A/N: Hello, everyone! I am so sorry this chapter is this ridiculously late (not that I really had a timeframe or schedule, but still)! The day after I finished the last chapter and was ready to jump on this one, I ended up coming down with a really bad headcold that lasted for weeks! Last week was the first week I finally felt well enough to write, so I banged this out as soon as I could (for your sake and because I was dying to write the entire time, and it killed me to wait that long, lol)!

This is another chapter I had to split into two parts because, without even stitching all my ideas together, it was already over 9k, and I didn't want to subject you poor readers (let alone myself, lol) to an 11k+ chapter, so I took mercy on all of us and cut it! lol. On the bright side, that means the next chapter already has a good chunk written! Yay! lol.

Not sure if anyone noticed, but I meticulously planned events in the previous chapters so three days (how long it takes to get from Hidden Sand to Hidden Leaf and vice versa) would pass, and since today's Day 4, bam! Sand sibs have arrived! :D

For the sake of a funny, cute scene in this fic, let's pretend that Naruto's never seen Kankuro without his puppet makeup, okay? Okay! Good!

Two sections of this chapter were inspired by two different readers' reviews on AO3! ThePageisTorn on AO3 helped inspire/reinforce my own ideas for the Shikamaru section! - "It almost seems that while genuine, Shikamaru's friendship and protective nature is perhaps his own guilt of not being there for Naruto when they were younger and how Naruto had to turn to a toxic friendship he has with Sasuke in order to feel less of that loneliness he felt throughout his life." (Thanks so much! Was a lot of fun to write!)

riversmoon416 on AO3 inspired the section about Naruto apologizing to Gaara for telling him he still chose Sasuke after the Five Kage Summit (like I said, it's been forever since I've seen most of Naruto, so some details have been forgotten, lol). (Thanks so much for reminding me, haha! Was fun to delve into the feels!) (On a somewhat related note, please note that Sakura 'confessing' to Naruto in that arc never happened in this AU 'cause, frankly, that was some gross, manipulative bullshit, Kishimoto!)

Hope you enjoy!

Early the next morning, Shikamaru wakes leisurely, a lot more than he normally would. It takes him a few extra seconds to register that he's lying comfortably in a bed and not sore from hunching over in a chair, and he only remembers why when he glances down to see Naruto latched on to his arm, nuzzled in like it's a teddy bear or something. He can't help but breathe a laugh at that, softening as he gently ruffles his hair.

Turns out, the kid was right. He didn't have any nightmares, and Shikamaru doesn't remember moving much at all in his sleep. Just getting closer to Naruto, if anything. Actually, if he's right about how Naruto slept, they both slept better than they have in a long time. It was…really nice.

It's still really nice.

Letting his head fall back on the pillow again, he curls around Naruto, partly burying his face in blond hair and drawing him closer with an arm around his shoulders. Naruto gives a quiet, happy growl, more of a purr, really, in response (the Nine Tails' influence?) and presses his face decisively into his chest. Shikamaru can't help the beam that instantly spreads across his face, the small laugh that vibrates through his chest.

Honestly, Shikamaru's feeling a little spoiled.

He has the sun on his face, he's warm, comfortable, feels more than a little adored (just what he expected from Naruto, to be honest), and Naruto is alive and well (mostly, getting there) at his side. He feels…so content like this, more than he ever thought he could.

He's not just talking about sleeping beside Naruto either. Being beside him, staying beside him… It's something he's been thinking about for a long time now. Gentle fingers absently card through Naruto's hair as his tired mind wanders. This kid…

Ever since they were kids, being around Naruto has made him happy. He's never really been able to explain why, not to the extent he wishes he could, but he's always felt drawn to him, always wanted to be nearby, watch over him and protect him if he could. Not that Naruto made it easy. He could be loud and obnoxious and annoying (mostly for the attention, Shikamaru suspected then and knows for sure now), and he wondered why Naruto always pulled all those pranks when it only made the adults hate him more. He understood the part about getting the villagers' attention and acknowledgement, but now that he's older, he thinks he understands even more intimately than the rest of their friends.

