"Can you do that?" Kira's words echoed in Naruto's ears she wanted him to be strong, she wanted him to be strong for her. "Can you please do that for me?" Fat tears fell down his best friends face as she shook. She was shaking trying to keep her voice steady and calm.

"Yeah…" Naruto sniffed opening his arms and pulling her into a hug. She clung to Naruto taking deep breaths as she tried to calm herself down. "We'll kill those bastards. Every last one of them." Naruto muttered into her short gray hair.

Lady Chiyo having been moved by the two teens words leaned forward resting her hands on Gaara's chest a green glow emitted from her fingers. Sakura's features turned to surprise watching the woman she grew to care for actually going through with the jutsu. "Granny Chiyo...that jutsu…" the old woman just turned aside and grinned before looking back to Gaara.

"Whats she doing?" Naruto called confused staring at the woman. Kira pulled away staring at Lady Chiyo confused it's not like she could heal Gaara, he was dead. Nothing was going to bring him back, there was no point. "What're you doing?!" Naruto yelled having to be restained by Kira.

"Stop it Naru," she ran her sleeve across her face.

"She's going to bring Gaara back."

Kira sat stunned staring at the old woman. Was that even possible? Bringing Gaara back from the dead? "Bring back to life?" Kira stared down at Gaara's peaceful face, the idea of bringing Gaara back would be amazing. "Can she really do that?"

"Is that really possible?"

Sakura looked to the ground depressed "Only Granny Chiyo can perform this jutsu…" Kira couldn't believe what she was seeing, was it really possible? Was Gaara going to come back? Would it still be the same Gaara?

Lady Chiyo cringed and the green glow started to disappear. "No…" she whispered horrified "Not enough chakra." Her head bowed in shame.

"Lady Chiyo please use some of mine." Kira called softly reaching forward to rest her hand overtop her own. She looked up at stared at the girl, she was completely serious and had a soft grin on her face. "I'm not sure what your doing, and I don't know if it will entirely work but I'm willing to do anything for Gaara."

Naruto placed his hand on Kira's looking at Lady Chiyo as well. "You can use mine as well, is it possible?" The old woman nodded looking at both kids instructing them to place a hand on one of hers. There was a loud crackle and the green glow emitted was brighter and stronger than before.

"Guys…"

Kira heard Sakura's saddened voice echo through her head. 'Sakura...what is this Jutsu?'

Sakura took only a few moments with an answer, Kira could hear her soft sniffles in the background. "She's exchanging her life for Gaara's."

Kira's body went stiff staring at the older woman shocked. "Are you sure about this Granny Chiyo?" Sweat was pooling down the womans face and she already didn't look the best. Naruto stared at his best friend confused, didn't she want Gaara back.

Lady Chiyo cracked a grin keeping her eyes trained down on Gaara. "In this shinobi world created by frivolous old people I'm glad new souls like you have come along. Up until now everything I've done has been wrong...but at the very end I think I might finally be able to do something right. Suna and Konoha. May their future be something different from our time."

She was giving her last words and only a few knew about it. "Naruto, this special power of yours Kakashi spoke of it, that power will change the future dramatically...become a Hokage the like of which has never been seen." Naruto smiled to himself nodding to her words. "Kira, Gaara is lucky to have you in his life. Treasure your love for one another and continue to fight for those you care for. Kakashi did a fine job in raising you, you are lucky to have a father like him." Kira smiled softly looking down at Gaara. She didn't bother to correct the woman in her thinking. Lots of people thought Kakashi was father even though they made it obvious that they were siblings. But who was she to argue with this woman when she was giving up her life to bring Gaara back.

"Just give him hell every now and then." She snickered a bit with the woman agreeing to do so. "And Sakura, in the future don't save a dying Granny like me, help those you truly care about. You're a lot like me. So few women possess such strong spirit, you'll likely surpass your teacher." Sakura stood nodding her head as the tears fell freely. "Naruto, Kira...I have a favor to ask."

Naruto and Kira glance at one another before facing the woman again. "You're the only two who knows Gaara's pain. Gaara also knows your pain please look after Gaara."

"I promise," Kira muttered reaching over with her left hand to brush some of his hair away tracing his mark. "Yeah...me too." Lady Chiyo nodded removing her hands from Gaara's chest smiling at the two.

