Raine in the Desert

by Hack Interrupted

Gaara finds the love of his life

14. Chapter 14

14

Saichi didn't like the sunlight. He hugged his mommy tightly hiding his eyes against her whimpering a little. Raine did her best to get him home and out of the bright light quickly. It was pretty obvious the little guy hadn't spent much time out in the open. Orochimaru kept him under ground; or in his weird stomach. Saichi's red eyes were sensitive to sunshine.

The whole family was gathered in the living room waiting for Gaara and Raine to bring Saichi home. Gabe was excited. The new baby mommy was bringing home was old enough to play. He watched out the window until he saw his parents coming. "Mommy home! She got the Saichi boy!"

Gabe hurried to the door as Gaara opened it and Raine stepped in with Saichi. "It's alright Saichi," she pat his back and got him out of the sun. "We're home."

"Me see!" Gabe babbled at his mommy's feet. "I want Saichi to play!"

Gaara smiled at Gabe as he came in with Raine. "You want to meet Saichi?"

Raine went to the middle of the room and got to her knees so Saichi could meet his brothers. Gabe was to her first, the twins looked on curiously. "Look Saichi, you're brothers want to play with you." Saichi quit hiding in mommy's hair and turned around to see the 'brothers' she was offering him. An excited red head reached for him and Saichi cringed away.

It was the first time Kankuro had laid eyes on the boy and his stomach rolled over. The young one looked like he still belonged in the hospital. Kankuro had never seen a sicklier looking child. He was ghost white compared to Gabe and there were dark circles under his eyes. Saichi was small, almost malnourished looking. "Jesus wept," he mumbled softly. It was no wonder mouse wanted him home; the child needed some serious care.

"It okay," Gabe assured his standoffish new playmate. "We got lots of toys! You like Lego? I like Lego! Got lots!"

Saichi didn't know what a Lego was but he knew what toys were. He had seen all kinds of them in the stories mommy and daddy read to him. "Toys?"

Yusuke finally noticed that the new baby had hair and eyes like him. He let go of Renji's hand and went to his mommy. Saichi looked at him as he came over. "Oooh!" Yusuke activated his own Sharingan and looked at his brother. "Like me! Like Yusuke!"

Saichi identified his brother Yusuke. He let go of his mother and slipped off her lap. He ignored the excited red head and went to Yusuke. "My little brother."

"That's right Saichi," Raine ruffled Gabe's hair to keep him still for a moment. "That's Yusuke. This is Gabe and over there is Renji. The big guy over there is."

"Uncle Kankuro!" Gabe finished for her.

Kankuro winced some. He wasn't wild about the idea of bringing another Uchiha into the house let alone such unhealthy looking one. He looks like death warmed over. "Hey there Saichi," Kankuro tried.

The pale baby didn't care about uncle Kankuro. He looked into Yusuke's Sharingan. "My brother Yusuke."

Yusuke took Saichi's hand. "You play?"

Renji hurried over to his twin. He didn't like Yusuke paying so much attention to the new guy. He grabbed Yusuke's free hand and pulled. "Come with me."

The new guy didn't like chibi Gaara trying to take away his brother. "Go away!" Saichi shoved Renji and he fell on his ass. Renji started to cry.

"No no Saichi!" Raine interceded immediately. Beside her Gaara got to his knees and reached for Renji.

"Don't be mean," Gabe scolded the newcomer.

Saichi pulled Yusuke to him and Raine reached for them both. Gaara picked up Renji and he cried to his daddy. "He's mean!" Renji screeched.

"We don't push people Saichi. It's not nice." Raine was beginning to realize the work she had ahead of her.

The pale Uchiha frowned and pulled Yusuke even closer. "Is my brother."

"Yes that's right. Yusuke is your brother. So are Gabe and Renji."

Saichi narrowed his eyes at his mother. "No. Only Uchiha is my brother."

The adults stared dumbfounded for a moment. "Did Sasuke tell him that?" Kankuro was all frowns.

"Otasan not daddy," Saichi looked at Kankuro and returned his frown.

Raine took Saichi by the shoulder and turned him to face her. "Who is otasan?"

Gaara was afraid he already knew. Sasuke was daddy, the sannin was father. "Raine," he tried to warn her.

"Orochimaru," Saichi answered and then sagged some. There was no adult male in this house worthy of being his father and Saichi started to cry. "I want my daddy!"

She snatched Saichi up and hugged him. "It's alright Saichi. Mommy is here."

Gabe grabbed Yusuke and moved him back. Renji wiggled and Gaara put him down. He hurried to his twin and took his hand. "My brother," Renji defended.

"Gaara," Kankuro's stomach was doing flips. "What did that fuck do to the kid?"

The baby his wife was trying to comfort cried even harder. "Kankuro please." Gaara knelt by his wife. "It's alright Saichi. Your brothers are just excited."

"Not me," Renji corrected. "I'm mad!"

Big brother Gabe put a hand on Renji's shoulder. "Calm down."

"He push me! Steal my brother!"

Temari went to her nephews. "It's alright Renji. Saichi is just excited too."

Saichi clung to his mommy. "Daddy," he sniffled.

"Is daddy right there stupid!" Renji was irate.

"Renji!" Temari snapped. "That's not nice. We don't call each other bad names."

The teary eyed boy turned his head and glared at the red head holding his brothers hand. "Is not daddy! Is Sabaku no Gaara! Uchiha Sasuke is my daddy and Yusuke too!"

Raine stood with Saichi. "It's alright Saichi calm down." The boy collapsed against her in tears. Raine rubbed his back and looked at her husband as he straightened to stand beside her. "Gaara…"

He didn't know what kind of crap Orochimaru had put in the poor boys head. "Maybe you should show Saichi his room."

Her heart ached for all of her boys. Raine nodded at her husband. "Come on sweetie, mommy will show you your room." She took Saichi and headed up the stairs.

Yusuke watched it all with his Sharingan. "Uchiha?"

Shit. Gaara went to his boys. "Yusuke rest your eyes."

He did as daddy told him to do. "Saichi is brother?"

"Yup," Gaara tried to lighten the mood and smiled at Yusuke.

"No!" Renji protested. "He call daddy Gaara!"

Gabe looked at his twin brothers and then his stressed out daddy. "Saichi looks like Yusuke. Has the red eyes."

"That's right. Saichi uses his Sharingan all the time." Gaara focused on Gabe trying to win him over so that he would settle his brothers.

"Why him say Uchiha Sasuke is daddy? You are daddy."

Shit. "Of course I am. Saichi just doesn't understand that yet. He's kind of confused. You can understand that can't you Gabe?"

Gabe understood being confused. He had also heard the name Sasuke before. "Sasuke is Naruto friend right?"

Gaara nodded. "That's right."

The crying upstairs ceased and Temari headed that way. "I'm going to see if mouse needs a hand."

Renji watched his auntie go up to take care of the mean boy with mommy. He turned his pout on his daddy. "Daddy you make Saichi go away. Send him back!"

He took his son's free hand. "Don't be like that Renji."

"He's mean ass hole!"

Kankuro grinned at the child's attempt at cursing but Gaara didn't. "You don't say naughty words Renji. Mommy would be very mad if she heard you."

"Don't care! Don't like Saichi. Send him away!"

"No," Yusuke's voice was small. He wanted the boy like him around even if he was mean. "Give him a chance. Is new place. He scared."

"Don't care!"

Gaara shook his boy's hand. "Renji, be nice." Renji stuck out his bottom lip. "Saichi just needs some time to get used to us. It will be all better soon."

Unfortunately; it wasn't.

Sasuke stood staring out his window. He wondered how Saichi was doing in Gaara's home. At least he has Raine and Yusuke. Raine will take good care of him. The Uchiha hung his head. He missed his boy already. Please Gaara, let me see him soon.

The first week Saichi was home was tough on everyone. The boy screamed and fought if anyone besides Raine tried to pick him up. Kankuro avoided the creepy little thing but Temari jumped in to help Raine try and settle the boy into their home. Saichi was on medicine to keep lowering the venom in his bloodstream. He wouldn't take it for anyone but his mother. If someone else tried he slapped the spoon away and cried poison. It was a disturbing sight to see.

Renji didn't like the new boy with eyes like his brother at all. He tried to avoid him but Yusuke was all over the new kid. Gabe tried to compensate paying extra attention to Renji. Yusuke started to use his Sharingan more often. Saichi often tried pushing his thoughts into his little brother's mind. Renji didn't like their secret talk either. The twin didn't trust Saichi, he pushed him when the grown ups weren't watching. Big brother Gabe always came to his defense reminding the new boy, "Don't be mean."

The twins turned two and there was a birthday party. Saichi liked the balloons and he thought that cake was great food. Yusuke and Renji got lots of attention and all the adults gave them new toys wrapped up in special paper. He wondered when he was going to have his birthday party and he waited for it, but it didn't come. It fueled his jealousy and his belief that this new family didn't like him. Saichi wanted his daddy and whined more to his mommy about it. Raine kept promising him he would see his daddy soon but Sasuke never came to the house. Another week went by and Saichi snapped.

Raine and Temari had the boys outside. Saichi stayed in the shade near the house. He hated the sunlight and was mad mommy made him come outside. Yusuke started his way with a couple of plastic dinosaurs in his hand. Renji saw where his brother was going and grabbed him. That was it for Saichi. His tiny hands flew through the seals. He knew how to get even with that stupid baby Renji. Saichi called upon the Uchiha family trait and spit a fireball at Renji.

Gabe was right there and sensed the danger coming. He reacted instantly throwing up a wall of sand between his brothers and the fire. Mommy screamed and auntie Temari came running. Renji got scared and started to cry. "That's bad!" Gabe scolded Saichi.

"Shut up stupid baby!" Saichi countered as tears formed in his eyes.

Raine ran to Saichi on rubber legs. "Saichi!" She lifted him up and stared at him shocked. "What are you doing?"

Saichi burst into tears and hugged his mother. "I hate Renji! I hate him!"

Temari scooped Renji up. He was bawling loudly, as dramatically as he could. "It's okay Renji." Temari whistled and ANBU appeared. "Go get Gaara!"

The kage heard what happened and almost fell out of his chair. Saichi and Gabe using ninjutsu in the back yard; Gaara hurried home with his heart in his throat. He had been hoping the sick little boy would adjust, but it wasn't happening. Nearly three weeks in the kage's home and the boy was still unpredictable. Raine was reading to Saichi up in his room when Gaara arrived.

Gabe greeted daddy at the door. "Saichi was a bad boy," he tattled. "He get time out in his room with mommy."

Gaara patted his son on the head. "You're a good boy Gabe."

"I save Renji and Yusuke so they don't get on fire."

He got to his knees and hugged his son. Thank god you did. "Good job Gabe."

Temari hurried in with the twins behind her. "Gaara!"

