Two

(Gaara)

Here I was, in the arms of another human being, feeling completely drained. The touch between us was unique, something I have never felt before with another person. Frankly, I could care less at the moment who it was holding me. It just felt natural and I didn't want to move. I take in a deep from, nuzzling my nose and mouth in the crease of Kakashi's neck. He squeezes me tighter, his hands gentle, feeling somewhat cold to the. A rush of shivers and goosebumps conflate around my body, like bursts of thunder and lightning during a storm.

"I think I am in love with Uzumaki Naruto." How my mouth was able to spew those words out, I wasn't sure. I felt somewhat relieved and embarrassed at the same time. I swallow the tension that balled up in my throat. It hurt going down, but hurt worse coming out into words that I never thought I would admit -even to myself.

"Is that who you want?" Kakashi asks, his breath in my ear.

"Want?" I take a moment to catch my breath, pressing my face deeper in his skin, taking in the scent of linen and earth. A muffled version of my voice dares to continue, "I need him..."

I could feel Kakashi's head move up, but I stayed in my spot, feeling my eyes close naturally. I was tired. No... I was way past exhaustion. Was I fit for battle if that problem were to approach us head on any second? Yes. Of course, but to feel so vulnerable and allow myself the luxury of sleep... Felt exhilarating.

"That's a powerful feeling, to need someone. Are you sure?" Kakashi asks me, I could feel his chin rest on the top of my head.

"I'm not sure...I just feel.. Like if I don't see him..." Actually, I have never been so sure in my entire life. I was trailing off. Retreating inside my own demesne. Yeah.. Things felt as if they were spiraling down inside me, far too deep to fish out. I was stuck in a place, in a place I have been stuck in for so long. The first step to finding myself was admitting that I in fact was in love. So I thought. I was sitting in front of another human being, someone who wanted to protect me, rather than kill me. Someone I began to trust, giving him the opportunity to touch me. I close my eyes and I can hear my head scream, too close! Move you idiot! But I didn't move. Every fiber of my be wanted to withdraw from the sudden affection I so desperately lacked. It was saddening, knowing how weak I could become. Just because I was getting something I longed for for as long as I remember.

"Kakashi," I say, my voice raspy.

"Yes, Kazekage?" Kakashi answer almost immediately. His hand brushed my cheek and he retreated from the top of me. My wrists were red from the struggle and I can see Kakashi's face fill with quilt.

I let out a soft displeasing moan, I look down, thinking of what to say next. I was a terrible speaker when it came to conversation. I usually planned out each sentence I say, if it was one of those rare occasions I'd speak. "..I.. I think I would like to sleep now.." I murmured, though it wasn't what I wanted to say. I bite my bottom lip and grab the vest Kakashi wrapped around me. I wanted to put on my robes, feeling somewhat embarrassed I took them off in the first place, even more so that I allowed myself to be seemingly exposed. Utterly shameful, inappropriate as I. It reminded of me of how Naruto usually acted. Shameless, free spirited Uzumaki. I carefully try to remove the vest, even though it was warm and smelled of soft linen. I felt a hand, on spur of moment, I felt a hand grip my wrist tightly, stopping me from my actions.

"Gaara," Kakashi forenamed. His eyes narrow to my chest, "Keep it on. I don't need it."

I look away and nod without question. I begin to lay myself down on the ground, but Kakashi gestured me to follow him near the tree my gourd was placed. He leaned himself against the bark of the tree next to my gourd and waved his hands, gesturing to his abdomen. I breathed in the old misty air, making my way slowly towards him, arms crossed. I grimace at my inner self, which groaned and protested against any actions towards Kakashi I made. The copy ninja spread his legs and as soon as I was o arms length from him, he grabs me and pulls me down in front of him. I squirm and stiffen. Unfortunately, my mentality would lose under my physical wants. I was too tired to care where I slept, so I leaned back into Kakashi's belly. His arms rest on my shoulders, stretched out in front of me.

"Rest easy, we have a lot of running we have to do tomorrow." I obeyed his demands, not because I wanted to, but because I was already half asleep by the time I laid down.

0o0o0o

The morning air filled my nose, I awoke with a jump. My muscles twitched, begging for one more moment of rest. I declined their request and sat myself up. I was already dressed in my robes, confused I look around. I remember falling asleep in Hatake's lap, but where is Hatake? Rubbing my eyes, I make my way to the spring. The small waterfall that poured life into the small spring before me, sprayed mist in the air. The mist was refreshing and tasted sweet, earthy almost. I wrench my body forward and press my knees into the ground, pulling up my white and blue robes to prevent grass stain. Cupping a handful of icy water, I splash it in my face. The remaining droplets in my palms went straight through my hair, I pulled back my bangs and felt my forehead. The kanji felt somewhat rougher than the rest of my skin.

