Don't Let Me Down (Mafia! Sasuke x OC x Mafia! Gaara)

Part 24: Invited

(Noriko's pov)

'You'll see it sooner or later Nori. They like you more than a friend' Temari's daunting words kept running through my head. They were bothering me immensely. 'What the hell Tem-chan'I cursed.  I shook my head as I concentrated on walking on the cement sidewalk.

But alas, I found myself again chasing aroung the thought. 

'She's out of her mind there's no way those two like me. There's just no way' I told myself.

I soon entered the pastries shop and was welcomed back by Miss Mei and Tori. Miss Mei told me to only work at the cash register and not to push myself. I kept insisting that I could help around shop but she just said 'no'.

I sighed reluctantly before allowing myself to end up settling for the register.

I was inattentively reading a fantasy book. Hinata had insisted I read it when i was at her house laying it around. I was a bit stunned that she was into these mroethen fantasies. And although I was never a reader, I had to admit this book was good. The closer I got to the end the longer I wished it could be.

 As I got to a certain part in the last chapter, I was snapped out of my reading trance when something was settled onto the counter. I looked up and was shocked to see Gaara. When he realized it was me his eyes widen also.

"Noriko..."

"Gaara" we said simultaneously.

"W-What're you doing here? I thought you were sick" I asked confusingly still a bit surprised. "Yea I was, but I've just been able to walk again. Do you work here?" he asked with amusement. I nodded as I began to check out his stuff.

"Wow, how coincidental." He muttered sounding a bit amused. "Yea" I agreed as I handed him his pastries. "So where you headed?" I smiled as I leaned on the counter and placed my chin on my palm.

"My father and brother just got home so I'm buying some dessert," he said not sounding happy when he mentioned his 'Father'. I raised an eyebrow at his expression.

"Well you don't sound too excited." I stated with a raised eyebrow, while he just looked down. "Hey what's wrong?" I asked concerned. "My father and I don't exactly see...eye to eye," he revealed and I instantly understood.

I smiled optimistically. "Hey it can't be that bad. Just think about the good desserts you'll be able to eat afterwards!" I joked encouragingly and only got a small smile in return.

"Thanks Nori." He muttered thankfully. I chuckled, "Just doing my job as a friend" I said giving him a peace sign. He stared at me for a few minutes before talking, "When do you get off."

"Um in a few minutes why?" I asked puzzled. "I want you to come over for dinner." He said suddenly. My eyes widen slightly. "H-Hoi I was trying to encourage you but it doesn't mean you have to drag me along!" I protested.

He then pouted a bit and asked again. "No way! What if he doesn't like me?!" I asked him uncertainly as I began to nervously shiver.

"Then just think about the great desserts you'll get to eat afterwards" he shrugged, using my words against me. My eyebrow twitched a bit as I gave him a dead panned look. "Hahah use my words, you sly little bloody bastard," I said venomously.

He just chuckled then asked me again. I gave him an unsure look and he gave me a hopeful one. I sighed as my resolve broke. "Fine!" I said defeated and he smirked.

"You sneaky brat" I mumbled as I took off my apron and bandana. When I got back in my normal outfit we got into his car and headed to his house. I asked him a few questions about his father.

Apparently, he lives in their family mansion back in Suna, is the head of the family company, he's a bit strict and comes off unfriendly, Kankuro is next in line for the company and stayed with him which is why he missed lots of school, and he's not too fond of Gaara.

"So why doesn't he like you?" I asked as I faced him.

He sighed as his fists tightened a little bit on the wheel. "My mother died giving birth to me" he said strongly. "Oh...I'm sorry" I apologized. "There's no need to" he replied assuringly.

"But that's not the only reason. Rumor is that she slept with another man before giving birth to me and the rumors were said to be proven true since I don't look like anything like either of my parents" he said.

"Well that's stupid. It could be genes passed down from your grandparents or something. That doesn't really prove anything," I debated.

"Well it was enough to make my father believe it and him to hate me" he said distant as he turned into a road. I stared at him with a slight frown. "We're here," he announced and I turned my attention to the front.

"Nice house" I smiled admiringly as I looked up at the simple 2-storied house. He parked the car next to two other cars.

"I expected some big fancy mansion with a pool in the back" I said jokingly as I took off my seatbelt.

"Well only my siblings and I live here so there's no need for a huge house. Besides having a normal home makes us feel like we're still humans and not some trophies for society," he said as he took off his seatbelt and turned to me with a small smile.

I smiled back before getting out of the car with him and we walked into the house, I took in deep breaths as I felt my hands get a bit sweaty. 'This isn't a good idea...' I thought doubtfully. I calmed down slightly when Gaara put his hand on my shoulder.

"You're fine. I'm here," he said reassuringly as he grabbed my hand and led me into the kitchen.