He did it because…at least the pranks gave them a reason to hate him. So he could, at the very least, put a name to it. Because without that, being hated for seemingly no reason at all besides merely existing… Honestly, it's a miracle and a testament to just how golden-hearted Naruto really is that the kid didn't go rogue and kill them all. They would have deserved it, no question. Shikamaru would have even gone so far as to call it poetic justice, even if he'd never say such a potentially treasonous thing out loud.

As for the rest of their time growing up, it's not like he and Naruto were ever buddies or anything, not like he and Choji at least, but…he still always wanted to do what he could for Naruto when the opportunity arose. He mostly worked in the shadows – telling Iruka-sensei nine-year-old Naruto was tricked into going into the back hills where he was almost killed by those enemy ninja, scaring that shopkeeper who shoved and threw a festival mask at an innocent Naruto's face so he bled into never trying anything like that again, watching out for Naruto back when Gaara was a total nutjob out for blood – but still…

To this day, he wishes he could have done more. He wishes he could have known the truth about why the rest of the village hated Naruto so much, about just how bullied and lonely and miserable he'd been so he could have helped—done something, anything, to make it better. Been a better friend, more of one. When he thinks back on it now, all he wants to do is shake his younger self by the shoulders and tell him, "You're a genius, aren't you?! Open your damn eyes!"

It hurts, experience telling him worse than a knife twisting in his gut…and Shikamaru is man enough to admit that that guilt and anger at himself are part of what drives him to be here for Naruto now. But he also knows that, from talking with the others over the years, that's true for all of the Konoha 11. None of them really knew what was up with Naruto growing up, just that almost all of their parents and the rest of the village didn't like him and told them to stay away, too. But once they were old enough to make their own decisions and see that Naruto wasn't the demon they made him out to be, they chose to be with him and shower him with the affection and love he's always deserved, that they wish now they could have always given him.

And honestly? Shikamaru is convinced, with as perceptive and people-smart as Naruto is, Naruto knows that, just doesn't care. He doesn't blame them for any of it. He understands completely. After all, it's not like they could just go against their parents like that without getting in serious trouble, and he'd never want that for them. Plus, as far as he's seen, kids tend to believe what their parents tell them, and if their parents painted him in a bad light and never let them get close, how were they supposed to know or learn they were wrong?

In the end, he knows they're his friends not because they want to absolve themselves of their guilt, but because they've gotten to know and love him for him, and that's everything he's ever wanted. He'll never question what they have because, in his mind, there's no rhyme or reason to, and he's not the kind to overthink things like that.

He might have been alone before, but now he's not. He has people he loves who love him, who he'd fight and even die to protect. That's enough for him.

For him, their love will always be enough. So much more than.

And really, after all he and Naruto have been through together, after everything in the past two weeks especially, everything Naruto's struggling with right now? It's just solidified Shikamaru's want to stay by his side. Except…it's more than that. It's been a yearning, a driving force for him. Almost a need, but not quite.

It's…his dream.

Yeah, that's it. It's perfect.

With that name in mind, Shikamaru closes his eyes to let himself fall back to sleep for now, but not before reaching down to rest his hand over Naruto's again, the other still buried in his hair.

He'll hold this dream of his close until it becomes reality. Just watch him.

Naruto wakes up earlier today, around 9 AM, and Shikamaru hopes that's a small sign that the meds don't have to work as hard, that he's slowly getting better. He's just finished his breakfast when there's a soft knock on the door. They look at each other, neither of them expecting anyone, of course, but they just shrug. Really, it could be any of their friends. With a knock like that, maybe it's Choji again. "Come in!" Naruto calls.

They never could have guessed who would step through the door.

Naruto can't believe his eyes, squinting skeptically. "Shikamaru, are the pain meds messing with my head…" he points, "…or is that Gaara in front of me?"

Shikamaru, wide-eyed and speechless, hedges a few extra blinks and a pinch for good measure before replying, "Nope, that's the Kazekage, all right." Remembering himself in the next moment, he bows his head low. "G-good morning, Lord Kazekage."

Gaara, for his part, just patiently crosses the room with a small, gentle smile. He looks Shikamaru's way when he gets to him and nods in polite greeting. "Good morning, Shikamaru. I appreciate the courtesy, but there's no need for formalities here. Just 'Gaara' is fine." Shikamaru's eyes widen, knowing the weight of such a request, but he nods regardless. Glancing over at Naruto and then back, Gaara softens. Thank you for looking after him, he silently says, and Shikamaru blinks before nodding again, a tiny smile of his own coming. Guess he doesn't have to wonder how much Lady Tsunade's told him, then.

