JapanEmoGirl
Long ago, in the fair land in Suna, there was a King. He was a nice King, with a wife, and a son. His son is named Gaara. The three were very good to the kingdom, and town's people. Rumor started. Gaara was to be married to the first daughter of Konoha. So, to have it settled, the King of Konoha would often visit Suna, with his daughter, Sakura. Gaara didn't like Sakura much. "Gaara-kun," said Sakura, "where do you think you're going? Father won't like you wondering off. He said you have to stay with me."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara was turning, just about to leave, not wanting to be in the same room with the girl he was about to be wed, only to pause when she spoke. He did shuttered, hoping to get away with leaving this awful castle, he was trapped. He didn't have any peace, no time for himself, and he didn't have the freedom he wanted. How he wanted to be free like the villagers; yes he had all of the money he desired, but what is the point of having it if you can't enjoy the current life?

But worse of all, was planned marriages. Wasn't it clear to his father that he had no desire to marry this girl? Freedom was one thing that he wanted most of all, but he just couldn't reach. With a dreaded sigh, he turned back around, walking to the window of this dreadful castle, watching some of his town's people working in the fields, "Nowhere, my-lady…" He knew that his father made him stay with the princess of Konoha, to get to know her better, but it only seemed to make him more distant to her. Perhaps if he was desperate enough, he could make a leap for it, and run. That is if his legs don't break from the fall. He was only about 3 stories up in the castle.

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. Awaiting to listen to one of his future wife's rants on how her dress looks, or her day, was going. He just wanted to day to be over with, so when night falls, he could attempt to escape from this castle, once more, under the brush of night. Some of the times he escaped, but ended up getting caught by one of the guards, patrolling the streets, and was sent back to the castle, and ended up being locked in his room as punishment. He will succeed one of these days, and he won't' stop until he does.

JapanEmoGirl
Sakura stuck up her nose, "Good. I don't want my handsome Prince getting in trouble." She walked over to him and put her hands on his chest, "It would not be wise at all to leave the castle. Who knows what dirty people are out there?"

She finished her flirting with a light peck on Gaaras cheek, getting some of her lipstick on him. Sakura back away and finished getting ready for her meeting with the King, "Now, how do I look? Be honest, please. I want to look my best for my father. Tonight is my birthday, so I have to get everything ready. I know you were not paying attention last meeting, Gaara-kun, so I will explain. Last meeting, my father said I had to look my best tonight. We are having a party, and inviting all the important people, and not those filthy Peasants. Honestly, how could someone live like that? So dirty, oh, and work? Simply dreadful."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara gave her a shadowed glare from the corner of his eye, as his head was still faced towards those hard working people that he adored so much. He sighed again, mostly agreeing with her, just to satisfy her from not telling his father about leaving, "No, it would not be wise…" He completely disagreed with that, but he had to agree to it for now. But he made a grimace at the grace of her saying "Handsome Prince." He did not prefer himself to be called by such a title. He wanted to be a no-one. Everyone knew and respected him, just because of his father. Everyone would put on a show, and never treat him normally. It was always Gaara-sama this and Gaara-sama that…

His glare grew harsher, when she mentioned about the "dirty" people that she mentioned. Those dirty people paid the taxes to keep this castle standing, if it wasn't for them she wouldn't be a princess at all, she would probably tending to the farms as a cowhand or a pig feeder. She had no idea who these hard working people were. Gaara respected them, and it was obvious she did not, giving him more of the reason to dislike her even further.

When she pecked his cheek, he immediately moved a hand to rub it. Almost like it was mud or poison that kissed his cheek, as he resisted the urge to call out "Yuck." He hated getting those kisses from her, smearing her lipstick all over his face like he enjoyed it.

He rolled his eyes when Sakura began to ask about how she looked. Does she really want to know how he thought that she looked? Because I don't think that she really wants to know, his true opinion. He knew better than to call her something rude, it was his nature and the way her was raised to be kind to women, but she was a whole different picture. "Wwwonderfulll…" He said almost too dramatically, hoping that she would get the picture that he was lying. He started to ignore her as she started to explain about that boring meeting yesterday, only half listening. "Yeah, yeah, yeah…" But he paused when she started to insult his people once again. This time glaring right at her, as she spoke so poorly of them, like they were nothing but wild animals. He had to bite his tongue to keep from lashing out at her, but he kept his cool. "…Quite…" He growled out.

