AN: I do not own these characters, I simply want to write about them. This is a yaoi/shonen ai. You were warned.

One

Gaara felt his hands grow clammy as he brushed the back of his hair with his fingers. He looked onward at the many shinobi eager to get placed as chunin. He was feeling rather impatient as the musky air seeped through the windows. He sat next to the hokage, Kakashi at the moment who was draped in his gowns as was Gaara. He'd much rather be in mesh, what with Konoha's moist heat. He'd take Suna's dry heat any day. He panted for a second, looking around to see who showed the most promise. There was a tough set up this year, he hardly remembered his time taking the chunin exams, in fact he'd rather forget about it altogether. He was in a different place at the time, a much darker and evil place.

A bug flew by his ear and he swatted at it to go away. He just wanted this to be over quite honestly, but he knew better to complain, he was setting an example for not only the shinobi from his village but also the allies shinobi. This was only the second challenge in the chunin exams, he just wanted to go home and do paperwork that was much needed to be attended. However, he best make the most of it while he was there. He especially wanted to see how Naruto was doing, considering he hasn't seen the fool in what felt like forever. When he couldn't bear the silence anymore, he looked over to Kakashi and quietly whispered, "How is Naruto?"

"Same as always, a bit dim witted, but what's new?"

What else could he say to spark more conversation? He decided to just nod and smile and advert his attention back to the exams. He breathed, taking in the wet, dense air and let out a long, but quiet sigh.

Gaara was attending Konoha for the chunin exams, like he does every other year. He was slightly aroused by the battles and enjoyed them quite a bit, but alas, it does get old when you see shinobi use the same techniques passed down by other shinobi over and over again. He wanted to see something new, something that would scream original. Which he did every so often. Though he was quite proud of everyone's power nonetheless.

After several hours the second part of the exam was over, and everyone attending was allowed a few days to recover. This gave Gaara a chance to enjoy the village, kind of like a vacation. Kankuro was his attendee this year, rather than Temari, who was busy with training at the time. Kankuro met up with Gaara outside the gates of Death Forest with a pork cutlet outstretched towards him.

"You look famished, little brother," he said, with his face stuffed with a cutlet of his own. Gaara took it graciously in one hand, but only nibbled at it.

"Quite frankly, I am more thirsty than hungry, Kankuro." He walked side by side with his brother who decided to treat Gaara to some sake at a pub in Konoha. Gaara and Kankuro would be there for a few more weeks, so sight seeing was a must. Hopefully they'd run into Naruto and friends along the way. Instead ran into Kakashi once again, who did not dawn his robes this time. He too was at the same pub wanting to take the edge off.

"Hello, Lord Kazekage, pleasure seeing you here. I didn't take you as the drinking type." Kakashi uttered, taking a deep breath as he sat down.

"I'm not, but I was rather parched," Gaara exclaims, taking off his kage cap and placing it on the table Kakashi was sitting at. "Mind if we sit along side you?"

"Not at all."

The three of them sat in silence for a bit, they ordered their drinks and all slowly drank one by one. "Naruto has been looking forward to seeing you, Gaara. He talks about you all the time," Kakashi was the one to break the silence.

"Really?" Breathed Gaara, nearly choking on his drink, but remaining his composure as cool as a cucumber. Gaara wouldn't ever admit to fancying Naruto in the slightest, but the thought alone of seeing his blond haired best friend gave him goosebumps all over. "I mean, I look forward to seeing him too, that is if we don't get too busy over the course of the next two weeks."

"Are you staying at the hot springs, Lord Hokage?" Kankuro asked.

"I might as well, it'd be a nice way to release this exam stress, aren't you guys as well?"

"We are and must I say, I. Am. Loving it!" Kankuro said.

Gaara nodded in agreement, but his mind was else where. He placed a head in his hand and rested his elbow on the table, a bit unorthodox, but he didn't care, he was exhausted. He still had trouble sleeping at night despite the Shukaku being gone. He still hasn't gotten accustomed to the freedom of sleep. Plus with the exams being this early in the year and paperwork stacked to the rim on his desk back at the hotel, he was going to be up all night.

As dusk approached with a welcoming break, the three of them decided it was time for their leave back to the inn. Gaara, nearly half asleep, was jerked up by his brother, eager to get in the springs for a refreshing soak. Gaara on the other hand was eager to finish his paperwork.

