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Gaara stared at the letter on his desk, reading the final line for the second time.
The girl had been nervous—stumbling over her words, both hands trembling as she respectfully handed him the envelope. When Temari had swept into the office with a stack of documents, the girl had taken one look at her and fled, bowing rapidly at Gaara before hurrying out the door.
Temari had paused mid-stride, her eyes moving from the retreating girl to the letter in Gaara’s hands. Recognition had dawned on her face immediately.
“Ah.” She’d set the documents on his desk and plucked the letter from his fingers before he could react, scanning it quickly and smiling. “A love letter.”
Gaara had said nothing, unsure what response was expected.
“Don’t worry,” Temari had said, handing the letter back to him. “I’ll tell her that the Kazekage has no intention of starting a relationship with her. You focus on the border treaty I just brought you.” She’d given him a reassuring smile before heading back out. “I have a meeting with my chunin squad, but I’ll be back for dinner.”
The door had clicked shut, leaving Gaara alone with the letter.
He’d read it then, taking in the words carefully. The girl had written about her crush, about liking him from afar, about how much she admired his strength and his dedication to the village. There was something earnest in her words, something heartfelt.
Gaara found himself relating to that admiration—not to admiring himself, of course—but to the feeling itself.
Because he admired Naruto in a similar way.
He admired Naruto’s strength, not just the physical kind but the strength to keep smiling despite everything he’d endured. He admired how Naruto never gave up on people, how he saw the good in others even when they couldn’t see it themselves. Gaara admired his optimism, his kindness, his determination. Naruto had changed him, had reached into the darkness where Gaara had been trapped and pulled him into the light. How could he not admire someone like that?
Was that what the girl meant? Was this feeling he had for Naruto what people called a “crush”?
He’d never considered his feelings for Naruto anything special. He’d thought it was typical between friends and family—that everyone felt this way about the people they’re close to. But now, holding this letter, he wondered if perhaps he’d been wrong.
That night, after a quiet dinner, Gaara looked up from his cup of green tea and said, “What is a crush?”
Kankuro choked on his sake.
“Is this about that girl from earlier?” Temari asked, setting down her fork and giving Gaara an amused look.
“Partially,” Gaara said. “She said she had a crush on me in her letter, but I still don’t quite understand it.”
“Oh, this is going to be good,” Kankuro said smugly, still coughing and thumping his chest. Temari rolled her eyes.
“A crush is… well, it’s when you have romantic feelings for someone,” his sister explained. “You think about them a lot, you want to spend time with them, you feel nervous or excited when they’re around—”
“Butterflies in your stomach,” Kankuro added, wiggling his fingers mischievously. “You get all hot and bothered—”
“Kankuro.”
“What? It’s true! You want to hold their hand, kiss them, cuddle with them, have sex with them—”
“Kankuro!”
Temari huffed in exasperation at Kankuro before turning back to Gaara. “The point is, romantic love is different from the love you feel for friends or family. It’s special. That person becomes more important than others. You want them in your life in a way that’s… deeper. More intimate.”
Gaara absorbed this information, turning it over in his mind. The word “romantic” had always been just that—a word. He’d never felt the need to understand the meaning of romantic love clearly. Love itself had been a complicated enough concept to navigate.
He thought about how his understanding of love had changed throughout his life. Yashamaru had told him it was a feeling of wanting to protect someone, and a medicine to heal mental pain. Gaara had twisted that definition during his darkest years, warping it into something about living only for oneself. Then Naruto had reminded him of Yashamaru’s original words, had shown him how true strength came from caring for others. And later, his father’s revelation about his mother had added yet another layer to his understanding.
Love was complicated. Love was confusing.
But his thoughts of Naruto—those had always been simple and clear. Gaara had always known how he felt about Naruto. He admired him. He trusted him. He enjoyed spending time with him. There was no confusion in that.
Until now.
“I think about Naruto like that,” Gaara said quietly.
The silence that followed stretched between them.
“Well,” Temari said carefully, “that’s not entirely surprising.”
Kankuro leaned forward. “Do you feel nervous around him? But you still want to… you know, be close to him physically? Get intimate?”
Gaara considered this. “No. I don’t feel nervous around Naruto, his presence is calming. I’ve never thought about having sex with him either.” He paused at Kankuro’s snickering. “But I do enjoy it when we shake hands. When we greet each other or say goodbye, shaking hands with Naruto always feels… natural. I don’t do it out of obligation.”
“Have you ever thought about being more than friends? Like a couple?” Temari asked.
“No. Having friends is already more than I’d ever hoped for. I never imagined anything beyond that.” Gaara’s brow furrowed slightly. “But now that I’m thinking about it, I’m not repulsed by the idea. It’s… possible.”
