II. No Judgment
Harley had been waiting outside for Gaara to finish his meeting with the elders. Ever since he set out to be Kazekage, he had to be trained and mentored by them daily.
Knowing that they would be intensely grilling him literally all day, she had an extra cup of coffee ready to hand to him.
"Rough day?" she asked, looking at her clearly exhausted friend coming out of the building.
"I've had worse," he replied.
He took the coffee and the two friends sat on the stairs. He normally didn't ever get tired back then, but days like this were an exception.
"So did they listen to your idea about increasing the age requirements for shinobi?" she asked.
"Not really. I generally get scolded for bringing up those types of things."
"What?! Why?"
"Because I'm not a Kage yet, so I don't have that authority."
"Well that's ridiculous! How will they know what kind of Kage you'll be if they don't listen to your ideas?"
"It's all right. The time will come for that, but this is a season for learning. And I'm used to watching what I say."
"It still seems tough… you know, not being able to be yourself."
"I don't mind it, really. When I'm with them I need to be professional."
"They just seem so judgmental…"
"They can be, yes. But it is what it is."
He took a deep breath and pondered for a moment.
"But it is nice to have a break from all of that. When I'm with you, Harley, I feel… I suppose the word is… safe?"
She felt a smile spread across her face. "Really?"
He nodded.
"I'm... so glad. I feel safe around you too. And not just in the sense of being safe from danger, though there's that too..."
He turned to look at his friend and smiled.
"I get you. And I'm grateful."