(( It is now that time of year... no, if it was a yearly thing, I think almost all of my loyal reviewers and new fans would send assassins to kill me or kidnap me and force me to write more. Shall I begin again?

sound of clearing throat

It is now that time of week/day/whatever for me to give you another chapter. Yes, Chikage came out of her shell when Gaara became a momentary pervert. She was so awesome, the ex-sand-demon-vessel let her live. I guess he REALLY wants to see that accursed picture. Let me tell you, if she talked to me like that-- and if I was Gaara-- I'd kill her and take the notebook so I can look at the picture. Perhaps that would be a "hollow victory" for Gaara? Hell if I know! I just make it up as I go along.

No, seriously. This is the first story I've ever done that I haven't already written out on paper before I put it on here. So thank you for all of your praise and keep it comin'!! It keeps my ego inflated!! lol

Well, without further ado... btw, I haven't been able to find anything in the past chapters about Chikage's family so... don't flame me!))

Chapter 7: Dinner Guests

'What the Hell is going on?!' Yes, Chikage was so, SO confused. She'd insulted Gaara, called him a pervert... why was she still alive and questioning why she wasn't in Hell? Then it hit her-- Cat and Mouse! The boy was playing a game!! 'And I think he's winning...' she thought as she headed home.

Upon entering her home, her 6-year-old brother, Hito, tackled her. "Chi!!" he squealed as he sat on her stomach.

"OOF!!" She let out all of her air in one breath and barely managed to get it back. "Hito, get off! You're heavy!!"

"One condition!"

"Name... it..."

"Cook dinner!!"

Nodding, Chikage got her freedom. Sighing, she sat up and looked the young boy in his silver eyes. "Why do you want me to cook so bad?" she asked with suspicion.

Hito grinned. "Papa said that we've got important people coming over and Mama wants to cook! It's up to you to save us all!!" he declared dramatically, falling over so his head landed in her lap.

Chikage laughed. "You are such a drama queen... but deal. I don't think Kazekage-sama's children would like it very much if we poisoned such royalty with food. They'd have a lot of work ahead of them... especially if Temari-san tries to teach her to cook."

Hito pulled his sister's hair lightly and got up. The boy had the same reddish-brown hair as Chikage. "Okay, then hurry! I tried to stop Mama from going into the kitchen but I could only do so much before she got passed me!"

"Oh no..." she said softly as she stood up and carried her things, including Hito, into the house and, as quickly as possible, the kitchen. "Don't touch anything! I'm cooking tonight!!" she ordered, placing her brother down and taking the spatula away from a woman with silver eyes and black hair.

"What? But I really think I can do it..." Mama's soft silvery voice begged.

The girl shook her head. "And you choose TONIGHT to try? Besides, look around you! The smoke's so thick, I think we're cooking in a smokehouse!"

Mama just laughed. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden, Chikage? You're funny tonight."

"No, I'm not. I'm completely serious. I'm cooking and you can watch if you want. Hito, did you do your homework?"

The boy looked left and right before replying, "Eh... yup!"

"Go." One word was all the teenager needed. The boy took off towards his room, not willing to go without dinner until the dratted work was complete.

An hour later, a loud knock emitted from the front door. Chikage had just set the table and had yet to get into some suitable clothes. 'Oh well... my school uniform will have to do...' she thought, hiding her sketchbook and running to answer the door.

Once there, she straightened out her skirt. No use looking trampy with her skirts "rising to the occasion." Opening the door, she said, "Please come in..."

"Chikage?"

The mentioned girl froze. She knew that voice. That blank tone haunted her dreams at night. Looking up, she saw those framed sea foam orbs glaring back at her in what seemed to be surprise. That wonderful shock of red hair that matched his kanji-scar... Gaara was at her front door. And he was hungry.

(( Forgot to put this on the top but... FOUR REVIEWS OR MORE... that is my condition for the next chapter.))