friendship

"I'm not giving you coffee."

Xin was all for teenage rebellion but the child in front of her wasn't a teenager. He was twelve, maybe even thirteen but not old enough to order coffee. He still had that sort of baby-fat roundness to his face, the same roundness her nephew still had despite his protests otherwise.

The boy frowned, green eyes narrowed at her. "But I want coffee," he said very simply, as if that was supposed to change her mind. "Why ask what I want if you won't give me what I want?"

"Because I thought you would order something more appropriate for a twelve year old."

"I'm thirteen."

"Same shit," Xin waved him off. "You're too young and I don't need your mother storming into my bakery ready to throw down because her kid is on a caffeine high."

"I don't have a mother."

Xin paused, staring down at the blank-faced boy. "Well. This is awkward," she decided after a tense moment. "But it doesn't change my mind. You can have milk, tea or juice but no coffee. Now, hurry up and order or you'll be late." He made a face at her, clearly unsatisfied with her ironclad will. "Here. How about you try our Mango-Dragon Fruit juice? And some melon bread. Go sit down and I'll call you when it's ready. What's your name?"

He sighed, clearly agitated but relented. He didn't have enough time to find another bakery on the way to school unless he wanted to be late. And it went without saying that he didn't want to be late. "Shinki."

She finally smiled, glad that she won the argument. "Shinki. Nice name, I'll call you when it's ready, it shouldn't be long." She shooed him away and took a couple more orders to help with the morning rush. True to her word, it wasn't long when she called him back up. Still sporting her smile, she nudged the drink and paper bag with her bakery's cartoonish logo printed on the front and back towards him. He paid, handing her the money begrudgingly and snatched up his purchases. Xin's smile remained the entire time. "Have a good day at school, Shinki." She waved with a wink.

Shinki only eyed the woman, still irritated but ultimately decided to brush her off. How was he supposed to have a good day with just—

He peeled the bag open as he left the bakery, discovering the extra melon bread hidden in there.

"There he is again," Moegi announced the minute Xin stepped out from the back. Her hair was twisted into a thick knot and her purple and black polka-dotted apron was streaked with flour. By 'he', she meant Shinki. Despite his very sour disposition and her constant refusal to serve him coffee, Shinki began popping up at Xin's bakery more and more. He stopped by before school and let Xin decide his order and she insistently snuck extra treats into his bag and he showed up after school, usually to do his homework with another treat handpicked by Xin.

Xin hummed at the sight of the thirteen year old, tucked away in the corner of her bakery with his homework spread out. "He's a bit of an odd duck but he's a good kid," she said as she considered what to feed him this time around.

Moegi leaned across the counter, chin braced against her knuckles. "Sure but doesn't he have any friends to hang out with? He's here all the time."

Xin smiled demurely and turned away, intent on making him a drink to go with his afternoon snack. "Making friends can be hard for some kids. We shouldn't judge," she lightly chided her employee, hands working seamlessly to fix his drink. She gathered his snacks along with the drink and quietly made her way back to the young boy.

It was probably a little strange of her to focus so much on Shinki but she had a bleeding heart. Her cousins liked to say that she was rather forceful with her generosity and that she tended to collect strays, humans and animals alike. Shinki most likely didn't have any friends, especially with that rigid attitude of his but maybe she could help him lighten up.

"Afternoon, Shinki," she greeted, plopping down in front of him. He glanced up and muttered a dry greeting, one that didn't deter her in the slightest. She pushed her offerings towards him, a strawberry-lemonade and several vanilla scones this time. "How was school?"

He eyed her with a face of stone, like he did every time. Except for when he was glaring at her. "Shouldn't you be working?" he asked with a slight sneer, hand folding around the plastic cup. She only shrugged an uncaring shoulder. "Won't your boss be mad that you're slacking?"

"My boss?" Xin repeated with a chuckle. "Shinki, honey, I'm the boss. I own this bakery."

Shinki eyed her apprehensively, unsure if he believed her. She hardly seemed old enough to own such a successful bakery. It made sense though, since she constantly snuck him extra treats without making him pay for it and constantly wasted time talking to him.

