[] Gift []

Casual today, Gaara left his apartment. Still, he left his door unlocked.

He decided skipping school for the rest of the week was in his best interest. With what happened the other day, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to fend off teachers and Sai. Grumbling to himself, he skulked about the battered concrete.

Man…

Suna was such a rundown city. Their school was crap, their people were crap, even he himself…

Scratching the back of his head, he sighed.

It was the afternoon…and the sky was gray. Perhaps it would rain? Huh. He had better hurry with his shopping then. Yes. He was going shopping. He needed some groceries, and a fat check from his father had arrived for the month.

Usually, he put more than half of it back, and spent what he felt was necessary, but this month he was going to splurge. Not because he wanted something ridiculously expensive though. In fact, the last visit he had paid to the Methodist, he had left an index card to Lee saying he'd bring something cool the next time he came.

He was on his way to get eggs, instant dinners, milk, creamer, some more coffee and…a gift for Lee.

Gaara snorted.

Hell. If Sai had something to give Lee then he'd get something for Lee too! He was going to best whatever it was that Sai had in store for Lee.

Gaara's triumphant smile didn't last long, for when he starting thinking of what to buy Lee, he drew a blank.

…

What did Lee like anyway?

Gai, track, school, and smiles?

…

He could have seriously shot himself. What the hell did that guy like that he could buy?

The entire time Gaara walked to the store, he kept drawing blanks on gifts for Lee.

Flowers…Stuffed animals…Shoes…Candy…

The Super Market's glass doors parted for him, but he frowned.

Cards…Books…Toys…Erotica…

Shit.

He was still drawing blanks-but-erotica…That could work. He couldn't go wrong with Erotica right? Lee was a guy, and being cooped up in the hospital all day probably put a damper on his spirits. Maybe a nude magazine was what he needed…but then again…Lee didn't strike him as a pervert.

Gaara glanced about and noticed two aisle attendants giving him wary looks. He grunted. With his brown rocker tee and baggy gray jeans, he did look kind of scary…

Grabbing a cart, he went down the aisle of soups and sauces before going down another aisle, mentally checking things off his grocery list. He picked up a few instant meals from the fridge section…coffee grinds…creamer…and finally-

Went looking for a gift.

He was in the holiday section, which, there was nothing worthwhile except for candy, and he didn't know if Lee had a sweet tooth. But then again…how was chocolate going to beat a gift from Sai? Sai could very well be getting him some candy basket.

Grimacing, he went down another aisle. Hm. CD's? What kind of music did Lee listen to…Going down the toy aisle, he noticed a lot of action figures he used to have as a child and smirked. Did Lee have cool toys when he was younger? Ah…Clothes. Gaara had never seen Lee outside of the Konoha dress code. Was he a casual guy? Or did he dress ridiculously tacky? A smile was creeping onto his lips, but he stopped himself from snickering at the thought of Lee in stupid clothing.

The couple aisle with teddy bears and blankets…Gaara frowned. He went down another aisle of food and sighed. Finding a gift was hard…he knew next to nothing about Lee, and everything he assumed was a general gift, still required thought. He couldn't buy him a CD, a shirt, candy, or even a damn card without knowing something useful about Lee.

He just didn't know enough about the guy to get him something meaningful…

Even though his spirits were a bit drained, he went down the only aisle he knew he could make use of. He picked out a few materials, and nodded at his selection with approval.

In short, he'd just have to make Lee's present with the only talent he had.

His door was slightly ajar again…

I know I shut it this time…

Shoving the door open with his back, he dropped his groceries in the entry way. Quickly, he went though his apartment, the living space, the kitchen, his room and the bathroom. Nothing. No one was there…but still.

Something was amiss, he just didn't know what.

Frowning, Gaara noted to take an extra two-hundred from his savings to buy a security system later.

Since nothing was out of place or stolen he kicked his apartment door close. He then went to the kitchen and stacked up his fridge and pantry with the groceries he bought. After stocking up, he made himself a cup of almond coffee with sweet creamer…and the materials he bought from the store, well, he kept them in a grocery bag and headed to his room, mug in tow.