He kissed his son and stood to meet his sister. "What the hell happened Temari?"

"Saichi knows Kanton Gaara. He spit fire at Renji!"

Gaara went to his sister and took her by the shoulders. "I need you to remain calm. I want you to get Shikamaru the hell home."

"Shikamaru?"

"There's no way someone as small as Saichi can resist his shadow bind jutsu. I'm going to go talk to Raine. You send someone to get Shikamaru." Gaara went to the stairs and Temari went to the door to call ANBU to fetch her husband.

Raine and Saichi were sitting on his bed reading The Velveteen Rabbit when Gaara came in. Saichi shrunk against his mother. "Gaara," she tried not to sound stressed.

Gaara stepped closer to the bed. "You alright?"

She nodded staying composed. "Everyone is okay."

Saichi clung to his mother staring at Gaara. "You come to kill me."

The adults startled and Raine wrapped her arms around Saichi. "No sweetie."

His mouth hung open for a minute. Kill him! "I'm not going to hurt you Saichi."

"You smell like blood."

Raine shuddered. Sasuke had once said the same thing about her husband. The sand in his gourd. "Saichi it's alright. No one is going to hurt you."

Shit… Gaara went and sat down on the bed with them. Saichi got as close to Raine as he could. "I heard about what happened. I came home to make sure everyone was okay."

"I don't want you. I want my daddy." Saichi started to cry. "I want my daddy!"

The miserable look on his wife's face tugged at Gaara's heart. He had kept Sasuke apprised of the situation with Saichi, sugar coating it a little. There was no way to make this sound better though. "He'll be back soon," Gaara promised.

When Shikamaru arrived home Gaara took him into the kitchen to speak to him. He didn't want to abuse Shikamaru's talents, but right now he needed his brother in law at home. The safety of their family was at stake. Shikamaru readily agreed to keep an eye on Saichi. He also quietly suggested to Gaara that Raine get back on the pill. He and Temari had decided to wait to have a baby until Saichi was under control. The Uchiha was jealous and Shikamaru feared for anyone smaller then Saichi. Sadly Gaara had to agree. He would speak to Raine about it later.

Later that afternoon when things were calm at home again Gaara slipped out and went to visit his prisoner. Sasuke was reading Make Out Violence with a bored look on his face. "Sasuke," Gaara addressed him stepping into his cell.

Sasuke straightened and closed his book. "Can I see Saichi?"

"Did you know he can perform jutsus?"

"Jutsus? What do you mean?"

Gaara sighed frustrated. "Saichi blew fire at Renji."

The Uchiha leapt to his feet. "What! You don't mean…?"

"I do."

Kanton… "Are the kids okay?"

"Gabe defended the twins with a wall of sand. If he hadn't Renji and Yusuke would have been badly burned."

"Gabe did… he's like you right?"

Gaara nodded. "We're lucky he can use the sand. We're lucky the kids were outside and not in the house. He could have…" Gaara sighed again and rubbed at his temple.

"Let me see him Gaara. I'll talk to him. I'll tell him to behave." Sasuke's heart picked up the pace. Yusuke could have been…

"I'm not so sure that will do any good."

"It's been three weeks since I've seen my son!" Sasuke stepped forward. "Raine has had plenty of time to settle him. I want to see Saichi!"

He ignored Sasuke's plea for the moment. "Do you know if Saichi is capable of performing any other jutsus?"

"How am I supposed to know anything about a child I never see?"

For a long moment the two men just stared at each other. Sasuke had no new information and Gaara turned to go. "The situation is under control."

The kage went out and his cell door slammed shut. Sasuke ran to the bars. "Gaara wait! Let me see him!" Gaara kept going without looking back. "You promised me you wouldn't take him away Gaara! He's my son! Gaara!" the kage was gone. "Damnit!"

Sasuke stood where he was for a minute. His mind raced with thoughts of his sons and their mother. What if Saichi hurt someone? He almost did. If it weren't for Gabriel Yusuke could have been hurt in the crossfire. "Godamnit!" he let go of his cage and went to the window. The Uchiha looked up at the sky. "Be careful Raine."

Shikamaru and Temari began helping Raine full time. Within the first two days Shikamaru proved to be indispensable; he caught Saichi in his shadow seven times the first day and four more the next. Saichi was becoming more aggressive trying to get Yusuke all to himself. The little one screamed his head off when he couldn't move and only Raine could settle him. Caring for the difficult child on top of her three active boys was beginning to take its toll on her.

It was almost lunch time and Raine had just finished warming up a pot of chicken noodle soup. She moved it off the burner to let it cool and started fixing sandwiches for her hungry tribe. Temari got Gabe up to the table and Shikamaru saw to the twins. Saichi stood at his mommy's feet watching her. "Go and sit down Saichi, it's almost time to eat," mommy advised.

Saichi didn't like the way it smelled. "I don't want it."

"It's good for you Saichi."

"I said no."

Raine turned away from the bowl of tuna fish she was stirring and looked down at her pale baby. She was overtired and stressed. Raine hadn't been sleeping well and Saichi had already thrown two fits this morning. "You don't tell mommy no Saichi."

"I don't want it."

"Well you're going to eat it!" Raine snapped.

"Oi Raine," Shikamaru settled Renji and stepped her way ready to catch little Saichi should he move his hands.

Saichi didn't need his hands to get even with mommy for yelling. He stared at her hard. Touch it. Put your hand on it.

Raine froze up a little staring down at her boy. She thought she heard whispering in her head. She wasn't aware that her left hand was in motion. A second later she laid it down flat on the hot burner. Raine screamed as the pain broke Saichi's hold on her.

Shikamaru was to her in a flash. "Raine!" he pulled her away from the stove.

"Mommy!" Gabe stood up in his chair. Mommy was screaming and crying.

Gaara and Kankuro had just got to the door when they heard the screaming coming from the kitchen. Gaara bolted for the kitchen and his crying wife. He smelled burnt flesh. Oh god…"What's going on?" his voice preceded him into the kitchen.

Shikamaru hauled Raine over to the sink and stuck her hand under the tap. He turned on the cold water. "Get a medic!" he said to his wife over his shoulder.

The brothers entered the kitchen and saw the scene. The boys were at the table watchin their mother. Shikamaru had her bright red hand under water. Temari was yelling to an ANBU from just outside the sliding glass door. Little Saichi had pressed himself into the corner by the counter. "What the hell is going on?"

"Take her," Shikamaru directed at Gaara. The kage moved to his weeping wife. "Saichi," Shikamaru turned on the little Uchiha.

"What happened here?" Kankuro's body felt cold. "I thought you could catch him!"

"Stop it!" Raine sobbed. "He's just a baby. He doesn't understand."

Shikamaru was furious. "You made mommy hurt herself," he scolded the boy.

Gaara hugged Raine from behind. "What did he do?"

Frowning at Saichi Shikamaru answered Gaara. "Saichi made mommy put her hand on the hot stove, didn't you Saichi?"

The burn mark on his love's hand was proof enough and Gaara whirled around to face the naughty boy. "Saichi! That is very bad! You hurt your mother!"

The grown ups were being scary and Saichi stared to cry. "I don't want to eat it! Mommy is mean! I want my daddy!"

"Stop scaring him!" Raine pulled away from Gaara and went to her crying baby. She hugged Saichi to her trying not to cry. Her hand was on fire. "It's alright sweetie."

"No it's not," Shikamaru growled.

Saichi bawled harder and Raine picked him up. "Shikamaru!"

"He hurt you!"

"Daddy! I want my daddy! I want my daddy!"

The tears fell from Raine's eyes. "It was an accident."

Gaara hugged Raine to him. It made Saichi scream all the more. Son of a bitch. "Calm down Shikamaru. Yelling isn't going to help."

Temari came in and stood behind Gabe. "The medic is coming. Mouse are you okay?"

She barely heard Temari over the screaming in her right ear. "Can you finish getting lunch for the boys?"

"I'll take care of it," Temari stepped around the table.

Raine took Saichi and stared out of the kitchen. She wanted to get him alone and try to settle him. Gaara followed. The boy screamed again. "No not Gaara I want my real daddy! I want my daddy!"

Gaara stopped in his tracks. Fucking son of a bitch! Raine fled the kitchen. Saichi screamed for his daddy all the way up the stairs. "Keh!"

"This is bullshit Gaara," Kankuro started in on his brother again. "That fucking kid is dangerous. He ought to be locked up!"

"He's a baby!" Temari defended moving up to the counter to take over for Raine.

"He is out of control! The only one he listens to is mouse and look at what the fuck he just did to her!"

Gaara put a hand up to stop his siblings from fighting in front of the children. His stomach was a nervous little ball and the stench of burned skin in here sickened him. He had to do something to bring Saichi under control. For weeks he had been getting progressively worse. Raine. Gaara pictured the circular burn pattern on her hand. What if it had been her face instead of her hand? "That's it." Gaara started out of the kitchen.

"Oi," Kankuro called to his brother. "What are you going to do Gaara?"

He frowned at his brother over his shoulder. "He wants his daddy? I'll get him his fucking daddy!"

"Don't you dare!" Kankuro hurried to catch his brother. "Don't you bring that fucker into this house godamnit! I won't let you!"

"I will do whatever I have to Kankuro."

"Just lock the little fucker up! Get rid of Saichi!"

At the table Yusuke started to cry. Gabe reached for his little brother. "It okay."

"Kankuro!" Furious tears stood in Temari's eyes. She didn't want Uchiha Sasuke here either but if he could help get Saichi under control she was willing to deal with it. "He is a baby; mouse's baby!"

It was unbelievable. Uchiha Sasuke in my fucking house! "You've both lost your fucking minds!" Kankuro turned and stormed past the table and out the sliding glass doors. He wanted no part of the Uchiha or his devil child.

Gaara looked at his sister. Her lip was quivering. "I'm sorry Temari."

"Don't worry about me Gaara just help Saichi. I don't want him to hurt mouse or the boys again."

His sister was a brave woman and Gaara bowed to her. "I love you Temari."

"I love you too baby brother."

Shikamaru slid over to his wife and put an arm around her shoulder. She had confided in him what the Uchiha had shown her when he had her trapped in his genjutsu. Terrible shit. "You're the best you know that?" he kissed her cheek and she smiled.

"Go on Gaara, do what you can to help mouse. We'll tell her he's coming."

He swallowed the lump in his throat. He hoped that Raine wouldn't react like Kankuro. "I'll be right back." Gaara turned and went out to fetch Uchiha Sasuke.

Sasuke was eating his lunch when he heard Gaara coming. He frowned at the interruption and raised an eyebrow as the kage came in looking tense. Sasuke set his chopsticks down. "What's with you?"

Looking at him made Gaara hate being here all the more. "Saichi just made Raine lay her hand on a hot burner."

"What!" he moved his tray. "Is she alright?"

