The boy dissolves into sand and pools onto the ground, before reforming, standing and giving them all a bland, unimpressed glance before turning away.

"Wait, identify yourself!", Sasuke says, looking at the strange, red haired boy his eyes have settled on. He has a weird gourd in his back, and the space around his eyes is dark. There's a look in his eye that Sasuke recognizes, but he doesn't know what it is.

"Me?" The blond girl with him asks, turning around and giving Sasuke a puzzled look.

"No." Sasuke says, "You. The guy with the gourd on his back."

The boy turns to look at him, that unimpressed and bored expression lessening slightly with the glimmer of interest in his eyes.

"Gaara, of the desert. I'm curious about you too. You are?"

"Uchiha Sasuke."

Naruto shouts something, but the red-haired boy quickly dismisses him, giving Sasuke one more glance.

Gaara of the desert turns and walks away.


Sasuke wakes to a ceiling that isn't his own. He blinks, squinting in the early sunlight of Suna as it spills through the windows. He clenches his eyes shut before trying again, taking a deep breath.

Greenery. Earth. Flora. Smoke. Something like lightning striking stone.

A mix of their scents.

Sasuke smells like Gaara, and the man's scent was lingering, even if he wasn't in bed beside him.

Memories of last night flood over him, gently. It only takes a millisecond for him to remember everything in vivid detail as he tries to blink away the last dredges of sleep.

They spent the night together. He...had sex with Gaara. 'For hours' his brain offers.

Sasuke feels his face go hot, remembering how far they went last night in flashes behind his eyelids. He rubs his hand down his face, staring at the dangling terrariums Gaara had hanging from the ceilings over his bed. The glass reflected the early morning sunlight, casting rainbows along the wall.

Sasuke stares at a little red flower on the cacti hanging above him, seemingly in the middle of blooming. His brain lags a bit, slow with sleep and processing last night, along with the feeling of waking up in Gaara's bed once more, though the circumstances are vastly different from last time.

Sasuke remembers their bodies and hands desperately pulling each other closer, feeling Gaara's panting breaths against his neck, his lips...

He lies there, sighing at the ceiling, already knowing he didn't regret it a bit. Which complicated things. If he did regret it, he could at least ask Gaara to forget it and they could just move on. But that's not what Sasuke wanted . That's not how he felt , and after not feeling anything like this for so long (that he somewhat had forgotten what it was like) he wouldn't allow himself to further hurt himself in such a way.

Sasuke didn't regret it. At all. He was happy it happened. It felt good. He wanted it. He wanted more.

In other words, Sasuke has complicated things. He didn't want to take last night back. He couldn't stop replaying it in his head. Seeing Gaara's flushed face behind his eyelids every time he blinked.

Sasuke rubs at his eyes, a strange mix of anticipation, nerves and confusion settling into him. Then his mind starts to wind in circles.

Being with Gaara last night...it didn't hurt . Sasuke wasn't dealing with the fear, revulsion and need to flee that he felt during the sexual encounters he was forced into with others previously. After Orochimaru, any attraction or interest in him was taken as a threat simply because being assaulted was all he knew. And Sasuke doesn't necessarily blame himself for that, but he can acknowledge how being raped constantly as a child molded how he viewed relationships as a whole, and how it made him distant and defensive when anyone looked at him with any hint of attraction. And when Sakura did that to him again, he knew it was no different, even back then. He'd then accepted it wouldn't be different no matter what. It certainly didn't feel any different, despite her being a woman - she'd essentially done what Orochimaru had as well, minus the overt threat of violence. That's what physical intimacy was to Sasuke for a long, long time - just asking the person on top of him to stop, only to have them ignore him completely and do whatever they wanted to him anyway - and it wasn't something Sasuke wanted ever again. He'd come to associate being close to someone as either fighting or laying helpless while someone took something from him that he didn't want to give.

But last night…last night was different. He wanted nothing more than to be closer to Gaara. Being with Gaara in that way wasn't terrifying or tense, and it didn't hurt. He was desperate to have Gaara close. As close as possible. Relieved that Gaara accepted Sasuke into his bed, into his body...

But it was also confusing . Because before , sex and physical intimacy were in the category of interactions with people Sasuke initially never wanted again. But now he knows how it can feel, how it can take over his brain and make him feel...safe? Closer to someone? Connected?

The rules have changed, and Sasuke has been tossed into a completely different game, and he isn't entirely sure what to do or what to make of it.

He felt relaxed with Gaara last night. The man's body against his own wasn't a rehash of being assaulted as he had before, but a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone. That they shared this intimacy together . There was no power imbalance or anything that made Sasuke feel like he didn't have equal say in what happened between them. Someone who understood him was right within arm's reach, he got to feel his skin and taste his mouth, and that shared experience was just that - a shared experience. They were both equal. Gaara trusted him.

It felt good. Being near someone so warm and careful with Sasuke. Gaara didn't once grab him too hard, or pin him down. Sasuke never expected that of him, it's just that prior encounters left Sasuke just... expecting that no matter what .

But...Sasuke remembers Gaara talking about that man, from before. How he didn't listen to Gaara at all while he hurt him, simply doing as he pleased as he took advantage of his power over Gaara and the entire situation.

Gaara understood what it was like to be terrified and pinned down like that, with someone you didn't want on top of you. Of course he wouldn't hurt Sasuke. Gaara was a man who had been repeatedly hurt himself, so he knew what it was like, and thus avoided doing so to others. Granted, Sasuke knew this, but maybe he's just a bit floored by how vastly different it was with Gaara. How he never pushed, never pressured or coerced.

Gaara was...soft, with him. And he needed that.

Fuck, he needed that so badly. Maybe a few years ago, when he was young and refused to admit he needed help and...love, he would have scoffed at that. But now he can fully admit that he needed that tenderness. That softness that Gaara seemed to have for him in spades. And aside from that, he genuinely likes Gaara. A lot. More than that, actually. He didn't have the words to articulate how something inside him reaches for the omega. Sasuke found himself wanting to know every tiny detail about him. Wanting to be inside his head so he could pick him apart. Wanting to be close to him. Figuring out his feelings shouldn't have been as long a process as it was, but he's figured it out now. Why his chest goes warm whenever Gaara smiles at him, or says his name.

