Oh dear, excuse me while I fish the last grammar and spelling misstakes out! Dyslexia is a blast! Anyhow, new chapter, I hope to be able to post the next one soon and please let me know what you think. Love, the mutt.

"Oh god! Kankuro how do you do this?!" Gaara cried out as he lifted his head from the toilet bowl. He sat on his knees, embracing the thing like it was his best friend

"It gets a little easier every time," Kankuro softly patted his back. Temari sat on the other side, gently running her fingers through her baby brother's hair.

"Does it? Temari?" Gaara whined, looking up to his sister.

Temari was stuck in between cringing and giving her little brother the most pitiful look she could muster. "There's still a little vomit on your chin..." She softly said, swallowing down her gag reflex.

Gaara sniffled as he looked at her before dunking his head back into the toilet and threw up what at this point was just mostly acid. His fingers moved up and mindlessly he tapped around on the reservoir before he found the handle to flush. "I'm going to take a shower," he finally announced and sat up straight again.

Both Temari and Kankuro got up, ready to leave the room. "We'll be here if you need anything," Kankuro said as he closed the door behind him.

Gaara waited for the door to fall back into the lock before he got up on wobbly legs and quickly got out if his like bar smelling clothes. He fished his toothbrush and the toothpaste from the sink before he turned on the tap, waiting for the water to gain a comfortable temperature. With a long sigh he sat down on the tiles and started to lazily brush his teeth. At this point he was pretty sure that all chance of further contact with Naruto that wouldn't be completely awkward were as far gone as his stomach content. Great.

By the time he felt clean and he finally had the taste of vomit waste out of his mouth, Temari was gone to pick up Shikamaru and Kankuro was collecting the dirty clothes to put in the washing machine, just so that the smell wouldn't linger. Without a word he slipped past his brother to hide away in his own room. It was only a few minutes after he had laid down in his bed that he heard a knock on his door.

"Yes?" He rasped through a pained throat.

"It's me," Kankuro opened the door only to find his little brother with the sheets up to his eyes and the lights still on. "Listen, Gaara, I'm sorry," he said as he sat down on the foot end of the bed and picked at his sleeves.

Gaara shrugged, "The blame lies more with me than you really, I am an adult, you know" he said, not looking at his brother. "Just, no mixing alcohol next time... Or as much," he sighed.

"I didn't think that shit would run this out of hand," he brushed his hand through his brown hair. "It was kinda funny to see you tell them all," he laughed a little weakly, but quickly stopped when he noticed the glare on Gaara's face. Again he looked away, shifting a little on his spot. "So...Naruto ey?" He finally tried to make small talk again. "Y'know I was already-"

"Kankuro,"

The brunet stopped mid sentence at the sound of his name and looked over to Gaara. His face wasn't met, instead the redhead insisted on looking at the ceiling like it was the most fascinating thing he had ever seen.

"Please just stop talking,"

Kankuro felt the corners of his mouth pull back before he nodded and got up. "Yeah, alright, sorry, I'll stop," he muttered to himself more than anything. "Good night," he sighed as he flicked off the lights and closed the door behind him.

He heard the door a few more times open and close before the house seemed empty and Gaara was left to nothing but his thoughts. It wasn't long after that that he fell asleep. Being done with substances for today he decided to stick to his medication to help him fall asleep.

The next morning Gaara woke up to the sound of his phone. His head throbbed when he opened his eyes and was met by the bright sunlight that shone through the first layers of curtains. He picked up the phone, expecting a text from Temari but was surprised when he noticed it was Naruto.

From: Naruto Uzumaki

Hey, I was wondering if ur up yet and if I can swing by.

Gaara blinked a little at the message before quickly replying.

To: Naruto Uzumaki

I'm up, and yes, you're welcome.

With that send he decided to start his day. From the living room that separated his and Kankuro's room he could still hear his brother's loud snoring. After another much needed shower he found himself sitting at the dinner table with a cup of black coffee and a cigarette. He couldn't really down anything yet and his hangover was only just ebbing away. Silently he looked at the wood, not sure what to think about Naruto's visit. His heart was beating while nausea came up and down again like the moving of the ocean. The redhead shot up at the sound of the doorbell and quickly he moved to the door, a cigarette still between his lips. The first thing he was greeted with when he opened the front door to the apparent was a little cactus with a pink bloom flowering at the top, behind that stood Naruto, holding it up like it was a gift to the gods.

