One More Light

Chapter 12

Naruto felt a sudden chill wrack his body as Gaara left the room. He was thankful for the space he was being allowed and that Gaara was not trying to take him back outside where all those people were. He was positive he couldn't handle anymore people today. He wasn't even sure he could handle himself. He still hadn't moved from the spot he had fell into during his episode and he didn't have the energy required to do anything other than readjust his body to stretch his legs and lay his head against the arm of the chaise. He let his mind wander.

I wonder if it's always going to be like this? Will I always be so pathetic? I cant even walk through a village without wanting to rip my skin off my bones. I am such a loser... Naruto could not stop his mind from producing these negative thoughts. He didn't want to stop these thoughts either. They were a comfort, they had always been with him. His thoughts grew dark. Maybe I should just go back to planning. Im not really needed. Everyone would be better off without me. Im such a burden.

'Oh Kit, when are you gonna stop thinking like this. There are so many people who care about you.' The Kyuubi knew he sounded very concerned and protective of his Jinchuuriki but he was beyond caring. He had a deep connection with this Jinchuuriki, something he has never had before. The Kyuubi did not care if his emotions were transparent, he wanted to protect and nurture this ninja. 'Naruto, the Kazekage brat cares for you deeply and I know you wont believe me but I care for you as well. I can understand that the pain you are experiencing is because of me but I will not let you throw your life away.'

Naruto turned over the Kyuubi's words before responding. 'It's funny, I always thought you were a demon, the worst creature possible but you never were. You were always honest of your intentions, your nature. People are the true evil, with their lies. They will never be honest. I will never be honest.' 'Oh Kit, not everyone in your life is lying to you. He isn't. In fact, I think he truly see's all of you. No one has ever bothered before. Don't let the bad outweigh the good.'

Naruto seemed to ponder this for a while. 'I don't think I will ever be able to let this go. These feelings, this hurt, the way out. I think it owns a part of me, much like you. I don't think I can stop.' 'Just try. That's all we will ask of you. Try to see the good, the light. Try to talk it out. Try to live.' The Kyuubi made his worry known and Naruto considered the time when his feelings shifted from dominance to co-existence, but he couldn't really figure it out. Although the pull to reach for a kunai was knocking at his mind he ignored it and focused on the Kyuubi's words; just try. 'Ok. I'll try.' The Kyuubi gave Naruto the warmest smile he had worn in centuries. It wasn't a broad, unrestrained smile but it was genuine. Naruto felt some comfort in this gesture and his body fully relaxed, his mind drifting off into a light, dreamless sleep.

Gaara walked the streets of Suna at a slow pace. He took in the village around him, this home that he had found because Naruto had pulled him out of his darkness. He owed everything to Naruto and felt immense distress at the ninja's current state of mid. He knew he was still feeling the pull of the Kunai but he needed to leave him to make up his own mind. With his sand jutsu, he could still see the red cloak around his friend and he was confident the Kyuubi was still working to heal his mind.

Gaara focused on his plan. He needed fresh fruit and needed to think of a way to help his anxiety over the villagers. 'One thing at a time. Food first.' Gaara walked to the market and waved cheerfully at the store owner. "How can I help you Kazekage?" The owner chirped up, genuine admiration in his voice. "I need an array of fresh fruit. My friend from the leaf village is visiting and I want him to see the best that Suna has to offer." "Of course. Let me whip up a basket for you. We got in some lovely dragon fruit the other day. It is so sweet and pure. I'm sure it will be well received." The elderly shop keep began fussing around the various crates full of vibrant fruit. It was only a couple of minutes before he returned, handing over the large basket full of various fruit. "Give Naruto my regard. The village owes him much." The shop keeper said with a smile as a goodbye, not accepting Gaara's money. Gaara felt such love for his villagers and their acceptance of his friend however unwelcome it was to Naruto, Gaara knew it was genuine.

As Gaara walked back to the Kazekage Tower, he thought of what he would tell Temari and Kunkuro about Naruto. Should he tell them everything or should he tell them the official story? Maybe he should tell them something in the middle. He didn't want to share Naruto's secrets but he knew they would not agree to him staying in Gaara's. room with just the official story. Gaara sighed as his mind began weighing the possibilities and the official mission which had been concocted to help Naruto. He settled on a partial truth just as a familiar voice began calling his name.

"Gaara!" called Temari in a shrill voice. "How dare you not come directly to see us upon returning? We have been so worried. You left the leaf village a week ago. Its only a 4 day journey. What the hell happened?"