"You know... You were incredible in there. Those old geezers looked like they were about to have a heart attack when you yelled at them. It was a show worthy of the front row."
Temari tried to pull her hand away with a weak, unconvinced tug. Naruto's fingers remained intertwined with hers with a disconcerting naturalness.
"Soone had to put them in their place," she murmured, averting her gaze toward the rock walls. "They are stubborn as old mules and blind as moles. And let go already, idiot. We are about to go out in public."
"Whatever you say, Grumpy Princess. But seriously, you looked..."
Naruto tilted his head back, staring at the cave ceiling as if searching for the exact word written in the cracks, completely ignoring her request to let go.
"...powerful. Like a true Kage. I like that. You scared them, and that's hard to do with people who already look mummified."
Temari felt heat rise to her cheeks. She was grateful the gloom hid that treacherous sensation.
"Don't talk nonsense. I was just cleaning up the ss they left. Soone had to take command or we would still be arguing until the village collapsed on our heads. And I am not Kage."
"Yet," corrected Naruto, turning his head to wink at her with that overflowing confidence he had been showing lately. "But when you are, I hope you invite to the VIP box. And that they serve sothing better than stale tea. As 'Secret Advisor' to the Hokage, I have standards."
The blinding sun of Suna hit them full force as they exited the cave. The wind blew hard, throwing grains of sand against their faces. Temari blinked, adjusting the fan on her back with her free hand and recovering her posture as a lethal kunoichi.
He stopped. He put his free hand to his forehead as a visor and looked at the panorama of spherical adobe buildings and dusty streets wedged into the canyon.
"What now?" he asked, turning to her without letting go, swinging their joined hands as if they were children on a field trip. "Is this the official tour? Where are the gift shops? The best ran spot in Suna? Because I assu you're going to treat to lunch after seeing Gaara, right? It's the least you can do for my political intimidation services. I have high rates, you know?"
Temari snorted and rolled her eyes, but a small smile pulled at the corner of her lips.
"There is no tour, Uzumaki. This is a ninja village in crisis, not an amusent park. And the food here is too spicy for a soft Konoha palate. You're going to cry and I don't have tissues."
"Ha! I accept the challenge! My tongue is trained to resist fire." Naruto leaned toward her, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper and ignoring the guards watching them with surprise from the towers. "But first, take to Gaara. I want to see if my headbutt therapy worked. And hey... thanks for coming to get us when the guards wouldn't let us in at the start."
"Don't get excited," she replied. She finally managed to release his hand and started walking toward the hospital, making sure he followed closely. "I just didn't want to have to explain to your Hokage why her precious Jinchuriki ended up as vulture food because of a misunderstanding at the gate. It would be a lot of paperwork and I hate writing reports for stupid casualties."
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say," said Naruto, walking beside her with a bounce in his step, hands now behind his head. "Admit it, you like my company. I'm the life of the diplomatic party. Without , that eting would have just been a bunch of old n grunting and dust."
Temari shook her head, but she couldn't help thinking that the idiot might be right. The oppressive silence of Suna, for the first ti in weeks, didn't feel so lonely with him making noise beside her.
"Does it always get this hot here?" asked Naruto, fanning his face exaggeratedly. "I feel like I'm lting. How do you not all go crazy? Is that why Gaara was so grumpy?"
"We get used to it. It's the desert, Naruto. The sun makes you strong or it kills you. There is no middle ground."
"Sounds... intense. Like you."
Temari gave him a shove with her shoulder, hard enough to unbalance him.
"Shut up."
They walked down the main street. There was rubble on so corners, remains of structures that no one had found the strength to repair. People walked fast, heads down, covering their faces with cloth to avoid the sand and eye contact.
"Hey," said Naruto, his tone losing the joke. "They're scared. Truly scared."
"We lost our Kage. We lost the war. And now they know we depend on Konoha's diplomatic decision," explained Temari, lowering her voice. "Suna's pride is mortally wounded. They feel vulnerable. They think that at any mont you guys will co to finish the job."
Naruto frowned.
"We're not going to do that. We're going to sign the treaty. We are allies. Tell that lady we are allies."
He pointed with his chin at an old woman watching them from the window of a closed shop, eyes full of mistrust.