Sasuke sits up, the sheets pooling at his waist. Gaara's side of the bed is empty, blankets thrown aside. Cold. He's been awake for a while, then. The children probably were, too.

Sasuke couldn't help wondering what happened now. He knew what he wanted…

He never thought he would want this with anyone again but -

Sasuke wanted to keep being close to Gaara. He wanted him around more often. All the time, actually.

He wanted…he wanted to stay with him, like how those pairs of people holding hands on the streets of Suna did. He never paid attention to them before - mates, couples - but he wants that. It's such a foreign feeling, but it's a pull that he can't deny. He didn't even know what it's like to want that sort of companionship. Not fully. But he feels it now. And it's strange. But it's there. It's very much there, and he can't ignore it. He doesn't want to.

But there were so many complications. Would that be fair to Gaara? To further involve him in the mess of Sasuke's life?

Sakura, for one. Konoha, for another. His marriage. How Naruto would react.

(In some ways that was the biggest complication.)

But that all still felt small compared to what Sasuke wanted .

If he was anyone else this wouldn't be nearly as complicated. And so the Uchiha's frustration level rises. Why is everything so complicated for him? Well, he knows why, but he hates it. In this moment he despises it.

Sasuke wants so little. Just to be content . Happy, even. Isn't that what most people want? Isn't Sasuke a human being as well? Was it so hard to imagine that he would want some semblance of connection and bonding as well?

And he can't help that tiny, hopeful voice at the back of his head that said that it was possible with Gaara. He could be happy with him. Safe. Content.

He already was.

There was just so much in the way. And on top of that Sasuke didn't even know anything about relationships of this nature. Not really. He'd largely ignored all that up until now. The possibility, with Naruto, lingered in his head when he was young, but that was a moot point now. And Sasuke's feelings have changed, even though Naruto was still dear to him.

The point was that Sasuke was way out of his depth. He remembers how his parents used to interact, but something makes him think that he can't really use that as a point of reference for his relationship with Gaara. They were all different people, with different circumstances. Sasuke had no experience to draw from. He only had a vague idea of how it was supposed to be based on how he felt . Sasuke could end up being terrible at this, and the possibility of hurting Gaara with his own inexperience was something he almost didn't want to risk.

But...the two of them were doing pretty good so far, right? How would them being together in that way be any different than how they interact usually? Sasuke can't really imagine too much changing. They'll...kiss? Sleep together? That wasn't too big a change.

So...maybe he was worrying for nothing. Thinking himself dizzy when he could just go out there and plainly ask Gaara if he wanted to try this.

But Sasuke couldn't deny that he came with a lot of baggage. A whole village council encroaching on his life, a marriage he didn't want to someone who refused to stop chasing him once upon a time and a slew of mental and emotional problems. Not to mention still being a widely regarded terrorist at worst and slightly shady at best.

He was a lot to take on, he knew that.

And yet Sasuke still didn't want to give it up. He wanted.

The only question was, would he do what he wanted, or what would cause him less trouble?

He knows the answer, he's just not looking forward to the impending shitstorm.

But even then...if he could wake up like this every day, it would have been worth it, wouldn't it? To have this... contentment? He didn't want to let this go. It's the safest and sanest he's felt in a while (even with the fact that he still struggled internally all the time, but Gaara had a way of picking the right words out of the air -seemingly- and making it all not seem so bad), and he needed that, after the catastrophe that was...well, everything about his life.

He...he liked Gaara, and he wanted to stay with him.

But no matter what he wanted, this was also Gaara's decision.

Sasuke figures he may as well just do it. He couldn't hide out and think this over forever. That, and Gaara's scent had faded from the room a bit, and Sasuke didn't particularly like that.

So when he's finished thinking himself in circles, Sasuke finally rises, shoving the blankets off of him and setting his feet on the floor. He quickly realizes he's naked, grabs his pants and underwear - dressing quickly before he opens the door, stepping into Gaara's hallway. The apartment smells like pancakes and tea.

He can hear Shinki and Sarada playing, and the water faintly running in the kitchen.

Sasuke approaches slowly, a bit nervous.

Well, more than a bit.

He could fight gods without flinching, but talking to someone he's had feelings for for months made him clench his fist nervously. He's partially absorbed in his own whirling thoughts as he approaches the kitchen, until he catches sight of who he's looking for.

Gaara is by the stove, making what he assumes is breakfast. He hears Sarada and Shinki playing in the living room, but Sasuke's eyes are on Gaara for the moment, who doesn't seem to have noticed his presence yet. The same terrariums that hang from the crystal clear orbs in Gaara's room also dangle in the kitchen, painting the same colorful reflections along the walls.

Sasuke watches as Gaara leans up and pokes at one - and also notices that he has to tip-toe to do it - and watches it gently sway. Sasuke wonders - dazedly, as he stares at the Kazekage - how someone can be the picture of serenity like that.

The bruises on his neck are plainly visible over the collar of his robe, purple and deep. He hasn't brushed his hair yet either, so the red strands curled every which way, slightly frizzy. Something in Sasuke wants to save this memory, tuck it away where he can keep it for himself- Gaara with the bruises that Sasuke gave him on his neck, his hair a mess and the sound of their children playing in the next room as the sun rises higher in the sky.

His sharingan is swirling to life before he can even take his next breath, quick to hide this memory away in his mind. It's definitely more pleasant than most of the other recollections back there.

Gaara turns and pauses at the sight of him, eyes widening slightly, clearly unaware Sasuke was awake. Sasuke snaps out of his thoughts, not expecting to be seen so soon.

Their scents immediately go strong and blend together, calming them both.

"Sasuke." Gaara says, "Good morning."

The Uchiha can only stare at him for a moment, eyes drifting down to the marks on his neck. Something inside him reaches for the omega.

Then he shakes himself out of it, "Good morning."

It's clear neither of them know what to say, but it's not so much awkwardness as it is the two of them just being out of their depth. Neither of them have ever really done this before, and they were both critically aware of this.

Sasuke takes a breath and runs his hand through his hair, resolving to just say what he needs to before he does something foolish, like lose his nerve and hold his tongue.

"About last night-"

"Nothing has to change if you don't want it to." Gaara says quickly, face reddening. He looks apprehensive, and a bit sad. He looks like he's about to say something else, but he hesitates.