Temari and Kankuro exchanged a glance, an entire conversation passing between them in that moment.
“Gaara,” Temari said gently, “I think what you’re feeling for Naruto isn’t just platonic friendship.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean,” she continued, “that the way you think about him, the way you prioritize him—those aren’t just signs of friendship. They’re signs of a crush.”
“Is that so?” Gaara took another sip of his tea, staring at the steam rising from the cup.
---
During Naruto’s next visit, Gaara noticed certain new things about his friend.
When Naruto laughed at Kankuro’s jokes, Gaara was surprised with how bright the sound was, how it made warmth bloom in his chest. When children ran to welcome the world’s savior, Gaara found his gaze lingering on Naruto’s face, taking in the way his eyes crinkled as he smiled at them. When Naruto clapped him on the shoulder while bragging about him in front of Baki, Gaara was acutely aware of the contact, of how right it felt, instead of focusing on what Naruto was saying. He’d almost wrapped an arm around Naruto’s waist before stopping himself.
These were new behaviors. He’d observed Naruto’s face before, certainly, but only to read his expressions, to understand the emotions there. But now he found himself simply appreciating Naruto’s features like he would at cactus flowers. These feelings, this desire to look and keep looking, were entirely new.
It felt as if something inside him had been switched on, like his senses had been dialed up and tuned specifically to everything about Naruto. The change bothered him—not in a bad way, but in the way an unanswered question bothers someone who prefers clarity.
That night at dinner, he looked up from his soup and said, “I’ve been thinking about what you said. About me and Naruto.”
Temari and Kankuro exchanged looks.
“And?” Temari prompted.
“Ever since you said my feelings for him were romantic, I’ve been behaving strangely. I pay too much attention to his appearance. When he touches me, I get distracted.” Gaara set down his spoon. “I’ve never felt like this before. How do I make it stop?”
“Tell him,” Kankuro said immediately. “Trust me, little brother, Naruto has a crush on you too.”
“On me?”
“Yeah. Only he’s more obvious with it,” Kankuro snorted. “He perks up whenever your name is mentioned. He gets all giddy when you two hang out.”
Temari nodded in agreement. “Naruto isn’t someone who gets flustered easily but he’s like that with you, stuttering and silly smiling and all that.”
“I thought he does that when he’s excited.”
“Well, I’ve never seen him act weird in front of his other friends,” Temari countered.
“Go confirm it yourself,” Kankuro urged. “You’d both feel more comfortable knowing the feeling is mutual.”
Gaara thought back to moments he’d stored away without quite understanding them. Times when Naruto had acted strangely around him, had blushed for no apparent reason, had stared at him a bit too long before quickly looking away. Times when Naruto had started sentences and then stopped himself, or had held his breath when Gaara leaned in to pluck something out of his hair. Gaara had asked what was wrong, and Naruto had always said “nothing” with that sheepish smile.
Were those the signs his siblings were talking about?
“I’m meeting him for business in Konoha next week,” Gaara said slowly. “We have plans to eat at Ichiraku that night.”
“Perfect!” Kankuro began, but Temari cut him off.
“No. Absolutely not. You cannot confess your feelings at Ichiraku Ramen. That’s not romantic at all.”
Gaara blinked. “What makes a place romantic?”
“Somewhere beautiful,” Temari said. “Somewhere meaningful. And you need to be alone—just the two of you.”
“Preferably with a nice view,” Kankuro added. “Maybe at sunset or something. You know, atmosphere.”
Before Gaara could ask why he needed to make it like some sort of private ceremony, an image rose unbidden in his mind—a place where he often went to think, where he’d stood countless times watching the sunset.
“…I know a place.”
---
The business in Konoha went smoothly. Naruto had been enthusiastic during their meeting with Kakashi, assisting the Hokage alongside Shikamaru as part of his training to become a jonin. He’d come up with all kinds of creative but impractical ideas, and Gaara had found himself mirroring the way Naruto’s eyes lit up at a good suggestion Shikamaru brought up.
They’d gone to Ichiraku afterward as planned, and once again Gaara found himself observing things he might have overlooked before—the animated way Naruto talked with his hands, how his whole face brightened when the ramen arrived, the small pleased sound he made at the first bite. At some point, Naruto had noticed his staring and gone quiet.
“Why… why are you looking at me like that?” Naruto had asked, avoiding Gaara’s gaze.
Gaara had found himself replying, “Nothing,” even though it wasn’t true.
After leaving Ichiraku, they walked through Konoha’s streets, the evening air carrying the oily smell of people cooking dinner in nearby homes. The village lights flickered around them, warm glows spilling from windows and lanterns strung between buildings. Naruto had been unusually quiet since they’d left the ramen stand, his hands shoved in his pockets, that anxious energy radiating off him again.