"It doesn't work like that, Naruto. Words don't erase fear."
"Then we have to prove it."
Before she could stop him, Naruto turned toward the window and waved with both arms.
"GOOD AFTERNOON, GRANDMA! I'M FROM KONOHA AND I CO IN PEACE! AND TO EAT YOUR FOOD IF YOU HAVE ANY! THEY SAY IT'S SPICY BUT DELICIOUS!"
The old woman blinked, surprised by the volu and the brazen grin, and slamd the curtain shut.
Temari let out a dry laugh she couldn't hold back.
"You just scared her more, imbecile."
"No, she's laughing on the inside. I know, I have a sixth sense for grandmas," said Naruto with confidence, walking again. "See that building over there? The round one that looks like a giant egg."
"It's the aviary. The ssenger hawks."
"Looks like an egg. They should paint it colors. It would cheer the place up. Everything here is very... brown."
"It's sand, genius. Everything is brown."
"They should use orange. Orange would look good. A bright orange. You could see it for miles and it would lift spirits."
"If you paint anything orange in my village, I'll break your arm," threatened Temari, though without venom in her voice.
"Violent. I like it. Hey, is it much further to the hospital? I'm thirsty and I feel like I'm turning into a raisin."
"There is a water fountain nearby. Hold on."
"You are a terrible tour guide. Zero stars in the ninja guide. Would not recomnd this service."
Temari stopped and turned to him, crossing her arms. She looked him in the eyes, the desert sun reflecting off his Konoha forehead protector, so out of place and yet so welco.
"Are you having fun?"
Naruto smiled.
"A little. I like seeing you like this."
"Like what?"
"Without that face of wanting to kill everyone. Relaxed. Well, what you consider relaxed, which is still pretty tense for a normal person."
Temari felt the blush return.
"I am not relaxed. I am on an escort mission for a very annoying foreign dignitary."
"Dignitary. I like how that sounds. 'The Great Dignitary Naruto Uzumaki'. Sounds important. I should put it on my business card."
"Sounds like you have an ego the size of a Bijuu."
"Hey, I have a Bijuu, so technically my ego is the correct size."
The structure of the Suna hospital rose before them, a tall and austere block of sandstone with narrow windows. It looked more like a defensive fortress than a place of healing.
"That's it," pointed Temari.
"Looks... cheerful," comnted Naruto with sarcasm. "Are you sure it isn't the prison? Because it looks like where they lock up the bad guys."
"It is the safest place in the village. The walls are thick to keep the cool in and withstand attacks."
"Great. Bunker-style natural air conditioning."
Upon reaching the entrance, two Suna guards crossed their spears with a tallic clack. They looked at Naruto with open hostility upon recognizing the Leaf headband.
"Halt," said one of them, hand near his weapon pouch. "No foreigners allowed. Especially from the Leaf."
Temari took a step forward, placing herself in front of Naruto. Her posture shifted instantly from walking companion to military leader.
"Make way."
"Temari-sama," said the guard, hesitating but not moving. "We have strict orders from the Council. A foreigner cannot see Gaara-sama. It is an S-level national security matter."
"The orders have changed. The Council just authorized this visit. He cos with ."
"We haven't received official written notification," insisted the guard, nervous. "We cannot let him pass without the seal."
Naruto opened his mouth to say sothing, but Temari raised a hand. She approached the guard, invading his personal space until the man backed away, intimidated.
"Look at good," she said in a low, dangerous voice. "Do you think I need a piece of paper to enter to see my brother? Do you think I have to ask you for permission to bring the person who saved this village from its own stupidity?"
The guard swallowed hard. "But..."
"This 'foreigner' is the reason we aren't in total war right now. He is the reason the Council is still alive and you are still breathing. So you are going to move that spear, you are going to open that door, and you are going to show a little respect to the guest of honor. Understood or do I have to teach you manners with my fan?"
The guard looked at his partner, who shook his head quickly, pale. They lowered the spears.
"Pass, Temari-sama. Apologies. Go ahead."
Temari nodded sharply and motioned for Naruto to follow.
