And here I am with yet another story.

-The Thief's Promise-

-Part One-

Did the moon ever get lonely?

And when it rained, was that their heartache?

In the heart of a moonlit village, a large, daunting estate stood tall and silent, its grand architecture casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. Inside, its opulent halls seemed almost too serene for the bustling world outside. The walls were lined with trinkets and oddities from the corners of the world its owner had visited—exotic masks from distant lands, intricate tapestries woven with tales of forgotten empires, and gleaming artifacts that whispered of long-lost secrets.

The silence within was broken only by the occasional creak of the ancient floorboards or the distant hum of a grandfather clock keeping time in a grand hall. The estate, despite its wealth of treasures, held an air of melancholy, as though it was waiting for something—or someone—to stir it from its stillness.

In the grand library, where rows of books filled every nook and cranny, the moonlight filtered through tall, arched windows, casting a soft, silvery glow over leather-bound volumes and ornate globes. The manor was large and intricate; filled with objects of sentimental value, and placed with care.

And it was in these walls, its heir never felt lonelier.

A serene figure bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. His long, shoulder-length hair tumbled around him in gentle waves, catching the silver light and framing his face with an almost ethereal glow. He leaned against the ornate railing with a quiet grace, his head resting comfortably on his folded arms. The gentle breeze played with his hair, making it ripple like a golden curtain in the moonlight. His large, beautiful eyes were fixed on the moon, their deep blue hue reflecting the celestial light and revealing a world of thoughtful contemplation. They were the kind of eyes that seemed to be filled with an earnestness that spoke of both wonder and wistful longing. There was a softness in his gaze, as if the moon itself were a confidant, sharing secrets and dreams with him in the still of the night.

Naruto Uzumaki, 10 years old, and Heir to the Uzumaki province and its fortunes.

And as of that morning, betroth of Sasuke Uchiha.

Their fathers had agreed in secret, while he and Sasuke "played". Which consisted of Sasuke just teasing him and "Pretend swordplay" where the raven hit him as hard as he could and mocked his tears when he hurt him. Sasuke was a "friend" in name only, chosen by his father from his many upper-crust friends. Naruto hated Sasuke and most of his force-fed friends only around for how it would make them look among others of their status. Sasuke was the worst however, a literal terror in his life. He was sure their engagement would give Sasuke more of a reason to be a menace. He hated how nothing was on his terms, what he wanted was never considered, and he never got to leave the manor unless it was for "business" where one of his many "friends" was to serve as his company. He sighed into his hands, as he buried himself into his arms.

Those two old men came and told them of the betrothal as if Naruto was supposed to be excited to marry his friend/bully. He had told his father that Sasuke was mean to him, but it was clear it was not considered of when he thought their marrying at 20 was a good idea. But when he looked at Sasuke, he was clearly pleased with the arrangement, smirking at the young blonde like a smug butthole.

"Everyone has rocks for brains." He whispered into the air.

His only solace had become the night, where he and the moon seemed to share in their loneliness.

"Are you as lonely as me?" He spoke into the air around them. "With everyone asleep, no one is around to keep you company." Then as if to prove him wrong, he heard rattled and clacking of something coming from the hallway outside his room. Jumping at the sudden noise, Naruto quickly scurried to his feet, his sleeping gown billowing in the light breeze. He walked through his archway into his dim candle-lit bedroom grabbing the first single wick he came close to and looked out his bedroom door. He peaked out only slightly, before walking out completely he looked down both ends of the long spurling hallway. It was dark only the rays of the moon lighting the spaces the windows allowed. He continued to look for the cause of the noise, before noting something shining in the glow of his candlelight.

On the ground at his feet was a golden pot, the one from his father's collection in his study.

He bent down to examine the pot, his brow furrowed in confusion. Just as he reached for it, a sudden movement in the shadows caught his eye. A figure emerged from the darkness, cloaked in black from head to toe. The figure moved with a silent, fluid grace that was both eerie and commanding.

Naruto's breath hitched as the figure stepped into the faint light cast by his candle. The person had their face covered, but Naruto could still see the cold ash-teal eyes glaring into his wide bewildered ones. His presence was startling against the backdrop of the dark hallway, his black clothing contrasting sharply with the pale light. What truly surprised him was that be person... was his age? He was sure of it. He may have been an inch or two taller, but he was a kid like him.

The sight of the intruder, so unexpected and so close, caused Naruto to stumble back, the candle in his hand shaking wildly. The soft, almost imperceptible clacking noise from earlier had been this boy dropping the pot. Naruto's mind raced as he tried to comprehend why he was there, and how he had managed to enter so silently. His wide eyes looked around to help put together what was happening, the pot, the stranger, the night.