Time went by as Gaara signed paper after paper, approving missions and sending them off by bird. He looked to the clock which was nearing 2 AM. He outstretched his arms and let out a long exasperated sigh. He ran his fingers through his messy hair, which felt sort of damp and his clothes did as well. He actually felt rather disgusted with himself, so he decided to take a soak in the hot springs, knowing no one could possibly be awake at this hour, he wanted to take advantage of it.

The springs let off a pleasant lavender mist through the air, causing Gaara to feel even more tired than before. He usually didn't go into a hot spring completely naked and care free like everyone else did, but this time he didn't care. He was too over worked and exhausted to give the slightest bit of caution. He unraveled his robe and set a toe in, then the rest of him. As he slowly submerged his upper half into the water, he could feel his body grow weary with exhaustion.

Cherry blossoms fell one by one into the water as the wind blew, the dim lighting from the hotel was enough for Gaara to see what was in front of him. Despite knowing he would most likely be the only one in at this hour, he still needed to keep a strong look out for anyone and everything, especially considering he didn't have his sand armor around his body. He wasn't to be left alone, he knew he would get an earful from Kankuro if he knew Gaara was there alone. But he didn't care. He just wanted privacy after all. He began to think about Naruto and all of his antics, how they made him chuckle to himself silently. The scent of the lavender, mixed with the warm feeling of the springs were finally getting to Gaara, and like that he found himself drift off into a restful sleep.

SPLASH! Kakashi heard from his room, which startled him awake. He heard it from the springs just outside, what could it be? maybe a branch from one of the cherry blossom trees fell? No, that sounded too heavy to be just a small branch. He decided to see what was going on. He threw on his clothes and he rushed outside. He saw nothing in the springs. Nothing at all, except bubbles rising up in one spot. He carefully looked over, but the steam was over powering his sight. He took a step inside the pool, not caring about his clothes being on, the steamed was bearable now, and he could make out a lifeless body had floated to the bottom. He reached his hands in and pulled the person up, the body felt rather small in his hands. He didn't think twice and pulled the body to solid dry ground away from the steam so he could make out who it was. He thought to himself, how could anyone be foolish enough to drown in a three foot spring?

As the air cleared he could finally see who it was that was in his arms.

"Gaara?!" He said in disbelief. How could someone as strong and clever minded as Gaara be so dim witted enough to allow themselves to sink to the bottom of the spring? Why was he unattended? But most importantly, how long was he underwater for? He quickly and gently set the Kazekage down on the ground and opened his mouth, unmasking his face and pressing his lips firmly on Gaara's and breathed out, pushing air into his lungs. He pumped Gaara's chest a few times and continued the procedure. Just a few more tries until water finally poured out of his mouth. Gaara shot up, his eyes wide and his guard down. Kakashi looked down at Gaara, who was panting and looking around frantically. He looked distressed and off guard. Kakashi never seen Gaara so vulnerable before. His naked pale body was dripping from the water, trickling down his ribs and off his back. Kakashi watched the boy for a moment, feeling a tad bit embarrassed, considering Gaara was naked. Which he had never thought he would see in his lifetime.

"Are you okay, Lord Gaara?"

Gaara quickly turned to his rescuer and tried to remember exactly what had happened. "I-I-" he was stumbling over his words.

Geez, this kid is out of it. Thought Kakashi.

"I- Must of passed out..." Gaara finally said, gaining his composure. "I am sorry for the inconvenience, Lord Hokage-"

"Save it, kid. Why are you out here all alone? Are you really going to let Lady Chiyo die in vane?! By drowning in a place that even a little tyke couldn't even drown in?!"

Gaara looked down at his hands like a little kid being scolded by his parents. He didn't mutter a word, instead stayed silent.

"I'm sorry, kid. I'm just looking out for you is all," Kakashi breathed, rubbing his face with his hands, feeling a bit bad for scolding a nineteen year old man. He helped Gaara up to his feet, handing him his robe. Gaara was flushed, he never let his guard down, ever. He was always on top of things, even when he was exhausted, and to be found by Kakashi was even more embarrassing. He wrapped himself up, feeling his cheeks grow warm.