Flicking the light on in his room, he neatly placed the materials about his art desk. Sitting down, he took a sip of his coffee before setting it aside. In his mugs place, he grabbed a graphite pencil. Working into the night, he started on Lee's gift.

He couldn't believe he finished it in one night…The sketch work was loose underneath coats of wild paint and charcoal. The matted frame around the piece was measured with 1 inch margins, and he had painted it mustard-orange…Ah. Gaara rubbed at one of his cheeks sleepily. He hadn't felt sleepy in he didn't know how long…He looked at his clock flashing red letters at him. 5:43 AM. He really needed to sleep…Glancing back at Lee's gift…his ears turned hot.

He rubbed his fingers into his hair and groaned. The fact that it looked really good made him feel embarrassed. Flicking the light to his room off, he tossed himself face first onto his bed.

It had been awhile since he had fallen into a deep sleep.

When he woke up, red letters flashed at him. 7:34 PM. Jumping up, he checked his iPod Touch to see the date. Ah…he had practically slept into the next evening. Damn. He looked at Lee's gift from the side of his bed and sighed. At least he finished it. Giving his work another glance…he decided that it looked…nice.

Looks just like him…

That day he decided to get up and walk to-

…..

Gaara paused on the carpet. Something…

….AH!

Racing to the living area, he found that it was as he left it.

But-

He threw the front door open and glared at his Harley and concrete.

Standing for another minute, Gaara went back inside, seething.

Again. His door had been slightly cracked. And last night, he had locked it.

He was so pissed…! Someone was messing with him, and when he figured out who…well, he just hoped he never found them, because if he did, he was going to put them in the hospital.

Walking back into his room, he yanked a gray thermal blanket from out of his closet. On his way out, he picked up the mug from last night and headed to the kitchen. Making himself a cup of coffee, he plopped down on his couch and stared at his television. He would camp out in his living room for a few days until he bought a security system…

His weekend had passed stiffly-In the living room sipping coffee, falling asleep, waking up, making more coffee…

And still.

He had woken up, and his door was closed.

Whoever had entered seemed to know when he was in and out of his house. He frowned. Who the hell was messing with his stuff?

It was finally Monday and he was going to see Lee again…but he wasn't in a good mood. Gai was still gone who-knows-where-And speaking of teachers-he had to avoid the one that saw him fighting in the hall with Sai the week before, however, running from that teacher, he had run into that 'Sakura' girl. This time, she was with her blond friend, and they both ran down the opposite hallway when they caught sight of him.

After having his house violated twice, he was on edge, and every little negative at school was making him hot with impatience.

Oh.

And his blond friend?

Well.

When he saw him, all he wanted to do was knock the boy flat on his back. He really needed him last week, but Gaara had been left to his own stupid decisions.

"Hey, Red!" was all he heard before he walked back into the art room. How the blond found his sanctuary was a mystery of life.

"Wai-Ayyyyeee!"

Stuck in the crease of the door he had shut, was the blonde's hand. Sighing, Gaara eased the door off of the boy's fingers, but not enough to let the boy inside the room.

"Come on, Red!" he pleaded, "I got something serious to tell you. Lemme in! Quick, quick!"

The boy fell forward clumsily when the door let up. With his back, Gaara shut the door. Crossing his arms, he glared at the fox.

"What."

Naruto opened his mouth to say something, but shut it abruptly. Grasping his chin, he looked off at the rows of empty desks.

"Gaara…I don't know…I mean…promise not to get mad."

The redhead would have snorted, but his friend's serious eyes kept him from doing so. Nodding once, Naruto cleared his throat.

"I think…I overheard some stuff-but-I don't know how accurate-I mean-what I'm saying is-I think I overheard some stuff outside of school about Lee."

Immediately, questions started spilling out of Gaara's mouth, "When was this? Where were you? Who said it? How many people was it? What were you doing? What time-"

Naruto threw his hands up, clearly overwhelmed.

"Look. I dunno. I'm just saying-well-I just-I wanted to confirm if these guys were really responsible for-well-I-okay. Lemme start from the beginning."

