Gaara wandered through the serenity that the forests bordering Konoha provided. The book was not accompanying him at present but he was pondering the most recent passage that he had indulged upon. 'STAGE SIX'

"True friendship is more than just following steps out of a manual. You, as the friend, should be able to determine when assistance is required and have the ability to distribute help to the point that you are able. Think of what your friend really needs rather than giving them superficial gifts all the time."

For Gaara, this point was proving to be particularly difficult. He had a few ideas but none of them would be able to be used for different reasons. He wanted to burn the Ramen stand to try and improve Naruto's health but he was banned from there since his fun with Hinata. He would have offered to give Neji a much needed haircut if he wasn't currently residing in the Hyuuga manner behind locked doors. He had even wanted to rid Lee of that annoying man he called a mentor...but he already had to no continuing success.

He continued to ponder, applying 'Desert Graveyard' to everything that moved when his sand snatched up something unusual from behind a bush. Before he applied the final seals, he dragged it closer to have a look. Perhaps it would be a new species of oversized beetle he could present to that insect/hood/glasses guy. It was perhaps, a result of this trail of thoughts, that Gaara received a small shock when he unearthed A boy of about his age. Said boy snarled up at him.

"What is your name?" Perhaps this person could be his friend. He squeezed him a little to prompt a response.

"You remember it." He spat at him. Gaara laughed. What a sense of humour.

"Then why would I be asking!" The boy gave him a slightly incredulous look. He stuck his nose in the air.

"Uchiha Sasuke." Gaara took out a small list he carried every where.

"I remember fighting you with Shukaku but you aren't of my 'To Kill' list. You survived so you must have been that one with Naruto..." He didn't answer so Gaara continued feeling encouraged. "You ran away to Orochimaru! I remember now! What are you doing here? You're close to Konoha! You could be captured!" Gaara was of course, naturally worried about his new buddy.

"That's the point idiot. I used my genius moves and intelligence to escape that pedophile and return here in hopes I can impregnate Sakura to further my clan. Beating Itachi is going to require an army of Sasuke Jr's. Let me go or take me to Konoha." Gaara thought he heard him saying something but was to busy plotting. This was his perfect chance to do as the book said!

"Don't worry; my sand will have you back to Oro in no time!" Gaara began to run following the trail that Sasuke had left from Orochimaru's lair. When Sasuke began to wriggle and shout he squeezed him unconscious for the journey. He was still sleeping when they arrived so Gaara settled for placing him on the doormat and ringing the bell to alert them to his presence. He didn't want Sasuke laying out in the cold until Kabuto came to collect the paper.

Watching from the trees he smiled as he saw Orochimaru clutch at Sasuke just as he began to stir.

"Won't let you run away again preciousness..." Sasuke screamed in pure happiness and Gaara left feeling happy but wishing he could keep in contact with Sasuke. He was going to miss him but felt comforted by the fact that he was happy and safe now.

Nut2: Big thank you to 'Darka-Chan' who helped me get started on this one : D THANK YOU /glomp attack/ Hope you all enjoyed it, this was fun to write, not that I have anything against Sasuke ;)

I think I'm supposed to mention also that you shouldn't actually take any of the books advice. That's just me making up crap to suit the story line :) not that I think your that stupid just thought I better put that on incase of emergency.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.