Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Hot Sand ❯ Naruto's Proposal ( Chapter 15 )

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Hot Sand

by thatreevesgirl

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Authors Note: Get some crackers people, lots of cheese this chapter, it might actually make you cry too (or am I the only overly emotional person, because I actually cried as I wrote part of this…it was so sappy). I hope that you people are still liking this, it is getting all kinds of silly romantic on ya (good thing since I have a planned twist coming up that some of you will probably shoot me for).

 

 

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Chapter 14: Naruto Proposes

 

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Naruto sat at the Hokage's desk, furiously scribbling away on a piece of parchment, trying his best to make the letter look better than his usual scrawl. Looking over it Naruto blew on the ink gently to help it dry faster. The blond man read his letter one more time before smiling and folding the paper in order to put it into a small envelope.

 

The door of the Hokage office opened and in strutted Tsunade, smiling that her younger counterpart had returned safely from his latest trip to sand. “Hi brat, how was your trip?”

 

“It was great, and I have a surprise for you!” Naruto excitedly told the older Hokage.

 

Tsunade looked at him quizzically, trying to decipher what Naruto had up his sleeve. “Spill it boy, I don't have all day.”

 

“Well, first Gaara and I got Sakura and Kankuro together, so no more man-hating, mopey Sakura with a penchant for murdering people slowly with sewing pins. Second, and this is the one that will blow your mind, I'm getting married.”

 

Tsunade could do little more than stand in front of her Hokage apprentice and stare blankly at him, did Naruto say he was getting married?

 

“Tsunade?”

 

“Wait…let me get this straight, you are getting married to Gaara? Are you serious, brat?” Tsunade skeptically asked as she folded her arms over her bountiful breasts to demonstrate her disbelief.

 

“Yep, me and old sandy pants, together for the rest of our lives, can you believe it?”

 

Tsunade shook her head and chuckled, little could have prepared her for such an announcement, but she was slowly taking it in. As much of a shock that Naruto marrying Gaara was, Tsunade was sure that she could one-up him if she chose to disclose the information she had about Sasuke and Kakashi's secret relationship. The female Hokage had known for a long time how much Naruto pined after his teammate, going to the ends of the lands to drag the Uchiha's sorry ass back to Konoha. Finding out that Sasuke admittance to having homosexual tendencies just barely beat out the fact Naruto was getting married. Tsunade considered relinquishing the information, but thought better of it when she reflected on how it might overshadow Naruto's happy announcement. There would be plenty of time for Naruto to learn of Sasuke's sexual orientation later, hopefully after he married the Kazekage.

 

“You want to tell me how the hell you two are going to do a long distance marriage? It was difficult enough when he was just your boyfriend, usually marriage requires less miles between the people who are involved in that particular sacred union.”

 

Naruto smirked, it was a good thing he already fixed this problem, and it was the last surprise that the younger Hokage had for the older woman. “Well, I did happen to procure an advisor while I was in Suna. He might be able to help us out around here. I know how busy we are, and if you retire then I'll definitely need the assistance.”

 

“Don't want Shizune after I'm gone, brat?” Tsunade snapped.

 

“Not as much as Gaara, no,” Naruto quipped back. “He's my new head advisor, so you better treat him nicer than you treat me and Shizune. Temari has been named the new Kazekage, so I guess we'll have to start looking for a person to fill Shikamaru's position. I'm sure he'll want to join his wife in Suna seeing as married people don't like to be apart.”

 

The female Hokage grinned, very pleased to hear Naruto had already solved all the problems which could arise due to his engagement to Gaara. Tsunade was also excited about the thought of another female Kage. It would help even things out when meeting with the men of the other villages to have Temari on Tsunade's side, especially for the villages who thought poorly of their female residents, assuming that women were less capable than men.

 

“You leave tomorrow for the chunin exams, are you ready to see this year's Konohan talent? I hear that we have a pretty good crop of genin. Two teams of Konoha's finest have made it to the elimination round of the test. That is almost as good as your year…there's even a team of rookies who have made it though,” Tsunade boasted.

 

Naruto grinned, of course he knew about the genin. He had personally overseen some of their training, taking time out of his busy schedule to work with the youngsters personally like Jiraiya had done for him. “Yep, it looks to be a good set of matches. We might even have a few in the finals this year.”

 

“I sure hope so, we are running a bit low on chunin, and it wouldn't hurt to have them perform well and make a good impression. That would bring in some more business to the Konohan economy. Less work for you and me, brat, if they do.”

