One More Light

Chapter 11

As the pair walked along the sandy path heading for Suna, Naruto felt a clarity he hadn't felt in months. He felt balanced and centred and he knew who he owed this new sense of self to. He owed a great deal to the man walking next to him, but he wasn't quite sure he would ever be whole enough to repay him. He could still feel the urge to draw blood knocking against the walls of his mind but he would not allow himself to let it in.

"So, how much further?" Naruto asked curiously. "Not long now." Gaara responded with small smile. "It's just over the next dune. We should be there within the hour" Gaara pointed to the sand dune on the horizon and Naruto felt himself become giddy with glee. Gaara gave a real smile, looking at Naruto bounce from foot to foot in anticipation.

Gaara thought carefully about the shift in his behaviour. He was trying to think about whether he should be worried about the shifting tide in Naruto or whether this was the natural progression of recovery. It was hard for him to make an impartial judgement when he found himself unable to look away from Naruto's cheerful bounding as they made it to the top of the dune.

Suna was beautiful in the light from the setting sun. It was painted in vibrant pinks, oranges and yellows. Naruto felt his heart both swell and ache at the sight. It was full from the beauty of the village and the sheer life that it embodied. He felt an ache though, because Jirayah always talked of visiting the village with him. He felt a pang of loneliness and longing. He halted his walk. Gaara noticed the shift and reach his hand towards Naruto, a silent show of support. Naruto took it after a moment of hesitation and they walked on hand in hand until Naruto felt the loneliness shift to warmth, feeling the man walking next to him giving him strength. The growing warmth centred on his face and Naruto realised he was blushing from the gesture of support, but he was in no hurry to let go of Gaara's hand.

They walked through the streets of Suna, people waved and greeted the Kazekage and even threw happy greeting at Naruto, the ninja who had saved their beloved Kazekage. Naruto felt his skin crawl, he still couldn't deal with gratitude and Gaara felt him tense. He gave Naruto's hand a tight squeeze in silent reassurance. Naruto lost all feeling in his body and just went through the motions of walking through the city, allowing Gaara to lead. Gaara quickened his pace and allowed only brief waves to his villagers as they walked through. Sensing Naruto's discomfort, he made a b-line for the Kazekage tower, reaching it in less than 2 minutes. As soon as they were inside, Gaara lead him to his personal quarters and allowed Naruto to walk out of his reach. He found a small chaise lounge in the corner of the room and allowed himself to crumple against its soft surface. He felt tremors wrack through his body and rode the waves of emotions that accompanied the many memories. He wrapped his arms around his knees and drew them up to his chest.

Gaara watched silently, trying to recall the cheery Naruto who walked through the gates with him. He realised the issue ran deeper than just grief for his master and recognised the grief he had for himself. He walked over to Naruto and wrapped his arms around him. For many minutes, he just held Naruto as the tremors wracked his body. Gaara didn't push him to talk, he just traced gentle circles on his back and hummed a melodious tune that his uncle used to sing to him. Naruto finally regained himself and began to relax.

They sat like that until the sun had fully set. Naruto wasn't sure how to explain what had come over him and as he finally looked into Gaara's eyes, he realised he didn't have to. Gaara's eyes held so much understanding and clarity that Naruto felt his anxiety over the breakdown simmer away into nothing. He still felt the old impulse to cover his behaviour with a joke. "Not the most graceful entrance I've ever made huh?" He chuckled uncomfortably. Gaara, understanding the meaning behind this statement after hours of silence responded in turn. "I personally have always preferred your ungraceful entrances. My favourites involve you crashing in through windows and such." He allowed a small smile for his friend and began the process of untangling their limbs with some stiffness.

Naruto was unsure of the process now. No one had ever stayed around after an episode and normally Naruto wouldn't move from his spot for days until his body told he him had to. Gaara began fussing around and unpacking their things. It quickly became evident to Naruto that he would be staying in Gaara's personal quarters while he was in Suna. This revelation left him giddy with excitement but also worried with trepidation. He enjoyed spending time with the Kazekage but could he really impose on him so much. His brokenness should not be dictating the other mans life. Naruto felt the worry nag at the back of his mind, begging him not to ruin Gaara with his problems. He was roused from his thoughts as Gaara asked if he was hungry. "Uh, yeah guess I could go for some food." Gaara's eyes lit up in delight. "Great, I have some many delights from my village that I wish to share with you. I know you are exhausted so I will go get us food while you relax."

Gaara could see the red cloak starting to form around Naruto, showing his storm of emotions and the Kyuubi's protective response. Gaara wasn't sure if it was due to Naruto needing time alone to gather himself and sort through his emotions or if he was waging a different kind of war, either way he was sure Naruto needed a moment and that the Kyuubi would need to be the support in this. Gaara let his sand eye stay behind to monitor the situation. He knew this was not his fight and he couldn't work through Naruto's emotions for him. He left the Kazekage tower to get the food and notify his siblings of his return.