Quake
Chapter Five
-Inauguration-
"Naruto-kun…why are there feathers all over the bed?" Hinata asked, sitting up in their bed and looking around.
"Hm? Hinata-chan...what are you…? Oh my God!" Naruto yelled, sitting up. There were feathers all over the place and on the floor. Then the blonde looked down at his pillows, and noticed they were flat. He looked over at his wife, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Hehe, sorry Hinata-chan, I guess I must have moved around a lot last night." He said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.
She smiled at her husband. "Its fine, we can always buy some more. You were probably just nervous about today." She said, turning to get out of bed. Suddenly strong arms were around her and she was pulled against a warm chest.
"You know, after today you'll be a Hokage's wife. Do you think you can handle it?" he asked huskily in her ear, smirking when he saw the red tint to her cheeks. After being married for so long she was still so shy and innocent, and it made him love her even more.
"Well, I've done a pretty good job of handling a Hokage-to-be, so I should be fine." She said, voice trembling.
He laid her down and propped himself so that he was hovering over her, a devilish smile on his face. "Oh really now? Because I can be quite a handful. I guess you'll just have to show me how well you can handle me huh?" he asked, leaning closer to her red face.
"Um...N-Naruto-kun…Minako will hear…" she stuttered, trying in vain to distract him. She really didn't want her daughter to walk in on them doing other things.
He nuzzled her neck affectionately. "No she won't. She stayed up late with the other kids. I'll bet she sleeps in for another hour at least." He said, trailing kisses down the column of her throat, causing his wife to gasp.
Just as he was about to continue, the door to the room was thrown open, causing him to roll off his wife and see who the intruder was.
"Mommy! Daddy! What are you two lazies doing in bed? Daddy has a big day ahead of him, and we don't want to be late." Their daughter said, climbing up on the bed with her parents. She sat herself in her dad's lap and looked down at her mother.
"Mommy are you sick? Your face is a bit red." Minako asked, placing a hand on her mother's forehead, concern on her features.
"No, I'm fine sweetie. It's just a bit hot in here." Hinata said, sitting up and giving Naruto a pointed look.
He gave her a devilish smile. Knowing what the look he was giving her meant, she got out of bed and plucked Minako out of her father's lap. "Come on sweetie. You and mommy need to bathe and make ourselves pretty. Daddy can take care of himself in order to get ready." She said, walking out of the room, Minako running ahead of her.
"Aw, that's so mean Hinata-chan! I wasn't done playing with you!" he yelled, crossing his arms in a pout.
Hinata turned around, a light blush on her cheeks. "That can wait for tonight Naruto-kun. I promise." She said, closing the doors behind her.
"God I love that woman." Naruto said, flopping back onto the bed. He actually was a bit nervous. Would he make a good Hokage? What if he messed up?
He shook his head. He had been waiting his whole life for this, there was no way he was going to mess up. And he had all his friends here with him. Keeping those thoughts in mind, he got out of bed and made his way to the shower. Today was going to be a long day.
"Now presenting, Uzumaki Naruto, candidate chosen to become the Rokudaime Hokage!" Kakashi announced into the microphone.
Naruto walked out onto the balcony of the Hokage Tower, and smiled down to the crowd. He was finally going to Hokage. The ceremony was taking place in front of the tower, and the whole village was there. All the shops had been closed for the day, giving everyone enough time to get ready. There was a lavish red carpet on the balcony, and flowers were decorating the banister.
Gaara and his family lined his right side, while Sasuke and Akito, Tsunade, Kakashi, and his family lined his left side. Tsunade walked up to him then, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"As your Fifth Hokage, I am proud to hand over the Will of Fire to Uzumaki Naruto. He more than deserves it. My years as Hokage were long, and some of the most interesting of my life. But I am ready to retire, so that I may go back to gambling and drinking sake." She said with humor.