Gaara would have sat himself down, but he couldn't get his feet to move. Glued with his back against the door, he stared at Naruto, waiting. Taking a breath, Naruto steadied his voice and proceeded with his story.

Alright, I was on my way to the Flaming Arcade, but it was crowded on that main street-you know-the one with the bus stop? So anyway, there were these guys a few spaces in front of me, and they're wearing these really decked out clothes…brand-name everything. Watches, jewelry, you name it. I was like, 'Who wears that in Suna? Are they trying to get robbed?', and one of them is saying, 'Can't believe that guy didn't have anything on 'em.' And another pitches, 'Yeah. Had the Konoha clothes and everything.'

You know, I'm just walking in people traffic trying to get to the Arcade, so what do I care what they're saying? I just couldn't get over how nice they looked, so I was ease dropping on their conversation 'cause I thought they were saying important stuff, you know? But then one says, 'That was practically two months ago. Let it go, dumbasses-'sides-did you ever figure out where he lived?...No?'

I could tell that guy was the leader or something, 'cause he got all pissed and said, 'Jesus! I thought you said you saw him at the hospital! Fuck, Jai, if you hadn't left your damn ring, we wouldn't have to hound the guy.' And I guess 'Jai' got scared 'cause he said, 'Well, I tried but I can't just walk in the room if his relative or whatever is there visiting. Whoever it is, they're there all damn day. And when they leave, some other dude walks in-' and the other guy, the leader, is still pissed, 'Yeah? Well I don't care. Just get your ass in there and search the room. The guy's practically fucked for life. Not like he can do anything to stop you from asking questions.'

And that's when…the Jai guy says, 'I know! But the dude who walks in after the relative is from Konoha too, but he don't look like no Konoha guy…he's scary. I think the guy we screwed over has beef with everyone…' The boss says nothing. It's quiet and then the boss says, 'Yeah? What's he look like?' and that's when…

Naruto swallowed. He looked Gaara straight in the eyes with his blue stare.

"…Jai said, 'All I saw was red hair.'"

Naruto put a hand on his hip and used the other to scratch the back of his head.

Grimacing, he murmured, "I think they were talking about you, Gaara. And if they were, then they're talking about Lee too."

For a long time, there was silence between them. Naruto shifted about anxiously, murmuring details to himself, 'I'm not really sure if those were their words, but it's the gist of the conversation' and 'That last part though-it was definitely about you.'

Gaara said nothing. He stood with his arms crossed. His stare blank.

Quirking his head, Naruto spoke, "Hey…say something Red."

But Gaara couldn't. He was still empty.

Walking up to the red head, the blond reached a hand toward him, but before he could take the red head's shoulder-a desk was sent across the room.

Astounded, Naruto hopped back with a surprised yelp.

"Whoa, whoa!"

With a low voice, Gaara growled.

"You."

Naruto stood firm and scrunched up his nose, "What? You gonna blame this on me? You're mad-I get it-but-"

Gaara scowled at the blond.

"Why didn't you do something?"

"I tried following bu-"

"You were right there, but did nothing."

"Wait-lemme just tal-"

"No." Gaara turned around to storm out the room, but a sharp pain caught him in the back. Twisting around, he caught the blond tackling his midsection, but he stood firm, refusing to fall.

"You're not leaving without hearing me out-even if I have to kick your ass!" The blond yelled, determined. Stubborn and angry, they wrestled violently.

"Listen you idiot! I did follow! I've been following them all week! That's why I told you I wouldn't be at school-ah! Ohh!" With a busted lip, Naruto wiped away the blood on his cheek and cursed. Gaara had fingers in the blonde's hair as well as an elbow in the boy's neck. Naruto had his hands on Gaara's shoulders with a foot on the guy's stomach, trying to force their bodies apart. Screaming curses, he wailed, "Gah~get the hell off me you psycho!"

With a rough shove, the blond was on the floor, panting. Gaara stumbled on his feet, coughing.

