A/N: All right! Finally, this chapter is done! I am so excited for and proud of this chapter, you guys! So thrilled to get to share it with you! I actually meant to have it up yesterday, but real life things got in the way, lol, so I waited till today so I could make sure it's up to my usual standard! This is the longest chapter yet! I definitely thought about splitting it, but the second half didn't have enough content to really warrant its own chapter, and it flowed better as one, so hope it's okay that I left it! Really hope you enjoy it as much as I do, but as always, please be honest! Haha!
I know Gaara technically isn't a Jinchuuriki anymore as of this point in canon, but for the sake of several points in this chapter, let's just pretend that he and the others still basically consider him (an honorary?) one since he's a former Jinchuuriki and still knows how they feel and all that. Okay? Okay! Thanks!
Special thanks to Malaya on our KidgeonPost Discord for inspiring the section regarding Shikamaru's exhaustion: "I could imagine them saying something about Shika looking more tired than ever or something" (Was really cool and fun to write! Thanks a lot! You're the best!)
As promised, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro all return the next morning, right after Naruto's breakfast.
This time, Temari leaves Gaara to his own devices with Naruto, instead moving to lean against the opposite wall by Shikamaru. Shikamaru hadn't wanted to crowd the two friends, wanted them to have a little more privacy this time, so he'd moved. He's sure they wouldn't have minded if he'd stayed, but still. It's the principle of the thing.
In all the excitement yesterday, Temari didn't realize she and Shikamaru never got to talk. She always enjoys their chats. She finds him interesting, even if his laziness and reluctance to put in effort confuse and frustrate her sometimes, and she knows he genuinely enjoys her company, too. They're able to poke fun at each other without it being taken to heart and even, as few times as it's happened, be vulnerable with each other without being judged.
It's nice, having a real friend for once, someone besides her siblings she knows will always be here for her. The fact of the matter is, her brothers and Lord Baki aside, she isn't terribly close with anyone back home, being the former Kazekage's daughter and the current Kazekage's eldest sibling. She thinks a lot of the Sand's citizens find her too intimidating to get close to, or maybe she's too guarded and suspicious of them to let them get close. Maybe it's a complicated combination of the two.
But that's exactly why she appreciates Shikamaru so much. He's never cared about her status and isn't put off by her brusque nature. Hell, they were enemies at first, but that never mattered to him once it was all squared away. He was only ever interested in getting to know her for her—and then he stayed.
She'll always be grateful for that.
"So, how's my favorite crybaby doing?"
Shikamaru sighs, smirking. He knew she'd greet him with something like that. "I'm never gonna live that down, am I? Figures. That's the last time I show emotion around you, demon woman of the Sand..."
She laughs, unfazed by the faux-derisive nickname. She knows he doesn't actually mind. After all, the warmth in her voice is obvious to anyone who knows her well. Leaning her hip against his chair, she crosses her arms easily over her chest. It's quiet for a long moment, and then she tells him in a low voice, expression going fond as she watches her baby brother be drawn in by some story Naruto's telling, "Gaara did, too." Shikamaru glances over at that, confused and a bit concerned at her soft, worried, but mostly settled tone. "Cried, I mean, when he found out Naruto was going to be okay. I'm sure you can imagine how he must have felt in the days before that, so terrified and at his wit's end, but helpless and unable to be there for the person he considers his best friend, the one who changed him, the one he owes everything, his life, to…" Her voice warbles, she sniffs, and Shikamaru looks up, surprised and not to see a few tears have sneaked from her eyes. Turning back to give her some privacy, he discreetly hands her a few tissues. "It was…so hard…to see him like that…when we couldn't do anything either…"
She wipes at her eyes and smiles over at Naruto almost helplessly. She laughs a bit. "It was hard on us, too…Kankuro and me… No one really knows but Gaara, but after the mission to rescue him six months ago, we…kind of sibling-adopted Naruto." She chuckles at Shikamaru's flabbergasted expression and waves her hand. "Not officially or anything." Her gaze falls back on bright blond hair and bold blue eyes and melts again, voice following. "But…in our hearts, we did. He's our little brother now, too, so…while maybe we weren't quite as scared as Gaara was, relatively speaking, at least…it was pretty up there. We hid it as best we could because we wanted to be there for Gaara," she snorts, "but I'm almost certain he saw straight through us. He's…learned a lot about reading people, at least those he's close to, from Naruto…"
There's a quiet, thoughtful lull in the story for a few long moments, during which Shikamaru finds himself watching the two younger boys, protective and adoring in one, for both of them, something Shikamaru never thought he'd feel for Gaara—wouldn't, if it weren't for Naruto. Honestly, that guy…
"So, imagine the intense relief and joy that washed over us when we got the news that he was safe." She sighs in relief, a hand going to her chest as she wipes her eyes again. "When I tell you I thanked every deity that may or may not exist, I mean it. Every one." She gives a shaky laugh before softening again. "We'd never seen Gaara cry like that. Not from happiness and relief, anyway. It was alarming, at first," she breathes a laugh at herself, "but then we just hugged him, crying ourselves, and we stayed like that for what must have been at least ten minutes. It was the longest we'd ever seen him cry." She swallows. "Right after that, Kankuro brought up the idea of coming to see Naruto. Honestly, we didn't have much of a choice." She chuckles again, resting her chin in her hand as she watches her baby brother smile and laugh along with Naruto, her own smile growing. "That's another reason the Council begged Gaara to come here. We all knew that if he didn't see for himself that Naruto was going to be all right, he wouldn't have rested or been able to focus on his work." She shrugs, a happy, warm smile blooming. "So, after taking the necessary precautions and making arrangements, here we are!"
Shikamaru is quiet for a bit. He remembers when he got the news that Naruto was in surgery, possibly on his deathbed. He'd just gotten back from a long, hard mission, but his intense exhaustion didn't even register in his mind. He immediately bolted from the Hokage's office and ran like his life depended on it. He doesn't remember ever running that fast in his life. The only time that comes close is the day Asuma died. He'd waited outside the operating room doors for hours and hours, Choji joining him the second he could. Everyone else was on extended missions that day, but he knew they'd be here if they could. He'd just have to keep their spirits and hope and belief in Naruto alive himself, take that role on his shoulders. For once, he didn't mind at all. In fact, he took it gladly.