"So, school. How was it?" Xin pressed, eyeing his uniform. She was positive that her nephew went to the same school.

"Fine," Shinki grunted, trying the drink. It was good, he discovered but that didn't shock him much. He hadn't disliked anything she forced him to try so far.

"Just fine?" she asked with raised eyebrows but Shinki only shot her a glare. "Why don't you bring some of your friends around here? I'm sure they'd enjoy some snacks too."

He cut his eyes at her. "I don't have any friends."

She tapped her lips. "None?"

"I don't need them."

She puckered her lips against her finger. "Everyone needs friends, Shinki."

"You sound like my father." Shinki barely realized what he even said. He felt his cheeks burning in the slightest and became irritated with the older woman. What did it matter to her if he had friends or not?

She rested her cheek against her knuckles, her demeanor casual despite his obvious annoyance. "Well, then, your father is right. Try listening to him. Friends make life so much more fun than it is!"

"I don't care," he intoned blankly. Wasn't it enough that his father was always lecturing him about making friends? Now this strange woman was harping on him about it.

She only hummed. "Well, I'm your friend."

"You're too old to be my friend."

"Wow, your father ought to teach you manners."

"And I don't even know your name."

"Xin. My name is Xin. Let's be friends, yeah? Well, within reason. I am older than you."

"Whatever."

Shinki continued to come around and though Xin insisted that they were indeed friends, she kept some boundaries. She was, after all, in her early thirties and he was just thirteen. She wouldn't blame anyone for thinking it to be weird.

But she really did want to help him make friends. She made small suggestions and advised him to ease up with his frigid attitude. He constantly rebuffed her but he didn't necessarily ignore her advice. That, paired with his father's lectures, had him questioning himself. But still, it was probably too late to even try to make friends. He hated to disappoint his father, especially after all he's done for him but he was positive that making friends would be impossible for him.

Xin begged to differ.

"Have you thought of joining a club?"

"A club?" he repeated, studying the blueberry muffin she dropped down on his math homework. It was comically large.

"Yeah, it'd be a great opportunity to make some friends. I was in a couple of clubs when I was a kid. The cooking club is the reason I figured out I wanted to own a bakery."

"That must've been a long time ago."

"Oi." Xin was hardly amused but she still snorted at the jab. "How about a sports club? Anything you think you might like?"

"No."

She rolled her eyes but wasn't that surprised. "I think you'd be good at archery. Join that club. I'm sure your father would agree with me." She was busy wiping down the table next to him. A chore she didn't necessarily need to do but since she was out on the floor, she could at least do some work.

"You don't even know him." Shinki tapped his pencil against his notebook. Xin had the very odd habit of talking as if she knew his father. He found it strange to even think of her interacting with him. They were so startlingly different that he wasn't even sure if his father would like Xin.

But she only shrugged casually. "No, but I think he'd like it if you joined a club and made some friends. You're only young once and let me tell you, it's really hard to make friends once you're an adult," she prattled on, straightening the chairs almost obsessively. He noticed that she had a particular way about cleaning but he chose to stay quiet about it.

"You have a hard time making friends?" Shinki asked.

Xin smiled as she moved onto the table on his left. "Sure," she chuckled. "I'm not everyone's cup of tea and that's okay because the majority of my friends have been stuck with me since we were kids. One of my friends I met when I was a kid ended up marrying my sister."

"You have a sister?"

"Yep, a twin actually. I have a younger sister too. Do you have siblings?" Xin glanced towards him, noting that he looked thoughtful. He quietly shook his head no. She hummed quietly, no siblings and no mother. No wonder he didn't have any friends, he probably didn't have the social skills. Still, she tried not to assume so much about the kid. "Sometimes you meet friends that you consider siblings."

"Why do you want me to make friends so badly?" Shinki asked gruffly, a little annoyed with the constant talk of making friends. Oddly enough, no matter how rude and gruff he was towards her, she never seemed to mind his attitude. It was just as frustrating with her constant talk of friendships.

She hummed and vigorously wiped the table down. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to friends over talking to your family. To be lonely is a terrible thing, you know."