"Your... stealing...?" The other boy's silence was heavy, the intensity of his stare not wavering. He was caught, and while he had expected many reactions, this innocent display of confusion was not one he thought he would get.

Naruto's eyes softened. He had been told by his maid that people sometimes stole out of hunger. He took a step forward, his candlelight casting a warm glow on his face as he looked up at the older child.

"Are you... hungry?" he asked softly, his voice carrying a genuine note of empathy rather than judgment. The theft's eyes faltered, flickering between a look of confusion and resolve.

The question caught the theft off guard. He had been prepared for a confrontation, that the kid would scream, alerting the rest of the house, but not this—an offer of kindness from someone he had intended to rob. His defenses faltered, and he looked down at the golden pot, then back at Naruto's earnest face. The harsh reality of his situation, and the genuine concern of this small, timid kid's face, made his resolve waver.

"Um..." The boy mumbled, unsure of how to respond. The hardness he had built around himself started to crack as he felt a wave of shame wash over him.

Naruto's gaze remained soft and inviting. "I can get you something to eat if you want. I... I don't think you should be hungry when you're trying to take those things." The blonde didn't care about those items, especially after what his father did today.

The intruder blinked, the question hanging in the air between them. It was an offer so unexpectedly kind that it left him momentarily speechless. He realized that at that moment, the blonde wasn't some scared kid about to defend his home but an innocent person, who didn't know he should be mad at him, a person who broke into his home.

As if he could see his turmoil, Naruto grabbed the boy's hand and pulled him along.

The pot long forgotten.

In the dimly lit kitchen, the contrast between the warm candlelight and the cold moonlight created a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The blonde boy, with his disheveled hair and bright, eager eyes, seemed oblivious to the gravity of the situation. The young thief, remained hidden in the shadows, his heart racing as he weighed his options. He could escape with the bag of heirlooms strapped to his shoulder, leave the estate, and rejoin his waiting team. That was the plan, after all.

But...

"I got it! They always hide these because they know I eat too many." The smaller boy said climbing out of the cabinet, a grey jar under his arms. When he was on his feet, he held the jar out to him with a proud look on his face. The other looked at the jar and then at the grinning boy. This damn kid smiling at him like that, offering him something to eat. How innocent could one person be? Did he not care about this stranger stealing from his family?

And why was he entertaining this?

The flicker in the other's eyes seemed to answer his questions.

No one had looked at Gaara like this, so kind and not disgusted with him or his actions. He had encountered countless adversaries, thieves, and enemies in his life, but none had ever shown such unguarded kindness. It was a stark contrast to the hardened world Gaara was accustomed to, a world where every interaction was steeped in suspicion and survival. He had been stealing his whole life, His sister, brother, and himself. His life was filled with danger, pain, and betrayal, never knowing much peace. What is it ok to have that now? He was conflicted, but still, he took the jar from him. When he did, the blonde boy began to shuffle from one foot to the other anxiously, his hands entangled in his nightgown. The thief looked at him curiously.

"What?" Gaara felt a pang of regret as he saw the boy flinch at his sharp tone. The boy's eyes, wide with a mix of surprise and hurt, made Gaara's heart twist. He could see the sincerity in those blue eyes, the innocence and kindness that he had not anticipated. He had intended to make a quick getaway, but now he was fascinated by this sweet boy.

"Well.." He started. "Do you have to leave now?"

Yes.

"No." Gaara internally slapped himself. He absolutely had to leave, his group had to think something went wrong at this point. Their rendezvous was at the edge of the estate property and he was supposed to be there by now, that's when he was going when he ran into the other boy. The blonde, sensing Gaara's internal conflict, hesitated before speaking up again.

"Well… if you're in a hurry, I understand. But…" he added, his voice softer and more tentative, "if you're not too busy, maybe you'd like to eat with me?" Gaara's eyes widened slightly. "It's a garden behind the manor! It's nice out there, and… ." This offer was unexpected. He glanced at the jar in his hand and then at the other, who stood there, hopeful and a bit shy. The thought of a brief respite, a chance to connect in a way he had not thought possible before, was tempting. His mind raced with the consequences of staying versus leaving. The rendezvous with his team was critical; they would be worried and possibly alarmed by his delay. Yet, the genuine offer from Naruto stirred something in him, a desire for a moment of normalcy, something he didn't think he would ever have.

He really was just a kid too.

Gaara took a deep breath, weighing his options. "You're asking me to stay?" he asked, trying to mask the conflict in his voice.