"I know you're not in a good mood, but you don't have to kick my ass! I'm trying to help Lee too, okay? The moment something gets messed up you snap! Not everyone is trying to hurt him, so stop treating people like they're your enemy you crazy, red, fuck!"

Gaara had a hand to his stomach. He coughed bitterly. He needed to snap out of his madness…

"…S…rry…"

The blond shook his head.

"You're a real idiot you know that?"

Gaara said nothing. As if showing his defeat, he put his arms down and looked at the floor.

After a moment of glaring at the red head, Naruto spoke.

"Those guys…I dunno what they're up to, but I lost track of them that day. I kept searching Suna the entire week, but I didn't see them anymore…"

Sighing, Naruto sat cross-legged on the tile, "I didn't catch their faces…just their clothes." Shaking his head, he breathed, "But…I think they're looking for you."

Gaara crouched down to Naruto's level, hugging his head in his arms. After a moment of silence, he spoke.

"I think…they may have already found me."

With a blue stare focused on him, Gaara grimaced. Wiping a bruised cheek, he paled.

"They've been in my house, Naruto."

They were at the Methodist again…

Even though they were rough looking from their fist fight, Gaara had Lee's gift under his arm wrapped in art paper, and Naruto, well, he claimed that his 'presence' was his present.

Familiar double doors parted for them, and coming into the space of the info desk, a volunteer that was sitting behind it asked them for a patient. Answering the volunteer, they were told Lee's room number.

The same narrow hallway…didn't seem as gloomy like all the other times he'd visited. At his side was a curious blond. Bouncy and excited, the blond kept taking note of things, 'Ah…so they go by room numbers and letters? Oh! That's the children's ward right…eugh…this wall color is ugly…oh! That's Lee's room number right ther-'

Murmuring.

They could hear voices.

There was a conversation going on behind Lee's door.

Alarmed, Gaara stomped to the door to yank it open, but Naruto swatted his hand away. The blond pushed Gaara away, shushing him. With a burning glare, Gaara snapped his head at his friend, but the blond mouthed, 'What if it's those guys?'

Coming to terms with Naruto's notion, Gaara calmed himself. Together, they pressed themselves to the door and listened close.

The murmuring had stopped…the sound of paper…or an envelope, being opened…and then…the shuffling of some sheets…and then a pause.

"Your face doesn't look too content. You don't like it?"

Cursing under his breath, Gaara pressed his ear impossibly close to the door. It took every bit of sanity he had left to stay put. That voice just now…it was that liar. Sai.

There was a raspy reply, "I…do not understand this…gift. How did you get this? When were you here?"

Gaara sighed softly…

That's Lee's voice…

But…what was it he was talking about? What was Sai's gift?

"Does it matter how I got it? I just thought it would make a good…memory, for you."

Grunting, Gaara put his hand on the knob, but Naruto placed his own hand on top of his. With a glare, Naruto was able to communicate a, 'Not yet!'

There was a shift in the sheets, and then the sound of paper being placed down carefully.

"It does matter. And…this is…inappropriate. This wasn't a good memory at all…"

Even though there was no sound, Gaara could picture Sai's face...a smug smile.

"…Why would you give this to me? I know you say you are a concerned classmate whom I used to know…but if that was true, then why this picture?"

"It's just a simple warning, Lee. And I am concerned, but not for you."

A pause, and then movement…shoes tapping tile quietly. Then silence.

"…Oh. So...you do too?"

"Yes."

"…Can I ask why?"

"…I guess that's fair. Can you guess?"

"Not at all."

A laugh.

The blond elbowed Gaara lightly, "Psst! What are they talking about?" he whispered. Gaara shook his head. He didn't know…but he could guess. Even though he didn't know Sai personally, from what he gathered, one thing was certain: he was incredibly bitter.

"Well…my brother was actually admitted to this hospital months ago. At the time, I had been sitting in the ER lobby, waiting to be admitted to see my brother. Then, all these nurses flew by, all pushing this bed down the hall. It was you, and you were a terrible sight. Hah…I didn't even know what you were being diagnosed with, but I knew you were from my school. It's the only reason I took note of your room number in the first place…"

"Ah…you have a brother?"