"You ready?" Kakashi was standing behind me. I jump, slightly off guard.

"Mm-hm."

It took a lot of ducking and jumping from tree to tree, which delayed our expected arrival four hours. My lungs burned, and I could feel my forehead beat sweat. It was a good burning though, and I liked the sweat. I hadn't moved in so long. Suna and Konoha both have been peaceful lately, hardly any threats or messages indicating warning. When we finally reached Konoha, I felt somewhat dissatisfied. I also felt bothersome, I am sure Kakashi read that by how often I would apologize. Whether I accidentally brushed his arm while running, or whenever we had to stop to calculate the distance and time we had left. I try shaking the memory of me almost drowning myself, plus the closeness we felt during this trip. It was overwhelming to the point where I could feel the insides of my stomach churn, as if I were to throw up. Or that distasteful tingle in my body that ran up and down my spine and made my knees tremble.

The villagers were welcoming, bucolic bungalows and the green of the leaves and trees were aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Children ran around us as we walked towards the Hokage residence.

"Kakashi sensei!" I heard someone call from behind. I dare not turn around, the voice was familiar and I knew exactly who it belonged to.

"Naruto, what's up!" Kakashi greets the blonde Uzumaki with shrug.

"I was wondering where you were, I was told you were an escort by Granny Tsunade-" He paused abruptly. "Gaara?"

I shift my body around, facing his bright cyan eyes and whiskered face. A small smile breaks my stone face. "Naruto." I nod.

"Long time no see, whatcha doing all the way out here? I was wondering when I'd get to see that coon face of yours again!" Naruto's hands move to the top of his head and he bends back a bit.

I look up to Kakashi who already was reading my mind. I gasp softly. He nods. "Well, I better go tell Lady Tsunade that the Kazekage has arrived safely. I'll leave you guys to catch up," Kakashi says with a wave. He vanishes in a blink of an eye and I felt defenseless, but I maintained my composure.

"So you here for the chunin exams I take it?" Naruto asks. Ding ding ding.

"Y-Yeah. Tsunade has arranged the meeting for next week to discuss the procedures and precautions," I could hear my voice crack a bit in the beginning of that sentence.

Naruto began to walk, turning to look at me. A smile cracked on his face and his dulcet chuckle rang through me. "Lets get some ramen, my treat."

"R-ramen? Sure.." I mutter.

"Yee! It's a date!"

(Naruto)

There was much added silence, as I walked beside my comrade. Man, he's as tall as me now. I couldn't help but smile the whole walk to Ramen Ichiraku. I had to admit, I under reacted when I saw him standing next to Kakashi sensei. I envied him in a way, but felt no rivalry between us. It was all warm and exciting to be honest. Gaara was the closest friend I have. Next to Sakura, (and Sasuke if he had still saw me as his brother.) To be completely honest, I had always tried to make excuses to go visit Suna. Being denied each request by Granny Tsunade, "There's no need, besides, the Kazekage probably has no time for goofing off. Or shall I say a goofball." It was always the same excuses. I even admitted to just wanting to pay a visit. To see no-brow to ensure all was well. Especially after what those Akatsuki have done to him. I worried immensely every night.

I looked towards Gaara, as quiet and reserved as he was, he gave off a very pleasing aura. He wore his kage robes and the hat to match. The gourd rested on his back. He looked almost angelic in a way. Its funny to think back and remember how he once was. Something happened that made him change his view on life and I am extremely glad how everything is now.

"Excuse me," said a small voice from below. I turn to see a cute little girl with long brown hair tied in pigtails standing behind Gaara. She held a cherry blossom in one hand and a small portion of Gaara's robe in the other, gently tugging at it. Gaara turned to face her. His face went from deadpan to gentle in a second. His eyes soften. "Welcome to our village, Lord Kazekage. I picked this from the stream near my house for you." She held out the cherry blossom to him, resting in her little palms.

"Thank you," Gaara says, his voice smooth. He knelt down to her eye level. He cupped his hands under hers, accepting the welcome gift. His face held the most becoming of smiles. The little girl giggled, her cheeks blushing.

"Come on Mitsu, lets leave the Kazekage to his leisure," the young girl's mother says, holding out her hand to her daughter. The little girl bowed and scampered to her mothers hip. She smiled at Gaara with respect and Gaara returned the favour.

