Gaara woke up with a bright smile curving on his lips. He opened his eyes slowly, rolling around for a moment before finally sliding out of the bed he’d been sleeping in. Even though his sleep hadn’t brought him any dreams at all waking up fresh with a light heart felt like the sweetest gift.

He walked into the bathroom, smile still hanging on his face as he let out a few yawns and scratched at his messy hair. After splashing water on his face, he stared at his own reflection in the ...