"Hello?" He softly questioned, causing the blond to straighten his back and look up.

"It's, uhm, for you," Naruto smiled a little nervously holding it out once more. "I'm sorry," he scratched the back of his head.

"You're the second one to say that today," Gaara said as he took the little cactus, the faintest of smiles tugging his lips as he examined it. "Do you want to come in?" He finally asked, stepping away from the door to let the blond in. It was only than that he noticed a black eye on the other, briefly he wondered if it was from Temari before he decided to brush off the thought and started moving.

Naruto blinked a little before quickly nodding and happily he stepped in. He closed the door behind him and followed Gaara into the kitchen where he stood a little awkwardly around the table.

"You can sit down if you want too," Gaara finally said, looking up to his friend and quickly he lit another cigarette. Naruto just nodded in reply and quickly took a chair, keeping a bit of distance. "Would you like some coffee?" He finally asked, looking to the blond.

Naruto shook his head a little. "Nah, thanks I'm fine," he smiled a little nervously.

A silence fell between the two again and the sound of Gaara drinking his coffee or smoking a cigarette was all the noise in the room along with Kankuro's still too loud snoring.

"Say, last night when you-" Naruto was cut off by Gaara's voice.

"Forget about it," he said in an unapologetic harsh manner.

"Sorry, no can do," Naruto replied in an almost cocky manner.

"So what do you want then?" Gaara asked looking at the little cactus in front of him. Another silence fell.

Naruto sighed and lowered his eyes to the table. "I don't know," he finally said.

Gaara nibbled his lower lip and lowered his gaze as well. "What are we going to do then?" The question seemed almost hesitant.

"I don't know," was the answer again.

"You don't feel the same, do you?" Gaara butted his cigarette and turned his face away.

"I..." He started and fell silent again as the words choked up in the back of his throat. "I don't know," he finally continued. "I would be lying if I said I didn't feel anything, but it's so quick and I just don't know if..." He trailed off, trying to put his thoughts in order.

"You want a new relationship so soon after Hinata?" The redhead finished.

All Naruto could do was nod in reply. Again a silence fell between the two.

"Maybe..." Gaara started. "Maybe we can just be friends with extra's for now?" He softly suggested. "If it doesn't go anywhere we can just go back to being friends again," he continued, looking up at Naruto from the corner of his eyes.

He could see Naruto blink owlishly, "you think that could work?" He asked.

"We won't know if we don't try," Gaara shrugged.

"I uhm...guess it's settled then?" The blond grinned a little sheepishly. He placed his hand on Gaara's shoulder. "Here by I dub thee, my official friend with benefits," Naruto said, leaving Gaara to smile weakly before even chuckling a little. He however fell completely silent when he felt two hands gently hold his face and Naruto pull him into a kiss. Each cocked their head to a different side and the soft, innocent kiss was quickly deepened. Gaara expected nothing less when he found that Naruto tasted like instant noodles and teeth that had been brushed less than half an hour ago. His hands moved up when he felt Naruto pull an arm around his shoulder and waist. His hand moved over the broad shoulders and through messy, greasy hair, not wanting to let go just quite yet. At the sound of his name, he however flinched but before he could pull away from Naruto it was too late. Kankuro stared at them briefly with a sheepish and tired expression before he decided to move further into the room. Neither one of the two younger men said something as Kankuro took a seat. Gaara, more than anything just felt like a child that got caught stealing candy. Gaara briefly shook his head and decided to pick up as usual and made Kankuro his coffee.

The brunet on his turn picked up Gaara's pack of cigarettes and fished one out of the package before he lit it.

"Rough night? You look like you got attacked by a dog," Naruto grinned a little sheepishly at further inspection of Kankuro's 'war wounds'.

At this the brunet decided to lift his head and briefly look at his shoulders before resting his head back in his hands again. "Something like that," he sighed. "Speaking of dogs, Naruto, I need the phone number of one of your friends," he said, speaking up a bit clearer now.

A small confused frown tied Naruto's brows together and slightly he cocked his head to the side. "Who?" He finally asked, getting out his phone.

