Gaara hadn't slept in years. But after Shukaku was taken out of him, he supposed it had to happen. After many nights with no sleep, and the dark rings growing around his eyes, he decided to give up and do the same as before: Stay awake at night, thinking.
On the first night, he thought about how it felt without Shukaku inside him, egging him on to sedate his bloodlust.
On the second night, he thought about how much he changed. He was no longer the cruel and merciless cold-blooded killer. Yes, maybe he still hid his emotions, but now he could at least be nice and with those close to him, even let his guard down.
On the third night, he finally thought about the one thing he tried so hard to avoid: Rock Lee. The leaf-nin had always piqued his interest. Even before the taking of Shukaku, he held some adoration for the Green Beast. He knew it would never happen. Lee was chasing after the pink-haired girl not him, the cold, former demon vessel. And being the Kazekage meant that he needed to marry a woman who would bear him a suitable heir. But still those feelings stayed, and every time he saw Lee his heart clenched with agonizing knowledge that he could never have him.
The day after the third night, Gaara received knowledge that a team of Konoha ninja-including Lee- were coming to help escort a Suna merchant back from Konoha. Though his heart swelled with the fact that he would see Lee, it also broke knowing that all it would bring was lost hope for something more than friendship between them.
That night was the first time Gaara slept. He dreamt of bowl-haired homely prince coming to him and declaring his love.