"Thank you Uzuamaki Naruto, Thank you Hatake Kira." the woman stood staggering back some. Sakura caught the woman and did her best to stay quiet. Kira even shed some tears for the woman she didn't have to do this, she didn't have to give her life up for Gaara. But if Gaara did come back she'd thank this woman every day and pray for her to have a wonderful afterlife.

It took some time for the Jutsu to take effect, Granny Chiyo's ragged breath echoed through Kira's ears as she watched Gaara's sleeping face. She already could see a difference in him. His skin started to return to its natural color, she heard his soft breathing, and felt his pulse radiate to life warming his cold hands once more.

A few minutes after the troops came in did Gaara start to wake up. Naruto sat by her side waiting patiently for Gaara to wake. She made sure he had some space so he could move around if need be as he sat up from his lying position. "Gaara…" Naruto placed a hand on Gaara's shoulder feeling relieved that he was alive and okay.

"Naruto…" She held herself back from launching at the male happy tears started to fall, she doesn't remember ever crying this much before. Gaara looked around noticing everyone standing there looking at him. "Kira, why are you crying? What is this?"

"We all came running to your rescue," Naurto laughed patting his back, a laugh escaped Kira's lips as she leaned forward "You scared me half to death baby." she grinned, placing a kiss on his cheek. His face was inflamed at everyone's stare "K-Kira…"

"You had us all worried." Naruto explained. Kira pulled Gaara into a hug clutching onto him for dear life. The red heads arms felt heavy but all he felt was the comfort the girl in front of him, he shifted his arms as best as he could till he was holding her comfortably. Her left hand had moved to rest on his neck under his jaw. She was checking his pulse.

"You sure did, you caused us a lot of grief little brother." Kankuro called surprising the boy. They were all worried about him? But why? They had always...or at least he always thought that they didn't think him special.

Temari glared at the ground, even though she was worried sick about him and wanted nothing more than to hold onto him like Kira had she had a job to do. "Don't act so superior! Gaara is the Kazekage, shut your mouths! You brats." Kankuro and Naruto did not care for Temari's choice of words.

Naruto especially didnt like being knocked out of the way by Temari. Kira pulled away from Gaara believing that his sister needed to check him over. Gaara didn't let her leave completely clutching onto her left hand. His thumb tracing over the thick scar over the top of her hand.

"Gaara how are you feeling?" Temari murmured softly looking him over. Gaara grunted shifting his body so that he could stand. He felt Kira's tug on his hand as she shifted to help catch him if he fell. There was a worried look in her eyes that made him smile to himself. "You shouldn't move too suddenly your body hasn't completely recovered from rigor mortis yet."

Naruto and Kankuro sat to the side while two girls tried to make their way over to Gaara. Matsuri and Sari. Those two who were in the back had ran forward knocking over Naruto in the process. Termari did her best to keep the two girls at bay while Kira rubbed Gaara's back trying to keep him calm and relaxed through the entire ordeal.

"I don't understand...why did everyone come after me?" Gaara whispered softly so only Kira could hear. He watched her scrunch her eyebrows confused "Because we love you dummy." she reached up pulling her mask down and leaned forward she placed her lips on his for the briefest of moments

Gaara felt a surge of energy sore through him when she kissed him, he never felt this way before when they had kissed, true they had only shared a peck or two in the past but this, this was completely different. Something he wanted more of.

"Thank you, Naruto." Kankuro said sincerely. His younger brother was safe and alive because of him. "You should be saying that to the old lady, not me. She saved Gaara with her amazing medical jutsu." Looking over Naruto and Kankuro caught sight of Sakura clutching onto the older woman. "She passed out from tiredness now, but she'll be fine when she gets back to the…" Naruto was grinning happy everything was alright in the end.

"No…"

Naruto stared at the teen confused. "What d'you mean 'no'?" Gaara listened in on his brothers conversation with Naruto. What had happened? "That was no medical ninjutsu, it was a tensei ninjutsu. Chiyo is dead."

Gaara and Naruto sat startled staring ahead. Was that what really happened? Gaara glanced over at his loving girlfriend and watched her cringe away unable to meet his gaze. It must be true. "What are you saying?" Naruto called unsure what to do with this information. If he had known he would...he didn't want anyone to die. He didn't want to be the reason for anyone's death.

