes him fussy but he refuses to listen."
Kankuro sighed. "Xin, that's a grown man, not your fussy babies. Of course, he refuses to listen."
But she only rolled her eyes. "Men, there's nothing wrong with feeling vulnerable."
Gaara scoffed. "Coming from the woman who threw a fit when she realized she was in love with me."
"Seriously, Xin?"
"I do not recall."
"You can't use that."
Xin only grinned impishly and ignored his statement, reaching for his arm instead. "I stand by what I said. I've had therapy, I can judge men who have a serious fixation of machoism." She glanced over her shoulder, eyeing Sasori before Gaara and Kankuro walked her away. She worried for Sasori, knowing he wouldn't grieve healthily.
He was probably going to keep everything in, he was surly on a good day, now he would get worse with his attitude. She pursed her lips in thought and wondered how she could help him through his grief. He was going to be snappy, she realized with a sigh.
"Stop obsessing over it, he'll be fine. If he wants your help, he'll ask for it." Gaara could tell Xin was trying to map out a thousand different ways to help Sasori in his time of need.
"No, he won't," Xin pouted stubbornly. "He's going to keep it all in!"
"So?" Kankuro wasn't all that interested. He respected Sasori as a great puppeteer and Shinobi but that didn't mean he necessarily liked the man. Xin leveled him with a blank stare, unimpressed.
"You can't force him, Xin," Gaara added after a slight pause. "Let him grieve in whatever way he sees fit. If he doesn't cope well, then you should step in."
She continued to pout but didn't argue his thinly veiled order. Fine, she'd give Sasori some space and a couple of days to work himself out. If she felt like his disposition didn't change for better or worse, then she'd step in. Though her friends and family around her were keen on the idea of her mental facility, they didn't take too kindly to her pointing out their own mental health.
It wasn't like she was criticizing any of them but they more often than not took it as an insult. She wasn't sure what the big deal was, she hadn't had a problem admitting that she was off her rocker. She reveled in it and that in itself was an issue.
It would be a long road, she often had to remind herself. Mental instability was a weakness in the eyes of a Shinobi, a red flag that indicated they couldn't do their job. Hell, she felt like that, once upon a time.
She was going to make it okay to discuss, to make sure it wasn't such a taboo. She was going to try, at least. It was the least she could do, she often reasoned.
She'd concede for the moment.
Xin realized a second too late that Ukyo was not going to dodge her incoming fist. She cringed and opened her fist, striking the younger girl in the face with the palm of her hand. Ukyo let out a strangled shriek, falling into the hot sand.
"Shit," Xin hurried to the younger girl, crouching over. "Ukyo? Are you okay?"
"I think my nose is broken."
Xin tried to hide her laughter, reaching down to help Ukyo into a sitting position. She prodded at Ukyo's face before shaking her head. "No, you're good. Nothing broken but your face probably stings."
"It does. Badly."
"Well, I threw a punch so something would've been broken if my hit connected," Xin pointed out, settling on her knees at Ukyo's side. She didn't seem to mind the hot sand. "Okay, kiddo, what's on your mind?"
Ukyo rubbed at her nose, wriggling it to try to get the feeling back in her face. She was grateful that Xin only palmed her face but hell if it wasn't a powerful strike either way. "Why do you think there's something on my mind?" she asked, somewhat distracted. Her face would be broken if Xin ended up punching her straight in the face.
Xin raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, Ukyo, maybe because you just spaced out in the middle of a sparring match? I did that once and got my nose broken for it. I like to think I have more sense than Haruka since she punched the living shit out of me." She chuckled, thinking of her dead teammate fondly. "So what's the matter?"
Ukyo blushed, having been caught. She wasn't sure why she ever tried to keep anything from Xin. It's like the woman just knew. She could never hide things before but now that the woman was someone's mother, it seemed like she was just psychic. Kankuro and Gaara constantly wondered if she was psychic at this point as well.
"It's...nothing bad," Ukyo said slowly, almost nervous. It was strange because Xin wasn't that much older than Ukyo, it was a mere four years between them but Xin seemed so much older. She has more experience in the world, having dealt with far more than Ukyo. She was wise, which might shock some people given her crass nature sometimes.
"Is it good?"
"I'm not sure…"
Xin tapped her chin but said nothing, deciding to let Ukyo figure out if she wanted to talk about it. If she didn't want to share, she'd let it be. If she did share, she'd try her best to help her through it. She liked to think she had a bit more patience since Ryuu and Riku came screeching into the world.
"Hideki...he...um….he asked me out on a date."
Xin stared at Ukyo for a long time, face a blank slate. She didn't say anything for a long time that Ukyo began to worry, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. "You almost got your shit broke because of...a date?" the older woman finally asked after several silent moments. "I fail to see the issue here."
Ukyo made a face, a pained one. "It's just…"
"Is this about what happened when you were kidnapped?" Xin asked, seemingly putting the pieces together. They didn't often talk about that, knowing it was a dark spot in Ukyo's life. Xin respected the younger kunoichi enough to lay it to rest. It never seemed to interfere with her work as a medical ninja and she wasn't stabbing at any man who might have looked her way.
It didn't mean she was over what happened.
"What if he finds out?" Ukyo asked in a strained voice, grabbing at Xin's wrist.
Xin frowned at her, she could tell that Ukyo's past still haunted her. She patted at her hand, trying to comfort her. "He won't know anything unless you decide to tell him, Ukyo. It's your choice whether you want to let him in or not."
The younger kunoichi didn't immediately reply, pressing her lips together anxiously. "What if..what if I tell him and he doesn't...want me?"
Xin didn't immediately reply, her frown still apparent. Ukyo was young, far too young, she sometimes believed, to be so heavily concerned about a romantic relationship. She often kept that particular thought to herself because she'd only been eighteen herself when she married.
It was hypocritical, she knew, which is why she was usually silent about her thoughts. Ukyo was just sixteen and had the potential to be a great medical ninja. But her thoughts constantly wandered to romance and what her crush, Hideki, would ultimately think of her past trauma.
She didn't want Ukyo to make the same mistakes she once made. Being so emotionally traumatized that she clung to Gaara, to the point of having a mental breakdown over thinking he was dead. Sure, there were other factors but she could admit that it centered on that.