JapanEmoGirl
Sakura, still going on and on about the party tonight, did not hear Gaara. There was a knock at the door, and Sakura answered it. Her footmen, Sasuke, stood there, and held out an arm for the pink lady, "My lady, the King wishes to see you know."

Sakura blushed and giggled like she always did whenever she saw Sasuke. She didn't really care that her supposed husband-to-be was standing behind her, "Alright, Sasuke-kun," she said, batting her eyelids at the raven haired male. She took his arm and turned back to Gaara, "Gaara-kun, you are not allowed at this meeting. You may do what you wish for now. Go visit your siblings at the barn, or something. I will not be back, sadly. So, you're going to have to wait for me. Do not forget the party in the ballroom tonight. I hate to have no one to dance with. Of course, I would have tons of people to, but father says I must dance with you, sense you are to be my husband. You don't have to come if you don't want, though. I always have Sasuke-kun here to dance with. Ta ta~"

With that, Sakura left with the older male, who rolled his eyes, and sighing. Obviously, he didn't like the idea of dancing with the gossiping Princess. Who would? Sasuke closed the door behind them. But, you could still hear the giggles from Sakura.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara gripped his hair, praying to the lord himself to strike him dead, or at least cut his ears off to cease this punishment. The only relief that he got, was when a knock came to the door. He'd have to thank whoever it was to silence that woman. Dreadfully, it was Sasuke. He didn't like him either, but disliked Sakura even more due to her mouth; at least Sasuke knew when to shut up. Just by the looks of it, Sakura seemed to like him more than her actual husband-to-be. Good. Perhaps when he runs away from this awful castle he can leave her in the hands of him.

He said nothing as he watched the two leave the room, and sighed gratefully. "Thank you, my lord and savior…" He praised, as he turned back towards the window. Sulking about the life he wished to have. Perhaps he could meet up with his siblings down by the barn, grab a horse and practice some polo. Or, make a quick escape… He knew that if he stays in this castle, he would have to attend that dreadful ball, which he did not want to go to. He'd much rather stay in his room than to dance with that hated girl that he is supposed to call a wife.

He turned around and made his way out of the room, and down the long stony halls of the castle. His guards bowing and calling out "My Prince" with ever one he passed by. He sighed loudly, and eventually made his way outside into the stables, walking by his brother and strait to his horse. He grasped the animals halter and started to tack him up, to be ridden. With the clip of the saddle, and bridle, he walked past his brother again, and strait out towards the playing fields, and mounted. Perhaps he could put on a show, and then make another escape attempt. Depends on how many guards will show. He grabbed a pole and ball, and started to play. Never once speaking or looking at his siblings that were watching him from the edge of the playing field.

JapanEmoGirl
"Some brother we have," said Gaaras brother, Kankuro. He leaned on the fence and locked his knee, putting weight on the other, "always so serious. Temari," he looked at his sister, "why is it that Gaara has to marry Sakura, and you can marry whoever you want? Aren't you the first born?"

Temari crossed his arms and kept her eyes on Gaara, "Well, father said that you and I are not, uh, 'fit' to be kings and queens. Gaara, on the other hand, is. He's calm, quiet, and polite. He doesn't speak unless spoken too, and do not ask for much. Though, I remember our little brother telling me, one day, that he didn't want to be a prince. I asked him why, but he didn't answer." Temari paused before she started again, "I'm not even sure if we should call him our brother. He does not really like girls. I do not remember a day were Gaara was awed by one."

Kankuro smirked, "You're right," To tease Gaara, Kankuro yelled across the field, "Who knew Gaara was 'playing for the other team'?!"

With a quick smack in the head by the elder sister, Kankuro laughed.

