Kyuubi's Calm Chapter 5: You're Invited!, a naruto fanfic

No part of this plot, my own characters, or text can be used without my permission. I do not own Naruto or any of its characters, but the plot and Yasu and Akira are my own and copyrighted.

The next couple of days passed uneventfully: Jiraiya came back with news that Akira could stay for however long he wished, but if anything –funny- happened he'd have to leave immediately, or even be put to death. I recovered, and my only reminder was the soreness in my side. Akira recovered as well after I was able to do some healing. I had learned pressure points on my own in my travels, not the same as chakra points, but they were good for some things, like healing. That's how I'd healed Naruto's sore muscle, a pressure point.

The third morning since the day of Akira's situation found me training again, leading Akira out to the training ground. Akira mostly grazed while I threw kunai at the targets. Hinata came over and began teaching me a few more chakra points. I paid close attention after the tide-changing influence in my last battle. When training was over, I caught Hinata.

"Hey, would you like to go do something Sunday? Like, take a day off and just go have a picnic?" I could see her consider.

"Alright, where should we meet?"

"Eleven a.m. at the base of the waterfall? Maybe we could go swimming or something."

"Sure. I'll see you in three days, then." There was still six more hours of daylight, so I went to find some more of the ninja who I considered friends. By the end of the day I'd invited Kiba, Akamaru, Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru, Ino, and another, who I'd been surprised to even see. The red-haired Gaara was out on the training field today, with an unnaturally large clearing around him that ninja avoided.

I approached Gaara as he was meditating or something, and when I was twenty steps away from him his eyes snapped open. A little of the sand around him swirled before settling again. I stopped about ten feet from him.

"Would you like to come to a picnic on Sunday? You don't have to bring anything, it's just a get-together and there will be swimming and lunch." I paused, and Gaara just watched me. "Please think about it? Get back to me sometime later today." He stared at me for a few more seconds, then spoke. In a scratchy deep voice, and I liked the sound of it.

"I'm not the outgoing type. Maybe. You'll be there, of course?"

"Yes."

"I'll consider." I began walking away, until the voice called out to me. "Hey."

"Yeah?"

"What's your name?" I was a little surprised, but remembered I'd never been properly introduced.

"I'm Yasu, and you are Gaara, right?" He nodded.

"Why are you in the village? I haven't seen you around much, until a few days ago, when you were hurt. You are better now." He said the last like a statement.

"I'm in the leaf village to train and become a better ninja. What are you doing here?" Now I was turned towards him, sitting on the ground five feet away. He looked at the ground a little to the side. He lifted his hand and gestured for me to come closer. I scooted over until he reached out and his hand touched my shoulder. The world seemed to freeze: not only did the closest ninja stop their training and stare, but I suddenly saw exactly how much my life affected everyone in the village. Not everyone specifically, but almost as if there was a bar and it showed just how much I affected people. It was three-quarters of the way full, and the sensation slowly dwindled.

When my vision cleared I saw Gaara touching my arm still. His hand was cool, so I took it.

"You're cold, Gaara."

"Yes." He confused me, but I felt a twinge of empathy and immediately liked him. I wanted to spend more time with him because he seemed lonely, like he was calling for help. He dropped his hand and it slid out of mine, his gaze returning to the floor. I became aware of the ninja around me slowly gossiping and returning to their training.

"Please come tomorrow?" I asked for the last time.

"Alright, but I won't stay very long." I smiled and stood, walking away, feeling his cold gaze following me. Akira met me after Gaara was out of sight.

"Well, tomorrow I have training with Sasuke, then on Sunday we'll take the day off with everyone. Let's get to bed at sunset so we'll definitely be on time." Akira nodded his head, making his mane bob up and down. I smoothed it out and headed towards the ramen shop.

I pushed aside the flaps that hung down and stepped up to a stool. I sat right next to Sakura who happened to be there.

"Hey, Yasu, right? It's funny; I haven't seen you at all except for the only two times I stopped in for ramen." I smiled.