"Ukyo," she took a deep breath. "Your value has nothing to do with that. What happened to you doesn't define you, okay? Hideki likes you and while I don't think he would think bad of you, if he does, for whatever reason, you shouldn't waste your time with him."
The younger kunoichi smiled weakly as Xin cupped her face. "You're young, you know. Hideki doesn't have to be it for you. You'll meet other people. Have fun, date him if you want. Don't if you don't. You're not in the wrong here, Ukyo."
"Would you...come along on the date?"
Xin blinked, caught off guard. "Ah, like a chaperone?"
"Maybe?" Ukyo smiled nervously. "Oh, maybe Kazekage-sama can come! A double date."
Xin was completely floored, drawing an absolute blank. "You want to go on a double date with your Kazekage and me?" She had to be sure she was getting that right. Suna wasn't necessarily scared of Gaara but he was intimidating.
Ukyo smiled sheepishly but slowly nodded. "You don't have to, Sensei but…" she trailed off.
"Unn," Xin grunted in thought. "Well, how about I ask Gaara about it first? He says I have this thing with deciding things without talking to him about it."
"You do."
"Who's side are you on?"
Ukyo smiled innocently.
Xin returned to the Kage's office not long after that. She left the twins with Gaara, insisting that she needed some time to spar and work out the kinks in her muscles. Kankuro thought she was being ridiculous but she promptly told him to shut the hell up.
"Mama's back!" she sang, swinging the doors open without preamble. Gaara wasn't sitting behind his desk and he wasn't on the couch either. He was sitting on the floor, reading something while holding Riku. Ryuu was on a mat in front of him, laid on his tummy, and wriggling vigorously.
Gaara glanced up at her. "Feel better?" He was distracted but Xin plopped down loudly next to him.
"Tons! Though maybe I can spar with Jura next time."
"Ah, don't mind breaking something on him, do you?"
She grinned and reached towards him, rubbing at Riku's back. "He can take it. I almost broke Ukyo's nose," she shook her head. "Why aren't you participating in tummy-time, lamb?" She brushed the back of her fingers against his chubby cheek but he felt fine. "Not feeling it today?"
"He's in a bad mood," Gaara explained shortly.
"A bad mood?" Xin cooed before reaching Riku, she cuddled him close as he fussed. "You are your daddy's son, aren't you? Fierce little lamb."
Gaara finally looked up from whatever he was reading, eyes narrowed at her. "Your bad moods are infamous."
"Yes, but when he's in a bad mood, he's quiet. Just like you. Isn't that right, lamb?" Xin grinned as she kissed Riku, hoping to kiss his bad mood away. He didn't reach for her hair so she had to guess he was beginning to lighten up. "And of course, I didn't forget about you, little dragon," she turned her attention down on Ryuu, grinning.
"The dragon and the lamb. Seems a little one-sided, don't you think?"
"I did say fierce little lamb."
"Lambs aren't fierce."
"This one is."
Gaara chuckled but Xin hummed in thought. "How about storm cloud? He's so grouchy like one and storm clouds follow dragons. The storm cloud and the dragon," she laughed and nudged at Gaara's side. When Riku stopped his fussing, she set him down next to Ryuu, smiling when he slowly mimicked his brother's wriggling.
"Soooo…." she bodily leaned into Gaara, feigning innocence. "Hideki asked Ukyo out on a date."
"Does that have something to do with me?" Gaara asked blandly. She continued with her air of innocence but she didn't fool him for a second. "What did you say to Ukyo?"
"Why assume I said anything?"
"Because I know you."
"I didn't say anything out of turn!" she insisted. "She's had a lot on her mind and Hideki asked her out on a date." She was leading up to it. Gaara grunted, not following what she was hinting at. "She, ah…."
"Spit it out, Xin."
She sighed heavily. "She wants to go out on a double date." She said it in a rush like maybe she was nervous he would be angry with her. She wasn't sure what he might think of that sort of thought. It's not like they actively went out on dates.
Gaara eyed her for a long time like he was trying to put her words together. "A date. With Hideki and Ukyo."
Xin laughed at his dry tone, throwing her head back. "We'd more or so be their chaperones, I guess you could say. Ukyo is still trying to deal with her trauma."
"And she thinks having us there will help with...what?"
"I think it'll give her a sense of...comfort, maybe? To know that we're near?"
"You think Hideki would be comfortable with that?"
That was a valid point, she conceded. She was so focused on making Ukyo comfortable that she forgot about Hideki being comfortable. That was a fair point, she thought.
"Good point," she blinked. "I was thinking that we could go out for dinner and that you and I could sit somewhere separately. Far enough to give them privacy but close enough for the peace of mind."
Gaara eyed her, studying her expression. "Is this because I don't take you out on dates?"
She laughed again. "It never occurred to me until now that we've never been on an actual date, that's kind of funny." It didn't necessarily bother her that they didn't go out on dates before. "Unless you count the lunch dates?"
Gaara hummed. "Given the fact that I didn't particularly like you and you being obnoxious….no, I don't count that."
"Okay, you know what—"
"I'm kidding, Xin."
"Oh, bullshit. You aren't. I was just trying to make sure that you'd eat and not overwork yourself!"
"And I'm appreciative of your efforts," he pressed a distracted kiss to her forehead, ignoring her vicious scowl. "But it doesn't change the fact that you were obnoxious and I didn't like you. I like you now, though."
Xin's scowl broke and she snorted. "Well, aren't I just so lucky that my husband decided he did like me after all?"
"Given the circumstances, I had no choice."
She gaped at him, offended. "Are you trying to say you only ended up liking me because we were forced into hanging out so much? Wow, Gaara, just wow."
Gaara chuckled but Xin turned away from him, huffing as she did so. She reached down for Ryuu, hefting him up against her. "C'mere, sweet boy. You like mama, don't you? Course you do, I give you kisses and love you," she cooed and kissed at his chubby face. Ryuu mouthed at her cheek in what they believed to be a kiss.
Gaara watched mother and son for several moments before he looped his arm around her waist to squeeze at her hip. "Don't take offense, Xin. If that were the case, don't you think the same would have happened with Asuna? Or even Yoshiko?"