Gaara rubbed at his aching temple. "A medic is seeing to her now."

Saichi made Raine…Sasuke got to his feet. "Let me see him Gaara."

"That's why I'm here. Saichi has been asking for you. I'm hoping that he will listen to his daddy."

Asking for me. It tugged at his heart. "You'll let me see him?"

Fuck you asshole. "Can you behave yourself in my home Uchiha Sasuke?"

His heart skipped a beat. Gaara's home meant Saichi Raine and Yusuke. "Yes," he replied at once.

Godamn it. "Understand that we are trying to make Saichi comfortable in his own home. That's the only reason I'd ever let you in my house and near my family. I'm doing this for Saichi and for Raine. I can't let Saichi hurt anyone again. I've already got Shikamaru on him twenty four seven but we never saw genjutsu coming from a two year old."

Gaara still loved him as much as he ever did. "You hate me but you need me. Sucks to be you don't it."

Gaara stepped closer to his prisoner. "You exist to protect my wife; that is your function. Do your job Sasuke and don't give me any shit about it."

He could see Gaara's emotions in his eyes. The kage was furious worried and heartbroken. He's doing this for her. My Raine. He let go of his attitude. "Alright Gaara. I'll be the best fucking guest you've ever had in your house. I will be courteous and polite and I will set a good example for my son."

Saichi certainly needed it. Fuck! "This is so wrong."

"You took both of my children into your family and shut me out. That's wrong."

"Yusuke is my son Sasuke, he always has been."

"He's an Uchiha."

Gaara shook his head. "Are you going to give me shit Sasuke?"

"No, not if I can see the boys." And Raine will be there. She's probably taking care of Saichi right now.

He didn't want to do it, he had to. "Alright Sasuke let's go."

The Uchiha followed the kazekage through the streets of Suna. The sunlight was warm and the fresh air was nice. They came to the kage's house and at the door Sasuke could hear children inside laughing. Gaara opened the door and Sasuke followed him in. he heard Shikamaru's familiar laugh mingle with the laughter of the children somewhere beyond the comfortable looking living room. Gaara's house.

The medical ninja that treated Raine came down the stairs. "Kazekage sama, the princess is all set."

"Thank you Tasuki."

He breezed past the kage giving the Uchiha a strange look. "Have a good afternoon." The ninja got out of there quick.

"Sasuke?" the Uchiha was staring at Gaara's DVD collection.

Sasuke blinked at Gaara. "It's a regular house."

"No duh," Gaara rolled his eyes.

"I didn't know you were so normal."

It was a weird thing to say, but Gaara could kind of feel what Sasuke was saying. "This is my home. My family is here." He turned to the stairs. "Come on." Gaara went up and Sasuke followed. He led the Uchiha down the hall to Saichi's room. Raine sat with the boy on the bed trying to get him to eat a sandwich. "Raine?"

Saichi looked up and saw "Daddy!" he wiggled off the bed and went running to his daddy.

Sasuke stepped past Gaara bringing out his Sharingan and scooped his boy up into his arms. "Saichi!" Sasuke hugged him. He thought his little boy looked better then he did when he left the hospital. He was heavier and his hug was stronger. Raine's been taking excellent care of him!

Raine gave up on the sandwich and stood up. Gaara stepped around Sasuke and came to her. He took her hand and she looked up into his eyes. "Gaara."

"How's your hand?"

"I'm alright."

Saichi was happy to see his daddy. "Daddy gone long time."

Daddy kissed his boy. "Daddy's back now Saichi." He looked up at Raine. She was watching him with their son. "Daddy heard you did a bad thing," he looked back at his boy. "You hurt your mommy Saichi."

The little one sagged in his daddy's arms. "Mommy said she's okay."

"But that hurt mommy Saichi. It's not nice to hurt people, especially mommy. She loves you a lot and does her very best to take good care of you. You should be nice to mommy because she's so good to you."

"I love mommy." Saichi experienced guilt for the first time in his life. He didn't like it and he started to pout. "Mommy still loves me."

Raine went to Saichi and rested her hand on his back. "Of course mommy loves you."

He couldn't help but look at her; Raine was so close Sasuke could smell her perfume. "Are you okay?"

She looked up into the Uchiha's concerned red eyes. "I'm fine."

"It's been hard?"

Raine swallowed hard. "Yes."

"I want to help." I want to hug you and kiss you and

"Maybe you should spend some time with Saichi. I think more personal attention would be helpful. He's missed you. I think he'll behave for you." It took everything she had to say it and Raine frowned. Godamn Sasuke in my house. Shit!

"Daddy stay with me?" Saichi was hopeful.

Sasuke smiled at his son. "Why don't you show me around your room Saichi? We can play in here together for a while?"

Saichi nodded. He thought it was a great idea. "Daddy play with me!"

He set his tot down and Saichi took his hand. The boy led him to his toy box. Gaara went to Raine and the two of them stepped out into the hall. She threw herself into his arms and tried not to cry. "Damnit Gaara!"

"I'm sorry baby. I had to."

"I know." Raine clung to her husband. "I just hope he can do something."

"He will if he can. Sasuke doesn't want Saichi to hurt you or the boys."

Ever since Temari had told her Gaara was bringing Sasuke home Raine had been trying to figure out some kind of plan. "How are we going to do this Gaara?"

"Don't worry Raine. We'll get this figured out. Sasuke has promised to behave himself and you won't ever be alone with him. If he can help settle Saichi in we have to let him."

She didn't want Sasuke's help, but she had to take it. "I don't like him being here."

"I know." Gaara looked down into her eyes. He didn't want Sasuke involved with his family anymore then she did. "We're just going to do what's best for the boy's right?"

Raine heard Saichi giggle in his room. It was a rare sound and it did something to her tired heart. "Okay Gaara. For the boys." Gaara pulled her close and kissed her. Somehow it was going to be alright.

Sasuke sat with Saichi looking at books for a while. Lunch was over downstairs and things got loud down there for a minute. Sasuke heard the troop of little feet coming up the stairs and Saichi went to the door of his room. Raine was following her boys up the stairs Gaara was behind her. Saichi turned to his daddy. "Yusuke is here."

He saw Gabe go by first and Yusuke was on his heels. "Yusuke," Sasuke breathed. His boy had grown.

Saichi grabbed Yusuke. "Come see daddy." He pulled at him and Yusuke changed course and headed into Saichi's room.

"Yusuke?" Raine tried not to panic. She stepped past Renji and went to Saichi's door. Saichi was leading him to Sasuke.

His mouth fell open at the sight of his sons together. Yusuke was the perfect picture of health and Saichi looked sickly standing next to him. Oh god what has Orochimaru done? Yusuke noticed Sasuke's Sharingan and activated his own.

"Is daddy," Saichi explained to his little brother. "We Uchiha."

Gaara tried to get to Raine and Renji grabbed his leg. "Daddy!" he bleated to be picked up. He hated being without his twin.

Yusuke moved closer to the grown up that looked like brother Saichi and him too. "Eyes like me," he grinned showing off his baby teeth.

"Yes Yusuke. The Sharingan…" staring at his boys took his breath away.

"Yusuke you have to wash your hands and face," Raine was petrified in the doorway.

He looked at his mommy and showed her his hands. "Not dirty mommy."

Gaara finally made it to his woman and looked over her shoulder. Aww crap. "Listen to mommy Yusuke."

He obeyed with a little shrug of his shoulders. Yusuke went to his mommy and she picked him up. "See you later," he waved at the Uchiha over his mothers shoulder.

Sasuke watched Gaara and Raine march the kids off to get cleaned up. His heart was pounding hard in his chest. Yusuke…

"Don't worry daddy Yusuke come back later. He play with me."

His eyes went to Saichi. The difference in his sons was staggering. "That's good Saichi. Daddy's glad."

"Daddy happy to see Yusuke?"

"Yes, very happy."

Saichi nodded. "Daddy come home more now you happy?"

If only this was home. "Sure son. Every chance I get."

Saichi was good as gold while Sasuke was visiting. He played in his room and after a while Yusuke came back in. Gaara stood guard at the door and a few minutes later Renji and Gabe went running into Saichi's room. Sasuke sat back and marveled over the children. Yusuke was perfectly integrated into Gaara's family; Saichi stood out amongst them. Finally Sasuke stood up and went to Gaara.

"Saichi looks…sick…compared to them," the Uchiha spit out.

"He's still on medicine. He won't go in the sun either."

Yusuke and Gabe worked their magic on their reluctant brothers and all the boys crawled around on the floor playing dinosaur. "What did Orochimaru do to him?"

Gaara cut his eyes over to Sasuke. "It's shocking to see him with the others isn't it? It breaks Raine's heart."

"It must be so hard for her." Sasuke frowned. "Is he getting better?"

"His pediatrician thinks it will just take time. The poison in his system is stubborn but the levels are steadily coming down."

Poison. "I'll kill that bastard for what he's done to my son."

"Sasuke, Saichi called Orochimaru father."

"What!" he turned his back to the boys so they wouldn't see him upset.

"He calls him otasan and you daddy."

I'll kill him! "After what he did to my son he has the balls…!"

Gaara could sympathize. "Take it easy. Not in front of the boys."

Nodding Sasuke took a deep breath. He blew it out in a long sigh and looked back at the children. Gabe was demonstrating to the others how to make your dinosaur get a drink of water from the piece of blue plastic that served as the watering hole. Gabe was deeply tanned and had bright eyes, eyes like his mother and his brother Saichi.

Seeing Sasuke's paternal concern loosened Gaara up some. "Saichi is further behind Yusuke in social development. I don't think Orochimaru ever told him no. I don't think he ever showed him anything but jutsus either; well aside from table manners."

"What can I do to help?" He watched his pale son try and imitate the boys around him.

It was obvious the Uchiha had a calming and positive effect on his son. "Can you get him to listen to you?"

"I can make him if I have to." He looked at the kage again. "He's always behaved for me. I want to help Raine with him."

Of course you do. "That's kind of what I had in mind. She needs some help settling Saichi into his home. He needs to be like this more often," Gaara gestured to the boys.

Raine came down the hall carrying a laundry basket. "Gaara?"

He turned to his wife. "Everything is fine here. Go ahead and do what you gotta do." He smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss.

"Yay I get to fold socks." She returned his smile and went on her way.

Sasuke watched them with a raised brow. "Raine does laundry too?"

"Raine does everything," Gaara leaned against the door frame again. "Gabe has a tutor come in three days a week and she gets help with the housework, but it's just never ending. There's always a meal to be made and clothes to be washed. Little boys are hungry and messy."

"I see." Sasuke looked back at the boys. They were making noises like the animals they played with. A lot of roaring.

"T rex says rar!" Gabe helped Saichi understand his part better.

Saichi imitated Gabe and walked his dinosaur making noises. "Gabe is a good big brother," Sasuke noticed.

