Disclaimer: It's too painful to say...


When Children Sleep

The girl's petite body moved slightly under the covers, the sheets lifting with even breaths. Small strands of gold hair framed the childish face, giving the small slumbering person an angelic look.

Well isn't that ironic? he thought dryly.

Gaara felt a small chill at the back of neck, alerting him to someone else's presence. "Your not supposed to be here," he said without taking his eyes of the sleeping child.

He didn't have to turn to feel the Hyuuga's eyes narrow at his back.

"Neither are you."

He felt the Hyuuga's aura flare slightly, as if preparing for a possible fight. Without realizing it, his mind was already assessing the potential threat. Gaara tilted his head slightly towards the angel. Hyuuga had faced his own trial, Gaara recalled, given the unique circumstances, and he was allowed to keep his position on the Heavenly Council.

He was not without punishment however. 1/3 of his power was reduced.

In fight between them, Gaara had no doubt who would win.

Still watching the blonde, he spoke to the angel. "Watch yourself Hyuuga," Gaara said flatly. "Nara may have been the one to bring you back to Heaven during the invasion, but I was the one who gave Ino the keys to Nara's cell."

Though he didn't say it the meaning was clear; You owe me.

Apparently the angel got it, Gaara felt Neji force himself to relax, he admired the effort, it wasn't easy for an angel to relax themselves in the presence of a Hellion. Ino of course, was the exception.

An awkward tension filled the air, but Gaara ignored it in favor of watching the not-even-adolescent snore.

"Why?" the Hyuuga asked flatly a while later.

Why indeed, Gaara mused to himself. Ino had been a subordinate (traitor), then his lover (still traitor) and then just his comrade-in-arms (regrettably). That irksome flame between them should have died out, but those years in hell didn't diminish his feelings. If anything they grew more intense. It wasn't until the day of the Invasion that .....

The girl gave a sigh audible even through the window and turned sleepily.

"She's not someone you can forget," Gaara answered dryly. And that, he thought, was the source of their pain.

Ino mumbled in her sleep.


x0x


Merry Christmas