She stiffened at the mere mention of Yoshiko's name, eye twitching before she took a deep breath. "I know what you're trying to do. It's not working. We're going."
Gaara made a face. It's not like he disliked Ukyo or Hideki but he thought accompanying them was a tad bit overboard. "What about the twins?"
"Kankuro can watch them, it's not like we'll be out all night."
"Kankuro. You want Kankuro to watch our sons."
"You don't trust him?"
"You do?"
Xin snorted and kissed Ryuu's forehead. "Well...he's good with them."
"That doesn't answer my question."
Her mouth paused against Ryuu before she slowly smiled. "We could ask Asuna to lend a helping hand."
"Oh, fuck's sake."
"What did we talk about? You're gonna be good boys while mama and daddy are gone, right? Of course, you will."
Kankuro was less than impressed as Xin insisted on fussing. "Xin, you're only going to be gone for a little bit." But she ignored him, smiling brightly as each twin reached for her fingers. Somehow he'd been roped into babysitting duty.
Actually no, he hadn't been roped into anything. Xin threatened to set his puppets on fire if he declined.
"You sure you'll be okay?" Gaara asked carefully.
"Your wife isn't giving me much of a choice, is she?" Kankuro snorted but he wasn't that bothered. He was a little nervous but Xin insisted he would be okay. She'd already fed them, all he had to do was play with them for a bit, give them their bath and they'd be out like a light. Sounds easy.
"Oh, it'll be fine," Xin brushed their conversation off. "You should probably wait until Asuna shows up to give them their bath. Please do not drown my children or I'll break your fuckin' skull open."
Kankuro paled. "You're making me nervous."
"They can smell your fear," Gaara intoned blankly.
"Hello!" Asuna made her presence known, waving cheerfully as she approached the family. "Looks like I'm just in time." Her grin was wide as she picked Ryuu up from Kankuro, allowing him to shift Riku up against his shoulder.
"Sorry to ask this of you, Asuna. I know this isn't your job," Gaara said first.
"You're not sorry that your wife threatened me into this?" Kankuro grumbled.
"Think nothing of it," Asuna continued to grin. "Ryuu and Riku are great and I'm honored you trust me with them."
Xin smiled and straightened up. "Thank you, Asuna. We appreciate it. Where's Mocha-bean? I was sure you'd bring her. She loves the twins."
"I was but Genji insisted on taking her for the evening, I'm not sure why. I thought it might be nice for her to spend some time with him."
There was something strange about Xin's smile, Gaara noted. "Oh? Is that so? Well, at least he's capable of that much, hm? Are you two officially divorced?"
"We are, it's official but we've agreed to remain cordial for Momo's sake."
"Jeez, Xin, out of everything to talk about with Asuna, that's what you pick?" Kankuro grunted loudly. Xin tilted her head, eyes flickering towards him briefly but she continued to smile. Gaara watched with squinted eyes and just knew she was up to something.
"Say goodbye to the boys, Xin so we can get going," the redhead discreetly pinched at her lower back. She didn't react to it but did as she was told, leaning over to kiss at each baby.
"Be good you two," Xin waved cheerfully with a wink as Gaara dragged her away. "And behave, boys!"
Asuna blinked, watching the two walk further away. "Did she mean for us to be good?"
Kankuro made a face. "She's acting weird."
Gaara was less than impressed as they made their way to the Mikawa household. "Did you threaten Genji into taking Momoka for the evening?" He was positive she had but he asked just for the sake of asking.
"What do you consider as a threat?"
He sighed, "bodily harm."
"Bodily harm may have been mentioned in our conversation, yes."
"I specifically remember telling you to stay out of Kankuro's love life."
"I didn't do anything to directly affect his love life. I just suggested that a father might spend some time with his daughter, is all. I could only wish Hiashi spent time with me at that age."
"He didn't?"
"Well, I mean, technically he was overseeing our training but somehow I get the feeling it's not the same."
Gaara grunted, somewhat glad that Xin could talk about the slivers of memories she had without any hatred. They seemed to get along better now these days anyway. It was normal to find her writing letters to Hiashi and Manami these days, sending pictures of the twins with the letters.
"Oh, look, Hideki!" Xin put an end to their conversation, spotting the young Mikawa. She raised her arm to wave at him. "Sorry if we're late."
At sixteen, Hideki was shaping up to be a great Shinobi, much like Jura. Unfortunately, he seemed to butt heads a lot with Jura and Hatsune these days. Xin often tried to stay out of it but she found herself breaking up the physical fighting more often than not.
"Sensei," Hideki smiled down at her. He'd grown much taller than her, to her utter dismay. "Kazekage-sama. I really appreciate this. Ukyo wouldn't agree otherwise."
"Glad to help." Gaara's tone was flat but Xin continued to smile.
"Okay, let's get going, yeah?" Xin ushered them along, arm wrapped around Gaara's arm as they journeyed to Asuna's house. Genji had moved out into a much smaller house, leaving the house meant for his family empty. Asuna decided to move in with Momoka and Ukyo joined her.
During their walk to Asuna's house, Xin was sure to give the young Shinobi some sound dating advice. Gaara was silently impressed, given that she'd never actually been on a date. Or, maybe she'd just never been on a date with him.
That wasn't right.
But that couldn't be true. Xin made it clear that she spent the majority of her teenage years killing and or maiming. She didn't have time for dating, which is probably why she'd been single until eighteen. The fact that she was a little on the psychotic side was a factor as well.
The point, he reminded himself, was that she sounded confident in her advice.
"Anything to add, Gaara?"
He blinked out of his thoughts and realized Asuna's house was within view. "Listen to what she says and respect her boundaries."
Xin grinned and patted at his arm, as if his simple advice greatly pleased her. "That's good, honey." She was grinning as she ushered Hideki towards the front door. "Don't just stand there like a moron! Knock on the door, we'll wait here."
"You're being pushy," Gaara said as they watched him approach the front door. By the tight set of his shoulders, they could tell Hideki was nervous. He wasn't sure why she felt the need to be a matchmaker these days but it was all the woman would talk about.
She'd go on and on about Kankuro's lack of a love life, Ukyo and Hideki's complicated relationship, Asuna's refusal to get out and date, and even Jura and Sasori's piss-poor love life. Gaara often had to remind her that the last two were piss-poor because both men had a crush on her that just wouldn't die.