"Wow," whispered Naruto when they were inside the cool lobby. "You're scary when you want to be. That was great. Very 'warrior princess'."
"They are idiots," she muttered, hiding a smile of satisfaction. "They only understand strength."
"You gave them a good dose. 'The person who saved this village', huh? That's ?"
"Don't get used to it. I only said it so they would move fast."
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, but I know deep down you admire ."
They went up the stairs. The atmosphere beca heavier as they ascended.
"Is he in intensive care?" asked Naruto, no trace of mockery left.
"Top floor. Isolation. No one wants to get near him."
"Sounds lonely."
"It is. It always has been."
They reached the top floor. The hallway was empty, except for a figure sitting on a bench next to a reinforced tal door full of seals.
Kankurō.
He was hunched over, elbows on his knees. He looked exhausted, smaller without his combat suit. Upon hearing footsteps, he snapped his head up. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"You," he said, jumping to his feet with defensive tension. "What is he doing here, Temari? Did you bring the enemy to Gaara's door?"
"He is coming to see Gaara," said Temari simply. "And he is not the enemy."
"To see him? For what? To finish him off?" Kankurō blocked the door with his body. "I'm not going to let..."
"Kankurō, relax," interrupted Naruto, raising his open hands. "I didn't co to fight. I ca to say hi."
"Say hi?" Kankurō looked at Temari as if she had lost her mind. "Are you serious? He destroyed Gaara. He is the reason he's in a coma."
"He is the reason Gaara isn't dead, Kankurō," stated Temari, taking Naruto's side. "And the reason I'm not in a cell in Konoha. He saved us. Gaara and ."
Kankurō scrutinized Naruto, rembering the strange rcy his sister had received.
"Why do you care?" he asked, his voice harsh. "Gaara is a monster. He is our monster. Why would a Konoha ninja want to see him if not to make sure he doesn't wake up?"
"Because he isn't a monster. He is a Jinchuriki. Like . Besides, a visit from soone who isn't afraid of him wouldn't hurt."
Kankurō blinked. "Like... you?"
"You know, we have the sa problem with annoying tenants," said Naruto, touching his stomach. "I understand his pain better than anyone. And I want to keep him company for a mont. That is all."
Kankurō searched for a lie in Naruto's eyes and found none. He looked at his sister, who nodded slightly. He sighed with defeat and moved away from the door.
"He hasn't woken up," he said looking at the floor. "The doctors say the shock was too great. They don't know if he will wake up."
"He will wake up," assured Naruto. "He has a harder head than , literally."
"Just... don't make noise. And don't try anything weird. The seals react to aggressive chakra."
"Ninja promise."
Temari opened the heavy tal door.
The room was in gloom, curtains closed letting in lines of dusty light. In the center, in a bed too big for him, lay Gaara. He looked small, fragile. Without his sand armor, he seed just a pale child connected to monitors emitting a rhythmic beep.
Naruto entered slowly. Temari stayed at the door and Kankurō peeked over her shoulder.
Naruto approached the bed and looked at the mark on Gaara's forehead.
"Hey, Gaara," he whispered, resting his hands on the rail. "It's . The loud kid from Konoha. The one who headbutted you. I hope it didn't hurt you as much as it did ."
There was no answer. Only the machine's beep.
"I ca to see how you were. You look terrible, buddy. You should eat sothing when you wake up. The ran here doesn't exist, which is a cri, but hospital food sure helps."
Naruto paused, his expression softening.
"Listen. I know you're there. I know you hear . What happened... in your head. It was real. What I told you was real. You aren't alone."
He turned slightly toward the door.
"Temari is here. Kankurō is outside. They are worried about you. For real. Temari faced the whole Council of silly old n a while ago to protect you. You should have seen her. She was scary, but in a good way."
From the door, Temari crossed her arms and looked away to hide her glistening eyes.
"You aren't alone, Gaara," continued Naruto, turning back to the boy. "Not anymore. You have your siblings. And you have . We are friends now, rember? We said it in that weird space. And I don't abandon my friends."
Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a dry leaf from the Konoha tree. He placed it on the nightstand, next to a glass of water.
"Wake up soon. We have to have that rematch. But this ti, just practice. No giant monsters. And then we'll go eat. If you co to Konoha, ran at Ichiraku is on . It's the best in the world."