The crowd laughed, everyone afraid to say anything that might insult the Sannin. Tsunade waved a hand, silencing the crowd so she could continue. "So today, I, Lady Tsunade the Slug Sannin and Godaime Hokage, pass on the role of Hokage to Uzumaki Naruto. May his reign as Hokage be as interesting, if not more so than mine. And that some annoying brat bothers him constantly the entire time he rules." She said with a chuckle.
Gaara walked up then, and placed his hand on Naruto's other shoulder, as Tsunade went back beside Kakashi. "And I, Sabaku no Gaara, Godaime Kazekage of Suna, officially recognize Uzumaki Naruto as Rokudaime Hokage, and look forward to continuing our alliance." He said, looking out at the crowd. All the villagers cheered then, throwing flowers in the air. The redhead looked at his friend and smiled, "I know you'll do a great job Naruto…I believe you'll be a great Hokage."
"Aw, thanks buddy. It means a lot." The blonde said, wrapping his arm around the redhead's shoulder and pulling him closer in a sideways embrace. Despite the fact that he was uncomfortable, Gaara returned the gesture. "Now!" Naruto shouted, making the redhead twitch from his slight loss of hearing. "I would like to say something! I would like to thank one of my best friends here…Gaara, for inspiring me to become Hokage. I had already dreamt of this day, but Gaara boosted my confidence in the matter."
The Kazekage looked over, a bit honored. But then Naruto continued on, "I mean, it was because of Gaara that I learned…that even the lowest…most hated…tortured abomination…has a shot at being a Kage." Gaara's light mood plummeted. His icy glare focused on the blonde, who was now holding onto his death wish.
Sakura was wide eyed now, along with everyone on the balcony besides Kakashi and Sasuke. Please hold it in Gaara, Sakura thought. Maybe it won't be a repeat of the wedding, she hoped in vain.
"If it wasn't for this guy here, I wouldn't have learned that even the villagers that hated and ridiculed me as a poor, lonely child could one day learn to love me. And don't think I don't know who you are." Naruto said, pointing down at the crowd.
Straightening, he smiled once again, releasing his friend. "But fear not Leaf Village, I will not go off and do something stupid like Gaara did. I am fully aware of the dangers of the Akatsuki, and will not let some crazy person kill me. Because really, who lets a criminal kill them? At least the Third sacrificed himself. Who cares if Gaara used the remainder of his chakra to protect the village? Yeah, it was cool, but then he had to go and ruin the moment by dying. Sure, he came back, and that's great. But still, I will not psych you guys out by dying and then coming back, that's just lame." He said, missing the fact that he was now receiving a death glare from Gaara.
That was it. Gaara lurched forward, ready to strangle the blonde from his fury. Strong arms looped through the redhead's, keeping him in place despite his fighting attempts. "Gaara calm down. It's Naruto, what did you expect?" the dark Uchiha said simply, really glad the man was so enraged that he wasn't thinking of using his sand.
"Let me at him Uchiha!"
"Just breathe. You can push him off the balcony later." Sasuke suggested. When Gaara finally calmed down, the dark haired man released him hesitantly. When he didn't make another move for Naruto, Sasuke went back to his son's side. The twins were glaring at the new Hokage now, no one messed with their daddy. Uncle Naruto would pay.
The oblivious blonde continued. "I would also like to thank my beautiful wife, Hinata-chan, and my adorable daughter Minako, for always believing in me." He said, looking back and smiling at his family. He turned back to the crowd. "Well, that's the end of my speech! I guess that means I'm officially the new Hokage!" he announced, stepping up onto the rail and waving his arms in the air.
They all applauded loudly. Finally, as it began to die down, the villagers filed out back into the streets and to their homes to prepare for the night's festivities and parties for the celebration. Still standing on the railing, Naruto yelled loudly, waving his arms madly at his villagers. Gaara came beside him, giving him a sideways glance. "Congratulations Naruto," he nodded, moving away from him then. When he passed by the blondes' back, he gave him a hard shove, sending the new Hokage right over the edge.