"...He was in a coma. Had been for about a week, so my parents and I kept visiting him, and occasionally, I'd walk by your room and see you through your door window. I thought, 'Everyone seems to be in a coma…', but you looked worse than my brother. Ignorant, I thought he'd wake up before you because he wasn't beat up."

There was silence.

"Oh…you really care about him."

"…That's irrelevant to the story, Lee."

"But-"

"I was sure he'd come through, but he didn't."

"Sai-"

"You woke up the day he died."

"…"

"You see? My reasons for hating you aren't your fault. I just need to blame someone is all. I'd blame the world, but the world doesn't have a singular face to point a finger at."

"…"

"Really? You have nothing to comment on now?"

"….I…still want to know something else."

"What."

"How did your brother go into a coma?"

"That…"

A pause.

"I'm not going to tell you that."

"Then…why are you so sour?"

"….."

"You sound like you love your brother, and are mad that he's gone."

Sai snorted.

"You're going to preach to me? You, an orphan? No really-don't shake your head like you didn't mean what you just said. I want to know your philosophy on family, Lee. I want to hear you sound stupid."

"….Stop it."

"No, no. Go ahead. Speak. I'll listen. I'm not leaving until you do."

A shuffling of sheets and a cough.

"…I just think…because you have family, you are lucky. You had a brother you cared about. He's gone but was here…and his presence lives with you and your parents."

"And how does this concern you?"

"…I would think I'm connected…because…I'm the opposite. And opposites are still one and the same, just reversed."

"Hn…interesting theory. Since you're the opposite, your reasons are pitiful and small, yes? Something along the lines of, 'born alone and still are alone?'"

"…"

"Guess what else, Lee?"

"…..?"

"No presence will live on in someone else when you die alone."

CLANK.

Gaara and Naruto stood in the doorway. Gaara's brow was crouched, bunching the skin at the bridge of his nose.

"Leave."

Sai…smiled. Slowly walking past the angry pair, he stopped in the doorway and looked back at them.

"I hope you caught all of that, Gaara. The saying applies to you too, doesn't it?"

"Look man,"Naruto blurted, "Don't get fresh with my friends! I've got their backs if you try anything!"

"Ah. What a hopeless bunch you guys are. You all will have each other in your last moments I guess."

Gaara stood calmly. His brow relaxed, but his aura was anything but.

With a low voice, he said, "If I see you outside of school; the store, the arcade, or even on the sidewalk, I'm going to fucking kick the shit out of you. I don't care if there are police, parents, or babies around, if I even see someone who even looks like you-I'm kicking the shit out of them too."

Sai snorted at that.

"I'll see you at school then."

And with that, he was out the door.

Naruto kicked at the air.

"Who the hell was that? What kind of people are you inviting in this room, man?" Naruto looked at Lee, but Lee was a blank slate.

"…Hey," Gaara approached the side of Lee's bed, "Did you get our note?" Lee glanced at him for a minute before nodding.

Gaara hadn't seen the boy in a whole week…His hair was freshly washed, and his complexion was looking more apricot than yellow…yeah…Lee was starting to look like his old self again.

"Uh…this is Naruto, he's a classmate that was worried-I mean-wanted to see you. Not like Sai 'wanting to see you', but honestly wanting to…see you." Scratching the back of his head, Gaara looked at Naruto as if queuing the boy to speak.

"Yeah, we had some classes together, so if you have questions you can ask me! Well-not questions about class because I haven't been in a while but uh-anything else is fine." Naruto jutted his hand in Lee's face. "Naruto, Uzumaki!" Lee blinked and then opened his mouth, but then shut it.

"Is that your real-"

Naruto nodded.

"On my birth certificate."

Lee's lips cracked a small smile.

"Oh…how…different."

"I know right? Like, what were my parents thinking?" Naruto shook his head with a sigh, and Lee's smile became even wider.

Ah...

"You look normal when you smile." Gaara said it without trying to comment the boy's looks, rather, he was just stating a simple fact. It didn't matter how Lee took his words because said boy's ears turned pink.