Kakashi smiled, half heartedly, and watched as Gaara stammered and quickly ran back to his room. Seeing Gaara all flustered like that was kind of... Cute, thought Kakashi. He shook the thought away immediately and decided to go back to his own room.

Gaara was with Kankuro the next morning, they decided to hit up some shops for dinner that night. Gaara was still a tad bit flustered from the night before, but he was quite happy Kankuro let him sleep in a bit. Kankuro wasn't an early riser anyway, but still. The extra sleep allowed Gaara the extra push to stay well alert.

"GAARA?!" Said a familiar voice. He turned around to see the cherry blossom, pink headed hair of Sakura. He smiled and went over to greet her. She gave him a nice warm hug, but Gaara was slightly off taken by it. he wasn't much of a hugger himself, but he made an exception for his friends.

"Fancy seeing you here, you here for the chunin exams?"

"Quite frankly, yes." Gaara was hesitant. Though he was happy to see Sakura, he was at the same time a bit bummed not to see Naruto at her side. They both decided to walk together for a bit, leaving Kankuro to the grocery shopping. Gaara reassured him he was in good company.

"Have you checked out the library recently? They have all new books and more!"

"Really? Mind if you take me?" Gaara asked, his mind always somewhere else.

"Sakura! Help! I can't escape Konohamaru- Is that-?" Said a distant voice of no other than Naruto Uzumaki. Gaara never turned as fast as he did in that moment. he couldn't help but smile really big. "Gaara! Why you here?!"

Naruto came running as fast as he could to catch up with Sakura and Gaara. His face was just as lit up was Gaara's. "Naruto, long time no see," Gaara said with a sigh of relief. Naruto, instead of a handshake went straight for a hug. Gaara didn't know how to respond to it. Feeling Naruto's warm embrace around his shoulders. Gaara just shyly wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist and they stayed there for a moment.

"I missed you," Naruto whispered in Gaara's ear, sending waves of tingles up and down Gaara's neck.

He closed his eyes. "Me too," he whispered back.

"Come on, guys, lets go to the library!" Sakura demanded. Naruto and Gaara released each other, but he wanted so desperately to hold on longer.

"The library!? Ugh... Let's get some ramen instead, what do you say, Gaara?" Naruto beamed.

"W-Well-"

"Come on, Naruto, you could use more knowledge in that brain of your's, plus Gaara shares my intellect level and probably doesn't want to waste his time eating ramen, isn't that right?"

"Wellll..." Gaara said rolling his eyes the other way. He'd much rather go where Naruto wanted to go, despite not being all that hungry.

He felt like he was a toy two kids were fighting over.

"Gaara! Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you, even Kakashi came to help," Said Kankuro yards away. Saved by the bell.

"I was just going to go eat ramen with, N-Naruto-" he paused, stuttering a bit and feeling embarrassed all over again when he seen Kakashi was right next to Kankuro, giving Gaara a stare like daggers.

"Running off alone again, I see," Kakashi said with a well-what-do-you-know tone in his voice.

"Yes! See Gaara wants ramen too!" Naruto teased, sticking his tongue out at Sakura, who was none the bit pleased.

"You know, that sounds like a great idea, Naruto! I'll treat you all to some ramen," Kakashi suggested, looking over Gaara who was mesmerized by Naruto jumping up and down with glee.

"Hell yeah! In your face Sakura!" She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh, as if agreeing to Kakashi's request.

After ramen, Naruto asked Gaara to follow him. Taking his hand and leading him somewhere else.

"Don't go too far! Pleaaasse," Kankuro begged.

"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on them from afar," Kakashi whispered to Kankuro. "You can finish up your shopping for the week if you must.

"Where are we going?" Gaara asked, his face blushing a bit with the thought of Naruto holding his hand.

"I thought we could spare for a bit, you know train," Naruto suggested, leading him to a forest near by. Kakashi was close at hand, making sure not to be noticed by the two boys.

The two of them began sparing, Gaara being extra careful not to hurt Naruto and Naruto the same. They went at it for hours, which was a good distraction from work. When the two of them grew tired, Naruto offered to sit by a tree and refreshen up by a small river just a few yards away from where they were practicing.