The whole balcony went silent and wide eyed as the Kazekage left the perch with his smiling twin daughters, obviously proud of their father. The silence was broken by a dark laugh. They all turned to Sasuke who simply said, "Nice."
Tsunade walked up and looked over. "Hm." She said, then turned to the group and smiled, rubbing her hands together. "Ok, let's go to the party and get some sake." She said, beginning to walk away. Kakashi followed wordlessly.
Sasuke began to walk away, still smirking. "Come Akito." He said, making his way to the door.
The boy followed wordlessly, ignoring the cries of Minako, who had gotten on her tippy toes to look over the railing at her unconscious father. Sakura placed her hand on her son's back and began to lead him away. Hinata walked up to her daughter and picked her up. "Come Minako, your father will be fine."
"Oh I know mommy, I was just making sure that daddy wasn't bleeding. Come on! We still have to get pretty for the party!" she exclaimed, running after Toshiro. Hinata merely shook her head. She wouldn't want her family any other way.
"Eh, eh, eh!" Sakura shrieked, running after her children and stopping them before they could go into the ballroom. "Freeze, we need to make sure you're all looking flawless." She knelt down before them. She was wearing a black, halter top floor length dress, with a large slit up the right side, stopping at the top of her thigh. Her hair was up in a distinguished bun, silver earrings dangling from her ears. "Come here Toshiro, your tie is crooked." His mother said tightening his red tie and brushing off his tux. "There you go sweetie," she pushed him aside and looked at her daughters. "Satomi what did you do to your hair?" she gave the girl a small glare, taking the fallen clip and pinning up the right side of her hair. She straightened the girl's dress, which was identical to Natsumi's, only hers was red. The dress they wore cut straight across their tops coming back like a halter and tying around their necks. The top was tight but it flowed freely after the waist, short in the front and cascading longer at the back. Both had ballet shoes on, matching their dresses, ribbons lacing up to their knees "Beautiful." She smiled, kissing both their cheeks and straightening up.
Gaara was staring at her oddly, "What?" she demanded, draping her arm around his. "My babies will look perfect." She said simply, giving her crisp, clean husband a kiss on the cheek. Finally they were allowed to go in, joining the evening event. It was a ball for only the nobles and elders and important political figures in Konoha.
"Akito-kun look! Shiro-kun and everyone are here!" Minako squealed, shaking his arm excitedly. He looked over at the door, forest green eyes zeroing in on Natsumi. His attention was turned back to his best friend, who was messing with her dress. It was sky blue in color, and made of silk, that was tight across the top, and flowed loosely at the bottom, making her look like a pixie. It cut straight across the front, with a darker blue ribbon tying across her midsection and ending with a bow in the back. It had two thick straps that were the same color as the ribbon. "Do I look okay Akito-kun?" she asked, bringing her hands to her short locks, which were curled into little ringlets.
He looked into her worried eyes and smirked. Grabbing her hands and bringing them away from her hair. "You look fine Minako." He sighed. Why did girls care so much about their appearance?
Suddenly the doors burst open, and Naruto walked in, wearing a smooth black tuxedo with an orange bowtie. "Don't worry!" the blonde yelled, voice full of sarcasm. "I'm okay! Not that you guys care or anything!" he said, walking into the room.
He went straight for his wife, who was looking elegant in a lavender dress that matched her eyes. It hung loosely around her torso, with a large strap coming across her front and tying on her right shoulder, the rest of the dress flowing freely to the floor. Her hair was done in an elegant twist, loose strands cascading around her face and down her back.
When he reached her, he grabbed her, pulling her to him in a fierce kiss. He pulled away and smiled into her blushing face. "I'll punish you later." He whispered huskily. Then he turned and began to talk to Sasuke.
Sakura rolled her eyes at him. So like Naruto. She and Gaara made their way towards the group, their children following. Akito adjusted his navy blue bowtie nervously. He walked up to Natsumi and held his hand out to her. "You wanna dance?" he asked, an unsure look in his eyes. This was what guys were supposed to do at theses fancy things right? He wasn't sure, because he'd never been to one before.
