All That Glitters ||NaruSasu|| ✔️

The Cold Truth

On Saturday, I get a text from Gaara saying he'll be in Konoha later in the day. Apparently Temari is coming to visit Shikamaru, so Gaara is tagging along for the trip. I met Gaara when I was twelve. His father does business for the company my dad works for. I thought he was really sour at first, but he grew on me. He's kind of like Sasuke in that way, I suppose.

He shows up on my doorstep around late noon. "Hey," I greet the familiar little redhead, opening my door and allowing him to step inside.

"Hello, Naruto," he greets in return, entering and slipping his shoes off.

"What'cha wanna do?"

"Whatever you'd like," he says carelessly. "Unfortunately, I'm only able to spend a few hours with you tonight."

"Aw, why?"

"I have a date," he reveals.

"Really?" I ask, my interest peaked. He nods in response and I pry, "Who is she?"

"Neji," he says and my eyes just about bulge out of my skull.

"Neji Hyuga?" I gape. "Hinata's scary older cousin?"

He nods once more.

"He's a dude," I state.

"Astute observation, Naruto," Gaara says. "I didn't know you were so bright."

"Ah, sarcasm," I sigh. "You're greatest weapon." He smiles faintly. He doesn't smile often. Usually he just smiles when I do something harmlessly stupid. I guess this is one of those cherished moments. "I didn't think you liked people at all," I add.

"Me neither," he admits.

"Wow," I murmur. "Well, congratulations."

"Yes," he says. "Neji gets off work around seven, but until then, I am all yours."

"Okay, great," I chuckle. Now everyone really is dating somebody. I guess it's a good thing. It's nice to have someone to care about like that.

Me and Gaara settle in the living room and decide to watch a movie. Well, neither of us are really paying attention. I'm talking about what's been happening in Konoha lately. I tell him I broke up with Sakura. He simply nods sagely. He's not surprised. Then again, nothing really surprises Gaara.

"Is there anyone new?" he asks after a thoughtful pause.

"I don't think so," I tell him.

"Are you sure?" he pries, not quite believing me.

"I think," I say.

He squints at me. "Vague answers, Naruto."

"Says you," I snort. "You're the king of vague answers."

"I have little to tell," he admits, "but I have a feeling the same does not apply to you."

"Well," I start, "I'm hooking up with someone... and I'll admit that I care a lot about this person, but it's not quite like that."

"Oh, really?" he murmurs. "If you say so."

"Don't sound so unconvinced," I mutter.

"Only if you stop sounding like you're telling lies," he retorts.

"I'm not," I insist.

"You said this person rather than her," he points out. "Why did you use a gender-ambiguous term?"

I groan, rubbing my palms over my face. "Fine, it's a guy."

"Is it Sasuke?" Gaara asks nonchalantly, causing me to nearly choke on my own spit.