“Would you come to Suna after you finish studying the materials the Hokage gave you?” Gaara asked.
Naruto turned to him, surprised. “Oh—yeah, sure. Should be done in a couple days. What’s up?”
“At sunset, specifically,” Gaara said. “There’s something I want to show you.”
“Oh? What is it?” Naruto raised an eyebrow, his earlier nervousness replaced by curiosity.
“You’ll see when you arrive.”
Naruto grinned. “Being all mysterious, huh? Alright, I’ll be there.”
The corners of Gaara’s mouth lifted in the barest hint of a smile. “I’ll meet you at the village gates.”
---
Five days later, Naruto arrived exactly at sunset, sprinting faster when he saw Gaara waiting, waving and grinning that wide, bright grin that Gaara found himself memorizing all over again.
“Gaara!” Naruto called out as he approached, slightly out of breath as if he’d run the whole way from Konoha. “I ran as fast as I could! Am I late?”
“You’re right on time.” Gaara gestured toward the desert beyond the village. “Come with me.”
They walked in comfortable silence, the sand whispering beneath their feet. Gaara led them to a cliff off the east side of Suna—a place he’d discovered years ago, back when he was still learning how to live without letting hatred consume him, still learning how to be human.
When they reached the edge, Naruto let out a low whistle. “Whoa. This is what you wanted to show me? It’s amazing.”
The view stretched out before them—sand dunes painted gold and copper by the setting sun, the sky above streaked with crimson and pink. The air was cooling rapidly, the desert’s harsh heat giving way to evening’s chill.
Gaara had come here often over the years. To reflect on his mistakes, to understand why people treated him the way they did, to ponder what kind of person he wanted to become. And to think about Naruto.
From the moment they’d fought in that forest, Naruto had occupied a constant space in his mind. Years had passed, distance separated them, but Gaara still found himself flashing back to that day, to the boy who had shown him empathy when he most needed it.
“I come here sometimes,” Gaara said quietly. “To think.”
“Yeah?” Naruto turned to him, the sunset reflecting in his blue eyes. “What do you think about?”
Gaara looked out at the horizon. “Many things. The world. My village. My family.” He paused. “You.”
The word hung in the air between them.
“When the sun sets like this,” Gaara continued, his voice soft but steady, “it reminds me of you—warmth in the cold evening.”
He could hear his friend’s breath hitch beside him. “Gaara, I, uh…”
Gaara waited. When Naruto didn’t continue, he spoke instead.
“I know I’ve said this before, but you saved me, Naruto. And you understand me the most.” He finally turned, meeting Naruto’s widened eyes. Something clicked into place between them, like two magnets finding their match. “You continue to be an inspiration to me. When something good happens, I wish I could tell you right away. When I’m troubled, I wish I could seek your advice immediately.”
Naruto’s cheeks were flushed, his lips parted. “Me too, Gaara. I wish we didn’t have to communicate through letters when we’re too busy to see each other…” He gave a lopsided smile.
The ache in Gaara’s chest sharpened at the longing in Naruto’s voice. “When I know you’re visiting, I count the days. I rearrange my schedule to spend as much time with you as possible.” He paused before adding, “I get impatient hours before you arrive.”
“Really?” Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can’t picture a grumpy Gaara, but that’s adorable, y’know?”
Adorable.
The word settled in his mind. That was what he’d been feeling—everything about Naruto was adorable to him.
“And when you’re here, I want to show you everything—the refurbished schools, the plants in my garden, the new restaurant that claims their ramen is better than Ichiraku’s.”
Naruto crossed his arms dramatically. “Ha, yeah right. Ichiraku’s is unbeatable.”
A small smile tugged at Gaara’s lips. He pressed on gently. “But when you leave, the village feels emptier. As if something vital has gone with you.”
Naruto made a small strangled sound, somewhere between a sniffle and a whimper. His eyes were shining now, and he was biting his lip.
“I cherish your company. I value your opinions. You matter to me more than anyone else—except perhaps my siblings.”
“Well,” Naruto managed with a shaky laugh, “guess that makes me like your other brother, then.”
“Not entirely.” Gaara shook his head. “I’ve come to realize that I crave being near you. Touching you.”
The words spilled out naturally, like he was releasing something he’d been holding in for too long. Maybe he had been.
Naruto gasped and jumped back, clutching his cheeks that had flushed several shades deeper, smiling impossibly wide. “W-What? You’re making me embarrassed now, Gaara!”
