Well, this chapter is up right now purely for my brother. His birthday is tomorrow, and he asked for a new chapter to be posted! How nice of him, huh? I just want to say Happy Birthday Jake, I love you so much! My brother, by the way, is the one who reads over each chapter before I post it. Buuut, I not letting him read this one first. I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 31, Reassuring.

Later that night I lay in bed with Gaara, staring out his window. He had fallen asleep a half hour ago. I am glad he is allowed to rest. I sat up and looked down at him. He is so beautiful.

I ran my hand down his thick chest, tracing all of the lines of scars he has received over the years. My pinkie grazed the burst scar, and it felt cooler than the rest of his skin. I looked away. My mind traveled to Anne. She died so oddly. Was she a trap? Was I supposed to be able to get to my daughter? Why did they kill Anne like that? What did she mean by distraction?

I slid out of bed and took the top blanket with me, wrapping it around my naked body. Anne mentioned a trap before she started bleeding. Nothing had happened when Gaara brought Jessica out of that room. Or had it? Could something have happened that none of us could see? Jessica. Tsunade said we were not allowed to see her because Tsunade is doing some tests. Did they do something to my baby?

No. No, there is no possible way. We got Jessica back because we fought hard for her. There is nothing wrong with my baby. I sat in one of the chairs near the window and closed my eyes. I sent my mind out to hers, gently brushing against her mind to see if she was awake.

Mom? Was her answer.

I smiled in relief. Yes, Jess, it's me. Are you alright?

There was a pause, how much does she know to be able to talk through her mind? I'm okay. Where's daddy?

Sleeping. Don't worry, he is safe. You will be able to see him when the sun rises.

I felt her sigh of relief. Always has been, and always will be, Daddy's little girl. Then I felt her thoughts take a different turn, towards something more emotional for her. I tried to follow them, but the distance between us is to much for me to be able to do that.

Can I ask you something? She asked.

I sent a feeling to her to let her know she could.

It took her a moment. And I thought it was because she was trying to concentrate, but when she asked the question, I knew why it took her so long. Did you leave because I hurt you?

The question threw me off. My automatic reaction was to say "no!" but, could I say that? I loved her, even when she beat me so much I could barely move. My pregnancy was hell because of her. But no, I didn't leave because of her. And even when she made me burn my hands right before I left. Does she really think it is all her fault?

No, it's not your fault. And I meant it. Jessica, you were a baby. You never meant to hurt me, I know you didn't. What I did back then, well, it was stupid. I shouldn't have done half of what I did. I don't know why I left, I had no control over it. But it definitely was not because you hurt me. I love you, Jessica Taraka Sabaku, and I always will. You are my daughter.

I could feel she wanted to believe me, but she really didn't. How can I convince her?

You know, people back on my planet thought I was crazy, I told her. They all said I was lying about this place. I tried to tell everyone about it. But they all thought I was crazy. My parents made me see a therapist for five years. Eventually I realized it was best to go along with what they were saying. That it was all a dream. People used to follow me around with camera's and take pictures of anything weird I did and would make a big story about it and say how crazy I am. But I never, not once, believed it truly was a dream. Do you know why?

I felt her curiosity. Why?

Because of my love for my children. The love I've always felt for you and your brother has always been to strong for me to pass off as something my mind made up. And then I found out I still had my powers. And my scars I got while fighting along side your father were still on my body. I knew all of this was real. And I knew I would see you again one day.

Why did you hide then? She asked me. I felt a little bit of anger twisting her thoughts. Why did you hide from us when you came back? Do you even know how much we've missed you? How much Daddy missed you? Daddy was so torn up about all of it. He was really sad when you were gone. He's changed now that you are back. He is happier. Why did you hide?

I looked over at Gaara. He rolled over in his sleep so his back was facing me. I hid because I knew there were people here who you hurt the ones I love if they knew I returned. By hiding my face, I was able to still see you and your brother, be around you. If my face was not hidden, Tsunade would have kept me under lock and key. Because I am such a big target. Jessica, the power I wield is a powerful thing. And people want it. It would have been much worse if I had not hid.

I saw a brief picture of me in my mask on her thoughts. Yukio and I felt something, you know. We knew something had happened, we just didn't know what. That day we saw you in Daddy's office... we knew you were someone special. We could tell right off. Daddy said it was because you were under Tsunade-sama's protection, and that was the only reason you felt special. Did he know who you were then?

No, I said back. He did not. He didn't find out until much later.

I felt the relaxing of Jessica's mind. She is tired. Momma, am I special like you? Is that why they took me?

