Author's note: I do not own Naruto or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge using list beta. This is set slightly after Dan's death. Theme 30: Motionless/Still.

Close Your Eyes

Jiraiya knew where to find her. Tsunade could be rather predictable at times. He hadn't been here when it happened, but from the sound of things, Tsunade was not taking it well at all. He knew his friend well enough to know that this would have reopened old wounds for her. Dan had made Tsunade happy. That was his only value to Jiraiya. But he knew that the man's death had completely rocked Tsunade's world. It had taken her so long to be able to open her heart again, and this was probably going to drive her back behind the falls around her heart.

It didn't take long for Jiraiya to gather her up in his arms. She remained motionless in his arms. If it weren't for the fact that she was breathing, it would be hard to tell that Tsunade was really live. She was completely lost in her grief. Jiraiya sighed softly. He hadn't really seen her in this state since just after Nawaki had died. Tsunade wasn't really one to share her emotions with others. Instead, she bottled them up and only let them out in private. Jiraiya was fairly certain that only people on her team actually knew how much she felt things. Jiraiya gently rubbed her back.

"I'm here, Princess. Go ahead and cry. You don't have to put on a strong face for me." He kissed the top of her head.

That was all it took for the flood gates to be opened. Tsunade sobbed against his chest. He hated it when Tsunade cried. He never really knew what to do when she did. But he also knew that she needed to get it out of her system, and that she wouldn't let herself grieve like this around anyone else. It was something both of a privilege and a burden. More than anything, Jiraiya just wanted to fix things for her, even though he knew that was impossible.

All he could really do was hold her and murmur soothing things. There was no way for a hero to ride in on his white horse and save the day this time. Jiraiya could just be her shelter amidst the storm of Tsunade's emotions. He would always be here for her when she needed him. It was the most he could do, and it would have to be enough.