"Sakura, want to come to a picnic Sunday at the base of the waterfall? I've invited some others, and there'll be swimming and food, and maybe some games. You don't need to bring anything but a swimsuit and towel. Teriyaki please." The chef began making my noodles.

"Sure, I'll see you there. What time?"

"I'll be there from two hours after sunrise to nightfall, but I told everyone to show up around 11."

"Alright, I'll see you there." I got my ramen. "Hey, Yasu, what do you think of Naruto? Is there anyone you kind of have a crush on?" I giggled, and she elbowed me playfully.

"Well…" I began.

"Yeah?" We both giggled a little more.

"I sort of like Kiba, Akamaru's cute, but the one I really have a crush on is Naruto." Sakura laughed, and I blushed. "He's not that bad, is he?"

"No, but I've known him a while, and he's not really matured at all. Maybe you'll help him. Is there… anyone else?" I could tell. She was completely jealous… of what guy's attention?

"I can't think of anyone else. Who do you like?" She mumbled something inaudibly.

"What?"

"Sasuke." She said louder.

"Don't worry; I don't like him, although he is good looking." I could feel the tension lift as she sighed, and I patted her on the shoulder. "You really like him, huh? I'll invite him to the picnic tomorrow, and maybe you could hang out." Sakura blushed, and I grinned.

"Are you sure it won't be a problem?"

"Yeah. Don't worry; I have training with him tomorrow morning anyway." Sakura smiled and we continued chatting about random things, like how I was adjusting to the village and popular areas for dining, hanging out, and whatever else. We finished eating around the same time, and I walked with Sakura back to my hotel: it was on her way home.

"See you on Sunday, then?"

"Yeah! Bye Sakura!"

"Later Yasu!" We waved goodbye and I didn't feel like going inside yet, so I sat out front of the hotel. Akira had already gone into the pasture and was eating. I sighed and leaned against the wall. The sun was still about thirty minutes from setting, and I didn't want to go to sleep yet. As I leaned against the front door, Hiroko came out.

"Something wrong Yasu?" She asked as she swept off the front doorstep.

"Not really. I just… am glad I could come here to train. There are many good people here, but I don't feel like I have any really good friends."

"Well, you're having that get-together on Sunday, aren't you? That ought to make you some good friends."

"I don't know…it just feels so… I feel like I don't really belong yet. I mean, they've all grown up together, and I just arrived. They won't accept me unless I stay forever."

"I think a really good way to show you're worthy of friendship is standing alongside someone in a fight or mission." She finished sweeping. "Come on inside, I made some hot water, and there are herbs in the cabinets. You look like you could use some calming tea." I sighed and walked in the front door.

"SURPRISE!!!" There was a small banner and three people gathered around in the 'living room', Naruto, Kiyoko, and Takumi. I smiled at all of them as Hiroko joined the lineup.

"What's the occasion?"

"Your second-week anniversary of staying in the leaf village." Naruto explained.

"I never got anything like this," Takumi said, "But Hiroko was the only one here when I moved in. You're lucky to have such a good friend as Naruto, Yasu." I walked over to a little table with a small cake on it and cut it up into five equal-sized pieces, passing everyone theirs first. Naruto began eating but stopped as no one else ate, waiting for me to take the first bite. I did, then they all ate. It was a good cake, chocolate frosting and butter-yellow cake. When it was finished Hiroko served some milk in large glasses and we all departed.

"Thanks everyone! Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning." They all responded similarly and I went off to my room, thinking hard for the first time.

Everyone here is so kind, and I know they'd all help me out in a tight situation, but that's depending on how 'tight' the situation is… they're not exactly friends for life. For some reason, I feel like I need to make a bigger impression… maybe it was Gaara… that meeting was definitely odd. Well, tomorrow is my fire training, then Sunday is the big party, where I'm sure things would definitely improve.

Hello. The next chapter is short, but important to the story. Have fun. Watch movies, especially 'Dead Poet's Society'. It's good. And sad. And… I'll let you find out. Eat pie, too.