The frustrated redhead sighed heavily before spinning around in his office chair to look out at the majestic night sky of Suna. Stars were scattered across the dark cobalt sky creating brilliantly luminescent designs. The moon was glowing brightly, illuminating the village spectacularly. The sight used to make his blood boil with demonic rage. That was no longer the case. Any other night this view would bring him peace. He growled lowly in the back of his throat, rising from his chair and throwing his pen on his desk. He'd been trying to focus on his paperwork for the past four hours. He couldn't think of anything but the way that Naruto had been acting.

What has happened to his precious blond?

Gaara leaned over the windowsill and pushed it open. The soft summer breeze danced into the room ruffling his hair and cooling his body. He sighed heavily before pulling himself up onto the window ledge. His left foot flirted with the breeze as his leg hung precariously out into the night air.

His kohl-rimmed eyes gazed out at his peacefully sleeping village. He'd been able to start sleeping through entire nights again once his bijuu had been forcibly removed. He'd taken full advantage of that for a solid week after he'd returned home. He'd done practically nothing BUT sleep. Tonight though, sleep refused to bless him. His mind simply couldn't calm down enough for his body to rest. He couldn't sleep nor could he get any work done. He was entirely exasperated.

The redhead groaned rising from the sill and walking out of his office.

He stalked down the halls with purpose towards his sister's room. He quickly composed his features as he traveled down the halls. He was walking so fast it was practically a jog but somehow he managed to move so gracefully that one could hardly tell. Not a single bone in his body held an ounce of patience and he wasn't about to wait any longer to see the blond that was plaguing his psyche. He paused momentarily at his sister's door before knocking quite insistently.

Temari shot up in bed instantly to the insistent pounding from her bedroom door. Fearing the worst she ran to the door in a pair of silk pajamas and swung the door open without a second thought.

What if someone's attacking the village? The Akatsuki? Oh god, what if they-

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Temari practically screamed at the person who'd woken her. That was when she saw it was her younger brother, who would not typically be the one to get her if something needed immediate attention. He appeared to be perfectly fine and she was shocked to see him in front of her door at this hour.

Raising an eyebrow she said, "Why are you still awake? I thought your insomnia wasn't an issue anymore." Temari regarded her brother in confusion. Not only was he still awake but, he was still in his full Kazekage robes.

Ignoring her questions Gaara proceeded to ask, "Where's Naruto's room? I have to see him."

Temari raised her eyebrow even higher. "Go back to your room; I'll send him down."

Gaara nodded and stalked back to his room and personal office. Temari stared after his retreating form and sighed. She shook her head and went down to the rooms where their visitors were staying.

Down this hallway were several rooms that were kept unoccupied in preparation for guests. All of the shinobi were given their own room for the duration of their stay. However, she could sense Sakura's presence in Lee's room and Kakashi wasn't present in his. She passed the others' rooms and walked up to Naruto's door pausing before knocking hastily.

Naruto turned towards his door as he heard a light tapping. He rose from the bed slowly and walked over to the door. He opened the door cautiously regarding the unexpected visitor. The blond almost rose his eyebrow (a habit he'd definitely picked up from being around Gaara and Sasuke) but, refrained and instead just looked at Temari in confusion.

"Yes, Temari? Is something the matter?" He questioned.

Temari fiddled with her fingers for a moment. "I'm terribly sorry; I hope I didn't wake you."

Naruto shook his head and leaned on the door frame. "You didn't wake me. What did you need?"

Sighing, Temari stood up straight, "The Kazekage wishes to see you." She felt much too formal; however, this was the way Naruto was treating everyone, so she assumed it would be how he wanted addressed.

Naruto pushed down a sigh and felt a barely contained panic begin to eat at his insides. "Alright, Temari-Chan. Should I head to the Kazekage's office or the main one?"

"His personal chambers." Naruto nodded pushing off of the door frame.

"Would you like me to escort you?" Temari inquired politely.

Naruto stepped out of his temporary room and stood beside her, immersed in his thoughts. "That would be greatly appreciated." Naruto bowed lightly. "Lead the way." Temari nodded tensely and turned around leading the shinobi down dark, echoing halls.

An awkward silence seemed to fill the halls and surround the pair. Naruto used to bring out the child in the normally stoic blond woman. Usually they would both be loud and obnoxious, talking about idle silliness. Now there was no silliness, only unease.

Naruto stared at Temari's back while drifting in and out of his own thoughts. He noticed the difference in the way that everyone treated him now and almost felt guilty. But, not quite. This way no one would get close to him. This way nobody would touch him.

I won't let my self get hurt, not anymore.

Nodding in silent affirmation Naruto felt himself go numb once again.