Finally, when the doors opened and an exhausted, but relieved-as-hell Tsunade stepped out and told them Naruto would pull through…Shikamaru had cried like a baby. It was just like the last time Naruto and Sasuke fought like this, relief and joy that he'd be okay. His legs were shaking so much that he couldn't even hold himself up. Choji had held him and let him bawl into his chest, crying right along with him. Honestly, after everything, it was…therapeutic, he supposes.
A heartbeat, two, and then,
"I'm glad you came."
Temari looks over at him, surprised. The smile he's wearing might be brighter than she thinks she's ever seen from him.
He nods toward their younger brothers. "Gaara is good for him. I haven't seen Naruto this happy since he first woke up. He was over the moon when he saw it really was him." He chuckles, glancing up at her. "You are, too. You and Kankuro and good for him, I mean. He wouldn't have been nearly as happy if you hadn't come, too, I'm sure."
Temari feels that sink in, and then she smiles like the sun – a tame one, not like Naruto's blinding, soft and warm and brilliant all her own. It falls somehow tenderer in looking back at two of her boys. She's gathering more and more of them, it seems. "They're good for each other," she surmises. "Jinchuuriki are already special, but that's even truer together."
At that moment, Naruto and Gaara both burst out laughing as Naruto's story comes to an apparently hilarious close. Temari and Kankuro's eyes widen, a bright sheen coming over them. They've never seen their little brother laugh like this before. He looks happier, more unburdened, than they've ever seen him…
Shikamaru can't help but melt. Naruto… What a mysterious power he has… "Yeah… You might be onto something there."
A few hours of talking later, Temari steps out to ask the nurse who brought Naruto's lunch something, and in that time, Kankuro takes her place at Shikamaru's side.
It's quiet – Gaara and his siblings all seem to be ones for silence, he's found – and Shikamaru lets it be. He doesn't mind. He prefers silence, too. Kankuro will talk when he's ready, and until then, they have little brothers to watch over.
Finally, after a few thoughtful minutes,
"You know, I didn't know what to think of Naruto at first."
Shikamaru glances up at his soft tone, raising an eyebrow. He doesn't know where this is going, but he has to admit, he's curious. He's always been closest to Temari, that much is obvious, but he's slowly getting closer to Gaara through her and Naruto, so he supposes it makes sense that Kankuro would feel a kind of kinship with him, at least for his siblings' sake. Shikamaru doesn't know what it's like to have siblings, not really, but if he did, he thinks it might feel like this. He's actually a lot more okay with it than he ever thought he would be.
"I mean, he was a Jinchuuriki just like Gaara, but he was so different. All sunshine and smiles, determined to rise above the people and powers that be that wanted to stomp him into the ground. He wanted to make Gaara understand everything he'd learned from his pain, what Gaara could learn, too, if he just opened up. I wanted to believe Gaara could be saved – he's my little brother, after all – but I'd pretty much already accepted there wasn't a chance in Hell. I thought he was just too far gone. And then," he chuckles, smirking, "what do you know? Miracle of miracles, it actually worked. Temari, Lord Baki, and I couldn't believe it. It took us weeks to grasp that any of it was real. Gaara was already starting to change by then, and now…" He looks at the two boys, older and stronger and wiser than he could have ever hoped or dreamed, warm and grateful as anything. "You'd never know he was the same person."
After a moment, he chuckles again, something in it rough and fond at once. "And then, years later, Naruto did it again. He saved my little brother when I couldn't. I don't know whether that makes me more guilty or angry at myself, but…" he softens, "…mostly, it just makes me indebted to him. More than I was already, I mean. It also…" he melts further, "…just makes me love him even more."
Shikamaru follows his soft as hell gaze to Naruto and softens himself at how much fun he and Gaara are having. From his exaggerated hand gestures, he'd guess Naruto's started another story. "Yeah… Believe me, I get that."
"That's why I was so blown away and worried like hell when we heard the kid was in such dire straits. I didn't know what Gaara would do if he lost him, but…I didn't know what I'd do either. We might not know each other that well, and I might never be able to understand him the way Gaara does, but…he's still my little brother now, too, you know? He's the best thing that ever happened to our family, to Gaara most of all, and…"
He glares down at his open palm for a long moment, almost gritting his teeth. "You know, when Gaara confronted Sasuke at the Summit…yeah, they fought, but Gaara was mostly trying to talk him down. He tried to do for Sasuke what Naruto did for him. But everything he said fell on deaf ears, Sasuke looked and sounded half-crazy, exactly like he did with Naruto, the way the kid told us anyway, and it became clear pretty quickly that nothing was going to change his mind. Gaara could see how far past rock bottom he'd fallen, how big a threat he'd pose if he escaped, so…ultimately, Gaara switched to trying to take him out instead." A heartbeat. "But knowing you, I'm guessing you already knew that."
His gaze slides Shikamaru's way, and he nods. Naturally. Sasuke's officially been branded a rogue ninja. He's even in the Bingo Book. As far as ninja law is concerned, he's fair game. The Leaf has first dibs, of course, but if someone else takes him out, it's not something to lose sleep over. Honestly, Shikamaru almost wishes someone would, at least to significantly lessen Naruto's heartache. He's sure everyone who loves Naruto feels the same way.
"Gaara cried during their fight, you know. For Naruto's sake." Kankuro's voice is lower, softer, when he speaks up next, and Shikamaru looks over. Not that he's really surprised – those two are weak as hell for each other, even someone blind would be able to see that – but still. To cry in front of the enemy he's trying to save… It sounds almost exactly like what went down between Gaara and Naruto years ago. "Seeing Sasuke like that, Gaara knew intimately how much pain it must be causing Naruto…" He clenches his fist until his knuckles crack. "It makes me wish Gaara would have let us help. Maybe Crow could have gotten him or Temari's fan or trip wires and explosive tags, anything. I just…would have loved a chance to punch his stupid bastard face in." He huffs a laugh, and Shikamaru does as well. Honestly? He feels the exact same way. If he ever sees Sasuke again…well, let's just say he'd better pray they're both already dead.
