Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto, we would all be in serious trouble.
Warnings: This fic has bad language. Virgin ears be warned!
Chapter 4: Surviving Cousins and Siblings
The second they were told they could go, all of the children bolted. Some much more enthusiastically than others. Naruto, for instance, let out a cry of joy and literally ran out of the room and down the hall. Ino was much more dignified about the whole thing, but she too was immediately on her feet and striding towards the door, ignoring Shika's taunting call of, "See you tomorrow, Ino-love." Neji did the same thing Ino did, but at least no one called something stupid after him. He probably would have killed them. Sasuke was quick to leave, trying to fend off Sakura's insistent voice asking if he wanted to do anything together, and Tenten moved quickly, though that was mostly because she wanted to head over to the weight room to work out a little. Basketball started in a week, after all.
Kurenai should probably have felt most proud of herself considering none of her kids felt the need to hurry away. They all left calmly, even the antsy Kiba, and Hinata gave her a shy, little smile and a, "G-goodbye, sensei," before scurrying out the door. Leaning back in her chair with a sigh, the woman just knew she had lucked out with her group.
A few halls away, Asuma was thinking basically the same thing. His kids bickered quite a bit, but nothing truly malicious, and they just melded together so well. It was a surprise they had known each other since they were little, but not really a bad one. Really, he could see how this could make things a lot easier on him. Once they got a bit more reacquainted with each other again, they would be comfortable around each other. Rather than learning to trust from nothing, it was more like they were just relearning it. And that was always easier, right?
Gai would have been distraught by his group's lack of cooperation and enthusiasm... if he was anyone other than Gai. But, being him, he just took it all in stride and turned it into a challenge. He would definitely get the kids to get along and open up. It was important to always have a positive outlook.
Kakashi decided he had angered God in some way. That was the only reason he would have been put with the four bundles of hormones he had been stuck with. Or really three bundles of hormones. One was a bundle of purely fucked-up something that didn't even have a name. And dear Lord could those four fight. Naruto and Sakura were so fucking loud... What the hell had he done to deserve this?
"Tanuki-chan!"
The second Gaara stepped out of the school building he found himself in the arms of an especially hyperactive blond. While he never made any move to return the embrace, he allowed it all the same. Something he never would have done before meeting his friend. "Naruto."
"God, that was fucking horrible! Stupid Sasuke-teme and that weird Sai-bastard." Blue eyes blinked down at the smaller boy. "How was yours?"
Gaara shrugged. "Pointless and annoying."
"I agree. Way too troublesome."
Gaara looked up at the ponytailed brunette who had come to stand beside them with Chouji at his side. He really didn't know Shikamaru except by sight, but he seemed all right and he was very close with Chouji. And Gaara had come to like Chouji. So he supposed Shikamaru could be another one of his acquaintances.
Kiba came up to them, saying his time wasn't bad it just seemed stupid, while Gaara watched a boy covered from head to toe (Shino if he remembered correctly) cross the parking lot and climb into the passenger seat of a parked car, which then pulled away. Lee started to walk home, from the looks of it, and Sai came out of the building, immediately heading for a car in much the same way as Shino had.
"Hey, you guys know Hinata, right?" Kiba suddenly asked loudly, slinging his arm around the unsuspecting girl and pulling her into their circle. If Gaara had been anyone else he would have rolled his eyes. Leave it to Kiba to actually start making friends with his group.
"Dumbass, of course we know Hinata-chan!" Naruto nearly yelled, waving his arms for unneeded emphasis. "Hi, Hinata-chan!"
The dark-haired girl had turned so red no one would have been surprised if she had passed out then and there. "H-hello, N-naruto-kun."
Gaara watched his friend continue to talk about something random, he didn't really pay attention. His eyes were locked on the shy girl still trapped in Kiba's grip. How could Naruto be so blind to not see how crazy about him she was?
"Hinata-sama, we're leaving."
