Just a filler to show how our beloved Lapis Lazuli has been doing.


Gaara was helping train Connie in handling the use of the Seven Swords (well five swords since Kisame claimed ownership of one and the other was back in their universe). The young girl was clashing against his impenetrable sand with each of the swords, using their unique features as best she could while Gaara stood on the sidelines, creating sand clones to give her more of a challenge.

Soon, Connie was out of breath as Gaara tossed her a small gourd filled with water. "Drink this. Kisame will oversee your training now."

Connie nodded in thanks while Kisame smirked, showing his shark-like teeth as he waited for her to cool off before resuming swordsmanship training. As for Gaara, he went off to find a certain someone.

"Lazuli?" He asked as he approached where he knew he would find her, using the shifting sands of the beach to tune in to her location. He soon found her, overlooking the ocean with melancholy. However, what truly caught his attention was her singing.

It all became so lovely
Those bluest skies above me
Those funny feelings I had never felt before I met you

Gaara felt a soothing sensation come over his being. Her melodious voice ringing through his ears as he couldn't help but listen.

I thought I'd stay a while
I tried to learn to smile
So many colors I had never even known

It was then Gaara realized the Azure Gem was pouring out her feelings. The feelings she had over being stuck on Earth and how everything was so different than how she knew them before.

Maybe I'll find myself sitting on that distant shore
Maybe I'm not alone

Stepping near her but still keeping his presence hidden, Gaara continued to listen.

"You definitely got yourself a keeper, Pup." Shukaku joked as Gaara chose to ignore his Bijuu.

Then I see the colors fading
Gentleness of light escaping
Shadows of my fear invading
Have I seen this all before?

Gaara ended up standing beside her yet she didn't seem to notice him as she continued singing.

I know that there's something residing
A terror deep inside me
I couldn't understand how you could be so bold

The Sand Nin sat down next to the Gem that had caught his eye. It seemed she did notice him but she was busy finishing the last verse of her song.

Maybe I'll find myself smiling on that distant shore
Maybe I'm not alone

Feeling Gaara's pale hand on hers, Lapis turned to see him there. Instead of being surprised, she hung her head down as she resumed looking at the waves crashing against the rocks. After a few moments of silence, Gaara spoke up.

"You have a beautiful singing voice. It...reminds me of my mothers singing when she was pregnant with me..."

Lapis bit her lip, a pang of guilt hitting her. "Sorry..."

"Don't be." The Sand Nin smiled gently as he said this. "It brings back memories...memories of being welcomed into the world...before I was condemned."

Lapis looked at her savior sadly. She remembered when she was told of just how horrible Gaara's life had been before he met Naruko and the others.

"How did you do it? How did you manage to keep on going after everything you were put through?"

Gaara perked up at the Ocean Gem's question before thinking back to Naruko, how she sympathized with him and then when they met the rest of the Jinchuuriki, realizing he was not the only one, realizing that his siblings cared about him and that he was not alone.

"I met Naruko. Back then, all I cared about was killing and being feared...but she showed me that I did not have to be the monster people saw me as. She helped guide me down a better path."

Lapis recalled the few times she interacted with Naruko. The Blonde Kunoichi was certainly eccentric and the Azure Gem did enjoy her company but she felt most comfortable with Gaara by her side.

"She certainly leaves a lasting impression, huh?"

Gaara smiled. "Yes, she does."

Lapis then looked at the Love Kanji tattoo that was marked on Gaara's forehead. All this time she had seen it and yet she did not ask about it.

"What about...that mark on your head?"

Gaara put two fingers to the tattoo, closing his eyes softly. "It is a symbol...a symbol left behind by my mother. It is what reminds me of who I must protect, the ones I cherish most in my life."

Lapis smiled before realizing she and Gaara were still holding hands. A navy blue blush spread across her cheeks as she felt emotions stirring inside her.

"Oh, stars, what is this feeling? W-Why am I so hot?!"

As Gaara gazed at Lapis, he took time to appreciate just how beautiful she was and, without thinking, pressed his lips to her cheek, causing her to blush even darker as she turned to the Sand Nin.

"You are one of those I must protect as well. I promise not to let anyone else hurt you anymore."

Lapis processed Gaara's words before tearing up and hugging him tightly. The Sand Nin smiled softly and held her close. Shukaku and Rasa wisely decided to keep quiet and let the two have their moment.

"My son, I know I have failed you as a father...but I do hope that you and this girl find happiness together." The Former Kazekage thought as he watched from his son's mindscape.

"Hehehehe, that's my Pup. You've snagged yourself a keeper!" Shukaku chuckled mirthfully, proud of his holder to finally finding love.


We are officially setting the GaaLapis Ship sailing! I am enjoying making all these crossover ships!

Next Time: Kakashi stops Pearl from making a huge mistake but conflict still arises between her and Garnet!