 

Naruto rolled his eyes at Tsunade's little pet name for him, he had secretly hoped that when he became Hokage she would finally drop the annoying title he'd received from her as a teen, but alas it stuck even though he was now the most powerful ninja in Konoha. Gathering the things he'd finished for the party, Naruto hurried off, waving goodbye at Tsunade as he went. “See you at the party,” he called before shutting the door behind himself.

 

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Gaara watched the snow falling outside as the sun set on Konoha. Watching as large, heavy flakes fluttered down and settled on the ground and trees which surrounded the Hokage Tower was a hypnotizing site, especially at this time of day. If this was what life was like in Konoha, Gaara could definitely handle it. The thought of watching beautiful things like this with Naruto was a particularly nice idea, and the redhead wished that Naruto would return from the errands he was running.

 

The party to publicize the peacekeeping campaign was scheduled for later in the evening, mostly so some jonin could make it back from missions to hear the announcement. The former Kazakage wasn't sure why Naruto insisted on so many people being there, but he did suppose it was important enough to drag some of his jonin and chunin home.

 

It was a ninja's job and duty to fight, kill, and protect. With peace, there would be less of that. As much as Gaara wanted the wars to stop and needless death to be a thing of the past, there was still part of him that knew how essential fighting still was. Not that there weren't plenty of rogue ninja which village shinobi could go after, and given enough time it was possible there could be a shift in the focus of the hidden villages, working more toward peaceful exploits instead of deadly ones.

 

The door opened and Naruto stepped inside, still covered in large, white flakes, especially on his eyelashes and in his hair. Taking a towel from the linen closet, Gaara walked over to Naruto and began drying his partner off carefully, until Naruto stopped him by firmly grabbing one of his wrists and pulling the redhead in to a smoldering kiss.

 

Breaking apart Naruto murmured, “Don't bother, we're going straight back out.”

 

“We?” Gaara asked, confused since the party was only about an hour and forty-five minutes away.

 

“Yes, take a walk with me, love. I have some things to show you, it won't take long.”

 

Naruto handed Gaara a small envelope and smiled at him. Confused Gaara examined it closely and then began to open. Naruto had turned away to fetch some warmer clothes for the ex-Kazekage, specifically a coat and scarf.

 

“Hey, no…wait!” Naruto hollered at Gaara from the doorway of his coat closet. “That's for later. Sorry, forgot to tell you that. Put it in your pocket.”

 

Gaara's aqua eyes portrayed how confused the man was, but listened as he placed it in one of his vest pockets. Naruto pulled out a warm coat which was a bit big on Gaara, helping his lover into it as the two prepared to go out into the snow and cold.

 

“Where are we going?” Gaara asked.

 

“A few places that are important to me…I want to show them to you,” Naruto explained as he slipped an odd looking pair of mittens onto the former Kazekage's fingers, then took Gaara's gloved hand in his own.

 

“Oh, I've seen most of Konoha,” Gaara murmured as he contemplated what Naruto was doing…there had to be more to it than just showing him parts of Konoha.

 

“Yeah, you've probably seen these places too, but you might want to know why they are so important to me. As my future husband you need to know.”

 

Gaara nodded and followed Naruto out into the cold early-winter night. The first place the two men stopped was an old apartment complex, the one where the blond youngster had grown up all by himself. Gaara knew this place well, and had visited Naruto here on many occasions during their teen years.

 

“I was alone…”

 

Gaara watched as Naruto quietly looked up at the window which used to be the Hokage's, and started to explain something that was so important it made Naruto's eyes well up with tears.

 

“I always assumed I would be alone forever, but then there was Iruka, and then Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi. You were next, and then so many other people. I'm glad I'm not alone anymore, but it was important that I was. If I hadn't experienced that I wouldn't be the person I am today…I might not with you.”

 

With those words a tear really did fall down Naruto's cheek, and Gaara tried to capture it with a fuzzy orange animal mitten, making Naruto chuckle in the process.

 

“I think had I not experienced what I did, I would have never understood what you went through. What if I hadn't, Gaara? We would have never fought, never become friends, you probably would have died back when Shukaku was removed, or you might have killed me without remorse. Some things are just serendipitous, so I was meant to feel alone and to know pain so I could help you when the time was right.”

 

Gaara's eyes were focused on the scarf around Naruto's neck, the strip of knitted yarn was so much easier to look at than Naruto's face, which spoke of so many levels of love that it was overwhelming to the other man. Naruto saw the distracted man beside him and cupped Gaara's chin in his hand, bringing Gaara's eyes up to his own. The former Kazekage was also fighting back tears as Naruto reminisced of days past and loneliness which the sand-nin had also dealt with for most of his childhood.