Shinki's forehead creased. "You're my friend."

Xin leaned over and tapped at his forehead. "I'm thirty-two, Shinki. I can't be your only friend, it's a little strange."

He swatted her hand away. "Strange for you."

"Talk to your dad about joining a club, I'm sure he'd like the idea," she decided to ignore his smart mouth. It wasn't like he was her kid to smack upside the head. "All right, kid, I've got to get back to baking. I'll see you tomorrow!" She skirted away, not bothering to wait around for a goodbye. He never said it back and she quickly learned to just let it go. He clearly missed his social cues but like she said before, he wasn't her kid to reprimand,

"Does Shinki seem different to you?"

Kankuro paused and glanced at his younger brother. It was his turn today to cook dinner and even though he constantly tried to get out of it, Gaara never let him do it. They were going to complain but they were having hamburger steak. Again. It was the only thing he could cook without ruining it. "Nah, I don't think so. Does he seem different to you?"

"I'm just wondering where he hangs out after school now, he never comes straight home anymore," Gaara replied. It wasn't a bad thing but Shinki was a creature of habit and the fact that he was coming home later and later was a bit odd to him.

"Think he finally made some friends?"

Gaara snorted but he was glad Shinki wasn't there because that was just rude. "I doubt it, he still asks me why it's so important to make friends in the first place." Of course he knew Shinki would struggle with trusting other people. Growing up in the system had warped the young boy and Gaara was trying his best to help him undo all of that trauma.

"Maybe a girl's got his attention?"

Gaara leveled his brother with a blank look but said nothing. If Shinki hardly paid any mind to making friends, why on Earth would he bother with a girl and some crush? If he knew his adoptive son, and he did, he probably brutally shot her down. He rubbed his face irritably. "Maybe I should call Temari.."

"Aw, come on. What makes her better than me?"

"She's an actual parent, Kankuro."

"That's a low-blow."

He laughed just as he heard the front door opening. Shinki appeared some moments later, looking thoughtful. "I'm home," he announced simply.

"Welcome home," Gaara and Kankuro echoed together. "How was school, Shinki?" Gaara pressed, eyeing his son carefully. He didn't seem as annoyed as he usually did but he could tell there was something on his mind.

"It was fine." His answer was short and simple, as usual. "Do you think I should join a school club?" he asked after a moment. "What are you cooking for dinner, Uncle? Hamburger steak?"

"I don't want to hear it!"

Gaara laughed again before glancing towards Shinki. "A club? You want to join a club?"

"Yes. Maybe archery?"

"That's a surprise, what gave you that sort of idea? You haven't shown any interest in joining a school club before," Gaara pointed out. Shinki instantly looked away, as if scolded. "I'm not saying no. You can join if you want."

"Clubs are a good way to make friends," Kankuro said from the stovetop, focused on not burning the food. "I was in the robotics club when I was a teenager."

"...Xin suggested I join a club."

Gaara blinked, that was a name he was unfamiliar with. "Xin? Who's that?"

"...My...friend."

Kankuro and Gaara shared a look. "Is this Xin...a girl, by any chance?" Kankuro asked carefully.

"Yes."

Another look, this one full of smug glee but Gaara brushed it off. "You met this Xin girl at school?" Gaara asked, wondering what girl might be able to handle a friendship with Shinki. She had to have an ironclad will to put up with his snarky ways.

"No, I met her at a bakery. Cake's Sake."

"I heard of that bakery, nothing but good things."

"She's very proud of it."

Gaara eyed him carefully, that was an odd thing to say about a girl his age. He continued to stare at Shinki, nearly squinting as Kankuro prattled on about the popular bakery. "Shinki, how old is your friend?" Gaara finally asked.

Shinki stared back at his father, his expression blank as usual. "She's older than me," he answered vaguely. Xin admitted that it was a little strange to consider her as a friend, after all.

Kankuro, still somewhat oblivious as he focused on not burning down their house, snickered boyishly. "Older, eh? You like older women, Shinki? Sounds like your uncle Shikamaru."

