The wrong brother...

Chapter 9 - Feelings

GAARA'S POV

It's obvious she is beyond angry. And you are the reason why. 

And she is absolutely right. You have acted like a jerk. And why?

That's a good question. Why?!

If you kept it cool and did not go on a jealous rampage, she would be here with you, laughing, playing games...Temari would not beat the crap out of you, all would be good. But no, you had to act like a child. Why? What is this girl doing to you?

She is not stopping. That's not good. She's gonna get exhausted. And you don't want that. You cannot allow that. You are responsible for her. She needs to rest. But how to make that happen? She is so stubborn, she will not stop.

As much as you're trying to avoid it, you need to ask Kankurou for help. Maybe you can distract her? And he can shoot sleeping serum through the needle. Would that work? 

Surprisingly, it worked. You did not even have to try hard. So weird. Did she just see it coming and gave up? Or was she truly distracted? Who knows...

Maybe she is so tired and confused it made her less aware. That's not good.

But on the other hand, it is good. It is too easy. 

She is falling down, though. Not good. You quickly use your sand and then move her to your hands without realizing how it may look. 

"All those years, and nothing. Now I choose someone and this happens. Screw you!" You hear Kankurou turning his back to you and sitting down a few meters away, embracing himself in one of his puppets, ready to sleep. It seems like it's your time to guard. And you don't mind.

You don't sleep anyway. And this way you can make sure she is okay and resting well. 

As you are out of sight of Kankurou, you slowly sit down, still holding her. She looks so peaceful. So pretty...

Why is this going through your head? Is Kankurou right? Are all of them right? Kankurou, Shikamaru, Temari...all suggesting one thing and one thing only. 

You have feelings for her.

IKI'S POV

You may be sleeping, but you're not totally unconscious. You are aware of what is happening around you. Sort of...

You are almost lying, but your head is a bit elevated. It's like someone is sitting down and you're sleeping in his arms. But who could that be?

No...he would not. Or would he? That does not sound like him. 

But you can feel a bit of sand around you, keeping you warm. And you can smell him.

What is happening? This is all so confusing. Instinctively, and half unconsciously, you move a bit closer and almost snuggle whoever is hugging you. And he hugs you back. His embrace is so tight. Please, don't let it be Kankurou or one of his puppets.

"Gaara." You quietly murmur, not sure why. You are drifting away. Everything is melting around you. Like a hot chocolate, all over the place. You can feel his embrace, but also you can feel nothingness inviting you in. You are awake feeling everything happening around you, but at the same time, you are drifting away, not sure what is happening around. 

"It's okay. I'll take care of you." You hear somewhere far, far away. Who that voice belongs to?

It sounds like Gaara. But surely, that's your imagination.

Or maybe not.

Are you asleep and dreaming already?

 GAARA'S POV

You can feel her hugging you tightly. If it was anyone else, there would probably be shivers down your spine.

Well, there are. But in a good way. Not a weird, funny way, when you just want to run and escape. 

In a way you like. You feel so comfortable. Why?

You hug her back, making sure she is as safe as possible. Seems like she is sound asleep. That's good. She needs rest. 

As you are slowly caressing her arm with your fingers, you look at her face. It's just a few inches away from yours. Her eyes are closed, you can see her slowly breathing. She is definitely fast asleep. 

You are fully aware of your surroundings, and there is no one nearby. And that's good. She needs a good night rest, not fighting.

It's getting a bit colder and you can definitely see her shivering a bit. As she is in your arms, tightly hugged, while you're sitting down, you don't really want to move and ruin the moment.

Although, last few nights proved you are very good at ruining the moment.

But not anymore...

Slowly, you summon some sand and engulfs her a bit, like a blanket, to keep her warm, while still holding her in your arms. 

If feels so right. Even if it should feel wrong, or distant. You are not used to this emotion. You wanted to experience it for a while now but without any luck. And now? You have the perfect girl and you ruin it. Well, to be honest, your brother has the perfect girl. 

But your brother is there with his puppets, while she is here with you, resting in your arms. 

Maybe not willingly, but that is just a detail. 

Observing the surroundings, Kankurou is busy with the puppets a few meters away. That gives you a bit of privacy. Another look on her face and you can feel your face blushing, your expression softens, and you don't even know why and how, but you plant a soft kiss of her temple. 

Is this how love feels? Is this how caring about someone feels? 

What even is love? Is this it? If it is, you definitely like it.

You slowly place your head on top of her and watch the moon. It's so peaceful everywhere. Finally. The terrors are over, and you can continue freely with your lives. 

Is she in your life too? Hopefully.

You do not even blame Temari for hitting you so many times. In a way, you agree with her. You totally deserved it. 

Will it stay this way when she wakes up? Or will she give you an attitude again? 

You hope for the first one but are more than expecting the second one. And you can't even blame her. 

She does not belong to you. And you have overstepped your boundaries. And you need to apologise.

But first, she must listen. And that seems like an impossible task. 

She may not belong to you, but she definitely belongs in your arms. But how to let her know? Especially after that fiasco that you'd caused?

It does not take you long to realize that you are in deep, deep trouble. 

With your brother, with your sister, with the congress, with the elders, with her, with everyone. 

But you will deal with it later. If she taught and showed you anything, it is that you need to enjoy the moment while it lasts. And you do.