Man, that guy. He was so cool and played it off as if this happens to him everyday. (Which it probably does.) I regain my focus on the little ping pedals that lay in Gaara;s palm. They matched the same smoothness of his skin, my heart came to a sudden halt. A sudden realization spread through my brain, itching to be expressed. It wasn't luck that brought him to where he is today. It was sheer will power and the strength he gained. The mental strength he obtained, being able to forgive his village for all they have done to him. I look back to the day we were forcefully paired - well tag teamed - with Gaara and two other sand shinobi three or so years ago. His village's black ops were ordered to kill Gaara by any means necessary. Even after warding them off, he still refused to keep fighting them. He objected to me removing their masks and pleaded for their own mercy. That day... That day is when I finally saw something in Gaara I never thought I would see. That is the love for others. The need to change and become who he is today. I looked up to him. I still do.

"Gaara," I say, my voice breaking a bit. I remained high strong.

"Yes, Naruto?" His voice seemed distant. It reminded me of a somewhat melancholy sound, but at the same time it soothed my ears. I wanted to tell him so much. After all we've been through. Distance suddenly didn't seem like an issue, considering Suna was a ways away. I wanted to make a promise, not to him but to myself to see him. Maybe eat ramen together from time to time. Spare. Visit the hot springs. ANYTHING DAMMIT! I felt Gaara deprived. If that is a thing to be deprived of. After the Shinobi war, seeing him and his will to want to protect me.. I thought a lot about it. About him and whether or not it was out of pure friendship or he felt indebted to me. I decided the better out of the two and thought companionship. He stood with his arms to his sides, his posture almost perfect.

I breathe, "Missed you."

It was a long silence between us just then. Dammit, he probably thinks I am gay or something.

"It's been far too long... Naruto."

0o0o0o0

The ramen was warm, steam rolled in front of our faces. The scent of cumin covered beef and buttery noodles filled my twitching nose. "AHH! This looks fantastic!" I shout. I rip apart my chop sticks and dive in. After a few slurps and a satisfied grumble, I look to coon eyes who starred blankly at his soupy ramen. He seemed somewhat off and blank, even for Gaara.

"Hey, you okay?" I ask.

He shook his head and turned his eyes towards me, "Yeah, thank you." He ripped apart his chop sticks and began nibbling at his food. For a fierce leader of a village, he sure ate like a bird. I finished my ramen first, I was going to ask for seconds, but I only had enough for two bowls. How unpleasant, having no money and all. I leaned back a bit, feeling my belly expand. That hit the spot. Gaara was still panning his food. Picking out the meet and and only searching for the noodles. He never striked me as a picky eater, well now I know. He managed to eat the whole bowl within the next several minutes. I watched him eat and felt someone entertained, when he put too much in his mouth his cheeks puffed up and his eyes would cross, looking at his chop sticks.. It was sort of cute, (in a platonic way, I mean.) After our meal, I felt the need to want to walk Gaara to his suite. He was staying at an expensive, well protected inn, complete with a private hot spring.

The air was cool and full of mist. The heavy musk of wet wood filled our noses and pores. I could feel myself get congested a bit, holding back a sneeze. I pressed forward along side with Gaara. It was silent between us all the way there. He hasn't really said much to me at all. Unless I said something first. We reached the inn and he offered for me to come inside. it was in fact very extravagant. Paper doors were covered with sakura flower designs and s plethora of different fragrance oils made the atmosphere smell opulent.

Hey! Gaara!" We turn around to see Kankuro in nothing but a towel. He looked completely different without his make-up. I almost didn't recognize him.

"Kankuro, Kakashi escorted me." Gaara aforementioned. His eyes averted to his brother who stood with his hands to his hips.

"Yes, I was informed. Your things are in your room, I will be soaking in the spring. See you soon. Oh, and hey Naruto!" Kankuro waved shooting a suspicious glance at Gaara before wandering off to the back exit.

Gaara lead me to his suite. He must have stayed here before. It's like he new the place like the back of his hand. I had asked him how long he was staying in Konoha, but I'd sound too eager. So, I kept my mouth shut until he spoke first. Which he never did. I couldn't help but think about wanting to see him more after this. I wasn't sure if I was bothering him or not. Maybe I was, but I didn't care at the moment. I hadn't seen him in what feels like forever. I was desperate. I watched him as he placed his hat on a desk near his king sized bed. The room was elegant. Full of white, but a pleasant white. The sheets were of cream colour. Almost matching his skin tone, but a shade lighter. He carefully removed his gourd, which appeared heavier than life it self. His belongings, such as bags and clothes seemed to have been neatly set in the drawers. I began to feel somewhat agitated, Gaara still was stone silent. His hands were open, the blossom wedged neatly between his middle and index fingers. Something in me felt warm when I was near my comrade.