XxGaaraloverxX
With a hard kick to the horses flank, he galloped strait on and leaned down to strike the ball into the goal post. He ran past it, and strikes it back behind him and turned sharply, trotting down to a stop, near the middle of the field. He played a good game, and managed to make at least 7 goals, with a few misleads from the tap. He wasn't the best at the game, but he was decent at it. He looked towards the fence line and saw his siblings, talking, he heard his brother yelling, and frowned at his out lashing. He didn't quite understand what his brother meant by "other team" but he should know that he is does not play for sport, he plays for fun, so he is in no such team, as his brother mentions. ;) . He cantered back to them, and halted in front of them, and dismounted. He was going to make his escape, but ended up quitting it when he saw a fresh batch of guards appear from the gates. They would surely catch him if he were to dash. "Guess I will just have to wait for tonight." He thought, as he led his horse back to the stables, nodding at his siblings, in greeting, but said nothing more.

He un-tacked the horse, and sent him back into his stall. With a dreaded sigh, he walked towards the polo field again, but this time much further away on the fence line than his siblings. He leaned onto the fence and stared off into the distance. At the houses that lined the distance and a fading sound of horse hoofs beating against the stony ground from the workers in the city. How he wish to join them, and be someone different, and best of all unknown. To be treated like a normal person, instead of a figure of power.

A frown graced his features, as he didn't even spare a passing glance at his siblings. They were always teasing him, and he didn't have time for such nonsense today. All he was thinking of, was how to escape before that dreadful ball.

JapanEmoGirl
Hours passed. It was night, and the ball has begun. Sakura was in her red, fluffy dress. She searched for Gaara, or rather, glanced here and there for Gaara. Never really searching for him,

"Oh well," she fake sighed, "Seems as if Gaara did not show up. He was always such a loner. Never really thinking of others." She huffed. Sakura looked at her father, "Seems as though he is tired, father. He may have gone to sleep already."

The ball was filled with important people. The Pope, dukes and douches, horns men, footmen, Kings and Queens from both Suna, and Konoha. Anyone who worked at the castle and Gaaras siblings. Even they did not know where Gaara truly is.

Sakuras father looked around, "Yes, it seems he is not here. It's a disgrace, knowing full and well it is your birthday, dear. He should have come and did at least one dance with you. How foolish, and selfish. You may dance with whomever."

Sakura smiled and giggled, "Thank you, father." She giddily said, turning to look for Sasuke.

Meanwhile, in the village, a young man by the name of Rock Lee was finishing his work, "What a full day," he said, happily, "I sold so much fruit. It was wonderful." he hummed a happy tune, cleaning up the remains of his food. Once done, he closed up his stand. Lee placed a hand in his pocket, and lend up against the stand, looking in awe at the castle, "Someday," he said to himself, "I'll be good enough for the castle. For Princess Sakura. Maybe, I'll meet her in person. She's so beautiful; her personality must be beautiful, as well." He closed his eyes, and reopened them to see the clear night sky, "I better get home. I need to get some dinner."

Lee walked past many people, smiling and nodding in greeting. Again, the idea of the castle caught his mind. It's always been his dream to go to it. He had a feeling that dream would come true, very soon.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara made a break for it when he managed to slip past security at the stables, and ran on foot. His body ached, and his breath heaved, as he dashed through the empty alleyways trying to avoid the guards that patrolled the streets. He knew where most of them would patrol, but whenever he least expected it, he would be caught. So he decided to stay by the ally's to stay hidden until he was in the clear. He had on an old raggy outfit to try and blend in with the crowd, he tried his best to hide his hair and facial features. Those would give him away in a heartbeat. For all he knew he was the only one to have such a bright red hairstyle, and eyebrow-less, aquatic colored eyes shrouded in dark rings. He had a hood, on but he kept his gaze down, as he finally made it to the edge of the city streets, heading towards the homes from the busy business town. "Yes…" He praised silently, as he ducked down and walked silently among the common folk. He was alone and no one treated him differently. He was the same. Just like everyone else.

He gasped as he peeked up to hear a guard, "Hey you. You look familiar." His feet went into overdrive as he dashed down another alleyway, desperately trying to run away from that dreaded lifestyle that threatened to drag him back. He had to run, and run fast. He had to get away. When he cut down another alleyway he thought he lost them, until he managed to reach open streets, again and ran into someone, toppling him over, as he fell right on top of him. He wasn't even looking where he was going; he was so concentrated on getting away.