Anyway, he was beginning to think she was developing cabin fever or something. Her workload decreased significantly with the arrival of their twins, her days mostly spent looking after them. It wasn't like she was bitter about it, she loved her sons but he could tell she was antsy.
Xin was a Shinobi down to her core, she was bred and trained to be brutal. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, she was a product of her time. But these days were peaceful and there was hardly any need for her skillset.
It could be worse, Gaara reminded herself. She could be volatile but all she did was fuss over her friends' dating lives.
"I'm not being pushy, he was standing there like a damn tree." Xin was watching with keen eyes as the front door opened, revealing a bashful Ukyo. Her Byakugan slowly awakened, veins straining at her temples. She could see better now.
"Is that necessary?" He hadn't turned to look at her but he heard the sound of her skin stretching to accommodate the veins. But she only hummed distractedly. Honestly, she was being pushy but she wasn't hurting anyone so really, he had nothing to be upset over.
If she wanted to entertain this for one night, it wouldn't kill him. Besides, she insisted she'd make it up to him. Whatever that meant.
"Sensei! Kazekage-sama, thank you for joining us." Ukyo was all smiles as she clapped her hands together and bowed to the older couple. "I appreciate it."
Xin was smiling and that made him smile. He could see her smile in Ryu and Riku's gummy smiles. There was something warm in his chest and though he much rather be home with the twins, he wasn't all that upset. Perturbed, maybe. But not upset.
Hideki led the way to a barbecue restaurant, one that served fried scorpion tails. Xin's face twisted but she said nothing. They separated then, going to their separate tables but staying within view of one another.
Xin settled down across from him, nearly humming with excitement. "What's got you so giddy?" Gaara casually leaned his cheek against his fist. "Waiting for Hideki to make a mistake so you can verbally beat him into submission?"
"No," she huffed. "This is the first time I've been on an actual date."
Well, that was depressing. Granted, it was the same for him too but Xin seemed so genuinely pleased.
"We used to hang out at a barbecue restaurant a lot before everything went to shit," Xin began talking while loading their grill with cuts of beef. "And before my team died. Haruka was particular about grilling the food, we argued a lot over it."
He never questioned or interrupted when she started talking about her memories. They came in random bouts and if she were interrupted, she'd forget the memory entirely until it decided to resurface sometime later. That usually put her in a bad mood.
"Seiko would take over because we'd be too busy bickering. Haruka would always say I'd never get a boyfriend with my attitude and appetite." She paused to make a face. "Jokes on her though."
Gaara snorted. "Have you thought about Moriya's proposal?" He was somewhat amused that her smile dropped almost immediately. "You know he won't give up on you."
"There's plenty of other medical ninja who could become the Director."
He watched as she focused on the food, avoiding his gaze almost petulantly. "Maybe but none can quite measure up to you, now can they?"
She paused, blinking rapidly. "Oh, that's what a genuine compliment sounds like from you."
"I compliment you all the time."
"Calling me a murderous psychopath is not a compliment."
"You laughed."
Xin rolled her eyes but didn't deny the statement, opting to focus on the food. "Being Director is a huge responsibility. Can you just imagine what kind of pressure will be put on these kids? Your dad's the Kazekage and your mom's the Director of the hospital and mental health clinic." She distractedly poked at the beef tongue, something she knew he liked to eat.
Well, that was a fair point.
Ryuu and Riku had big shoes to fill thanks to their parents. Even if she and Gaara didn't hold them to such high standards, everyone around them would. Not only that, their extended family on both sides had impressive reputations. It was...a lot. They were expected to be great.
Xin nearly killed herself trying to live up to impossible standards. She'd be fucked and feathered if the same happened to her kids.
She had a sudden thought at that moment, not necessarily a memory but something along those lines. She could recall saying that she was no trophy wife, that she didn't want kids because they were career-ending. And that might have been true, at some point but she couldn't help wondering if the idea of having kids scared her.
She was unhinged due to her crappy childhood and the last thing she wanted was for her kids to suffer. Hell, she wasn't even sure if she wanted to explain her clan's traditions, beliefs, and ideals to them. If she had her twins in Konoha, Riku would've been exiled to the side branch.
And then she'd be exiled for trying to murder a Hyuga Elder for branding her goddamn baby.
"Are you sure you'll be satisfied?" Gaara asked, interrupting her thoughts. "I'm not saying motherhood and being a medic isn't fulfilling but I know you, Xin. Being a simple medic is not in your blood."
She flushed because maybe it didn't sound like a compliment but it was. "Well..maybe I could speak to Moriya-sensei about it…"
Gaara hummed in satisfaction. "Good girl."
Meanwhile, Hideki and Ukyo were paying more attention to their grill than to each other. Hideki glanced up from the grill, studying Ukyo while she busily attended to the food. It was harder these days trying to talk to her, she hardly ever looked him in the eye.
He glanced away from her, eyeing Gaara and Xin instead. The older couple were having a better time but that was to be expected given that they were an actual couple and parents. Xin leaned over the grill of their table, chopsticks poised at the Kazekage's mouth. With a blank expression, Gaara dropped his mouth open and Xin happily popped the food into his mouth.
"Hideki?" Ukyo asked carefully. "Are you okay?" She looked nervous and she never held his gaze long enough. It hurt, it hurt knowing that whatever Ukyo went through messed her up to the point of being unable to look him in the eye.
Hideki sighed slowly and tried to remember his siblings and Xin's words of encouragement. Pursuing Ukyo would be difficult, she had her walls up and she had that right to keep them up. It wasn't about Hideki breaking those walls down and forcing his way in. It was about Ukyo letting her walls down and allowing him in. If he liked her as much as he said he did, he would be patient with her.
Either that or Xin would knock his teeth out of his head.
"I'm okay, Ukyo. I'm just glad you're here."
She smiled slowly at him and Hideki just felt himself melt. At their age, Ukyo was the prettiest girl in the village and a lot of other Shinobi were beginning to notice as well. It wasn't unheard of to find Ukyo rejecting someone's confession or even rejecting going on a date.
Sachiko and Xin were often amused to find a Shinobi waiting outside the hospital for Ukyo. Sometimes they wouldn't take no for an answer which prompted Xin to step in with a subtle threat.