"Saichi will listen to Gabe when they're playing like they are now. Gabe scolds the boys when their naughty, including Saichi. He doesn't like it." Gaara looked at Sasuke. The Uchiha was watching Gabe.

"Have you started training him yet Gaara?"

"No, he's too young."

Sasuke went to the floor and sat with the boys. "What dinosaur do you have Gabriel?"

"Veloceraptor," Gabe smiled at their guest. "He's a carnivore. Eat other dinosaurs."

Smart. "What happened to the dinosaurs Gabe?"

Gabe knew the theories. He loved dinosaurs. "Big asteroid from space hit the earth. Set everything on fire and the sky was black! Then they starved and got sick and freezed!"

Very smart. "What's an asteroid?"

"Big rock in space. Got uraniums in it."

Sasuke chuckled. Gaara's boy was very bright indeed. "Uraniums ne?" Sasuke looked at Gaara over his shoulder. "Why aren't you training this boy?"

"Mommy says I can't be a ninja till I'm five," Gabe answered the question.

Gaara shrugged. "Mommy says."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "You're whipped. He's more then ready."

Gabe crept closer to the friend Sasuke and whispered to him, "Daddy show me how to walk on the wall but don't tell mommy."

A huge grin spread across Sasuke's face and he looked at Gabe. "Okay. We'll keep it a secret." Gabe giggled and Sasuke couldn't help but laugh at him.

The kage cleared his throat and Gabe went back to playing with his brothers. Sasuke looked at him grinning and Gaara rolled his eyes to the ceiling. "So maybe I showed him a couple of things."

"He's going into the academy soon isn't he?"

"When he's five," Gaara sighed.

Yusuke came walking his dinosaur over to the man Gabe was talking with. "See mine?" he held up his dinosaur to show the red eyed man.

He loved having Yusuke near him and Sasuke smiled warmly at his son. "What kind of dinosaur do you have Yusuke?"

"Is…umm…" Yusuke looked to Gabe for help.

"Long neck. Brontosaurs. Eat leafs," Gabe helped.

Yusuke looked at his dinosaur. "I will call you Bob." He went back to playing unconcerned that the grown ups were chuckling at him.

"Yusuke likes to name things," Gaara said through his smile.

It was heavenly to sit here with the children like this. They didn't look at him with fear or hate. "They're wonderful brothers."

"They are."

Saichi went to Gabriel and showed him his toy. "Is he Bob too?"

"He's T rex. Carnivore like my velocoraptor." Gabe growled and Saichi copied him. "Yes that is good. Good job Saichi!"

Saichi smiled. He liked being praised by the lead brother. "T rex!"

Temari came upstairs and to the door. She frowned a little at the Uchiha amongst her nephews. "Oi Gaara. He staying for dinner or what?"

"Sasuke will be here until we get Saichi in bed tonight," he answered his sister.

Temari said, "He is?" just as Sasuke asked, "I am?"

Gaara put up a hand. "Take it easy. Things are going well, let's just take it easy." He sighed and tried to make casual conversation. "So what's for diner?"

"Mouse is making covetails and I'm making meatloaf."

"Sounds great," Gaara stretched the truth. Temari had a tendency to over spice meat, all meat. He had once eaten a steak that tasted like salt.

She smiled. "I'll let mouse know we've got one more for dinner." Temari headed back down to the kitchen.

I get to eat Raine's cooking! Sasuke smiled up at Gaara. "Raine's a good cook. Naruto told me."

He nodded. "She's been trying to teach Temari."

"I heard it's not going so well," Sasuke teased.

"Lucky you, you get to see for yourself."

Sasuke laughed. "I can't wait."

Kankuro didn't come home for dinner. He refused to come home until Sasuke was gone. Gaara and Sasuke brought the boys down and Shikamaru helped them seat them while Raine and Temari made up plates for the hungry troop. It went smoothly with so many hands settling the boys in. The children sat in a row and Sasuke sat beside Saichi. Gaara sat at the head of the table and Shikamaru was across from the twins. The plates arrived and dinner was served.

Everyone at the table went for a bite of the covetails first. Sasuke thought it was delicious. "Raine this is fantastic," he complimented her and looked at Saichi. "It's really good isn't it Saichi?" Saichi nodded and ate some more.

"Thank you Sasuke," Raine was equally polite.

Sasuke cut off a piece of meatloaf and popped it in his mouth. Oh god. He grabbed his drink and washed the horrible thing down. "Stop! Don't eat the meatloaf!"

Raine's eyes got big. "Why? Is it poisoned?"

"Get it off the kid's plates," Sasuke speared Saichi's hunk of meatloaf and took it off his plate.

Instinctively Gaara did the same to Gabe's piece of loaf. "What is it Sasuke?"

"You can't feed this to children," he looked at Gaara as he reached for Yusuke's meatloaf.

"What's wrong with my meatloaf?" Temari was near panic.

Sasuke got the meat chunk off of Yusuke's plate and frowned at Temari. "It's terrible."

Gaara froze in the middle of stealing Renji's meatloaf. Uh oh. He looked at his sister. Her face was turning red. "Temari…"

"It tastes like crap and it will give the boys the shits. Its way too spicy," Sasuke argued.

Raine covered her gaping mouth with one hand. "Sasuke!"

The Uchiha cut his eyes over to his shocked looking love. "I thought you were teaching her how to cook?"

"I am. Temari is learning," Raine defended.

"Not fast enough."

Shikamaru bit his tongue. Oh crap this is really bad. "I like your meatloaf honey."

Just to be sure Gaara tried a bite of the meatloaf. Oh god, Sasuke was right. He swallowed without chewing. "It might be too spicy for the boys."

"Fine!" Temari was pissed. She reached across the table and grabbed the pile of meatloaf Sasuke had collected on his plate with her bare hands. She smushed it a little and threw it down on Shikamaru's plate. "You're a jerk Sasuke!"

"Why because I told you your meatloaf sucks? Don't be mad at me, you should be mad at them." Sasuke pointed around the table. "They aint got the nads to tell you your cooking is terrible. If you don't know it's bad how are you supposed to get any better?"

She turned her fury on her cringing husband. "I'm a bad cook!"

"I love everything you do Temari," Shikamaru tried to smile as he shoveled meatloaf into his mouth. It tasted bad. Man this is really troublesome.

"Don't eat that shit," Sasuke frowned at Shikamaru.

"I love my wife's cooking," the shadow user choked.

"You're going to be on the toilet all night idiot."

Raine stood up. "Okay then." She backed away from her seat and went to her furious sister. "Why don't you wash your hands and help me make some hot dogs for the boys?"

"Hot dog with ketsup!" Gabe sang out.

"Ketsup," Renji agreed and ate a covetail.

Temari and Raine moved back into the kitchen. Temari went to the sink and Raine went to the fridge. "You men want some hot dogs too?" She smiled a little at Gaara.

"That would be great," Gaara returned his wife's smile.

Shikamaru stared at the blob of meatloaf on his plate wishing he had a dog under the table right about now. "Temari can boil the hell out of a hot dog. Count me in too."

Sasuke watched Raine pull out two kinds of hot dogs. Plain ones for the boys and German franks for the adults. He looked back at Gaara. He was shoveling covetails in his face. "Is it always like this around here?"

Gaara chewed and swallowed. "No."

"You never told her that her cooking was bad?"

"Temari is trying."

"Trying to give everybody diarrhea."

Gabe giggled. "That's fast poopy."

Sasuke chuckled and Gaara shook his head. "No poopy at the table Gabe," daddy corrected his eldest.

"Sasuke said diarrhea."

"He wasn't talking about poopy he was … never mind. Sasuke, no poopy at the table."

The Uchiha was smiling a little. He thought Gabe was hysterical. "Sorry Gaara. We'll talk about poop later ne Gabe?"

"Okay," Gabe was all smiles too. "We can play the fart game!"

Oh no. Gaara saw his wife look at the table and frown. He started eating fast so he didn't have to talk. He wasn't going to hang for Kankuro's game.

Raine stepped away from the hot dogs. "Fart game?"

"Uncle Kankuro can make his fart get on fire," Gabe grinned at his mommy.

The image of that big asshole Kankuro lighting a fart on fire came into Sasuke's mind. He couldn't help it and he busted up laughing. "Go Kankuro!"

"Figures it was Kankuro," Temari grumbled.

"Wait a minute," Raine looked to Gaara for answers. "Farts catch fire?"

Clearly Gaara didn't want to answer so Sasuke did. "It is gas."

"The gas catches fire," Shikamaru tried to help. "It's a guy thing."

"Farts?" Raine put a hand on her hip. "Well, I guess that explains why Renji shit his pants then doesn't it?"

Gaara swallowed. "Don't be mad babe. It was an accident."

Raine threw up her hands. "You guys are gross," and went to make hot dogs.

Chuckling Sasuke ate some more of Raine's covetails. They were really good. He looked down the table at the boys. Saichi ate slowly and methodically never spilling a drop. Yusuke was also a neat eater but Renji made up for both of them. He had sauce all over his hands and face and touched Yusuke repeatedly staining him. Gabe ate just like Gaara; right over his plate. The smell of cooking franks reached him and Sasuke looked over at the women at the stove Temari was whispering to Raine and Raine was giggling.

Everyone is so happy. Shikamaru was eating covetails one big forkful after another. Sasuke looked back at Gaara. "You're a really lucky guy you know that?"

The kage smiled and nodded. "This is my life Sasuke. I am not who I once was."

No shit. "You changed."

"Yes."

Gaara changed his ways and look what he has now. "I want to change too. I want to be like you Gaara."

He almost dropped his fork. What! "Uh… that's good Sasuke."

Sasuke nodded and turned back to his plate of delicious Raine food. "I will do my best."

After dinner came bath time. Gaara took Gabe, Temari and Shikamaru handled the twins and Sasuke took Saichi. Raine bounced back and forth between three bathrooms making sure everyone washed behind their ears. Saichi fussed some in the tub. He didn't like being wet and he didn't like being cold. Raine came in and assisted Sasuke. She washed Saichi's hair speaking soothingly to him. Sasuke thought she was amazing. He loved kneeling beside her as she cared for their sickly child.

Out of the tub and into their pajamas the boys gathered in the sitting room to watch cartoons for a while. Sasuke sat on one end of the couch, Gaara on the other. Saichi crawled up into Sasuke's lap and stared at the television. He liked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Gabe lay on his tummy and Renji went to his daddy. Gaara picked him up and put him in his lap. Yusuke went and lay down with Gabe imitating his posture. Sasuke smiled and took a deep breath. "Smells like baby shampoo in here."

Gaara smiled a little himself. He smelled it too. "Nice clean babies."

He peeked at Gaara. He looked incredibly content with his boy on his lap. The kage was even watching cartoons. "This is really great Gaara."

"Is turtles daddy," Saichi explained. "They ninjas."