Gaara gasped, as he pushed himself up with the help of the bystander's chest, he didn't say a word as he took a look at who he ran into. This fellow had a dark bowl cut that shone even in the dark of the night, with eyes to match. He was tall, and strong, just like he predicted the rest of his people to be. And he had an aura of kindness that leaked out of him strongly. He was a generous man, and it made him want to join his lifestyle even more. He gasped as he heard the stomping footsteps of the solders behind them. He must not have lost them as he thought. He turned back to the man, and got off of him quickly, pondering to say he is sorry or not. And wondering if he were to turn him in, or not. Would this guy even recognize who he is?

He took another glance, and blushed, when the man stood up.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee stood and laughed. He rubbed the back of his head, "Guess that's what I get for not looking where I was going." He looked at what he had ran into, "I'm sorry, I should of been paying more attention to my surroundings."

Lee could see this man was tense, and saw him looking back in froth to the guards coming this way. Lee guessed he was running from them. Those guards, always running after the innocent. Lee took the boys arm, and whispered in his ear, "Follow my lead." Lee dragged the stranger towards the guards, "Evening!" He said to them and walked past them, completely covering the other male. Lee, once far enough from the men, stopped and smiled, "Well, we're gone from the mean men." Even though he couldn't see his face, Lee felt odd around his man. Like, something was pulling towards him.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara gasped harshly, when he felt the other man grasp his arm and practically shield him from the guards. And the great thing is, they bought it. They said back, "Evening." And walked off like he wasn't even there. Perfect.

He didn't know what to truly say to this man who saved him. He could have been a thief, or a killer. But he kindly protected him, and brushed off the fact that he knocked the poor man over. The least he could say was thank you. He reached up and pulled down his hood, uncovering his bright red hair, looking up at the taller male. He was always very protective of what he says, and didn't like to speak without being spoken too, but this time he would make an exception. He didn't know why, but he felt somewhat attracted to this person who saved him.

But, would this person even recognize who he was? Would he immediately turn him in for a ransom of cash, and the king to be known as the hero who brought back the kings son? He knew that he shouldn't have uncovered his identity, but he didn't want to be rude and at least thank him for the trouble that he has caused this poor man. "Thank you…"

JapanEmoGirl
When Lee saw what the young lad looked like, his breath caught up in his throat. It seemed like the angels themselves were singing, and the moonlight bounced perfectly off his face. His red hair was so beautiful, but his eyes were what caught his attention the most. The color and shape was just so perfect. Lee could swear he was dreaming, but he knew he was not.

"Oh, my," That's all Lee could say to this beauty. He was more beautiful than... that girl he was thinking of earlier. Gosh, Lee couldn't remember her name at the moment. All he can remember now is this boy, this face in front of him now, "you are the most beautiful person I've ever seen. Why must you shade yourself in a hood?" Lee smiled at the shorter male, "I must know your name, fairest lad."

XxGaaraloverxX
Now that he was uncloaked, he managed to get an even better view of this man who saved him. It was dark, but he could still see the features of this man through the moonlight. A blush matched his hair, when he took notice of the man's features. The redhead only stood to his shoulders, he was so tall. The man was of a tanner skin tone, unlike his own pale complexion, it shows that he has been working out in the fields. He was wearing an average outfit for a business man that owned a farm and sold produce, a simple light brown tee with old tattered jeans. His hands looked rough and calloused, signaling a life of hard work, complete opposite to his own untouched skin. This man had what he wanted the most, freedom. Not only that, he had the looks to boot.

Gaara swallowed thickly, he didn't understand what he was feeling at this moment. He felt warmer, and a strange feeling was in his stomach, like a bunch of butterfly's fluttering around. His heart was doing leaps, and his palms were a bit sweaty. He has never felt like this before, but has read about it before, it was something called love. But that was impossible! This is another man! One of the same gender as he! Perhaps that is what his brother meant when he called out that he "Plays for the other team." Could he possibly be… Gay? It was forbidden in this land to become one of those, especially to the king's son, but he couldn't deny his heart.

He jumped slightly when the man spoke out a stunned word. Eyeing around to see if more guards appeared, but the other man's gaze was still locked on him. It was lucky enough that he didn't recognize him from his looks of who he really is; perhaps not many people did after all. He doesn't go out, or attend to many balls or parties from the castle. Gaara's eyes widened when he heard this man speak of him in such a wonderful manner. "B-Beautiful?" he thought, as he stared at the man in disbelief. He has never been called that before. He was taught that women are supposed to be beautiful, and men are supposed to be handsome. Well it was true, since this other man was very handsome.

