Willow Cleanser

I looked over to the bed and the small figure lying on it. He must have been only three or so, right here. My eyes caught glimpse of my reflection, finally giving me a chance to see myself in this form. It looked unnatural for me, but I felt stronger than I ever was before. My eyes, thankfully, looked a sort of far off dreamy look. And I was skinnier than I thought I'd be. But my hair; it was a shiny blue. As I'd said before it was unnatural for me. My clothing, I didn't care about. Yet the colours seemed peasant-like enough.

I smiled and stepped quietly towards the bed. Surely, there were guards outside of the room. I must have been quiet, for they didn't hear me yet. I stood over the little figure, the top of his cherry red hair sticking up from his blanket. I brushed my hand through it. Just to feel it. And I felt him stir.

Tired eyes peeked up from under his covers, and I admired his painted eyes. "Hello, Gaara." I smiled softly, as to not frighten him.

"Who are you?" a small hand rubbed his eye, and I saw him yawn. He did not seem scared, or worried of his safety. What could you expect from a three year old, though?

"I am only a friend." I answered with a smile.

If anything, the look he gave me was full of curiosity. "How do you know my name if I don't know yours?" the sweet little voice asked. "I mean, what's your name?"

I brushed my hand through his hair again. "My name is Willow. There, now you know my name." my smile grew. Gaara decided I was telling the truth, and gave me a small smile in return. "There you go, honey!"

He giggled softly. "Willow. That's a weird name, isn't it?"

"It's English. You probably wouldn't be able to read it." I explained to him slowly.

"Oh. Well, Willow, why are you here? Nobody is supposed to be here," he swallowed, and his education at his age astonished me.

"You know, you're smart, Gaara. But I'm not here to hurt you, even if I could try. You have a gift, don't you?" I smiled to him, still toying with his hair.

Gaara's smile faded. "That's what people tell me."

"You don't sound sure of yourself. What's the matter, sweetie?" I frowned slightly. So, it's started already, eh?

If only he could be ready for the sorts of pain he is to go through. All the teasing and abandonment he will experience. I only hope to make him strong enough to hold off on his break for a bit.

"My heart tells me it's not good." he pouted, clutching at his chest through his shirt.

I nodded. "It's not good. Not until you learn to control it." Smiling, I patted the top of his head light enough to not seem like an attack to the sand. "Just try to keep a smile on your face. People are going to hate you for your gift, and to have to be strong."

I tried not to give anything away. But I wasn't sure he'd notice anyway.

I leaned down to him, lowering my voice. "And one day, we will meet again, and I will kiss you on the forehead." I smiled to him, fatigue taking over of my body. "But for now, I must rest. You too, Gaara, you must sleep."

So I hugged him.

And after a few seconds, he hugged me back. His little arms wrapped around my chest, barely reaching around his

"Goodnight then, Willow." He whispered tiredly.

I yawned, and stood up. "Goodnight, dear Gaara."