Natsumi looked at his hand, her eyes a bit wide. Her face began to heat up, exposing her embarrassment. She looked up at her father, who happened to be staring them down. Without waiting for his approval, she placed her hand in Akito's and smiled at him. "Yes!"
Toshiro watched them both, arching a brow. That was weird. Why did Akito ask his lame little sister to dance? He looked over at Minako, seeing her for the first time that evening. "Wow!" he gasped, walking up to the girl and smiling at her. "Minako you look so pretty, I mean not that you don't always look pretty," he blushed, rubbing the back of his head. He hoped he hadn't offended her. He was so much like Sakura, very self-conscious about is words and actions.
Her face turned crimson at his compliment. "Thank you Shiro-kun. You look very handsome as well." She said, wringing her hands behind her back nervously.
Sakura began to shake Gaara's arm excitedly, looking down at the two kids. In attempt to silence his woman, Gaara took Sakura's hand and led her out to the center floor, pressing her body against his and slowly beginning to dance with her. "Just be quiet my love," he smiled, lowering his lips beneath her ear and kissing her softly.
Watching his father, he grabbed Minako's hand and pulled her with him to the dance floor. He looked over at his father and mother, trying to mimic their pose. He pressed Minako against his front and smiled down at her, trying to pick up the steps. Considering whom his parents were, he picked up extremely fast. Seeing his parent's actions, he leaned down as well and whispered into the young girl's ear, "Hi Minako."
"H-hi Shiro-kun." She stuttered, mimicking his movements.
On another part of the dance floor, Akito twirled Natsumi around in circles, mimicking what he had read that princes did when dancing with their princess'. Not wanting her to become dizzy too quickly, he dipped her and brought his face close to hers, giving her a genuine smile. "You look really nice." He said softly.
Her blush intensified, she could feel his breath on her face and she was becoming extremely nervous. She had never been like this with anyone and it kind of scared her. Her grip on him tightened, as if she were afraid he would let go and all this would vanish. She could feel her head becoming lighter and the room began to spin. She wasn't dizzy, but she didn't understand what was happening. "I need air," she whispered softly. Her clasp tightened even more, "Can you take me out on the balcony?"
He stood up, bringing her with him, concern in his eyes. "Of course." He said, he looped his arm with hers, feeling fancy as he did so. Leading her out onto the balcony, he turned to her. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked, worriedly.
She looked ill now, her face pale. "Something's wrong," she whispered falling into his chest. Instantly he wrapped his arms around her.
"Natsumi?" he said, his worry growing with every second. "Do you want me to get your mom?" he asked, not really knowing what to do.
"No!" she screamed, going wide eyed then and quickly apologizing. "I…I didn't mean to yell." She told him sincerely. "Just please…don't leave." She leaned her forehead on his chest then and tried to breathe evenly. "I'm sorry," she said again. "Sometimes I just get these…well my mom calls them premonition feelings, but that's crazy, right?" she looked up at him, trying to laugh.
He looked down at her, completely serious. "No, I don't think it's crazy. It could really help you out when you get older." Then he brought his hand up and felt her forehead. "Your face is a little warm. Are you sure you don't want me to get you some water or something? What does your mom do when you have these…uh…premonitions?" he asked, wanting to do anything to help her.
She stared up at him and hesitantly spoke, "Well, she lets me sit in her lap and lay against her. Then she runs her fingers through my hair until I feel better." She went an even darker shade of red, imagining the young Uchiha doing this action.
His eyes widened at this. It sounded so…girly. But, if it would make her feel better, he would do it. "Okay." He said. Before she could speak he sat down, putting his back against the railing of the balcony. He looked up into her startled eyes, and opened his arms, beckoning for her to join him.