Neji's cold, firm voice cut through Naruto's rantings, as the boy brushed past their group, neither bothering to stop or even look at the girl he was addressing. He just continued making his way towards a waiting town car.
Hinata squeaked something, though the words were unintelligible and hurried after the moody older boy while Kiba and Naruto both frowned in his direction. "Geez, someone oughtta pull the stick outta his ass," Kiba murmured while the blond nodded emphatically in agreement. Arrogant jerk.
Speaking of arrogant jerks, another chose then to make his way from the building, a starry-eyed, pink-haired girl following in his wake. She had apparently given up trying to talk to him, but that didn't stop her from drooling over his very presence. Once she spotted the group watching them, though, her eyes scanned over them all, seemingly looking for someone.
"Hinata left already," Shikamaru said helpfully, knowing that had to be who she wanted.
After looking startled, Sakura offered him a small smile and a, "Thanks, Shika," before turning and starting to walk home. Not, of course, until after she had thoroughly ignored Naruto's hearty, "Bye, Sakura-chaaaan!" and said her own, "Goodbye, Sasuke-kun!"
Kiba snorted, giving Naruto his typical 'you're crazy' look. "Man, why do you bother? She's never been anything but a bitch to you."
Naruto immediately scowled. "That's not true. And don't call her a bitch, Kiba."
The brunette instantly backed off, not wanting to start a fight over something so pointless. If Naruto wanted to keep setting himself up to be treated like crap, let him.
All sets of eyes turned towards the sound of a car engine coming closer, watching as a tasteful, black Porsche pulled up in front of them. Ino, who had somehow managed to blend into the shadows, pink hoodie and all, emerged and made her way towards it.
"Oh, Ino-love, we didn't notice you there," Shika said in a mock-pleasant voice while the girl ignored him like it was her job. The car window rolled down however and a middle-aged blond man smiled at the group of boys. "Shikamaru, Chouji. How have you two been?"
"Hey, Mr. Yamanaka," Shika said pleasantly, lazy smile in place. "We're good. You?"
"Oh, it could be worse," the man said congenially, as Ino climbed into the passenger seat. He opened his mouth again, about to prolong the conversation when Ino snapped, "Dad, I'm in a hurry!" The man rolled his eyes heavenward, begging for the patience necessary in dealing with teenage girls, and gave the boys one last friendly nod. "Tell your parents I said hi."
"Will do," Shika agreed, as the window rolled up and the car pulled away.
Kiba raised an eyebrow at the exchange, mildly curious. "You guys neighbors or somethin'?"
"Our dads are all friends from high school," Shika said with a small shrug. "We've known him for forever."
"He's a nice guy," Chouji put in, feeling much more free to talk now that Ino was officially gone.
A sleek, red sports car came rolling up, followed closely behind by an old, beat-up, white Chevy. Kiba sighed. "Now I just feel poor."
The others chuckled as he made his way to the car, his mother's voice calling, "Let's go, pup, we don't got all day!"
"Yeah, yeah, Ma, I'm comin'."
Sasuke, however, was the one who truly seemed to be taking his time. His usual brooding expression had somehow managed to darken and he glared at the expensive automobile like he was loathe to actually get in. While he very slowly righted himself from where he'd been leaning against the wall, adjusting his bag unnecessarily, and walking over to the car with all the speed of an old turtle, Kiba had already gotten in with his mother and driven away. With a decent amount of visible reluctance, he opened the passenger side door, and the four remaining boys heard a smooth voice say from inside the car, "It's lovely to see you too, little brother."
Sasuke didn't answer, not even his usual 'hn', just got in, shutting the door with more force than necessary before the car sped away. Naruto blinked.
"Teme's such a moody bastard."
"I agree," Gaara growled as Iruka pulled up, offering the four boys a bright smile. "Hey, guys."
"Hey, Umino-sensei," Shikamaru said while Chouji repeated the same a moment later. At least Iruka thought that's what the larger boy said. He had opened another bag of chips, and the words had come out somewhat muffled.