Naruto is further convinced that Gaara's really here by the second, brightening more and more. He closes one eye at the gentle, teasing way Gaara's sand caresses his cheek (one of his seldom known, quirkier ways of showing affection).

That's all it takes.

He lights up instantly, bursting from the inside out like a firework.

"Gaara!"

Shikamaru blinks. He thinks this might be the happiest he's seen Naruto since he woke up and came to his decision. Naruto waves Gaara closer excitedly and doesn't hesitate to hug him as tightly as he can the second he's close enough. "I can't believe you're really here! I'm so happy to see you!"

Gaara isn't surprised in the least by the affection. He hugs him back slowly, at his own pace, knowing his friend will understand, a small smile and laugh escaping him. Besides his siblings, Naruto is the only one he allows to hug him like this. "It's good to see you, too, Naruto." Given another moment, he relaxes further into the embrace, holding him a little tighter. "I'm so glad you're all right." He presses his face into his shoulder just enough for the pressure to register, maybe a touch more, which is saying a lot for him. "I was worried."

Naruto breathes a laugh and softens, curling a light fist in Gaara's clothes. "I'm really sorry I worried you. I never meant to scare anyone, especially you." He can feel a lump forming in his throat, but he swallows it as best he can. He's just so touched and feels so blessed to have such wonderful people in his life. "I'm so lucky to have such amazing friends looking out for me." He laughs a little more, a tiny, happy sob at the start of his next words. "I-I still can't believe you came all the way here from the Hidden Sand just to see me. Y-you really didn't have to, but…" he nuzzles in just the slightest bit, not wanting to overstep anything, "…you really are the best, you know that?"

Gaara chuckles, smile growing. "You, too, Naruto."

A comfortable silence settles for a few long moments as they just hold each other. Naruto doesn't want to let go yet, and if Gaara's being honest, neither does he. He's enjoying the physical affection quite a lot, but only because it's Naruto. If it were anyone else, there's no way he'd be so at ease. Besides, just a few days ago, he didn't know if he'd ever get the chance to hug his friend again. In light of that, any opportunity he gets, he'll take gladly.

Shikamaru just watches quietly. He's pretty sure they've basically forgotten he's here, but he doesn't mind. Honestly, he's not the least bit surprised. Their bond is something else, something Naruto will never have with anyone else. Jinchuuriki have a capacity for love and hate unlike anything Shikamaru's ever seen, and he'll always be grateful that Naruto was able to turn Gaara toward the former, if only because their friendship has turned into such a sanctuary for them both. He's just glad they're happy, that they're enjoying themselves. If anyone's earned a little happiness, a little reprieve, it's the two of them. No question.

Eventually, Gaara is the one to pull away. It's probably for the best. Naruto would hug him all day if he could, any of his friends. Hell, he'd fall asleep like that no problem. Not that that would be the best idea, especially if Gaara has to leave for Kazekage business. That thought branching out to a similar concern in his mind, Naruto tilts his head. "Hey, you're not gonna get in trouble 'cause of me, are you? I mean, you are the Kazekage now. I'm sure you can't just leave the village whenever you want." He winces. "Were your Council guys mad? They can be scary when they wanna be…" Nowhere near as scary as Granny Tsunade, but still…

Gaara shakes his head, a gentle smile on his face. "I'll be fine, don't worry. As you said, I'm the Kazekage," he smirks some, playful and warm, "so even if the Council argued, I'd still be here. But as it turns out, I got lucky, too. They gave their blessing."

Naruto heaves a relieved sigh, hand to his chest, while Gaara settles on the bed at his side. He smiles. "That's good. I'm really glad to hear that."

Gaara nods, agreeing. "By the way, Lady Tsunade told me everything, so I understand why and how you got here. You have nothing to apologize for." He softens, smile growing. "As usual, it comes down to your strong bonds with the people precious to you. I'm not surprised at all."

Naruto blushes, smile turning shy as he looks away. Seriously, his friends give him way too much credit… "T-thanks… That…means a lot," he looks back over, melting himself, "especially coming from you."

