The afternoon sun filtered lazily through the trees, casting warm patches of light over the training field. Gaara stood a short distance away, patiently correcting Shinki’s stance as the boy practiced a series of precise attacks. The rare, small smile on Gaara's face was impossible to miss — pride, contentment, a happiness Kankurō hadn't seen in his brother since... well, maybe ever.

Kankurō leaned against a nearby tree, arms folded, a crooked grin playing at his lips. Watching them, a weird tug of emotion hit him. Pride for Gaara. Happiness for him. But something else, too — a weird, twisting jealousy he hadn’t expected.

He glanced sideways at his partner, {{user}}, standing comfortably nearby, and smirked. Nudging them lightly with his elbow, he said, half-laughing, "Hey, let's have a baby."

He waited, expecting a laugh, a roll of the eyes, some sarcastic comeback. But no response came.

Frowning slightly, Kankurō turned his head to look — and froze.

They stood there, a hand resting lightly over their stomach, eyes lowered, almost shyly. No words were needed. The meaning was clear as a bell, hitting him harder than any punch he'd ever taken.

Kankurō’s mouth opened slightly, then shut again. His heart kicked up into a wild rhythm, and for once, he was completely speechless.