Sasuke shakes his head, desperate to explain, "I...was going to say the same thing to you. But-I-I think that...I'd like to…"

He stops and tries to think. Gaara quiets, looking hesitant.

Sasuke tries again, almost scrambling to gather his thoughts. He looks into his eyes, lost for a moment, distracted by how green they were.

He eventually is able to say something after a moment, and Gaara waits patiently for him to say what he has to.

"We work well together, right?" He asks, and Gaara's eyes go a bit wider.

"Yes, of course we do." He says.

"And you...you understand me, and I understand you." Sasuke adds.

Gaara nods, "That's very true."

Sasuke takes a steadying breath.

"And we...we like being together."

Gaara gives him a small smile, still looking a bit nerve-wracked, "Yes, I definitely value your presence, Sasuke."

"Maybe this...would be easier -" Sasuke says, trying not to lose his nerve, desperate to push through and articulate his thoughts and what he wants to say, "- if we did this together. I…I like being with you. It makes everything not so...dark, or overwhelming. I just like you , a lot. And I find myself wanting to be near you all the time, because you make everything better. Before, I was living life in a fog, but...everything is clearer when you're around, and I feel like I can breathe. I - So."

Sasuke flounders for a second -eyes darting to the ground - and for a moment he thinks maybe he explained that very badly , but he has no experience with this. He didn't know how to ask this question at all, even though he desperately wanted - no, needed - to get his point across, he still didn't quite know how to word it. Everything he wanted to say got tangled up in his head as soon as he laid eyes on the redhead.

Thankfully Gaara is adept at translating Sasuke's confused musings into something they both could understand, and as soon as he looks up from the ground and at the omega he can tell Gaara knows exactly what he's saying.

Sasuke feels something in him go weak at that look on Gaara's face. That understanding.

And then he feels like more of an idiot. Of course Gaara would understand what he's trying to say. The man had a way of knowing what was inside Sasuke's head, sometimes even before he did, whether he stumbled over his words and trailed off or not.

Gaara blinks at him in surprise for a second, before his expression goes relieved and gentle.

"I think so too." He says, face going pink, "I greatly enjoy your presence in my life, Sasuke. I... I don't know if I've made that clear, but it's true. I like you too. I didn't know how to say it, or if I...should, but I... I do. I feel more settled when you're around, and I - I miss you when you're gone."

Sasuke feels like a child, stumbling over his words and fidgeting in front of their valentine or something like that, just trying to get the words out. But the fact remains that Gaara felt the same. He understood, once more.

"I…" Sasuke starts, "I guess I wanted to ask if you wanted to...to…"

And then he's back to not being able to complete his thoughts again. He internally winces in frustration at himself. Just say it!

Sasuke steels himself and takes a breath, "Do you want to-"

But once again, Gaara gets him. He gets what Sasuke is trying to say , even though he's flushed and stuttering - internally panicking and trying to arrange his words into something that makes sense.

"I would." He says, smiling gently at him, "I think it would be good for us. Both of us."

He's as flushed as Sasuke is, but the omega is clearly more steady than Sasuke right now, whose head is whirling with so many thoughts and feelings he can hardly function.

Then he processes what Gaara's said, and his chest goes tight and warm. He pauses for a moment, simply surprised and unable to tear his eyes from the omega.

"So that's...a yes?" He asks, hating the fact that his voice cracks and he sounds so unsure.

Gaara's eyes soften and Sasuke immediately relaxes.

"Of course." He says gently, "Did you think I'd have any other answer?"

"I guess I wasn't sure. Or -actually- I...I wanted to be certain." Sasuke says, feeling like he's run a marathon. Why is he out of breath? He felt like his nerves were firing everywhere, but relief sets in and he can finally think.

Gaara wanted him too. He wanted Sasuke by his side.

Though the alpha could hardly see why, he was grateful.

The Uchiha has the urge to take his hand, like he's been wanting to do for weeks. Then another thought strikes him and he finds himself stuttering out words again, unsure if he's making sense.

"I...should say, before - before we...I have a lot of things in Konoha that I'll have to deal with, and it's not fair to you to ask you to be with me without-without warning you that-"

God, why can't Sasuke speak? He's never tripped over his words this much. What's wrong with his brain?

But a cool hand settles on his and he stops, brain emptying for a blissful moment as soon as Gaara touches his skin.

"Sasuke. It's alright. I understand. We can figure that out as we go." Gaara says, "And we don't have to worry about all of that right now."

Sasuke relaxes further, the cool press of Gaara's hand a grounding weight on his own. Sasuke's fingers curl around Gaara's without a thought and he feels relief course through him.

Gaara still wanted him. He didn't care about the impending shit show that Sasuke was sure he was going to bring into the Kazekage's life. The man still had that gentle look on his face, and Sasuke feels his heart squeeze in that way that only Gaara can induce.

"Right. You're right." He breathes, "Thank you, Gaara."

They both know he's not just thanking him for the reassurance, but for staying. For being with him. For giving him a chance.

"You don't have to thank me, Sasuke." He says, "I...I'm just glad I didn't ruin everything last night."

"Ruin - ? Why would you think…"

"I'm...not sure. I guess I just wasn't sure if...if you wanted…" Gaara goes redder now, looking a bit hesitant, "Me."

All Sasuke feels is confusion at his words, and he holds Gaara's hand, unable and unwilling to let go now that he finally had the contact he needed so desperately in the moment.

"Why wouldn't I?" He asks, puzzled.

Gaara blinks at him in surprise, "I...I just didn't want to complicate your life."

"You simplify my life." Sasuke says, still looking a bit confused, "Of course I want you around."

Gaara thought he wouldn't want him?

Gaara was the first person in a long, long time to actually listen to Sasuke, and make him feel like he was heard and understood. He woke him up out of that haze he was in for years, and made him rejoin life again.

How could he think that Sasuke wouldn't want him?

Gaara's face goes raw with affection at his words, and that look makes something snap in Sasuke. Maybe it's the staggering relief that Gaara wanted him, or his scent - or the omega saying something so preposterous like he wasn't sure if Sasuke wanted him, but he loses it either way. It's not like they haven't done this before.

He stops thinking so much and quickly takes a step, closing the already small gap between them and kissing him, just a gentle press of lips. But it makes Gaara melt against him, the omega's other hand coming to rest gently on his cheek and his scent go warmer, sweeter. He squeezes Gaara's hand, trying to convey what he couldn't seem to completely say yet.