Gaara's eyes widen, heart stuttering in his chest and a blush rising in his cheeks. Naruto… He's…proud of him, of how he's grown… He can't help but grin widely, a lot for him, the biggest Shikamaru thinks he's ever seen. He's only a little surprised when he has to swallow back sudden pinpricks of tears. He's just…so happy…! "Thank you, Naruto…!"

Naruto, understanding the kind of effect this would have on Gaara, just beams right back, pride and joy in every note. "Any time!"

Two birds, one black and the other a sand-yellow, suddenly flap noisily past the open window, and it reminds Naruto of something he's been wondering. "Oh! Hey, Gaara!" He brightens with excited hope. "Are Kankuro and Temari here, too?"

As if on cue, Temari laughs warmly as she walks inside. "Hello, Naruto. It's nice to see you, too."

Kankuro, ever at her back, enters after her and waves with a smirk as he leans against the far wall. He and Temari had sent Gaara on ahead while they caught up on a few more things with Lady Tsunade. "You sure had us worried, you know that? But I don't think anyone could beat my little brother's worrying." There's a teasing edge to his voice, smirk widening. "He gets real quiet when he's doing mental gymnastics, you know."

Gaara tries to be indifferent, but there's the smallest hint of color to his pale cheeks. "Worrying about someone is just another way to show you care."

Kankuro breathes a fond little laugh. "You're not wrong…"

He looks back at Naruto to say something else, but the kid's…staring at him, squinting as if he can't see him properly. It's kind of weirding him out. "W-what? What's up?"

Naruto rubs the back of his head. "It's just…uh…" He points, head titled some. "Gaara, did you bring someone new with you this time?"

Shikamaru sighs. He figured as much. "That's Kankuro, you idiot. He's just not wearing his puppet master makeup."

Naruto barks a laugh, in denial. "What? No! Kankuro doesn't wear makeup! He's—it just—" Suddenly, he sees the way the 'new' guy's smirking at him, almost wolfishly, like he's fighting the urge to bust out laughing, and he squeak-deflates with realization before freaking out and pointing. "Oh, crap, it really is him!"

Gaara and Temari chuckle more politely while Shikamaru facepalms and sputters and Kankuro doubles over, laughing out loud. Naruto defends, pouting, "Well, how was I supposed to know it was makeup? I thought it was just how his face was, like Kiba with his tattoos or something. I didn't want to be rude and assume anything." Shikamaru hums, dropping his chin into his hand. He's got a point there. Turning back to Kankuro, Naruto tells him excitedly, "You look really good without it, you know? Like, wow! I had no idea you were hiding a face like that under there! The girls back in your village must go as gaga over you as they do Gaara!"

Kankuro's eyes widen, and he blushes, turning away to scratch his cheek. "W-well, since this wasn't a diplomatic mission and we had a long journey and early start, I thought I'd just leave it off..." He grins. "Plus, in your defense, I am less recognizable like this. I appreciate the vote of confidence!" He turns to stare pensively out the window. "But really, there's someone I've got my eye on already, so anyone else's affections don't really faze me."

Naruto has stars in his eyes. "Wow! So cool!"

Temari takes that opportunity to come rest a hand on Gaara's shoulder with a laugh. "You also weren't wrong to be surprised to see all of us. The truth is, our Gaara has been beside himself with worry ever since we got Lady Tsunade's missive that you nearly died fighting Sasuke Uchiha and things were looking grim." Truth be told, she and Kankuro were, too, but they hid it as best they could to be strong for Gaara. "So, when we got the new message three days ago that you were awake and going to be all right," Temari shrugs matter-of-factly, "the Council practically begged him to take a few days off to come see you!" She grins, a loving arm moving around Gaara's shoulders. She's not nearly as much of a stickler for propriety when it's only them. "So, he gets to relax and visit his favorite person in the world while he's at it! It's a win-win for everybody!"