"Do you boys all have rides?"
Shika and Chouji both nodded, causing the scarred brunette's eyes to fall on the smallest of the group. "Gaara, is someone coming to get you?"
Gaara shrugged. "My sister doesn't get off work for another hour." Which meant no.
"Why don't you come over for dinner?" Naruto asked happily, bouncing over to the waiting car.
The boy gave the slightest shake of his head. "She expects me home today."
"Well hop in, I can still give you a ride," Iruka offered, smile widening.
Gaara frowned. "It's out of your way."
The previously pleasant tone quickly died, and when Iruka spoke next it was in his best teacher's voice. "Gaara Sabaku, you get in this car so I can drive you home."
Gaara immediately scurried to comply.
"Later," Chouji called after them, mouth full, and it couldn't have been more than thirty seconds before the last vehicle arrived. Shikamaru and Chouji made their way to the pick-up, the smaller of the two drawling a lazy, "Hey, Dad," and obligingly climbing in the back, leaving the front seat for his larger friend.
And with that, all the children were gone, and the first day of the new project officially came to an end. Out of all the kids, only Shikamaru had noticed Shizune and Tsunade watching them from the window of the office. Not that he really cared. It was all way too troublesome.
Dattebayo!
Neji wasn't exactly a happy camper. He sat in the back of the car his uncle had sent to pick them up in silence, his cousin on the seat next to him, pressed firmly against her door, eyes staring rigidly out the window. His shy, weak, pathetic little cousin. Who no one had bothered to inform him also had to stay for the same fucked-up after school program as himself. Imagine his surprise when he walked into the office at the end of the day and there she was, staring at him in shock. Meaning no one had bothered to tell her that he was staying either. A fact that was particularly annoying since his uncle had to have given permission for both of them. Would it really have killed the old bastard to let them know? Just a random side comment maybe? 'Oh, by the way, your cousin will be staying after school as well.' Something like that. But no, common courtesy of the like was not something his uncle was known for. And it fucking pissed him off.
For a total of about half a second, Neji considered asking Hinata how the time with her group had gone, seeing as how she at least had a normal teacher supervising and not the insane, green-wearing freak of a gym teacher. But that would require actually talking to the pathetic, stuttering girl, and that was something he had absolutely no desire to do. No matter how morbidly curious he was to know about that Shino kid who was in his elective computer class and always looked like he was dressed to brave the arctic winter. Now there was an odd one.
The car, driven by some low-level lackey from his uncle's company, pulled up in front of the spacious Hyuuga home, which could practically be called a mansion, and both teens climbed out, making their way quickly inside. Once there, they were immediately bombarded by the loud bundle of sugar-high brat that was Hanabi. The nine year old bounced around them, chattering about God only knew what, apparently simply amazed that she now arrived home earlier than the two high schoolers, and demanding to know why they had to stay after school now because her father wouldn't tell her. Meaning he had at least taken the time to tell her that her sister and cousin would be home later than usual. Neji frowned. Of course he had, Hanabi was his precious little princess.
"So why do you need to stay? Neechan, tell me why! Tell me, tell me, tell me!"
Good God, he'd been home less than a minute and already he wanted to strangle her.
"Hanabi, Neji and I need to stay after school for a special program that we were specifically chosen for. That's all."
Neji scowled and said nothing. How the hell could Hinata be so damn calm with the little monster?
"A program you're both in? What the hell kinda program would the two of you be in together? Neechan's a moron and niisan's a prick."
He really would hit her if his uncle wouldn't kill him for it.
"Hanabi, you know better than to say things like that. Apologize to Neji-niisan."
Now this is one of the reasons Neji couldn't stand Hinata. Hanabi had insulted her too. Why was it only him the little devil needed to apologize to?
In a voice riddled with sarcasm the younger girl turned to her cousin and said, "Sorry, niisan, that was very rude of me. I should never have called you a prick to your face."