Naruto nodded, his smile wavering but sincere. "Just for a little tiny bit! I promise I won't keep you long. I just thought… ." Naruto trailed off, finding the strength to ask for what he wanted faltering. Gaara hesitated, his eyes shifting from the jar of cookies to the other's endearing face once more. It was an offer of simplicity, of human connection that he had rarely experienced. The weight of the heirlooms and the responsibilities of his heist still hung heavy on his mind, but the allure of this kindness was almost overwhelming.

Finally, with a resigned sigh, Gaara nodded. "Alright. Just for a little while."

Naruto's face lit up with a bright, relieved smile. "Great! Follow me."

Naruto had led Gaara through a side door of the kitchen and into a small, secluded garden behind the manor. The area was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, the garden filled with fragrant flowers and the gentle rustling of leaves. It was a serene escape from the opulence of the estate and the danger that Gaara was trying to evade. He didn't wish to be seen and going outside would help him escape if something did go wrong.

They settled on a wooden bench beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree. Naruto carefully opened the jar and handed Gaara a cookie, which he accepted with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Lifting his mask only slightly he took a hesitant bite, Gaara ate the cookie quietly, though his eyes did betray his stoic nature. The treat was amazing and Gaara found himself surprised by the sweetness of the cookie and how comforting its taste was.

"Is it good?" Naruto asked excitedly. Gaara looked at him and gave a genuine nod. Naruto smiled. "Yay! Shizune-san says she makes them with love, so that's why they taste so good!" The blonde explained, kicking his feet with joyous motion as he watched the other boy eat. A tranquil quiet fell between them as Naruto looked up at the night sky, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. Gaara took the boy in as he did this.

He was so... pretty. His golden tussles danced in the gentle breeze as his heart-shaped face looked up at the sky, haloed by moonlight. Gaara could feel his face getting hot. This boy was making him feel emotions he thought he didn't have. This pounding in his chest, the sweat on his forehead, and the color in his cheeks. He understood these emotions, but didn't know how to feel about them or how to sort them out; all he knew was one thing:

He liked being around this boy.

"What's your name?" Naruto asked as he looked over at the teal-eyed boy.

"G-Gaara." he choked out.

"Gaara..." Naruto repeated, getting the hang of using the name. "I like that!" He beamed.

"What about yours?" Gaara asked.

"It's Naruto! Naruto Uzumaki!" Gaara nodded. He figured he was the heir of the house, but it was good to know for sure. Naruto's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he looked at Gaara, who shifted slightly on the bench. Gaara's cheeks were still flushed from the earlier warmth he felt, and he struggled to maintain his composure.

"Are you ever going to take the mask off, Gaara?"

Naruto's question was innocent but direct, breaking through the young thief's guarded demeanor.

Gaara's fingers instinctively reached up to the edge of his mask, his expression faltering, his fingers tugging at the fabric. It was a part of his work, something he wore to shield himself from the world and would-be pursuers. The thought of removing it, especially in front of someone he just met, felt both vulnerable and intimidating.

He looked at Naruto, who waited expectantly, his face lit by the soft glow of the moon. The gentle sincerity in Naruto's eyes made Gaara's resolve waver.

"I... I don't usually," Gaara murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper. "It's part of my job."

"I promise I won't tell!" Naruto told him, it was like those words were all he needed to hear, it felt like he was being permitted to be seen. He let himself pull the mask off fully.

Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as he took in Gaara's appearance. There was something striking about Gaara's face—something both delicate and intense. His features, while perhaps unconventional, had a captivating beauty to them, accentuated by the way the moonlight played off his skin and hair. His skin was this fragile porcelain color and his hair a muted red. Naruto wanted to touch his face to see if it was as soft as it looked.

Gaara looked down, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He felt vulnerable, exposed under Naruto's gaze.

Naruto, however, was visibly enchanted. He blinked a few times, taking in Gaara's unique beauty with a mixture of awe and admiration. "You look... really cool, Gaara," Naruto said, his voice full of genuine admiration. "I mean, you're really cute..." Naruto could himself start to blush and he brought his hands up to his cheeks to cover his shame. When he realized what he had said his flushed cheeks darkened.

"I-I-I-I-I mean-!" Naruto panicked, thinking he had said something odd, but Gaara just shrugged and let a small smirk cross his lips. Naruto's flustered look and panicked tone were just interesting to the redhead. His peachy skin was a contrast to his flushed cheeks, and his eyes were wide with embarrassment. Saying something so trivial had him tripping over himself. But he liked being around someone so honest with themselves with how they were.

"It's fine." He told the blonde, in his usual monotone. "besides, you may say I'm cute, but you're very pretty." Gaara told him, his voice carrying no malice or teasing, making Naruto look up at him with a stunned expression.