Naruto splutters at that last part, blushing like his life depends on it, but Gaara doesn't seem embarrassed in the slightest. He's smiling, in fact, even more once he sees Naruto's blush. It's true, after all. Shikamaru just shakes his head and softens. These guys, seriously…

Once Naruto comes down from that high, he rubs the back of his head. He feels guiltier with these three than he has the others who've visited so far. "I'm…really sorry you had to come all this way just for me." Then, realizing how that might sound, he waves his hands in front of him. "Ah—! N-not that I don't appreciate it! I do, so much! It's really great to see you!" He beams. "It makes me really happy, I promise!" In the next moment, some of his guilt creeps back in to dilute his smile. "But you ran yourselves ragged for three days just to get here, and I'm sure you didn't stop to eat or anything before coming to see me. You must be exhausted. Even before all that, too, I made you worry a whole lot. And Gaara, I know we already talked about this and you said it's fine, but you're the Kazekage now. You can't really afford to just drop everything for one person when you have a whole village that needs you."

Still, all that aside… Looking at them now, he can't help but melt as he bows as low as he can. "I know it must have been a lot for you, even if you say it wasn't, and I really can't thank you enough for everything. I promise, I'll do my best to make sure I never scare you like that again." Lifting his head, he beams for all it's worth, happy tears clinging to his lashes. "I love you so much!"

That's it. Temari can't wait anymore.

Before anyone realizes what's happening, Temari surges forward to wrap Naruto in a firm, yet still gentle hug. Naruto is shocked, frozen. She's…never hugged him before, not even close. But it feels…safe. Warm and almost…motherly, but in a different way than Granny Tsunade's. Maybe this is what having a big sister feels like. He's always wondered.

"It doesn't matter," Temari tells him softly, but sternly, tightening her hold on him a bit as she shakes her head. "None of that matters, okay?" Naruto's eyes widen and his breath leaves his lungs when he hears the barest hint of tears in her voice. Why is she…getting emotional about him…? Kankuro and Gaara watch her closely, surprised and not at once. They know how worried she was about Naruto, no matter how strong she tried to be. "All that matters is you're alive. You're safe and in one piece. You're home, with people who love you and want to take care of you. That's all that matters, you hear me?"

One of her hands moves to his hair, fingers start to run through the tiny waves at the nape of his neck, and he can't help closing his eyes. It just feels so nice… Finally getting over his shock and relaxing into her embrace, he hugs her back carefully. He hesitates before nuzzling into her shoulder a tiny bit, careful not to tread too far. Temari doesn't seem to mind, though. In fact, he feels her hold him a little closer and smile into his shoulder. She takes a shaky breath and sniffs. "You reckless idiot…"

Slowly, half-reluctantly pulling back, she cups his cheek, and Naruto can only stare, eyes widening and heart thumping. The gentle look she's giving him is the same one she fixes Kankuro and Gaara with when she's worried about them, mostly when she thinks they're not looking. After another moment, he leans into her warm, soothing touch. This is all new, sure, but certainly not unwelcome. "It's good to see you smiling again, Naruto." Her thumb caresses his cheek. "The last time we saw each other, you seemed so sad…"

For a moment, he's confused…but then he remembers. After Sasuke crashed the Five Kage Summit, when…he told Gaara he still chose Sasuke… His expression falls, guilt and shame burning his chest. "R-right…" Taking a shallow, partly shaky breath, not for lack of trying to breathe deeper, his smile returns, even if it's obviously hard on him. He reaches up to place his hand on hers. "I'm—I'm better now, I promise. You don't have to worry about me, okay?"

Temari can't help falling tender. She's finding herself increasingly powerless in the face of his heart. "Sorry, but that's not possible." She winks. "That's just what big sisters are for, you know?"

Naruto's eyes widen, heart hammering in his chest. Is she…is she saying…? Before he can read into it much more, Gaara, who's been seemingly lost in thought the past minute or so, looks as if he's remembered something. So Naruto clings to his hope—that Temari really meant it, that he's somehow, someway, beyond all odds, been accepted more than he could have ever hoped or dreamed, as a little brother—with everything he is.

Then, he turns to help his friend. "Gaara? What's up?"

Gaara glances up and smiles a little at having been noticed (of course he noticed) before wondering how he should start. He's a little nervous about bringing this up, but from what he's heard, Naruto would probably end up telling them eventually anyway, so he's hoping this will make it easier for him.