Kankuro averted his eyes keeping them locked onto Granny Chiyo's form. "A ninjutsu that restores life in exchange for the users own…" All of Team Guy seemed surprised by this news listening in on what Kankuro was talking about. "At one time, in the sands puppet squad, people tried to research and develop a jutsu to give life to puppets, Chiyo let that. She worked out the theory behind the jutsu, but in the process saying that the risk of the jutsu was too high before experimentation, it was designated a forbidden jutsu, and sealed away."

Kira glanced back at Naruto and Kankuro was this really true. She squeezed Gaara's hand and looked back to Sakura and Granny Chiyo. "'I'm just playing dead' I keep expecting her to laugh out loud and say that…" Ebizo sighed holding back tears. "Such a peaceful expression she has now…"

"Yes…"

Kira could see Gaara getting upset with the news that Granny Chiyo had used the forbidden jutsu for him. "She wanted you to come back." she whispered softly seeing his uneasiness "She said that you and Naruto are the key to making a better future."

Temari herself moved to stare at Granny Chiyo. "Naruto, you really are a mysterious person. You have the power to change people." Naruto stared at Temari now. "Chiyo-sama was always saying how she didn't care about the future of the village, she wasn't the kind of person who would do something like this for Gaara." Gaara leaned closer to Kira resting his body against hers.

"Chiyo-sama entrusted the future to you and Gaara a truly fitting last moment for a shinobi." Kakashi explained to Naruto cheering up the boy before him. "Yeah...the same as San-Daime…"

Kakashi nodded "That's right."

"Yeah, I understand the old lady's feelings for sure now!"

Hearing enough Gaara came to the conclusion that he could no longer sit around. He needed to get up and pay his respects to the woman who gave his life for him. As soon as Kira felt him shift to stand she was right there with him supporting him. "I gotcha…" she whispered. Naruto was quick to join Gaara's side helping easing him over to Sakura's side. She stared up at him unsure what he would do or say. She was so pleased when he spoke.

"Everyone, say a prayer for Chiyo."

Everyone took a moment to say a silent prayer for Lady Chiyo before everyone made the march back to Suna. Gaara had his arms wrapped around Naruto and Kira's shoulders to help keep him stable. He stumbled and had to walk slower than everyone was used to. Matsuri and Sari grumbled wanting to be the girl to help Naruto walk.

Kira could hear them grumbling behind her back but chose to ignore it, Matsuri has always been a little bit of a bitch to her because she was close to Gaara. It wasn't anything new, they were just jealous because Gaara chose her. She unconsciously pulled Gaara closer to her causing the boy beside her to smile.

He couldn't wait till they got home and he could show her how much he appreciated her. From the three years they've known each other she let everything build up until she snaps. When they sat alone in the hospital after the accident he could see how terrified she was that she might not be able to be a ninja again. He could only imagine how scared she must have been when she heard the news.

Gaara didn't see any bright light, he didn't feel relieved he just saw all the horrible moments in his life where he was truly alone. And when it was almost over he saw her. He saw her just standing in the distance waiting for someone. Her figure grew closer and closer till they were standing next to each other. She looked like he first met her. Long gray hair pulled into a braid, the faint scar running across her bottom lip, she looked so small. So innocent. When he had gotten close to her she had reached up and grabbed onto his hand smiling brightly at him.

She dragged him through her home village looking back up to him every now and then to make sure he was still there then looking back to the road. She dragged him to a younger Naruto and the two smiled up at him. The young Naruto took his free hand and they walked him onwards to a line of people, he recognized some but not all of them. When he turned to face them again they were grown to the proper age. They were still smiling at him.

Gaara knew what they were doing. Friends. They were showing him that he wasn't alone, not anymore. And then he woke up to find the worried looks of everyone around him. Naruto's relieved features and Kira's crying form resisting the urge to tackle him. He wasn't alone anymore.

Back at Suna Gaara stood surprised seeing everyone waiting at the entrance waiting. He could hear their cheers and chants "We told you that you had everyone worried." Naruto grinned at the boys expression.

"I didn't...I thought…"

"You big dummy they love you." Kira grinned squeezing his arm affectionately.

Gaara told everyone that Lady Chiyo had to go in first because if it wasn't for her he wouldn't be here. The citizens were shocked to see that Lady Chiyo wasn't alive anymore, they had assumed nothing could kill her. That she was just so stubborn that she would live forever. They were incredibly happy that their Kazekage had returned safely, they didn't know what they would do without their wonderful Kazekage. Kakashi tried to say that they needed to go but Kira shut that down with a glare.

