Snowy Heart. (Naruto FF)

"Looks like our little Saruko is still alive and kicking."

   The next few days went by peacefully for Saruko, which was a well-accepted change for her. Save for the nightly bloodbath, Saruko's days were filled with lessons and an easy going schedule, for the most part. Gaara, to her surprise, was incredibly serious about learning to care for Kin, which gave Saruko something to do other than train and accept missions. In only a couple of days, the eyebrow-less sand ninja had learned almost everything he would need should he be left alone with the child, along with some hands-on experience. 

   The day of the Chunin Exams rolled around sooner than anyone had expected. Saruko was just walking into the village, bounty in hand, her sword dragging behind her as blood dripped off her hair, skin, weapon, and clothes. Looking at the sky, she sighed and trudged along, not caring about the stares she started to get from the early rising villagers. A gust of sand appeared in front of her, causing a small smile to climb up onto her lips as she looked up, seeing the straight-faced Gaara. "Well, good morning to you too, Sandman."

   "You were out late again." He said, a stern look in his eye as he began to follow her. Saruko rolls her eyes, glancing at the red-head from the side. 

   "I didn't know you became my mother as well as Kin's." A pair of pastel green eyes glared at the careless young teen. There was a soft dusting of pink on his cheeks, nearly invisible in the early morning light. 

   "I am not his mother. If anything, I'm the big brother or the father." Saruko hummed, growing closer from the side as her eyes dazzled with mischief. 

   "You're the father, huh? Would you like to be called 'Daddy' then~?" Gaara's face burned a brighter red than before, causing Saruko to laugh softly. She turned her head to face him as he crossed his arms, looking away. "I'm just kidding, Sandman. Don't get sunburnt, alright?"

   Gaara didn't respond as they walked into the forest, the area new to the sand ninja. Soon, they came across a rather small house in the midst of nowhere. At the door, Saruko stopped and turned towards her newest friend, her only friend. "Would you like to come in? I won't be too long."

   "This is your place?"

   Saruko's face dropped a little. "Well...yes and no. Remember the guardian I have that I hate? It's his place and, essentially, mine as well." Gaara nodded, now following the girl in as she opened the door. "He's almost never home by the time I come back, so don't worry about meeting him. You can wait either on the couch or in my room. Either way, you'll have to hang tight for a while, alright?"

   Silently, Gaara nodded and took a stiff seat on the couch. Saruko headed into her room, dropping off and creating a quick clone to clean her equipment and put away her money. Meanwhile, she took her grey and red ninja outfit and a towel before heading to the bathroom next door. 

   Twenty minutes and much soft humming later, Saruko walked out the bathroom once more, hair tied up in a towel and smelling of caramels and vanilla. Gaara turned and watched as she popped back into her room for a brief few seconds. Afterwards, she found herself running and jumping onto the couch, making Gaara bounce slightly and look at her giggling figure with amusement. He was cold, Saruko had noticed, but he truly cared. Gaara just...didn't know how to display such feelings. 

   "You're very strange. And we're going to be late if you keep goofing around like this, Saruko." Gaara says, causing the half redhead to pout slightly. 

   "Yes, Mom." She almost groaned out, standing and smirking at the boy's hard gaze. "Come on, I'll take us there this time."

   Nodding, Gaara gently took the girl's hand as she used her free hand to make speedy handsigns, the two of them disappearing in a whirlwind of snow. Almost instantly, they found themselves in front of the exam building. With their sudden appearance, the only other sand ninja jumped back in surprise, eyes wide. "He-Hello Gaara and, um, Gaara's...friend?"