Damn brat. "That's quite all right, Hanabi-sama. I know how hard it is for you to not do something stupid."
Hanabi's pale eyes flashed, intrigued by the insult and far too used to them to take it to heart. Neji rarely said anything mildly kind, after all.
Deciding that if he stayed around the two girls one second longer his brain just might explode, Neji turned on his heel and started up the stairs, intent on getting to his bedroom to do his homework. He had a 4.0 GPA to maintain after all.
"Uh, n-niisan."
He paused, glaring over his shoulder at the girl who dare cause him delay. "What?"
"I-I was j-j-just w-wondering... th-th-that is... I w-w-wanted t-to know--"
"Just spit it out, Hinata!"
"W-w-w-was there-anything-you-wanted-for-dinner-tonight?"
He blinked. "Why don't you ask your brat sister what she wants?"
"Sh... she p-p-picked last night, n-niisan. It's y-y-your t-turn."
He blinked again. Oh. "That alfredo stuff you make. With the chicken and the broccoli."
She seemed to brighten a bit. "Ah, o-okay. I'll s-s-start it r-right away, niisan."
He gave her a curt nod, continuing his assent of the stairs. He really couldn't stand her... But she was an excellent cook.
Dattebayo!
Itachi wasn't surprised when Sasuke didn't say one word to him on the ride home. His brother rarely talked to him anyway, and he was in a particularly foul mood that evening. Most likely because Itachi had forced him to attend the after school therapy program that he did not want to go to. Unfortunately, he really needed it.
"So, little brother, how was your first day?"
His question was met with only an angry silence.
"Come now, it can't be that bad."
More silence. Angrier, if that was possible. Itachi knew when his brother wasn't going to cooperate, and in this case, it really wasn't worth pushing him about it. Sasuke could pout as much as he wanted, Itachi wasn't going to let him drop out of the program, especially not after one day. In truth, it was the older boy's last hope. He had sent Sasuke to see therapists before, nothing worked. His brother just got angrier the older he got, and most of that anger was directed at him. He wasn't sure what to do. He had been downright ecstatic when the school psychologist contacted him, explaining what the after school program was about. He didn't care if it was technically an untested project, all the tested, proven methods had failed to work when it came to Sasuke, so maybe something different was what the boy needed to...
To just not be so damn angry all the time.
"I need to head back to work for another hour or so. Do you want me to drop you off at home or do you want to come with me?"
The look Sasuke sent him would have had most people running away screaming. Itachi thus took the appropriate road to go back towards their house.
"Make sure you do your homework. It's the cook's night off, so I'll pick up dinner on my way home."
Sasuke's reply was to slam the car door and march up the front stairs without a backwards glance. Itachi sighed. "Fair enough."
He backed out of the driveway and sped off in the direction of downtown. It only took about fifteen minutes to enter the city limits and another five from there to reach his business. Akatsuki Tattoo and Piercing. His baby.
The Uchiha family had once owned a multi-million dollar corporation, known as Sharingan Corp. Their local offices stood proudly as one of the two tallest skyscrapers in the city, matched by only their top rival, Byakuugan Inc. That had been back when his grandfather was alive and running the company. His grandfather passed away shortly before his parents did, leaving the company in the hands of his much younger brother, Madara Uchiha, Itachi and Sasuke's great uncle who was closer to the age of the boys' father than their grandfather.
When their parents died, custody of the two boys had actually gone to Madara, but it really didn't make one bit of difference. Madara let the boys keep their childhood home, staying in his own home himself, and the boys saw him about once every three months or so when he dropped by to make sure they were both still alive and kicking. Anyone who bothered to question the arrangement was quickly deterred with a hefty payoff.