As they stopped at a mahogany door they both froze in slight awkwardness. Temari picked up her fist to knock on her brother's door but, was interrupted unexpectedly by a gruff voice.

"You may enter, Naruto."

Slowly Gaara's sibling lowered her hand and turned apprehensively to the other blond. Naruto nodded curtly to her and reached for the handle. Temari watched as Naruto disappeared behind the door, leaving her alone in the abandoned hallway. Sighing heavily she turned and headed to her own quarters.

"I hope you can fix this Gaara." She whispered to her self.

The kitsune entered Gaara's dark room feeling very unsure of himself. As his eyes adjusted he found Gaara sitting at a small desk against the wall with his back turned to Naruto. The moon and stars shone brightly into the room from the still open window and made the wood floor seem to shimmer. His chair squealed loudly in the silence; however, he was otherwise silent as he turned to face the room's newest occupant.

Naruto's muscles tensed and he bowed to the waist speaking clearly, "Kazekage-Sama, you requested my presence."

Gaara rested his chin in his hands and stared straight at the bent over Jinchuuriki.

"There's no need to be so formal with me, Naruto. We've known one another well for such a long time that it's clearly unnecessary." Gaara stared holes into Naruto as he lifted himself from his bow and met his eyes.

Naruto's eyes seemed so dead to him. He gazed at him in shock. However, he managed not to allow such weak emotions to mar his facial features outwardly.

Those are the eyes that I held what seems like so long ago. Such lack of emotion is truly frightening on my beloved.

Gaara repressed a shudder. "Please, have a seat." Gaara spoke through clenched teeth.

Naruto walked over to the chair across from the Kazekage. Panic began to show itself in his thoughts. He felt like he might begin to hyperventilate if he couldn't push his thoughts away.

If I sit that close we might touch each other. Our legs would be so close...

Naruto saw flashes of what had happened the other night with Sasuke. He remembered Sasuke ripping his pants off, cutting open his legs with the force of it. Pulling out his kunai when he resisted. He could feel Sasuke's legs rubbing against his.

Kit! Stop this!

Kyuubi began to yell at his vessel and tried to block out the boys thoughts- or more accurately, memories.

Shredded clothes, beaten face, the embarrassment, the self-hatred, the blood, all the pain that-

"-uto? Naruto? Naruto!"

Naruto snapped his head up and fell out of his dark thoughts. Sea foam met sapphire as Gaara stared at Naruto with a deeply worried expression etched onto his face. He placed his hands on the desk and made to get up.

"I'm fine!" Naruto flinched back when Gaara leaned ever closer to him.

Panicking he sat in the chair across from the Kazekage. "See? Fine. I was just distracted! Please, forgive me, Kazekage-Sama."

Gaara furrowed his non-existent brows in irritation. "If you're sure, Naruto." He sat back down again slowly.

"Do you know why you're here, Naruto?" Gaara asked quietly.

"No, Kazekage-Sama. I was not instructed of why we were sent to Suna."

Gaara's eye twitched in irritation as Naruto addressed him again. He folded his hands and placed his chin on them again.

"Suna is in need of shinobi to guard the shops."

Naruto stared at Gaara in disbelief. "Forgive me Kazekage but, isn't it a bit odd to request four strong shinobi from a neighboring village for that?"

Gaara ignored his question because he didn't want to answer that honestly. "Can you do that for us, Naruto?"

"Yes, Kazekage-sama."

"Call me Gaara!" The red head exclaimed furious, having had enough of this.

"Yes, G-gaara." Naruto stuttered sounding unsure of himself.

Gaara's eyes softened, "Come here, Naruto."

Naruto gulped and stood on shaky legs. "Um, I-"

Gaara walked around the desk with a very soft expression on his face. Kami, I'm still not very good at this whole connection and reassurance stuff. He berated himself internally. As tenderly as he could, he awkwardly pulled Naruto into his arms. "Please just relax, Naruto. Surely you must know that you're okay, right here. You're safe in my arms. I would never hurt you and I will NEVER let anyone hurt you ever again." He whispered as reassuringly as he could muster. His lips were practically brushing against Naruto's collar bone because of the difference in their height. He could feel a blush flooding his cheeks and he prayed to the Gods that this wouldn't backfire.

OHMIGOSH I'M SO SORRY!

I haven't update in months! I had so much going on and I didn't want to post because I only had about 800 words of the chapter for the longest time. I FINALLY have an idea of where I'm going with this fic O.O I plan on updated within two weeks. Yay. But if you have any requests, suggestions or questions please message me or review!

Reviews bring life to dead puppies! Do your part!

*Updated Dec 9, 2020