"Kiba's," Kankuro answered as he took his own phone from his pocket as well, ready to type it down.

The confusion that had washed over Naruto's face earlier grew bigger. "Why?" He finally asked, trying to figure out reasons for himself.

"None of your fucking business is why, just give me his number before I send Temari on your ass," he snarled before leaning back and picked up his coffee cup from the counter.

"Please don't," Gaara softly objected as he picked up his own mug again and watched Kankuro butt out a cigarette in the glass ashtray that sat in the centre of the small table.

"Okay, okay, jeez, morning person much?" Naruto raised his hands defensively before showing Kankuro his friend's phone number.

As soon as Kankuro had the number saved he took his coffee and another cigarette before he left the kitchen again. When the older man had faded back into his room Naruto turned to the man besides him.

"Does he hate me?" He frowned, "y'know, because of yesterday?" Naruto finished.

Gaara shrugged and took his seat again. "Don't think so, he's probably just hung over, and your voice is pretty loud," he simply answered.

The blond frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm not that loud," he huffed stubbornly.

Gaara arched an eyebrow. "Naruto, whenever you came to visit me in the asylum I could hear you from three streets away; you're loud," he said through a small smile.

"Hey, at least I came to visit you," Naruto shrugged.

"I know," Gaara softly smiled with nothing short of gratitude in his voice. A brief moment of silence fell. Neither one spoke much of Gaara's little Asylum adventure. "Did you have other plans or do you mind staying around?" The redhead finally asked as he returned to his coffee.

"Well..." Naruto started and scratched the back of his head. "Hinata was supposed to bring some things over today," he said, looking at the other man from underneath his blond lashes.

"You want me to be there?" Gaara calmly asked and turned his head slightly to the side.

"Please?" Naruto pouted.

a weak smile tugged his lips as he slowly nodded. "Sure, but I'm not going to get involved," he clarified calmly.

"That's alright! I just don't wanna be alone," he raised his hands defensively.

With a small smile Gaara nodded. "Whenever you're ready then,"

The silence before the storm, that's what they called it. There was a tensions that could cut through diamonds and glares were exchanged between blue and grey eyes.

"Well, you're going to-" Naruto's words were cut off by Neji's fist hitting the non swollen eye.

"Neji! Stop it! What are you doing?!" Hinata tried but her voice was drowned out by the two already starting to brawl in Naruto's tiny apartment.

Naruto wasn't the only one that didn't want to be alone during the whole ordeal. Hinata had brought along Neji, probably on his own request while she brought the items. The darkly haired girl had been practically hiding in a corner while her cousin brought in a box of Naruto's belongings and dropped it on the floor. A total of three snarky remarks were exchanged before Neji finally told Naruto to shut up before he would hurt him. Naruto, on his part just opened his arms and pushed his luck on that threat.

"Goddamnit! You prick! You punched me!" Naruto hissed as he practically jumped the other man to return the favour.

"I told you I would hurt you! You don't deserve my cousin!" He barked back, quickly blocking the fist that was tosses his way before he kicked Naruto off.

"Neji! Please! Just stop it!" Hinata cried out and held on to his arm.

The long haired man stopped for a moment before he looked to the smaller woman and sighed. "You're lucky," he growled before he turned his back.

The blond quickly tried to follow the two, maybe get one final strike in before he was choked by someone who grabbed the collar of his shirt. His head nearly snapped back and his glare was cast towards Gaara who had apparently gotten of the bed. Unfazed by the glare he shook his head.

"Don't," was the only word uttered before the door closed again.

"I thought you weren't going to get involved," Naruto huffed as he looked back to the door.

"So did I," Gaara rolled his eyes skywards and sighed softly before he sat back on the bed.

"don't get all eye rolly and sighy with me! He started it!" Naruto pointed at the door.

"And Hinata stopped it, if it isn't for the sake of your own eyesight, at least do it for her," Gaara dully said before he leaned over and poked the bruised tissue causing the other man to jump backwards with a loud yelp. Naruto quickly straightened himself from nearly tripping over his own feet and glared a little at Gaara's faint self satisfied smile.

"You sadist!" Naruto whined gently holding the bruised eyes.

