One More Light

Chapter 5

"Well okay Granny. I don't really understand what this mission is all about but I'll do my best." Naruto said, forcing himself to plaster the biggest grin he could muster across his face. He couldn't remember much about his encounter with Gaara other than the overwhelming despair he felt before he blacked out. Part of him thought he imagined the whole encounter with his friend but he knew it was real. The moment he woke up and realised he had been brought back to his apartment he knew something had happened, but no one was acting strange around him so he assumed he most likely passed out during his tussle with Gaara and was brought back to rest. 'Yeah, that must have been what happened.' He thought as he escorted Tsunade to his front door. "You leave in 2 hours. Don't be late, the Kazekage will meet you at the main gate. I'm trusting you with this important diplomatic mission so make me proud." She said with a strained smile. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. "You got it Granny!" All this enthusiasm was really draining him, he didn't have the strength for anymore pleasantries and was glad to see the door shutting before him. Not a moment later, he fell to the floor in exhaustion and leaned against the wall.

As Naruto leaned against the wall, utterly exhausted from the sheer effort it takes to pretend to be happy, he was completely oblivious to the floating eyeball with a brown iris hovering outside his window, watching. Gaara could feel Naruto breaking under the pressure of the mask he wore but he had realised how delicate the situation was after the incident yesterday. He knew he couldn't intrude into Naruto's pain too quickly or without initiation or it just might push him over the edge. It took every piece of will power (of which he has a considerable amount given his history with Shukaku) to not bust through Naruto's door and knock the Kunai out of his hand. Instead Gaara watched as his first friend clenched his kunai tight and dragged it across his wrist. He took a deep breath and allowed himself to feel the pain he was sure Naruto was feeling. After watching Naruto cut himself, he noticed the change in the ninja's over state. His body language had changed, showing the tension in his body slowly release. Naruto stood, wrapped a cloth around his wrist and went about preparing for the mission. Gaara sighed to himself 'This is worse than I thought...' With that thought, Gaara dismissed his jutsu and began preparing himself for the long journey ahead, heavy with the information that his friends only comfort and release was through slicing his own skin...

Naruto felt some much better, having released those emotions he couldn't feel through the song in his blood. It was like his mind had been quietened temporarily and a little more light could reach him. He could recognise that it wasn't the healthiest way of dealing with his issues but it was the quickest way and it didn't involve anyone else which was his favourite part. This was a release he could achieve on his own, rely on and access whenever he needed to.

He was still slightly uneasy as to why Granny Tsunade was sending him to Sunagakure and about whatever really happened yesterday with Gaara but he didn't have time to ponder it further. He wanted to enjoy the high he was currently feeling because he knew this feeling would last for an hour at best and he had work to do. He needed to prepare clothes and rations for the journey, especially water since he was heading to the desert. He also needed to think of how he would release his pain while he was away, serving as Konoha's addition to the Kazekage's escort (an attempt to strengthen village relations).

Gaara arrived at the main gate earlier than the scheduled time. As he waited he pondered how he would help his friend through this darkness. He was sure a change of scenery would be a good first step. Being away from the villagers that once tormented him and now worship him will help phenomenally. But then what? What else can be done for the ninja who cannot find himself? 'What if I can't save him?' Gaara thought grimly. 'He saved me but...' Gaara shook the thoughts from his head. Doubt helped no one and he could do this. He would do this. Naruto needed him and he would not fail. Just as Gaara thought of a way to break through Naruto's pain, the ninja appeared, wearing that mask again. Gaara muttered under his breath "that mask is the first thing I am going to break..."

"Hey Gaara! Ready to go?" Naruto asked, oozing with a fake enthusiasm. Gaara felt his insides turn as he nodded his agreement and reached his hand out to shake Naruto's. "Let us go, my friend. We have a long journey ahead." And with that Naruto began his journey, walking beside his friend. Gaara wondered if Naruto realised his journey would not just take him to a new location but would hopefully save him as well...