When they separate it's like neither of them can breathe, hands gripping each other and staring into the other's eyes. They stand there, lost in each other for a long moment, just breathing in their scents, mingled and combined.

Gaara opens his mouth to say something (though he looks torn between talking or kissing Sasuke again) still looking breathless - but they're both interrupted by a tiny voice.

"Papa! You're awake!" Sarada cheers, barrelling into the kitchen and hugging Sasuke's leg. Shinki is a few steps behind, and neither of them seem to stop to wonder why their fathers are so close and holding hands. Sasuke figures small children didn't really pick up on things like that. At least not so soon.

He doesn't think it's possible for his heart to warm further, but it does, with Gaara's hand in his, a kiss still lingering on his lips and two pairs of eyes looking up at him.

"Hey, peanut." Sasuke says, "Good morning, Shinki."

She beams up at him, and Shinki waves. They're in matching little robes, their hair wet and combed. Gaara clearly gave them both a bath, and Sasuke wonders how the omega manages to get so much done in such a short time. He couldn't have been awake that much longer than Sasuke.

"Gaara gave us chocolate milk!" She says, "It was good! He said we're gonna have breakfast soon! Pancakes!"

Sasuke laughs a bit at his daughter's enthusiasm, squeezing Gaara's hand a bit, making him smile, "Did he? And did you say thank you?"

"Yeah!" She says, tugging his pant leg, "Oh! Papa...Gaara said it's your birthday! Happy birthday!"

He ruffles her hair in thanks.

"Can we make a cake?" Shinki asks, looking between Sasuke and Gaara, "Father makes really good cakes for my birthday. And cakes are for birthdays, right?"

"You're right about that, Shinki." Gaara says, "We can make a cake. Would you like that, Sasuke?"

Sasuke flushes for a second, and all eyes turn to him.

"Y-yeah." He says, face burning, "That would be...nice."

"Alright, we'll get started on that later, then. Breakfast will be finished soon, you two."

"Okay," Shinki nods, tugging at his father's hand, "Can we play until then?"

"Of course you can." He says, patting his son's head, "We'll call you two when it's ready."

"Okay!" Sarada says, taking Shinki's hand and tugging him back to the living room.

"So much energy." Sasuke says, watching them run off. Gaara nods.

"I'm amazed by it, frankly."

"Pancakes, huh?" Sasuke asks, not letting go of Gaara's hand.

It must be okay, right? If they're together now…

Isn't this what people did? It's what Sasuke wanted to do. He remembers wanting to take Gaara's hand these past few weeks, but unable to articulate why. He knew better now, and Gaara didn't seem to have any issue with it…

Maybe Sasuke's thinking too much.

Sasuke really didn't know how to do this. But Gaara's hand kept ahold of his as well, so maybe he wasn't as out of his depth as he thought. The omega's scent was sweet and clearly pleased, so Sasuke obviously wasn't messing anything up. He exhales in relief.

"They insisted, and I suppose I couldn't deny them." Gaara says, smiling lightly, "I'm almost done."

"I can help."

"You don't have to, it's your birthday."

"That doesn't mean you should do everything yourself." Sasuke says, shyly squeezing his hand, "I'll help."

Gaara smiles, "Alright. But only if you want to."

"Just tell me what to do." Sasuke says.


The children barrel into the kitchen when they call, then Gaara and Sasuke preoccupy themselves with settling the kids down enough for them to eat without too much mess. They move around each other like well oiled machines, shyly glancing at one another every now and again. By the time everything is on the table and they sit down together, the sun has risen high in the sky and the heat of Suna sets in.

Sasuke can't help his eyes glancing to Gaara every now and again during their easy conversation, taking in his little expressions when he wasn't paying attention. It was worse now, because well...now he could do that. With nothing stopping him, Sasuke is going to be glancing at the omega even more now. The kids don't seem to notice anything has changed, and they happily talk about their toys and games as they eat their pancakes, and Sasuke and Gaara smile fondly at them and each other as they help them not spill the syrup all over their plates.

"Papa!" Sarada asks, "What special thing should we do for your birthday?"

"Oh…" he thinks, "Hm."

His eyes settle on Gaara once more, and he looks into questioning green eyes.

Sasuke thinks for a moment. He hasn't celebrated his birthday in years. The last one he celebrated was...he couldn't remember, really.

Everything Sasuke wanted was rather mundane, really. Nothing extravagant at all.

Like this.

This was nice.

"What do people usually do on their birthday?" Sasuke asks, realizing he's basically forgotten. So many little parts of being human haven't applied for him the last few years, when he was on missions constantly and avoiding everyone he could.

Sasuke had completely forgotten about little details of life. Like birthdays.

Granted, he supposes it wasn't really his fault, but still…

The children look at Gaara, looking for an answer.

"Well, I think it's up to the individual, really." Gaara says thoughtfully, "I personally don't like parties or surprises, so I just spend the day with people who make me happy. So, it's really up to you."

Sasuke thinks about that for a moment, as he pours both of them some more tea.

"I guess I-" Sasuke starts, before he stops and considers what exactly he wants to say, "Then, this is fine. Just...being here is enough."

He hands Gaara his mug and his eyes settle back on Gaara's, who looks at him warmly.

"So we can stay here today?" Sarada asks, hopeful.

"Of course you can. We'll just just spend the day together." Gaara says, "I'd like that too. I hope it's not selfish to say that I hoped you'd still stay for the day."

"No, why would it be?" Sasuke says, "I want to."

Gaara looks sufficiently reassured, and Sasuke has the sudden urge to take his hand again.

Garuda taps at the window, though, completely derailing that thought.

They both startle a bit, Gaara's sand rushing back to defend the children and Sasuke's sharingan glowing bright red. Once they realize it's just a moody bird they both relax, relieved. Gaara's sand crumbles and swirls into the air and Sasuke calms his eyes, taking a breath. Sarada and Shinki watch their fathers' abilities, wide-eyed.

Sasuke wanders over and clicks the window open, letting in more Suna heat and his summon.

The hawk lands on his shoulder and immediately pecks at Sasuke's head in annoyance. Sarada giggles and Shinki looks on, interested.