She stared at him in shock. She shouldn't, but she wanted to. Slowly, she sat in his lap, placing her legs over his and pressing her cheek flat against his chest. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, suddenly relaxing once his fingertips caressed her head.
Two sets of eyes peered through the glass door, Toshiro blinked and pulled away then. "What are they doing?" he asked the dark haired girl beside him.
"I don't know. Akito-kun has never done anything like that for me." She said, brow scrunched in confusion. Akito was her best friend. So why was he doing that for someone he had just met, when she had known him her whole life? Then she realized it. She was jealous of her new friend. Part of her felt ashamed of the feeling, but another part of her knew that it was justified. He was hers first after all.
Natsumi snuggled comfortably closer to Akito. His touch was so nervous, but tender and caring. This was odd, she had only met him a few days ago, yet she felt secure with him. Boldly she took his free hand and pressed it against her cheek. He began to stroke her cheek as well, thinking that maybe she needed more comfort. It was odd, he had never done anything like this before, but he felt peaceful.
Minako's eyes narrowed angrily. Not only was she upset that this was happening, she was upset because she had never felt such anger before, and that only made her angrier. With a huff she turned away from the window and began to walk away.
Toshiro blinked and looked at the scene once more. He couldn't help the drop in his stomach. He wasn't really comfortable with Akito touching his sister in such a way, but he also didn't like Minako's reaction. He followed her to make sure she was alright, tapping her shoulder he blinked. "Minako. What's wrong?"
"It's nothing Shiro-kun." She said, looking away in shame. She felt like a horrible person for thinking mean things about her friends.
"Are you sure?" he walked around her, getting a good look at her face. She still seemed sad. But before he could add anything else Gaara walked up, looking around.
"Toshiro, where's Natsumi? I can't find her and she's not with Satomi." He said, noting the depressed girl.
Minako instantly perked up. She looked up at the taller redhead and smiled. "Gaara-sama, I saw Natsumi-chan on the balcony sitting in Akito-kun's lap."
Gaara went wide eyed, his left eye twitching slightly. "What?" before they could answer he was gone. Toshiro blinked and stared at Minako,
"Why did you tell him that? He's going to kill Akito!" he gave the dark haired girl a small glare and hurried after his father to see what would happen.
The Kazekage threw the doors to the balcony open, startling the two innocent kids. "What in the world do you think you're doing?!" he yelled, his glare focused on the small Uchiha.
He dropped his hands, dark green eyes wide. "I was just trying to make her feel better!" he said honestly, not understanding why he was in trouble. His eyes got wider when he saw that his father had joined the Kazekage in the doorway.
"What's going on?" Sasuke asked, staring at the children.
"I don't know." Gaara said darkly, his anger surprisingly not shifting from the younger man. Now he had an ally, another father. "Natsumi. Get over here now." He pointed to the ground beside him.
The pink haired girl gripped more tightly onto the younger Uchiha, rebelling silently against her father. The feeling was coming back and she didn't want to start freaking out in front of Akito's dad.
Sensing her distress, Akito brought his hand up and began to rub her back comfortingly. "It's okay Natsumi, I'm here." He said, ignoring the glare being sent his way.
Sasuke just watched the scene, confused. His son never did anything nice for others. Well, he did, but only small things, and usually only for Minako. It appeared that this girl was important to his son, for whatever reason. So he decided to remain in order to ensure that the temperamental redhead next to him didn't kill his only child.
Natsumi buried her face in Akito's chest, already starting to hyperventilate. This situation wasn't helping the awful feeling that washed over her once more. Gaara took a step forward, ready to get this boy's hands off his precious little girl.
Sakura appeared then. Seeing the scene before her, she was glad that Toshiro had come and gotten her. She walked so that she was next to her husband. "What's going on?" she asked, noticing then her daughter's condition.
"What do you mean, 'What's going on?' can't you see what's going on? That boy is getting too friendly with our daughter." He glared at his intervening wife, ready to get his daughter once more.