Kankuro's eyes find the two sitting together on the hospital bed again, and the chakra string-knit protectiveness in his expression tells Shikamaru he does not want to be on the receiving end of his wrath. His puppets already kind of weird him out. "Nobody makes my little brothers cry. No one."
Temari comes back about half an hour later, an extra little bounce in her step and shine to her smile.
Shikamaru raises an eyebrow. "What're you so happy about?"
Her grin just grows as she reclaims her spot by his side, Kankuro having moved when he heard her coming. "You'll find out soon enough."
He hums at her playful tone, even more curious and not exactly satisfied, but he'll take her word for it. Taking a moment, he yawns, a long one he does his best to muffle, and when he opens his eyes again, she's suddenly right in front of him, leaning into his space and scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes. He leans back to put some much-needed space between them, cheeks coloring. "W-what? What is it?"
She seems to hesitate before answering, though why, he can't imagine. "You're looking tired." He blinks. What? Is that what this is about? But he's always— "And I don't mean like your usual. You're more exhausted than I've ever seen you, Shikamaru." Her voice is well into that concerned timbre she uses on her brothers and Naruto and him, too, if he worries her enough, and her frown matches. Shikamaru swallows. Oh, boy… "Are you sure you're doing okay?" She makes to glance over at Naruto, but doesn't turn away from him. He can read her intentions just fine. "You know you can take a day off, right? I'm sure he'll understand. You know how he is."
A break. From watching over Naruto.
Finally understanding, Shikamaru huffs a little laugh and smiles, resigned. He's long accepted that being surrounded by selfless worrywarts is his lot in life. "Naruto said the same thing when he finally woke up." A beat. "It's not as bad as all that. I'm working on it, I promise."
That seems to satisfy her some, but for the parts it doesn't, she's at least willing to hear him out. She takes her place back at his side without taking her eyes off him. Shikamaru takes a deep breath. This isn't something he'd normally divulge, having to do with more than just him, but seeing as they're part of the Naruto Protection Squad (coined by Shino, funnily enough, in one of his mid-mission messages a few days back), he'll allow it. This once. Plus, if there's one thing he hates, it's making his friends worry about him.
Nodding toward Naruto, Shikamaru keeps his voice low. "Obviously, I didn't sleep much while he was out, too worried I'd miss something, that we'd actually lose him on my watch. And once he woke up, he had awful nightmares." He glances her way. "I'm sure you can guess what about." Temari bites back a curse, clenches her fists. Of course she can. Shikamaru sends her a small, reassuring smile. "Luckily, since Lady Tsunade prescribed him some sleeping meds to help him recover faster until his advanced healing's up and running again, they've been better, and the other night…" his smile turns helpless and a little shy, and the light blush that comes has Temari even more intrigued than before, this time for more personal reasons, "…we found a new sleeping arrangement that seems to be working out for both of us."
Temari waits a few extra seconds to see if he'll elaborate on that last part, but when it becomes clear he won't, she bites the inside of her cheek to quell her ravenous curiosity. If he wanted to tell her, he would, and if he doesn't, then it's not her place to pry. As long as he's happy and getting some sleep, catching up at least, that's good enough for her. Who knows? Maybe he'll tell her somewhere down the line. Hell, maybe Naruto will, just coincidentally, knowing he's not shy about that kind of thing.
Breathing in, she sighs silently in relief, then grins his way at last. "That's good, then." She nudges his shoulder semi-roughly. "But don't scare me like that. Take care of yourself, you hear me? I mean it."
Shikamaru laughs and holds up his hands. "H-hey, in my defense, there were outside forces at work here." Softening a moment later, he says, "Thanks for worrying about me. I appreciate it, but I'll be fine." His gaze drifts back to Naruto. "As long as he is."
Temari watches him closely, looks between them, then just smiles. He's hopeless as usual, it seems… At least that hasn't changed. "I'll hold you to that."
The clock strikes 3 PM before anyone realizes it's been that long (time flies when you're having fun), and Kankuro goes so far as to double-check before pushing off the wall. He raises a hand toward the others.
"Sorry to bail on the party so soon," he grins, "but I have a sparring match with a certain weapons mistress, and I know from experience she'll kick my ass even harder if I'm late." Somehow, he doesn't seem too unhappy about that. If anything, he seems excited. He waves as he walks toward the door, winking over his shoulder at Naruto. "Take care, blue-eyes! Catch ya later!"
Naruto waves back. "Bye! Say hi to Tenten for me!"
"Have fun!" Temari sing-songs, unapologetically teasing, and even Gaara is watching his back with what Shikamaru swears is a tiny smirk.
He hums—if Naruto and Shikamaru didn't know any better, they'd say he's embarrassed—and then he's gone.
Naruto blinks, confused. "'Blue-eyes?'" Then, he gasps and brightens, stars in his eyes. "Oh, wow! I just got a nickname, and from Kankuro! That's so cool!"
Shikamaru laughs and shakes his head, gaze all too fond. "You and your nicknames, I swear…"
Naruto just beams all too proudly, pointing at him. "I'll find one for you, too, Shikamaru! Just you wait!"
Tch! Shikamaru drops his chin into his hand. Honestly? He's surprised it's taken this long. "Yeah, yeah." He smirks. "Just make sure it's a good one, all right?"
Naruto laughs. "No promises," he flashes a peace sign, "but I'll do my best!"
Shikamaru groans and casts an exasperated, yet helplessly adoring look at their other friends. "Pray for me."
There's been a change in Shikamaru lately, at least in the last six months, maybe a little more. Even in his letters, he's been different. Finally getting to see him in person has proven it without a shadow of a doubt. Temari's not sure most people would even notice something so seemingly subtle, but she's not just anyone. She's been wanting to get to the bottom of it for a while, so now that she finally has the opportunity, she doesn't want to let it go to waste.
"I see you took my advice."
Shikamaru turns to her, raising an eyebrow. "'Advice?'"
Temari nods. "Mm hmm. You've stopped complaining about what a drag everything is."