"Lady Tsunade told us you came to an important decision regarding Sasuke Uchiha. She wouldn't tell us what, said it was more your place than hers, but it's been troubling you." A heartbeat. "She didn't tell me that last part. She didn't have to. I can see it in your face. Your eyes, too." His expression becomes more earnest, hands balling into light fists, then tighter ones, as he takes in Naruto's battered body for the hundredth time since coming in. "If there's anything I can do, Naruto, I want to help." He looks his friend in the eyes. "Please. Will you tell us what's going on?"

Naruto feels like he's been shoved into a freezing lake—and he knows from experience how jarring that feels. And yet, just like he knows Gaara, it only makes sense that Gaara would know him, too. Shikamaru reaches over to thread the tips of a few of their fingers together, and the warmth of it shocks him out of his stupor. Glancing over at him, he smiles and squeezes in thanks. Then, turning back to the others, he surprises himself by breathing a laugh, a small, sad, but still adoring smile coming through. "I guess this is what Captain Yamato meant when he talked about 'the mortifying ordeal of being known,' huh…?"

Naruto is more than a little surprised at how little he cries this time. He still does, of course, but it's nothing compared to how much he cried with the others so far. His heart still aches something fierce, and his stomach still churns, but it's…easier this time. Maybe it's because they're not from the village. They don't know Sasuke nearly as well as the rest, so there's very little to no chance of them getting angry or feeling betrayed. Whatever the reason, he has to admit, it's a nice change of pace.

"I see…" Gaara isn't judging. Frankly, anyone who dares to hurt Naruto this way, let alone twice, had better pray he doesn't end up on the receiving end of his sand one day. He's still kicking himself for letting Sasuke get away at the Summit. If he hadn't, maybe Naruto wouldn't have gotten so hurt. He—they, all of them—might not have come so close to losing one of their most precious friends.

Of course, Sasuke Uchiha has always been a special case, even to him. In some ways, they're so similar, but so very different, too. Like him, Sasuke was drenched in darkness, both of them finding a purpose in killing (a brother versus anyone Gaara pleased)—but the difference came in the form of sunshine and blue skies and a blinding smile.

Naruto was the difference, the only one who reached out to both of them, offered a hand and that smile, true friendship and everything it came with. A lonely boy with whiskers on his cheeks, who knew Gaara's pain of being a vessel, a living weapon, of being feared, hated, targeted, and nearly killed several times for something beyond his control. Someone who had been through so much pain, but still found the strength to smile and fight for what he believed in. Someone who taught Gaara that, even if he couldn't live for himself, if he couldn't find a reason to keep going just for him, then he could find that reason in his bonds with the people around him, his siblings and any friends he could manage to make. He didn't have to be alone if he didn't want to be, not anymore. He could have people he cared about who genuinely cared about him, too—if he just let himself.

Hell, that first bond could be with Naruto if he wanted, if he just came around. He'd take Gaara gladly.

One of them heeded those words, allowed them to touch his heart and nurture it until he and his bond with Naruto got to the incredible place they are today. The other…burned them with his Amaterasu.

Still…the similarities between them are…unsettling, to say the least.

"Naruto…" Naruto looks at him, a small "Hmm?" coming. He'd let Gaara gather his thoughts while he answered Temari and Kankuro's questions about how Sasuke was during their fight. Gaara's fists tighten again, and Naruto sees he's almost pursing his lips, too. He's nervous. He'd wonder why, but he thinks he's about to find out. "Years ago, when we first fought…I almost killed you, too…" Naruto's eyes widen. What? Is that what he's worried about? But he doesn't interrupt. He knows this is difficult for Gaara, so he'll let him finish. He just did the same thing for him, so it's only fair. "Sasuke and I were—are?—so similar… It…disturbs me…" He glares down at white-knuckled fists. "I know I've grown since then…but still…"

Temari's hands are folded politely in front of her, but her knuckles match his. "Gaara…" Kankuro watches silently, pensively, from his place near the door, frowning as his chest pangs for his little brother.

But just like always, Naruto is there to stop him in his tracks. Reaching out, he tilts Gaara's chin up with gentle fingers, blue eyes firm and blazing. "No way. Don't think that for a second. I know where you're going with this, and you're wrong." Gaara blinks wide eyes. Naruto takes a breath, and he's calmer as he continues. "You are totally different, Gaara. You may have been lost in the darkness like Sasuke was, but after our one fight, you saw the light. You understood. You wanted to change, and you did. You worked so hard. The proof is in where you are and what you're choosing to do with your time right now." He grins softly, voice following. "So don't go comparing yourself to him anymore, okay? You're amazing. You have nothing to worry about. I promise you that."