"I see that you are learning tai jutsu, Gaara," Naruto gleamed, taking a hand full of water and splashing it over his hair. Gaara sort of ignored the question and watched Naruto closely. The way the cold water trickled off his hair and face, the way he held himself up like he was the proudest ninja ever. The confidence he had, Gaara could never match. He caught himself staring too long, before he finally answered the question.

"Yes." Was all he said.

"You're getting pretty good, better watch out, Lee might want to spare with you when he sees you," Naruto said, slowly taking off his shirt, revealing a mesh tang top underneath. Gaara gulped. The two of them sat hip to hip next to an old oak tree near the river. The sound of birds chirping gave way through the air and the scent of cherry blossoms clung around their noses.

"Beautiful," Gaara whispered, almost to himself.

"Sure is," Naruto said, looking over at Gaara. "Hey Gaara?"

"Yes, Naruto?" There was silence once again, but Naruto came closer.

"I find you really cool, you know? Being Kazekage, and all. You've really, you know, blossomed, I guess you can put it that way." Naruto paused, scratching the back of his head and smiling a bit. Gaara didn't know where he was going with this, but he appreciated the thought. He sat there, sort of stunned, but keeping his composure as Naruto leaned in closer. "I want to try something."

Gaara stayed as still as a rock as Naruto leaned in with his face closer to Gaara's, what was he doing? When suddenly, he could feel his breath on his own. The feeling was warm and comforting. Nerves took the better of Gaara and he leaned back farther away from Naruto.

Naruto, taken aback, stubborn as he was, wouldn't let Gaara go away and he placed his hands behind Gaara's neck, pulling him in close. It all happened within a second, it was quick and painless, but oh did it feel like it lasted forever. Naruto's lips pressed up against Gaara's, it was ecstasy.

Gaara fell back, releasing from Naruto's grip and stood up. "What do you think you are doing, idiot!" Gaara said flustered all over again. He didn't hate it, in fact he loved every second of it.

"I thought-"

"You thought wrong!" Gaara said, hesitant, he could feel his cheeks grow warm again, actually his whole body.

Kakashi was hanging out in a tree, when he heard Gaara say this. "What do we have here?" he said to himself. "Naruto, you dunce. Kissing the Kazekage, you're lucky Kankuro wasn't here watching you guys."

"Don't lie, Gaara, you want more!"

Gaara didn't answer, he clenched his fists as hard as he could. "You are even blushing!"

Gaara placed his hands on his cheeks and turned away as quickly as he could. What was he to say, he'd be lying if he said it was wrong, which it was, but it felt so right. "I need to go find Kankuro. I need to finish up paperwork. I have other things to worry about. How could I be so stupid?"

Gaara began to gather his things and move on out of there. Kakashi kept an eye close by.

"Same place tomorrow?" Naruto said with a sinister smile.

Gaara was several feet away now, he didn't look back not even once, but finally said, "Yeah... Same place."

So he did like it. Kakashi thought.

Gaara laid in bed, the feeling in his chest and stomach would not go away. it made him queasy almost. He couldn't stop thinking about that kiss. How soft Naruto's lips were, how warm his hands were on his neck. What was he to do now? Would he actually go back to see Naruto again? Could he, he never got nervous like this, ever. He was always so cool and collected. He was a stone, unbreakable at that. He tossed and turned, but could not find a comfortable position. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place with that one. That blond, imbecile. He finally got up out of bed. He never was one to fall in love, nor was he one to think about sex, but it was on his mind. He never kissed anyone before. At nineteen, he wasn't ashamed of it, he just had other things on his mind before that.

Kankuro was also up and about. Standing on the balcony of his room. "Kankuro?"

"Hey, Gaara, didn't know you were up."

"What does one do when in love? How do you know if you are in love?"

"Why you asking me at this time at night? Got someone in mind?" Kankuro asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Gaara thought for a moment, better to lie than flat out tell him he kissed Naruto and that was who he was talking about. "No one in particular, really."

"Well, you tell them, see if they reciprocate the feelings, and you protect them. At least that is how I see it."

"What about sex?"

"Sex?! You're being very blunt tonight, Gaara. Why is this even on your mind at all?" Kankuro was flabbergasted.