He watched Gaara's chest rise and fall for a mont longer.
"Rest."
He turned around and walked toward the door. Temari moved aside to let him pass, brushing against his arm. Their eyes t with tacit understanding.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"Don't ntion it."
They went out into the hallway. Kankurō was leaning on the opposite wall, looking at the ceiling.
"Did you talk to him?" he asked with a hoarse voice.
"Yeah. He heard . I know it."
"Do you think he'll wake up?"
"For sure. He's stubborn. He will wake up when he's ready. And when he does, he'll need to see you guys there."
"We're leaving now," said Temari, closing the door gently. "We have to prepare the peace treaty for tomorrow. We don't want Tsunade to think we kidnapped you and send an army."
"True. Sakura-chan would kill if I'm late or if I cause an international war."
They went down the stairs in a comfortable silence. Upon exiting, the sun was starting to set, staining the sky red and violet. The village seed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Shall I walk you to your lodging?" asked Temari.
"Sure. I don't want to get lost and end up in the real prison."
They walked through the streets again. Naruto was pensive.
"Hey, Temari."
"What?"
"When Gaara wakes up..."
"If he wakes up."
"When he wakes up," corrected Naruto firmly, looking at her seriously. "And you are official Kazekage or the boss of all this... You two have to help him. He doesn't know how... how to be a person. You have to teach him. You have to be patient."
"We don't really know how to be normal people either, Naruto," admitted Temari, lowering her guard. "We were raised as soldiers. As weapons."
"You'll learn. Together. That's what families do. They ss up and they learn."
Temari looked at him. The sunset light illuminated his serious face, making him look older.
"Did you learn?"
"I'm learning," said Naruto, thinking of Tsunade, of Iruka, of the team. "Every day."
They arrived at the building assigned to the Konoha delegation. Sakura was at the entrance talking to Shikamaru. Upon seeing Naruto, she raised her hand, relieved.
"There you are! Thought you got lost or caused a diplomatic incident!"
"I made it! And safe and sound, thanks to my personal bodyguard."
Temari stopped a few steps away.
"Well. I'll leave you here."
"Thanks for the walk, Grumpy Princess. And for the company."
Temari smiled, a tired but real smile.
"You're welco, Konoha Idiot."
Naruto extended his hand.
"Friends, right?"
Temari looked at the hand, then into Naruto's eyes, and shook it with warrior strength.
"Allies," she corrected. "And... maybe friends."
They let go of their hands.
"See you tomorrow for the treaty signing."
"I'll be there. With my best politician face. You're going to be surprised."
"Please, no. Just co with your hair combed and without food stains."
Temari turned around and started walking back toward the Kazekage tower.
"TEMARI!" he yelled suddenly.
She stopped and turned, her ponytail waving in the wind. "What?"
Naruto cupped his hands around his mouth.
"YOU LOOK PRETTY WHEN YOU SMILE! YOU SHOULD DO IT MORE! IT TAKES YEARS OFF YOU!"
Temari turned red as a tomato. She snapped her fan open and launched a controlled gust of wind that kicked up a cloud of sand straight into Naruto's face.
"SHUT UP AND GO INSIDE, IDIOT!" she yelled, turning around and walking fast to hide her embarrassnt.
Naruto laughed, spitting sand, while Sakura approached shaking her head.
"You are hopeless, Naruto. Flirting with the enemy."
"Not the enemy, Sakura-chan. Not anymore. And I think she likes ."
"Believe what you want. Co on, dinner is ready. And guess what."
"What?"
"Tenten got curry. Spicy Sand Curry."
Naruto paled. "Oh, no. My tongue."
"Oh, yes. Co on, hero. Face your destiny."
Sakura led him inside. Naruto took one last look at the village under the twilight.
Gaara is going to be okay, he thought. And so are they.
anwhile, in the dark hospital room, the monitor's beep followed its steady rhythm.
Beep... beep... beep...
On the nightstand, the dry Konoha leaf rested next to the glass of water.
In the bed, Gaara's eyelids fluttered.
Beep... beep...
The index finger of his right hand moved. Just a milliter.
********
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