Sasuke hugged Saichi. All he needed was Raine beside him and he would be in heaven. "Where's Raine?"

"Kitchen. Dishes and all." Gaara yawned. The stressful day was taking its toll.

"She really does a lot."

Gaara smiled. "She sure does."

"She's a very good mother."

He looked at the Uchiha. Saichi was at peace with Sasuke around. "She is. Raine has been trying very hard with Saichi."

"I want to help. She's got enough to deal with as it is."

Aside from the meatloaf outburst at dinner, Sasuke had behaved and he saved the boys from that crap. He hadn't bothered Gaara's wife either even when she had been alone with him in the bathroom when Saichi was in the tub. "I think we should do this again."

"I'll do every day if you let me. I'll help get Saichi settled in here."

"Daddy stay," Saichi grabbed his daddy's arm.

"Daddy's here Saichi." Sasuke kissed the boys damp head.

Saichi had been good since Sasuke got here. "I'll talk to Raine."

Sasuke smiled a little. Raine wouldn't refuse his help. She was too devoted of a mother. "Okay." Sasuke leaned back on the comfortable couch with his baby in his arms. It felt wonderful. This is what I want…so much.

When Raine made it upstairs with Saichi's medicine Renji was asleep in Gaara's lap. She smiled at her husband cuddling a miniature version of himself. "You want me to take him?" she offered.

Gaara shook his head and smiled. "I'll get him."

Raine came around the couch. Sasuke and Saichi eyed the pink bottle in her hand. "I got your medicine Saichi." Raine twisted off the cap and poured some in the spoon.

Saichi looked from the spoon of pink stuff to his daddy. "Take your medicine Saichi." Sasuke tried to smile but his heart ached for his sick son. Raine popped the spoon in his mouth and Saichi swallowed the pink goo.

"It doesn't taste bad," she smiled at Saichi.

"Mommy stay."

"I'll be right back. I have to put your medicine in the refrigerator."

The little one nodded. "Come right back."

"I will." Raine leaned in and kissed her boy.

Sasuke watched her kiss Saichi and head out. She was wonderful with him and she's coming right back. There was an empty cushion between him and Gaara. She's going to sit with me! Saichi snuggled against him again and Sasuke tried to relax. He looked down at Yusuke. The boy yawned and closed his eyes. "Just about bed time ne?"

"Yup," Gaara wanted this day to be over. Just because Sasuke had been good didn't mean Gaara liked hanging out with the guy.

Sasuke sat quietly, patiently and Raine came in a few minutes later. To his delight she sat down between him and Gaara. She rubbed at Renji's back and said, "Let's get the twins to bed."

Gaara nodded and stood up holding Renji. Raine got up and plucked half asleep Yusuke off the floor. Temari and Shikamaru came in and got their kisses before the parents carried the babies off to bed. Shikamaru flopped into Kankuro's chair and Temari stole Gaara's seat on the couch. After a minute she looked at the Uchiha. "My meatloaf was really bad ne? Nobody ever complained before."

Sasuke looked at the tough kunoichi. "They're either afraid to hurt your feelings or they're just afraid of you. I'm neither and I'll be perfectly honest with you."

Temari raised an eyebrow. Make Sasuke my genie pig. "I see."

"You can't feed crap like that to growing boys."

"Alright Sasuke, you can be my taste tester, when you're around."

He nodded at her. "I'd be happy to help." He didn't want her feeding his sons crap.

"My aren't you helpful."

"I'm trying. I see what Gaara has because he changed his ways. His life is full of love and happiness. I want that too. I want to be like him."

She blinked at the Uchiha. "Gaara is your role model now?"

"He's a good father." Sasuke lowered his eyes. "He's a good man that does the right thing. I respect that."

Respect Gaara! "Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

Sasuke smiled. "I've never felt better."

Temari and Shikamaru exchanged a weird look. She got up and went to sit by Gabe on the floor. "Tired buddy?"

"I wanna watch more cartoons." Gabe loved TV and dreaded bed time.

"One more," Temari reminded him.

When Raine and Gaara came back in a few minutes later she had pink cheeks and Gaara wore a silly grin that almost raised Sasuke's eyebrow. Gaara reclaimed his seat at the end of the couch. Saichi asked for "Mommy," and Raine sat between her babies' daddies. Sasuke straightened a little, Raine was sitting closer to Gaara but her leg was up against his. She's touching me. I can smell her.

Raine looked down at Saichi. "Are you sleepy sweetie?"

Saichi thought about it and rubbed an eye. "Mmmhmm." He reached for her and mommy put out her hands. He didn't want to get off of his daddy's lap so he just took mommy's hand and snuggled it against him.

She didn't pull back as Saichi drew her closer to Sasuke; Raine just tried not to touch him. "You can close your eyes if you're tired," she soothed her tired baby.

Sasuke rolled his eyes from his son to the boy's mother. "He's tired."

Raine smiled a little. "It's been a long day."

Gabe tried to fight the yawn but it escaped. Gaara smiled at his boy. "This is the last cartoon tonight," he advised. Gabe sagged some and groaned. Saichi caught his case of the yawns and let one go himself. Still smiling Gaara took Raine's free hand and gave it a squeeze. She smiled at him and relaxed back against the couch staring at the TV and waiting for this night to come to an end.

The Uchiha tried to relax too as Saichi snuggled into his chest still holding mommy's hand. Sasuke was thigh to thigh and shoulder to shoulder with the love of his life. He could smell the wildflowers in her shampoo and perfume. She smelled just as good as the baby he held. Her arm bushed against his when Saichi shifted and Sasuke felt how soft her skin was. Raine was every bit as perfect as his babies.

Saichi was asleep when the show ended and Gabe was half way there. "Come on buddy," Gaara stood and went to his son on the floor.

While Gaara scooped up sleepy Gabe Raine eased her hand back from Saichi. "Do you want me to take him?" she offered Sasuke.

"Can I carry him to bed?" Sasuke didn't want to let his son go.

"Sure. Give me a minute to get Gabe tucked in and I'll come back and help you." Raine got up and she and Gaara went out with Gabe.

Sasuke rested his Sharingan and looked down at Saichi. He saw him the way others did; the boy was small and frail looking. Saichi… He kissed the top of the boys head breathing in the smell of his baby shampoo. "My boy."

Temari stood and grabbed the remote. "He was good for you Sasuke."

"He was perfect," he replied with his eyes still on his boy.

She changed the channel to wait for the early news. "I hate to admit it Uchiha, but you were actually worth a shit today. After mouse burned herself like that," Temari shook her head. "The smell and the way she screamed."

He looked at Temari. "I didn't know that Saichi would hurt her. I won't let him do something like that again."

"That's what Gaara is hoping for," Shikamaru sighed and reached for his wife. Temari took his hand and looked at him. The ninja was still upset about earlier.

"I want to help with Saichi. Anything I can do." Everything I can do.

Shikamaru pulled his wife down into his lap. "Just don't be troublesome Sasuke and I think your help will be accepted and appreciated."

Sasuke nodded trying not to think about how weird it was to see the married couple in here with him act so married. He sat quietly through the local forecast and eventually Raine poked her head back into the sitting room.

"Sasuke, could you bring Saichi? I've turned down his bed." Raine said from the door.

He stood slowly so he wouldn't wake his son. Saichi sighed tiredly in his sleep and snuggled against his daddy. Sasuke went to Raine with a little grin on his face. "He's out like a light." Raine smiled and leaned in to kiss their son's cheek. If only I could get one of those sweet kisses too. She kissed Saichi and headed down the hall. Sasuke followed.

The Uchiha lay his boy down and mommy moved up beside him to get him tucked in. Sasuke watched her settle him and kiss him goodnight. There was no sign of Gaara. "Raine?" he turned to her feeling his heart beat stronger in his chest.

She took a step back from Saichi's bed and looked at the boy's father. "You were…very good with him today Sasuke."

"I love being around him, all the boys." He smiled at her. "You've done a wonderful job with them. They're great kids."

"Yeah well, I've had a lot of help."

"I want to help you too; with Saichi. I want to help him be more like his brothers."

Raine wanted that for her sick baby too, she just wasn't crazy about Sasuke's involvement. But he wants to be Saichi's daddy and he did okay today. "Sasuke…"

He could see the struggle in her eyes. "You're still hurting over what I did to you."

She looked away from the Uchiha. "It doesn't really matter does it?"

"It does to me." Sasuke braved a step closer to the woman he loved, the woman he traumatized. "I can't ask you to forgive me for what I've done to you, it's too much." He frowned a little and Raine rolled her eyes back to his. "But I really want to try to make it up to you. I'll do everything I can to protect you and the children. I'll do everything I can for you and the boys. I won't… I won't bother you Raine. I promise. I just want to help."

Sasuke sounded sincere. The dark eyes that employed hers for understanding were sad. "I…I want to do what's best for Saichi."

"So do I. Please Raine," Sasuke fought the urge to take her hands in his own. "Give me a chance. I won't let you down I swear it."

Raine didn't want to need Sasuke, she didn't want to believe him but I have too. She sighed a bit shaken. "You'll get your chance Sasuke." Raine turned and started away.

He caught her hand before she could walk away, he couldn't help it. Raine looked at him over her shoulder. "Thank you Raine; for everything. It must be so hard with Saichi."

It is hard. It's so painful and exhausting and… "I'm trying too Sasuke."

"Yusuke is beautiful," he said with a little smile. "He got so big."

She freed her hand from Sasuke's sweaty palm. "Yusuke is a good boy."

His smile didn't leave him even when he heard Gaara coming to the door. "He looks up to Gabe. Saichi should too. Gabriel is a great kid."

The proud mother smiled at the compliment. "He loves his brothers."

Gaara appeared in the doorway. Sending Raine into tuck Saichi in with the Uchiha alone had been a bit of a test. He had to be sure he could at least try to trust Sasuke around his wife. He was surprised and relieved that Sasuke was well in control of himself. "Sasuke, it's time to go."

Sasuke looked up at Gaara. "Okay." He kissed Saichi once more and then headed for the kage. "Goodnight Raine," he bid her stepping into the hall.

The kage went to his wife and kissed her. "I'll be back soon."

Raine turned back to Saichi. She liked to watch him sleep; she was ridiculously afraid he'd suddenly stop breathing as he dreamed. Her husband took Saichi's father downstairs and she heard the front door as they went out into the night. Despite her initial reservations Gaara had done the right thing bringing the Uchiha here today. Oh Gaara, I love you so much.

The kage escorted his prisoner back to his cell. Gaara was tired but he had to talk to the Uchiha. "Raine and I talked things over," he started as Sasuke went and sat down on his bunk. "We've decided to let you see Saichi daily for the time being. It seemed to do him some good and…"

"You mean it?" Sasuke couldn't hold back his excitement. "I can see him again tomorrow? At the house?"

