A New Path
Chapter 8 : Stay
Synopsis : Naruto prepares to leave to Hidden Sand Village. The new teams are formed as each begin their own mission. Gaara reflects on the words Naruto spoke to him earlier and those back at the Chuunin exams.
Pairings : Main pairing will be Gaara x Naruto. A little tiny bit of Sasuke x Naruto, along with maybe Kakashi x Iruka
Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto but wish I did
Important note : Contains shonen-ai, in other words boy loves boy, don't like then don't read
Gomen but Gaara might start to be a bit OCC, but I'll try to keep him as sane as he usually is.
Extra Information :
- This takes place after the Chuunin exam, although, Sasuke never went to join Orochimaru.
- Also, the fight between Sasuke and Naruto on the Hospital roof did occur.
- Important to have read up to Volume 20 of the manga Naruto
JAPANESE WORDS
- baka = idiot -
- dobe = dead last -
- naruhodo = I see -
- Chikushou = damn / dammit -
- naze = why -
- hai = yes / yeah -
- Arigatou = Thank You -
- Okaasan = Mother -
- Gomen = Sorry -
- Urousai = Shut up -
============================================================================ ==========
*Sand Village, Gaara's House*
Naruto then looked back at Gaara as he stood up and patted his butt to get the dirt off it. Kankuro now seeing that his little brother is ok, placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and pointed at him with the other one.
"I hope you understand if I ask you to leave right away" Kankuro informed the boy
Naruto nodded, as he walked by Gaara and made his way to the door. But before he left, his eyes met those of Temari.
"My bag?" Naruto asked
"First room on the left. Then go down the stairs and you'll see the door" Temari answered him as she lowered her gaze
"Arigatou. Gaara, you're lucky to have a brother and a sister that care about you. Anyway, try not to kill too many people ne?" Naruto walked out of the room as he waved goodbye to them
Gaara turned around as he only saw the back of Naruto that left, but his eyes remained wide open as something inside of him, didn't want Naruto to leave.
---
The door opening and then closing now proved once and for all that Naruto had left their house. Temari and Kankuro were relieved bu Gaara felt a strange feeling inside of him, knowing he wouldn't see the blond for a long time.
"We should of left him in the forest the first time we saw him" Kankuro commented as he picked up his puppet toy
"Kankuro, maybe we should leave Gaara alone for a while........." Temari walked next to her brother and urged him that both of them leave the room
"You should rest, so we'll go to our rooms as well........." Kankuro let out as he and his sister walked out of the room to leave Gaara alone for the moment
Gaara managed to stand up again as he stared at the door and then walked towards the window to look outside, perhaps in hopes to have one last glimpse of Naruto
============================================================================ ======================
*Konoha forest*
The Genins, along with the only Chuunin and Juunins awaited for Kurenai's new team assignment.
"Those who will continue the search will be the following. Nara Shikamaru, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji and Unuzuka Kiba." Kurenai started the new teams
"Eh? No Juunins with us?" Shikamaru asked
"You're a Chuunin now Shikamaru, besides you have the strongest genins in Konoha with you." Asuma reminded the boy
"Why are you sending only the strongest?" Sakura asked
"Konoha can't spare too many Juunins. Because of Orochimaru and Itachi we shouldn't even be doing this search........." Kurenai started to explain
"In other words, if someone was to attack, this would be a great opportunity for them" Shino commented
"Hai" Asuma answered
"Who will go find Jiraiya-sama and Kakashi-sensei?" Tenten asked
"Maito Gai will stay with Tenten, Hyuga Hianata, Haruno Sakura and Aburame Shino and go inform Kakashi and Jiraiya of the current situation. So Shino, it would be good if you planted a female on one of the four boys." Kurenai asked her student
"What for?" Ino asked not understanding
"I do not like repeating myself" Shino answered calmly
(For those who don't remember, the female bugs give out an scent which only the male bugs can smell. )
"As for Akimichi Chouji and Yamanaga Ino, you will return to Konoha with myself and Asuma-sensei." Kurenai finished
"Why are we the only two not to go!?" Ino yelled out
"Ino, stop arguing and just listen to what Kurenai-sensei ordered" Chouji spoke out for the first time
"Ino, you are skilled genins but this is an A ranked mission. Those four alone have proven the skills to become Chuunins. We don't know either what they might encounter and us Juunin believe that those four together will work together the best to retrieve your comrade" Asuma explained
"So why aren't you sending us after Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya?" Ino asked still angry
"Sakura's part of team 7, Hinata can locate their position with her Byakugan, in case of combat, Tenten is very reliable as well as Gai. Once you've found them, Shino will be the one you'll rely upon due to his demale bug placed on the search team." Shikamaru answered so his teammate would understand
"Well explained" Asuma praised his student again
"Spread out!" Kurenai ordered
With that order given, Gai's new composed team headed towards the south in search of Kakashi and Jiraiya, while Kurenai and Asuma's small team went back to the Village to inform them of the new information they gathered.
