Don't Wanna Be In Love (Part 1)

Genre: Romance/Hurt/Comfort

Inspiration: 'Don't Wanna Be In Love' By Good Charlotte

Gaara ran as fast as he could as he sped down the streets of Konoha, rain pounding down on him but he easily dismissed it. For the first time in a long time, Sabaku no Gaara, The Kazekage of Sunagakure, was scared. His eyes were wide like a child's eyes would be if they had just seen the boogieman in there closet or if they met the big bad wolf in person. But no, this was far different then those childish fears. His breath became more labored and forced with every heavy step he took in order to get his apartment building, making his throat dry and his mind race with incoherent thoughts. His bright chilly red hair was now darkened to blood red due to the rain water that made it stick to his handsome face.

He clutched at his left chest as an unknown pressure built up in the small, beating chamber that resided there. What was happening to him? Why was he showing so much emotion? What happened to him?!

He paused in his running to quickly catch his breath. He lifted his gaze up to the dark skies, allowing the cooling rain to fall upon his face. This sensation momentarily calmed him… that is until he heard another pair of footsteps behind him. He gasped, starting his run again, ignoring the calls of his name by his pursuer. What was he running from that was so frightening that he was nearly on the break of tears?

"Gaara! Please wait!" It shouted to him but he simply ignored it as he released a sorrowful cry, whimpering like a wounded puppy. He didn't want this to continue on any longer. He hated this feeling that grew within him. Why wouldn't it go away? What had he done to deserve this?

"Gaara! Chotto!"

He gasped for air that was barely in his grasp anymore. He didn't even know where his home was anymore, which was a rather unfortunate coincidence, due to his predicament. He just kept running… running away from the emotions he was feeling… running away from the abnormality in his routine…

When he had finally stopped, he had found himself laying his head against a tree, somewhere near a training area. Funny… hadn't this been the very place he had just ran away from? Had he just gone in a circle?

He cursed himself as he held his weak body up with his hands as he gripped the tree bark as if it were his life line. He swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the dryness in his throat but to no avail.

The running footsteps that had followed him mercilessly soon came into ear shot but he didn't panic, for he was too tired to care, nor did he turn around to face the person who had caused him to feel so much.

"Ah…anata o mitsukemashita." The voice was calm and collected, even though the person had also ran a great deal. It was a sweet voice that made Gaara's heart ache with an unwanted need. The red head clutched at his chest absently, his breath still trying to catch up with him, "Why did you run off like that? I was just saying that I have bought some rice so we could make some onigiri together. I told you I would show you how to make some ne?"

Gaara's shoulder's tensed as he let out a silent sob. He could taste salt among the rainwater that had drenched his face but he thought vaguely about it. He bit his lip lightly as his voice rasped out, "Dooshite…?"

"…Nanda?" The person behind him asked, half curious, half concerned.

"…" Gaara suddenly had a flash of rage run through his person as he spun around aggressively, facing the man that made him feel this way.

Rock Lee.

His face was that of a kind, good willed being but that face had been contorted slightly due to concern and utter confusion. His raven black hair clung to his face as well, causing it to loose it usual shine because of the water. His green spandex suit wasn't as dam as Gaara's black clothing but it was soaking all the same.

"Gaara…?" Lee started only to be cut off by Gaara's sudden outburst.

"DOOSHITE?!" Gaara shouted, "Why do you have to do this too me? I never asked you too… too be like this!"

Lee was slightly taken back by Gaara's explosion of anger but he ignored it and took as step closer to Gaara, "What do you mean?"

Gaara took a step back in response, only to meet the base of the tree again, "I never asked you to be nice to me or spar with me when nobody else would! I never asked you to visit me in Suna or eat lunch together or…or…I-I… I never asked you to do anything! You didn't have to pity me!"

Lee blinked, slightly dumbfounded but came a step closer despite the edgy other's shouts; they were now a foot away from each other. Gaara shrunk back into the tree, as if to hide in the base of the tree, "Stop it Lee! Get away from me or I'll…I'll…"

They both knew that Gaara could never hurt Lee, even if the sand had been present, not that it would be of any use in such a wet environment. Lee took one last step closer to the shorter male who was shaking from the cold ran and slight fear; a half a foot between them. Gaara forced himself to look at the zipper of the other's jounin vest, pushing himself not to make eye contact.

Lee smiled, "I know nobody asked me Gaara. No one needs to be asked when it comes to a bond. You are one off my most special persons and I'll do everything to protect you so please, do not be sad. I have already said I loved you and I will not take back what I said."

Gaara flinched at the word 'love' as his gaze fell to the ground under his feet, "You shouldn't say such foolish things Lee… you don't love me."

Lee simply stared, "Yes I do. I'm sure I do. My heart and gut tell me so. Why do you refuse to believe that?"

Gaara bit his lip again, "I want to… It just isn't fair what you're doing to me Lee. It just isn't…"

Gaara found that his chin had been cupped by warm finger tips which gently pushed his chin upward. Aquamarine finally locked with the chocolate brown orbs as he felt himself falling into them, no matter how confusing or painful he was feeling at that moment.

"…Fair," Gaara gasped out just as warm lips slanted over his cold ones, bringing momentary warm to them and his insides.

'I love you too Lee…but,' Gaara thought as his arm encircled the leaf's neck tenderly, deepening the kiss ever so slightly, 'Love hurts too much… I just can't… I don't wanna be in love…'

End