“So I’ve been wanting to ask you something,” Gaara continued calmly. He pointed to his chest with his left hand, to where his heart beat steady and sure beneath his Kazekage robes. “This, here…”
Looking into those wide blue eyes, he took a step forward. Slowly wrapping his left arm around Naruto’s waist, he tugged him closer until their bodies were lightly pressed together, warmth flowing between them.
“Could you keep it for me?”
“Keep your heart…?” Naruto’s voice cracked. “You mean—do you mean—”
“Romantically, yes,” Gaara clarified, because he understood now how important that word was, even if he’d never given it much thought before. “Wherever you are, I want you to have it with you.”
For a second, Naruto just stood frozen. Then he wrapped both arms around Gaara tightly, embracing him with such force it was hard to breathe.
“Yes!” Naruto practically squealed. “Yes, I will! I’ll keep it with me forever, I promise!” Then he pulled back. Tears were gathering at the corners of his eyes, glistening in the sunset. “Gaara, I love you. I’ve had a crush on you for years and I wanted to tell you, I always wanted to tell you but I didn’t know if you felt the same way or if you even liked boys or if you even understood romantic feelings—”
Gaara pulled him back into a hug—this time more confidently, making Naruto stumble into his arms. “I’m sorry for taking so long to realize,” he said, feeling Naruto’s body tremble against his.
“I… I didn’t want to ruin our friendship.” Naruto started sobbing. “You’re so important to me and… and I couldn’t bear the thought of making things weird between us.”
“You wouldn’t ruin anything, you’re the most important person in my life no matter what,” Gaara said with certainty, gently ruffling Naruto’s hair. He had never felt more certain of anything.
“I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” Naruto said, nuzzling against Gaara’s neck, sending a pleasant tickle down his spine. “To hold you like this. To know that you want it too.”
Gaara rested his chin on top of Naruto’s shoulder, breathing in the scent of him—sunshine and ramen and something uniquely Naruto. “I want it,” he confirmed quietly. “I want this.”
“I wish… I wish I could keep not just your heart, Gaara. I wish I could keep you by my side and we could stay together forever,” Naruto whispered, his arms tightening around Gaara. “But I know that’s selfish. You’re meant to be Kazekage.”
“And you’re meant to be Hokage. We can figure that out later.”
They stayed like that, holding on to each other tightly as the last rays of sun left amber traces over the horizon, the first stars beginning to appear in the lilac sky.
Naruto finally pulled back when he calmed down, wiping his tears with his sleeves. “Gaara, can I…” he started, then hesitated. A sheepish smile appeared on his face. “Can I kiss you?”
“OKAY, THAT’S ENOUGH!”
They sprang apart—or rather, Naruto sprang apart while Gaara simply turned—to find Temari and Kankuro emerging from behind a cluster of rocks about twenty meters away.
“Seriously?” Naruto spluttered, his face flaming red.
Gaara furrowed his brow. “I thought you said we need to be alone.”
“You thought you were and that’s enough,” Temari said, not even trying to hide her grin. “Now where’s the ‘thank you’ for helping you get a boyfriend?”
“We were just—” Naruto started.
“We know what you were just,” Kankuro said, smirking. “And that’s why we’re intervening. Come on, little brother. It’s getting dark, let’s head back to the village.”
Gaara looked at his siblings, then at Naruto, who was trying to hide his face in his palms. Despite the interruption, Gaara couldn’t help but smile—a real smile, one that used unfamiliar muscles in his cheeks.
He reached out a hand and—instead of calling—willed grains of sand to wrap around Naruto’s, gently tugging it away from his face.
Naruto’s head snapped up, breath catching at Gaara’s smile. Realizing what Gaara was doing, he giggled shyly. “This brings back memories.”
Gaara laced their fingers together as the grains guided Naruto’s hand into his, the contact sending something almost electric up his arm. This was intimacy, he realized. This deep connection through a simple gesture, freely given and happily received—so much more than a handshake.
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve seen Gaara smile like that,” Temari exclaimed.
“Oh stop it, I can almost see flowers blooming around you two,” Kankuro said, shaking his head despite his grin.
“Let’s go home,” Gaara said, still smiling. He decided he liked the feeling of smiling like this.
As they walked back toward Suna with Naruto’s hand firmly in his, watching Naruto bicker with his siblings, Gaara thought about how much his understanding of love had changed over the years. How it had evolved through multiple phases into this—this warmth, this happiness, this feeling of wanting everything to last forever.
Love was still complicated. Love was still confusing.
But some things, Gaara thought as he glanced at his boyfriend’s profile against the darkening sky, were worth every complication.
Naruto caught him looking and squeezed his hand, grinning so widely it must have hurt.
Yes. Worth everything.