Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Age: 17

Name: Gaara of the Sands
Age: 17

Naruto sighed, not really wanting to take a break. He was anxiously awaiting his return in Konoha to see Sakura again. But when Jiraya mentioned they were stopping at Suna, Naruto changed his mind. He wondered how Gaara was doing now and if the people in the village were treating him any differently. He hoped so. He glanced at the old man and hurried him along to the village, wanting to see his friend again.

((Sorry if it's not so good right now. I haven't rped Naruto in forever.))

The villagers of Sunagakure were all in high spirits as they prepared for the five day festival that preceded the ceremony in which their new Kazekage would be announced. Within the three years after the chunnin exams took place, much had changed within the village and its citizens. Sunagakure's buildings normally blended right in with the desert dunes, but now they were decorated with brightly colored flags, and beautiful silks that hung above the streets to provide shade for the revelers.

The villagers were equally colorful, as they wore bright clothing and filled the streets. There were a wide variety of performers among them, and towards the village center, shops were being set up that sold a multitude of different whimsical novelties for the crowd.

Meanwhile, Gaara stood by the window of his new home, looking down at the streets below with a soft look of amazement.It was a wonder that his life could change so rapidly, and thanks to one person and his first friend.. I wish he could be here to see this.. He thought, as his brother suddenly entered his bedroom.

"Are you ready yet, Gaara-kun?" He demanded, excitment making his painted face grin widely. "You know they all want to see you out there enjoying yourself." Kankuro came to the window beside Gaara and peered out. "Temari's already out there somewhere, now c'mon!"

Gaara found himself being tugged from the room before he could even muster a response. He was unsure of what to do, as he suddenly found himself in his home's doorway, and standing before a throng of people. "Uhh.." He was overwhelmed with smiling faces, and people greeting him as they passed by.

Naruto was amazed at how colorful Suna looked. It was true he'd only been here maybe once before, but it seemed so bland and dull. But now, all these colors seemed to pop. A huge smile grew on his face as he took in all the sights. He didn't know what the festival was for, but he sure was glad they were here. It didn't take him long though to figure it out. Apparently this festival was to celebrate their new Kazekage. He wondered briefly who it was going to be, but his wondering left him quickly as the smell of food caught his attention.

Since Jiraya had already run off to go gamble, drink and flirt with women, Naruto was basically left on his own. So, he felt around in his bag until he found his frog wallet. It seemed to be about half-full so... He should have enough to buy a few things. Plus it was better that he spend the money on the things he wants than to end up giving it all to the pervy old man. He wandered over to a food stall and bought a snack. It wasn't a taste he was used too, but it was most defenintly delicious.

Naruto walked aimlessly around the village, stopping every-so-often to get a snack or play a game with some random person. He was laughing and having a great time when he spotted a flash of red hair. "Hey!! Gaara!!" he exclaimed, rather loudly as he ran towards it. Of course, this could just be some random person, but Naruto was certain it was his friend. And his suspicions were confirmed when he was close enough to actually see who it was. "How've you been?" he asked, his smile still on his face.

Gaara was led into the center of the village, Kankuro pointing him in the direction of numerous stalls. The villagers were excited to see him, but they gave him his space. Several girls fawned over him from afar, making Gaara nervous as the pair approached a stall filled with sweets.

When he heard his name being called, he suddenly looked around in surprise. Kankuro adruptly laughed when he caught sight of Naruto before Gaara. "Look who showed up!" He announced, steering his younger brother towards the blonde. "You're just in time!"

Gaara suddenly looked nervous. "Naruto!? What are you doing here?" It had been three years since he last seen his friend, and he suddenly blinked in surprise when he realized that Naruto was actually a little taller than him now.

In all honesty, Naruto was kinda surprised that Gaara was even out and about during the festivities. He never really seemed like the type of person who enjoyed these type of thigns before. But hey. It has been three years since they've seen each other and people changed. Naruto was just glad he had managed to find him in the crowd. He would have hated to have had to spend the rest of the day with random people. It was always better to hang with a friend.

Well. I was on my way back to Konoha, but Pervy Sage Sensei wanted to stop here." Naruto said, putting his hands on the back of his head. "I'm glad we did stop though. It's good seeing you again!" Naruto had a bright, happy smile on his face. He was really excited to see his friend again. "What're you doing here though? You don't seem like the time of person who enjoys these kind of things."

The Pervy Sage..? Gaara had never before heard of such a person. "Well I normally don't.. but it's.. kind of for me." He answered, suddenly looking awkward.

"Well, I'll leave you two to catch up." Kankuro inturrupted, patting Gaara on the back before turning away. "Now you guys have fun, there's plenty to do here!" He added, before getting lost in the crowd.

Gaara watched him leave before turning back to Naruto with a small grin. "A lot has changed in three years, Naruto. Do you.. want to get something to eat, and I will tell you about it?"

OOC: Sorry, it's a little short. Tryin' to fix somethin to eat, too. ^^

ooc; It's fine. ^^ We're going to be eating here soon too.

Naruto continued smiling as he watched Kankuro run off. He nodded happily at the thought of eating with his friend. "Yeah! I would love to eat with you!" he exclaimed, looking around. He didn't every really get the chance to eat with Gaara before in Konoha and he was excited about the chance to know. But then something clicked in his mind and he turned to look at Gaara, amazement showing on his face. "Wait! This festival is for you?! That's great!" It had actually slipped his mind from the short time that he was in the village that the festival was for the Kazekage. But of course, he wasn't exactly one to hold onto such small details about things.

Well, maybe some things haven't changed.. Gaara thought with a smile. "Come on, I know this place that you'll like." He waved for Naruto to follow him, as he turned and made his way through the crowds. They had to walk down a few steets before Gaara stopped in front of a building. He pushed the bright blue silk from the doorway and stepped into the little restaurant. He was immediately greeted by the owners who beckoned the pair into their own little corner.

Gaara's hands went to the large gourd on his back and he slid it off his shoulders as he knelt down before the table. He carefully set it onto the floor next to him. "This place may not be your Ichiraku Ramen Bar, but I think you'll like it nevertheless."

Naruto followed after Gaara happily. One for the fact he was getting some food. Another because he was glad to be around Gaara again after so long. He was curious as to how he'd been doing these last few years and couldn't wait for the chance to ask. But his stomach growled, so he figured it could wait until after they've eaten.

The smell of food hit him the second they entered the restaurant. It only made his hunger worse than it was a few seconds ago and he was glad when they were seated. He took the seat across from Gaara and looked around the little restaurant. "Well. The food smells good, so I'm sure I'll love it." he said, smiling.

Gaara smiled back, as the owner's daughter approached their table. "Gaara-kun!" She exclaimed, blushing. "Oh, who's your friend?" It was obvious that Gaara held most of the young woman's attention, and she had only just noticed Naruto as she came to stand by Gaara's side.

"This is Naruto Uzumaki." He introduced. "He's from Konoha."

"Well, hello Naruto. I'm Miki." She said, with a grin before turning back to Gaara. "Should I get you the usual, Gaara-kun?" She purred, still blushing.

"Uh.. actually I think we'll just get a little of everything." He answered, trying his best not to look at Miki. He thought that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have all the women of the village still a bit scared of him. At least that way he wouldn't be drowning in their attention all the time.