Gaara and company made it to the gate without a hitch, stopping in front of Konoha's guards at their insistence. He glanced around hollowly, at Konoha's streets.

The group made its way to headquarters, tickling the flower's petal, and entering the building.

Home… he thought brokenly, a word that so far hadn't meant anything at all to him, yet in this place, he was. He walked through the main hallway, quickening his steps in anticipation of seeing what before, would of made him angry, his family. Thoughts of his new father soon consumed his mind, him being held, lifted,… and loved.

Being without it for so long, had left him with an empty, hollow sort of hunger that tore at his insides, and made his chest ache with a fierce awfulness, that threatened to encompass his very being. The feelings grew so intense, that he hadn't even realized he was running towards the grand room, until a tug on his hand from the little girl who'd been clutching it, drew him from his rampant thoughts. He looked down as she rubbed his hand, calming him slightly.

Temari grabbed his shoulders to soothe away the tension, and he looked behind him to see his older brother, yelling at a guard to keep his distance from Gaara, and that all he needed was space. At that moment, he realized, that he had a family, albeit a crazy one, but a family nonetheless, and he saw it, the precipice, where everything fit, his own paradigm shift that allowed the world to move again, perfectly aligned, and perfectly right.

He sqeezed his older sister's hand and softened his hard gaze to thank his brother with his eyes. And then , grabbing up the small child's hand, they were off once more, the large group continuing it's trek down the hallway.

FI

Naruto stiffened suddenly in the middle of a conversation with Sakura and Sasuke, causing the whole of the large group, to look his way.

At their questioning gazes, he explained "Gaara's here, and it looks like he's got the new kid with him."

They nodded, and were about to continue the conversation, until the six other Jinchuuriki, walked into the room to announce to the others what Naruto had already told them.

Naruto nodded, and then they waited until the far off shuffling noise, became louder, and much clearer. The large group of Suna Ninja ambled in, and Might Gai moved forward slowly, looking for the shock of red hair that would lead to his son. Lee stood at his side, glancing around furiously as well, shuffling nervously in anticipation of his sibling's arrival.

At last, Gaara came into the room, looking as somber as ever. His eyes caught Gai's, and in almost an instant he was across the room in his father's arms, being soothed by the strong presence he had needed so desperately. Gai kissed his head lightly, rubbing his back softly, gently soothing away the tense muscles. He rocked slightly, from side to side, to calm Gaara's nerves.

Only after several long moments, did his siblings even attempt to come any closer, knowing Gaara had needed the quiet moment alone. They gathered around Gai and hugged him awkwardly, due to Gaara's refusal to be put down. Their father rubbed their hair gently, patting backs, and giving light kisses, all the while crooning soft words in Gaara's ear.

Naruto smiled at the sight, glad that Gaara was where he belonged, and happy to have his brother back with him and his siblings. Speaking of which… He glanced over towards a far wall, to see the little girl that had entered with Gaara, splayed out up against it, in the hopes that she wouldn't be seen.

He made his way over slowly, and leaned against the wall, leaning down slightly to talk to the frightened child.

"Tough crowd huh?"

She nodded distractedly, watching the scene sadly. He followed her gaze and sighed, why did it always have to be so hard.

"So do you have a name kid?"

Finally, the girl seemed to come out of her trance, glancing at the stranger standing above her, in such situations, her survival instincts, usually kicked in, but sensing no malicious intent, she only looked on curiously.

Deciding that he wasn't much of a threat, she answered his question.

"It's Aki"

He smiled gently, glad that the little girl had actually spoken to him, " That's a nice name, is it short for something?"

Aki looked up at the strange boy again, seemingly contemplating a drawn out response, then answered simply "No"

Naruto nodded, then lapsed into silence, wondering if all conversations with the girl would feel like yanking teeth.

NA

The largo group gathered into the main room, silently, as they watched Gaara explain to the child about the Jinchuuriki he'd spoken of earlier.

She gazed at them nervously as he spoke, so they all smiled gently at her, trying to put her at ease.

"And the leader of the Jinchuuriki, will ultimately be in charge and will lead us to victory against our common foes."

Aki nodded, "and who is the leader of the Jinchuuriki, he isn't horrible is he, I'm so tired of that."

She climbed into Gaara's lap, consequently Gai's since Gaara had refused to leave it, and looked around uncertainly, seeing only smiles.

"Gaara tipped his head in Naruto's direction, that's him."

Aki started, The blonde from earlier, She uncounciously let out a sigh, letting the breath ghost over her face, trying to calm down.

"You're really the leader?"

Naruto gazed back solemnly, "by default yes…"

Hisses and glares, along with angry words hit him telling him not to believe that, and that he was the best one for the job.

"What?"

Naruto sighed "nevermind, story for another night. Anyway, yes I am the leader, but that doesn't mean I'm any good at it, or that I've made amazing decisions or anything, I'm just a reg- he chuckled "sortof regular kid, who happened to be put into a situation, same as you.

She nodded sagely, and gazed at him thoughtfully "I'm glad it's you"

He gazed back, "you know, sometimes i am too"

LLY

Hello Hello, dear readers, please forgive me for my non updates, I have a thousand excuses, but I hate when people give excuses, so I'll leave it at that, and just hope you except my sincere apologies, and know that I will never abandon my stories.

So anyway, hope you like that bit of Gaara angst, Tanuki's need love too lol. I see Gaara as an emotionally stunted child, needing love and affection, something I Know Gai can provide in ample amounts. I hope it wasn't to confusing, in my universe, I had it so Gaara and his siblings are in the process of being adopted by Gai, whom they met sometime in the past. Lee rounds out the little family, because Gai has already adopted him previously, hope that clears a bit up.

Well then, Merry, or Happy Christmas, may your seasons all be filled with joy and happiness

Please review, and Happy holidays!