I couldn't take it any longer. "No more of this silent treatment bull crap! I want to hear you speak to me. Tell me something, it can be anything," I spit out. Gaara turned to face me, his eyes somewhat in shock. Maybe I was a little harsh with my play of words.

"Please.. Forgive me Naruto, I have a lot on my mind..." he was far too quiet. I almost couldn't hear him.

"What do you mean? You know you can talk to me right? We are friends," I say with the utter most sincerity. He shivers, not enough to notice unless you were intently staring at him.

"Some things, Naruto, are hard to put into words..." he trails off again. He began to hide his face by looking down at his feet. I wasn't quite sure what was happening. I was as clueless as a baby fox, no pun intended.

"Just tell me," I say, moving closer to him. I was close enough that our hands were brushing. He was burning up. It surprised me and my first instinct was to turn him around completely to face me. I grab his wrists and pull them up in the air, initially trying to press my forehead to his to check his temperature. It took him by surprise and he somewhat struggled, retreating to his bed.

"Gaara stay still!" I demand. He refused to listen. I held his hands tight, but he kept resisting. We were on the side of his bed, nearly wrestling. He tried taking another step back, trying to stop him, I clamp onto his hip.

"Naruto!" he shouted. Within seconds we both tumble onto his bed. I landed on top of him, disoriented. I got my bairings and finally was able to press my forehead to his. He felt like fire. His whole body did. My chest pressed against his, I wasn't realizing it, but I had him pinned to the bed.

"As I expected," my eyes focused on his forehead, "you are running a fever-" I stop talking as soon as I noticed his face. He was blushing! The great Kazekage of the sand village was blushing! I began to blush to, I realized I was being somewhat inappropriate. I was on top of the man for goodness sake. I tried to get off of him, but something in me didn't want to move. A sudden chill runs up my spine, I didn't want to get off of him. He was warm and I liked that feeling underneath me.

"Naruto," Gaara voice broke through my thoughts. he looked as if something was bothering him. Hell, he looked that way all day. He lied there, and I could tell her was at war with himself. I wasn't sure with what, but it seemed to be something great enough to upset him. I pressed tighter into him. he swallowed hard. his heart beat racing. "Naruto, I have been thinking a lot.. About compassion.."

"Gaara," I whisper. His eyes turn away, slightly. He blinks and they regain their focus on me. His skin was so smooth, I felt if touched it it shatter. He seemed so delicate, comely. His eyes held a mini ocean, with slight waves of contained excitement. I felt the urge to to want to explore their depths.

"I-I think I hold a great deal of emotion towards you, Naruto. You saved me from myself... You.. You were the first person I had ever felt anything for, my first friend... I just... I wasn't sure if I was able to speak today, my breath was noticeably unsteady. My heart kept hurting really bad. I think what I feel is greater than frie-"

Something had happened during those moments. He kept talking, but I knew he didn't know what he was talking about. I knew. I knew it all too well. I have debated this over and over. But what lead to the events that occurred within that special moment could only be defined with the rhythmic sounds of our uncontrolled heart beats. There I was... There we were.. One moment eating ramen, the next in a struggle to feel his temp. The next we were kissing on this extremely comfortable bed. My hands intertwined with his, as if they belonged attached. I could feel his cheeks brush mine, our lips held their position for a half minute before naturally opening. The taste of his breath was sweet and his breath radiated between mine.

We let go, our faces both red... Gaara laid there, limp. His hands were squeezing the sheets tightly. I looked at him, and something made me want more. I never felt this way with another man. Though I have kissed another man, which was Sasuke and it was an accident. Other than that, this was new to me. I decided off the whim, the only way to pursue this sudden epiphany was to get to know him more than I already do. I dared to ask him a simple question.

"Gaara," I waste no time, "tomorrow when you are free, I am coming to pick you up. We are going somewhere special."

His eyes peer up at me and he nods.

A/N: Excuse any grammar mistakes, its 12 am and I haven't slept in two days. I am not sure where I want to take this story, but I do plan on continuing. I have been plan writing in my noggin. If its tasteless I am sorry. I wanted to finish this chapter and make the next one a big one.

STAY TUNED!