 

Giving Gaara a quick hug and kiss, Naruto continued on his little tour of Konoha with his fiancé. The next stop was Hokage Mountain, where all the faces of former and current Hokages were carved into its side. Naruto's had been added only eighteen months prior, making it the newest addition to the legacy.

 

“I dreamt about becoming Hokage since I was little boy. I wanted to prove to everyone just how strong I really was. The funny thing is how I thought I would never have another dream which I wanted as much as that…but I do.”

 

Gaara swallowed as Naruto started putting him on another emotional rollercoaster, because the ex-Kazekage knew exactly where the Hokage was taking this conversation. Gaara wasn't sure why Naruto was trying to make him cry, but the sand-nin successfully held back tears again (at least for the time being). Gaara of the Desert didn't cry, but then again he was human…and humans shed tears, especially when the ones they loved were being so tender and sweet.

 

“My new dream, which is more important than being Hokage, is to spend the rest of my life with you, Gaara. All of the days I have left, freely given to you so we can raise a family and then grow old and wrinkly together. That's what I want Gaara, to be with you…more than anything,” Naruto said softly as he pulled Gaara down into a soft kiss. It was Naruto's mitted hand this time which brushed wetness off of his lover's cheek. He smiled and told Gaara there was one more place.

 

The last location was farther out of the village in the Konohan training grounds. Gaara was confused to why Naruto had come to a single stone in the middle of nowhere, but silently waited for the Hokage to speak.

 

“The very first day I trained with my team we were here. Kakashi told me that this stone had the names of Konoha's finest heroes engraved upon it. I thought it was cool, and I wanted so badly to be the kind of hero who had his name written in stone for all time. I was stupid back then, because I had no idea…”

 

Gaara watched as Naruto touched a few of the names, specifically the name of the fourth Hokage. Naruto sighed, this part was so difficult to explain, but he had to try.

 

“I'm the Hokage…I will give my life for Konoha if I need to. I will fight and protect my people with everything I have, and that might mean I could die very young. I want to tell you now how much I love you. If I ever do lose my life, know that I'm sorry for having such a duty. It's my life, Gaara, and I wish more than anything for us to have decades together, but we might not. So, I love you, and I'll protect you…”

 

Gaara pulled Naruto to him, embracing the blond man with an inhuman grip, whispering fiercely, “I will protect you also. Together…we will protect Konoha and Suna and everything together.”

 

“Yes, we will,” Naruto told his fiancé before kissing him again.

 

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The party was already in full swing. As much as it was a way for Naruto to announce his important new political avenue of peace, it was more about fun and relaxation for the Hokage, Gaara, their friends and the important people of Konoha. The one nice thing about Leaf was everyone knew how to have a good time. There was sake, food, a bit of music, and a lot of friends gathered in one location. It was definitely a successful venture for the younger Hokage, who had yet to show up.

 

Kankuro and Sakura were talking with Tsunade quietly, because they were the only ones who knew Gaara and Naruto were engaged. Whispers were shared between the elder Hokage and her apprentice, smiling and discussing things about Naruto and Kankuro's brother. Specifically, Tsunade wanted to know what kind of plates Kankuro thought Gaara would like to receive as a wedding present. After Kankuro flat out told her he had no idea what kind of taste his brother had, Tsunade decided to buy them some expensive alcohol instead, it was more her style anyway.

 

The door to the banquet room opened and in waltzed Gaara and Naruto, smiling at each other as they were greeted by many of the guests. Kakashi grinned devilishly at his former student, knowing something was up by the way the two were covered in snow and holding hands. The two men rarely made any displays of affection in public, and never in front of such a large crowd, but today they were simply glowing as they spoke with people. Even Gaara looked a bit less frightening than he normally did, letting a smile drop here and there, which was a bit creepy to Kakashi. Gaara of the Desert didn't smile, no…that was unheard of.

 

Naruto joked around with Kiba and Hinata, who were expecting their first child. Gaara was speaking to Shikamaru and some of his subordinates who worked with the Konohan jonin, having what looked to be an enjoyable conversation. Naruto excused himself and Gaara so they could divest themselves of the bulky and quite wet (thanks to the snow) coats which they were wearing.

 

Finding their way to the coatroom, Gaara and Naruto carefully stripped their coats, scarves, and mittens, then preened each other before moving to return to the group. They hadn't made it out of the coatroom yet when Naruto pulled the envelope out of Gaara's vest and told him to open and read it after he made his speech. Gaara smiled at Naruto and nodded, holding it closely to him, making sure he wouldn't loose it during the chaotic party. As the two men opened the door to the coatroom someone rushed in, bundled up tightly and covered in snow.

 

“Woah, watch it there,” Naruto warned as the other man almost collided with him.

