One More Light

Chapter 9

Gaara worked on Naruto's back for nearly an hour, encouraging the wounds to heal and leaving only pale pink reminders of battles fought. He was so engrossed in the healing process, he had not noticed that Naruto had fallen asleep. Gaara felt a mixture of accomplishment and disappointment. Accomplishment for making Naruto feel so at ease that he could sleep peacefully but disappointment that his progress has been halted for the remainder of the day. Gaara shook these thoughts away, 'Progress will be slow and gradual. I cannot rush this...' Gaara debated the merit of leaving the ninja where he was sleeping, sitting next to the table, but thought better of it and carried him bridal style to his bed. Gaara felt the day's events begin to weigh on him and decided the best thing to do would be to call it a night himself. The sensational of needing sleep was still new to him. He could not think of a time he had felt more exhausted than right now.

The images of the villagers flashed through Naruto's head, showing how they looked at him when he was younger and how they looked at him now. The faces morphed back and forth until they were a blur of hatred and admiration. Naruto woke with a start, clutching at his chest, breathing erratic. He was in a panic state, having dreamt of the villagers and the pain their shifting emotions brought him. He couldn't understand why he felt so distraught at the thought of them admiring him now when they used to scorn and hurt him. He began to shake. His mind was moving so fast, he could only think of one thing to stop this engulfing panic. He reached for his kunai but was halted by a low growling.

'Stop Naruto' The Kyuubi demanded. 'What does it matter to you?' Naruto replied, still reaching for his kunai. 'Think what you will but you are not alone in this. Wake the Kazekage and talk with him. Do not push away your friend.' The Kyuubi pleaded, a backup plan already taking form should his Jinchuuriki ignore his request. 'What is the point of talking? I don't want this anymore. I cant take it...' 'He understands you Naruto. He has felt this way. Just try.' The Kyuubi made one last attempt to convince him as he pooled his chakra to rouse Gaara if Naruto would not do it himself. 'Fine. I will try. I don't understand why you care but I do owe it to Gaara.'

Naruto still grabbed his kunai just in case and stashed it in his waistband. He walked over to Gaara's room and gently knocked on the door. Gaara immediately woke and rushed to the door, half dressed and dishevelled. He looked nothing like a Kazekage should which made one part of Naruto smile, not externally but somewhere. "Naruto! What's wrong?" Gaara asked, noting the paleness and tears streaming down his face. Naruto was unable to form words as the genuine concern in Gaara's voice registered. He felt his knees buckle and Gaara's arms wrap around him as they both fell to the ground.

It took Naruto several minutes of silence before he could form words. He felt his chest tighten and was glad Gaara was still holding him. "I'm sorry to wake you Gaara, it's just..." He reached around and pulled out his kunai. He let it fall from his hands before he worked up the nerve to lift his head and look Gaara in the eyes. Gaara understood immediately and grabbed the kunai with his sand, placing it far from reach. He didn't release Naruto from his grasp as he pulled him up and walked him to the table. He willed his sad to start boiling a kettle of water for tea and turned the lights on in the room. He understood Naruto needed time, so he didn't ask any questions, and waited until the tea was ready before he prompted the conversation. As Gaara poured the tea he spoke the three words Naruto hadn't realised he needed to hear "Talk to me."

Naruto could believe how easy it was to explain his dream to Gaara. He relayed the story and even the Kyuubi's intervention and Gaara remained a patient listener until Naruto was finished. "I just can't handle it, you know. They despised me, ignored me and now they worship me. That's not what I'm used to. It's overwhelming, suffocating..." Naruto relayed, scratching nervously at his wrist. This did not go unnoticed by Gaara who made a point of refilling Naruto's tea cup and urging him to hold it.

"I understand this pain very well Naruto but it gets easier. It stops being a noise and starts being a song at one point. For me, it stopped being a burden after the Akatsuki incident. I finally stopped seeing myself as an undeserving monster and finally became me. Not the Kazekage me who was always strong for the village but the real me who shared the burden and let people in. That is when it stopped being overwhelming and started being a comforting melody." Gaara shared his experience with the confusion over affection and gave Naruto a moment to process what he had said before continuing. "It will not be the same for you. I am not suggesting it is an easy pain to master but I am saying we will find a way. Im glad you decided to let me in rather than taking the alternative route. I will always be here for you."

Naruto turned over everything that had been said in his mind. The noise was still there but right now it was subdued, pushed aside. Naruto hoped Gaara was right and that they would find a way. "Thanks Gaara."

"Shall we try for a few more hours sleep?" Gaara asked, nodding towards the night sky outside, "Just one more day and we will be in Suna." Naruto swallowed hard, wanting to sleep some more but fearing his dreams. "I... sleep would be..." Naruto stumbled over his words. Gaara smiled sadly, understanding the issue. "C'mon, the beds big enough for two, there is no need to be alone. I understand that pain as well. We need our rest." Naruto gave the ghost of a smile and followed Gaara into his bedroom. They both climbed into the bed, keeping a respectable distance. Naruto fell asleep within minutes, comforted by the steady breathing of his friend.