Owning Naruto is a privilege I do not have.

January 19

Gaara cast a subtle glance over his shoulder. Someone was tailing him. They had been at it since morning. It didn't particularly bother him that he was being followed; what bothered him was that it wasn't a shinobi. His stalker's lack of stealth attested to it.

Determined not to show any interest in his stalker, he couldn't catch a glimpse of him. His curiosity was piqued, however; he would be patient and wait until they made the first move.

And so he went about his business, and still the shadow at the edge of his vision remained there, neither leaving nor revealing himself. The day crept past, and finally, he returned to his home, stalker nearly forgotten.

His senses tingled, and his eyes turned to the door. Someone was on the other side. After a moment, he heard footsteps shuffling away. Cautious, he opened the door a crack and peered out. A girl, one he had seen around the village a few times, was peeking around the corner of the building, sandy hair hanging in her eyes.

He glanced down and saw that she had left a box on his doorstep. He pushed the door open farther, and the girl squeaked and pulled her head from sight. Gaara picked up the box and retreated inside.

He set it on the table and gently lifted the top off of it. His eyes widened as he found himself gazing at a small cake, badly decorated with yellow icing. On top, in red, the words 'Happy Birthday, Gaara-san' were scrawled.

A small smile worked its way onto his face. He had completely forgotten about his birthday. He didn't know how the girl had found out, but…apparently not everyone in Sunagakure viewed him as a monster.

It's late, I know. Forgive me, Gaara-chan! It was Poe's birthday, too!