Only Shikamaru's team remained on site, as they all looked at each other and then back at Shikamaru himself.
"What's the plan?" Kiba asked
"We're heading towards Hidden Sand Village, I'll take lead the way, while Neji and Sasuke stay behind me, Akamaru and Kiba will cover our backs in case we enter a trap." Shikamaru explained
"Good enough for me" Kiba let out
As the team was about to head towards the Sand Village, they noticed how Neji stared at the ground where the fight occurred.
"What is it Neji?" Shikamaru asked
"Nobody cared to ask a simple but obvious question" Neji replied without answering
"Meaning?" Sasuke asked the Hyuga as he faced him
"Why would Gaara save Naruto? After all, Naruto did beat him after the invasion started" Neji commented
"So, there's a great possibility that we'll encounter Gaara as well" Sasuke let out
"Most likely" Neji replied
"You have got to be kidding me!" Kiba yelled out as Akamaru started to shake upon hearing Gaara's name
"We'll deal with the matter if it happens. And Hopefully, Kakashi and Jiraiya will have joined us by then." Shikamaru stated
"Let's retrieve dobe then" Sasuke let out as he jumped into a tree
The others followed as they took the formation discussed earlier. They now headed towards Hidden Sand Village in hopes to find what they are looking for.
============================================================================ ======================
*Where Kakashi and Jiraiya are*
They leaped from tree to tree but still hadn't found any clues. They finally came to a stop and landed on the same branch.
"I still say the brat wouldn't come down here" Jiraiya complained
"I agree, but we can't disobey Hokage's order either." Kakashi replied
"That old hag should follow her instincts on this one instead of the Hokage title" Jiraiya spat out
"I propose we head back up, nobody has steped into these woods for at least a week. And we both know Naruto wouldn't bother to cover his trail, even if he tried hard" Kakashi spoke
"Hai, there's nothing here, let's head a different location" Jiraiya proposed
Kakashi nodded as they both vanished from the trees
============================================================================ ======================
*Hidden Sand Village*
Naruto walked in the streets on his way out of the Village, when he noticed how the Villages gave him cold eyes and whispers. This Village seemed no different than Konoha in his eyes.
"He just came out form that monster's house........." A woman said
"And he's still in one piece........." Another whispered
"The boy must be cursed now because of that monster........." A man mumbled
Naruto tried to not let those annoying voices to him as he decided to walk faster to the gates and get out of there as soon as possible before he beat someone to death.
"Damn them!" Naruot yelled inside of him
--- Inside Gaara's house ---
Gaara observed the scene outside, as how the boy would react to these accusations, but to his surprise, Naruto simply walk away without harming anyone.
"He still suffers......... Like I use to ........." Gaara thought as he walked away from the window
--- FLASHBACK ---
A younger version of Gaara stood in the living room, as he looked at a picture while Yashamaru cooked the diner. Gaara had taken a smile knife as he tried to cut himself but the sand always stood in the way.
Yashamaru then came in the living room and asked that the boy stopped hurting himself. Gaara looked down as he was both confused and sad, and looked up.
"Ne Yashamaru. What is pain?" Gaara asked
Yashamaru explained as he could to the young boy but saw that Gaara still didn't understand what he tried to explain.
"I think I understand what pain is now" Gaara let out
"Is that so?" Yashamaru was a little surprised
"Does that mean I'm injured like everyone else?" Gaara asked
"........." Yashamaru stayed silent as he wondered what the boy meant
"Then I always feel pain.........Although it doesn't bleed, this part hurts so much ........." Gaara spoke with a very sad voice as his hand grabbed the fabric of his shirt where his heart was
Yashamaru took hold of the knife as he made a tiny cut on his finger to show to the boy how physical wounds are different then emotional scars.
"Emotional scars?" Gaara asked
"Physical and emotional scars are a bit different. Unlike physical ones, there's no ointment available for emotional ones......... And the pain might never go away" Yashamaru continued
Gaara's eyes were filled with sadness as he lowered his head.
"There is only one thing that can stop such a heartache. However, as inconvenient it may seem, This cure can only be given by people other than yourself ........." Yashamaru continued his explanation
"What is it?" gaara asked as he met his caretaker's eyes
"It's love!" Yashamaru answered with a smile
"Love? How can I receive that?" Gaara asked
"Love is care and devotion you feel for the precious ones around you" Yashamaru finished
--- END OF FLASHBACK ---
Gaara touched the sign of love on his forehead, as he also remembered that night, his father had ordered Yashamaru to kill him since he had become a threat to the Village. He then remembered what Naruto told him moments ago.