"…I wish I knew the normal me."

"Then open this."

Handing Lee his gift, Gaara stood by and watched with anxious eyes as Lee peeled away the excess paper around it. Holding it away from himself, Lee's eyes widened.

A portrait of a boy with whipped back charcoal hair stared back at Lee. The boy's green jersey was a smudge of mossy colored paint that was stretched across his torso… Arms were blurs of skin, frantic lines of apricot. There was no sky in the picture, just blurry backgrounds of earthy toned hues…The trimming in mustard-orange was the perfect touch…

"Is this me? Running…track?"

Gaara frowned, "I remember you running during gym…but I mean, it's not that great, I was just-you know-I didn't know what to get you so I thought, 'Oh, I'll just draw something'-but if you don't like it-I'll get something el-"

A slap on the back made him grunt.

"Don't be so modest! Look at that! It looks just like 'em, just all artsy and-hey, how come you never told me you could draw? That's some real talent there! You're not in art, Red? That why you just sit in the art room all day?"

Gaara elbowed the laughing blond with a, "Stop yelling in my ear."

Lee shut his eyes and smiled warmly.

"This is really nice. I really like it. A lot. Thank you."

Gaara wiped away a rising blush.

"It's nothing…"

A loud, "Don't worry, Lee. You'll be back to your old self in no time! When that happens, this picture will be every bit the way you remember yourself." Naruto took Lee by the shoulder and manhandled him into a half-hug.

"…Naruto."

"Huh?"

"Let go of him, he looks uncomfortable."

"Oh-no-I am fine."

Even so, Gaara ripped Naruto off of Lee. Naruto hopped around, mad about Gaara's foul mood, but the red head ignored him.

"So…is it better than Sai's gift?"

Lee's smile dwindled a bit, but he still looked happy, if not a little upset.

"I don't think Sai's gift was a gift…but, yes, yours makes me feel better."

Gaara grabbed his chin and nodded. His reason for grabbing his chin wasn't to look like he was thinking, rather, it was to cover up part of his oncoming smile.

"What'd he get you anyway?" the blond asked. Lee shook his head fast.

"Oh-it is-you know-not very appealing. Do not worry about it."

"Well, we just want to see it-"

"Please…I don't want to have to explain it…do not ask."

Gaara and Naruto were uncomfortable for a second. Whatever Sai gave Lee…it probably wasn't nice. And…

Gaara looked around the room but saw no other wrapping paper other than his.

Huh…whatever it was, it must have been small enough for Lee to hide.

A nurse waltzed in, informing them that their visiting hours were up. With a hearty good-bye from Naruto, and a simple wave from Gaara, they left Lee's room.

In front of Naruto's apartment complex, the blond hopped off of Gaara's ride. Before putting his feet on the gas, Gaara was tapped on the shoulder.

Glancing at the blond, he blinked.

"What?"

"…If anything happens, you know, with your place, you can always crash at mine. You know-I'm just saying, the offers there if you need it so…don't be an ass and refuse to swing by if your house is blown up or something."

Gaara smirked.

"Whatever."

"I'm serious, Gaara."

"….."

"I mean, you said your door has been open for the past few days…It would suck if something happened to you, especially since Lee needs you, you know?"

"…..Yeah."

Naruto asked for Gaara's cell, and hesitantly, Gaara gave it to him. After swapping digits, he left to his apartment.

Concrete…more concrete…stocky housing complexes…Suna. He was in the heart of it, and then at his apartment.

And…

What he found wasn't just an open door. All of his stuff, his art stuff, inks, paints, and charcoal, just everything, was smeared on the concrete in front of his door.

SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME RigHT? SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME RigHT? SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME RigHT? SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME aYE? SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME RigHT? SaBAKu IS YOUr Name? SaBaKU SaBAKU SAbaKu? THAt's A mONey NaME RigHT?

ThiS IS A Fun GaMe. We FOUnd YoU!

