Vision of Truth I: Cat and Fox (Naruto)

Comfort

Chapter 22: Comfort

The next day started off much like the previous day. After visiting Naruto and Jiraiya, I made my way to the hotel where the Sand ninja were staying. Once again, Kankuro and Temari tried to convince me to leave Gaara with them. And once again, I ignored them and walked away with their younger brother. When we arrived at the training spot, Gaara stood there and refused to attack me... again.

"Are we really going to start over every time we see each other?" I said, shaking my head. "Fine." I focused on offense first, just like yesterday. And then we took a break to eat. Of course, I brought something for Gaara. It pleased me that he accepted my food. I finished first, so I leaned against a tree and took out my sketchbook.

"What are you doing?"

My eyes lifted to see Gaara peering down at me. I had been so focused on my drawing that I had not noticed him approach, though I was happy he was not afraid to go near me. "I'm drawing you and me. Look." I turned the paper to show him the rough sketch of a bear and cat playing together.

"You were serious about the animals?" Despite his words, he continued to stare at the drawing.

I shrugged. "I can't draw humans. Do you want to see more?" I patted the spot in the grass next to me. When Gaara did not move, I rolled my eyes. "Come on, I don't bite."

Gaara slowly sat near me. He was still too far for my purposes, so I scooted closer to him. He tensed when our bodies touched, but I pretended not to notice and laid the sketchbook half on my legs and half on his. I flipped through the book backwards, showing him the pictures of the cat with various combinations of the fox, lion, beaver, and wolf. They were all based on real events that played out with my team.

"I understand why the cat is in most of the drawings," Gaara said slowly, "but why the fox?"

I smiled. "The fox is my best friend. He saved me when I was all alone. He taught me that life is better when you have people you want to be strong enough to protect." I normally would not have been so open like that, but I knew Gaara needed to hear it. If my honestly helped him, I would not shy away.

Gaara's eyes narrowed at a drawing of the cat and fox sleeping next to each other. "Then go be with him instead."

"I can be with him later. Right now, I want to be with you." I smiled at his puzzled expression. I returned my sketchbook to my bag and stood up. "Come on." I held my hand out to Gaara. He just stared at it, so I grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. "It's time to train. This time, you've got to attack me." Fortuanately, he did not object.

The next five days proceeded in much the same way. The sixth day introduced a small change. It started with a longer visit with Naruto and Jiraiya than normal. Naruto insisted I watch him perform the jutsu he was learning, and I agreed, of course.

Naruto bit his thumb and slammed his hand on the ground. "Summoning jutsu!" Out of the puff of smoke appeared a toad that could fit in the palm of my hand.

I snickered. "Great work, Naruto. What is that thing supposed to do?"

Naruto frowned. "I bet he can do lots of cool things." He looked at the toad. "Get her!"

The angry little toad hopped hurriedly in my direction. Feeling in a good mood, I waited until he leapt onto me and dramatically fell on my back in the grass. "You were right, Naruto! This guy is a terror!" Seeming satisfied, the toad poofed away.

Naruto grinned. "I told you!" He strolled over to me and offered me his hand. I took it... and pulled him to the grass next to me. "Hey!"

A wrestling match ensued, which I won. I pinned Naruto to the ground and smirked down at him. "Got ya."