Naruto's
The Kinjutsu
By Little Japanime Girl
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and it's characters.
A/N: Hi all! I have changed quite a bit of details here. Please re-read if this is not your first time around.
I've come out of my comfort to comfort you.
Eight days had passed since Sasuke's 'ceremony' and neither Sakura nor Naruto were seen in the streets of Konoha. Other than that, things remained normal for the rest of its inhabitants. The afternoon sun permeated Tsunade's window and warmed her back as she sat hunched over at her desk.
Tsunade sensed a visitor and looked up from her stack of paperwork in shock; before her stood the Kazekage and with no escort, much less even a notice of his arrival. He had stopped wearing his sand-filled gourd many years ago and it was no secret so the older woman was curious to find that he carried something on his back today. Whatever it was was smaller than his old gourd and it's leather strap draped over one shoulder, across his torso, and tucked back in at the side of his waist.
"Kazekage?"
His impassive face did not change except for the very minute plead in his eyes, "Gaara. If you please, Hokage."
Tsunade smirked and stood up, "You're too soft, kid. You know we have to keep appearances for others."
Gaara would have chuckled if he felt comfortable enough to do so, but he opted for a small smirk.
"It is just your assistant, Tsunade."
Gaara noted the sake-induced blush on her nose when she giggled and sat back down, motioning him to sit as well with her hand. He looked at Shizune with slight discomfort on his features and she kindly took the hint for privacy. With embarrassment she stacked Tsunade's sake bottles on a small tray and quietly left the office shutting the door upon her exit. After watching Shizune leave, Gaara sat down and cleared his throat.
"So, what brings you here with no escorts and no notice?"
Gaara calmly replied, "I received word of what... has transpired recently."
"Oh, the Uchiha extinction."
Gaara cleared his throat and she looked away in guilt. After a moment, Gaara spoke softly, "I came to send you... my condolences. And I have come to offer my sympathies to Naruto and Ms. Haruno for their loss."
Tsunade looked at him suspiciously out of the corner of her eye. He just stared at her, wondering what her suspicions might be. Tsunade turned her chair to the side and crossed her arms as she stared at the shelf on the side wall. On that shelf, unbeknownst to any other soul than her own, were two very well hidden sealed documents containing death certificates among other much more higher classified parchments for the two young men she just recently discovered where far more misunderstood than anyone would ever know.
"Gaara, as much as I liked the kid, his death was something out of consequence. At least he got his revenge. So my loss... isn't that great. And I understand Naruto but... Sakura?"
Gaara shifted in his seat and felt his ears heat a little. I knew she would find that suspicious.
She turned her seat back toward him and folded her hands on the table with a smirk, "Does Suna know you're here?"
Gaara frowned, "I am responsible, you know."
"That's not what I meant. Be happy I didn't make you elaborate on why you want to see my protégé in particular."
Gaara cleared his throat in discomfort and crisply replied, "My elder brother is in charge until I return. I wish only to stay for–"
"You can stay as long as you want, kid," Tsunade chuckled as she leaned back in her chair and then softly spoke again, "Those two could use your company right now. I just don't want you to have trouble during your stay."
"How generous of you."
At this Tsunade laughed and Gaara started to feel irritated at her 'kid' remarks and how she seemed to be in a laughing mood at his obvious discomfort. Tsunade's laughter softened to small chuckles.
"Gaara, aside from my gratitude for your kind gesture, this is beneficial in our political lives as well. The geezers of both villages must be pleased by your visit here. They might say something like your act being an enforcer for our alliance or some crap like that," the blonde rolled her eyes at the mention of the elders.
A small noise was barely heard from Gaara but Tsunade knew it was his attempt to conceal his own chuckle.
"Tsunade, you are keen to such political things. Now that you know the purpose of my stay, may we continue?"
Tsunade leaned back and raised her eyebrows, "What do you need to talk about?"
"I would like to know how..."
"...Are they doing?" Tsunade finished for him seeing that it was unusual for him to ask about someone openly.
