G O D A I M E

"It’s not as if I care about Sasuke more than you. It really isn’t like that—it’s more complicated than that and I don’t want you to think that I don’t care about our friendship, ‘cause I do. A lot, ‘ttebayo—! You’re one of my most most precious people. And of course I’d feel guilty if I had to do something like that. I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I’d lost you, yeah? I already came too close once and—” 

     "Naruto, don't worry," Gaara tried to reassure, guilt at having brought up such a topic swelling within him, "You won't lose me and you're one of my most precious people too. Without you, I would be dead or suffering, killing others without remorse but you saved me... I know saving Sasuke is important to you, is all. I would not want him to... Die or disappear without you having accomplished that goal. Besides... I am sure, in the end, you would find a way to save us both. You're good at that sort of thing, making due with horrible situations."

—He isn’t certain

(what)

to say, after that.

If only he were good at saving Sasuke as he apparently was with Gaara. 

     "My apologies Naruto, for being so serious. I only thought it right that you know, so that if a time were to happen where you were forced to choose-- You could choose without any regrets or guilt." Though the Godaime said this, he could not deny it stung-- If only enough to keep him silent about it.

"—It was a stupid question anyway. As if I’d ever let a situation happen where I had to chose between you both. You’re both important to me.” 

     "I appreciate that Naruto... Truly but I... Know what value Sasuke holds in your heart. Only a fool would be blind to it. Besides, you have already saved me. It is him who still needs you more than I."

gxdaime replied to your post

"…Gaara. Don’t talk like that.” 

     "I'm only speaking the truth."

     ”Please remind me to never get on your bad side, Tanuki brat… You can be rather frightening when you choose to be.”

     "I promise," Gaara smiled in reassurance, "... But enough of work related things. How are you fairing today?"

     ”You know better than to lie to the Council. How will the village react if they discover you’re covering up for your Commander’s shortcomings?”

     "I have my ways to ensure a promise from you, so that you will come to the next one. Therefore my claims will not be false and the village may rest easy that their Commander is actively a part of the Council."

     ”Did my appearance at the Council meeting truly make you so happy, Tanuki brat?”

     "Ah, it did, you have missed the last few-- Though I assured the Council you must have been preoccupied and it simply slipped your mind."

"Hehehe, d’you mean it? Granny Tsunade started complaining and said I oughta give you a heads up before visiting Suna, but I told her I figured you wouldn’t mind if I just showed up ‘ttebayo." The desert heat nor the sweat that dripped from his temples could dampen the Konohagakure shinobi’s mood, as he clapped a genial hand onto his friend’s shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze.

"So what’s new with you? Gotta keep up with the latest from other leaders seein’ as how I’ll be a Kage myself soon, ‘ttebayo."

     Of course the Kazekage had meant it and the smile upon the blond's face meant he knew that too but he supposed humoring him wouldn't hurt. After all, he'd come a long way to surprise him and Naruto was his closest friend. That's what they did for each other, right? As long as it didn't harm anyone or himself it didn't matter.

     "Of course I mean it," Gaara confirmed gently once more, aqua gaze taking in the blond's disheveled appearance, "And nothing beyond the work of any Kage. Sunagakure has been relatively quiet as of late, in preparation of the coming rain season festival."

     "... Would you like to go inside, Naruto? You look rather... Uncomfortable."

it hurts, it hurts so bad, why does it hurt so much?

The Golden Way by Hamad al-failakawi

     Palm had been pressed to his superior’s cheek, cupping it with a gentleness that he only dared to allow the Kazekage to see and experience. The sound of his name parting those pallid lips had become so foreign since his time away, but it was so familiar at the same time that he swore he must have smiled just wider before it was dropped. He said nothing and not even a moment was wasted before the remaining distance between them was removed.

     Sasori leaned down into a somewhat hasty open mouthed kiss, palm tilting his lover’s chin upward to meet him in the middle. He hadn’t forgotten how much he’d missed this, but it was necessary to push away for the duration of his mission. With his return, he was free to indulge in Gaara’s wishes that mirrored his own.

     The kiss was returned with as much hast and urgency as the other had given, mouth opening to accommodate Sasori's actions; hands rising to rest upon shoulders-- Fingers tightening into the cloth as if letting go would mean he would disappear before him. He had missed this, though not as much as he had missed the man's presence alone. 

     The palm against his chin was warm-- A comfort if nothing else, a reminder and a promise. No matter how far away the Commander was, no matter how hard the road back to him; he would always make it. He would always return and the Kazekage felt the silent promise in the gentle caress.

pixiv

Among the crowd, ever so sudden but familiarly resplendent, came a shocking pop of orange—naturally followed by shouting, garnering strange looks from casual passerbys who did not know any better. 

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARA—! Can you hear me from all the way out there?! GAARA! SEND ME A SIGN IF YOU CAN ‘TTEBAYO—!" Because Uzumaki Naruto followed his heart—and following his heart often meant doing ridiculous things on a whim. 

     It was faint, the sound muffled by the crowd that surrounded him below but the Godaime knew he would always be able to pick out his voice-- No matter the circumstance. The faintest smile appeared on the Kazekage's lips, the visit both a surprise and a blessing. It had been far too long since he had seen his dearest friend.

     Within seconds, sand that seemingly came from nowhere and everywhere swirled around him; placing him directly in the blonds excited path.

     "Ah, Naruto," Gaara began, smile widening if only the slightest, "... This is a pleasant surprise."