"Medical bay. Now." Kakashi gulped raising his hands in surrender allowing Guy to take him to the medical bay. The other male laughed to himself at the furious girl. Temari grinned from her spot shaking her head. "I'll make sure he's taken care of."

Gaara felt her relax some under his arm. "Thank you Temari. Come on Gaara don't think I haven't forgotten about you." she walked Gaara to the medical bay even though she heard him protest. "Gaara. You died." He heard how calm she sounded and feared the worst. "I need to look you over."

Naruto elbowed Gaara smirking to himself, "It's just best to humor her. She's been worried since we left Konoha."

"Okay...If it'll make you feel better." Gaara agreed being led to a bed, he felt utterly exhausted as he sat down. He watched her as she moved his limbs around, turn his head in different directions, he's never seen her so worried before. "I promise I'm okay,"

He reached up cupping her cheek and grinned watching her nuzzle into his hand "Please sit with me." she obeyed instantly curling into his side hugging him and keeping her head nuzzled into his chest. "I'm sorry I worried you."

"You had to protect your Village...You were doing your job."Gaara nodded at her words "I know but I worried you. It was never my intention to worry you."

"I doubt it was your intention to get kidnapped by the Akatsuki in the first place." Gaara chuckled holding her body to his tighter. His limbs ached but he needed to hold her, he's missed her greatly. "I love you." his heart skipped beats hearing those words. She loved him, something he never thought would happen. Hearing those words made him feel all nice and warm inside.

"I love you too." and he meant it too. Watching her head rise they stared into one another's eyes, he memorized every little detail. How the red coloring would turn from a deep dark red to a light pink. He felt like he could get lost in them if he stared long enough. There was a magnetic pull. His body telling him to kiss her before she turned away.

They needed each other. He could smell mint on her breath, her eyes were half lidded now, just staring up at him. Leaning forward she closed the gap feeling his lips pressed against her own. She felt sparks run through her veins when he pulled her closer. Her hand snaked up to rest against his cheek, her fingers gripping onto the hair on the back of his neck. He felt chills run down his spine feeling her fingers grip onto his hair.

He wanted more but wasn't sure what to do, he didn't want to scare her off but she was making it hard to think of anything but doing more. He remembered something Kankuro had told him about girls when he first started dating Kira. He hoped he wasn't going to make a fool of himself.

Licking her bottom lip he felt her jump in surprise her large bust crashed into his chest and the rest was history. They sat there making out in one of the medical bay rooms closed off from the world around them. Breathing in one anothers scents, taking in the others features by touch alone. Though eventually they had to pull away for air.

Gaara rested his head against her own watching her face grow very flushed. "Thats new…" she gasped grinning up at him.

"Yeah...Was that okay?" she giggled breathlessly sending his heart into overdrive. She leaned up and kissed his lips softly her thumb caressing his cheek. "Yes. It's very okay." They grinned stupidly at eachother like two dumb kids in love when Temari opened the curtin.

She took in the two teens forms red faced and out of breath "Kira he's recovering." she snapped glaring at the girl.

"He started it." She pointed a finger at the boy who shrugged gladly taking the blame if it meant he could kiss her again.

Temari rolled her eyes a small smile on her lips "Well no kissing till he's better." Gaara rolled his eyes holding her closer to his side.

Three days in Suna was more than enough to heal Gaara from being revived. He quite enjoyed having Kira take care of him and sneaking kisses when they knew they were safe. Naruto spent some time with him as well. He enjoyed watching Naruto and Kira joking at each other like children. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was to have them in his life.

Kakashi was doing better but still not one hundred percent back to his normal self. They had a funeral for Lady Chiyo where the entire village came to see her funeral. Gaara said some wonderful words sending tears to some. Everyone was upset.

After the funeral Gaara and Kakashi had to lay down and rest. Naruto sat in the kitchen while Kira and Sakura made lunches for everyone. Sakura gagged at Kira for making Gaara favorite. Temari places Gaara food in his room to eat when he woke up and Kira left some fish in the fridge for Kakashi.

Sakura had explained to both Naruto and Kira what she had found out when fighting with Sasori. Apparently Orochimaru had a spy working for Sasori and they were supposed to meet very soon. "That's perfect! We can go to the spot they're meeting up at and get the information and save Sasuke!" Naruto grinned excitedly. They were so close to Sasuke now. He couldn't wait to bring him home.