Without looking around, Gaara hit his gas again. He drove off from his place. No way he was sticking around…

Reaching the super market, he hopped off his Harley, almost forgetting to take the keys out of the ignition. Speed walking, he impatiently waited for the double doors to part before skulking toward the clothing area. Now that he was in a public setting rather then outside, he felt comfortable enough to let his guard down. Pulling out his cell, he swallowed. Dialing Naruto's contact, he paced around, waiting on the phone to-

Static Air. Immediately, Gaara began to speak.

"Naruto-"

"Sorry, he's not here right now."

"…!"

Who was that?

"But when you're ready to come out of hiding…we'll be out here in the parking lot of Super Save."

They hung up.

Gaara panicked and whipped his head around.

Just people. Normal everyday people shopping. But-

Someone was watching him.

Someone was outside.

Someone was waiting for him.

And Naruto…

Gaara ran to the music section, not because he found something worth his time, but more so because it was the farthest aisle away from the double doors.

Silently, Gaara made his way toward the back doors of the shopping center. He'd have to ditch his Harley and walk back to his place… Oh. Nevermind that. He didn't have a place to go to that was safe. Naruto's? Was his place any safer? What the hell was he going to do? The only other person he could turn to was…his dad.

But no. That was not an option. He would have to-

Crashing into a thick build, Gaara fell flat on his bottom.

"Oh, are you ok…"

Glancing up with panicked eyes, Gaara's mouth fell open. Yes. He was that shocked.

"Hey-oh-you're still in uniform? School ended hours ago."

"Gai…where have you been?"

The gym teacher frowned.

"Just came back from a family reunion but…oh. How is Lee?"

"He's…getting better."

"How's his memory?"

Gaara shook his head, his eyes still wide. He still couldn't believe he was having a conversation with a missing man.

"Oh…well…about that deal, I never was going to carry it out. Now that I'm back, I-I mean-you don't have to keep visiting Lee."

Shaking his head he negated, "No, I want to visit Lee. He's my friend now."

Gai blinked, rubbed his chin, and then, after a moment, smiled.

"That's…good! That's really good."

"But,"Gaara's voice was coming out on its own accord, "I don't think he's safe."

Immediately, Gai was concerned.

"What? Why? Did you hear something?"

"No-I mean-yes-well-my friend heard some guys, but those guys have gotten to him-and they messed up my place and-Lee he's-I dunno-just…messed up."

Gai shook his head impatiently.

"I need you to slow down. What's going on?"

"Gai. I can't stay here. Those guys are trying to hurt me. And if they hurt me, they'll hurt Lee."

"What guys? Where?"

Gai looked about and frowned. He grabbed Gaara's shoulder and led him away from the music.

"Where are we going? That's the safest-"

"You can't stay here till closing, Gaara. Where do you live?"

"I can't go there."

"Did you call the police?"

Gaara shook his head plenty, 'No, no, no!'

"I don't think the police will work…I don't know what they want, or what they look like. This is Suna so…"

Gai scratched his head, but was quick on his feet. They had walked to the clothing area. Gai picked up a gray beanie, and yanked a maroon quarter-sleeve jacket off of a hanger. He placed the items in his small cart and sighed.

Gaara, afraid to stay still, followed Gai around as he did his shopping. After he put those two articles of clothing in his cart, Gai went to the check-out line. He had less than ten items. Milk, protein shake mix, frozen vegetables, deodorant, and the jacket and beanie. Cashing out, he put his cart back in place. Afterward, Gai pulled Gaara by his arm and brought him around the side of him. He pulled out the beanie and jacket and gave them to Gaara.

"Put these on."

Without hesitation, Gaara did as told.

Quickly, he followed Gai out the front doors. Gai kept his pace normal, not in any rush to get anywhere, but his face betrayed his calm features. Gaara on the other hand tried his best to seem normal. Keeping his eyes straight ahead, he didn't look around to see if anyone was watching him. The trek wasn't too long, for they were at Gai's green truck. Hopping into the passenger seat, Gaara stiffened. After throwing the groceries in his back seat, Gai got into the driver's side and started the vehicle.

Exiting the store parking lot, Gaara sighed loudly.