Despite his polite and kind treatment of both boys whenever they met, Itachi knew something wasn't entirely right with Madara. That was one of the reasons he took official custody of his brother the day he turned eighteen, despite Sasuke's near-violent protests. And he was very glad he did when three months later Madara was arrested on a number of charges, all kinds of things like money laundering and tax evasion. And when this happened, Itachi suddenly found himself in charge of Sharingan Corp., which had managed to survive the dirty deeds of his uncle.
To put it simply, Itachi wanted nothing whatsoever to do with the business. He respected his grandfather and everything he had worked to build, but he just was not a businessman. He was an artist, and nothing else could possibly make him happy. So he cut his losses with the business, gave all of his workers from the highest-ranking salesman to the lowest janitor a hefty parting gift, and officially shut down Sharingan Corp. This in turn left him with a copious amount of money, most of which he either invested or put away while he continued art school. He knew he wouldn't have to worry about finances until he was thirty so long as he didn't get stupid.
To say his little brother was upset about him closing down their grandfather's business was a major understatement. The last time Itachi had seen Sasuke that angry, and at him as well, was when their parents had died. Luckily, he had gotten good over the years at ignoring his brother's glares, hateful words, and death threats. He would just smirk and poke him on the forehead. "Sorry, Sasuke. Had to do what I had to do." It was also the same line he had used when their parents had died. It had only served to infuriate the boy more.
Then about a year ago, Itachi and his friend Deidara had a brilliant idea. Both were excellent artists and had determined that being tattoo artists was right for them. The real deal, though, not those half-assed wannabes you could find in half-rate parlors across the country. The problem was that though there were quite a few tattoo parlors spread throughout the city that they could probably get hired at, none of them were good enough for the kind of art the two long-haired boys wanted to make. So why not just open their own place?
Itachi had dug into his monumental funds and bought a place in the downtown commercial district for a hefty sum. Deidara lured his friend Pein, a piercing specialist, away from his current job to come work with them, and between the three of them, Akatsuki was born. Pein's girlfriend Konan, another piercer, came with him, and Itachi and Deidara sought out several more tattoo artists to fill their staff. Because of the quality work they produced along with the clean, businesslike atmosphere they upheld, it only took about six months before they were absolutely raking in the profit. Everyone knew what and where Akatsuki was, and they had single-handedly managed to put two smaller parlors out of business. Itachi felt like a proud father. Even Sasuke, who had at first complained about him wasting their grandfather's money, had shut up rather quickly. He knew a success when he saw it.
Now Itachi spun into the parking lot, straight into his personal reserved space, locking his car securely as he made his way inside. Kakuzu looked up from where he was leaning over a display case, talking with two teenage girls about the difference between a barbell and a ring when first getting some kind of piercing or other, Itachi hadn't heard enough to figure out just what. Just from looking at the two bleach blonds he would wager they wanted a navel piercing. And he was rarely wrong about these things.
"Your five o'clock just got here," Kakuzu informed him as he stripped off his coat. "Room 3."
Itachi nodded his understanding, pointedly ignoring the giggling girls who had turned full attention onto him. It wasn't like he wasn't used to women of all ages constantly trying to flirt their way into his bed. Too bad for them he had absolutely no interest.
Making his way back, he exchanged nods with Sasori, the red head just gathering his things to leave for the day. He could hear Hidan further down the hall talking to a customer in his usual, oh-so-polite manner over the whine of his equipment. And as he peeked into room 2 as he walked past he saw Konan leaning over another customer, apparently doing a tongue piercing. Everything was normal.
Entering room 3, his eyes flickered to the girl there, probably about seventeen, and her mother sitting in a chair next to her. He always found it amusing when middle-aged women in business suits or homely sweaters came in with their underage, teenage children, for piercings or tattoos. Not because he personally found anything wrong with it, just because his mother would never have done that for him. But then, that was mostly because his father would never have allowed it.
"Hello, my name's Itachi Uchiha. I'll be doing your tattoo today. You've filled out all the necessary paperwork already?"
