Legacy of A Flower: Naruto (remake)

Chapter Forty Six: Older Brother

It had been two weeks since my friendly interaction with Gaara. I had awoken to him gone, a blanket thrown over me. Afterwards, I picked myself up. The pieces that were coming loose were now secured in their place. I went outside and did what he said. Trust Basil and those around him. He'd be safe and in the case that someone did try to hurt him, I would be quick to come to his rescue. Because he had me and I had him.

Sleep had also been much more peaceful. I dreamt of many things. Sweet, pretty things. Like older memories with Team Seven. Training with Reed. Conversing with Gaara. Sometimes I'd end up in a corner of my mind talking to Isobu. We talked of everything and anything.

"How are you feeling today?" I'd ask him. He told me I was a strange human for checking up on his mental well being. I just wanted to be a decent human, much more than the ones he has come in contact.

"I am fine, child," would be his answer. He was always fine. He was very fickle too. I didn't always get a response from him. There were times when he was too shy, quiet. Other times he was happy, talkative. I understood, humanity hasn't been so fair to him.

Today he asked, "Do you miss him? The Shukaku Boy."

"Gaara," I corrected.  "A little."

"Atleast he makes you happy," he hummed.

Isobu had sense my newly found peace. That I was getting back to my old self. I had let go of my anxiousness and it seemed as though nothing could ruin that. What could ruin something that felt this good?

"Lily!" A voice yelled in my ear, waking me from my slumber. My elbow knocked into their throat. I opened my eyes to see my blonde friend in the ground wheezing. "I'm sorry!"

"Shit, Blondie. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry," I got up from my chair, helping the boy out. Then I realized that it was Naruto! I threw my arms around his shoulders, "Wait, you're back!"

He laughed, hugging back, "yeah, it was awesome, believe it!"'When we pulled apart, there was a blonde woman standing at the door way. She was insanely beautiful. "Oh, that's Granny Tsunade. She may look young, but don't be fool, it's a Genjutsu."

"Will you stop telling people that, you idiot!" Lady Tsunde scowled. Sheesh, she's scary. She was basically glaring swords our way.

"I'm sure you're equally beautiful with or without it," I praised sheepishly.

"Really, what a lovely girl!" she smiled warmly. "Who might you be?" My eye twitched at her sudden change of mood.

"This is Lily," Naruto answered for me throwing an arm around me. "She's one of the people I told you about. And that's her brother Basil."

"You can heal him, right?" I said through hopeful eyes.

She looked at me, almost in admiration, "Of course." I broke out into a smile and followed her to the bed as she stood over Basil. She placed her hand over his head, "You're Yoshida from the main branch, aren't you? Yet you take care of him so tenderly."

I nodded, "yeah we get that a lot from others, but he's my brother. I love him and I'd do anything for him."

"It looks like he'd say the same about you," she replied as her hand glowed green. "I don't expect any less from the children of Haruka."

"You knew her?" I was curious and excited.

"She was a very generous and strong-willed woman," she said. I grinned and at the same time Basil's body jolted upwards with a gasp.

"Lily?" he breathed. I chuckled softly, squeezing him tightly into a hug. "Jeez, I'm alive, but not for long if you suffocate me..." He tried to untangle me from him, but failed. When that happened be gave up and looked to the woman who marveled over us.

"Thank you," I extended to her, turning my head to see her, still not letting go of the tired boy. He sighed, but smiled as I pressed my forehead at the top of his head.

"Thank you..." he trailed off.

"Lady Tsunade," she said. He was astounded by the famous name, but gave her a curt nod. "You too, Blondie. Couldn't ask for a better friend." He grinned at me like a chesire cat.

When the two left, I parted from Basil and scolded, "Are you fucking insane? I appreciate you protecting me, but you can't just go after two S-Rank scumbags." I had been waiting weeks to tell him off.

"You weren't there," he retaliated. "You didnt hear them talking about yo u like you were some damn package they were to collect."

"You could have died," I argued, standing up.

"Better me than you," he rasped weakly. "I
was gone for so long. I made you bare the brunt of my hate. I owe it to you."

I placed my hands on both of his shoulders, "you don't owe me anything. I need you, losing you would be the same as being dead. I rather be dead."

"Don't say that," he shook his head disapprovingly.

"It's true,"  I insisted.

"Lily," he suspired, this time he pulled me close to him. I rested my chin on his shoulder. "You've always protected me when we were kids. Let me be an older brother, please."

I didn't answer because I couldn't promise him anything. Rather then talking, I leaned against the headboard of the bed and sat next to him. It was selfish, but I prefered he were the one to be in danger. That way I could become between him and the certain peril. I wanted to be his sheild, take the full force of every attack sent his way. If only I had been born first, I could use the same excuse of being the older sibling.

"Just don't scare me like that again," I muttered, running my fingers through my hair.

"I'll try not to," he whispered, laying down. "I'm here now..."

Our moment of soundless comfort was short-lived for I felt a disturbance in the roof. Two chakras I memorized like the streets of Konoha. I got on my
feet, clenching my teeth, "I'm gonna kill them."