He looks straight ahead again, not sure how to take how happy she seems to be about that. "Oh, that." He watches Naruto smile and laugh with Gaara, happier than he's been in days, maybe months – hell, maybe even years - and something in his face and eyes softens. Her keen eyes catch it immediately. He rests his chin in his hand, a small, amused smile on his face. Maybe he's surprised at himself, too. "That's just because…my dream doesn't happen to be one."
A moment more of watching his more-than-content face, and she softens herself. "I'm happy for you, then."
A quiet laugh and light, happy sigh of agreement. "Yeah…me, too. Thank you."
(It only hits her later:
Six months ago is when Naruto came home.)
Kankuro returns around 6 PM. He's tired and bruised and a little scraped up, but grinning like the cat who caught the canary.
Naruto immediately brightens at the sight of him. "Hey, Kankuro! Welcome back!" He waves him over, and once he's close enough, he asks excitedly, "So, how's Tenten? I haven't gotten to see her, Neji, Bushy Brow, or Bushier Brow-sensei yet!"
Taking a seat on Naruto's other side, Kankuro sits close, arms crossed casually over his chest. His smile widens at Tenten's name, and Naruto can't help but notice Temari and Gaara smirking at him again while he pointedly ignores them. "She's good! She said she'd be by to see you as soon as the rest of Team Gai got back from their extended training mission." He laughs. "She wanted to come see you herself since she had to return early to get her weapons repaired anyway, but Gai and Lee wouldn't stop whining, so she told me to tell you, 'Trust me, it's safer if I just wait.'"
Naruto laughs at his imitation of an exasperated Tenten, pointing. "That's exactly how she sounds!" He snorts. "I didn't know you were good at impressions!"
He shrugs. "It can come in handy on missions that require some of my more specialized puppets." He's even more pointedly ignoring Temari's fiercer smirk, also the fact that his palms are sweating. Big sisters can be so nosy, sheesh…
Naruto just 'ooh's, stars in his eyes. "You're so cool, Kankuro!" He giggles in excitement. "Maybe you can show me next time I come to the Hidden Sand!"
The older boy beams with pride, a light flush to his cheeks. He rubs the back of his neck with a laugh. "I-I don't know if it's as cool as all that, but thanks! I appreciate it!" He nods. "And you bet, no problem! Sounds like a good time!"
Naruto throws his arms in the air. "Woohoo! All right!" Sobering, he asks, "So Team Bushier Brow-sensei's on some kind of training mission, huh? I was wondering where they were." He smiles brightly. "Well, whenever they get back, I can't wait to see them! Feels like it's been forever!"
Kankuro breathes a laugh. Typical Naruto. "Well, from the way Tenten told it, they're actually already on their way back. Lady Tsunade sent word when you woke up, but it took a day or two to get there, and apparently, they've been hauling ass to get back here ever since, but the weather's been awful off and on, so it's slowing them down quite a bit. She said they probably won't take more than two more days, though, and then they'll be right over!" He chuckles. "She made me promise to reassure you that they're all rooting for you and wishing you well until they can say it to your face!"
Naruto is left wide-eyed and maybe a little speechless. They'd…really do that for him? Push themselves that hard? Then again… He looks around at all of them. They did it, too, didn't they? They ran themselves ragged for three days, barely sleeping or eating much of anything, just so they could see for themselves that he was okay…
These guys…his friends… He doesn't deserve them…
Swallowing the lump of emotion in his throat, he grins brightly. "W-when you see her next, you can tell her they don't have to worry about me. Shikamaru's taking the best care of me," Shikamaru beams proudly, a happy blush springing to his cheeks, "and I'll be here whenever they get here, no matter when!" Grin turning sheepish, he scratches his cheek. "But it's not like I'm goin' anywhere for a while, so it wouldn't kill them to take it a little easy, at least."
Shikamaru sputters a laugh. "Sorry, but I don't think that's gonna happen. This is the Rival Three you're talking about, remember? All you need is Kakashi there to make it the biggest rival smackdown of the year."
Naruto winces. "Oh, man, you're right! Yeah, there's no way…" He sighs a bit. "Well, it was worth a shot…"
Kankuro laughs out loud, shaking his head. "I don't think you have much to worry about. They might be overly competitive idiots, but they're smart and strong as hell, too. They know not to push themselves too far. After all, they know they'll be no good to you if they're half-dead."
Naruto grins. "Oh, don't worry, I know! They'll be just fine! I'll just wait patiently—" Shikamaru snorts, and Naruto shoots him a smirk, "—till they come home!"
Kankuro grins and ruffles his hair. "That's what I like to hear, little brother."
Naruto's eyes widen and heart skips a beat. Did—did he just…? Just like Temari yesterday… That…that can't be a coincidence, right? There's no way. So…is this…their way of telling him, surprising him with it? If it is, then…he loves it. He loves it so much.
He loves them.
So, so much…
His vision blurs, and try as he might, he can't quite swallow the lump in his throat this time. All the same, he gives a raspy, overjoyed laugh and a blinding smile, and he's not surprised at all when a few tears make their way down his cheeks.
Kankuro, for his part, can't help but melt. So he picked up on his and Temari's little code, huh? He figured he would, and he's reacting just like he thought he would, too. He really is such a sweet, soft-hearted kid. How anyone could ever hurt or abuse him like Sasuke has…he swears he will never understand. Luckily, with Kankuro as his big brother now, he'll make damn sure no one ever hurts him like that again.
Reaching forward, he wipes Naruto's tears away with his sleeves, much like Gaara did yesterday. Naruto goes still, eyes wide and cheeks heating up with his heart in his throat. The tender way Kankuro's looking at him… He's only seen it one other time, technically two: when he asked Naruto to save his little brother… and then again when he thanked him for keeping that promise…
The next thing he knows, Kankuro's hugging him. Like with Temari yesterday, Naruto is shocked. He's…never done this before either. It's gentler than Temari's, he notices, all-encompassing in the way Kankuro wraps his arms around him as far as they'll go, but it's still the same nice and safe and warm. Naruto welcomes it. He relaxes into his arms like a warm bath, closing his eyes and hugging him back.