 

Pulling off the coat and goggles which he had been wearing, Sasuke muttered an apology when he realized who he had almost run into. Naruto grinned, since he hadn't recognized his friend.

 

“Hey, where have you been? Did they send you out on a mission as an ANBU captain?” Naruto asked as he watched Sasuke remove the rest of his winter-wear. Naruto hadn't been informed that Sasuke had failed his test yet, the Hokage only assumed Sasuke had received the rank while he was away.

 

Sasuke huffed, “I failed Naruto, I didn't just not get the position, I failed.”

 

“Huh?” Naruto was confused. “I don't understand, you knew the stuff better than any of the other applicants, there is no way you didn't get it.”

 

“Well I didn't, I was…distracted,” Sasuke muttered as he shoved past the couple and entered the party area.

 

“What was that about?” Gaara asked with a semi-concerned look, something which rarely graced the Kazekage's face.

 

“Don't know,” was Naruto's quiet reply.

 

Walking up onto the stage, Naruto clanged a pair of kunai together in an annoying clash of metal on metal to get everyone's attention. Sakura rolled her eyes, “That ruins perfectly good blades,” she shouted at the Hokage (who didn't seem to care).

 

After everyone quieted down Naruto began to speak, “Welcome everybody, thanks for coming tonight. I'm glad you are present to hear about my newest idea, and you can all help yourselves to an informational scroll on the way out. Read it, it'll tell you everything.”

 

The crowd chuckled, of course the real reason why they had all been summoned was a secret, but everyone thought it was just Naruto finding an excuse for some rowdy behavior. Some conversation started again, but Naruto clanged the kunai together one more time to shush the crowd.

 

“I have one more thing that I have to announce…well…” Naruto blushed, something that the twenty-three year old man never did, but he was definitely turning red as he looked down at Gaara standing in the front of the crowd.

 

“I would like everyone to congratulate two people on new positions they have recently received. First, Temari,” Naruto started as he motioned for Gaara's sister to join him on the makeshift stage (which happened to be a long table at the front of the room, much to the disdain of the banquet hall owner). Everyone had expected Naruto to announce a Konohan position for the blonde woman, but it was much more shocking as Naruto continued.

 

“Temari has just accepted the position of Kazekage, so as the Hokage I want to welcome her to my fellow elite.”

 

Murmurs ran through the crowd as Naruto told his friends this, most people were shocked because they knew of Suna's laws against having more than one Kazekage at a time.

 

“How about you people try clapping instead of gossiping,” Naruto ordered the crowd, annoyed that it was such a surprise. A rowdy round of applause sprung from the group, led by Sakura, Kankuro, and Kiba who were hopping up and down and whistling in a most unruly congratulatory manner.

 

“That's better,” Naruto told everyone, and then he motioned for Gaara to come up to where the Hokage and Temari were. Temari left and was replaced by her younger brother. “The reason why Temari has accepted the position of Kazekage is because Gaara will be coming to Konoha to become my head advisor. Treat him nicely people, or I will hunt you down and hurt you.”

 

Naruto was joking, and it got the group to laugh and clap some more. Naruto shushed the Leaf ninja one more time and reached into his pants pocket, turning to Gaara.

 

“I know you asked me, but I wanted to ask you as well,” Naruto told Gaara with a smile as he dropped to one knee, holding a simple gold ring in his fingers. “Gaara, will you marry me?”

 

The room was completely silent after a few shocked gasps fell from people's lips. Everyone was waiting intently to see what Gaara would say. The former Kazekage's face was as red as his hair and he glared at Naruto, but then his gaze softened as he looked into Naruto's eyes, remembering all of the wonderful things they had shared earlier in the evening.

 

“You already said yes,” Gaara mumbled, making Kankuro and Sakura snicker as Gaara attempted to be defiant.

 

“And now I'm asking you,” was Naruto's quick reply.

 

“Then I guess I should say yes,” Gaara told Naruto with a smirk.

 

The group of onlookers erupted into another round of whooping and hollering as Naruto placed the ring on Gaara's finger and then stood up to kiss his fiancé. It was exactly what Gaara had secretly wanted, but he never would admit that to Naruto.

 

The rest of the evening was filled with fun, sake, and people just enjoying themselves. Most were drunk off of their asses, but there were some (like those that had to travel to Rock in the morning or those who were pregnant) who maintained their sobriety. The room was overflowing with happy jonin and chunin, all except one very heartbroken Uchiha Sasuke, who left the party shortly after Naruto proposed to Gaara. There was only so much humiliation and heartbreak one man could take.

 

 

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END OF CHAPTER

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