When he asked him for his name, Gaara almost cursed under his breath. If he didn't recognize him from his looks, he would surely recognize him from his name. The whole city of Konoha and Suna was to know of the be-wedding of Gaara Sabaku and Sakura Haruno. He had to think of a fake name. He couldn't afford to get caught now, he has never gotten this far before. He looked around and saw a sign that says "Gerald" and looked back at those caring black eyes. As soon as he caught gaze, he spoke out. "G-Gaara… N-No! I-I mean… uh-!..." Damn it! He screwed this up! Now he'll be caught for sure!

JapanEmoGirl
Lee took note of the shorter males silence for a moment. Did he screw up by saying he was beautiful? Oh, Heavens, Lee hope he didn't. He admits not every male wants to be called 'Beautiful' by another male. Lee doesn't think any male wants to be called 'Beautiful' at all. But, Lee couldn't help it; this redheaded man was drop dead gorgeous. He had to speak it out. But, from the blush on his cheeks, Lee thought he didn't mind.

Still waiting on his name, Lee kept his eyes on him. Watching him struggle and look around. Does he not know his own name? Does he have a name? Dear, God! Lee asked for the name of a nameless person! What if he was offended?! What if he walks away right now and his last thought of Lee would be that he was a jerk?! The raven haired male didn't want him to leave! Not yet! Not ever!

Then, he heard him spoke. Lee tilted his head. Was he stuttering on his own name? Why? It's a beautiful name. Gaara, "Gaara? My name is Lee," Lee lifted Gaara's hand, kissing it softly; "I'm very pleased to meet you. You must be new to the Kingdom. Do you have a place to stay? Perhaps, you can stay with me."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara swallowed, readying to be dragged back to that dreadful castle that he hated so much, when he blinked and looked at the other man. He looked happy, and satisfied with his answer, and best of all, he didn't immediately shout out "Hey you're the Prince!" Instead he just introduced himself, and best of all, he grasped his hand within his own. When he lifted it to his own lips, he felt like one of those princesses from the movies, meeting their prince charming. He even made a story for him to stick by. Lee didn't need to know who he really was, right?

"Y-Yeah… I-I just got a little lost… I-I-I would love to stay with you." That was right; he didn't even think this through enough. What would have happened if he had gotten away? What would have happened if he managed to slip by on his own without running into this man? He would be no-where. He would have no food, or shelter, or water. He would be homeless. He was extremely lucky to run into this man, literally, and allow him a place to stay.

He swallowed, and grasped Lee's hand back. Giving a gentle smile, "It is really nice to meet you, sir-Lee. Where is it that you live?" He grabbed the long cloak that he was wearing, and wrapped it neatly around himself. Glancing around, nervously just in case they were to meet anymore solders, he was sure that Lee would protect him, though. "O-Oh a-and uh… Th-Thanks for saving me back there…"

JapanEmoGirl
Lee gave a charming smile, and let go of Gaaras hand, a little sad to do so, "No, no," Lee chuckled, "I am not a 'sir'. My father is a 'sir'. I am just Lee."

Lee took a step forward, and put up his arm, wanting Gaara to take it, "I do not live far from here. I will lead you," The raven haired male watched Gaara put on his cloak, "And, you're welcome, sir-Gaara." he teased playfully, adding sir to his name.

XxGaaraloverxX
It appears that Lee's smiles were quite addictive, as a small smile seemed to peek from the usual stoic face. Lee was a real charming man. Strangely, his hand felt so cold, and lost, without the warmth that Lee brought upon while he was holding his hand. Gaara blinked when Lee reinstated his title; he was not a sir? Surely, this wonderful man had to be married? Apparently, not. With a blush, he lowered his head in a sorry, "My apologies, Lee."

