[Author's Note]

Okay, it took a couple days, but I got it done: Chapter 3 of Enigma!

I think there's a few of you that were looking forward to it.

I seem to have already broken my word range I gave before though... Still somewhat drabble-y, but the chapters just keep on getting longer as I write them. I don't really know why.

I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, and I REALLY hope you'll comment! Comments/reviews/feedback; they make my heart sing and my eyes cry tears of youth!

So yes, comment, review, R&R, kick off eyebrows; whatever floats your boat. But most of all,

ENJOY!

Chapter Three — The Way I Are

The two men sat there for a while, Lee making small chat. Gaara had loosened up a bit around the guy. He seemed...okay. He actually was starting to enjoy the night.

"So," Gaara started, actually initiating a subject. "Why are you here?"

Lee looked surprised, though Gaara wasn't sure if it was because of him asking a question or the question itself. It kind of fascinated him that such wide eyes could actually grow wider.
Lee looked down at the counter, fidgeting with his bright orange tie. After a moment, he looked back up at Gaara, who —to his surprise— was looking back at him. He seemed concerned.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and monotone. The hint of worry was still there though —he may have only known Lee for an hour, but this wasn't like him.

Lee forced a smile.

"I'm fine." he said. Gaara seemed to buy it.

"Okay. So, why are you here? You don't seem to be to thrilled to be here either."

"I like to dance." he answered. He wasn't really lying...

Gaara raised a brow at the answer, which Lee noted was devoid of hair. The redhead's expression was otherwise completely stagnant, but that was to be expected.

"Then why aren't you dancing." he said bluntly. It was question, but he'd said it like a statement, as if he was slyly calling Lee out on his lie. It was a good point, and it wasn't as if the boy was out of energy.

Lee smiled sheepishly, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. Gaara leaned his head forward, ushering Lee to explain.

"I-I just like the company." he said shyly, looking down at his hands. He was subconsciously twisting the cuff link on his jacket sleeve.

Gaara frowned.

"Why would that be something to lie about?"

Lee looked up at him. Gaara was completely oblivious to the fact that he didn't want to continue the conversation.

"It's just...I don't have any family...I don't have any friends...I have to pay an entrance fee to have a conversation, and then half the people are drunk.." Lee's voice trailed off and he swallowed heavily. "I...I just didn't want you to think any less of me."

Gaara narrowed his eyes, his face scrunched into an expression that read "you idiot". After a minute or so, his body started shaking —Lee thought he was having a seizure— but then small chuckles alleviated the worry. The redhead was laughing.
Lee stared at the strange sight. Gaara looked weird laughing.

"Are you okay?" he asked hesitantly. The man beside him seemed to be unable to regain his composure. It looked like tears were forming in his dark-rimmed eyes.

"Y-yeah." he choked out, still laughing. "It's just...me...thinking less of you...for being lonely... It's absolutely absurd." the redhead's chuckles finally died down, and he breathed deeply, wiping his eyes. Lee silently noticed that what he'd presumed to be eyeliner wasn't coming off. A moment of silence fell over the two.

Lee looked over at Gaara, studying the young man beside him. His hysterics had been replaced by a sad smile plastered on his face as he stared at the ground. Despite him still appearing the same as he was before, the redhead was a mess inside, and Lee knew he'd stirred something within him. It took many long minutes of silence between the two before he built the courage to break it.

"Gaara..." he said, touching the boy's shoulder. His voice was barely audible over the music. The young man looked up meekly, his teal eyes cloudy and seemingly far away. Lee could only look back at him, searching for answers.

"...why is it absurd?"