She was popular but none of it seemed to matter to her. There was always something hanging over her, something that held her back from being a teenage girl who wanted to date. Hideki was only sure that she agreed because Xin and Gaara were present.
"I'm...sorry, Hideki. I know you must be confused with the way I act.." she trailed off in a soft voice.
Hideki slowly reached across the table, prodding at her fingers. She glanced at his prodding hand but didn't rip away from him. He carefully slid his hand over hers, letting it rest there gently just in case she wanted to pull away.
She didn't.
"I know you're dealing with something. I like you a lot, Ukyo but you're my friend first and foremost. I want to help or at least be a shoulder for you to lean on. I just want to know that you're okay."
She was still smiling though she seemed sad. "I...I'm not okay, Hideki. I just don't want you to think differently of me."
"I won't."
"You can't know that for sure."
"Yeah, I can."
"How?"
"Because I like you. And you're my friend. Nothing can change that."
Ukyo flushed terribly at that, expression pinching. How he could freely admit such a thing was beyond her. He was too much like Jura, she sometimes thought. Her face felt hot but she continued to smile at him.
"I...I like you too."
That felt good to get off her chest. Honestly, she's liked Hideki since they were young and Usui would tease her for it. It brought back fond memories, memories that she cherished with her brother. If he were alive today, she was sure he'd encourage the blossoming relationship between her and Hideki.
Hideki smiled back.
Xin and Gaara accompany the two younger Shinobi back to Asuna's house. Ukyo smiled shyly at the two, grateful for their presence. "Erm, I know this was the last thing either of you wanted to do but I do appreciate it."
Xin smiled kindly and waved her hand fleetingly. "Oh, don't trouble yourself, Ukyo. We're glad to assist, it's our job as the Kazekage and a medical ninja. Isn't that right?" She roughly elbowed Gaara in the side.
He grunted and batted her elbow away. "Xin's right. We're glad to help."
"It was fun, yes? Maybe another date is soon?" Xin pressed, watching as both Hideki and Ukyo flushed terribly. "Sorry, I'll stop teasing."
"For now," Gaara intoned blankly.
She continued to smile but didn't deny it. "We'll take our leave first. I'm sure Asuna and Kankuro want out of babysitting duty," she only hoped that her children were fine and their house was still standing. "Good night!"
Gaara led her away as she waved enthusiastically to the younger pair. "Do you think she'll let him kiss her? Oh, I hope she does. She needs something else to focus on. Let me…."
"Stop spying, Xin."
She pouted but did as she was told, fully turning away. "That was nice, our first actual date. Did you enjoy it too?"
Of course, he did. Any time spent with Xin was enjoyable. These days they were busier than ever, now having added parenthood to their workload. It wasn't like they were regular ninja and he often found himself missing his wife's attention.
"I did." His answer was simple. If he told her his current thoughts, she'd guilt herself for not paying enough attention to him. He was the Kazekage but there was an inside joke shared between him and Kankuro that Xin was far busier with the hospital and the kids.
It wasn't unheard of to track her down at the hospital with her children strapped to her back and front. It was a cause for concern at first but having Ryuu and Riku around during her workday didn't seem to get in the way. If she was needed for serious healing, she'd unstrap the twins and leave Sachiko to watch after them.
Xin was a busy woman. It's a wonder she still hasn't accepted the Director position.
"You did? Maybe we could go on another date then."
Gaara only grunted, knowing he wouldn't reject the idea simply because she was in favor of it. Besides, it made her happy and there was no harm in it. And he liked spending time with her anyway.
Their house was still standing, much to their relief. "I never doubted them," Xin sang as she followed Gaara inside. He only snorted, seeing as how she constantly muttered to herself about Kankuro drowning their kids in the bath or setting the house on fire by accident throughout the entire date. He doubted his brother would do something like that and besides, he kept reminding her, Asuna was helping out.
"Hello?" Xin called out as they made their way towards the living room.
Kankuro and Asuna were sitting on the couch though Kankuro jumped up almost immediately. "Shut up, devil woman! Are you insane? You'll wake the monsters."
"Devil woman?" Xin's tone was sour.
"Monsters?" Gaara asked as he stooped over her.
Asuna got up, though she was far more relaxed than Kankuro. "The twins finally nodded off to sleep not too long ago. They were quite fussy when they realized mama wasn't the one putting them to bed."
Xin glared at Kankuro. "My kids aren't monsters." Though the fact that she viciously kicked at Kankuro defeated the purpose of her sentence.
"How was it?" Gaara pointedly ignored Xin and Kankuro's silent but physical squabbling. They were whisper-screeching at one another, slapping and kicking like children.
Asuna eyed the two and for a moment, she remembered being a kid and fighting with Kyohei. She remembered her mother separating them with an amused quirk to her lips. She remembers a lot but says little. She realized that Gaara was patiently waiting for an answer.
She slapped a smile on her face, laughing almost breathlessly. "Oh, just fine, Kazekage-sama. Really. Kankuro hardly needed me around."
"Not true!" Kankuro said, dodging Xin's strike to the throat.
Asuna laughed again. "I'd be glad to do it again if you and Xin need some time alone," she continued to smile but Gaara had a feeling she was hinting at something. Xin made a choked noise behind him. He tossed her a glance to see her cheeks flushing terribly. Kankuro nearly shoved a finger in her eye.
"I appreciate that, Asuna," Gaara nodded though he wasn't sure if he was willing to call on his assistant to watch his kids whenever he felt the need to see Xin. That just seemed selfish. And unprofessional.
But Asuna's smile remained and he was sure the blonde would pester him about it. She was nosy, like Xin but far more subtle about it. "Good. Well, I should be getting home now. Hopefully, Genji dropped Momo off and Ukyo has her in bed."
Gaara nodded. "Stop fighting," he threw at Xin and Kankuro, who thankfully listened. They glared at one another but kept their hands to themselves. "Asuna's leaving."
"Oh!" Xin ducked around him, reaching for the blonde's hands with a grateful smile. "Thank you for doing this, it means so much to Hideki and Ukyo!"
"And you too?"
