Hello everyone! :D

I'm here for the second chapter of this collection... in which two of my favorite characters (not to mention my OTP) are protagonists, well not really, it's more one of them :P

Warnings: set immediately after the 'Rescue Sasuke' arc; could be considered pre-slash or simple friendship/companionship.

Enjoy!

Ja ne,
Temari 88 :)


500 Views Into the Naruto World

14. Unguarded touch. (Gaara - Naruto)

It was while we were staying in Konoha after the (failed) mission to rescue Uchiha Sasuke.

It was while I still had Shukaku inside me. It was in a plain hospital room—I had been so very hesitant in entering the room: I was afraid of seeing him in such a vulnerable state... it seemed unfair, wrong, for him to be there. I was also worried (although it was a new emotion for me, as were all the others) for him, he couldn't defend himself and I had found myself strangely protective of him, not wanting any more harm come at him and that had been a great part of what had brought me in front of his door.

Yet I couldn't help but wonder, was it okay for me to be there? Was it okay for me to go in? Was it okay for me to see him in his moment of weakness? Would he be angry if he knew I saw him lying there, defeated?...No! Not defeated, I argued with myself, that urge to defend him even in my own mind, even if the rational part on me was aware of the fact that, whatever the circumstances, the result was that Naruto had lost.

I got irritated at myself, wanting to shut out the offensive - if correct - voice but unable to do so and without realizing I grabbed the handle, opening the pale-green sliding door and stepping inside while closing it behind me. A frown settled on my brows, as I stared at his still figure, and a pained grimace twisted my mouth; I took some steps closer to the bed, until I halted right beside it. My eyes couldn't leave his bandage-covered face where blond eyebrows were drawn together atop closed eyelids... my hand lifted and as it neared the tanned skin, the sand that always kept me from really feeling anything fell away on its own... the warmth seeping through my fingertips a sweet reminder of the fierce determination dwelling inside his heart and I felt relieved: he couldn't be defeated as long as he belived he could win.

—Touching him with my very skin made a surge of determination rise inside me too.