"I can't ask Temari about these things, you know how she is. I thought, maybe I'd ask you, since you're my big brother. I have this feeling in my chest that won't go away. It hurts a lot, but in a way that I don't want to go away. My stomach is in knots and I feel dizzy all the time when I am around N- I mean around this person," Gaara said, placing his hands on his chest, looking down as if he were praying. his eyes were focused on his fingers that twirled together.

"Well, sure, you can have sex with the person if the person wants to have sex with you too. I mean you can't force anyone to do it. It's all about consent."

"But what if there is no consent?"

"That would be called rape, Gaara. Did someone do something to you? If they did I will kill them if it's the last thing I do!"

"No, no, No one did anything to me. I really like him, Kankuro."

"So this isn't about a girl?" Kankuro was confused. "This is about Naruto, isn't it?" He smiled at his little brother, who stood nervously behind him.

Gaara nodded. "Why do I feel this way?"

"Well, he moved you in a way no one has ever moved you before. He was there for you when no one else was. I gotta give it to you, lil bro, you sure make it obvious."

"I do not!" Gaara protested, crossing his arms and turning away.

"Do too! I see the way you look at each other. I see how you talk to him and how you act. It's like you're a whole nother person when he is around," Kankuro said blatantly. "Why don't you get some rest, I can see you're exhausted."

Gaara didn't argue, instead followed his brother's orders and went back to his room to go to bed.

Kakashi was strolling the balconies, feeling out of sorts, but in tune with himself. he didn't mean to hear the conversation between Gaara and his brother. He didn't mean to be peering into the windows, he didn't mean to stumble upon what he found. He just couldn't help himself. He was bored and didn't have much paperwork to do. What he saw sort of changed how he looked at Gaara, not in a bad way, but in a way he can't really describe. Gaara was in his room, with nothing but boxer briefs and a mesh tee. He didn't have the decency to even close the window! He was touching his chest and groin, moaning to himself in his sleep. He wasn't loud, of course, rather muffled. In fact so muffled it sounded like a hurt puppy. His face was red and his body was covered in sweat. What was he dreaming about? It was like he was in pain or something.

Kakashi stayed for a few more minutes, observing the young Kazekage who slept as restlessly as a leaf in the wind. "N-Naruto! No, not here!" Gaara moaned.

It was sort of arousing seeing him like this. Was he dreaming about their little rendezvous in the woods earlier that day? Kakashi wasn't one to spy on people unless he absolutely needed to. He also wasn't one to find men this decently attractive. But for some reason after the night he saved Gaara from drowning he couldn't get him out of his head.

Gaara sat up immediately. His eyes blood shot and his face dripping sweat. Kakashi was somewhat startled, but kept his cool.

"Who's there?!" Gaara called from his bed.

Kakashi sighed, "Relax, kid, it's me. I heard you from across even my room, you okay?"

Gaara didn't say anything instead hurried up to cover himself in his kage robes. "I-I'm sorry-"

"Stop being sorry all the time, I was just worried is all-" Kakashi lied.

Gaara hurried along to his window and stepped out onto the balcony. "You always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Gaara said with a huff.

"I beg to differ," Kakashi argued under his breath. Gaara shook his head. "So having boy troubles?" Kakashi said with a slight smile.

Gaara bit his lip, "I wouldn't say boy-"

"Naruto troubles?"

"How would you know anyway?"

"I over heard you and Kankuro talking, my bad," Kakashi said, scratching the back of his head. The two of them sat there side by side for a while. "You know, I know a lot about what you want to know." That's when Kakashi had an idea, a rather risky idea in fact that even he himself over thought it for a second.

"Never kissed anyone before Naruto, huh?"

"Hmph..."

"Don't be shy, or upset," Kakashi teased.

"Have you kissed anyone before?" Gaara asked boldly.

Kakashi thought for a moment. "Of course I have, I've been around the block a few times."

"Naruto wants to kiss again, but I don't know how." Gaara was letting himself be as open as possible. He thought he knew as much as he needed to know about friendship, thanks to Naruto, but having someone to fall in love with was a different aspect. He just needed to know it all, in fact as much as possible.

"Can you show me?" Gaara said, looking as innocent as possible, in fact he was innocent.