"Garuda. Stop that." He says, waving the temperamental bird away. She gives him an indignant squawk and drops a paper in his hand, flying off deeper into the apartment.

"Garuda seems moody today." Gaara says, watching her take off.

"She gets a bit snippy with me when she has to bring me letters from the Leaf." Sasuke says, coming back to sit with Gaara at the table, "She doesn't like the forest too much. Too many creatures trying to swipe at her, I guess."

"Ah."

He glanced at the paper delivered to him, and in Naruto's scribble he can read 'Happy Birthday, Sasuke!' in his usual messy scrawl. It said nothing else, but it usually didn't. He hands the note to Gaara, who reads it quickly and blinks at Sasuke.

"He doesn't even need to sign it." Gaara says, "His handwriting gives him away."

Sasuke actually laughs at that.


When they've finished, Shinki and Sarada are washed up and are off playing together once again, causing a commotion around the apartment while their parents clean up.

The kids want to do a puzzle after breakfast, and neither of them can find it in themselves to refuse, so they all gather under the kotatsu in the Kazekage's living room and spill the pieces across the surface, trying to arrange them into some semblance of a picture.

Sasuke helps Shinki put the box somewhere out of the way, and Sarada plops into Gaara's lap, grinning from ear to ear. Shinki does the same once Sasuke takes his seat, simply moving Sasuke's empty sleeve and looking up at him.

"Help me?"

"Sure, Shinki." Sasuke says, showing him a piece, "Where do you think this goes?"

Shinki finds the corresponding piece, looking proud of himself. Sasuke gives the boy a little smile and snaps it in place.

"I can get more puzzle pieces than you, Shinki!" Sarada teases, clicking one piece in place with Gaara's help.

"No, I'm very good at this one. Father told me so." Shinki says calmly, yet somehow managing to look just as competitive in his own way.

They just watch in amusement as the children try to put the puzzle together faster than the other, helping occasionally when they both seem stuck.

In the end the two of them seem to forget about the competition and instead just finish the puzzle together. Sasuke helps Shinki snap the last piece in place and Sarada waves her hands, happy.

"We did it!"

"Good job, you two." Gaara says, gently pinching Sarada's cheek, making the little girl giggle.

Sasuke may be estranged from this particular emotion, but he knows happiness when he feels it.


"Father?" Shinki asks later, once they're putting everything away and about to start preparing to make the cake, "What happened to your neck?"

Gaara opens and closes his mouth, clearly caught off guard by the question. His hand flies to his neck, and his face goes red. Sarada is off somewhere, most likely rounding up some of Shinki's toys to dump in the living room, and Sasuke is just grateful they didn't have to deal with them both looking at them for answers. Sasuke feels his face go pink.

"Don't worry about it, Shinki. I'm okay, I promise."

Thankfully for them both that's enough for the little boy, though he still looks puzzled. He simply nods and goes looking for Sarada, sufficiently distracted by the fact that another child was in the apartment.

Gaara sighs, relieved. Sasuke lets out a breath he doesn't know he's been holding.

Gaara's fingers quickly run over his neck, looking thoughtful, "I didn't know I had marks."

"Hn. Sorry." Sasuke mumbles, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden.

"Don't apologize. It's alright, really." Gaara says, "I just didn't know they were there. You...have a few yourself."

Sasuke blinks at him, surprised. His face goes hot.

"Really?"

"Yes. On your neck. It's hidden by your hair." Gaara tells him, just as flushed, "You have some... scratches on your back, too. I... apologize for that."

"You don't have to." Sasuke says, "I don't feel anything. Didn't even notice."

"Oh, good."

"Do yours hurt?"

"No."

"Good."

They decide to make the cake around noon, and the children barrel into the kitchen, excited. Gaara measures out the flour and gently helps Shinki sift it, clearly proud of the little boy when he takes to it quickly. Sarada and Sasuke start on the icing with Gaara's instruction, Sarada more than happy to taste test to make sure it comes out okay. Sasuke lets her dump way more sugar than is necessary, but he can't say no to her. Once the cake is in the oven and the icing is ready Shinki wanders over and Sasuke gives him the spoon they were using to make the icing, amused when the child simply decides to eat it. Sarada wants the spoon with the batter on it, so she wanders over to Gaara and tugs at his robe.

Shinki licks at the spoon of icing and blinks up at Sasuke curiously, eyes wide.

Sasuke pats his head, "What's wrong, Shinki?"

"Do you see in purple because of your eye?" The little boy asks earnestly.

That makes Sasuke laugh, "No, I see the same colors as you."

"Oh. You should see in purple. I think that would be nice." He says blankly, before he peers at the cake in the oven again.

Sasuke is convinced children are the funniest things on earth.

Eventually they both run off to play hide and seek, filling the apartment with the sounds of their play as Sasuke watches them run about, finding each other and giggling before starting their game again.

He watches how Sarada effortlessly seems to pull Shinki out of his shell. He's not surprised. She's a chatty and bubbly little thing.

"You okay?" Gaara asks, appearing next to him. Sasuke immediately relaxes at the scent that's suddenly so strong next to him. The Uchiha nods.

"Yeah, just watching them." Sasuke says, "Shinki is just like you, but Sarada is nothing like me."

"She's more like you than you realize." Gaara says, She's a good listener, for one. She's just a bit more outgoing, that's all."

Gaara takes his hand. It's a small point of contact, but it's so immensely comforting , having Gaara's hand in his own…

"I haven't been there for her." Sasuke says, voice quiet, Hopefully now I can change that."

"You're here for her now." Gaara gently assures him, "That's what she's going to remember."

He squeezes Sasuke's hand and his previous sadness goes up in smoke. It evaporates further when Sarada runs up to him and hugs his leg, looking up at him with big, bright eyes.

"Shinki's sooo good at hiding!" She says, "He disappeared!"

"Did he?" He asks, heart brightening as he looks at his daughter, "Where do you think he could be?"

"I dunno! I checked his room and the kitchen and the living room and even the other room but I can't find him!"

"I guess he's had a lot of practice." He tells her, smiling gently.

"Yeah!"

"I'll let you in on a secret." Gaara says, kneeling to speak to her, "Look for any black sand you may see. You'll find him soon. Shinki has a lot of tricks when it comes to hide-and-seek."