This feels like…coming home somehow. Like he was always meant to end up here, in this place with these people. He doesn't believe in destiny or fate, he adamantly believes in making his own path, but…he's gotta say, there's a pretty good argument in how he's feeling right now. Maybe…destiny plays a lighter role in life than people think. Maybe it comes in the form of (seemingly) small, infinitely precious moments like this.
Whatever the case, he's more than fine with it.
He knows he's right where he belongs.
A tearful Kankuro presses a seconds-long kiss to his hair and whispers, "Welcome home."
Once Naruto's dinner comes around an hour later, the Sand siblings take their leave for the night.
"We need to check in with Lord Baki and the Council to make sure things are all right back home," Gaara explains half-heartedly, once again reluctant to leave Naruto's side. They've been talking since yesterday, catching up and having fun, but…still, it doesn't feel like enough. He wants to stay. He's sure it shows on his face. Especially given his next bit of news. "Based on our correspondence so far, there's a massive sandstorm coming that would strand us here for a week or more if we stay any longer, so unfortunately, we'll need to start heading back around noon tomorrow."
Naruto is just as disappointed that they can't stay the full three days, and Shikamaru feels for him, Gaara, too, but there's not much they can do about the weather. They've all been briefed on the weather in neighboring Hidden villages for safety and interrelations reasons, and the Sand's expansive desert is notorious for its sandstorms that come out of nowhere. Frankly, Shikamaru thinks it's lucky they were given some warning. It's not like the Kazekage can be away from his village for a week or more without some serious consequences.
Pushing his own feelings aside, Naruto does his best to cheer Gaara up, reaching over to squeeze his hand. He grins brightly. "Hey, don't look so sad! We've still got the whole morning together tomorrow, right? And it's not like this'll be the last time I see you! Maybe once I'm finally out of here, you can come back, at least for a few days? Your Council guys might be in a good mood, you never know!"
Gaara isn't sure if that will work – it's rather hard to read most of them, to be honest, perhaps on purpose – but he can't help but smile and breathe a laugh. Naruto's enthusiasm is catching, as usual. He appreciates it. "That's true. I hope you're right. I—" he feels almost silly saying this next part, but he can't help how he feels, a light blush coming, "—I feel like we've barely gotten any time together."
Thankfully, it seems Naruto understands him completely. As always. He laughs out loud. "I know what you mean!" He rubs the back of his head, beaming for all it's worth, not ashamed in the slightest. "Of course, I don't think even forever would feel like enough!"
Surprised and touched, Gaara can't help sputtering a laugh, which makes Naruto laugh, too, and that just drives them both into something of a laughing fit. It lasts long enough for Temari and Kankuro to get more than a little misty-eyed again, and then Gaara's smile is full and bright, his once-shy blush now delighted. "Very true!"
The next morning, Gaara wastes no time in sitting at Naruto's side.
Naruto, though, can't help but notice that something's a little different this time. Namely, Gaara's brought something with him. An orange-wrapped, blue-bowed square box. Shikamaru glances at the orange vase with a blue bow Ino gave Naruto and smirks. Seems there's a theme going on.
Gaara hands it to him, and Naruto, for all his growing, just blinks at him a few times, tilting his head. "What's this?"
Gaara is completely unfazed by his lack of recognition, and both of those things just tell Shikamaru there's more to this than meets the eye. "A present. Your sixteenth birthday was a week ago, if I recall correctly."
Naruto looks at him like he's grown a second head, but turns to Shikamaru to confirm. Shikamaru nods, and a small "Huh" leaves him. "So, I slept through my own birthday?" He rubs the back of his head, then links his hands there and grins toothily. "Well, at least none of the older villagers got to try anything this year!" (Unnoticed, Shikamaru's face goes dark and murderous. Oh, he is asking what the hell that means the second they're alone and then bringing it up with Lady Tsunade ASAP. Also stopping by Naruto's apartment to make sure it hasn't been trashed or vandalized.)
Gaara turns a little somber before motioning back to the present to try to get him thinking about happier things. Shikamaru's grateful. "I know we Jinchuuriki aren't accustomed to receiving presents, let alone for our birthdays, but this gift…" he pushes Naruto's hand gently against the box, "…from one Jinchuuriki to another…" his sand swirls around their joined hands, the same way it did when they shook hands in saying goodbye after Naruto succeeded in rescuing him, "…one friend to another…" their eyes lock intensely, and Gaara smiles some, a whole lot for him, "…please accept it. Okay?"
Once he moves past his touched shock, Naruto melts and flips his hand over so he's holding Gaara's. Gaara, given a second's surprise, gently holds his right back, small smile growing. Naruto grins, laughing. "A-all right, all right! Twist my arm, why don't ya?"
He's so careful opening the package, making sure to preserve the ribbon and every piece of wrapping paper and moving slowly, like he'll never get to experience this again in his life, that it's almost laughable, but Shikamaru instead finds it precious and heartbreaking at once.
What's inside the box has Naruto staring for a good few seconds. He hesitates in reaching for it, as if touching it means he might break or taint it. But Gaara's sand comes to the rescue once again (it's good at that) and picks it up out of the box, bringing it closer until the sewn little nose connects with his.
"A…a teddy bear…?" Naruto's voice, while confused, is also filled with awe.
Indeed, the present is a small brown bear, well-loved, but also very well taken care of.
Gaara nods, a small, serene, if a little sad, smile on his face. "It was mine when I was little. It was both my most prized possession and my only friend. It always brought me comfort, and I thought, since you're here, it might bring you some comfort, too."
A tear falls. Then another. Then they don't stop. Gaara's eyes widen, and it's his turn to hesitate to reach out, worried he might have overstepped something. "A-are you all right? Did I do something wrong?"
Naruto quickly shakes his head, a tiny laugh of a sob escaping. "No...no, you're—you're amazing…" His smile is overjoyed, disbelieving. "W-when I was kid, I was afraid of the dark...a-and I was scared to be so alone…but I didn't really h-have a choice, you know?" He sniffs. "I saw kids with bears like these all the time, and I wanted one so badly, j-just for company…" He laughs again, the sob happy. "I-I just think it's funny…a-all these years later…a-and I finally get one…and it's from—from someone who understands me…l-like no one else ever could…someone I'm—I'm so lucky to call one of my—b-best friends in the world…"
He hugs the bear close to his chest, cradles it, smile wider than ever before. "T-thank you so much… E-especially if it was yours back then…i-it means so much to me…" He rests his head on Gaara's chest, tears still streaming. "Y-you really are the best… I-I love you so much…!"
