Fic 01. Prompt 001. "Beginnings."

The first time Naruto sits down and really examines his own seal is in the dark of night, with clouds covering the moon and nothing but himself, it seems, alive in the world. He traces the whirling flames spiraling out from his navel, shivers, giggles uncontrollably at the way his skin twitches under his finger, as if possessed by a mind of its own.

The first time Gaara sits down and really examines his own seal is in the light of morning, with the hot sun beating down on his back and everyone but himself, it seems, alive in the world. He traces the smudged black waves spread over his arm, blinks, watches sand flow from nowhere to cover his arm, as if protecting him from himself.

They are five years old.