August 18th
I found myself studying the faces of my teammates today. Not that unusual, I guess. Their features are terribly familiar to me now and in some way comforting when I think about them. But today I began to see new things. Things I'd never noticed before.
Some Kakashi's hair wasn't that bright, identifiable silver, but now partially streaked with dull gray. His greetings are as cheerful as ever, but there's always been a certain weariness around him I hadn't noticed as a child. He seems to savor the rare moments we have together when we're not on missions.
I glimpsed a couple of fine frown lines in Sai's forehead and around his mouth. Despite this, he's a little more open with us everyday. Smiling, painting, training. Or just staying still. Relaxing. He, too, savors the rare moments.
I had to mentally sketch Naruto for the longest time.
Unkempt blond hair falling into deep, clear blue eyes. The whisker marks on his cheeks told of Kyuubi, a reminder to me and others that those marks could widen and those blue eyes could turn feral red, he himself becoming nothing more than a wild animal.
But that's not Naruto, I told myself sternly.
A wide, smiling mouth which laughs and grins so easily is set under a sharp nose. A fox nose, I thought, grinning.
They're endearing, to me. These things in the faces of people so precious in my life. Even Yamato, who I haven't seen in nearly two weeks. Purely endearing. Even if Kakashi analyzes to much, even if Naruto is clueless, even if Sai is emotionally defective.
I love them. They make me who I am.
In a few days, it'll be Temari-san's birthday. Naruto and I are traveling to Suna to surprise her. We both got her gifts, but I think he's really there to check on Gaara. He's been feeling tired lately, even after Shukaku's removal.
Regardless, I know we're both glad at the thought of seeing them again. I think the last time we saw each other was...four months ago, in May. Kankuro's birthday.
I get a strange feeling, now and then. Especially around Naruto. But I don't know if I should ask. Sometimes irritation takes him over and he goes off by himself for a long time. Maybe...I dunno. Maybe Naruto isn't checking on Gaara...maybe Gaara's checking on him...