"P-pretty? Me?" he repeated, pointing to himself with a bewildered expression. Naruto stared at Gaara, his confusion evident. The moonlight cast a soft glow on his face, making his golden hair shimmer as he processed Gaara's words.

Gaara nodded, his teal eyes meeting Naruto's with a calm assurance. He said nothing as the blonde's cheeks flamed a deeper shade of red. He was taken aback by the directness and sincerity of Gaara's compliment. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, trying to wrap his mind around the unexpected praise. His usual confidence was nowhere to be found, replaced by a mix of surprise and flustered delight.

"T-Thank you..." Gaara's eyes softened, his eyes reflecting the moonlight with a gentle warmth. He didn't reply as he took another cookie from the jar. The quiet hanging around them was comfortable. Naruto found himself leaning against the older boy's shoulder as he looked up at the stars. This feeling he liked, he had never gotten someone to share the night with someone before. This feeling of being with someone who wasn't outwardly detested by him was unique. Gaara didn't care about his status or his father's wealth. He didn't even have to stay with him, but he catered to his whimsy anyway.

It made him happy.

"Naruto!" "Naurto-sama!" "Little Naruto!"

The yells in the distance brought them from their tranquil peace. Naruto's eyes widened in alarm as he looked into the distance at his name.

"Uh Oh." He whispered in an anxious tone." I'm so in trouble." Gaara quickly jumped off the wooden bench, their peaceful moment abruptly interrupted. The shouts—calling out for "Naruto-sama,"—grew louder, echoing through the night air and cutting through the quiet calm that had settled over them. The redhead should have figured his staff would notice his absence sooner or later.

Naruto's heart raced as he glanced anxiously toward the direction of the voices. He knew he couldn't stay outside much longer; the search party was closing in, and his sneaking off had been discovered. He was going to get an earful from everyone. Sensing Naruto's distress, Gaara grabbed his hand; noting his hand was soft from never doing a strenuous thing in his life. The blonde looked at him and smiled sadly.

"Darn and I wanted to talk some more." He chippered. Gaara simply nodded, gently pulling the blonde off the bench and to his feet. Gaara finally realized Naruto had not been wearing any shoes. "I guess this is goodbye..." Gaara wanted to agree, his job had been done long ago, he was definitely going to get an earful from his own family, but even then he stayed just because a boy asked him if he wanted to share his cookies.

Though he couldn't deny he enjoyed his time with the boy no matter how short.

"Naruto-sama!"

"I'll come back," he promised, his voice steady but carrying a hint of emotion. The redhead's words began ringing in his ears, and the blonde's lips fixed themselves into a grin.

"You promise?!" He asked enthusiastically as he bounced up and down with joyous anticipation. "Does this mean we're friends?" Gaara found himself unable to meet the boy's gaze.

"Naruto!"

"I... I suppose that's fine.". Naruto's excitement was palpable, unable to control his emotions he jumped into a hug. The warmth of Naruto's embrace was unexpected but welcomed, and Gaara found himself caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. The feeling of Naruto's small, enthusiastic arms around him was a stark reminder of how cold, and impersonal the world Gaara was used to. The redhead's heart fluttered with a mix of emotions—surprise, joy, and a bit of sadness. He looked down at Naruto, whose eyes were sparkling with genuine happiness. The boy's gratitude and enthusiasm were more than Gaara could handle, and he felt a strange, comforting sensation that he hadn't experienced in a long time. Naruto finally pulled back slightly, his grin wide and his eyes shining with hope.

"Yay thank you! thank you!" He shouted happily. A friend, his very first friend he made by himself. He couldn't hide his excitement and pride. This was something he had done on his own, none of his father's influence to be found. He felt so happy he was sure he was going to burst.

"Naruto!"

"I better go." The sound of the search party was getting closer and if the redhead stayed much longer his crime would be discovered. Naruto nodded understanding.

"Come back tomorrow night, I'll have more cookies!" He told his new friend. The redhead nodded, he wasn't sure why, but he was... happy to be able to see the blonde boy again. Gaara prepared to leave, the moonlight cast a serene glow over the garden, accentuating the bittersweet moment. Gaara took one last look at Naruto, who was still beaming with joy, and then turned to leave, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.

Naruto waved energetically, his smile never fading. "Bye, Gaara! See you soon!"

With a final nod, Gaara disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps soft against the ground. As he moved away, he couldn't help but think about the unexpected friendship he had formed and how it had brightened a fleeting moment of his life.

Naruto watched as his companion left, his excitement never falling. Even as the staff closed in and he knew he was going to be grounded he didn't care.

He had made a friend.

WELL THIS IS PART ONE OF FOUR. I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE IT SO FAR.