Kakashi didn't know what he was doing, he just went with whatever felt right. He took Gaara's hand and lead him into the bedroom. What was he doing? He knew what he was about to do was a bad idea, but at the moment he didn't care. When a cute boy basically asks you to kiss them you have to take advantage of it. He sat Gaara on the bed, he was patient and willing.

"Kid, I don't know if you know what you're asking me to do here-"

"I trust you, Kakashi. I want you to show me how to have sex," Gaara said bluntly.

"Oh geez, kid. You're killing me." Kakashi rubbed his face with his hand and looked through his fingers at the pouty looking Gaara. "Do you really want me to show you?"

"I mean I can't ask my brother, because, well he's my brother."

He has a point. "Okay, well you better prepare yourself, because you're going to be in a world of hurt when I am through with you."

Gaara nodded. "I can handle it."

Kakashi slowly took off his mask, revealing a stunning, yet very well put together face. He undid his vest and pushed Gaara onto the bed, pinning him down at his wrists. "Are you sure?" Kakashi whispered in Gaara's ear, sending waves of goosebumps up and down his body.

"Show me," Gaara wasn't hesitant. he was ready to know how to have sex. He wanted experience. Beside, what Kakashi and him was doing wasn't love. It was practice. Just like training in the field as a shinobi. What is the difference anyway?

Kakashi started kissing the lining of Gaara's neck gently, rubbing his fingers around his belly button and near his groin. Gaara winced at his touch slightly. He let out a little moan, which pleased Kakashi.

"You like that?" Kakashi whispered.

"Y-Yeah," Gaara whimpered in uncertainty. Kakashi looked down at Gaara, who had his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open. The feel of his smooth untouched skin just made Kakashi even more aroused than he planned. The way his abs wrenched and the way his neck gulped at every move Kakashi made. He lifted up Gaara's robe and began to kiss from the top of his neck to the top of his groin.

"Ah-!" Gaara let out.

Kakashi suddenly paused, looking at Gaara's face. He looked as if he were to cry, but he didn't. His cheeks were flushed, his neck was wet with sweat. He smelled like lavender and cosmos mixed together. Kakashi leaned down to kiss Gaara, filling his nose with his scent. It was too much to bear.

"Please?"

"Please, what Gaara?"

"I-I want more," He breathed. So innocent, so untouched by any man or woman. Not a single scratch, not a single bruise. Flawless, almost too perfect. He was so beautiful, and yet so young. Maybe too young, thought Kakashi. He sat up, straddling the Kazekage, who's arms were over his head, his knees buckling, his lips quivering.

I need to stop.

But he taste so good.

No, he's just a boy.

Kakashi was in inner turmoil. "Gaara," he whispered, in a pitiful voice.

"N-Naruto?" Gaara said, but Kakashi wasn't Naruto, he must have been imagining Kakashi was Naruto the whole time. This didn't upset Kakashi of course, he didn't love Gaara in that way. But oh how that boy's voice rang through Kakashi's ears like chimes. And oh how he looked when he was vulnerable was too much for him. Feminine, but not too feminine, the perfect middle ground. Kakashi decided he wasn't the one to take the Kazekage's virginity, it had to be someone he loved, someone who loved him. Guilt washed over him as he got up off of Gaara, pulling up his mask and heading towards the window.

"Kakashi?" Gaara rang, his voice drifted off almost shyly. "Where are you going?"

"I can't do this to you, kid. I'm not the one for you," Kakashi said, almost disappointed. Gaara was too good to be true, his guard being down, was too good to be true. "You're body isn't meant for me."

Gaara sat up, suddenly feeling shier and more exposed than he should have been. He pulled down his robe and sat at the edge of the bed.

"You love Naruto, don't you? Than sex should come naturally, but only when you guys are ready."

Gaara looked down at his hands, feeling exasperated. "But-But-"

"No but's, get to bed, we have work in the morning."

"But I liked it!" Gaara argued.

"I don't care. i should have never done that. I was out of line and so were you. What kind of example are we setting here, Lord Gaara? Not a good one," Kakashi stated. He was right. If any of the villagers found out about tonight, what would they think?

"I have to go." Kakashi showed himself out the window, before closing it he looked back at Gaara, who looked confused and unsatisfied. "Goodnight, Lord Kazekage."

He shut the window and was off. "Goodnight, Kakashi..."