--- SMALL FLASHBACK ---
"I know what it's like to have a demon remember? Sometimes, they have an urge to protect their host. And sometimes they even want to protect what their host desires but isn't aware of it yet" Naruto reminded the boy with a big smile
--- END OF SMALL FLASHBACK
Gaara's eyes widened as he remembered Naruto mentioning that sentence to him, as if he knew what he was talking about.
"Okaasan ......... Could what he said be true?" Gaara asked himself
Gaara then felt a slight pain on his forehead as his eyes widened. He never thought he actually could get an answer but he took this as a sign. But to be sure, he needed to see Naruto one last time. And so, he left his room with one objective in mind, to find Uzumaki Naruto .
Unfortunately, he needed to pass through the living room, where his big brother and sister currently were. Temari was washing her giant fan, while Kankuro attended to perfect his puppet doll named Karusa.
"Gaara?" Temari spoke his name
Gaara never turned around to meet their gaze as he simply opened the door.
"Where are you going?" Kankuro asked
"He still hasn't answered all my questions" Gaara replied in a cold tone
"But Gaara, he ........." Temari wanted to argue until Gaara looked her in the eyes with a killing intent
"Stay out of this. I need to understand. That is all. I'll come back later once I'm finished." Gaara coldly told her as he exited the house
Temari's heart had stopped beating for a moment sicne she didn't expect Gaara to react this way at all. Kankuro cleared his throat as he then looked over at his sister and they exchanged worried looks.
"Why is he so interested in that annoying brat!?" Kankuro asked
"Gaara's been like this ever since he and Naruto almost fought to death........." Temari reminded her brother
"Just what the hell happened between those two?" Kankuro asked to himself out loud
"I don't know, but that fact that Naruto was able to calm down Shikaku ......... Even our sensei had never been able to stop it........." Temari was half scared just thinking about it
"I know........." Kankuro spoke out with a low voice
--- Hidden Sand Gates ---
Naruto had his bag in hand as he hid himself in a tree, while he waited for an opportunity to jump over the gate to evade any questions or being captured by the Sand-nins.
The moment the sand-nin shifted towards the opposite direction, Naruto jumped out of the tree and over the wall of hardened sand. Naruto landed with ease on the ground as he breathed heavily.
"This kinda bites, I still don't have anywhere to go back to........." Naruto mumbled to himself
"If you have no where else to go then stay here" A male voice said
Naruto tripped on his feet and fell to the ground face first when he jumped back up on his feet to face the voice that he heard originally behind him. His eyes widened when he noticed it was someone he knew.
"Gaara?" Naruto let out in shock
Gaara leaned against the wall as his arms remained crossed while he glared at the kitsune. Naruto shook a little as he dropped his bag on the ground and was still shocked to see Gaara there so soon.
"Why are you here?" Naruto asked with a weak voice
"Loneliness" Gaara said as he stared at Naruto
"Eh?" Naruto didn't quite understand what Gaara meant
"Do you wish to be alone again?" Gaara asked
"It's not like I chose to live alone, it's because of Kyubi that I'm force to be alone......... And honestly I hate it but no one wants a demon and never will ........." Naruto stammered as he looked down to evade Gaara's eyes
"You're wrong" Gaara let out as he uncrossed his arms and walked towards the blond
"Wrong? Konoha didn't give a damn about me just as much as people in it! So who the hell would want to ever be with me!?" Naruto yelled out in anger as unwanted tears filled his eyes
"Me" Gaara replied with a calm voice as he stood merely an inch away from Naruto's face
"Huh?" Naruto gave a confused look as he immediately calmed down
"I wish to be with you" Gaara told Naruto as the blond blinked his eyes many times
"Eh? Now why would go saying something stupid like that?" Naruto asked still surprised
"Because it's true" Gaara repeated himself
Naruto lifted an eyebrow as he never expected this kind of answer from the sand boy.
"In that fight, despite the fact that you feared me, you still fought against me, for the sake of your so called friends. The words you spoke to me when our battle ended, they disturbed me at first since I did not understand their meaning, until now." Gaara explained
"I don't get it........." Naruto acted his usual idiot way as he looked into Gaara's eyes
"I'll explain when the time comes. Answer this before you leave Uzumaki. Once you leave my Village, what are you going to do with your life?" Gaara asked with a dead serious tone
Naruto's fists closed harder as the blood started to leak from them. His fists shook as Naruto knew deep down he didn't know what he could do or where he'd go, but the fact Gaara asked him this question made him both sad and angry. Naruto turned around so that Gaara could only stare at his back so the sand-nin couldn't see the tears that had started to fall on his cheeks.