His grateful nod was her answer. Tsunade sighed and opened a side drawer of her desk. She pulled out a sake bottle and placed a finger to her lips telling Gaara it was their secret. Gaara furrowed his 'brows' as he waited. She took a purposed gulp before replying.
"Those two aren't taking it very well. They worked all these years to prove their worth to bring him back and complete their family. Their loss is deep and the only other person who knows personally of their struggle is you."
"..Me?"
"Yes. You worked hard for respect and... love. Right?"
Gaara looked away and hesitated before he nodded. He knew where she was headed.
"Well, who better than you to talk to those two who did the same for Sasuke's respect and love? And, you have personal ties with them I hear."
Gaara refrained from rolling his eyes. Like you had to mention that. Everyone knows Naruto and I have obvious bonds and that Sakura helped save my life many years ago. She also helped train our medic nin. I owe them my life and gratitude.
Tsunade observed him and finally noticed his package was suspiciously shaped like a large cylinder. Gaara noticed her watchful eye on his parcel and he decided to speak before she did,"This is for them to see. I feel that it will help."
"How so?"
Tsunade stood up as she sensed someone and faced her window. Gaara looked up at her and then at his item before deciding to admit its use to her.
"This helped my father with his own loss..."
"Of course... I know of its purpose."
Gaara stood up and said, "It's useful, but not for what it is intended."
Tsunade slightly turned at her waist and looked back at him, "Ah. I see. As long as you keep it safe then I will trust you."
"Certainly."
Tsunade studied him for a long moment before fully facing him, "I will have it arranged so that you have a place to stay here for as long as you wish. And I will not tell you where to find Naruto since I am sure you know where to look."
"Hn."
"Ok. Come see me before you return to Suna, whenever that is."
"I will."
Gaara slightly bowed out of respect for his senior and turned to leave. Before he could reach the door, Tsunade called his name. He stopped and half-turned to face her. She gulped more sake from the bottle that she had left on the table before warning him.
"It's kinjutsu for a reason. Remember that."
Gaara eyed his parcel for a second, I don't see how it would be a danger.
He looked back up to her and nodded before opening the door and walking out. Tsunade watched the door he had closed on his way out for a long minute.
"I hope you know what you're doing by allowing him to carry that around those two," came a voice from her window.
Tsunade slumped onto her seat and sighed, "Kakashi, come inside. You've been at my window long enough."
She drank her sake as she heard his soft landing and quiet steps heading toward her. Kakashi stood before her desk with his usual plain expression. Tsunade knew better.
"I take it you want a nice long mission," she asked after putting the now empty bottle down. She'd need a few more before she'd be able to temporarily remove some grief from her chest.
He just stared at her over his open book which was held in front of his face.
Tsunade frowned, "Forget it."
Kakashi tucked his novel away into his pocket and sighed.
The Godaime rested her elbows on the desk and cupped the lacquered pottery with both hands and studied it as she spoke next, "Is this because of Sasuke?"
A small sigh seeped through the fabric of his mask, "Not really."
His answer was unexpected; Sasuke was his self-imposed personal responsibility many years ago. Sasuke, just like Naruto and Sakura, had become family to him even though he refused to express that fact more often. Normally she'd feel he had tried his best and that his love for Team Seven, Sasuke particularly, was a giant step up toward his own healing yet... Since discovering yesterday the reports sealed by both Danzou and Sandaime, she began to feel guilt for the naïve and hopeless decision Kakashi made for himself regarding the young man. However, the weight of the stones Danzo, the Sandaime, and Itachi had left were far too great for her to turn. The best she can do since it's discovery is to carry on, preserve its secrets, and drink a little more until things get better.
"It's not the first time I lose a loved one," Kakashi logically pointed out hoping that Tsunade dropped the subject.
Tsunade's quick mind caught on, "Is this for the other two?"
"A small part of it is, I'll admit."
She decided to stop trying to learn his true reasons for a leave and opted to make light of the matter. Without looking, Tsunade grabbed a scroll off the pile to her side and tossed it to him. He easily caught it and she smirked, "I didn't think it would take you two days to show up in my office. Always late, aren't you?"