"Kankuro," Gaara intoned blankly. Temari didn't find that particular joke funny. "How much older, Shinki?"

"…She may be your age."

Moegi immediately noticed when Shinki didn't turn up for his morning pseudo-breakfast. "Maybe he woke up late?" she suggested, watching as Xin diligently cleaned up her area. It didn't take long since most of the ingredients ended up on her. She wouldn't be surprised if her boss permanently tasted like sugar.

Xin snorted and rolled her shoulders. "Doubt that, something tells me that kid is a total nerd. He wouldn't wake up late."

"Do you think he's okay?" Moegi pressed with a slight frown. She'd gotten used to the little menace hanging around the bakery. His absence was like a disturbance in their daily routine.

The bluenette shrugged a shoulder, eyeing the cookies that were slowly baking. "I'm sure he is. You know how finicky kids are." She was speaking from experience, having to deal with her nieces and nephews on several occasions. She loved them wholeheartedly but..whew…

They went about their day as they usually would with Moegi mostly manning the front while Xin toiled in the back kitchen with the small gaggle of bakers to boss around.

It was around three in the afternoon when Moegi poked her head into the back. Xin was hunched over, carefully putting the last finishing touches to a pure white rosette wedding cake. "God, I hate weddings," she muttered to herself. It wasn't necessarily weddings she hated. It was the motherfuckers who stressed her out for their so-called perfect day.

"Boss?" Moegi sung when Xin took a step back from the cake. Everyone knew not to distract the woman when she was engrossed in her work. "Um, there's someone out here who wants to talk to you."

Xin glanced back at her, a sigh bubbling from her frosting-covered lips. "Fuck's sake," she grumbled irritably. "Oi, Udon, box the wedding cake up and get it out to the delivery van. Don't drop it or I'll drop you."

"It was one time."

Xin waved the bespectacled young man's words off and quickly followed Moegi out into the front of the bakery. She was greeted with their normal afternoon rush, most of them being kids and teenagers just getting out of school. Some adults but they usually came in later with late cravings for sugary treats.

She was surprised to see Shinki, sitting over in the corner at his usual table, looking as sullen as he could. He was sitting with an older man, one with red hair that reminded her of a red velvet cupcake. Maybe she could bake those tomorrow morning..

Moegi elbowed her, disrupting her plans. "Shinki, honey! So glad to see you!" she chimed cheerfully while approaching the table. "I know I said make friends but I meant friends in your age bracket.." she trailed off, eyeing the other man as she came to a pause.

He was fiiiine.

And he was looking at her like she'd grown a second head. He turned back to Shinki with a silent question that Shinki wordlessly nodded to. The man turned back to her, eyeing her critically. "You're Xin?"

"Depends if you're about to ask for my number too," Xin grinned with a flirtatious wink. Shinki immediately began to choke. "Shinki, Jesus Christ," her grin dropped as she leaned over to lightly smack him on the back. "D'you want some water?"

"This is my father, Xin."

Xin blinked several times, eyes squinting as she glanced back and forth between the two. How the fuck did a redhead have a child with brown hair? She tried to think back to middle school and that one class about genetics but maybe her brain was too fried at the moment.

"You two look nothing alike," she finally blurted. Yeah, that was good. She mentally smacked herself and laughed nervously. Thankfully, neither seemed all that offended but they simultaneously folded their arms across their chests, expressions mirroring one anothers. "Wait, never mind. There it is."

Shinki snorted but quickly tried to cover it up, scowling at her instead. She was hardly bothered by it, her smile returning. Gaara rolled his big shoulders, the action not lost on Xin before setting his gaze on her again. "Would you join us?" he asked politely, motioning to the empty seat next to Shinki.

Xin glanced around. The bakery was relatively calm and Moegi seemed just fine up at the front. She hadn't heard any cries of dismay from the back so it was safe to assume the wedding cake had been packed away safely. She could sit for a couple of minutes. She plopped down next to the young boy, wishing she'd brought over some snacks. "Good day at school, Shinki?" she prompted instead.

"It was fine."

"Fine sounds boring. I bet it'd be fun with some friends."