She rolled her eyes at him. "Gaara, they're just children. Can't you see that he's comforting our daughter in her time of need? You know what? Go back inside and talk to Naruto or something, I'll handle things here." She said, pointing back inside the ballroom.
He opened his mouth to object, but Sakura pointed off into the ballroom. "Go!" she ordered. With a final glare he left, glancing back every now and then until he disappeared into the crowd. Sasuke left with the redhead, not concerned now that Sakura was there to handle everything.
By now Natsumi was silently crying into Akito's shirt, she felt so stupid. This whole scene was her fault, her and her stupid presentiment feelings. "I'm sorry," she whispered so only he could hear.
"It's okay." He said, pulling her closer and stroking her head. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, still concerned.
She stayed close, nodding. "Yeah a little. I didn't mean to…I'm sorry. I feel so silly now…and weak," she glanced down then. She was weak. She couldn't even control her own body from reacting to her mind.
"Don't be sorry. Whenever you need me to make you feel better Natsumi, I'll be there for you." He said, trying to reassure her.
She stared up at him, her eyes watering once more. "Really?" she asked, taking his hand. She felt something on his wrist and looked down. Hiding under his white dress shirt was the bracelet she had made him. She gasped and smiled brightly, holding his wrist lovingly. "You're still wearing it!"
He couldn't suppress the light blush that dusted his cheeks. "Well, you made it for me to wear, so why wouldn't I?" he asked.
She laughed as well, "I know but…I guess I didn't really think you'd wear it…at least not all the time." It was her turn now to blush.
He smiled at her. "I will wear it if it makes you smile."
"As long as you wear it, I'll be able to smile." she promised sweetly.
"Deal." He said, still smiling. He looked up then, and saw that Natsumi's mom had left them alone. He looked back down at her. "Are you ready to go back inside? Or do you want to stay out here longer?" he asked, not caring either way.
"I think we'll cause less panic if we go inside." She said, moving to get up and feeling Akito's hands reassuringly on her side and back.
Minako watched from her hiding spot next to the window, tears in her eyes. She was a horrible person. Her plan didn't even work, and now she was sure Toshiro was mad at her. She couldn't forget the glare he had sent her way a few minutes before. She had never felt so bad in her entire seven years.
Not wanting to get caught by her friends, she crawled underneath the refreshments table and sat down, wrapping her arms around her legs. She didn't mean to make so many people upset, she was only trying to get them apart. Nothing she ever did was right, everything she tried to do ended in disaster. She sniffled, trying to stay quiet so that nobody would discover her hiding place.
Entering the room, Akito looked around. "Where's Minako?" he asked, not seeing his friend anywhere.
Natsumi glanced around, searching for her friend as well. "I dunno, let's split up and find her." She suggested and walked off, peeking around crowds of people.
Akito began to walk around. After a few seconds he figured that she was hiding. She had a penchant for finding places to hide where nobody would be likely to find her. He walked over to the refreshment table and paused. Hearing a soft sniffle, he picked up the tablecloth and peered inside. Finding his friend, he crawled under the table and sat next to her.
"Minako? What's wrong?" he asked, worried because she was crying. "Why are you crying?"
She sniffed, red-rimmed eyes looking over at her best friend. "Akito-kun am I a horrible person?" she asked, eyes beginning to water.
His brow scrunched in confusion. "No, I think you're a great person. You're nice to everyone, and never do anything mean." He said honestly.
This only caused her to begin crying again. How could he think such nice things of her when she had done something so terrible? Not knowing what to do, he scooted closer to her. He placed a hand on her shoulder and began to pat it, trying to comfort her.
A familiar redheaded Kazekage went over to the table, needing a drink to try and calm his nerves. He had stupidly thought coming to Konoha for this was a good idea. Why on earth did he ever think that? He grabbed a cup, filling it with some of the punch. He stopped then, hearing something from beneath the table. Curiously, he kneeled down and lifted the cloth, seeing the duo. Irritation flashed across his face, "Oh what Akito? Now you're off with Minako?"