The girl, who had blushed the moment Itachi had entered the room, glanced shyly towards her weary-looking mother, clearly expecting her to answer. "Yes, the man at the front counter did all that."
Itachi nodded. He had asked more as a formality than anything really. Kakuzu would never let anyone take one step into the back rooms without getting everything in order first. He went to work quickly setting up his equipment, pulling out the folder of drawings he had made for his different customers and finding the girl's name. He expected something simple and mundane from the girl's appearance, and he wasn't disappointed. Three stars in a curved line, going from large to small in varying bright colors. Typical. And very girly. Normally simple designs like this were left for people like Hidan or Sasori or even Kisame. Not that they were bad artists, they just weren't as good as Itachi or Deidara. The two ponytailed men normally did all the particularly complex design their parlor was known for. But sometimes even they had to bite the bullet and take care of the mundane, unimaginative teenagers who all wanted a tattoo for their birthday.
He again wasn't surprised when the girl said she wanted it in the usual 'tramp stamp' location of her lower back. He simply nodded, finished getting everything ready, and got the girl in the correct position so he could start his work. Hopefully she wouldn't be one of the ones who cried.
And as he shaded in a pink star while the girl had, of course, tears streaming down her face and her mother looking exasperated, telling her that she should have known it would hurt, he bit back a sigh. He loved his job, he truly did, but occasionally it just plain sucked.
Dattebayo!
"--and it wasn't just teme, there was this really weird kid Sai too. He had this creepy, fake smile and he says he doesn't feel anything. How can you not feel anything? Seriously, there's something wrong with him, Iruka, like really. And then Sakura-chan was there, and she was hanging all over stupid Sasuke-teme and--"
Gaara pressed his forehead against the glass of the car window, watching as they got closer to the apartment he shared with his siblings. He loved Naruto to death, really, but dear God the boy could talk. And he just knew Iruka was thinking the same thing.
"Were you at least behaved, Naruto?" the elementary school teacher demanded, tone light but warning at the same time.
Naruto made a sputtering noise of protest before nodding emphatically. "Of course I was, Iruka, honest! I didn't get in any trouble. You can call and ask Kakashi-sensei if you want!"
Iruka reached over and patted the blond head affectionately. "That's all right, Naruto, I was just checking. I don't really need to call..." He paused, brow furrowing as he shot his young charge an odd look. "Did you just call your teacher by his first name?"
"Uh-huh, we're supposed to. He said it was parta the program. Right, Gaara?"
Gaara pulled his attention from the scenery and fixed bored, teal eyes on the two in front of him. "Right. Gai-sensei."
Iruka looked back at him through the rearview mirror, brown eyes sparkling with mirth. "Gai-sensei? Gai Maito?"
Gaara's frown deepened. "Yes." If he didn't like Iruka so much he would be sorely tempted to punch him right then.
Naruto's chattering immediately picked back up, and a minute later Iruka pulled into the apartment parking lot, giving Gaara a smile and a goodbye.
"Bye, Tanuki-chan!"
Gaara nodded his own farewell, keying in the combination at the front door so the automatic lock would open for him and climbing the stairs to his third floor apartment. There weren't many apartment buildings in the area, most people actually owning houses, but his sister had found one of the few. It was a decently nice place, only five floors high, the apartments ranging from two to four bedroom. They had a three bedroom with a fairly spacious living area, kitchen, and bathroom. Unlike his siblings, it was probably the nicest place Gaara had ever lived.
He tried the door to find it unlocked. Meaning Kankurou was home. And sure enough, there he was, sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table, TV blaring. "Hey, Gaara. How was the shrink thing?"
Gaara decided that didn't warrant an answer.
"Aw, c'mon, it couldn't be that bad."
"Maito-sensei was the teacher in charge of my group."
There was a brief pause as a look of absolute horror slowly crossed his brother's face. "Well that's... that's just horrible."
