Gaara set his keys down on the table by the door and let Naruto into the kitchen. He guided him to a chair and sat him down as he began rummaging through the room.

"Tea or hot chocolate"

"Hot Chocolate."

"Right, thought so."

"Gaara, there's a-"

"No, there's not."

"But-"

"Naruto, no matter what you see, there is not a knife in the phone. Ignore it."

"Right…"

Gaara finished making tea for himself and hot chocolate for Naruto, and set them both on opposite sides of the table. "Tell me everything Naruto. From the beginning. And no leaving parts out, I want the whole story."

"You remember back in middle school when his family was killed?"

"Yeah"

"And how his brother disappeared?"

"Yes, and?"

"Sasuke's sure that Itatchi did it. He goes to look for him. Every time he hears anything, he just up and leaves. Usually in the middle of the night and he almost never leaves a note."

"And that picture?"

"Our first date."

"Thrash can's under the sink, trash compactor's on the left side. I don't have a fireplace, but we can always build a fire, and there's a window right over there"

Naruto smiled. He knew what Gaara was offering. It was good to know he did but… "Thanks Gaara, but I'm not... ready yet."

"I know, I'm just saying for when you are."

"Thanks."

"Anytime. Hey, I'm your ex-boyfriend from collage, what am I supposed to do? Be cold and bitter?"

"Yes." Naruto snapped, but could only hold his expression for a few seconds before they both cracked up. It felt good to be able to laugh again, that was something he hadn't had in a while. Not since… Naruto didn't want to think about it.