Lily: just a small idea that popped into my head one day. i was really depressed (as usual) and thought this was sweet enough to cheer me up.


Can't You See Them?

Naruto rolled onto his back, staring up at the velvety purple sky. He liked this spot. It was right next to the forest, behind a bend, on the top of a cliff. When Naruto lay on his back, he saw rippling waves of grass, bordered on one side by the mysterious depths of the forest and on the other by the false cheer of the village's lights.

Naruto often came to this spot at night. It was where he came when he needed to think, when the burden of the villager's spite became to heavy. Outside the village, all alone, no one knew him. No one could define him by something that he hadn't wanted to be. Out here, he was Naruto, even though he didn't know all that he might one day be, he knew that, with no one to tell him otherwise, he was merely Naruto. No more, no less. He loved lying there and dreaming so much, that he often woke up there, his clothes, flesh and hair sprinkled with crystalline drops of morning dew.

Gaara of the sand crouched in a tree, watching the reincarnation of the Kyuubi gaze up at the stars. Ever since Gaara had met Naruto, he had wanted to know more about the boy. Another boy like him... he had hardy dared to dream that there might be someone to understand his pain. Understand him so perfectly as this boy might.

Gaara knew more about Naruto than anyone else, maybe even more than Naruto himself. The sand shinobi had immersed himself in learning about the boy, wanting to know what it was like to have even the tiniest speck of love in one's life. Gaara had never had anyone that loved him and the fact that Naruto was a demon and still had companions and allies was an all-consuming mystery for Gaara.

So, Naruto had become Gaara's obsession.

Naruto sighed and chewed on the blade of grass that was in his mouth. There was that weird presence near im again. He had begun to notice it following him, lately. Strangely, he sort of liked having the presence follow him, like a secret that only he knew about, shared with no one, keeping it special. The presence felt much closer than it usually came. Naruto wanted to know what it was. He sat up, and tilted his head toward the presence's direction.

Whoever you are, come out. I know you're there. he said brazenly.

Gaara hid his astonishment. Naruto had known that he was there. Had he always known? Gaara could have easily left and not had to face Naruto, but something was telling Gaara that it was time to step out of the shadows.

Naruto listened. He heard a small thump, followed by quiet footsteps. Naruto closed his eyes, but opened them when he heard another thump. Gaara of the sand was sitting in front of him. Short, fine fiery colored hair, overly large gourd, frosty green eyes with an insomniac's bruised looking rims. Naruto tried not to show his surprise, but he knew that some of it must have crept onto his face.

Gaara reached over to his back and began to undo the straps that held the gourd there. Naruto lay back down, munching on the blade of grass. Gaara scooted backwards and lay down next to Naruto.

What are you doing here? asked the sand shinobi.
I should be asking you that. I didn't think anyone else knew about this spot.
I know a lot more than you think, came the cryptic reply.
So, why are you here? continued Naruto, turning his head to look at Gaara. Gaara continued to gaze seriously into the star spangled sky.
I asked first, he said.
said Naruto, not really caring who answered, I'm looking at the stars.
Why are you doing that?
Haven't you ever looked at the stars?
Of course I have.
Don't you see them? Naruto brought his head up slightly to get a better look at Gaara. Gaara turned his head.
Of course I see them. I'm looking at them, aren't I?
No, I mean really see them.
Well, I don't know what you mean by really see', so I don't know, now do I?
Gee, since your so dumb, I guess I'll have to explain. And I thought you were a smart shinobi!

Gaara grimaced slightly as Naruto stood. Naruto took a deep breath and stared up into the sky. He didn't know why he was going to tell Gaara this, but he was. Maybe the other demon child could understand what he meant.

When I look at the stars I feel... I feel like I know where I am. For one moment, I know where I am in the world, I know that everything will work the way it's supposed to. I look at the millions of stars out there, maybe they have planets circling them, maybe the planets have life on them. So many stars out there, so many possible worlds. The stars make me feel like I'm a part of something important.

Naruto's voice suddenly went from a soft whisper to a shout.

I am Uzumaki Naruto and I am here! I am alive right now! This is me! This is where I am!

Naruto spread his arms wide and tilted his head back, eyes open, staring at the stars. The small pinpricks of light reflected in Naruto's summer sky eyes. Gaara stood up, he too tilted his head back and looked at the stars. Millions. Tiny lights, shivering and dancing in the summer breeze. The whole sky was like a giant upturned bowl, the sky by the edges tinted a lighter, but no less vibrant, blue. Even in the paler sky, the stars were still visible. Naruto began to turn in circles on the spot, his arms outstretched, eyes still open. Gaara glanced at him.

What are you doing? he asked.
Spinning. If I spin fast enough, the stars blur together. They make one big star!
Naruto laughed and closed his eyes in joy.
Can't you see them? Can't you see the stars?!
Naruto continued laughing as he spun in an uncertain path across the lush grass. Gaara let his head fall back, his insomniac eyes gently shut.
Yes, Naruto. I can see them. I can see the stars.
A small smile traced his lips.