"Ah, you expected this. But you denied my request... so why give me this?"
Tsunade grinned up at him, "I denied you a long term. Who said you couldn't do other missions?"
Kakashi groaned, "Don't tell me it involves genin or chuunin."
Tsunade softly laughed and shook her head, "Worse."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes and looked at the scroll, "..."
Tsunade laughed harder and warned him, "That's all I can give you for now. So what do you say?"
...Gai and Anko?
A gentle knock woke Naruto from his nap on the couch. He groaned and faced the backrest of the couch trying to ignore the knocking, hoping it wasn't the overly blunt Sai again. He had tried to comfort Naruto but naturally failed. The blonde had to give him credit for trying however.
It's bad enough he looks like that bastard...
Naruto wasn't sure if it was the sudden onslaught of depression or the continuous knocking that kept him wide awake. He rolled over to rest on his back but, with his irritation on being interrupted from his nap and being reminded of Sasuke, he moved faster than his sleepy mind had planned and rolled straight onto the floor. Hard.
"Dammit!"
The knocking stopped and a muffled voice from the other side asked, "Are you harmed?"
Instantly recognizing the voice, Naruto bolted up from the floor and winced as he rubbed his tail bone. As he straightened his spine he assumed his guest would not mind him in just cotton pants and a t-shirt considering the way he'd been feeling lately.
"...Naruto?"
Naruto scuffled in his socked feet toward the door and, without warning, quickly swung the door open to reveal a semi-surprised Gaara awkwardly standing at the door. Naruto was shocked and happy to see his friend but sadness was still clearly written across his eyes save the sleepiness.
Gaara wasn't sure how to start so he explained himself. "I tried Ichiraku and the training grounds before coming here."
Naruto scratched his cheek and weakly chuckled, "You must have really wanted to see me for something."
Gaara pointedly looked at him; "Of course."
Surely he knows what happened. Naruto felt flattered that Gaara seemed to have cherished their bond just as he did.
They stood silent and still for a moment before Naruto recalled one of Sakura's lectures when he left her in the hall just like he was doing to Gaara. Something about proper mannerisms on hosting or whatever.
"Hehe, sorry. Come in..."
Naruto stepped aside and waited til his friend entered before closing the door. As he closed the door, he couldn't help but notice the large scroll casing Gaara held in place of where his gourd used to be. It was almost as large as the one Jiraiya carried around.
"Um, sit. I'll go get a drink for us in the fridge or something."
"No need."
Naruto looked confused and the redhead felt embarrassed for his harsh tone. This is just discomforting to do. It is the first time I have had to comfort a friend. Or anyone for that matter.
Gaara quietly suggested, "Let's just sit. I would like to talk."
"Uh, ok..."
Naruto plopped on the couch and Gaara sat on a lounge chair as far as he could from Naruto. He needed some space for this so that he would be able to do what he intended. There was an awkward silence where one was trying to figure out what words to say while the other was trying to not ask any questions. It was too much for both and the redhead was pleased with Naruto's impatience to speak for once.
"So you know?"
"Yes."
"Ah."
"..." Gaara shifted in his seat wondering what was supposed to have been said next.
"Did you come for business in Konoha?"
"No."
"Oh," Naruto rubbed his upper arm.
"...I came for personal reasons..." Gaara hoped that was sufficient explanation.
"Really? Like what?"
Guess not.
Gaara couldn't help but groan and pushed out, "I came to offer... condolences and support if necessary."
Naruto blinked twice and muttered, "Tsunade–"
Frustrated and uncomfortable, the redhead snapped, "For you and Sakura, idiot!"
Upon seeing Naruto's shock, Gaara asked, "How could that not be obvious to you?"
The blond looked to his feet, "No. I'm sorry. I understand and appreciate your intentions. I just... am not myself."
Gaara bit back a sigh, afraid that the reaction would seem insensitive. "Ah..."
