Frostbitten Sand (Naruto Fanfic)

Exasperating

"What did you two do this time?"

The look Rasa sent her way definitely said he felt she overstepped, yet at that moment she felt as if she were dealing with Gaara and Kankuro rather than Gaara and a parent. The level of frustration Temari felt from feeling as if she were raising her own parent didn't help, but Rasa continued to glare at her. Gaara pointed his finger at Rasa, expressionless as always before saying, "He didn't do anything. Why would you think father did something?"

"That..." Temari's eyes blinked. She pointed at Gaara's arm, turning her head slightly so she might look towards Baki for clarification. "What happened to Gaara's arm?" She then pointed to Rasa's arm. "What happened to his arm?"

"Gaara tried cooking unsupervised again," Baki stated

"Father was home." Of course, she'd made the mistake of telling Gaara that he wasn't allowed to cook while someone wasn't home, so she wasn't surprised he'd come to the conclusion he'd had. Temari also knew Gaara wanted the family meal, so his response and reaction to her words came as no surprise.

"As I've was wanting to say before your sister showed up Gaara-sama, it doesn't count as being supervised if your father is asleep in his room."

"I see," Gaara said, not at all bothered with what just happened.

Which, she needed to find out what just happened. "Gaara, what did you do wrong?"

"Father said I shouldn't pour the water out towards me."

"In other words, you poured boiling water on yourself," Temari felt her throat tighten. Watching Rasa, the way the man fidgeted wasn't something she'd ever expected, but then... the situation definitely took the man outside of his comfort zone.

"It probably would be worse if father hadn't been here, but it's my fault he got burned."

"Gaara..." Temari's mouth tightened her hands on her hips. "I'm going to go ahead and make dinner, but could you possibly leave the room so I can speak with father?" A rare frown appeared on Gaara's face. "Please."

"I'm thankful—"

"I know, I know. I still need to talk to him, but..." Temari looked at her father, noting the look of discomfort on the man's face. "Gaara, do you remember the conversation we had about how sometimes the things you do or say make people uncomfortable." His facial features faltered, his mouth opening. "I think father has some questions of me regarding what happened, questions he doesn't feel he can ask you."

This again resulted in a glare from Rasa, yet right before, when she noted he had questions, his facial features seemed to twist as if he really did have questions for her. Specifically, Temari didn't understand the reason for the glare, though she did for the one earlier. She glanced over at Baki, who let out a sigh. "Lord Gaara, why don't we get some fresh air up on the roof. I'm sure Lady Temari will let you know when dinner is ready? Keep in mind, there are things your siblings have to work through with your father. This, this is part of the process."

Gaara still seemed disappointed as he followed after Baki. When the two left, Temari opened her mouth, but Rasa spoke first. "Gaara's grown." Her eyes blinked in confusion. "I don't mean just physically."

"Just to clarify something with you, the reason Gaara didn't grow in the manner you're referring to before is your fault."

"Is this your doing?"

"Why do you say that as if it is a bad thing?"

"That..." Rasa looked away, a look of exasperation on his face. "That's not what I meant." His fist clenched. "I do care."