The Power Of Shinobi (Naruto x Gaara)

Chapter Eighteen.

A/n: I will say I know it's far from Christmas but this is part of the plot. Sounds silly yes, but you will see. Oh and something I thought I should mention. Kakashi not being the Hokage I will explain; I kept Tsnuade as the Hokage for a short while. Literally just so Kakashi could come along on the mission without complications. He will become Hokage, don't worry.

-X-

It had been a few months since Naruto's rescue and things were seemingly returning to normal, Christmas was right around the corner and Naruto couldn't be any more excited for the thought of Ichiraku Ramen having a massive festive celebration. Not only that but it was an opportunity to see Gaara again.

Gaara usually visits different villages at Christmas. He saw him the year before at the Hokage Tower but they didn't really have any interaction before Naruto was sent on another mission. But Gaara promised Naruto he would visit so he most likely try and find him. No doubt in that matter, Gaara always keeps his promises.

His thoughts about Christmas was cut off by the sound of the microwave, his eyes lightening up in excitement thinking about his meal as he gets it out, then pouting remembering he'll have to wait three minutes for it to stand. Three whole minutes! Sighing dejectedly, he was about to go find something silly to entertain himself before the doorbell rang. 'Who the heck rings the doorbell? If it's Kakashi-Sensei he'll find a annoying way to get in the apartment, if it's Sakura she'll burst in'  realizing that he had been standing there he opened the door to see Gaara. Gaara had been standing there...Naruto couldn't  believe it. 

He had his usual outfit, gourd strapped onto his back in a casual manner. A small bag full of scrolls in his right hand; his green eyes, with a nice glow of happiness and little specs of snow clutching to his hair.

"Naruto, it's been a while."

"Gaara!" Naruto grins encasing Gaara in a hug. Gaara immediately turns red at their close proximity. Eventually Gaara hugs back, a faint blush dusting on his cheeks. Naruto let's go and rubs his neck sheepishly.

"S-Sorry"

"No Naruto, it's fine" Gaara responds, clearing his throat as a way to regain his composure.

"So I was wondering If I could stay at your place again...I quite enjoyed your company" Gaara asks averting his eyes to a small pile of snow that laid by Naruto's doorstep.

"Of course! And where is Kankuro and Temari? They usually always go with you when you travel being the Kazekage n' all" Naruto replies.

"Well since this little 'vacation' was planed, Kankuro is staying at the sand to pretty much take my place for the time being and I believe Temari is either with Sakura or Shikamaru."

"Woahh. Shikamaru and Temari huh?" Naruto thinks out loud.

"What do you mean?" Gaara questions, confusion lacing in his tone.

"Ya' know,  as a couple!" Naruto exclaims.

"Oh. That makes sense now" Gaara states remembering all those letters they were sending too each other.

"But their goodbye didn't seem like much..."

"Probably did it before" Naruto yawns stepping aside to allow Gaara to come in.

"Well the guest room is still empty as usual. Make yourself at home Wait- My ramen!" Naruto yells before rushing off into the kitchen. Gaara chuckles before entering Naruto's home. Noticing it hadn't changed much since the last time he visited.

"So how long are you planning to stay?"

"Until Christmas is over; unless you would rather me leave at an earlier date."

"What are you going on about? Your always welcome!" Naruto grins.

"Thank you Naruto."

"You know what I'm going to say" Naruto pauses to slurp down his noodles. 

"Don't mention it?"

"Exactly!"

"Do you want some ramen?" Naruto asks looking up from his pot.

"No thank you" Gaara replies putting his gourd by the door.

"I think I'll get some rest. The journey has been quite long" Gaara murmurs.

"Now that I think about it; you do look tired" Naruto comments.

"Night Naruto" Gaara calls from down the hall before walking into the guest room

-X-