"Yes Sasuke. I'll come for you tomorrow and take you home to Saichi."

Home to Saichi. They were magical words that made his wounded heart fly. "I'll do everything I can to help Gaara."

"And you'll conduct yourself in a way that sets a pristine example for your son."

Sasuke thought he knew what Gaara was getting at. "I've done enough to Raine. I won't put her through any more bullshit."

He didn't like to think about it but, "You still believe you love my wife?"

Yes. With all of my heart. "I love her enough not to put her through anymore Gaara. I just want to help her with Saichi."

It was good and bad news, but the bottom line was, "You will leave her alone?" Gaara wanted to hear him say it.

"I will leave her alone. I know how she feels about me. I don't want to upset her, I want to help her. I want to atone for the things I've done to Raine." It was the truth. Sasuke was heartsick over the past he shared with his beloved.

"Raine is my wife; I love her in way you couldn't possibly understand Sasuke. Our marriage, our family is everything to me. If you make any trouble…"

"I won't. You have my word." For a long moment Gaara just stared at him. "I see how much Raine and Yusuke love you. I won't interfere with their happiness."

He had extracted his promise from the Uchiha, now he could go home to his frazzled wife. Gaara nodded at Sasuke. "Then we have an understanding." Gaara headed for the door. He wanted to go home.

"Gaara?" Sasuke grabbed his attention one last time. "Thank you. Today was the happiest day of my life."

Gaara studied the look on his prisoners face over his shoulder. It touched his father's heart. "You did well today Sasuke. Keep up the good work." It was enough and Gaara went out. The door swung shut and locked behind him.

Sasuke waited until he heard Gaara going down the stairs before he reached for the picture under his pillow. Alone in his quiet cell Sasuke smiled down at Raine's image. Raine… I love you so much. I'll show you how good I can be. I'll help you my love. It's going to be alright. You'll see.

Kankuro arrived home slightly inebriated a few minutes after Gaara left. On his way to his room he noticed his mouse in the devil child's room watching him sleep again. "Oi mouse, you okay?"

She turned away from her baby and headed for her brother in law. "I'm fine Kankuro." Raine got closer and smelled booze. "Are you?"

"I..." Kankuro grabbed his mouse and hugged her hard. "Damnit little girl I love you. You know that don't you?"

"I know. I love you too big brother," she hugged him back.

He took a deep breath and let her go. "So…how was it?"

Raine smiled. "You missed the fun. Sasuke called Temari out on her meatloaf."

His stomach rolled some at the mention of food. "Oh?"

She laughed a little. "Saved the boys from eating it. I made hot dogs instead."

"Well at least that guy is good for something. How's the kid?"

"Saichi was good all night. It really helped having Sasuke around. He's coming back tomorrow," Raine forewarned.

Kankuro nodded and sighed. "You're sure about that mouse?"

"Saichi needs him right now. If Sasuke can help him, I must accept."

He didn't like it. "What does Gaara say ne?"

"We'll all deal with Sasuke for Saichi's sake."

Not me! "Where is Gaara?"

"He took Sasuke back to jail."

"Good," Kankuro started down the hall. He needed to pass out. "Get some rest mouse."

Raine watched Kankuro go. She understood his fury, his hate. "You too."

Gaara came home and went to his wife. He led her to their room saying their goodnights to Temari and Shikamaru on the way. They undressed and got into bed. Gaara held his wife. "You're an amazing woman Raine. I love you."

"You are the one who is amazing Gaara. You always know just what to do to make everything better."

He pulled his wife closer. He knew what to do now to make his love feel better. "It's going to be alright Raine. I promise." Gaara kissed her. It became passionate quickly and without anymore talk Gaara made love to his wife.

The next morning at breakfast Gaara assured a pouting Saichi that his daddy was coming to see him again today. Saichi brightened; he took his medicine and ate all of his breakfast. He couldn't wait to see his daddy again. Gaara headed off to the office and Kankuro made himself scarce; he didn't want to be around that damn Uchiha.

The kage took care of all of his necessary meetings in the morning and gathered up the paperwork he still needed to sort through that afternoon. He could look at it at home while the boys were occupied. It was almost lunch time when Gaara headed over to the tower to collect Sasuke. His prisoner was happy to see him. Sasuke was just as excited about seeing Saichi again as the tot was to see his daddy.

Gaara led Sasuke home and the Uchiha followed him in. Sasuke noticed at once, "Oh man something smells really good."

"Raine is making beef stew for dinner. She likes to let it slow cook all day."

"Temari's not going to screw with it is she?" he hated to think of ruining the flavor of such a delicious smell.

He held back his smile, mostly. "No, she'll make the garlic bread."

"You won't feed that to the kids will you?" Sasuke asked following Gaara toward the noisy kitchen. It sounded like the family was assembling around the table for lunch.

Gabe spotted them first. "Daddy's home! Hi daddy! Hi Sasuke!"

"Hello Gabe, boys," Gaara greeted heading to his wife at the counter. She was cutting the crusts off of Saichi and Renji's sandwiches.

Sasuke smiled at Gabe as he moved to sit between his sons. He liked being included by the children. "How are you Gabriel?"

"Good, but you can call me Gabe," the boy reminded. "You're not a priest or an old person." He dug into his fruit cup.

Raine giggled at her son's view on things and her husband kissed her cheek. "You hear him?" she giggled again.

After greeting his wife he went to the table. Saichi sat close to Sasuke and the Uchiha put an arm around his son. "Were you boys good for mommy today?" Gaara moved into casual conversation reaching for his own drink.

"I was!" Yusuke piped up.

Saichi leaned closer to Sasuke. "Renji put his booger on the wall. Mommy got mad and she gagged."

"Renji!" Gaara did his best not to laugh. Shikamaru and Sasuke also held one in.

"Tissues was all gone!" Renji defended himself. "Mommy said no snot on sleeve."

Raine started carrying plates to the table trying not to gag. "Renji, Saichi let's not talk about mucus at the table please."

Gabe explained to his brothers, "Mucus is grown up word for booger and snots."

"Gabe," Raine frowned at him laying his plate in front of him.

He flashed mommy his best smile. "Sorry mommy."

Temari was behind Raine with plates for the twins. "You're a real charmer Gabe."

Mommy set Saichi's crust free sandwich in front of him. Saichi picked up a half and took a bite. "Mommy gives me red jelly. It's good."

Sasuke smiled at his son. "You like strawberry?"

The pale child nodded. "Otasan never had strawberry."

The Uchiha bit his tongue to keep from cussing. He looked over at Raine. She was frowning a little as she fixed the plates for the adults. Sasuke got up and went to her raising a few brows. "Let me help you," he said loud enough to distract the boys. Quieter he asked in her ear, "Do you know what Orochimaru was feeding him?"

"He hasn't been eating healthy since he went off baby formula. He didn't know most fruits or vegetables were," she was just as soft spoken as Sasuke was.

"He's malnourished?"

Raine handed Sasuke plates with hot cheese steaks and fries. "He's eating right now. It will just take some time for his body to recover."

"And the poison?"

Raine dished more fries onto a plate. "Why don't we talk about this later Sasuke?"

He could see now wasn't the time for such a conversation about the boy. "Alright." He turned back to the table; Gaara and Shikamaru were watching him. "Who's hungry?"

After lunch the adults each took a child to clean up. With their faces washed the boys all ran into Gabe's room to play with his extensive Lego collection. Sasuke played with Lego's too. He helped the boys build a castle. Gabe was very impressed. "You know a lot about Lego!"

Gaara ducked into his room for a little quiet reading time, he still had some work he needed to get done. Shikamaru sat with Sasuke and the boys making casual conversation with the Uchiha and his nephews. Raine went back to her never ending laundry. She came into Gabe's room and went to his hamper. She dumped his dirty stuff into the big basket and hefted it.

Sasuke got up and went to Raine. "Here, let me," he offered taking the basket.

"Thank you Sasuke," she saw it in his eyes, this was the 'let's go talk about Saichi' cue. "I'll show you where it belongs."

He nodded and followed her out of Gabe's room and down the hall to the stairs. "Saichi is alright isn't he Raine?"

She kept going to the laundry room. "He is and he isn't. The poison is still impeding his health but he is getting healthier."

"I noticed he's a little heavier, a little stronger. "You've been taking excellent care of him. I can tell."

Raine reached the bi folding doors and pulled them open. Sasuke set the basket on top of the dryer and Raine flipped the lid of the washer open. "He's gained four pounds but he's still underweight for his age." Raine started putting Gabe's darks into the machine.

Watching her do such a common thing was sort of strange. He had always thought of Raine as more of a princess then a house wife. "He is getting better?"

"Yeah, it's just going to take some time."

"Has he said anything about Orochimaru?"

She shook her head negative. "Not really. Occasionally he'll repeat something that monster told him but he doesn't talk about him."

"Repeat what?" Sasuke wanted to know what kind of shot the sannin put in Saichi's head. "What has he said?"

"You're his daddy, Yusuke is his little brother. He knows what an Uchiha is." She tossed in the last of her son's dark shorts.

"He knows we are Uchiha."

Raine closed the lid and turned the big nob to start the washer. "Something like that."

Sasuke couldn't help it; he took Raine by the shoulders and turned her away from her chore to face him. "He understands that I'm his and Yusuke's father."

The thought was troublesome. "Yes." Raine reached up and pulled Sasuke's hands away from her. He didn't resist. Sasuke backed off and let his hands fall to his side. "I don't think Yusuke quite understands what he's saying yet."

She still hates my touch. "What about Gabe?" the boy was sharp as a tack.

Shit. "Gabe saw me pregnant for the twins. He knows that they're his brothers. Gaara is their father."

"He's their daddy," Sasuke corrected. "I've seen how Gabe looks at Yusuke when he uses the Sharingan around Saichi. He's confused isn't he?"

"What do you want me to say Sasuke ne?"

"What have you told Gabe?"

"We told him Saichi is confused."

Sasuke lowered his eyes. They won't admit Yusuke is mine. "I see."

"Sasuke," Raine almost felt bad for him. "You have to understand; this family was already together before Saichi came home. The children already have their own identities. Gaara and I are their parents."

He sighed sadly and looked back into her eyes. "I understand."

Raine turned and grabbed the detergent. "We want to integrate Saichi into our family."

We; Raine and Gaara. He wants to steal Saichi away from me too. "Saichi and Yusuke are the only family I have left in the world. They're the only anything I have left in my life at all. I exist to protect you and you hate me."

Her hand tightened around the cap for a minute. It was a bitter truth. Sasuke wouldn't be here now if Raine hadn't been hurt, he'd be rotting in jail. Raine measured her soap and poured it in over Gabe's clothes. "I'm sorry you feel that way Sasuke."

I feel I love you Raine. "You hate me?" he had to be sure.