The redhead said no more, turning and making his way to his bedroom. His own room, where no one told him he wasn't allowed to shut the door or alternatively kept him locked in. Where he could come and go as he pleased and didn't have to share. It was the first time he had ever had that. It was nice.
"Hey, do your homework!" Kankurou yelled after him as he closed the door softly behind him. Like he didn't already know. Like Temari wouldn't skin him alive if his grades dropped too low. She said she didn't want anything below C's. He could do that for her.
So when she got home a little over an hour later, bags in both hands, he was already done with his assignments. He sat quietly curled up in the armchair, paying fleeting attention to whatever it was Kankurou had on the TV, more focused on stroking the purring cat in his lap. His cat. She had been his birthday present last March. When Temari had asked him what he wanted and he told her a kitten, she had gotten all teary-eyed for some reason and hugged him. A week later, the coal black kitten had been presented to him along with litterbox, food dish, and other pet essentials. At the shelter, the cat had been given the temporary name of Cuddles. Gaara then proceeded to name her Sabertooth. In his opinion, she had seemed rather grateful.
Temari took one look at the scene before her and made a face. "Kankurou, get off your lazy ass, and go get the rest of the groceries from the car."
She set the bags down on the table, immediately veering over to Gaara and planting a quick kiss to his forehead, right overtop of his tattoo. "Hey, sweetie."
Gaara flushed red and muttered a soft hello. Temari was always extra affectionate with him, both to make up for lost time and the lack of it he'd had in the past. It wasn't that he didn't like it, it was just that he still wasn't used to it and was never sure exactly how to take it.
"I'm gonna throw a frozen pizza in the oven for dinner. Pepperoni for us, but I got you mushroom. That okay?"
"Yeah." He was touched by the way she always made sure to take into account that he was a vegetarian. None of the homes had ever done that. He either ate what they gave him or starved. When he had moved in with his siblings and they actually cared about what he wanted... it had been a whole new experience for him. One he unfortunately couldn't learn to trust right away. It had taken Naruto to help him with that.
Twenty-five minutes later they were sitting around the table. It wasn't every day they ate together, only Mondays, in fact. Temari was constantly at work or school, there were times when she left just as Gaara was waking up and got home after he had gone to bed. She really didn't need to work so hard, their late father had left them plenty of money, but she insisted on putting as much of that away as humanly possible. She was saving it. For Kankurou and Gaara. For growing up in a rich home, she was really quite frugal.
Regardless, Mondays were the days she was always home for dinner, and she had thus insisted that both her brothers be home as well. She wanted one meal a week where they sat down together as a family. Gaara was pretty sure it was mostly for his benefit, but he had never said anything about it. With everything Temari did for them, both boys could spare her one evening a week.
"So, Gaara, how was the... program?"
Gaara frowned in his sister's direction while Kankurou snickered. "He got put in Maito-sensei's group."
Temari froze, slice of pizza half way to her mouth, eyebrows raised. "The gym teacher? The one you got in trouble with and got me called to the school for?"
Kankurou started cracking up. "Yeah, that one. So tell us, Gaara, how is the power of youth?"
The smaller boy's expression darkened, and Temari sent a swift kick to Kankurou beneath the table. Her eyes said all the boy needed to know. Ease off. Teasing Gaara a little was okay, but there was a very fine line you had to be careful about crossing. The last thing she needed was for Gaara to start giving her a hard time about staying after school for the program. She really thought it could do him some good.
"I'm sure it won't be that bad. The man was a little eccentric, but he seemed like a good guy. He probably just takes some getting used to."
Kankurou half-heartedly agreed, not wanting Temari angry with him, and Gaara chewed his pizza moodily. Just took some getting used to... If he ever really got used to Gai-sensei's utter insanity, he would willingly let them lock him up again. Even he wasn't that crazy.
FantasyChick, UberRandom, remychan123, sasunaru4evar, iscreamdrizzle, diadem-de-amor, miss kaitlin inuzuka, AspergianStoryteller
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