Gaara is shocked speechless, lips parted slightly, but he realizes he shouldn't be. This is Naruto, after all. He's always been wise beyond his years when it counts. It's almost funny, how much things have changed in just a few short years. He wouldn't trade how things have turned out for anything. The tension that'd been coiled in his shoulders like a too-taut spring releases at last, and he nods, a like, grateful smile on his face. "Thank you, Naruto. I'll remember that."

Naruto nods, happy he could help reassure his friend. "Of course!"

Temari and Kankuro feel like they can breathe again, their hearts no longer smarting in their chests. He doesn't talk about it too often, but they know Gaara still feels immense guilt for the way he behaved in the past. Of course, it's hard to completely blame him when their father was the way he was, but…still. The way he treated them and the lives he so stoically took still weigh on his soul. He does his best to make up for it every day, though, and they're proud of him. So proud. They always try to reassure him and build him up when he expresses his regret, but they know only so much of it gets through.

But with Naruto, it's different. It always has been. They're not sure why Naruto can get through to him so easily, but they attribute it to being a fellow Jinchuuriki and…mostly, they're convinced it's simply because of Naruto's heart. Maybe it should make them angry or jealous, but it doesn't. On the contrary, they will never, ever be able to thank him enough for always being there to help Gaara in ways they can't.

As they look upon their brother's savior now, they can't help but love him more. They really don't deserve him…but they'll happily thank everything for him regardless. He's a godsend, truly.

Naruto, meanwhile, rubs the back of his neck and looks toward the window, other hand fiddling with the sheets. Talking about all this has only reminded him of his own misdeeds… His voice is quiet when he speaks up. "Speaking of…things we regret…" He swallows. "About…what happened after the Summit…"

Shikamaru raises an eyebrow. He read over the reports from Naruto's little excursion to the Land of Snow. He knows they met up, but he doesn't remember there being anything about Naruto and Gaara getting into a disagreement. Or…was it actually more of a fight? That'd be a first. Well, since becoming friends, that is.

Naruto can't make himself look Gaara in the eyes, at least not yet. "After the Summit was interrupted, you came to see me. I...I told you I still chose Sasuke…" He takes a breath before finally forcing himself to meet Gaara's eyes. His own are open, bright and sad and ashamed. Utterly apologetic. "I'm—I'm sorry."

He's surprised to find his voice raspy all of a sudden, tears stinging his eyes. He's not sure why the hell he's getting emotional now and not before. Maybe it's because he's realized Gaara was right about Sasuke, and it's—it reminds him so much of Pervy Sage, and he'd rather die than live with the same regret with his friend that he does his master. He sniffs as a few more tears fall, curling his fists decisively in the sheets. Shikamaru has to blink back his own hints of tears as his heart squeezes. He can read between the lines, and he understands better than anyone.

"Y-you were right all along, but I…I didn't want to hear it…" He swallows, eyes piercing. "I-it was the same with Pervy Sage, too, y-you know…? Kakashi-sensei, Granny Tsunade, and s-so many others…" He's a little surprised at himself when he breathes a tiny laugh, manages a small smile. "I-I guess I just needed a good beating from the jerk himself to wake up. Pretty pathetic, huh…?"

Gaara only softens, maybe even smirks a little, before reaching forward to use his sleeve to gently wipe away a touch-stunned Naruto's tears. "I don't know about that. I seem to remember a misguided boy who needed a similar beating to see that he and his life were worth more than he'd been shown." Naruto blinks. Seems it's his turn to be wide-eyed and speechless. Gaara's cool eyes melt further. "Don't sell yourself so short, Naruto. You saved me. I owe you everything. Sasuke made his choice. You are not to blame for his failure to listen or any consequences that may result from his ignorance. Don't confuse the two. All right?"

Given another moment or two of shock, Naruto softens in turn, even if it's the tiniest bit sad, too. There's acceptance there, though, and he looks happier, somehow lighter, as he shamelessly nuzzles into Gaara's hand, making Gaara blush happily, and Shikamaru appreciates it like nothing else. "You're right. I…I know that now." Then, even softer, "Thank you, Gaara."

