Gaara of the Sand sat pensively atop the tallest building in Suna. He started softly at the moon as a gentle breezed played with his vibrant red hair. A colder breeze grazed his neck sending chills down his spine. For the first time in his life, Gaara felt truly alive. He was finally just a person, no more demon.

Gaara's thoughts flickered to the recent events, his capture, his rescue, his life. Of all the people who tried to save him, the leaf ninja stood out. They led the main rescue after all. Gaara did not underestimate the sand's participation in his rescue. He knew his siblings and the village had tried their best, but they were supposed to. He was their Kazekage after all. The leaf ninja weren't obliged. Gaara pondered this for a few seconds. His thoughts shifted to Naruto.

Naruto was one of two people who made Gaara who he is today. He was so determined to save his friends. His thoughts shifted to Lee. Lee showed him that he was vulnerable. Lee made him feel human.

"The moon is full tonight," A voice said, penetrating Gaara's thoughts.

Gaara turned slightly to see the ninja. A silhouette stood before Gaara. Without his usual outfit and face paint, Kankuro looked completely different. The girls in the village fawned over him when he was like this, which was why he wore face paint and a hat. He smiled offering a hand to his younger brother.

"Gaara, it's late. You should get some sleep." Kankuro said, his voice laced with concern. Gaara accepted his hand and stood up. They began a brisk stroll home in the moonlight.

"Nii-chan," Gaara started, hesitantly, "I wanted to thank you. You almost died trying to save me." Gaara turned to Kankuro. He gently wrapped his arms around his older brother in a loving embrace. Kankuro flinched at first, shocked, but then returned his brother's hug.

"Let's go home." Kankuro said smiling softly.

--Gaara awoke in a hospital bed. Many people stood around his bed. Slowly, he began to recognize him. There was Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi, Gai, Neji, Tenten, and finally, Rock Lee. He looked to his immediate side to see Temari standing him. They all smiled at him. He felt warm inside. One by one, they were forced out by the Hokage. In the end, only Lee was left.

"Thank you," Gaara tried to say but Lee was shuffled out as well. Tears slid down Gaara's face.--

Gaara's eyes flinched to the early morning light. He sat up hazily as he tried to remember his dream. He got up and went into the bathroom. He gazed upon the mirror. His appearance hadn't changed. He still bore the raccoon marks around his eyes. That didn't matter though. He washed up and got dressed.

"The meeting is now officially begun." Kankuro declared to a room of Suna officials.

Gaara rose and began to talk. "I have called you all here to declare that I'm taking a trip to Konoha. I have some unfinished business with some of the ninja there regarding my rescue. Since Temari will be returning there as the ambassador, I shall be accompanied by her. Kankuro shall watch over Suna until I return. I am unsure as to how long this trip shall take. I'm to leave as soon as we are ready."

No one in the room protested. They moved on to meager village things. The meeting lasted another hour before he could escape. He caught Temari and they left the

village.

"So, what's with this trip?" Temari asked as they jumped from tree to tree.

"I need some time to thank those who saved me." Gaara said, emotionless as always.

"Thank?" Temari said, trying to suppress her surprise.

"Yes. I would be dead if not for them. Kankuro would be too." Gaara pointed out. "Besides, now I get to meet your boyfriend." Gaara said, teasingly.

Temari missed the next branch. She was too shocked by her brother's change in personality to pay attention. Sand gently caught her and helped her up. Gaara was laughing inside.

They continued to travel. Eventually they came to a large gate that led into Konoha.