Gaara's heart beats rapidly in his chest, and there's a bright blush on his face, but he just smiles so lovingly, expression melting as he gently wraps his arms around his friend. "I…love you, too, Naruto…" Tightening his hold on him, he nuzzles into bright blond hair. His smile grows as a happy tear slips from his eye. "You're more than welcome… I'm so happy you like it…"
Behind them, Temari and Kankuro are having difficulty keeping themselves in check. Gaara had insisted on bringing his present with them on this trip, wanting to take advantage of the rare opportunity to deliver it himself. But they'd had no idea what his present actually was. He'd wanted it to be a surprise.
Temari watches the two with a trembling hand over her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh, Gaara…" Kankuro is in a similar state, head down, hood pulled over his eyes, arms crossed tightly over his chest in an effort to hide their trembling. He's crying, too, gritting his teeth to keep tiny sobs inside. Geez, little brother…
The meaning behind this gift is not at all lost on them, and for Naruto to understand so intimately and react like this… Not only that, but Naruto is the only reason Gaara is able to say 'I love you' back, at all, and truly mean it…
It just makes them love Naruto more.
Once everyone's composed again a good ten minutes later, the elder Sand siblings come closer. "We have something for you, too, Naruto!" Temari announces, smiling sunnily.
Naruto's eyes widen, and his cheeks color some, heart skipping. Two presents in one day? For him, for real? This has…never happened before. "R-really?" Suddenly feeling a little spoiled, he raises his hands in protest. He's sure it shows on his face. "Y-you didn't have to—"
There's a forceful, yet still gentle poke to his forehead that pushes his head back till he's looking at the ceiling, and the rest of his words die on his lips. "Ah-ah! Don't start!" Temari winks when he looks back at her. "Besides, you're wrong on that one! Of course we had to!" She throws an arm around each of her siblings' shoulders, beaming now. They're grinning, too. "Everyone deserves a happy birthday, right? And it's your sixteenth! That means this one's extra special!"
Naruto finds himself staring, speechless, and he can feel himself getting choked up again. His chest aches. Is that really how birthdays are supposed to work? He always figured, having watched other kids in the village celebrate their birthdays over the years, but he never dared to hope or dream for anything like that himself. Well, okay, maybe when he was really little, like four or so, but…never since. He had that beaten out of him (literally) pretty early on. He doesn't really get why sixteen is so special (he'll have to ask Shikamaru later), but…the idea is interesting, if nothing else. He wipes his eyes with the tissue Shikamaru hands him and grins excitedly back up at them. "R-right!" He bows his head low. "T-thank you so much!"
Kankuro snorts, ruffling his hair. "A little early to be thanking us. You don't even know what it is yet, blondie."
But he—they all—know it doesn't matter what it is. That kind of thing would never matter to him. He's just grateful to be seen, to be thought of, to be getting anything at all that isn't an insult or a beating or something thrown at him, never mind that that kind of thing hasn't happened nearly as much since he became a genin, even less so since returning from his training with Pervy Sage. Still…it's the principle of the thing. Shikamaru literally aches to hug him, can feel it in his bones. He will as soon as they're alone, he promises.
When he straightens, Temari presses a small cloth bag into his hand. "It was a little too small to wrap, sorry," she explains, looking a little sheepish.
Naruto's eyes widen, he beams excitedly, and shakes his head. "No, don't worry! I don't mind!" He's still thrown that this is even happening, that he's getting a second present at all. He hesitates to even let his fingers close around the bag, almost afraid that, if he does, he'll wake up to find this was all an amazing dream. He's extra careful opening this gift, too, just like before, never mind that all he has to do is pull a string and pull out the tissue paper, and Shikamaru bites his lip hard to keep from throwing his arms around him right then and there. Damn it… He never thought something as (seemingly) simple as opening birthday presents could make him so emotional.
Turns out, the present is a small, triangular vial about the size of his hand, counting his fingers, the liquid inside a neon pink color. He raises it so it shines in the sunlight streaming through the window, lighting up at the sight. "It's so pretty!" He looks back at his friends. "What is it?"
Temari holds up a finger. "It's a special healing elixir than can only be made in the Hidden Sand!" She rests a hand on Kankuro's shoulder. "It's what helped Kankuro get back on his feet so quickly once Sasori's poison was out of his system."
Naruto's gaze snaps back to the potion. "Whoa, really?"
She nods. "We figured you'd be dying to get out of here and back to training like crazy—"
Shikamaru laughs. "Understatement of the year."
Naruto just beams.
"—so, we thought we'd bring you this to help you along! At least until your advanced healing starts up again!" Kankuro finishes.
Naruto's eyes shine. "Wow, thank you so much! This is awesome!"
Shikamaru eyes Temari for a moment before asking, "Is that what you asked the nurse about earlier?"
Temari just smiles wider, guilty as charged. She knew that wouldn't get past him. "Yep! I ran it by Lady Tsunade the day we arrived, and she thought it was a great idea, but I wanted to make sure it was okay with those assigned to Naruto, too." She shrugs. "Some of our medics back home are a little picky if someone above them talks for them, so I wanted to play it safe."
Shikamaru nods. Smart. Since it's so small and not really part of Naruto's regimen, per se, he's sure the nurses won't mind if he keeps it with him. He'll ask Temari how to administer it later.
"Kankuro, Temari?" She turns back at Naruto's soft voice. "Really, I mean it. Gaara was right when he said…" his eyes and free hand move to his seal, the smile on his face turning a little sad, "…we Jinchuuriki don't get presents, especially not for our birthdays. This is…one of the first ones I've ever gotten." He laughs, but it's somewhat bitter. "Unless you count being chased or beaten or poisoned while people tell you you're a monster and they wish you'd die, but…" another like laugh, and he completely misses the way Shikamaru's eyes are blazing, white-knuckled fingers clutching his knees; when this is over, he wants names, "…I'm sure you don't." When he looks up again, his smile is back, and the tears he'd been trying to keep in start to fall. Oh, well. It's not like he's not used to crying in front of them by now. "S-so…something like this…" he holds the elixir a little tighter, free hand holding Gaara's old teddy bear close in his lap, like they're gifts from the gods, "…and yours, too, Gaara…" his smile is shaky, but only because of the joy and relief and love filling his chest; a happy sob escapes, he bows as low as he can, and the floodgates open, "…t-thank you so much…! F-for everything…! I—" he has to wait till he can speak past happy sobs, "—I love you s-so much…!"