"Oh! I saw some in the kitchen!" She says brightly, "I know where he is!"

She darts off and they watch her in shared amusement.


Sarada spends a good twenty minutes asking Gaara questions about his sand, and the Kazekage spends another twenty minutes entertaining the little girl with the shapes he makes in the air for her. She seems endlessly amused and clings to Gaara by the end, enamored with the omega. Shinki, however, trails Sasuke and the Uchiha ends up conjuring up a Susanoo'o arm to amuse him. The little boy has a constant stream of questions about it, and Sasuke answers as best he can. It's a bit hard to condense it for a child, but the boy seems satisfied, so at least there's that. Sarada barrels into him not long after, eyes bright as she cheers about Gaara's sand.

"You know," he tells her, glancing at Gaara, who is talking to an excited Shinki only a few feet away, "He stopped a meteor with his sand once."

"A meteor?" Sarada asks, bouncing on her feet.

"Yeah." He says, "Two, actually."


"You should see the entire Susanoo'o." He hears Gaara say, picking up Shinki, "It's bigger than you can imagine."

"Really?" Shinki asks, eyes wide.

"It is." Gaara says, "And it has a sword ."


The sky goes gray and storm clouds begin to roll in. It happens so quickly that Sasuke doesn't even realize it's raining until he's finished helping Shinki find Sarada during their next round of hide and seek while Gaara checks on the cake. When he comes back into the living room the omega is standing in front of the large window, just watching the grey clouds roll in and begin to pour.

He comes to stand next to him, their hands touching but not intertwining for the first time that day.

"Rain." Gaara says, gesturing outside the large window.

"Hm." Sasuke says, frowning, "Bad luck."

Gaara looks at him in question.

"In Konoha, rain on your birthday is bad luck. Apparently." He says flippantly. He's never believed stupid superstitions, but he did still remember how it was whispered among the children when he was in the academy.

"Differences in culture, I assume." Gaara says, looking a bit surprised, "Here, the rain is very good luck. Because it's so rare, we cherish it. Especially on your birthday. A sign of something good to come. Something new."

"Oh...huh." Sasuke says, taken aback. He turns back to the window and the rain, eyes catching sight of how Suna's people run about the storm happily, children splashing in puddles and laughing loudly.

"Your scent smells like rain, actually. And lightning. What a coincidence." Gaara adds.

"Does it?" He asks, flushing a bit and turning to look at the omega beside him in surprise. He was never really sure what he smelled like. Sasuke never asked. No one ever told him.

"Yes." Gaara says, "It's nice."

Sasuke feels the small smile on his face as his face goes a bit warmer, "Yours is, too. Sort of like...earth and flowers. Like a greenhouse."

"Oh. I…" Gaara starts, face flushing, "I had no idea."

"Has no one ever told you?"

"No." Gaara tells him, "My scent appeals to some more than others, but I didn't know the specifics. Temari and Kankuro think I smell the same as I did as a newborn, so they're not really...reliable. Usually only...lovers or mates can tell each other what their true scents are."

Sasuke's face flushes. Lovers.

Hn.

"Well, you smell like flowers. And the desert." Sasuke says, "It's nice. Calming."

He looks at Gaara, something welling up in his chest.

"Sasuke?"

Sasuke shakes himself out of his thoughts, blinking at the omega.

"I'm okay."

"Sure?"

"Yeah." He says, feeling embarrassed, "Sorry."

"Nothing to apologise for." Gaara assures him, taking his hand, "Just wanted to be sure you were alright."

"Yeah, I'm...I'm fine." Sasuke says, gripping his hand tight, "Just thinking."

"What about?"

Sasuke flounders, unsure whether to articulate his thoughts. He flushes, not wanting to voice his embarrassing monologue.

"Nothing, I just...like you, is all." He says, hesitant and unsure of saying such a thing so plainly.

"I like you too." Gaara says, not missing a beat.


Sarada distracts Sasuke in the living room as Gaara and Shinki ice the cake, and eventually, Sarada and Shinki swap places so Sarada can help decorate and put the candles on the cake while Shinki distracts Sasuke by asking for help with some matching card game Sasuke's never seen before.

Of course he only knows this after Gaara tells him a while later, but at the time he didn't really suspect anything.

So when Sarada crashes into his lap (and Shinki) and points to the cake that Gaara brings into the room, he's a bit lost until he gets it.

The children cheer (or, rather- scream) happy birthday at him, and Gaara pushes everything on the table aside to place the cake in front of Sasuke.

"Happy birthday." He says, and Sasuke looks up at him.

Gaara presses a quick kiss to his forehead, shy and obviously unsure, but so, so, so obviously fond . Sasuke's heart squeezes at the affection shown towards him, and his breath catches for a second. Gaara moves to turn away, but Sasuke finds his hand darting out to take his wrist. The children in his lap pay them no mind, fawning over the cake and chatting among themselves, but Sasuke just blinks up at Gaara, whose face is as red as his hair.


They start on dinner once the children are back to running around the apartment, making more noise together than they ever did apart. It doesn't bother either of them though. The sound of their children happy makes the house warmer for some reason, and so does being side by side in the kitchen, passing a recipe book back and forth and trying to decide what to make.

Sasuke hasn't felt so comfortable and warm with so many people around him in years. Every now and again Sarada rushes up to him and tells him something funny that she or Shinki just did, and Sasuke can't help but ruffle her hair, heart light. Such a foreign feeling. Is this what it was supposed to be like? Why didn't anyone tell him?

They eventually settle on a pasta that neither of them can even bother to try and pronounce, but it looks very good, and soon enough they're gathering ingredients and bumping shoulders as they move,

Sasuke mixes the marinade for the shrimp while Gaara cuts the chives. Every now and again they can't help glancing over at each other, happy with this warm feeling that's settled over them all. A long-sought contentment that came with being at ease with someone close to you.

They use glass noodles instead of the brown rice noodles the recipe calls for, since neither of them can see how it makes a difference. And even more than that, no one wants to leave the cozy environment in the apartment to go to the market.

"You seem to like cooking." Gaara says, letting Sarada and Shinki taste some of the broth that's finished cooking when they both tug at his hand and ask. The omega makes sure the sauce is cool enough, then carefully gives them each a spoonful before they run off once again, darting around the house.