Shinki huffed but had no comeback, eyes closing as if to shut her out. She smiled cheekily and turned towards Gaara. "Sorry, I didn't get your name."

"Gaara."

Now that was an interesting name. "Nice to meet you, Gaara though I'm sure you aren't here for a social visit," she mused, never one to beat around the bush. Shinki's eyes popped open, staring at her for the very rude and blunt statement. It was true but still rude nonetheless.

"Suppose I'm not," Gaara answered simply. "I'm here because I found it strange that my thirteen year old son is friends with a woman my age." There was a certain edge to his tone, one that she picked up on right away.

She placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward, resting her pretty face against her knuckles. "Just what are you implying?" She wasn't necessarily offended, her demeanor still amused and even casual.

"Adults usually aren't friends with children, Xin," he answered, simple and straightforward. Next to her, Shinki tried not to pout. He wasn't a child.

"Oh? So you think I'm a child-predator? Think I'm feeding your kid snacks in order to fatten him up to cook him?" she was grinning, thoroughly amused.

"You might find some amusement in this but I don't," Gaara answered seriously, eyeing her critically. Her grin dropped, replaced with a pout. "My child's safety isn't a joke, Xin."

She liked the way he said her name but that wasn't the point. She tutted. "I can see where he gets his serious nature from," she muttered under her breath. Still, she wasn't offended with Gaara's concerns. It was his right as a parent to worry over his child. "Forgive me, really. I understand where you're coming from but believe me when I say I have no nefarious plans for Shinki or any other child that comes into my bakery."

He was still eyeing her critically. "Honest. I'm just here to make some bomb ass sweets. I absolutely do not want to kidnap your child. I can barely handle my nieces and nephews, what makes you think I want someone else's child?"

"I'm not a child," Shinki interjected.

"You pout like one."

"You don't have any children of your own?" Gaara asked, ignoring the fact that Shinki did, indeed, pout like a child. He glanced at her hand and spotted no ring but that could just be because she made a living with constantly touching ingredients.

"That's a bit personal, no?" she chuckled. "No, no kids for Xin. Does that make me even more suspicious?"

No ring, no children. He found it a little hard to believe that she didn't have a husband and children of her own. She retained a youthful appearance, resembling something younger than thirty and was inarguably attractive. Again, he eyed her bare hand.

"Admittedly, it's a bit strange for someone my age to be friends with Shinki but he can tell you that I've been encouraging him to make friends his own age."

That made him feel a little more at ease. "Yes, he's mentioned your advice to join a school club."

"Has he? I hope you'll let him, clubs are a great way to make friends." Xin turned her smile towards Shinki, chuckling when he scowled back at her. There wasn't any actual animosity behind his frown.

"Boss? We've got two new orders!" Udon called from the kitchen's door.

Xin hummed and waved at him, promising she'd return in a minute. "Back to the lab again," she chimed. "I'm really sorry about the confusion, I truly don't mean any harm to your son. How about some cookies as a peace offering? They were freshly baked this morning."

"That's—"

"She won't take no for an answer," Shinki intoned blankly. He learned that early on.

"Then why ask?" Gaara asked just as blankly, standing up along with Xin. She shrugged innocently and led them towards the front, setting off to pack up the promised cookies.

"Can I get you anything else?" Moegi asked politely as Xin lovingly tucked the cookies away into a medium-sized box.

Gaara eyed the box. "That's far too much."

"Trust us, once you get a taste, it won't be enough!" Xin sang cheerfully. Honestly he didn't have much of a sweet tooth but maybe he could take the box over to Temari's house.

"A coffee, please," he answered, remembering Moegi had asked him for anything else.

Xin paused in her task, turning her smile towards him though it lacked her warmth and cheer. "So you're the culprit."

And to his surprise, Shinki actually laughed.

And yes, he did actually like the cookies and went back for more. Xin happily obliged, sliding both the box of cookies and her number to him. Shinki eventually made friends though it was a grueling process that Xin relentlessly teased him about once she was finally invited over for dinner.

TeeBeMe: cause we all know Xin would annoy the shit out of Shinki for shits and giggles.