Naruto felt as if his mood was affecting Gaara so he sucked in a breath and tried mustering a more cheerful tone. "You must be busy back at home to come here so suddenly–"
Fed up with how awkward things were becoming, Gaara stood up with an angry red splash spreading over his skin, "I am regretful that I could not come sooner. And the work could get taken care of by Kankuro while I am away. Why can you not just accept my visit? This is hard enough as it is for me to express so please stop treating me like a guest."
Naruto felt ashamed for trampling Gaara's attempts. His plan was to avoid the subject, as it was hard for either of them, but he was not prepared for how set his friend was on this. He also had no idea how sacred Gaara held their bond to the point where he would leave his comfort and duties at Suna for whatever time he planned away. Naruto shamefully stood up from the couch and could not look his friend in the eye.
The young Kazekage felt hurt and rejection from the way things went yet, he too understood Naruto's choice of responses. Despite that, it did not mean it was something he liked nor was alright with.
The grieving and guilty blonde sucked a tiny breath and barely pushed out: "I..."
Luckily Gaara was naturally a quiet person because otherwise he might have very well missed his friend's sullen tone. He listened on hoping that his silence and patience was enough encouragement to let Naruto vent whatever was left to say.
He heard Naruto's teeth grind as he continued his sentence, "I am incapable."
That was unexpected. "Of what?"
Frustration and self loathing was more and more evident the more he elaborated. "I couldn't keep my word to Sakura and I let Sasuke die."
Having lived through those emotion himself, Gaara calmly asked, "Where you there when Sasuke was dying?"
"...No."
"Were you there when he was fighting his brother?"
Naruto snapped, "No," he knew where Gaara was headed.
Gaara stepped closer and looked him in the eye as he replied with the same angry tone that was just directed at himself, "Then do not lie to yourself that way. This was beyond your control. Do not inflict upon yourself more pain."
Straight to the point, true to his nature, and Naruto was never more grateful for Gaara's way of reasoning than today.
His eyes watered as he spoke through the knot in his throat, "...You are much better at this than you think."
"..."
Embarrassed for the sudden compliment, Gaara turned his head to the side and looked at a recent photo of Naruto and Sakura together which sat on a side board. They seemed to be on a mission considering their gear and foreign surroundings in the photo. Both grinning teens held their fingers up in peace signs and they had wrapped their free arms around each other's shoulders. His observation was interrupted when Naruto placed his hand on his shoulder and gripped it.
"Gaara, thank you."
He meant it from the bottom of his heart and the Kazekage had no doubt about that. "You... are welcome, Naruto."
He looked back at the grinning blonde and felt a smile tug at his own lips. Naruto let go of him and sat back down. Things felt too sad and he wanted to move on in hopes of lightening both their moods.
"So... did you have lunch?"
"Yes."
Naruto motioned for him to sit back down and asked, "How long are you staying?"
Gaara looked apologetically at him as he slowly sat and replied, "Only a couple days. Kankuro and Suna will not last longer than that."
Naruto chuckled at his friend's attempt at a joke. They were seldom made and it warmed Naruto's chest to experience the efforts Gaara made to console him. Soon his fox-like curiosity urged him to the point where Naruto couldn't help but point at the cylinder strapped to Gaara's back.
"What's that scroll for?"
"I thought it would be beneficial if you should not come to accept your loss."
The kyuubi container scrunched his face up and asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Gaara sat up straight and cleared his throat, "Perhaps it's best you don't know."
He knew then that giving Naruto false hope with the scroll was cruel in the end. It was best not to elaborate on its contents.
"Aw not fair!"
Gaara hoped that his next words would calm his friend's unease, "Do you trust my judgement?"
Naruto nodded and spoke seriously, "Yes."
"Good."
"So, if you didn't bring it for me then who is it for?"
Gaara subconsciously tugged at the straps that held the scroll in its place and lightly blushed. He cleared his throat and looked away. Naruto's keen eyes caught on and he took the rare opportunity to patronize his stonewall friend.
His fox grin conquered his features as he snickered, "Is it a love letter for Sakura?"