She sighed trying to sort through her emotions for the man beside her. "You…." Raine frowned at him. "You really fucked me over Sasuke. You were fucking crazy," she hissed. Sasuke blinked at her and Raine straightened. "You saw what you did. You should know how I feel."

"I am sorry for what I did to you Raine. You do believe me don't you?"

Raine remembered Sasuke screaming and crying on the floor of the hospital after he looked into her mind. It was like the way he had wailed for her after he killed his brother Itachi. "I think….that you are," she choked.

Sasuke didn't want to push her too hard. He didn't want to upset her or make her hurt. "Raine, I'll do whatever you ask of me."

Why because you love me? She put the cap back on the bottle and set it back on the shelf. "Just do what you can for Saichi. That's all I ask."

"Consider it done." Sasuke turned and went back to be with the boys. He didn't want to linger around Raine alone for too long; Gaara might get mad and her perfume drove Sasuke crazy. If he wanted to help with Saichi, Sasuke had to be a good boy.

And so he was.

After about a week of Sasuke visits the adults in Gaara's home started to relax around him. Temari started using the Uchiha as her Ginny pig, he taste tested all sorts of over spiced dishes. He accepted it as part of his punishment for the ass whooping he had put Temari through. She seemed to enjoy making his eyes water. Sasuke was helpful in other ways. He supervised the boys and helped to pick up after them. By the second week he was starting to realize just how full Raine's hands were taking care of such a big family.

By the third week of daily Sasuke Kankuro couldn't eat fast food anymore and started coming home for mouse's home cooking. He didn't like the Uchiha at his table but his family was all calm with it so Kankuro tried too. For the most part he ignored Sasuke but after three weeks of taking meals together he would occasionally comment on something Sasuke said. Kankuro didn't like him but he was good with the boys.

Over an entire month went by and Sasuke was perfectly well behaved. Gaara talked it over with Raine and Shikamaru and they said that it was alright. Gaara started returning to work after lunch. Shikamaru was home 24-7, Temari and Kankuro were in and out all day, and there were twelve ANBU surrounding the house; Sasuke's guards as well as Raine's. Saichi behaved so long as daddy was around or coming that afternoon. It did the boy good to have his father around.

Sasuke came to love going to Gaara's. He enjoyed being around and maybe even being a part of such a big and loving family. Sasuke passed the weeks and months playing with all of the boys. He liked Gabe and the lead brother tried to include and teach Saichi as much as possible. Sasuke got to know the little guy that looked like Gaara and Raine and soon he started to love him like his own. Gabe liked Sasuke too. He told him about all kinds of jutsus. The boy couldn't wait to be a ninja.

The Uchiha did whatever he could to be helpful to Raine. He carried the laundry and helped her hang sheets. Raine even showed him the 'right way' to vacuum a room. She slowly got used to him, more comfortable around him. After two months she was smiling at him and laughing with him. It made his heart rejoice

Gaara and Sasuke ended up spending time together in the evenings after dinner and bath time. Eventually they began to have some pretty good conversations. One night after they got the boys in bed Gaara took Sasuke into the dining room and they had some sake. The Uchiha had gone a long stretch between drinks and got kind of silly after just two. They spent an hour making fun of Naruto and then ANBU helped Sasuke back to his tower. Raine scolded Gaara telling him he shouldn't get lightweights drunk.

Warm autumn gave way to mild desert winter with still no sign of Orochimaru. Sasuke was beginning to think that the thumping he gave the sannin did enough damage that Orochimaru might have had to change bodies. If that was the case it meant that Sasuke was safe for a while; however Raine was not. When the sannin regained his strength and control he would try to steal away Sasuke's beloved again.

Being at home with Raine and the children was like heaven for the Uchiha. Raine talked with him often and in time she came to rely on Sasuke for help with all sorts of things. Every other week or so she liked to deep clean every room in the house. It was days of moving couches and beds so she could vacuum underneath. Renji liked to shove his toys, books and laundry under his bed. Sasuke and Raine were up to their elbows in mess. Renji crawled all over his bed as mommy and Sasuke sorted through his mess occasionally whining No don't take that!

The middle of the fourth month and everything was going along well when it happened. Gaara went and fetched Sasuke a little early; they heard the loud music before they even got to the door. Sasuke lifted a brow as he and Gaara entered into a dance party in the living room. Raine Temari and Shikamaru were dancing with the boys. The excited children jumped and wiggled trying to be like the grown ups, even Saichi.

Raine had Yusuke on one hip, Gabe Renji and Saichi were holding hands in a circle and Gabe was showing his brothers how to shake their booty. Shikamaru and Temari looked like a couple out of a hip hop video. Sasuke blinked at the sight. "Oh?"

Gaara smiled. "Looks like we caught them in the act."

She turned with Yusuke and caught sight of Gaara and Sasuke. "Gaara, you're early!" Raine's cheeks turned pink.

"We dancing daddy!" Gabe informed.

Saichi looked at Sasuke. "Dancing!"

Still smiling Gaara stepped into the fray. Yusuke reached for him and Gaara took him. He winked at his wife. "Then shake it for me baby."

"Shake it shake it shake it!" Yusuke babbled excitedly.

Raine giggled and blushed but she did what Gaara wanted; she kind of wanted to anyway. She fell into the rhythm again and started to shake her hips faster. Gaara got all kinds of excited for her when she belly danced for him. "Like this?"

"Oh yeah," Gaara leered.

Hell yeah. Sasuke was watching Raine with his mouth hanging open when he felt little hands tugging at his pant leg. He looked down and saw three boys grinning up at him. "Hi guys," he smiled at them. Sasuke loved to be mobbed by the children.

"Can you dance?" Gabe asked.

Sasuke laughed. "Sure buddy." He let the boys lead him into the living room and they started jumping around him. Sasuke laughed and started dancing. Shikamaru resumed his sexy dance with his wife and Gaara swung Yusuke around while he watched his beautiful belly dancer. For now they were all happy together. They were a family.

Orochimaru's new body was a pretty good one. His container was a strong healthy male just a few years older then the kazekage's wife. It wasn't Sasuke, but for now it would do. He would get Sasuke's body next time. His capture and possession of the Uchiha's love would guarantee it.

"First things first," the sannin smiled into the candle flame. "Take care of Sabaku no Gaara for me Saichi."

Sasuke slid Yusuke's bed over so Raine could vacuum underneath it. A jar of marbles came rolling out, the top was loose. "Shit!" Sasuke grabbed for it but it was too late. Gabe came running in and his foot connected with the jar. Marbles went everywhere.

"Uh oh!" Gabe looked at the mess at his feet.

Raine came hurrying in chasing after Gabe. "You have to change your pants!"

"Mommy!" Gabe tried to warn her. A second later Raine was skating over marbles. She cried out startled as she started to fall. Gabe had no sand to help his mommy, thank goodness Sasuke was there. The red eyed man hopped over the bed and caught mommy in his arms before she could fall down and get hurt.

"What the!" Raine clung to Sasuke's shirt trying to catch her breath.

He couldn't help but smile. Sasuke had his love in his arms. "There's marbles all over the floor. Are you alright?"

"Good job Sasuke!" Gabe clapped. "You save mommy!"

Raine tried to get her feet under her and slipped on more marbles. She fell into Sasuke nearly head butting him. "Damnit!"

Sasuke laughed and swept Raine up into his arms. "Let me get you in the clear." He turned and started to carry Raine over to the closest bed.

"Mommy!" Yusuke came running in with his brothers behind him. "Renji put a booger on me!" the tattling child ran right into the back of Sasuke's legs just as he was trying to set Raine down.

"Shit!" Yusuke got him behind his knees and Sasuke fell forward trying not to squish Raine as they tumbled down onto Yusuke's bed. She tried to sit up as they tipped and her head connected with his nose. Blinded and wobbling Sasuke landed on top of her. "Son of a…" It hurt pretty good.

"Sasuke! Are you okay?" Raine was sure he was in pain.

The Uchiha propped himself up on his elbows still half laying across Raine. "Is it bleeding?" he sniffed but didn't taste any blood.

She took Sasuke's face in her hands and turned his head a little. "I don't think so."

Renji stopped short of the marble mess. He looked from mommy and Sasuke to Gabe. "Is they doing a slobs thing?"

Sasuke startled and blinked down at Raine. Her cheeks were turning pink. It felt like forever since he had been close with her like this and Sasuke felt his heartbeat kick it up a notch. He could smell the dab of perfume on her wrists. The hands on his face were soft and gentle. "Uh…" Sasuke found himself getting lost in her wide eyes.

"No is falling down," Gabe shook his head. "Only is being slob if he kisses mommy."

Saichi had been watching it all with mild interest. "Daddy gonna kiss mommy?"

I'd love to. Sasuke made himself sit up. Raine sat up quickly beside him. "No no Saichi, we just had a little accident that's all."

"Sasuke save mommy from falling on you marbles Yusuke. Then you make Sasuke fall and mommy hurt hims nose," Gabe explained.

Raine looked at Sasuke. His nose was red. "Oh jeez. I think we better ice that."

He smiled at her concern and her embarrassed cheeks. "You got a pretty hard head you know that?" Sasuke teased. He turned to the boys. "Do you think you boys can get all of the marbles back in the jar? We don't want to break mommy's vacuum cleaner."

Yusuke wasn't sure, but it sounded like the accident was his fault. "I pick up my marbles," the little one sagged and pouted.

"I will help." Gabe got to his knees and righted the jar. As soon as he started to pick up marbles his brothers jumped in to help.

Raine sighed and shook her head. "Alright boys, you get the marbles." She stood watching where she was stepping. "Come on Sasuke let's get you some ice."

Shikamaru came hurrying down the hall. "I heard screaming?" he looked at the Uchiha. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Raine beat me up," he joked with a big grin on his face.

"I did not!" the men chuckled and she rolled her eyes. "Keep an eye on the boys. I'm going to get this dummy to ice his face." Raine hurried to the stairs. Sasuke shrugged at Shikamaru and followed her into the kitchen.

She spread out a hand towel and went to the freezer for a tray of ice cubes. Sasuke leaned against the counter watching her fuss with a smile on his face. She's worried about me. Raine is trying to help me. "It's not that bad. It aint like ya broke it."

Raine cringed at the thought as she shook ice out into the towel. "That's good." She tossed the empty tray in the sink and wrapped the ice. Raine turned to Sasuke feeling bad for bludgeoning him. "You should probably sit down."

Sasuke went and sat at the table. Raine came to him and took his chin in her hand. She tipped his face up and applied the cold as gently as she could. He laughed a little taking the towel from her. "It's not that bad Raine really. Just a little bump."

"Doesn't it hurt?" her instinct to nurture took over.

Maybe a little. "Not really. I'm a ninja. I can handle pain."

"If it was my nose I'd be crying."

"Well you're small and delicate. I'm just a big dummy," he used her word and her cheeks flushed more. Sasuke laughed.