Yes, I sighed and put my hand on my face. You have the same powers I do, which means you could be a very, very dangerous opponent when you are older. They took you, I think, so they could tell you all of the bad lies about me so you would want to hurt me and hurt the village. Jessica, if you truly wanted to, you could take down this whole village by yourself.

I could feel her amazement. Can you destroy a whole village by yourself, Momma?

Yes, I could, and will, if someone stands between me and my child again. I looked towards Gaara as he rolled in his sleep again, now facing me. Is he dreaming? It is not something I would do because I can do it, Jessica. But if I truly had to, I would.

She hesitated again. Are you and Daddy going to go kill all of the bad guys today?

Yes, I said without hesitation. We will end this war so you and the other children can grow up in a safer world. We kill only for the future's protection. Do you understand?

Yes, She said. Daddy taught us never to kill unless our lives, or someone else were in danger. You never waste a life.

That is a very good thing for you to learn and to lead your life by.

I felt her mind and concentration starting to slip. She is tired and is starting to fall asleep. Momma, can I ask you one last thing?

I smiled. Yes, sweetheart. One last thing, then you need to go to sleep.

Do you love Daddy?

My smile grew. I stared at Gaara, and he stared back. He sat up and got off the bed, walking over to me. Yes, Jessica. I love Gaara very much. Go to sleep.

I love you, Momma.

I love you, too, baby girl.

Gaara's hands lifted me and he drew me close to his body, kissing me deeply.

– –

When the sun finally came up Gaara and I dressed and headed out to see our daughter. Temari said she would bring Yukio and Ryuu over later that morning. We entered the hospital and made our way to the room they said she would be in. When I opened the door Tsunade was asleep in the chair next to her bed, and Jessica was still sleeping in the bed. I quietly walked over to her and ran my hand lightly over her hair.

The bruise on her face has been healed drastically, now it is only a slight shade on her face. Gaara's hand lightly touched my lower back as he stood next to me. Jessica's eyes slowly fluttered open and she stared at me for a long moment before her eyes widened and she sat up with a gasp.

"Momma! DADDY!" She screamed the last part and flung herself out of bed at him. Gaara laughed, a real true laugh, as he caught her and held her tightly. "I missed you so much, Daddy!"

"I missed you, too, Jess." He kissed her cheek and smiled at her. "I am glad you are home."

Tsunade cleared her throat as she stood up, wiping away a few wrinkles on her pants. "Back in bed, Jessica." She went to the door and left.

Gaara put Jessica back on the bed, where she climbed under the blankets and pulled them up to her chin. "Can you stay with me?" she asked, looking at both of us.

I smiled and put my knee on the bed. "Move over." She did and I laid down next to her, wrapping her in my arms and holding her tightly. Gaara went around to the other side and put his arm around the both of us as he laid down. I smiled at him over her head.

"I love you," Jessica said as she yawned.

"I love you, too," Gaara and I said at the same time. I smiled and closed my eyes.

Gaara's lips brushed mine lightly.

It wasn't long before Temari brought the other two in. Yukio came running into the room and jumped up on the bed, accidentally knocking me off. He was yelling how much he missed his sister and how much he loves her. I glared at him until he realized what he had done.

"Uh oh..."

"You'd better run," Ryuu said.

I jumped up on the bed before Yukio could run and pinned him down, tickling him. Jessica screamed as she got caught in the middle of it, and kept screaming when I started tickling her. Gaara promptly removed himself from the bed before he was forced to endure a tickling. When we were all out of breath I laid in the bed with my babies and put my arms around them both.

"I love you, two, you know that?" I said, kissing both of them on the forehead.

"We love you, too," they both said. I laughed. It's so odd hearing them say it together.

"Ryuu!" Jessica sat up and waved him over. "Come on, come lay with us! You're our brother too!"

He looked to me. He still blames me for his mothers death, because it was me, I don't blame him. I would be mad and hate me, too. But I moved over a little, and waved him closer. I even stood up and gave him my spot. He ran over with a smile and jumped on the bed, smiling as he covered up with his brother and sister and they all pretended to sleep.

Gaara's arm slid across my shoulders and I looked up at him. "They are so cute."

He nodded. Does this mean he is finally going to accept Ryuu as his son? It will make everything so much easier if he does. That boy needs a father. And Gaara can teach him the right way. They are so much alike in so many ways. Temari came over and tugged on my arm.

"We need you at the Kage tower," she whispered. "If you both want to go, I can keep an eye on these three." I nodded.

I walked over to the bed and leaned over to kiss all three of their heads. "Momma and Daddy need to go meet with Tsunade-sama, okay? Be good for Aunt Temari."

All three smiled up at me. "Bye, Momma!" Jessica giggled and hugged Yukio.

