happy dance ON TO CHAPTER 3! I know I say this a ton but I just had a really bad writer's block (I get that a lot…T-T sorry). Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You all rock so much more than I do! Sigh I love this story! Now to introduce a new character! Who is she? Read and find out!
Gaara sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily. His son Haruno, now eight years old, had been having nightmares for the past few nights keeping Gaara awake. He couldn't help but wonder if it was the demon awakening, a thought that kept him up even later at night. Just as he collapsed onto a chair someone knocked on the door. He glared at it hoping whoever it was would get the hint and leave. When the knocks only became more urgent he got up and opened the door to find Kankuro standing outside.
"What?" He said bitterly.
Kankuro stepped aside to reveal a small girl, about Haruno's age, behind him. "Gaara," he said slowly. "This is Midori, one of Haruno's class mates."
Gaara bent down to her level and held out a hand. "It's nice to meet you Midori." He dropped his hand and straightened when she nodded and began to stare at the floor. Kankuro smiled at him sadly and continued.
"You know that murder a few days ago?" Gaara nodded at this. Murders weren't common in Suna, especially ones of young women with their throats slashed. "Well, that was Midori's mother so now she has no family left. She was staying with me but my house is just too small."
"And?" Gaara asked, realizing that would be why she was so quiet.
"I was hoping she could stay with you for a bit. Not to long! Just maybe a week or two until I can find a home for her."
Gaara sighed and took the little girl's hand. "No problem. She can stay here for as long as she wants." He looked down at her. "You can take my room tonight ok? I don't mind the couch." When she nodded, he began to lead her to his room when he stopped and turned to Kankuro. "Does she have any possessions?"
"Yes, but they're all back at my place."
"We'll come get them tomorrow ok? Good night Kankuro, I'll see you when I take them to school."
"Bye Gaara."
Gaara kept walking as he heard the door shut. He opened his bedroom door and led Midori over to the bed. He reached into one of the bottom drawers and took out a long yellow top. It was one of his favorites because it still smelled like Sakura. Every – once – and – a – while he would sleep with it to calm down after a stressful day. He hoped it would have the same effect on the girl.
"It might be a little big, but it should work." She nodded and took it. He turned around to give her some privacy and when she tapped him on the shoulder he turned back to see her once more not making eye contact. He pulled down the sheets and went to turn out the lights when she suddenly grabbed him around the abdomen and broke down sobbing. He rubbed her back, allowing her to cry as he spoke to her softly.
"It's ok. You'll be fine, I promise. Nothing bad is going to happen ok? So there's no need to worry – you're safe here."
When she finally stopped, he tucked her into bed and stood in the doorway. "Sleep well and don't worry about what is to happen ok?"
She nodded and smiled slightly at him. "Thank you." She muttered, causing him to smile too.
"Anytime sweetie. Anytime." He turned off the lights and fell asleep on the couch.
Gaara awoke the next morning to find Haruno sitting on top of him, poking his cheek. "Dad! Dad! Some's here to see you! Dad!"
He was surprised to hear another voice in the room. "Haruno – kun!" It whispered softly. "Don't do that! You'll get us yelled at!" He recognized the sound as Midori, the small girl he had taken in the night before. He yawned, grabbed Haruno in a bear hug, and pretended to be asleep. Haruno began struggling. "Dad! I know you're awake! Come on already!" Gaara sighed and sat up. "You're no fun anymore you know that?" He ruffled his son's hair. "Now who's here to see me?" He got up and walked to the door. When he opened it he found Naruto pacing back and forth muttering to himself.
"It started…It started…" He was saying over and over not even realizing Gaara was with him.
"What started?" Gaara asked him, causing Naruto's eyes to dart to him. Gaara took a step back, shocked. He had never seen the young Hokage looking so worried and perplexed. "What started Naruto?"
"The war." He kept on pacing until Gaara grabbed his shoulder.
"What war?"
"Don't be foolish Gaara. You've known it was coming. The Village Hidden in the Mist has attacked. It has declared war on the world." He went back to pacing. "Why would they turn against everyone so suddenly? How foolish can they be? How to tell the public?" He was now muttering.
Gaara nodded. "Go home Naruto. Tell the public to be on alert but NOT to panic ok? Most important thing – stay calm yourself. If you're a wreck people will notice and know everything is not alright."
"Yes…home…" Naruto walked off without another word.
Gaara turned around to find Haruno staring up at him, Midori behind him. "A war! Don't worry Dad! I'll stop them with my amazing ninja skills!" He kicked and punched the air a few times before falling down. "Oww…." He got up, rubbing his now sore butt. "Oh ya Dad! Here!" He handed a small package to Gaara, smiling widely.
"What's this for?" Gaara asked, taking it and looking it over. From all the tape he gathered that his son had wrapped it himself.
"Your birthday! Don't tell me you forgot!"
"Today's my birthday?" Gaara counted to himself. "So it is…" He unwrapped the present (with much difficulty thanks to the three inches of tape…) and tried to hold back tears. In a purple Popsicle – stick frame was a picture of himself and Haruno. But he saw that Haruno had cut a picture of his mother out and pasted her in the picture also.
"I made it myself! Do you like it?" Haruno asked eagerly.
"It's beautiful." He set it on top of a shelf and stared at it a moment longer before turning to the two kids.
"Time to get ready for school."
After the kids had eaten and dressed he walked them to school. He found Kankuro outside of the school building, his bag of teacher supplies on his hip. "Hey Haruno, Midori, Gaara. He motioned for the kids to go inside the one room school building. "See you inside Kankuro – sensei." They said obediently.
"Why aren't you inside planning your class? Oh! You must be torturing your student teacher again right?"
"Hey it's not torturing her. Experience is the best teacher. Then again a room full of hyper kids might be a challenge but I know she's up to it."
"Ya sure."
"Oh before I forget! This is from Temari and Shikarmu." He took out a blue present. "Happy 30th birthday bro."
"Gee…thanks…I can feel the wrinkles forming already." Gaara laughed.
"You feel old? Think about how Temari and I feel."
"Ya, hey I might increase security around here for a bit ok."
"Why?"
"The Village Hidden in the Mist has announced war and I don't want anything happening to the kids."
"I see. Think we're in trouble?"
"Don't tell anyone Kankuro, but ya, I think we're in big trouble. I think Naruto and the others know it too."
"Great…just what we need. But you'll be able to handle it. You're strong."
"I hope." Gaara waved and turned to head home. "Oh ya! I found a home for Midori! I'm taking her in!"
Kankuro shook his head smiling. "Alright. You be careful now."
"Same to you!"
Oh no! They're at war and Haruno now has a sister! Oh and I think there will be two more chapters of this story before I move onto the sequel "Saving Haruno". Sorry this chappie wasn't as funny. I'll try to make the next one better – promise. Til later! Byes!