A moment later, Temari and Kankuro embrace him as tightly as they can without hurting him, crying themselves. Even though they always suspected as much, it hurts to get confirmation that they were right about Naruto's past birthdays. Gaara's were a lot like that, too, when he was younger (the fact that the villagers never actually succeeded in hurting him wasn't the point, and it certainly didn't diminish the trauma). Eventually, it became the opposite—where the villagers were too afraid to go near him, so they'd pretend he didn't exist, and they're sure it happened to Naruto, too. They know exactly, intimately, what all that's like.
"We love you, too, Naruto," Temari whispers.
"So much," Kankuro settles.
Naruto just smiles wider and hugs them back with everything he has in him, streaming tears be damned. He laughs happily. He loves their real presents, but…for him, this right here is everything he could have ever wanted.
(Naruto sleeps with Gaara's bear that night and every night after.)
They'll have to be heading out soon, Gaara sees by the clock. But before they do, he has one more question that he absolutely needs an answer to before he can contentedly go home.
"Naruto…" Naruto turns at his serious, concerned tone, giving him his full, undivided attention. A heartbeat. "Are you happy?"
Naruto blinks, heart stuttering. "W-what?"
"Are you happy?" Gaara repeats, tilting his head a little. "With your decision about Sasuke."
Oh.
Oh…
Naruto…actually has to sit back and think about that one. He's been so hung up on making sure everyone else understands and isn't angry with or hurt by his decision that…he forgot to even think about himself. Against the wall with Temari, Shikamaru watches and listens closely, concerned and kicking himself.
Naruto is…okay with his decision, yes. He thinks it's ultimately what's best for everyone, including him. To keep doing what he's been doing, worrying and scaring everyone and nearly getting himself killed when it's clear as day to him now that Sasuke is a lost cause…it wouldn't be fair to the people he loves, to those who've stayed and stuck by him, who truly love him and have earned their places in his heart. He's sure they'd all say that it wouldn't be fair to him most of all.
In the end, he really does think it's best for Sasuke, too. He wants to cut ties with the Leaf and everyone he knew, and…if that's what Naruto and all of them want, too, then everyone wins, right? He's not sure how Itachi would feel, seeing as he did everything he did to protect Sasuke and the Leaf, and yet that same little brother's now hell-bent on destroying both. For God's sake, he's already nothing like the Sasuke Itachi knew. He's too far gone for that.
He also thinks it's the best possible way to protect his village and everyone he cares about, to protect his own body and heart and mind from being hurt anymore, to protect himself from being used and abused and taken advantage of and for granted anymore.
But…asking if he's happy about it…? He's…not sure how he's supposed to know that…
Of course, then he remembers the others' relieved, overjoyed, proud faces when he told them his decision, how they reacted (Sakura on her second try), and…he takes his time to think about how he's been feeling, too. It hasn't been easy, and it still hurts like hell. Every time he talks about it, though it's been easier sometimes, is slowly getting less excruciating each time, it still feels like a Rasengan to the heart. He suspects it'll hurt for a long time. Maybe it'll never stop completely. Hell, Pervy Sage was an old man, and he was still hurting from what Orochimaru did to him and Granny Tsunade, even all those years later. He knows how much it still hurts Granny Tsunade…
Suddenly, Naruto's eyes widen. A slow, silent, new breath fills his lungs. There's a new light to his eyes.
If…if Pervy Sage could see him now, could hear what he had to say…he knows how he'd react. He'd be relieved as all hell, joyful and laughing and maybe even hug him, possibly even cry a tear or two into his hair where he wouldn't see. He wouldn't let him go for a long time. He'd…he'd definitely be so happy for him. That's the only way it would ever turn out.
And thinking of it like that, picturing it, feeling it like it's happening to him right at that moment…he can't help it when a tear sneaks from his eye.
When he finally looks back up at Gaara, the smile on his face is as soft as sunlight through clouds. With the bright sunlight streaming in to shine on him like this, there's almost something…ethereal about him here.
"I don't know if I'm there just yet, but...I will be. Maybe not tomorrow or a month or even a few months from now, but somehow, I just have a good feeling…" He looks out at the sunny, blue sky, the one his master always loved so much. "Someday, I'll look back on this and think it's one of the best decisions I ever made." He turns back to Gaara, beaming like the sun. "And with friends like you and Shikamaru and the others, I bet I'll be able to do that even sooner!"
Shikamaru sighs in relief, so much that he hangs his head and his chest hurts. He scrubs a hand down his face. Thank goodness…! Temari and Kankuro are just as relieved. Gaara takes a deep, cleansing breath through his nose and lets it out his mouth, just the way Naruto taught him. Then, he smiles and steps forward to hug Naruto as tightly as he dares. "I'm glad to hear that." He holds him just a little tighter. "I'm very proud of you, Naruto."
Hugging him back just as tightly, nuzzling into his shoulder freely, Naruto smiles. He feels better, lighter, than he has since he made his decision. "Thank you, Gaara…"
At Naruto's behest, Shikamaru walks their friends to the Main Gate.
They're in a bit of a hurry, not wanting to be caught by the sandstorm, but they want to make the most of this time, too. Kankuro and Temari have already said their goodbyes when they notice that Gaara's been quiet, his eyes locked in the direction of the hospital. Not that they can blame him, Shikamaru either. They nudge him gently. "Gaara."
He snaps out of it, flushing the slightest bit when he realizes his rudeness. He dips his head. "M-my apologies."
Shikamaru, understanding completely, waves his hands and shakes his head, smiling gently. "Don't worry about it."