Sasuke looks at the sky outside the window, thinking for a moment, "My mom used to cook, I used to help her sometimes."

"Sounds like a very nice memory. It seems dear to you."

Sasuke feels his face soften at Gaara's words.

"What about your mom?" Sasuke asks, "I...know you didn't know her, but maybe Temari or Kankuro told you something?"

Gaara smiles, "From what I've heard, my mother was terrible at it. Which I actually love. I find it very funny. She apparently burned everything she tried, even despite my uncle's best efforts to teach her."

"Really? You turned out okay with it, though." Sasuke says.

"After years of practice." Gaara laughs, "Temari liked to joke that I somehow inherited her ability to set anything on fire. I learned eventually, though. I think it's just a symptom of children who grow up alone."

"Hm. Yeah, I burned a lot of things too. Myself included." Sasuke says, thoughtfully, "Or I got it from my father, who couldn't even manage a cup of tea."

"My God."

"I know." Sasuke smiles.

It doesn't hurt, remembering his family right then. It's nice. It feels different.

They set the table as the children run about, and eventually they gather them for dinner under the big window that looks over the village from Gaara's living room. Sarada gets most of her pasta on her shirt, and Shinki spills his juice twice. Gaara laughs, clearly amused as their hands find each other under the table, holding tight. Sasuke's fingers close around the hand in his own, heart warming and something he could identify as contentment settles in his bones.

Suna had such a clear night sky.


"Can you stay again?" Shinki asks after dinner, clutching Sarada's hand, looking up at Sasuke with big, green eyes, once the dishes are cleared and the cake is put away.

"Pleeeeeease?" Sarada asks, crawling into Gaara's lap.

They both look at each other and pause for a moment, trying to gauge the other's reaction.

"Well, if you two would like to, you're more than welcome." Gaara says, "But it's really up to Sa-"

"Yeah." Sasuke says, "We should...stay another night, right Sarada?"

The little girl beams, "Yeah!"

Gaara smiles. And that's that.

Sasuke sends a clone back to his apartment to feed the cat and pick up one of Sarada's toys, and while it does that he and Gaara get the children ready for another bath and then bed, giving in and reading them a story when they ask. They didn't take much convincing, in the end.

Sasuke and Gaara take turns reading each page, Sarada snuggled up to Gaara and Shinki settled into Sasuke's lap, looking at the pictures in interest.

The clone returns with Sarada's stuffed dog before the last page, collapsing into silver snakes when he releases it. He tucks the stuffed toy in with a dozing Sarada and Shinki, before gently closing the door once more.

He returns to the bedroom after not finding Gaara in the kitchen, and his eyes fall in the Kazekage, who turns from a small closet. Gaara has a small pile of folded clothes in his arms, looking up at Sasuke with an expression that he can only describe as shy.

"If you'd like to shower you can go ahead." Gaara says, "Some of Kankuro's clothes should fit you. He keeps a few things here for when he stays over."

"Oh, yeah. That would be nice. Thanks." Sasuke says, taking the clothes from him. Their hands touch and their eyes meet, and this time neither of them bother to look away.

They didn't exactly have any reason to now, did they? There were no feelings left to hide. They already knew where they stood with each other.

So they have their quiet moment, just enjoying his new aspect of their relationship and dwelling on the fact that they could be together, like this.

Sasuke was still processing it. He knew Gaara was too.


Sasuke sinks into the water for a quiet moment, thinking about how much everything has changed in such a short time. The warm water soothes him, but Gaara's scent lingers in the bathroom as well, on every towel and surface, and that helps too. He's been breathing in the man's scent all day, but it still settles him completely. Like the first time.

There's another potted plant on the windowsill, and Sasuke sees that this one has bloomed a flower as well.

He doesn't spend too long pondering the turn of events, simply because it's the first time he's been completely alone all day, and he's not really a fan of it. So he finishes up and washed the soap from his hair, drying off and tugging on the clothes Gaara's given to him. Kankuro is a bit wider in the shoulders than he is, but otherwise it's a pretty good fit.

Sasuke towel dries his hair before frowning and picking at his tangled ends. Then he clicks the light off and makes his way to Gaara's bedroom. On the way he passes the guest bathroom, and he wouldn't even spare it a glance if the light wasn't on and he didn't suddenly sense movement inside.

The door is open slightly - only a crack, but it's enough - and he glimpses Gaara on the way past. It's so quick he would have missed it as he walked by if he was someone less observant, but he catches it. He's not trying to peek, but - well, does it even really matter? He's seen Gaara naked already, and anyway, that's not what catches his attention for the few milliseconds he glimpses his skin. Well, not completely.

It's the finger shaped bruise on Gaara's hip. A mark that Sasuke made on the omega's body, just like the purpling marks on his neck.

The mental image stays with him as he flips through the birthday present Gaara's given him as he sits on Gaara's bed while the man showers, until the redhead returns to the bedroom - hair wet and skin slightly reddened from the heat of the bath. Then Sasuke's distracted by him once again, taking in how his hair was a slightly darker red once wet.

"I'm sorry, you didn't have to wait up for me. Are you tired?" He asks, green eyes warm on Sasuke's.

"Don't apologize. I wanted to wait for you." Sasuke tells him, closing the book and putting it on the nightstand. Gaara gives him that gentle smile as he turns out the hallway lights and closes the door.

"I checked on the children." Gaara says, "They're still asleep."

"Oh. Good." Sasuke says, "I suppose we should…"

Maybe they were going to have work through a bit of awkwardness. But oddly enough it still feels comfortable, even it's...newness.

He has no idea if his thoughts are making sense anymore, but he doesn't really dwell on it. He has other things to worry about.

"Yes."

They don't fall into bed like last night. Sasuke turns out the light and they crawl under the blankets together, just studying each other in the dark. A comfortable silence falls over them for a moment, the air in the room quiet and cool. Moonlight glints off of the terrariums hanging from the ceiling.

Sasuke knows he wants to say something, but he doesn't know what. He settles his face into a pillow that smells like Gaara. The omega settles next to him, and Sasuke can't help looking into his face, eyes searching.

"What're you thinking about?" Gaara asks, softly.

"It was a good birthday." Sasuke says simply, "Thank you."

Gaara gives him that small smile, "I'm happy you enjoyed your day."