The redhead pressed his index against his lips and hushed his friend before he got off the bed and moved towards the fridge. Naruto, with a small huff sat on Gaara's spot and watched the other man as he took a beer and gently pressed it against the blond's eye.

"You should keep it cool," he softly said as he sat down next to Naruto who quickly took the can. With a soft hiss he pressed it against his eye and sighed.

"I still think it's unfair that I'm the only one getting punched," Naruto huffed and opened the can.

Gaara shrugged, "It could've been worse," he said, looking at the bruised skin. "Besides, Kankuro gets punched all the time," he continued in the same almost thoughtful manner. From the corner of his eyes he looked over to Naruto who huffed at the attempt to make him feel better. "You're the only one that got my first kiss," he finally said, a small smile playing over his lips as he said so.

Naruto blinked a little when those words finally hit him. "I did didn't I?" Naruto softly said mostly to himself. Gaara nodded and hummed in reply, happy that he got the other to at least stop whining. "And no one else will take that," he continued.

Gaara arched a brow. "Yeah, that's

the way it works," he said, mildly confused at the amazement in Naruto's voice. He frowned when he faced his friend again and was met by two black eyes and a broad grin. "You're scaring me..." Gaara said, slowly inching away.

Naruto's face fell when he heard that comment and softly he huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest. A small comfortable silence fell that was only broken by the sound of both men getting comfortable on the bed. Gaara inched back and rested against the wall behind him while Naruto carefully rested his head on the redhead's lap. A small smile tugged the corners of his lips into a faint smile at the sight. He closed his eyes and exhaled a deep breath while Naruto's weight shifted a last time. It wasn't all that uncommon to end up in a position like this, Naruto was quite fond of physical touch and after a long while, Gaara grew to expect it. He opened his eyes and felt a bittersweet feeling twist into his guts.

Naruto too let go of a deep sigh before he inhaled the calmth that Gaara seemed to carry. With half lidded eyes he stared at the black Tv screen while he emptied his brain of all the thoughts that plagued his mind. "I wonder if Hinata packed everything," he finally voiced his thoughts.

"I don't know," was the soft reply and the hand that hoovered above Naruto's hair quickly moved to lay back on the mattress. He softly bit his lower lip and looked at the box. It almost seemed to mock him.

Naruto sat up and took a sip of the beer that he held against his eye.

Both stared curiously at the little box before Naruto placed his beer on the little table and got up from the bed. A few times he walked around the box and carefully examined it. With little grace he sat down and began to tear the tape off the top. The quickness and enthusiasm of his moves slowed down and came to an halt when he had the box opened. A knot in his gut tightened and the corners of his mouth pulled back. With a soft sigh he pulled out clothing items such as underwear, shirts, socks as well as lost chargers and other such belongings. Once more he reached in and slowly pulled out photos, gifts and little notes; everything that used to be in Hinata's room that once belonged to him was now packed up and brought back.

Gaara whom had been watching from the bed nibbled his lower lips and wondered if he should've left. Slowly he got up from the bed and shuffled over to sit next to Naruto where he looking into the box and at the pictures. They ranged from when they were friends as young teenagers to when they started dating as young adults. Every picture seemed to capture a moment that made a stepping stone of them growing up.

"This is the end of it, no?" Naruto's voice ripped the redhead out of his thoughts and slowly he turned his head to his friend. With a pained expression he watched as the hand he places on his shoulder was just enough to push him over the edge. Without giving Gaara a choice in the matter Naruto collapsed in arms that barely managed to catch him.

Thickly the redhead swallowed and slowly wrapped his arms around the other man as he sobbed away. Wordlessly he comforted the blond until his hiccups ebbed away.

"Do you regret it?" Gaara hated the small amount of hope that he could taste on his tongue as he asked the question that had been burning in his mind for hours now.

Naruto glared at the box and shook his head. "No, but yes...I don't know," he softly answered. "Part of me will always love her, and it hurts that I broke up with her, it hurts to know that I've hurt her," he rasped and let Gaara wipe away his tears.

"But...?" Gaara softly asked.

"When I gave her that ring, I wasn't excited, I was terrified, the thought of kids and all of that crap, I didn't want that, but she does...I know she does," he sighed and closed his eyes.

Teal eyes moved through the half unpacked content of the box. No ring.