"Answer me" Gaara demanded an answer
"I.........I don't know......... I'm so useless! Maybe when I escaped I was hoping someone would end my life so the pain of being alone and hated all the time would finally go away......... Besides, even if I leave, I don't have any where else to go ........." Naruto screamed out as he lowered his head and tears fell on the ground
Naruto lifted his head back up when he felt his body being pulled somewhere as the warmth of another body touched his back. Naruto's eyes widened, when he felt two arms around his neck with a soft warm wind blew next to his ear.
"Gaara........." Naruto whispered as he knew Gaara was behind him
Gaara had pulled in the blond into his own arms, as his lips were next to the blonde's ear, his arms wrapped protectively around the boy's neck, his chest against Naruto's back.
"We are the same......... Hated and feared by the people we serve and protect. To them we are nothing more than monsters and tools that they can use. We both found our own way to cope with their threats." Gaara whispered to the boy
Naruto stayed still as he didn't know how to react to the situation he currently was him.
"He's right......... But what should I do now? I can't go back to Konoha......... Not after what happened there........." Naruto asked himself
"Do you truly desire to go out there, to be alone and shunned by the people again?" Gaara asked
"Iie.........Demo ......... I can never go back to Konoha......... I'm so tired of being alone and hated by everyone......... But I don't have anywhere else to go ........." Naruto mumbled as he cried again and placed his hands and griped tightly the arms around his neck
"Then stay here" Gaara let out as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath
"Nani.........?" Naruto's eyes open widely as he turned his head to try and meet the eyes of the sand-nin
"I, myself, am tired of being alone." Gaara softly said
Both boys stared at each other, when Naruto saw something he only saw once in the eyes of Gaara. The young sand-nin's eyes seemed to be filled with sorrow and pain, as if he had remembered a painful moment in his life.
"Gaara......... I ........." Naruto was about to give his answer as he stared into those light green eyes
TBC
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Sorry for the short chapter people but I ran out of ideas and you wanted an update fast, so faster updates mean shorter chapter! Plus I still have my Rivals or Lovers? Story to update, and I only got 14 pages written of that one so please understand!
Reviews
Emeraldblossom : Welcome back. I updated soon although I'm still not satisfied with this chapter .........
Luna / zornoid13 / kurokyoku / silverknight7 / JadeTiger : Thanks for reviewing!
Rubymoon17 : I think this is the worse chapter I've written in this story......... I so hate it, but I can't seem to make it any better sniff sniff
Silver Neo : You're back!!! You one-chan is very direct! But things are starting to develop as you might of notice although I had to make Gaara a bit OCC, and I hate making him OCC! But I guess with some thought he figured it's best for himself if Naruto remains with him, besides he has no where else to go to ne? Can't wait for your next review and story!
Trubluewolfeyes : I update as I can. I'm stuck with two part time jobs which take a lot of time and school. I even neglect my own boyfriend to write and continue my Naruto fics! But I just love writing.........
Soulretreiver13 : Soon they'll meet, but now it's to wonder what will happen between Gaara and Naruto......... Update your fics soon too ne?
Thetruesilver : I stopped at the wrong place again didn't I? So sorry about that but I need to update my other stories too.........
ArticTiger 89 : I updated and thanks for your review! I also have a new Sasuke x Naruto story out, hope you check it out!
Shadow eclipse : thanks for the comments
Peter Kin : Well I made the teams as I saw it would be best, although I left out Ino and Chouji but many characters to handle can be hard on my brain lol
Black Jaggan : Well as I told Peter above, I separated the teams by ability, but Shino will meet up with Neji later, so don't loose hope. And thanks about the comment concerning Shikamaru's ability, I was hoping to get him right.
Nikkler : Gaara might rbing him back but he went to at least meet Naruto and ask a few questions.!
Red Rose : Gaara won't let Naruto go, the boy is starting to feel something but he simply doesn't know what it is yet!
Arbil : That's the link I want them to have to get them even closer, I know I'm writing some fluff about the cute soon to be couple, but I don't want to rush things either to ruin the story, hope you understand
Next Chapter :
Naruto makes his decision, as Shikamaru's team are very near Sand Village, as Jiraiya and Kakashi joined up with them. How will everyone react?
Thanks for the reviews and those who stay loyal by chapter!