The moon casts shadows on their faces, and after a moment of just looking at each other, Gaara speaks.

"It's...thank you for staying another night."

His words are hesitant and quiet. Sasuke hears them loud and clear, though. His chest goes tight, and he quickly finds himself saying, "You don't have to thank me. I wanted to. I... prefer to be with you, really."

Sasuke has no idea how to say such things without looking away in discomfort or flushing completely red, but he manages it. Maybe the dark makes him a bit more confident. It was easier to say such things in the moonlight.

"I feel the same." Gaara says, "It seems that I'm able to relax when you're near."

Sasuke looks at him in the surprise he always felt when he realized that he helped Gaara just as much as the man helped him. Sasuke feels a bit flustered then, suddenly. He clenches his fist and feels his face go flush, eyes on Gaara's green and unable to tear away.

Then he asks the question that's been in the back of his mind since he settled here. That felt like such a long time ago now.

Especially from where he was now, in Gaara's bed.

"Why...why were you so kind to me when I showed up in Suna the first time?" Sasuke asks. The question popped into his head on a whim one day, but once he thought it he'd been genuinely curious. Why was Gaara so understanding? Why didn't he have ANBU watch him like other kages did when Sasuke entered their villages?

Gaara looks surprised for a moment, then his eyes go soft.

"I...you're not an enemy, Sasuke." Gaara says, "You looked wary, and I wasn't sure why but...at the time, I was just happy you were in one piece, really. I know we'd never been close. But I was...aware you'd been through a lot, though I didn't know the details. So I... I felt the need to…"

He trails off, face reddening.

"Help." He finishes, before he adds, "At least. That was the sentiment in the beginning. And then I...I...learned who you are and I... I liked you. I wanted to be close to you."

Sasuke doesn't understand. He can't. Not fully. Why would anyone want to be close to him? Much less someone like Gaara?

Sasuke had nothing to offer other than - what, power ? Nothing else , surely. Nothing that made him valuable outside of fighting and battle. He was a shit communicator, not exactly fun to be around, brooding, was bound to get lost in the past or a flashback at any given second, couldn't talk about anything because almost everything brought up a terrible memory, didn't have any hobbies outside of missions, didn't understand most social cues, couldn't carry a conversation -

He doesn't realize he's said his first few thoughts out loud until green eyes go somehow softer. He's just thankful he didn't say the rest.

"You have a gentle, soothing light, Sasuke." Gaara says, "You listen to those you care for, and you look after others in any way you can. You're kind. You're self-sacrificing. You love your daughter so much, and you're so happy to be with her that you forgot your own birthday. You stayed in the desert for days, and suffered injury to protect me. There are many reasons to be fond of you. I couldn't possibly list them all."

Sasuke feels his eyes widen, but he doesn't know what to say. Everything he would say gets tangled in his chest and he can't get any of it out.

So...Gaara knew that Sasuke fought the Ototsuki for him. And it was for him, wasn't it? Sasuke had been enraged when he heard the creature's words about claiming Gaara like the omega was some toy. He didn't realize it completely at the time, but he understands now. And Gaara understood even before he did.

That small, fragile part of Sasuke goes weak once again in the face of the omega who looks at him with nothing but open fondness.

Sasuke reaches for him without thinking, before stopping short. He feels his face go red at his own abruptness, and doesn't know what to do for a moment. He just stares at Gaara, struck by his own embarrassment. He doesn't know why. They've done way more intimate things than this, but Sasuke can't help the uncertainty.

"You can touch me." Gaara says softly, eyes gentle in the dark.

Sasuke takes a steadying breath.

He presses his fingers to his neck. He gave Gaara a bruise right on his scent gland the night before, simply trying not to bite down and mark the Kazekage forever.

Gaara's eyes go a bit dazed as Sasuke runs his fingers over it.

One of Gaara's hands comes up to fist in his shirt, like he wants to clutch Sasuke closer. Sea-green eyes study the Uchiha's face, taking in the permanent rinnegan and the sharpness of his eyes. His hair, inky black and well past his shoulders.

"I was happy, when you asked me today." Gaara says quietly, "I wasn't sure you would. I...wanted to stay with you, but I wasn't sure if…if I would hurt you or make you uncomfortable. I just didn't want to send the impression that you owed me companionship."

"I never thought that." Sasuke says, "I wanted to be near you, I just didn't know why, or what these feelings were but…"

He trails off, distracted by how Gaara looks in the moonlight. How Gaara looks at him . Sasuke can't help reaching for him again, pressing fingertips to his cheek, still so new to being so near someone and being so comfortable with it. It's like now that he could touch him, Sasuke couldn't stop. It was the strangest thing.

Well, maybe not so strange anymore.

Sasuke - somewhat dazedly - moves his hand to run through Gaara's hair, and the alpha is surprised when the omega simply tugs at Sasuke's shirt, attempting to pull Sasuke close. The Uchiha willingly goes, sticking his face in Gaara's neck, tension leaking from his shoulders. Gaara tentatively presses his face to the alpha's shoulder, and the Uchiha's scent goes strong and pleased, having Gaara's body close to his own.

Sasuke immediately relaxes at the contact, scent going warm, grateful that Gaara seemed to know what he wanted, even though Sasuke absolutely sucked at asking for it. Sasuke wouldn't even really know what to say. He hasn't said the words 'I need a hug' since he was a child and his mother was there to freely give the affection he needed, though this was completely different.

He would need to find the words eventually, especially since he craves a closeness with Gaara that he wasn't used to. Gaara being near him was comforting and now that he's had just a bit of physical affection that didn't hurt or come with conditions, Sasuke's heart needed more. Having the omega as a presence next to him settled him, and didn't make him feel so alone. Sasuke had been so lonely for so long that he had no idea how to articulate his desire for physical reassurance and affection. But Gaara seemed to know that, and knew when to be close to Sasuke and when to give the alpha his space. He didn't expect anything from Sasuke. Gaara's intent wasn't to control him or make him do what he wanted, like most in his life had. He simply accepted Sasuke.

Sasuke feels something turn in his chest.

He isn't sure who kisses who, but it doesn't really matter anyway. It's slow, gentle. Sleepy, even. His head empties of all thought and he just sighs into Gaara's mouth, the omega's scent going sweet and filling Sasuke's head with smoke.