By the time Naruto's dinner comes hours later, he's a little worried. He's seen Kankuro yawn at least five times in the last few hours, and with the sun starting to set the way it is, Gaara is looking more raccoon-eyed than usual (he says that with love). Temari's stomach growls embarrassingly loudly when she lays eyes on his food. Geez, these guys…

"You guys should go get some food and rest for the night," he suggests suddenly, startling them.

"He has a point," Shikamaru backs up. "Seriously, you guys look like you'll fall over from exhaustion or hunger any minute. Maybe both."

The siblings look at each other, a silent conversation passing. Temari and Kankuro come back resigned. "We were in such a hurry, we didn't even think about breakfast," Temari confesses.

"And we haven't exactly been getting much sleep lately…" Kankuro supplies.

Gaara is the only one who doesn't speak up, eyes never leaving Naruto. He doesn't want to leave him yet. He's a little afraid that, if he does, then…—!

Naruto reaches out to thread his fingers through Gaara's, a bright smile playing. "What's that look for, huh? It's only for the night! Knowing you, you'll be back first thing in the morning! Besides, you said you're staying two or three days, right? That's plenty of time to catch up and have fun!" He shifts their fingers around so his pinkie is firmly wrapped around Gaara's. "I promise, it'll be fine! Trust me!"

Gaara stares for another moment before he relaxes. 'Trust him,' huh? Well…he supposes that's something he can do. It's always worked out for him in the past, after all. He smiles softly, righting their hands and returning the pinkie promise readily. "I'll hold you to that, as future Hokage."

Naruto chuckles.

"Fair enough!"

A/N: Temari and Kankuro deserve more credit for being sweethearts, damn it! I love them as badasses as much as the next guy, but my favorite scenes of them are when they're being sweet, protective siblings to Gaara and cuties to Naruto (Shikamaru, too)! So I told myself I'd give it to them in these Sand sibs chapters! Hope you liked what you saw of them here 'cause there'll be more in the next one! :D

The example moments in the first section where Shikamaru looked out for Naruto as a kid (telling Iruka-sensei to go after Naruto and the shopkeeper pushing Naruto and throwing the festival mask at him) are from Shippuden episodes 177-178, which technically are filler and break canon, but they're some of my faves (I'm a sucker for kid!Naruto being bullied and getting some solace, lol), and two moments from that ep (not mentioned-graveyard scene and mentioned-shopkeeper scene) are later made canon, so I figured it was okay to include! lol. Anyway, because it breaks canon (in that Iruka and Kakashi acknowledge and start to care for Naruto way earlier than in canon - in this AU, they still save Naruto, but keep themselves very distanced), I finagled Naruto's age in the ep, added how the mask being thrown at him made him bleed, and also added how Shikamaru scared that jerk shopkeeper later. Hope that makes sense!

Also, hoping that Shikamaru's reasons for being there for Naruto now are understood? I think so, but I just want to make sure: he's not helping him out of a want to make up for not being there before - like he says in Shippuden episode 383 during the War Arc, he didn't know what Naruto went through back when they were kids, not really, and he hates it, feels guilty and angry at himself, yes, but now that he knows, all he wants is to make sure he never goes through anything like that again. He wants to make sure he never feels alone like that again, and I think that's especially important given what Naruto's going through with letting go of Sasuke now. Hopefully that's clear if it wasn't already before? LMK if I just made it worse. lol. ;D

Not sure if anyone noticed (probs not), but I dropped another Fruits Basket reboot reference in this chapter! lol. Kind of! The last line of Shikamaru's section, where he says he'll make that dream a reality, just watch him, it's referencing Shigure Sohma's lines in s1e10 "It's Valentine's, After All", "I want to give it form and make it mine. I will. ...Just watch. ...I'll make that dream eternal." I could have sworn the line was more like what I wrote, but close enough! lol. (I feel like, while not as wickedly devious as Shigure, Shikamaru has a lot of traits similar to Shigure, like being swift and cunning and always a hundred steps ahead of everyone else, and for this chapter, wanting to make his dream a reality no matter what, so made sense to me to include that line (though in Shikamaru's case, it's much more lighthearted, lol)!)

Thanks so much for reading!