Gaara's skin matched his hair; though not in anger this time. "Don't be ridicu–"
Naruto leaned forward as he teased, "I know you have had an eye for her ever since she spent that time in Suna with you."
He didn't know why, and with Naruto of all people, he felt the need to deny a deeper relationship between them-or a chance of one. "She did not spend any time with 'me.' Sakura was there to teach my medic nin newer techniques. We both were busy with work."
Naruto's snickered, "You're just jealous she didn't teach you 'new techniques'." Wink.
Gaara's eyes widened as his voice raised a little, both defensive and shocked, "Do not speak of us that way!"
Naruto, satisfied with the slip, leaned back into his seat, "Oh so there's an 'us'?" His blue eyes lit up in glee. Getting Gaara roused was rare and he was secretly shipping his friend's crush.
The redhead never experienced this kind of jest, and having Sakura included on the topic made him feel surprisingly vulnerable. He sputtered out, "You know what I meant!"
"Yeah, that there is no 'us' between you two, yet you come all the way from Suna just to give her something. And just her. Sounds suspicious to me." The grin couldn't stretch any farther on this fox.
Gaara felt angry at this level of teasing and stood up saying, "I came to help her because helping her is a help to you. Is that actually so suspicious to you?"
The grin fell and he grew a little serious. "No... But that thing in the container sure is since you won't tell me."
Knowing he wasn't going to let up, Gaara groaned out, "Fine! I'll tell you!"
Naruto immediately dropped the act and his eyes grew in anticipation for what he assumed to be some sort of confession. "You're gonna give Sakura a written marriage proposal, aren't you? But, you know, now's not the time to–"
Gaara wanted to wring his friend's neck and it took everything to refrain from doing so. What made him think that Naruto was in emotional pieces with this kind of attitude?
Then again, it's mostly my fault he even jumped on this subject. So I won't kill him. Yet.
"Naruto! It's nothing like that. I am going to–"
Knock. Knock.
Suddenly deflated for the interruption (which was certainly convenient for his current guest,) Naruto glared at the door.
Knock. Knock.
Gaara looked expectantly at his reluctant host, "Well?"
He sighed and reluctantly shuffled toward the door, muttering a few choice words a certain teammate of his would punch him for. When he finally opened the door, the subject of their conversation stood there with a confused look on her face. He instinctively winced, hoping she didn't hear him swearing just a few seconds ago.
"Hey Naruto. Were you fighting with someone? I heard loud voices."
Relieved, Naruto smiled. "Sakura! You're right on time!"
She looked at his merry face and was internally grateful to whatever it was that lifted his spirits like this.
"For what?"
Naruto's eye twinkled as he replied, "I was just about to hear how much he lo–"
Gaara's warning tone interrupted, "On how hungry I am. Right, Naruto?"
Startled, Sakura looked over Naruto's shoulder and saw Gaara standing in middle of the room with a frown.
"Oh, hello, Kazekage. I did not know you had been visiting." Her voice had changed from confident and affectionate to shy and gentle. Naruto eagerly observed the pair.
Gaara approached them and hesitated before softly correcting her, "Gaara, please."
Sakura looked a little embarrassed as she lightly flushed and said, "Oh right. Sorry."
"It is fine."
In the background, Naruto started making smoochy noises. Sakura became irritated and snapped at him, "Would you stop that?"
He had the decency to appear meek. "Ok..."
Even though she had an idea of his answer, Sakura looked back at Gaara and quietly asked, "So what brings you here?"
Naruto, still in the mood to tease, bit his bottom lip to prevent himself from speaking but failed to stifle a suspicious 'hmm.' To his surprise, the pair turned to him and he dodged before their fists could make impact.
"Stop it," growled Gaara who was now fully embarrassed at his blatant badgering.
Sakura stepped into the home and looked at the redhead, "Why is he like this?"
"You wouldn't want to know."
Gaara saw that Naruto wanted to speak again so he beat him to the punch, "Sakura, I would like to take a walk with you."