She folded her arms across her chest. "I didn't mean it."

"It's okay Raine. It's nothing." She didn't seem content with that and Sasuke stared up into her eyes. "It was an accident; I forgive you."

Forgive. Raine had been thinking about it for weeks. Sasuke had been great with the boys and around the house. He was polite and thoughtful, everyone had become used to the 'new' Sasuke; even Raine. Raine sighed and sat down next to the Uchiha. "I forgive you too Sasuke."

The Uchiha straightened. Raine forgives me! He moved the towel off of his face staring into her eyes. "Raine… you don't mean…"

"I do." Raine guided the ice back to his face.

"But I…" Sasuke frowned remembering the things he had put his beloved through.

"That was a long time ago. You're not the same person you were then."

Sasuke set the ice on the table and took Raine's hands. "It's too much to forgive Raine."

She shook her head. "It's over Sasuke, it's in the past. Things are different now. You're different. You…found your heart."

You are my heart. She didn't pull her hands away; she didn't look at him with fear or hatred. "Raine," Sasuke smiled sadly at her. "You really are amazing."

"You've been very good with the boys Sasuke. You've been a big help to me too. I can see how you've changed. It's a good thing."

His smile lost some of its sorrow. Sasuke had been trying to be kind and helpful for months. It made him happy to help her with the boys; it made him happy just being around her. I love you Raine so much. "I changed for you. So that I could be something good to you and the boys. This family means everything to me."

Raine smiled a little. "They mean everything to me too." She slipped her hands free and picked up the cold towel. "Ice your face, dummy."

Sasuke laughed. He couldn't remember a time when his heart had felt such joyous relief. He took the towel from Raine. "Thank you Raine, for everything. If it weren't for you I'd probably still be a monster." Sasuke leaned over and kissed her cheek. It made her blush a little and Sasuke felt his heart fly.

"You should thank Gaara. He's the brain behind it all."

And you're the heart. "I have to admit, Gaara is not who I thought he was. I dare say I actually like the guy."

She giggled and guided the towel back to his nose. "I think he likes you too."

He suspected that Gaara did. They talked and even joked around more as time had moved on. "Oh really?"

"You can ask him yourself." Feeling a little better with their ugly past put to rest Raine stood. "You keep that ice on there for at least five minutes, you hear me Sasuke."

She's really forgiven me! Hell yeah! "Yes dear," he teased adjusting the ice around his chilling nose. Raine rolled her eyes and Sasuke laughed. He watched her head out of the kitchen to go vacuum the twin's room. I love you Raine.

The Uchiha was no worse for wear and he and Raine got the twins room done before it was time for her to start dinner. Temari was running late so Sasuke helped Raine shred lettuce for salad while Shikamaru sat at the table with the boys. They were all coloring pictures for mommy to put on the fridge.

Kankuro was home first. He pointed and laughed at the Uchiha in Temari's apron. "Girly man!" he teased howling laughter.

Shikamaru cracked up at the table. "I wasn't going to say it."

"Oh stop it you two!" Raine chastise. "Sasuke is helping."

Big brother still didn't particularly like the Uchiha, but he was fairly used to him. "You're turning him into a woman mouse. Babysitting cleaning and now cooking."

Sasuke's cheeks were almost as pink as the frilly apron Raine had insisted he put on. "I don't mind helping Raine."

"Daddy is good helper," Saichi understood.

"He save mommy from the marbles," Renji told. "Yusuke marbles make mommy fall."

Gabe set down his black crayon. "Mommy head go pow! Right in Sasuke's nose."

Yusuke frowned. "It Renji fault. He had booger and put it on me."

"Oh?" Kankuro looked from the boys to mouse.

"I almost went on my ass," Raine explained. "Marbles all over the place. Sasuke caught me and I head butted him in the nose."

Renji reached over and stuck his finger up his twin's nose. "You got boogers in there."

Shikamaru quickly moved Renji's hand before mommy saw. "No no Renji."

They heard the door and Gaara came in. "I'm home," he called coming into the kitchen. He saw Sasuke in Temari's apron, the Uchiha looked a little distressed and embarrassed. Gaara tried not to laugh but he couldn't help it. "What have you done to him Raine?"

Kankuro started laughing again. "Sasuke is gonna make a better wife then Temari."

That did it and all the guys, even Sasuke busted up laughing. Raine sighed disapprovingly shaking pepper over the steaks. "Shame on you Kankuro, you too Shikamaru! At least Sasuke's not too big of a macho man to do woman's work."

It just made the men laugh harder. Gaara went to his frustrated wife. "Sorry honey," he kissed her cheek.

Sasuke teased, "Where's my kiss honey? I spent all day cleaning for you."

In the height of all the hilarity Gaara stretched his arms out to Sasuke. "Sorry honey didn't mean to forget about you."

"Gaara my love!" Sasuke impersonated Raine badly and flung himself at Gaara. The two of them cracked up hugging on each other.

"You guys are so not funny!" Raine insisted but she was smiling.

Renji was watching his daddy and Sasuke. "Is they crazy?"

Gabe nodded. "The heat goes to your head."

After they settled the kids into bed the men snuck down to the dining room for a few cups of sake. Sasuke recounted the marbles and nose smashing for Gaara. The kage laughed. "All of that over a booger ne?"

"Mouse don't like booger stuff," Kankuro sipped his sake. "Weak stomach."

"She doesn't like the fart game either," Shikamaru reminded the big guy.

Gaara nodded. "Yeah, Renji was wearing new shorts when he had his accident."

"I told him not to push so hard," Kankuro defended. It got them all chuckling again.

Shikamaru leaned toward Kankuro. "One cheek sneak!" he farted.

Kankuro was down for a game. He lifted his ass off his seat. "Double barrel!" he farted loudly just as mouse came to the door.

"Excuse you!" Raine gasped startling Kankuro and Shikamaru.

His face turned red and Kankuro sat back down. "Pardon me." The men laughed again.

Temari appeared behind Raine. "Are you guys being nasty in here?"

"Of course not dear," Shikamaru smiled at his wife.

"I think they're playing that fart game," Raine mumbled to Temari.

"Shikamaru?" Temari put her hands on her hips.

So troublesome. Shikamaru finished his sake and got up. "Coming dear."

Raine stepped aside so Shikamaru could pass. Temari snatched up her husband's hand and drug him down the hall. Raine sighed. "See, now you've got him in trouble."

"Keh," Kankuro sipped his drink. "She's the queen of the silent but deadly."

Gaara knew what his brother meant and he tried to hold his laugh in. He looked at Sasuke; the Uchiha was biting his lips to hold a laugh in himself. They saw each others faces and busted up laughing again. Raine loudly cleared her throat. "Sorry babe. What can I say? We're men."

"You're hogs." Raine lifted her nose and went out.

Kankuro refreshed their cups. "Well, now that I've got you guys in trouble for the night, my work is done here."

"You're such an ass," Gaara sipped his fresh drink.

A few drinks later Gaara walked Sasuke back to his tower. "Gaara," Sasuke started strolling beside the kage.

"Yo?" he had a bit of a buzz going and Gaara was in a great mood.

"I think we've become friends," Sasuke said with a smile. "You're not the asshole I thought you were."

Gaara chuckled. "You neither Sasuke."

"She…" Sasuke stopped and looked at his friend. "Raine forgave me."

"Yeah," Gaara smiled too. "Feels pretty good to be forgiven doesn't it?"

The Uchiha nodded. "It's like a big weight has been lifted off of me."

"I know the feeling." Gaara put a hand on Sasuke's shoulder and started them walking again. "My brother and sister, I put them through a lot of shit but they forgave me."

"Because you changed?"

"Yes and you have changed too Sasuke."

Sasuke was still grinning. "Are you my friend Gaara?"

He thought it over a minute. "Yes Sasuke, I am your friend."

It made him laugh. "I'm your friend too." The idea of it was mind boggling. Such bitter enemies had found friendship together and Sasuke laughed again.

Gaara bid Sasuke goodnight and left him alone in his cell. When the hall was quiet the Uchiha reached under his pillow for his picture. He studied Raine's smile in the lamplight as he lay back on his bed. "My beautiful Raine." Sasuke's heart felt light. Months of being a good boy had paid off. He had earned the friendship and the forgiveness of his love and her husband. He had won over all of Raine's beautiful boys. Jail every night or not, Sasuke was happy with his life.

It had been nearly six months since Orochimaru had left Saichi in the desert; it was time to bring his boy home. The moon was growing fat, soon it would be full. "You know what to do Kabuto," the sannin smiled.

Kabuto bowed to his master. "I shall leave at once Orochimaru sama. Saichi will be back with you soon."

Raine fell asleep after they made love. She was tired from chasing the boys all day. Gaara watched her sleep feeling tired and relaxed. He was ready to drift off himself when he heard Saichi fussing through the baby monitor that sat on Raine's dresser. She stirred and opened one eye. Gaara sat up. "I'll check him."

"You sure?" Raine yawned.

He got out of bed and pulled on his shorts. "I'll let you know if he needs you. He probably just needs to pee." Gaara headed out and Raine snuggled back into her pillow.

He went to Saichi. The boy was sitting up in bed rubbing his tired eyes. "You okay Saichi? Do you need to potty?"

The moon was full, it was time. Saichi stretched his arms out to the kazekage to be picked up.

Gaara scooped the boy into his arms and gave him a hug. "It's alright buddy. Do you want me to take you to the bathroom?"

Saichi looked out the window at the full moon and then back to the man that held him. "Sabaku no Gaara." He opened his mouth and released the snake inside of him. It bit Gaara on the side of the neck and the kage faltered.

It happened so quickly, so unexpectedly. Pain like fire started to spread through Gaara's body. He half set half dropped Saichi back on his bed and reached for his throat. "Saichi… what did you do!"

The tot backed away from the man his brother called daddy. "I kill you."

Son of a… the pain was worsening and Gaara did the only thing he could think of to save himself from such an evil attack. He moved his hands and sealed the snake bite, "Fuja hoin!" Gaara fell to his knees. He heard Raine's footsteps coming down the hall. No Raine don't come in here! Saichi went to the window and jumped out into the night. Gaara opened his mouth to call his ANBU but he had no voice. The world went dark and Gaara collapsed.

Raine hurried into Saichi's room. She just knew something was wrong. Gaara was unconscious on the floor and Saichi was gone. "Gaara!" Raine screamed running to her husband. "Gaara?" She turned him over onto his back and saw the bloody pinpricks on his neck. Oh god! "Somebody help me!"

Saichi was small enough to slip past the ANBU descending on the place he had called home for the past six months. He met his familiar friend in the shadows and Kabuto picked him up. "Otasan?"

"Yes Saichi. We're going back to Orochimaru. He has missed you." The ninja smiled at the baby and they vanished in a puff of smoke.