Demons

Chapter Six

As soon as Sakura began to gather her things, Gaara returned. She'd been a little more than accurate in her speculation.

He thanked her repeatedly and had brought her flowers as well. Flattered, she was still rather caught off guard by this gesture from the man that once crushed their comrades to feel alive.

He'd brought more with him as well, and quietly began to unpack his many treats as Sakura bid them both farewell and told Naruto that she would be by tomorrow to check in and to do some physical therapy.

Naruto's simple, wooden dining table was quickly dressed with a vase of flowers, a myriad of ramen noodle cups, and what looked to be several containers of medicinal teas.

"You're doing too much, Gaara...all these gifts... I'm don't deserve all this."

Gaara turned back to face him, "You are certainly deserving. But, it's not about that. Naruto, you should have died instantly after that kind of an attack... This is about celebrating, and healing, and restoring. When I was captured by the Akatsuki, you dropped everything to come after me and rescue me. You didn't let any number of obstacles stop you. Even when I was dead, you refused to give up on me... How could I not be here every step of the way when you were supposed to have died and are alive? How can I not want to do everything I can? Bedsheets and groceries... they are nothing compared to all you've given me..."

"Gaara," Naruto was awe-stricken, "I don't know what to say..."

The young Kazekage smiled.

"Don't say anything then. I have a special something I've yet to reveal, a special treat from your favorite place. Where might I find a bowl?"

Naruto's mouth began to water, guessing what surprise might be in store, and pointed to a top cabinet in his kitchenette. After pulling out a large, deep bowl, Gaara carefully revealed and poured a take-out container of Ichiraku ramen.

The smell of pork and miso swirled through the apartment, and suddenly he was aware of the ravenous growl in his stomach.

He beamed at this incredible offering as Gaara carefully made his way over to the bedside.

"Teuchi was resistant to the idea of his ramen being served as take-out, protesting that the flavors wouldn't blend as well as they do when they are served fresh. But, after I told him the order was for you, he couldn't resist. He and Ayame send their well wishes for a speedy recovery." He settled himself down with a chair pulled over from the dining table, resting the bowl of ramen on the small side table that once stood beside the couch until it cooled. "I thought after you eat, and depending on how you're feeling, you could try one of my favorites. It's a tea Konkoro discovered for me - made with valerian root. It aided me so much in my effort to silence Shikaku, of course this is when he was still inside of me, and I actually cared to fight him. Anyway, it helps with anxiety, and muscle fatigue, and even was often able to get me into a deep sleep. I thought you might like to give it a try and see if...Why are you staring at me like that?"

Naruto had been hanging on every word with fixed fascination.

"I've never heard you talk this much, and this causally," He noted, "I really like it, and I'd love to try your tea."

Gaara's mouth opened and closed slightly, a grin creeping up between his lips in the process.

"Sure. But first, you should eat."

At his silent command, a small stream of sand floated up and out of Gaara's large gourd, moving over Naruto's lap and hardening, forming itself into a makeshift table.