"Me?"
She looked at Naruto and the blonde just shrugged. Gaara fully faced his host and apologized, "I am sorry about leaving so suddenly but, I need to speak with Sakura alone. I would like to see you again tomorrow morning."
Understanding, Naruto nodded and with a forced smile, pushed his two friends toward the door.
"Shoo! Gaara, you owe me breakfast then."
"Uh, alright."
Both were stunned at Naruto's switch in behavior as he pushed them into the hallway and held the door. Whispering low enough so that only she could hear he said, "I'm letting you go now so that you can tell me the details later. Ok?"
The pink haired medic opened her mouth to reply but Naruto had already slammed the door in their faces.
"Sakura?"
"Yes?"
He turned from Naruto's door and faced his companion, "Is Naruto always like this?"
She scratched her neck and smiled, "Not in particular. He's just not comfortable I guess."
"Ah."
Without another word. Gaara started heading down the hall and still confused, Sakura followed.
Fifteen minutes had passed and the duo walked in complete silence. Konoha's streets were always busy during evenings so they found several excuses to be distracted along the way.
This was the first time they had seen each other since her last visit to Suna to conclude the training regimen for their medic 2 months prior.
Sakura had spent a total of 18 months there with occasional short trips back to Konoha upon Tsunade's request. At first, it was difficult for her because Temari and Kankuro were too busy to assist her adjustment to Suna life and Gaara was too shy to be alone with her. The discomfort was short lived, however. Within ten days they started to have friendly chats (mostly about Naruto) and regular meals together. They became better acquaintances and eventually pretty good friends since they shared Naruto in between.
When Sakura left, there was tension between she and the Kazekage and because of that she never assisted Naruto on his recent trips to Suna. Neither of the two had really reflected to identify the tension, they just knew it was there and it was never a good time to try. Especially now.
When Sakura relinquished her thoughts concerning her friend, she realized that she was walking alone in the busy streets. Stopping in the middle of the bustling crowd of mostly couples, Sakura looked around.
"...Gaara?"
She called his name a few more times before heading toward the shops in the area. After ten minutes, she went back to where she started, now thoroughly confused and worried over her missing friend.
He couldn't have gotten lost; he knows his way around Konoha. Surely, he didn't ditch me. Gaara is not like that–especially since he was the one who asked for the walk. What could've happened to him?
"Umm..." said the deep quiet voice behind her.
Sakura whipped around, ready to chew his head off for worrying her when she saw his timid expression.
"Where were you? I thought something happened..."
Gaara stepped closer to her and showed her the bag in his hand, "I assumed that you might be hungry and I walked over there," he gestured with his chin, "and took the liberty of buying us a meal. I did not think you would have noticed since you were in deep thought."
"Oh..."
An apologetic expression crossed his eyes before it vanished and he spoke, "It seems that I worried you. I am sorry."
Embarrassed and guilty, she gently spoke, "Just... just tell me next time ok?"
With a nod, Gaara initiated the walk that had yet been given a destination. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye and recalled how panicked she looked earlier as he approached her from afar.
I suppose losing him has had her in a delicate state with everyone including me.
"Gaara where exactly do you want to stop?"
Gaara softly chuckled, "I suppose we can't walk all evening into night."
The rumble of his soothing voice brought a warmth into her. However he made her feel sometimes, she knew now was not the time to ponder such things. Then when?
Sakura decided to push forward with the present conversation. "And you've yet to talk. It seemed important when you asked me."
"You're right. Can you take us somewhere private where you feel most comfortable?"
If that's the case, "..It must be very important." I suppose I will be the one to take us there.
Gaara turned his head to look at her but as soon as he felt her slender fingers wrap around his, he was encased in smoke and when it cleared, he was in a small clearing of the Konoha forest.
The moment in reality was not long but the two felt several sensations at the contact. Her hand seemed small within his. His joints were strong and his fingers fit so comfortably between hers. His warm grip was without hesitation, firm with protection, and care. The grip, the readiness for her, and the care which he held her made her feel strong and weak all at once. How could a generally meaningless gesture inspire such contrasts in her?