Before anything more could be said Gaara was yanked away from the table by the back of his collar. He turned to see who would dare do such a thing, when he was met with the angry emerald eyes of his wife. "Gaara, knock it off! Could you not see that poor little Minako was crying? God, you're so insensitive!" she said angrily.
"He's under a table Sakura! How is that not suspicious?!" he growled, being pulled away then.
"Because they're children! How many times do I have to say that?" she asked, becoming exasperated with her husband. He was so irrational when he was being overprotective.
Hearing the arguing going on, Minako continued to cry. Trying to get her to stop, Akito wrapped his arm around her and began to rub her other shoulder. She turned her head in response, crying into his shoulder.
The attention that Gaara had now drawn to the table attracted the searching Natsumi. She went over to the table, wondering what had caused her father such distress. The noises she started to hear were coming from below so inquisitively she lifted the table cloth and peered beneath. The scene made her go wide eyed and drop the fabric, but not before Akito saw her.
She could feel the tears swelling in her eyes and before she saw any more she ran off quickly, her sand beginning to react with her chaotic emotions. Both Gaara and Toshiro pushed through the crowd just in time to see Natsumi disappear from the room in a sudden gust.
Akito wanted to call out to her, for reasons unknown to him. But Minako needed him right now, and as her best friend it was his duty to make sure that she was alright. By now Naruto and Hinata had come over to the table, wondering what was going on. He looked underneath and saw his distressed daughter with Akito.
"Akito, what's going on?" he asked, wondering why his little girl was so upset.
"I don't know sir, she just started crying, and I can't seem to make her feel better." The boy replied honestly.
Naruto crawled under the table, telling the boy he could leave. Taking his daughter in his arms, he began to stroke her curls. "Now sweetie, why don't you tell daddy what's wrong." He said, wanting to help her.
She began to hiccup she was so upset. She told him about what had happened with Akito and Natsumi, leaving out that she was jealous. "And now everyone is upset and it's all my fault! Even Shiro-kun is mad at me!" she exclaimed, burying her face in her father's suit in shame.
Naruto's eyes were considerably wide by now. Why did girls have to have so many emotions? Not that he was much better, since he tended to get a bit emotional himself. "Honey, it's not your fault, and I don't think Toshiro is mad at you. The whole thing was just a misunderstanding. I bet by the morning things will be better." He said, rubbing her back.
Watery eyes so much like his own looked up at him then, full of hope. "Really?" she asked.
"Really. Now come on. It's been a long day and you need to get to bed." He said, beginning to crawl out from underneath the table.
"Yes daddy." She said, not arguing with him for once. After all that crying, she was tired.
Akito looked around the room, unable to find Natsumi, Toshiro, or the Kazekage. Before he could look any more, his father was before him. "Come Akito, it's time to leave."
He wanted to argue with his father, but knew that it would be pointless. And he would only be punished for talking back to him. "Yes father." He said, following Sasuke out of the room.
Gaara knocked lightly on the door to his daughter's room. "Natsumi please come out…come tell daddy what's wrong."
"I don't wanna!" was the only reply the crying girl gave. Toshiro sighed, making his father look down. He simply shrugged, not knowing what to do in this type of situation. Natsumi lay on her bed, unchanged, and sobbing. She was so miserably upset. She had thought she was special to Akito, how he comforted her, but he was comforting Minako just like he had her. Well…not exactly, but still. She faced the wall, letting her tears hit her pillow. It escaped her as to why Minako had been crying and she didn't understand why she was angry that Akito had been like that with her. She pulled her pillow closer, hugging it tightly, trying in vain to picture it as Akito.
The front door opened then and Sakura and Satomi walked in, "Where have you been? Where's Natsumi?" Sakura asked, looking at her two men.
"Something's wrong with her and she won't tell me," Gaara pointed towards the door, letting out a defeated sigh. Natsumi's sand was preventing either him or Toshiro from appearing inside.
