Garden of Fate

It was amazing how different Sunagakure was at night. Instead of bustling markets and bazaars, there were only quiet, deserted streets, the searing heat of the sun had made way for a cold breeze, and in the pale moonlight, the village seemed nothing more than a few flowing hills.

At least it looked that way from above, Gaara thought. He was probably the only person who had ever seen it like this, though. At the least, he was the only person alive today.
Gaara was sitting on a small platform of sand, flying hundreds of metres above the village. This was the only place he could truly feel at ease, far away from everyone and everything.

He descended until he could clearly see the streets and buildings. At this time of night, the streets were usually absolutely deserted. That is why, when Gaara saw a lone figure moving down a street, he was quite surprised. He was even more surprised when the figure stopped and looked up at Gaara. It was too dark and he was flying too high for any normal person to see him.

When Gaara landed, he recognised the person immediately. “Hyūga Neji…?”
“Good evening Gaara. I didn’t expect anyone to be awake at this hour.”
“Me neither. I never sleep, why are you awake?”
“Ah, right, because of the Shukaku… Well, I can’t say I have such a good reason to be awake. I just couldn’t really sleep, for some reason.”
Gaara stared at Neji, enchanted by the way the moonlight shimmered in his eyes. “The city is cold at night. It could be dangerous if you’re not prepared.”
Neji smiled. “Thank you. Unfortunately I don’t have anything warmer than what I’m wearing right now.”
A shudder went through Neji’s body as Gaara’s sand suddenly formed a cocoon around them. To his surprise, though, the sand emanated soothing warmth, instead of the menacing aura he had expected.
“Is this better?”
“Much better, thank you.”
There was a silence, but it didn’t feel awkward. Instead, it felt right and calming. Neji felt safe and comfortable and before he realised he was even dozing off, he was already asleep.

When Neji woke up, he felt a cool breeze and looked up to a starry sky that was already becoming pale. He sat up and, looking around, he saw they were flying above Suna. Gaara was sitting opposite of him, completely still and watching him.
“I… I fell asleep… Sorry.”
“Why would you apologise for that?”
“Well, it wasn’t very polite of me, what with you being here and all.”
“You need sleep, I don’t. I don’t mind.”
“I do.”
“Don’t. I liked watching you sleep.”
Neji blushed when he heard Gaara say that, but couldn’t help but smile as well. His smile grew bigger when he saw Gaara was blushing slightly as well.
“So why did you fly us up here?”
“Ah, I ehm… It’s more peaceful up here. Also…”
“Yes?”
“It’s almost dawn. This is the only place in Suna where you can see the sunrise properly.”

Neji turned to face the east. Gaara sat down next to Neji and together they watched the sunrise in silence. They spent a long time like this, just sitting next to each other and silently enjoying each other’s company.
Eventually, Gaara slowly moved them down towards the ground again, landing close to Neji’s hotel. Neji got off the sand platform and smiled at Gaara.
“Thank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.”
“Thank you too.”
“I really have to go now, though. I have a mission today.”
“Me too, but…”
“What is it?”
“If you want… I would like it if you…”
Neji smiled at Gaara’s awkwardness. “If I?”
“If you would visit me this evening… At my garden?”
“I would really like that, Gaara.”
Gaara smiled with almost childish happiness. “Then I’ll see you this evening?”
“Definitely!”

They said goodbye to each other and left, both in an amazingly good mood. The day went by slowly and it wasn’t until the early evening that Neji returned to Suna. He hurriedly had dinner and took a quick shower, before setting out to Gaara’s garden. He felt good, almost exited.
The sun was already setting when he arrived at the garden. It was quiet and it seemed like there wasn’t anyone there. However, when he got close to the fence, it opened up and he saw Gaara tending to the cacti.
“Ah, you came.”
“Of course did. I promised, didn’t I?”
“Ah, yes, I-I’m sorry.”
Neji rolled his eyes. “Why would you be sorry?”
“I didn’t mean to insult you. I just never had anyone actually show up after I invited them.”
“That’s horrible… Do you invite people a lot?”
“Not really… You’re the first in… ten years?”
“Ah… I see…”
“Would you like some tea?”
“Yes, thank you.”

Neji was glad the conversation had passed on to a less painful and awkward subject. He sat down on a small chair and watched as Gaara made tea for the two of them. The tea was very sweet and smelled strongly of mint. Neji blew on it to cool it down, as Gaara sat down opposite of him.
“Hyūga Neji?”
“Yes?”
“Could I ask you a question? As a friend?”
“Of course, but only if you start calling me ‘Neji’ ”
“Ah, okay…” Gaara seemed somewhat embarrassed, but it was soon replaced by total seriousness. “Do you like me?”
Neji was surprised at this question, but he saw the anxiety and fear in Gaara’s eyes, dulled by a shimmer of hope.
“Yes, I like you Gaara. I like you a lot, even.”
“But we only met a few days ago.”
“That doesn’t matter. If something is meant to be, time is irrelevant. Our friendship is fated.”
“Fate, hm?”
“I never met a person I had such an instant bond with. It’s like… we’re soul mates or something.”
Gaara smiled amazingly happy. “Do you really mean that?”
“I do. Definitely.”
“Then… Would you stay at my house, instead of that hotel?”
“I would be honoured.”
Gaara suddenly got up, looking quite determined. “All right. I’ll have a servant bring over your luggage and prepare a room for you.”
Neji smiled and motioned Gaara to sit down and drink his tea. “Where do you live?”
Gaara sat down and pointed to the largest house on the block. “I live there, with my sister and brother.”
“I met them before.”

The atmosphere of the garden had become pleasant and relaxed now and the two had an enjoyable conversation. The didn’t notice the time until it was already deep into the night.
“Ah, I guess it’s a bit too late to bring my stuff over from the hotel.”
“I’m sorry, I forgot the time.” Gaara looked dejectedly at the ground.
“Well, it’s not all bad. Perhaps tonight I could… sleep in your sand cocoon again?”
Gaara looked up and smiled brightly. “Really?”
“Ever since I came to Suna, I haven’t slept as well as that night with you.”

A cloud of sand slowly started to lift the two into the air, forming a protective cocoon around them. It was a bit roomier than before, though, and even had a small lump of sand that Neji could use as a pillow.
Neji made himself comfortable and smiled at Gaara through the darkness.
“Goodnight Gaara.”
“Goodnight Neji.”

Neji slowly fell asleep as Gaara watched over him. They stayed that way until the morning came and when they finally landed again, both felt better rested than ever before. They said goodby, but as Neji walked away, Gaara suddenly hugged him from behind. Neji was surprised, though not really at the hug. He was more surprised at his reaction, as it was not the sense of aversion he usually had. No, instead he felt calm and comfortable.
“Neji? I’m really glad I met you.”
“I’m glad I met you as well, Gaara.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being my friend.”
“It’s my pleasure.”