Gaara's chest felt tight and vibrated with both fear and exhilaration from their contact. When she initiated the gentle touch, her slim and smooth fingers were cold and they warmed the moment he returned the gesture. He normally recoils at unexpected touch yet was surprised at his instinctual response to hold her with a confidence he didn't know existed within him. Her skin was soft and the grip was intimate. She didn't grab him as he would assume strangers and colleagues might have. He wasn't sure whether his fevered mind was imagining it but, her hand seemed to caress his. This realization made the tiny hairs on his arms rise as heat rolled up from the point of contact to the back of his neck. He nervously wondered if he would be wrong to gently caress her hand in return. Would that be inappropriate? Perhaps now's not the right-
Flushed, she released his hand knowing that he was strange about physical contact and rubbed her other arm as she looked away. She was no mind reader and Gaara's emotions were always hard to read but, his eyes briefly appeared vulnerable to her and she didn't know what that meant. Was he uncomfortable? Did I overdo it? Did he notice my reaction at contact? Shit, now is not the time to ask, much less think about.
Gaara frowned when she released his hand sooner than he'd have admittedly liked. Deciding not to dwell, he looked around and noted why this must have been Sakura's chosen place: it was quiet and solitary. Right in front of them was a large lake so clear that the bottom of it's depths were quite visible. The clear water glistened like crystals as the rays of the burning setting sun kissed it.
Sakura walked ahead of him and sat at the water's edge with her back facing him. With a depressed sigh, she leaned forward and dipped her fingertips in the cool water. She thought of the strange scene she was greeted into when she went to visit Naruto. They had been seeing only each other every day and, each day he was just as devastated as she. It was refreshing to see him distracted and actually as close to happy as he was at the door.
"Gaara, whatever you did to Naruto earlier..."
His hazy eyes left the sunset and focused on the halo of soft light surrounding her hair. She had kept her hair tucked into a bun at Suna so he didn't realize how long it had grown. "...Yes?"
"Thank you. He has been so broken... I felt helpless in lifting his spirits."
Gaara could easily relate to her feelings at present. "I am sure he felt the same way about you."
Sakura waded her dipped fingertips through the water and forced back tears. "He's always taking care of me. I wish I could take care of him for once."
Gaara closed their distance and sat next to her on the soft grass, finally placing the bamboo scroll casing on the ground in between them. He paused a moment, fighting his selfish desire to reach over to her, and settled on indulging her one confessional suggestion, "Let's eat before we both get sad."
Sakura removed her fingers from the water and paused, contemplating his words. Surely, they were friends but she didn't expect Gaara to be this... open with her-despite their unnamed tension. She felt warmed and saddened at the same time.
"You're just like them..."
Gaara looked at her solemn profile; "Hm?"
"Naruto, Kakashi, Sai," she turned to him with a sad, quivering smile and tears in her eyes, "and Sas-Sasuke."
He felt something tug in him when she choked on Sasuke's name. The former jinchuuriki reasoned that it was because he had befriended her. That it would also be the same feeling for Naruto. Jealously was far too inappropriate.
Sakura's tears leaked through as she whispered, "Always caring and protecting me in their own ways despite their own share of pain."
Unable to reply with words, he decided to give in to a present desire. Gaara leaned over and with the cuff of his sleeve pinched between his forefinger and thumb, he wiped her cheeks dry. The extremely kind gesture only made Sakura cry harder.
She wanted to collapse onto his inviting figure but knew better.
A/N: This chapter is a bit longer than chapter one and there were changes made in this edit. I hope it flowed better (for those of you who might be reading this story again) Just a reminder the pairing IS Gaara and Sakura, but there might be Sasuke loving too. Undecided on that front. Let me know what you think. 1. Can you see Gaara and Sakura's misunderstood tension? 2. Is Gaara capable of romantic jealousy? 3. Will he ever realize he's in love? 4. Will she? 5. Does she still love Sasuke in this universe?
LJG