Sakura rolled her eyes and pushed her husband aside, sometimes only a mother could have the right touch. "Natsumi? Sweetie," Sakura called, giving the door a light knock. "Its mommy, baby what's wrong?"
Instantly the door flew open and Natsumi wrapped her arms tightly around her mother's legs. "Mommy!" she cried out. The medic picked her daughter up and held her tightly.
"It's okay baby, mommy's here." She cooed, walking back into the room with Satomi following silently. The door shut behind the girls, leaving both Gaara and Toshiro astounded.
"Well that was weird," the younger redhead said. "Usually Natsumi wants you dad." He laughed, taking this moment to leave and go to bed.
Gaara sighed and decided to let Sakura handle this. He went to their room and started readying for bed.
Sakura sat on the bed, cradling Natsumi in her arms. Satomi just ignored them and began to get ready for bed. Running her fingers through her daughter's hair, Sakura began to make comforting noises, trying to get her daughter to settle down.
"Now tell me sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked tenderly.
She sniffed, trying to get her voice steady. "W-well me and Akito were looking for Minako because she was missing and when I saw you and daddy looking under the table I went over there." She explained, leaning closer to her mother. "And Akito was with Minako and I'm upset about it, but I don't know why. I like Minako, but it made me mad that Akito was with her."
Sakura smiled a sad smile. Perhaps her daughter's crush was a bit more serious then she had thought. She began to rock back and forth, pulling out all the tricks to calm her daughter down. "Well, sweetie, Akito was probably just trying to make Minako feel better, just like he was doing for you. You have to remember that Akito and Minako have grown up together and are probably really close. So you'll just have to get used to sharing him." She said, knowing that this wasn't what her daughter would want to hear, but it needed to be explained.
"But I don't want to share him!" Natsumi practically yelled. "Why does Minako get attention from both Toshiro and Akito! That's not fair! She can't like Toshiro and then like Akito too!"
"Natsumi if you're so upset about it than why don't you just tell Minako?" Satomi said simply, crawling into her bed since she was now in her pajamas.
"Baby, you don't know if Minako likes Akito or not. Her relationship with him could be like mine and Uncle Naruto's. We are so close that he is like a brother to me. And since Minako doesn't have any siblings to play with or get attention from, Akito is the one she goes to. You are lucky that you have Satomi and Toshiro here with you. And eventually a little baby brother." she said, brushing the hair out of her daughter's eyes.
"I dunno mom," Satomi said, "Minako was the one who told dad about Akito and Natsumi. Maybe she does like him and she was just jealous?" she shrugged and snuggled into her sheets. "Good night." she yawned and turned her back to the two.
Sakura sighed. She shouldn't have to deal with boy drama until the girls were at least twelve. And even then she could wait. "Whatever the case, you have to think of poor Akito. He has to be feeling really confused. Trust me, he's an Uchiha. They don't do very well with girls and emotions." She said, thinking back on all those times with Sasuke.
"Whatever," Natsumi grumbled, crawling from her mother's arms and changing quickly into her pajamas, "Boys are stupid." She said, getting back onto her bed and hugging her mother. "Good night mommy."
Sakura smiled and picked her daughter up, tucking her in then and kissing her forehead. "Good night my little ones." She said sweetly, kissing Satomi's forehead next. "Don't worry Natsumi," Sakura smiled as she headed for the door. "You're just worrying too much." And with that Sakura left the twins, flipping off the light, and shutting their door behind her. Satomi turned over in her bed so she could see her sister.
"You know Minako likes Akito." Satomi whispered.
"I know. And Toshiro," she huffed.
"Yeah I know. Well, why don't you just get Toshiro to be the one she can cry on. Then you don't have to share Akito with anyone."
Natsumi smiled at the thought. That was perfect! Genius! It couldn't possibly go wrong. "You're right Satomi. Well goodnight," the younger twin smiled and snuggled into her bed.
"Night." the other yawned, and the two fell asleep.