Chapter two –

My eyes open slowly, then shut instantly as light invades them. I must've winced because once my eyes had shut I felt something shuffle over to me and block out the light.

"Sorry, I forgot about the blinds." A voice said. That voice was gentle, and sweet. There was no malice or hidden threat and even terror, only concern and anxiety.

I slowly open my eyes again, and meet a pair of bright blue eyes, accompanied by spiky blonde hair. No way…it can't be…

"Naruto…" I manage to whisper, my wide eyes betraying my shock. Naruto sighed and closed his eyes, breaking the trance and allowing me to breathe again.

I hadn't even realised I'd been holding it. "I'm so glad you're okay Gaara, I thought you'd died for sure," he said.

Did he mean that? He sounded so sincere…could I…believe him? Could I…trust him? I wanted to, my heart squeezed painfully with how much I wanted to believe him, to trust him. But could I?

"You're…glad?" I asked uncertainly.

"Of course! You gave me a heart attack when I found you, you scared me half to death, don't ever do that again." He replied.

I…had scared him? He had been worried…about me? Me? The thought made me want to smile, and cry at the same time. What was this feeling?

"I scared you? I…I'm sorry," I managed to stammer. I was stammering now? What was happening to me? How could he make me feel like this?

"That's okay, but…just don't do it again 'kay?" Naruto said with a small sad smile, I managed to nod. He sounded upset now, and…had he been crying?

What for? Whatever had made him cry I wanted to make it better, wait what did I just think? What is wrong with me?

"Hey, Gaara?" I realised my eyes were downcast, and at his voice I looked back up to show I was listening.

"If you ever feel like you did before…I found you, or if there's anything bothering you, no matter how small, come find me okay? Whatever time of the day or night, just come find me and talk to me about it, and I'll do my best to help you, and even if I can't, I'll be there for you okay? Just…never be afraid to talk to me, you can tell me anything, anytime."

My heart felt like it stopped, escaped from my chest, then came back and was floating through my body. I was touched to the core.

"I won't do it again. I promise." I said. "Thank you Naruto,"

Thank you so much.

Naruto smiled. Gaara smiled right back.

It seemed some things were worth living for after all.

The end.