Read and REVIEW please
Until next time ( and hopefully in two weeks at most )
Ookima
Synopsis : Naruto prepares to leave to Hidden Sand Village. The new teams are formed as each begin their own mission. Gaara reflects on the words Naruto spoke to him earlier and those back at the Chuunin exams.
Pairings : Main pairing will be Gaara x Naruto. A little tiny bit of Sasuke x Naruto, along with maybe Kakashi x Iruka
Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto but wish I did
Important note : Contains shonen-ai, in other words boy loves boy, don't like then don't read
Gomen but Gaara might start to be a bit OCC, but I'll try to keep him as sane as he usually is.
Extra Information :
- This takes place after the Chuunin exam, although, Sasuke never went to join Orochimaru.
- Also, the fight between Sasuke and Naruto on the Hospital roof did occur.
- Important to have read up to Volume 20 of the manga Naruto
JAPANESE WORDS
- baka = idiot -
- dobe = dead last -
- naruhodo = I see -
- Chikushou = damn / dammit -
- naze = why -
- hai = yes / yeah -
- Arigatou = Thank You -
- Okaasan = Mother -
- Gomen = Sorry -
- Urousai = Shut up -
============================================================================ ==========
*Sand Village, Gaara's House*
Naruto then looked back at Gaara as he stood up and patted his butt to get the dirt off it. Kankuro now seeing that his little brother is ok, placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and pointed at him with the other one.
"I hope you understand if I ask you to leave right away" Kankuro informed the boy
Naruto nodded, as he walked by Gaara and made his way to the door. But before he left, his eyes met those of Temari.
"My bag?" Naruto asked
"First room on the left. Then go down the stairs and you'll see the door" Temari answered him as she lowered her gaze
"Arigatou. Gaara, you're lucky to have a brother and a sister that care about you. Anyway, try not to kill too many people ne?" Naruto walked out of the room as he waved goodbye to them
Gaara turned around as he only saw the back of Naruto that left, but his eyes remained wide open as something inside of him, didn't want Naruto to leave.
---
The door opening and then closing now proved once and for all that Naruto had left their house. Temari and Kankuro were relieved bu Gaara felt a strange feeling inside of him, knowing he wouldn't see the blond for a long time.
"We should of left him in the forest the first time we saw him" Kankuro commented as he picked up his puppet toy
"Kankuro, maybe we should leave Gaara alone for a while........." Temari walked next to her brother and urged him that both of them leave the room
"You should rest, so we'll go to our rooms as well........." Kankuro let out as he and his sister walked out of the room to leave Gaara alone for the moment
Gaara managed to stand up again as he stared at the door and then walked towards the window to look outside, perhaps in hopes to have one last glimpse of Naruto
============================================================================ ======================
*Konoha forest*
The Genins, along with the only Chuunin and Juunins awaited for Kurenai's new team assignment.
"Those who will continue the search will be the following. Nara Shikamaru, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji and Unuzuka Kiba." Kurenai started the new teams
"Eh? No Juunins with us?" Shikamaru asked
"You're a Chuunin now Shikamaru, besides you have the strongest genins in Konoha with you." Asuma reminded the boy
"Why are you sending only the strongest?" Sakura asked
"Konoha can't spare too many Juunins. Because of Orochimaru and Itachi we shouldn't even be doing this search........." Kurenai started to explain
"In other words, if someone was to attack, this would be a great opportunity for them" Shino commented
"Hai" Asuma answered
"Who will go find Jiraiya-sama and Kakashi-sensei?" Tenten asked
"Maito Gai will stay with Tenten, Hyuga Hianata, Haruno Sakura and Aburame Shino and go inform Kakashi and Jiraiya of the current situation. So Shino, it would be good if you planted a female on one of the four boys." Kurenai asked her student
"What for?" Ino asked not understanding
"I do not like repeating myself" Shino answered calmly
(For those who don't remember, the female bugs give out an scent which only the male bugs can smell. )
"As for Akimichi Chouji and Yamanaga Ino, you will return to Konoha with myself and Asuma-sensei." Kurenai finished
"Why are we the only two not to go!?" Ino yelled out
"Ino, stop arguing and just listen to what Kurenai-sensei ordered" Chouji spoke out for the first time
"Ino, you are skilled genins but this is an A ranked mission. Those four alone have proven the skills to become Chuunins. We don't know either what they might encounter and us Juunin believe that those four together will work together the best to retrieve your comrade" Asuma explained
"So why aren't you sending us after Kakashi-sensei and Jiraiya?" Ino asked still angry
"Sakura's part of team 7, Hinata can locate their position with her Byakugan, in case of combat, Tenten is very reliable as well as Gai. Once you've found them, Shino will be the one you'll rely upon due to his demale bug placed on the search team." Shikamaru answered so his teammate would understand
"Well explained" Asuma praised his student again
"Spread out!" Kurenai ordered
With that order given, Gai's new composed team headed towards the south in search of Kakashi and Jiraiya, while Kurenai and Asuma's small team went back to the Village to inform them of the new information they gathered.