Safe.

He was safe.

Even though he didn't know Gai well at all, he didn't feel threatened by the man.

The drive took less than ten minutes…and in truth, Gai's house was closer to the school than his place. Hopping out of the truck, Gaara stood at its side. He didn't know what to do now. Gai helped him get away from danger, but…where was he going to stay?

"I…I can sleep…at the school…I think."

"Gaara."

"Huh?"

"You can stay here today. Come in." Gai was already in his doorway, and then was in his house. Gaara stood, a bit stupefied, but he quickly took the offer by running inside.

The place was small, almost as small as Gaara's apartment, but Gai's place felt more homey…maybe it was the green curtains…or the soft looking sofas? His kitchen was cozy and had grand wooden cabinets and granite counter tops. The table was black and rectangular. Even though some of the green accents seemed misplaced, Gai's house was nice.

"Don't just stand in the entryway. Come into the living space."

Gaara nodded and did as told. Standing in the middle of the living area, he could see Gai putting things away in the kitchen since the space was connected. Waiting, Gaara bit his nail nervously.

"Now…I don't know what's going on. But you can tell me in the morning, okay? It's late…and we've got school tomorrow."

Gaara blinked.

"I-you think I should show my face at school?"

Gai nodded.

"I drive to Konoha every day since I have to carry around track equipment…so, at 6, be up."

Six o'clock in the morning?

"Well…what if those people come to the school?"

"If you attend your classes, you should stay out of trouble, but if you feel like something isn't right, come to the gym and find me. I won't leave on my off periods okay?"

"Why do you care what happens to me?"

Gai didn't skip a beat before smiling at Gaara.

"You're Lee's friend. And you've been trying to keep him safe, right? If keeping you safe keeps Lee safe, then you can stay."

Gaara frowned.

"You don't hate me? For being mean to him?"

"…..You're different now. So no more questions."

Scratching his arm, he looked around. Sofa, kitchen, TV, Gai…

"There's a closet door there…yeah, in that crevice in the wall. There should be blankets and sheets…use the throw pillows on the sofa for your head." Gaara grabbed a denim blanket that felt soft, and pulled out gray sheets that were crisp. The whole closet smelled like detergent…Gai was a really clean person.

"If you need the shower in the morning, there's a bathroom down this hallway." Gai pointed at an archway behind the kitchen table.

"Take your first left, and the bath's in there. Towels are in the cabinet behind the door so…"

"Gai."

"…?"

"….Thanks."

Gai scratched the back of his neck and frowned.

"Welcome, and g'night."

Gaara Nodded as Gai left to his room that, apparently, was on the second floor. Once he saw the stair light go out, Gaara proceeded to strip down to his boxers and under shirt. Neatly, he placed his uniform, as well as the beanie and shirt Gai had bought him, in the closet with the blankets.

Crawling onto the sofa, Gaara fixed his sheets and blanket and rested his head on one of the sofa's green throw pillows.

Even though he was safe and sound…he still couldn't believe it.

Only an hour ago he had been talking to Naruto, exchanging digits just in case something happened but…

Naruto hadn't answered his phone. Someone else had…

Was the blond okay? And should he call the police? And if he did, would they have enough to go on to find these guys?

And Lee…Gaara shook his head. Of course Lee was going to be safe at the hospital…

But…

For how long?

Gaara didn't know what to do, but worrying himself was going to drive him insane.

Still…he couldn't believe his own luck. He really owed Gai.

Despite how worried he was, his eyes were droopy with sleep.

He'd figure things out tomorrow for sure…and he'd tell Gai everything; Lee, Naruto…those…guys…and maybe…he'd even…even…

His thoughts drifted to black. That night, Gaara fell into a dreamless sleep.

AN: I am on a roll you guys. I can't believe this turned into a long chapter :0! It just wrote itself really *U*. Thanks to KakaIru, I was able to get to writing this quick, but long update :D! I'm sorry if stuff is confusing and going too fast, but I'll try to explain stuff in the next chapter. It's late here, so i'mma head to bed~Thanks for the push guys!

~Nite~