Gaara and I arrived to the office just as Kakashi was coming out. He gave us a nod, but wouldn't raise his eyes to us. He leaned against the wall opposite the door, bending one knee. His orange book appeared in his hand, but it was obvious he wasn't really reading it. He was holding the book upside down. I walked up to him and flipped the book around, then hugged him.

"Everything will be okay, Kakashi. I will make sure of it, okay?" I looked up into his single eye and gave him the best reassuring smile I could. "Everything will be okay."

He grabbed my arm just as I was turning. He met my gaze. "She's pregnant," he whispered.

Oh no... I reached up and touched the side of his face. "Everything will be okay," I said strongly. And it will be.

Gaara took my hand and we walked into the office. Sakura was sitting on the couch, one hand to her face. Naruto stood behind Tsunade's desk, his arms crossed and his back to us. Hinata had a steady hand on his back, looking sadly at the floor. Tsunade was looking at me. Shikamaru sat on the other side of the couch of Sakura, with Ino between them. Kiba stood against the wall next to the door, and Akamaru sits next to him. Choji stands next to Akamaru. Tenten, Neji, Lee, Shino, stood in various places around the room. I looked at each of them in turn.

Tsunade opened her mouth to speak, but there was a gust of wind as a window opened, and Jiraiya jumped in, smiling as big as Naruto usually does. "You weren't going to start this meeting without me, were you?"

I smiled and walked over to him, throwing my arms around him and hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Jiraiya-sama. Thank you for bringing me back."

He hugged me back and then pulled me away at arms length, smiling down at me. "You are welcome, Kira. But this better not be a goodbye we are doing."

I shook my head. "Nope. This is a hello." He winked at me.

Tsunade cleared her throat and sat back in her chair. "We need to figure out what we are going to do, Jiraiya. We need a plan."

He looked towards her. "Our plan is to finish this war. A simple plan."

She rolled her eyes and sighed loudly. "Yes. Good plan. But now we need a plan for our plan."

"Our plan, for our plan," I said, "is to go in, kill those bastards, and get out." I turned and looked everyone in the eye. When my eyes landed on Gaara, I knew what we were going to do. "They know I am here. They will be waiting for me." I turned back to Tsunade. "Let me go first, alone. I can kill as many as possible, and hide the approach of everyone else. I can cover their tracks, and keep them hidden as they approach, then I can join their ranks."

I waited for Gaara to disagree and want to go with me, but instead he stepped up to my side and said: "I agree with her plan. That would give us the best advantage."

Tsunade nodded, looking back and forth between us. "Naruto, how do you feel about this?"

He finally turned around and looked at me hard. "I think we all have children and we all need to think about them." His eyes left mine and he looked over at his wife, brushing his hand against her cheek. "I agree with her plan," he said softly.

Tsunade nodded again, then her eyes glanced around the room. "Does anyone have any objections?"

The room was deathly silent. Then Kiba stood up straight and put his hand on Akamaru's head. "Kira, take Akamaru. He will be able to smell danger long before you see it. And he can help keep you safe. Please take him with you. It will make all of us feel better for making you go alone."

Akamaru walked over to me and put his nose in my hand. I scratched behind his ear. "I would love to have you to keep me company, Akamaru." He woofed and licked my hand.

"Its settled then." Tsunade took out a paper and pen and handed them to Naruto. "I want you and the others to write out a battle plan. Kira, you and I need to talk. Come with me." I ran my hand down Gaara's arm as I went around him towards the door. Kakashi still stood in the hall.

Tsunade led me up to the roof.

"You do understand what this means, correct?" She folded her arms and looked at me hard, a little worry in the lines on her forehead.

I smiled at her. "Yes, Tsunade. I know what this means. And I am ready for it."

I saw her swallow and she shook her head, her eyes moving past me. "Why are you willing to die so easily? You shouldn't give up when you have a dream."

I looked down at the floor between us. "And what would that dream be, Tsunade-sama?" I asked in a whisper.

"To watch your children grow. To be with the one you love until you are old."

I let out a light chuckle. "Yes, that would all be fantastic. But it isn't my dream." She looked at me with a frown. "My dream, Tsunade-sama, is for my children to grow up safe in a village that they will have to protect someday. I want them to live normally. Tsunade-sama, if I do this now, if I can end this war, my dream will be accomplished. My children and Gaara will be safe. Do you see why I am doing this now? I'm not giving up my dream to die. I am dying for my dream. I know I will not make it back. But, Tsunade-sama, I do wish all that you said. I wish it so much that it hurts." I paused to take a deep breath, fingering my arm band. "But my babies lives are more important than some silly wish of mine."

Once again, happy birthday big brother! Hope everyone enjoyed :)