Only Shikamaru's team remained on site, as they all looked at each other and then back at Shikamaru himself.
"What's the plan?" Kiba asked
"We're heading towards Hidden Sand Village, I'll take lead the way, while Neji and Sasuke stay behind me, Akamaru and Kiba will cover our backs in case we enter a trap." Shikamaru explained
"Good enough for me" Kiba let out
As the team was about to head towards the Sand Village, they noticed how Neji stared at the ground where the fight occurred.
"What is it Neji?" Shikamaru asked
"Nobody cared to ask a simple but obvious question" Neji replied without answering
"Meaning?" Sasuke asked the Hyuga as he faced him
"Why would Gaara save Naruto? After all, Naruto did beat him after the invasion started" Neji commented
"So, there's a great possibility that we'll encounter Gaara as well" Sasuke let out
"Most likely" Neji replied
"You have got to be kidding me!" Kiba yelled out as Akamaru started to shake upon hearing Gaara's name
"We'll deal with the matter if it happens. And Hopefully, Kakashi and Jiraiya will have joined us by then." Shikamaru stated
"Let's retrieve dobe then" Sasuke let out as he jumped into a tree
The others followed as they took the formation discussed earlier. They now headed towards Hidden Sand Village in hopes to find what they are looking for.
============================================================================ ======================
*Where Kakashi and Jiraiya are*
They leaped from tree to tree but still hadn't found any clues. They finally came to a stop and landed on the same branch.
"I still say the brat wouldn't come down here" Jiraiya complained
"I agree, but we can't disobey Hokage's order either." Kakashi replied
"That old hag should follow her instincts on this one instead of the Hokage title" Jiraiya spat out
"I propose we head back up, nobody has steped into these woods for at least a week. And we both know Naruto wouldn't bother to cover his trail, even if he tried hard" Kakashi spoke
"Hai, there's nothing here, let's head a different location" Jiraiya proposed
Kakashi nodded as they both vanished from the trees
============================================================================ ======================
*Hidden Sand Village*
Naruto walked in the streets on his way out of the Village, when he noticed how the Villages gave him cold eyes and whispers. This Village seemed no different than Konoha in his eyes.
"He just came out form that monster's house........." A woman said
"And he's still in one piece........." Another whispered
"The boy must be cursed now because of that monster........." A man mumbled
Naruto tried to not let those annoying voices to him as he decided to walk faster to the gates and get out of there as soon as possible before he beat someone to death.
"Damn them!" Naruot yelled inside of him
--- Inside Gaara's house ---
Gaara observed the scene outside, as how the boy would react to these accusations, but to his surprise, Naruto simply walk away without harming anyone.
"He still suffers......... Like I use to ........." Gaara thought as he walked away from the window
--- FLASHBACK ---
A younger version of Gaara stood in the living room, as he looked at a picture while Yashamaru cooked the diner. Gaara had taken a smile knife as he tried to cut himself but the sand always stood in the way.
Yashamaru then came in the living room and asked that the boy stopped hurting himself. Gaara looked down as he was both confused and sad, and looked up.
"Ne Yashamaru. What is pain?" Gaara asked
Yashamaru explained as he could to the young boy but saw that Gaara still didn't understand what he tried to explain.
"I think I understand what pain is now" Gaara let out
"Is that so?" Yashamaru was a little surprised
"Does that mean I'm injured like everyone else?" Gaara asked
"........." Yashamaru stayed silent as he wondered what the boy meant
"Then I always feel pain.........Although it doesn't bleed, this part hurts so much ........." Gaara spoke with a very sad voice as his hand grabbed the fabric of his shirt where his heart was
Yashamaru took hold of the knife as he made a tiny cut on his finger to show to the boy how physical wounds are different then emotional scars.
"Emotional scars?" Gaara asked
"Physical and emotional scars are a bit different. Unlike physical ones, there's no ointment available for emotional ones......... And the pain might never go away" Yashamaru continued
Gaara's eyes were filled with sadness as he lowered his head.
"There is only one thing that can stop such a heartache. However, as inconvenient it may seem, This cure can only be given by people other than yourself ........." Yashamaru continued his explanation
"What is it?" gaara asked as he met his caretaker's eyes
"It's love!" Yashamaru answered with a smile
"Love? How can I receive that?" Gaara asked
"Love is care and devotion you feel for the precious ones around you" Yashamaru finished
--- END OF FLASHBACK ---
Gaara touched the sign of love on his forehead, as he also remembered that night, his father had ordered Yashamaru to kill him since he had become a threat to the Village. He then remembered what Naruto told him moments ago.