"Definitely me too," Xin nodded along. "Ah, Kankuro will walk you home, right?" she turned to her brother-in-law, eyebrows high on her forehead. It was a question but they knew she wasn't asking. Just like she hadn't asked him to watch her kids.
"I may be retired but I'm not helpless. I'm sure Kankuro has had quite enough of me for the night."
"Not true!" Kankuro blurted for the second time, causing Xin and Gaara to eye him. Gaara was less than impressed but Xin was grinning almost manically.
Asuna's face flushed but only barely. "Well, if you insist."
There's something in the curve of Xin's grin but neither comment as the four head towards the front door. Xin and Gaara thank Asuna again before she and Kankuro vanish off into the night. They watch them for a long moment before turning away.
"He likes her!" Xin's grin was bright enough to power the sun as they headed up to the nursery. True to her word, the twins were peacefully sleeping in their shared crib. The young couple took several moments to watch them, quietly in the doorway.
"Maybe we should get separate cribs. Ryuu keeps kicking at Riku," Gaara hummed thoughtfully. "And if he does like her, let it happen on its own, Xin."
"But Ryuu loves sleeping with his brother," Xin quietly protested. She wanted to lean over the crib and kiss them goodnight but that ran the risk of waking them up prematurely. She would just give them extra kisses in the morning.
"I guess he gets that from you," Gaara snorted and nudged at her waist. She followed after him, easing the door shut behind her. They get ready for the night, undressing and showering before sitting down before bed.
"He likes her," Xin repeated her earlier statement after a couple of minutes of silence. She was grinning again but he wasn't surprised by the topic of conversation.
"Everyone likes Asuna," Gaara grunted. If his casual brush-off annoyed her, she didn't show it. She leaned towards him, curling into his side with her head tilted back far enough to brush her mouth against his shoulder.
"You know," she began with an exaggerated sigh. "I know you think I'm being pushy and everything but I just want him to be happy. Like us. I love him and want him to be happy."
Of course she wouldn't say as much to Kankuro. Though it was quite obvious that they cared for one another, the Kazekage's wife and brother had a notoriously antagonistic relationship. Separately the two could admit their shared love for one another but good luck getting them to admit it to each other.
"I know but you can't force these things."
"It was kind of forced for us."
"Kankuro and Asuna aren't us."
She frowned thoughtfully before nodding slowly. Though she was happily in love with Gaara, things hadn't been easy for them. Like everything else, her memories involving their once volatile relationship were shoddy but Gaara was helpful in filling the blanks. They didn't have very good beginnings and it was a miracle they even fell in love.
But that was the point she was trying to drive home. If two violent disasters like them could find love, Kankuro could as well.
"You're no fun," she huffed against the skin of his throat. She shifted around, wedging her knee in between his legs to straddle him. He hardly paid her whining any mind but he slipped his arm around her waist, anchoring her to him.
She smiled as pressed her hips to his, humming distractedly. He spoke her name, a warning tilt to his voice but she pressed on, pressing the space between her legs down on his thigh with a soft sigh. She chuckled against his throat, plump lips mouthing along his skin.
"Gaara," she kissed up along his neck and teethed at the shell of his ear, singing his name like a prayer. Gaara grunted, quite aware of all her tricks but didn't immediately give in to her. His arm was still around her waist, fingers digging into her side as she licked along his ear.
He wondered mutely how they've gone from talking about Asuna and Kankuro to...this but he's not really complaining.
Their lives are busy but satisfying. If they're not busy with work, they're busy with Ryuu and Riku. If they aren't busy with the wonder twins, they're helping out villagers or friends in some way—like going on a double date. He thinks back to Konoha, back to the hotel and lacy lingerie and Xin's breathy moans and gasps and—
No, he doesn't mind her tricks.
"Alright, demon woman, what are you up to?"
Xin eyed Kankuro, unimpressed. Gaara, for his part, sighed heavily but said nothing. He warned Xin to ease up with her pushiness. While he never minded her stubborn, others did.
"What do you mean?" Xin asked after a pause. "And is the name calling really necessary?"
But Kankuro only narrowed his eyes at her. "Is there something you want to tell me, Xin?"
"Nothing in particular." She smiled at him but he's no fool.
"You've been acting strange lately. Even for yourself. Why do you want me to spend so much time with Asuna?"
"I never said that I did."
"Your actions speak volumes, Xin."
She's still smiling, damn there grinning at him. Gaara remained quiet, watching the both of them. Maybe his brother was a little oblivious but he wasn't an idiot. He was bound to realize Xin was up to something. It wasn't like she was discreet with her pushing.
Somehow, some way, she always found a reason to bring Asuna around Kankuro. Even if the situation had nothing to do with them, she often managed to pair them up. It was impressive, really.
"Do you not like spending time with her?" Xin asked innocently.
"That's not the point."
"So you do."
Kankuro groaned loudly and considered bashing his head into the table. Gaara took a deep breath, seemingly having quite enough of this game. "She thinks you should date Asuna."
Xin gaped at him. "Gaara!" she snapped harshly. "You weren't supposed to tell him that!"
But the redhead only shrugged, not the least bit apologetic. She was used to getting her way with him but Kankuro was not her husband, he was. Kankuro shouldn't have to put up with her meddling if he truly didn't want to.
Flustered, Kankuro eyed Xin. "Why would you think that?"
She folded her arms across her chest. "I think you should date in general but I think she could be good for you."
He scowled at her. "That's not for you to decide, Xin."
"Oh, Kankuro, come on! All you do is fuss with those puppets of yours! You're a healthy grown man, you should be out dating, getting to know people! I just want you to be happy!"
"Who says I'm not?"
"Who says you are?"
Kankuro glared at her, annoyed. "Look, just because you happened to get married and have children, doesn't mean you get to decide that for me. Gaara was forced into marrying you."
She blinked wide eyes at him, taken aback. Even Gaara eyed him. It wasn't like him to be so harsh to Xin. Her meddling must have really irritated him. For one long moment, Xin faltered before she gathered her hurt feelings up.
"I just wanted you to be happy." She stood stiffly, her dinner unfinished. "I'm going to go put the twins down for bed.."
Kankuro and Gaara watched her hurry out of the kitchen, knowing it would be unwise to stop her. If Xin was trying to retreat without the use of violence, it was best to let her go. Otherwise she'd pick up the rice cooker and hurl it at one of them.