When Lee took a step towards him, it made the height difference even more noticeable, as Lee offered an arm for him to take. He swallowed, only knowing what to do since Sakura had to take his arm before. He slipped his own arm around Lee's, and used his other to gently touch the bend in Lee's arm, just as a woman would do to a man. It was only Lee being a complete gentleman that he knew to treat others with respect. It made him smile. He allowed the older male to lead him through the city streets, and to his home. He wondered where he lived. Would he live on a decent lot of land with a small stable, and a plot of a field to grow his produce? He didn't plan to stay long; he didn't want to burden the man any more than he already has.

He blinked when Lee teased him through his speech of a marriage title. If he were to get caught, he would have to be known as a 'Sir-Gaara' soon, but he hoped to god that he didn't have to be called by such a title, but Lee didn't have to know about his upcoming marriage, yet. That is until he gets to know him a bit better. He already felt so attracted to the other man, like he has known him for years. But, if Lee even remotely knew who he was he would have definitely have thought twice about teasing him in such a term. But he was happy. Happy that Lee does not know him. Happy that he is a complete stranger, and treated as a normal person. It made him feel like he fit in, and not treated with the robotic sense of respect because of his title.

"Oh, ha-ha, very funny~." Gaara giggled back. Happy to openly joke, since he has never done so before. Everything was always seriousness, and never playing or joking around. Now he can relax and stop being so stuck up.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee smiled at Gaaras giggle. But then, another problem came into his mind, "Gaara-kun," he started, but didn't know how to finish.

Lee hasn't been home in years. He left his house years ago to learn the act of fighting, so it's been over five years sense he's been home. Of course, he remembers where it is, but he just got back this morning, and went straight to his stand, which was watched over by his good friend, Naruto. Lee doesn't remember if he left it clean, or dirty. He doesn't know if there is dust everywhere, or if Naruto was nice enough to go and clean it for him. He was a little afraid of what Gaara would think of his house. What if it was messy? Would he not care? Would he be disgusted? To Lee, Gaara seemed like a man who was raised 'Full Class'. Just by the way he walks and acts. Must be the son of riches.

"I have to warn you," Lee finally got his words out, "I have not been home in over five years, so, I have no idea if my home is messy or not. If it is, I am deeply sorry."

XxGaaraloverxX
When his name was spoken, he looked up at the taller male and replied "Yes, Lee-san?" His eyebrow furrowed a bit at the –kun that was put at the end of his name. He has never heard of his name spoken like that before. It was always a –sama. He like it, though, it seemed to suit him, well; he immediately brought on that small smile as he awaited for Lee to respond in finishing his sentence.

Lee warned him about the mess that his house may lay in. And five years he hasn't been home? Then he will expect at least a few layers of dust here and there, but nothing to go completely out of disappointment. He gave a caring smile, and cautiously leaned his head onto Lee's upper arm, and spoke "Dirt and grime does not faze me, Lee-san. For, I need to get away from the cleanliness of my previous life. Do not worry about me; I can handle a few specks of dust. If you would like, I could assist you in cleaning, if it is as bad as you say, Lee-san." He would be glad to help Lee clean up if his house was a bit messy. It was the least he could do for allowing him to stay; he just would have to remember how to clean. Back at the castle, whenever he would get something dirty, he would go and fetch some cleaning materials, only to come back to a spotless scene, as if the dirty area never happened. The worker at the castle did their job well, almost too well.

When Lee apologized he turned towards the older male and smiled again, "No apologies needed."

JapanEmoGirl
The raven headed male looked at Gaara, and smiled, "You are to kind, Gaara-kun."

Lee and Gaara reached Lee's little house. Seriously, it looked like the Little Old Woman lived in a shoe lived here before she had her third child. It was a small house. Looks kind of like a hut. But, Lee did have an attractive yard. A nice little water mill was flowing neatly across Lees left side of the yard. If you look close enough, you can see small koi fish in there. A small garden of fruits and vegetables was beside it. On the other side was a big tree, perfect for children to play on. Around it, were small flowers. Rare flowers you barely see around this time of year and where Konoha is. The house had a small walkway, which was faded grass and dirt. Lee really has to fix that, now that he's home.

"This is my house," Lee said, and walked up to the door. He grabbed the handle, and pushed it open. Since he lived little ways outside the town, he didn't see why he should have a lock. The house is well hidden. He stepped in the house, seeing the lights were on and someone on his couch. He walked over to it and sighed, "Naruto, what are you doing here?"