--- SMALL FLASHBACK ---
"I know what it's like to have a demon remember? Sometimes, they have an urge to protect their host. And sometimes they even want to protect what their host desires but isn't aware of it yet" Naruto reminded the boy with a big smile
--- END OF SMALL FLASHBACK
Gaara's eyes widened as he remembered Naruto mentioning that sentence to him, as if he knew what he was talking about.
"Okaasan ......... Could what he said be true?" Gaara asked himself
Gaara then felt a slight pain on his forehead as his eyes widened. He never thought he actually could get an answer but he took this as a sign. But to be sure, he needed to see Naruto one last time. And so, he left his room with one objective in mind, to find Uzumaki Naruto .
Unfortunately, he needed to pass through the living room, where his big brother and sister currently were. Temari was washing her giant fan, while Kankuro attended to perfect his puppet doll named Karusa.
"Gaara?" Temari spoke his name
Gaara never turned around to meet their gaze as he simply opened the door.
"Where are you going?" Kankuro asked
"He still hasn't answered all my questions" Gaara replied in a cold tone
"But Gaara, he ........." Temari wanted to argue until Gaara looked her in the eyes with a killing intent
"Stay out of this. I need to understand. That is all. I'll come back later once I'm finished." Gaara coldly told her as he exited the house
Temari's heart had stopped beating for a moment sicne she didn't expect Gaara to react this way at all. Kankuro cleared his throat as he then looked over at his sister and they exchanged worried looks.
"Why is he so interested in that annoying brat!?" Kankuro asked
"Gaara's been like this ever since he and Naruto almost fought to death........." Temari reminded her brother
"Just what the hell happened between those two?" Kankuro asked to himself out loud
"I don't know, but that fact that Naruto was able to calm down Shikaku ......... Even our sensei had never been able to stop it........." Temari was half scared just thinking about it
"I know........." Kankuro spoke out with a low voice
--- Hidden Sand Gates ---
Naruto had his bag in hand as he hid himself in a tree, while he waited for an opportunity to jump over the gate to evade any questions or being captured by the Sand-nins.
The moment the sand-nin shifted towards the opposite direction, Naruto jumped out of the tree and over the wall of hardened sand. Naruto landed with ease on the ground as he breathed heavily.
"This kinda bites, I still don't have anywhere to go back to........." Naruto mumbled to himself
"If you have no where else to go then stay here" A male voice said
Naruto tripped on his feet and fell to the ground face first when he jumped back up on his feet to face the voice that he heard originally behind him. His eyes widened when he noticed it was someone he knew.
"Gaara?" Naruto let out in shock
Gaara leaned against the wall as his arms remained crossed while he glared at the kitsune. Naruto shook a little as he dropped his bag on the ground and was still shocked to see Gaara there so soon.
"Why are you here?" Naruto asked with a weak voice
"Loneliness" Gaara said as he stared at Naruto
"Eh?" Naruto didn't quite understand what Gaara meant
"Do you wish to be alone again?" Gaara asked
"It's not like I chose to live alone, it's because of Kyubi that I'm force to be alone......... And honestly I hate it but no one wants a demon and never will ........." Naruto stammered as he looked down to evade Gaara's eyes
"You're wrong" Gaara let out as he uncrossed his arms and walked towards the blond
"Wrong? Konoha didn't give a damn about me just as much as people in it! So who the hell would want to ever be with me!?" Naruto yelled out in anger as unwanted tears filled his eyes
"Me" Gaara replied with a calm voice as he stood merely an inch away from Naruto's face
"Huh?" Naruto gave a confused look as he immediately calmed down
"I wish to be with you" Gaara told Naruto as the blond blinked his eyes many times
"Eh? Now why would go saying something stupid like that?" Naruto asked still surprised
"Because it's true" Gaara repeated himself
Naruto lifted an eyebrow as he never expected this kind of answer from the sand boy.
"In that fight, despite the fact that you feared me, you still fought against me, for the sake of your so called friends. The words you spoke to me when our battle ended, they disturbed me at first since I did not understand their meaning, until now." Gaara explained
"I don't get it........." Naruto acted his usual idiot way as he looked into Gaara's eyes
"I'll explain when the time comes. Answer this before you leave Uzumaki. Once you leave my Village, what are you going to do with your life?" Gaara asked with a dead serious tone
Naruto's fists closed harder as the blood started to leak from them. His fists shook as Naruto knew deep down he didn't know what he could do or where he'd go, but the fact Gaara asked him this question made him both sad and angry. Naruto turned around so that Gaara could only stare at his back so the sand-nin couldn't see the tears that had started to fall on his cheeks.
