"Do you really have to go?"

Three weeks had passed since Naruto had first looked at Gaara beside him, since he had first seen Sakura's smile. Naruto's life was getting back to normal; minus Sasuke, plus Gaara. He had even returned to training with Kakashi and Sakura, with Gaara by his side. What Tsunade had found strange was his hearing had remained heightened when his sight had returned. He could easily find his way in the dark, or even blindfolded, and nobody had yet managed to successfully sneak up on him. He was never far from Gaara's side, but he was recovering.

One day, Sakura came to Naruto's apartment planning to drag him to a training session, for which he was now later that Kakashi, and walked in on Gaara attempting to comfort a sobbing Naruto. There was a letter on the table from Suna, from Temari. She requested that Gaara come home right away, said that Suna needed him. Naruto's protector was being dragged away. That had been yesterday. Today, Naruto and Gaara stood outside the village gates, saying goodbye, or rather, begging not to have to.

"My siblings, my village needs me."

"But I need you too, Gaara." Naruto pulled himself into Gaara's embrace.

"Naruto…" Gaara whispered gently "You know, it's not too late to turn back. We haven't done anything yet, you could still love someone normal…forsake me, a monster, and be with someone-" It was then that Naruto silenced Gaara with lips over his mouth.

"I don't want anyone else, I want you." Naruto linked their hands, entwined their fingers, and lay his head on Gaara's shoulder. "I'm a monster too."

"Naruto…"

"So you really have to go?" Naruto looked at him.

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"I'll miss you."

"I'll write."

"Promise?"

"Promise, but only if you promise to write back."

"Promise."

Gaara leaned in to kiss Naruto again before he pulled away, dropping one of Naruto's hands. Naruto held fast to the other, refusing to let go of Gaara just yet. "Naruto I-"

"I love you Gaara."

Gaara started before he smiled gently. "Love you too Naruto." He walked away slowly, letting go of Naruto's hand only when he could no longer reach it.

Naruto brought the hand to his chest, effectively hugging it with his other hand, whispering one word after Gaara's retreating back.

"Goodbye…"

Final chapter. yaay!

I'm beginning work on the sequal, Everything Looks Different in the Light, tomorrow... well.. later today I guess XD

Stay tuned! and remember, the sequal is only for those up to date on the manga (that's chapter 310 and up)