"Bit harsh, don't you think?" Gaara asked after a long pause. Kankuro leaned back in his chair, groaning loudly. Like Gaara, he hated upsetting Xin. That was harsh of him, he conceded. "If I'd known you'd be angry with her, I wouldn't have said anything."
He didn't blame Gaara. That's his wife and it's not like he wanted her upset. He's lucky that he's his brother or he's sure Gaara would've throttled him. He's protective of Xin and pointing out that their marriage was an arrangement was just a low blow.
"Why does she have it in her head that I need to date?" Kankuro asked after a long pause. Gaara took the time to explain her reasoning, spitting out several conversations they've had over the subject of Kankuro and dating. By the end of it, he felt bad.
Because she was all smiles and bouncing in her seat, excited at the mere thought that there might be something between Asuna and him. And there could be, he's not sure but first thing's first.
He tracked her to the nursery, standing over the crib. Ryuu was already sleeping soundly but she fussed with Riku, which wasn't much of a surprise. Riku was always reluctant to go straight to sleep, unless Gaara was around.
"Oh, Storm cloud, please go to sleep. It's not fair that you don't give daddy such a hard time. Do you know what I went through, giving birth to you? The least you could do is go to sleep." She hugged the babe close, bouncing and swaying in place. "Guess I can't blame you if daddy's your favorite. He's my favorite too."
Riku fought and fussed with her, wriggling against her chest and balling his little fingers up. But Xin only patted at his backside and kissed along his face.
It's not an odd sight, it occurred frequently, more often than not. It wasn't even unheard of for Xin and Riku to still be awake when Gaara came home late in the evening. As soon as Xin handed Riku off to Gaara, he was out like a light.
She often complained that it wasn't fair but Kankuro was positive that the kid was just taking after her.
He watched her for a few more moments before clearing his throat. She glanced over her shoulder, just a quick glance before she focused back on her child.
Kankuro didn't move, not immediately. Instead he wondered if Rasa ever held any of them as babies like the way she's holding Riku. She tucked her chin closer to her chest and pressed her nose into his wild blue locks, inhaling softly before pleading quietly for him to just 'go the fuck to sleep'.
She's a good mother. Somehow she managed to blend her sarcastic personality in with her maternal instincts. It's a little weird but it's her and one could only appreciate her authenticity.
"What's up, Kankuro?"
Riku has his eyes on Kankuro now, all big and full of wonder. But he's also sleepy too, he's just fighting it. Just to spite his mother. Hilarious.
"Uh," he grunted dumbly and stepped into the nursery. Mother and son eye him in the dark and it's a little unnerving but Xin mercifully turned away. "About earlier…"
"I'll mind my business."
"Uh, well." He realized with a hard frown that he doesn't like when she's upset like this. He'd much rather deal with her short temper instead of her quick dismissal. It twisted at his gut and he feels like it's Rasa dismissing his affinity for puppetry.
"That comment—uh—about Gaara being forced into marrying you."
She shrugged carefully. "Well, it's true."
"Doesn't mean I have to throw it in your face."
"So why did you?"
"I don't know…"
"Yes you do."
Kankuro cringed. "Because I wanted to hurt your feelings."
She nodded, accepting the answer. "Because I hurt your feelings? Pushed too hard?"
Again, he cringed. He's a grown man, dammit, he doesn't want to talk about feelings. That would be...the vulnerability made him uncomfortable, made him twitch and shift. But she ignored his twitches, focused instead on Riku. Back to patting his backside.
Kankuro edged closer until he was right beside her. He wordlessly nudged at her until she quietly passed her son to him. He's not his father but he smells similar, he chuckled as Riku pressed his face into his chest. Xin tutted.
"Why's it so important to you?"
"Because you're important to me." She braced her weight against the crib, looking down at Ryuu. She was sure Ryuu would give her trouble but Riku was giving her a run for her money. "I just...I know what it feels like to be…" she frowned, trying to think of the right word. "Passed over because of siblings."
Something in his chest tightened. He almost wanted to yell at her that she doesn't know shit, that she doesn't know what he feels. But he doesn't because...well...she kind of does. They're more alike than he realizes, the only difference is that she dealt with her trauma chaotically while he surrounded himself with puppets.
"It's never been about you. Gaara and Temari are married, starting their own families. I just don't want you to feel like…"
"I don't belong?"
She nodded, quietly. "I just think if a disaster like me can have...this—" she waved a hand around. "This. If I can have this, you should too. You don't even have to have a breakdown." He snorted and managed to elbow her in the side. "You're nothing like him, you know. Rasa."
"You never even met him."
"Thank fuck for that. Gaara told me about him, Temari too. Sounds like an asshole. Just because you look like him doesn't mean you're him. I look like my mother, have you met my mother?"
"She's a nice lady."
"Exactly."
Kankuro sent her a look because maybe her way wasn't normal but Xin was nice. In her own way.
"We're not the sins of our fathers."
That simple statement weighed heavily on him. If she noticed, she said nothing of it. But then Gaara cleared his throat from behind them. Xin's pensive look faltered immediately, replaced by bemusement. "Just in time," she sang, motioning to the crabby baby.
Kankuro handed the baby off to his brother and for a moment, he thought of the game hot potato. Riku curled into Gaara, just like he always did. "Riku, you've got to stop giving mom a hard time at bedtime." But he's smug when Riku's eyes slide shut.
"Oh, for fuck's sake."
Kankuro decided to make his exit, leaving the parents alone with their half slumbering child. He couldn't help his smile as he silently left, deciding that maybe a date with Asuna sounded okay.
"So, have you cried it out yet?"
Sasori leveled Xin with a blank stare. "I'm twenty-seven years old."
Xin frowned and pointedly ignored his less than impressed expression. She didn't have the twins with her for once, surprising even Sasori when he found her at the hospital. "So? I'm twenty, what difference does it make?"
"I'm a grown man, Xin."
"You're a grown idiot is what you are," she snorted while purposely ignoring his glare. Despite her name calling, he obediently followed after her. She didn't seem to mind his presence, leading him to the newly constructed mental facility. It was mostly done, tucked away on the east side of the hospital.
