Reborn as Sakura and Hinata: Lost in the Wind

Reestablishing the Family Dynamic

I sat at the kitchen table, drumming my fingers repeatedly on the spot next to my sealing book. Jerry sat across from me, watching me passively.

"I'm surprised you didn't insist on going with him." he noted.

"Well, Sasuke's going to get more than enough of me when he gets back, so I thought it would be better for him to have a quiet walk home." I shrugged, having to reread the last sentence I had just read.

Jerry nodded, "I guess that makes sense. What are you reading?"

"A book of weapon seals." I mumbled, examining one of the diagrams, "The sword I have is really heavy, so I'm looking for seals to reduce the weight of it."

"Hm, that's pretty cool." Jerry leaned forward to peer at the diagram as well.

Our investigation was interrupted by the front door opening. We both jumped up to see Ben walk in carrying a slightly disgruntled Sasuke.

"Did your walk go well?" Jerry asked.

"Yes, it did." Ben answered, setting Sasuke down, "This one though gave me a bit of trouble."

"I can walk." Sasuke grumbled.

"No, you can't." Ben argued, "You couldn't make it three feet from your bed without falling."

"It's just hard to see." Sasuke pouted, voice a quiet mumble, "I can still walk fine."

I gave a sympathetic laugh, "Aw, c'mon, you just need to give it some time and you'll be able to walk places again. Hinata had to wait a long time before she could walk anywhere alone, and even then Neji barely ever let her."

"I'm not Hinata though." he folded his arms over his chest, intensifying his adorably pouty vibe, "I'm fine."

The sound of a door opening upstairs got all of our attention.

"Oh, that's right," I gasped, "While you were in the hospital, my cousin came to live with us!"

"Your cousin?" Sasuke repeated, genuinely confused until recognition dawned on him, "Oh... that's right."

I glanced to the stairwell, seeing Gaara peeking down.

"C'mon down here." I called out to him, "You've shut yourself in for too long."

He glared back at me, a hint of distrust in his gaze.

"I'll drag you down here if I have to." I threatened.

With a deep sigh, Gaara made his way down the stairs. When he reached the kitchen, his eyes widened for a moment when he noticed Sasuke.

"What is he doing here?" he asked, tone low.

"Hey, be nice, this is Sasuke, my adopted brother." I slung an arm around Sasuke who stiffened at the sudden contact. Gaara made a hum in response. I glared expectantly at him, "Are you going to introduce yourself?"

"I'm... Jeremiah," he growled, averting his eyes from us, "Sakura's cousin."

I laughed internally at how Sasuke's brow furrowed in confusion at the name. Gaara shot me a death glare before turning to the fridge and opening it. I released Sasuke to pop up next to Gaara.

"You hungry now?" I teased, "Is that what dragged you from your cave?"

Gaara shot me another glare, making no other response and examining the contents of the fridge with his eyes. I grabbed out a couple of containers and closed the fridge. Gaara stood there a moment before straightening to glare at me again.

"We're going to eat as a family." I declared, "I already have grilled cheese and tomato soup prepared."

To my delight I actually say Sasuke perk up at the mention of my food, "You... didn't' have to do that." he muttered.