Kira was a little less than thrilled. Sure she wanted to help save her old friend from Orochimaru but she could still vividly remember how crazy Sasuke was acting the day he left. That crazed look in his eye. She hoped that when they saved Sasuke he would have forgotten about his crush on her.

On the third day Kira, Naruto, and Sakura went to Lady Chiyo grave to say their final goodbyes. Team Guy and Kakashi were ready to go but let the three have a moment or two.

Gaara and his siblings met up with the group deciding to walk them out of the village. "Sakura, Naruto, Kira time to go!" Kakashi called waving them over. His arm slung over Guy sensei. Kira and Naruto grabbed their bags and headed over "Sakura you coming?" Naruto questioned pausing in his walk.

Kira snuggled up close to Gaara staring at the two. "Yeah." Sakura's hand rested on the grave before walking over to the rest of the group. Gaara held Kira close to him as they walked through the village. They spoke the night before about how she wasn't going to stay. He saw how upset she was and the battle going on inside her head.

He might not have liked Sasuke, especially after Kira had explained what had happened between the four of them. He understood why she needed to save him, but it didn't mean he liked it.

"Please call me when you get back alright?" Gaara asked her holding her hands in his.

Kira grinned up at Gaara "Of course I will. I'm sorry I can't stay."

Gaara nodded "Its alright, we'll just have you stay after you save your friend...though I really don't like him…" she nodded her head, knowing he needed her to understand he didn't like Sasuke Uchiha. "I know you don't. But thank you for understanding. Besides when we first me everyone was in love with Sasuke. I fell for you instead." That helped.

Naruto stepped up close to Gaara and Kira the two stared at one another "I guess this is where we're supposed to shake hands or something but im not really good at these things so…let's just."

Gaara surprised Naruto by lifting his hand. It was amazing to the sand come to life wrapping around Naruto's hand swirling until he felt Gaaras firm grip in his own. Kira grinned to herself along with everyone watching.

"Take care Naruto, and keep an eye on her for me." He nodded his head to his girlfriend standing to the side of him. Naruto laughed giving that smile everyone knew and loved. "You too Gaara, and don't worry! She's safe with me."

"Oh shush you two!" She grinned watching as Naruto stepped away. Pulling her mask down she leaned up placing a kiss on his lips "I love you,"

"Love you too."

The group eventually moved out so making the two teens sad to be away from one another. Naruto had done his best to help Kira feel better about leaving but she just couldn't shake the feeling of doing something wrong. Like maybe if she had stayed nothing bad would happen.

"Masters you're so slow!" Tenten complained jolting Kira out of her thoughts. Guy was beyond annoyed at going so slow, if it were up to him they would be halfway home by now. But as Kakashi's friend he vowed he'd take the man home as safe as he could!

"Sorry Guy, the Mangekyo Sharingan takes a lot out of me...it's going to be awhile before I can move on my own again."

Kakashi did feel bad having to rely on Guy like this. After all their friendship was a strange one but Kakashi was thankful Guy and his team were there for them on the mission.

"OKAY THEN!" Kira felt her eye start to twitch staring at the man throw Kakashi onto his back like a child while Kakashi struggled to figure out what was going on. In the end Kakashi was forced to deal with Guys piggyback ride.

"Okay! Now we're moving! Hope you all can keep up with me!" Guy yelled before zooming off into the distance. Lee looked amazed and quickly shifted his backpack to his chest and took the stance to have someone on his back. "Neji."

"No thank you!" Kira couldn't contain her laughter when Lee started to copy and just doubled over.

"Ask Sakura she might!" Lee gasped blushing a bright red as he looked at Sakura excitedly.

"Don't encourage him! Lee lets go." Sakura glared at Kira walking away from the group. Neji and Tenten simply rolled their eyes already used to the boys antics.

Snickering Kira, Naruto, and Lee joined the others. Lee was pouting that he didn't get to have the same as Master Guy but chose to run in circles around the group as they walked onwards. Stating he needed to catch up the Master Guy somehow. Though Kira was enjoying Lees antics she still felt like she made a terrible mistake. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

Okay that's it. I'm done for now. I got a few days off I'll try to write more tomorrow no promises on when the next update will be but yay! Gaaras back and I really love seeing Temari as an over protective big sister to Gaara!