As soon as the cry left his mouth, Rocklee wished he could take it back. Just what was he thinking?!

Rocklee wanted to crawl into the ground before the red-head.

Gaara seemed a little shocked himself.

The black circles around his eyes stretched just a bit further, giving space to the blue-green pools.

Rocklee's words were repeating in their minds.

"I promise I will protect you will my life!"

Gaara spotted the hesitation in the person before him.

Rocklee seemed nervous.

Rocklee was nervous.

He loved Sakura right? Then why had he just promised Gaara he'd protect him with his life?

Rocklee grew confused. His feelings engulfing him whole. Sure, the Sand Demon had saved his life...But he also had tried to take it.

Rocklee pushed those thoughts away. He didn't hold grudges. Certainly not with Gaara, who'd change so much since the last time Rock Lee had saw him. The blood lust in his eyes had vanished without a trace. Instead, they were replaced with another glow...

Rocklee wanted to throw his arms in the air and clutch his bowl-cut head. This is absurd! And besides...Surely, Gaara will reject m- What am I thinking?! This is not good! I must have hit my head harder than I thought during my last mission!

Gaara wouldn't have minded the quietness in the air. He was quite use to it from all those times he had been alone.

But this time, he did. He didn't like the way the silence just clung to the air between him and Rocklee.

He was more comfortable when Rocklee bounced about, creating a loud racket and leaving traces behind.

Gaara had learned to admire Rocklee and his trade-marks.

In fact, he'd gotten use to Rocklee all together.

Rocklee's head was spinning in an endless vortex.

Gaara seemed to have regained his cool, now. Rocklee would've been glad if Gaara hadn't started to stare at him. It made him nervous.

And when Rocklee couldn't take Gaara's eyes resting on him anymore, he head for the door. "I, uh...I'll go look for Naruto for you! Surely he will be happy to see y-!" Rocklee was cut short.

Gaara was a little relieved he'd found Rocklee's mouth in his first try.

After all, the little Sand Demon had never kissed anyone before...

During those few seconds, Gaara was weighing Rocklee's words. Debating whether they were true or not. Gaara had been hurt before. And he never wanted to feel such pain again...So when he pulled away, he said. "What did you say?"

Rocklee was at loss of words at first.

It took him a while to answer Gaara...And when he did, he made sure Gaara would hear it this time.

"I promise...I promise to protect you with my life!"