"Answer me" Gaara demanded an answer
"I.........I don't know......... I'm so useless! Maybe when I escaped I was hoping someone would end my life so the pain of being alone and hated all the time would finally go away......... Besides, even if I leave, I don't have any where else to go ........." Naruto screamed out as he lowered his head and tears fell on the ground
Naruto lifted his head back up when he felt his body being pulled somewhere as the warmth of another body touched his back. Naruto's eyes widened, when he felt two arms around his neck with a soft warm wind blew next to his ear.
"Gaara........." Naruto whispered as he knew Gaara was behind him
Gaara had pulled in the blond into his own arms, as his lips were next to the blonde's ear, his arms wrapped protectively around the boy's neck, his chest against Naruto's back.
"We are the same......... Hated and feared by the people we serve and protect. To them we are nothing more than monsters and tools that they can use. We both found our own way to cope with their threats." Gaara whispered to the boy
Naruto stayed still as he didn't know how to react to the situation he currently was him.
"He's right......... But what should I do now? I can't go back to Konoha......... Not after what happened there........." Naruto asked himself
"Do you truly desire to go out there, to be alone and shunned by the people again?" Gaara asked
"Iie.........Demo ......... I can never go back to Konoha......... I'm so tired of being alone and hated by everyone......... But I don't have anywhere else to go ........." Naruto mumbled as he cried again and placed his hands and griped tightly the arms around his neck
"Then stay here" Gaara let out as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath
"Nani.........?" Naruto's eyes open widely as he turned his head to try and meet the eyes of the sand-nin
"I, myself, am tired of being alone." Gaara softly said
Both boys stared at each other, when Naruto saw something he only saw once in the eyes of Gaara. The young sand-nin's eyes seemed to be filled with sorrow and pain, as if he had remembered a painful moment in his life.
"Gaara......... I ........." Naruto was about to give his answer as he stared into those light green eyes
TBC
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Sorry for the short chapter people but I ran out of ideas and you wanted an update fast, so faster updates mean shorter chapter! Plus I still have my Rivals or Lovers? Story to update, and I only got 14 pages written of that one so please understand!
Reviews
Emeraldblossom : Welcome back. I updated soon although I'm still not satisfied with this chapter .........
Luna / zornoid13 / kurokyoku / silverknight7 / JadeTiger : Thanks for reviewing!
Rubymoon17 : I think this is the worse chapter I've written in this story......... I so hate it, but I can't seem to make it any better sniff sniff
Silver Neo : You're back!!! You one-chan is very direct! But things are starting to develop as you might of notice although I had to make Gaara a bit OCC, and I hate making him OCC! But I guess with some thought he figured it's best for himself if Naruto remains with him, besides he has no where else to go to ne? Can't wait for your next review and story!
Trubluewolfeyes : I update as I can. I'm stuck with two part time jobs which take a lot of time and school. I even neglect my own boyfriend to write and continue my Naruto fics! But I just love writing.........
Soulretreiver13 : Soon they'll meet, but now it's to wonder what will happen between Gaara and Naruto......... Update your fics soon too ne?
Thetruesilver : I stopped at the wrong place again didn't I? So sorry about that but I need to update my other stories too.........
ArticTiger 89 : I updated and thanks for your review! I also have a new Sasuke x Naruto story out, hope you check it out!
Shadow eclipse : thanks for the comments
Peter Kin : Well I made the teams as I saw it would be best, although I left out Ino and Chouji but many characters to handle can be hard on my brain lol
Black Jaggan : Well as I told Peter above, I separated the teams by ability, but Shino will meet up with Neji later, so don't loose hope. And thanks about the comment concerning Shikamaru's ability, I was hoping to get him right.
Nikkler : Gaara might rbing him back but he went to at least meet Naruto and ask a few questions.!
Red Rose : Gaara won't let Naruto go, the boy is starting to feel something but he simply doesn't know what it is yet!
Arbil : That's the link I want them to have to get them even closer, I know I'm writing some fluff about the cute soon to be couple, but I don't want to rush things either to ruin the story, hope you understand
Next Chapter :
Naruto makes his decision, as Shikamaru's team are very near Sand Village, as Jiraiya and Kakashi joined up with them. How will everyone react?
Thanks for the reviews and those who stay loyal by chapter!
Read and REVIEW please
Until next time ( and hopefully in two weeks at most )
Ookima