He was quite impressed with her successful campaign for a mental health facility. Of course, being the wife of the Kazekage probably had something to do with it but Xin refused to let up on it. She argued with the council every step of the way, stressing the importance of a Shinobi's mental stability.
Yes, she threatened them here and there but she never carried her threats out. Mostly thanks to Gaara and Baki but those were minor details.
Her face was bright as they surveyed the new area. He offered his opinion here and there, mostly positive but with a touch of snark.
"Things are looking great. I have to make something to say thank you to everyone who built it. Anything in mind?"
"Fried scorpion."
"I meant dessert-wise, you nightmare."
"Aren't you a bit too old for name calling?"
"I'm only twenty."
"You're somebody's mother."
"Ah, good point."
She continued to grin even when Sasori rolled his eyes at her. "Stop being such a grump. What even brings you here in the first place? You're not injured or sick."
He shrugged a shoulder. "No reason."
But she made a face up at him, not really convinced. It's a habit none of her friends have quite broken yet. Any one of them showed up randomly, unharmed and in perfect health but insistent on hanging around her. She often reminded them that this was a hospital and not a damn playground but it fell to deaf ears.
"Where's the spawns?" Sasori asked in a bid to divert her attention.
She shot him a disapproving look. "Don't call them that and they're with their father."
"You call them that all the time."
"I'm their mother. I almost bled to death for them, I can call them that."
He snorted this time. "Is it wise to have his infant children around while he's trying to work?"
Xin only chuckled. "Oh, please. What could happen? They get a papercut from one of his documents? It's fine," she waved the notion off. "Besides, the little ingrates like to spend time with him."
"You sound bitter."
"How many times do I have to repeat to you all that I nearly bled to death," she huffed with a hand on her hip. "Where's the respect…" she pointedly ignored his amused expression, opting to make their way back to the hospital. "At least they look like me."
She assumed he would leave once they made their way back but Sasori stuck by her side. She didn't really mind, at least not at the moment. Her morning had been busy, thus the reason why she sent Ryuu and Riku off to Gaara while she worked.
But now she was done with work, giving her the free time to check on the mental facility in the first place. She considered retrieving her sons but decided against it. If Gaara wanted to drop them back off with her, he would.
She busied with cleaning her office, intent on getting home at a reasonable time. Sasori watched her, not offering her any help. She was precise about her things and where she wanted things to go. They learned that the hard way but given her meticulousness for cleanliness and order, it wasn't much of a shock.
"Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?" Xin broke the silence, sifting through reports and deciding which ones would be brought home with her. "We're having Yaki-udon, gyoza and maybe sashimi. Maybe daifuku for dessert."
Sasori eyed her with raised eyebrows. "That's...no but thanks for asking." He ignored her pout. "I can take care of myself, Xin. I don't need you to look after me."
"I'm not looking after you, Sasori. We're friends. Friends have dinner together."
He was less than convinced, still quietly studying her. While the Kazekage tolerated his friendship with the quirky Hyuga, joining them for dinner would be pushing it. Kankuro wasn't all that fond of him either. That would leave Xin stuck in the middle, trying to keep the peace.
He wasn't that selfish.
"Maybe some other time."
She huffed and shook her head, muttering under her breath about stubborn dumb men. He appreciated the gesture, aware of why she felt the need to invite him over but he would keep his distance. There was no need to go through the trouble.
"Well, you could at least walk me home."
He nearly rolled his eyes. It wasn't like she ran the risk of running into trouble on her way home. She was the Kazekage's wife and she was scary as hell in her own right. If someone tried to harass her, they were signing their own death certificate. Even if they did walk away alive, they'd probably receive a broken hand for their trouble.
"Sure."
Maybe he was a little selfish.
She took the time to wish the hospital staff a good night and that she would see them tomorrow. They returned the sentiments, eyeing him warily. They were always just a bit wary of Sasori, not that he could blame them.
He walked her home, exchanging small talk with her. He often found it strange that Xin managed her life so well. He couldn't imagine running a household and being a working kunoichi. It couldn't be easy and he sometimes wondered why Xin didn't just retire.
Maybe it was that goddamn Will of Fire Chiyo would scoff at. Konoha Shinobi were truly a menace to society.
"Our door is always open," Xin said when they made it to her house. "When you stop feeling sorry for yourself, feel free to drop by for dinner. We'd love to have you."
"We both know that isn't true."
She only shrugged, nonplussed and leaned against the doorframe. She openly eyed him, her gaze sweeping from the top of his head down to his toes. For a long moment, Xin didn't say anything. With no warning, she reached for Sasori's hand.
She swiped her thumb across his knuckles, smiling almost sadly. "It's okay to miss her, you know. I miss Chiyo too."
He snatched his hand away and shoved them into his pockets, away from her grabby fingers. "Don't be ridiculous, Xin. We didn't have that kind of relationship…"
There was a quirk to her lips and he wondered what was going through her mind. She folded her arms across her chest and leaned towards him. "Why not?"
"Because I ruined it."
"Ruined it? Sasori, come on. Chiyo was your grandmother. You weren't perfect but she loved you all the same."
He opened his mouth to argue but came to a hard pause and glared at her. "I know what you're trying to do."
"I'm not trying to do anything. We're having a conversation."
But he couldn't be convinced. "I'm going home." He was a bit miffed that she seemed so casual and smug. She'd been going at him hard ever since Chiyo died. She was insistent that he was bottling his feelings up and that it was okay to miss his grandmother. He was positive that she was just using him as a guinea pig for practice.
She was good, he'd give her that. He almost admitted to some things better left unsaid and that's what all her pompous air was about.
"You're good, Xin but not that good."
But Xin only chuckled, almost as if she knew he was close to cracking. She reached up again, this time to pat at his cheek. "So you say, Sasori. But I've got to get started on dinner so like I said, our door is always open. Don't be a stranger."
She didn't give him a chance to deny her open invitation, ducking inside with a quick wave of her hand. The front doors clicked quietly behind her and Sasori was once again, alone.
TeeBeMe: Xin is slowly morphing into her true form. A meddling busybody. We love to see her happiness. She'd definitely be the type of mom with all these nicknames for her kids. I like to think that when she's annoyed her with her kids, the nicknames get more and more ridiculous.