"Naruto…" Gaara looks toward his room again, a small, serene smile coming as he turns back to Shikamaru. "Please…" he bows as low as he can at the waist, "…take care of him for me." When he straightens, he clarifies, "Not as a favor to the Kazekage, just…as a friend. His…" his blush is more pronounced this time, smile, too, "…my best, one of his."
Shikamaru softens and nods, standing a little taller and making the mark of an 'x' over his heart. Something he learned from Naruto. "I will. You don't have to worry about him while I'm around. I promise."
Gaara nods, more than satisfied with that answer, the driven look in his eyes and the steel in his voice even more. He smiles warmly. "I'm well aware. Thank you very much."
Shikamaru nods. Of course, that just reminds him. He rubs the back of his head. "Sorry you have to miss his birthday celebration, by the way. Lady Tsunade, Team Kakashi, and I just thought he'd enjoy it more if he could actually move around for it," he shrugs, "you know?"
Gaara chuckles and shakes his head. "It's all right. You're right, after all." He points toward the sky. "If you could send a message a few days before you're going to have it, I'd like to send something back. If you don't mind?"
Shikamaru raises an eyebrow and tilts his head. He already gave Naruto a present, though…Temari and Kankuro are just as confused.
Sensing as much, Gaara explains, cool gaze moving to the sky, "Because someone who knows how scary it is to be alone…" it settles on Naruto's room again, "…can't help but love others." His smile is peaceful and bright, loving as hell when he comes back. "That's how Naruto operates, and as someone who's known that same pain, someone who wishes to follow in his footsteps, I want to give back as much as I can. This is just another small way I can do that."
Shikamaru is struck speechless for a long moment before he grins helplessly. Really, these Jinchuuriki, he swears… Kankuro and Temari are just as touched. "Of course I don't mind." His smile widens as he bows his head. "Thank you, Gaara. I'm sure he'll be really happy."
Temari rests a hand on Gaara's shoulder. "We should probably start heading out. We don't want to be stranded out there."
Gaara nods. "You're right." Turning back to Shikamaru, he bows again. "Thank you for everything, Shikamaru. I hope we see each other again soon."
Shikamaru grins. "No problem! I hope so, too. Have a safe trip back. If you don't mind sending word once you get home safely, I'm sure Naruto and I would both appreciate it."
"Of course."
With that, they take their leave, walking until the treeline gets a little thicker. Shikamaru stays to watch till he can't see them anymore, just to ensure they get off to a good start. He already knows Naruto will ask.
"Hey, Nara!" He looks over to find Temari beaming at him, warm and proud and teasing in one. "Good luck with that dream of yours!" She winks. "Take care of it for me!"
He blinks, surprised and caught off guard, a small blush coming, and then he sighs fondly. Nodding back at her, he waves some, more than he usually does. "Don't worry, I will!"
It's Naruto, after all. Someone has to do it, and it might as well be him. He won't accept anyone else.
A/N: The timeline for Naruto's birthday in the series is wonky/never really talked about, lol, so I put it at this point because it can make sense? Hear me out. 'Cause we know he was already 12 when the series started, but don't know how long he was 12, so if we're assuming he turned 13 maybe right before Sasuke left-ish (which we are, mentioned in ch 2), and then he left with Jiraiya for 2.5 years, he would be around 15.5 when he came back to the village. And when they're going after Gaara a few eps into Shippuden, they're saying it's just about been 3 years, but that's a little screwy since they just said it was 2.5 a few eps ago, lol, so if we put that back a bit and say it's still 5-6 months before he turns 16 and that's how long it takes to get through ep 215 and all this, then I'm having him turn 16 while he was asleep 'cause...creative license and logic and...I can! lol. Hope that makes sense!
For the record: Naruto is more than okay with saying 'I love you' openly 'cause, I mean, he's kinda done it before in the show (a movie I know for sure, but maybe the show, too? Hard to recall, so many damn eps, haha), and he's a very open, emotional person in general, and love in particular is extremely important to him because he was so deprived growing up, so he isn't afraid to express himself like that now. Gaara, while not as, is okay with it from certain people, like his siblings and Naruto.
Just in case anyone's confused/doesn't recall, Temari teases Shikamaru about being a crybaby (with love!) because she was the one who waited with him and saw him break down after the failed Sasuke retrieval mission in Part 1, after he learned Naruto was found alive (if barely) and everyone survived. She also advises him to stop complaining about what a drag everything is in the first few eps of Shippuden, just before she heads back to the Sand (and finds out Gaara was kidnapped). Hope everyone likes the little extra bit of history I gave Temari and Shikamaru (also them being pen pals, lol)! I felt they deserved it! They have such a fun relationship! lol.
The part where Naruto imagines Jiraiya embracing him so strongly that he swears he almost feels it and the sunlight hits him so he looks almost otherworldly is kind of meant to say that it might have actually happened, but it's up to interpretation, really! ;) However you want to take that!
For those who will undoubtedly ask, yes, I threw in some minor Kankuro/Tenten hints, lol. I said there would be no ships in this fic, but you know, background stuff, I don't really count, so... Haha! I am a sucker for that rare pair, so figured it might be fun to drop a few hints, is all! Hope that's okay with everyone! If not, my bad, feel free to ignore!
(I sneaked another Fruits Basket reboot reference into this chapter! lol. Toward the end there, Gaara says this line, but it was originally said by Rin Sohma in s2e19, "There's No Way, None!": "Because someone who knows how scary it is to be alone…can't help but love others."
There's also a really tiny nod to Studio Ghibli's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind in here, too! When Shikamaru thinks 'What a mysterious power he has...' about Naruto, it quotes Lord Yupa's thought about Nausicaa and her way of calming even the most savage beasts/deep connection with the world around her! ;)
And of course, that last little line/para(?)! Not sure if anyone caught it, but basically the entire thing is a reference to what Shikamaru says about sticking with Naruto in Shippuden episode 383, "Pursuing Hope": "Well, then…that's why, even more so…I need to stick around…so that I can stand next to that idiot when he becomes Hokage. …Because there's no one more qualified than me to be Naruto's advisor." (Again, I could have sworn it was more of a direct quote, but oh, well! lol.))
Thanks so much for reading!