Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Twilight or Naruto. They belong to Stephenie Meyer and Masashi Kishimoto. I merely own the OCs

Warnings: Slash/yaoi (malexmale pairings), mentions of M-Preg (male pregnancy), AU, violence, angst, sexual situations, etc.

Pairings: Edward/Naruto, Jacob/Gaara, Carlisle/Esme, Jasper/Alice, Marcus/?, Bella/Edward (one-sided), Sage/Naruto (one-sided), and Felix/Gaara (one-sided)


Chapter VIII

Closer to You

It was a few days later that the peaceful atmosphere from before began to return. Of course the tension wasn't truly gone as it seemed to remain lingering over them, but it was the first time in days that things felt relatively normal. There was a little more laughter, a little more playful bickering, a few more smiles and certainly more energy especially in Lauren and Devon. Currently said twins were bouncing in place as they impatiently waited for their parents, Gaara, Jacob and Marcus by the back door. They were preparing to go hunting and like true children, neither Lauren nor Devon had the tolerance to wait very long when they desired something.

"Alright calm down runts or you're going to accidentally shoot through the roof with how fast you're bouncing," Jacob joked as he made his way over to them with Gaara at his side.

"Will not!" Lauren argued. Devon nodded, "Everyone is taking too long Uncle Jacob! It's no fun waiting!"

"Unfortunately you two will need to learn patience, especially when it comes to an activity such as hunting. If you make too much movement or noise, you'll alert the animal and scare it away. That's why one must always be calm and collected before hunting so that they are more successful in their task," Gaara explained. Pouting, Devon looked up at Marcus, "Is it true?"

Marcus nodded, "Yes, Gaara is correct. You must be patient my little fox."

Devon sighed as he stilled his bouncing clutching to his sister's hand as they waited. A moment later Naruto and Edward finally appeared. Stroking the twins' hair, Naruto smiled, "Ready?"

"Yes mommy," they replied smiling back.

"We should go then. We don't want to be out too late," Edward advised.

Moving outside Marcus paused glancing at his companions, "Are we to hunt together?"

"We probably shouldn't. We'd have better luck hunting in smaller groups, less of a chance of scaring prey off," Naruto replied. Gaara moved toward the left without a word his reddish-brown tail flowing behind him as he slipped into the forest. Jacob quickly followed after waving farewell to the others. Ducking behind a bush, he undressed and set his clothes aside before shifting.

Glancing back, Gaara murmured, "Shall we race?" There was a challenging glint in his mint green eyes; a challenge that Jacob was willing to answer. Within seconds Gaara took off into the brush with Jacob right behind him, his powerful paws pounding into the dirt as he howled. A slight smirk curled upon the red haired demon's lips as he suddenly dodged the wolf and took to the trees pumping chakra into his legs to fuel his sprint. It was strange; Gaara had only ever been this playful with Naruto and usually it was during his rare moods. But something about Jacob compelled Gaara to linger around him, to tease him and grow close to him; an insistent tugging within him that grew tauter as time passed.

Leaping onto a ledge that overlooked a subterranean ravine with a shallow stream running through it, Gaara cocked his head to the side listening to Jacob drawing closer. Without prompt, he jumped and landed upon the water with little effort, the surface wavering and trickling around his feet. Sniffing the air and listening, he sorted out the various scents and sounds of life around him. He heard Jacob pause upon the ravine before leaping down.

When he landed Gaara took off again the scent of a mountain lion lingering in the air. By land and water, the pair moved with agility and speed as they raced. Sniffing the air again, the red head leapt from the stream and bound up a hillside of rocks and decaying logs focused on following the scent of his meal. Jacob pursued him enjoying the thrill and rush of their game; there was also the part of him that wished to keep Gaara within his sight and ensure his intended's safety.

They ran for what felt like miles and it probably was but Jacob wasn't concerned. Due to the circumstances as of late, it was rare that Jacob was allowed private time with Gaara and with the two of them hunting together, he felt it was a good time to finally reveal the truth of their relationship. While the shifter was worried over Gaara's reaction, he also knew that the red haired demon had the right to know. Gaara had become his friend over the last few weeks and someone that Jacob cared for, loved.

Not many saw it, but Gaara was a good person. He was kind and caring, if shy and hesitant about it. He presented a front of being cool and collected, but Jacob could tell it was a way to hide his insecurities which really made sense when you knew of his past. He could understand that it was natural for Gaara to be unsure and awkward with relationships of any form for he had never felt love for most of his youth and the only friendship he knew was Naruto's.

But underneath it all, Gaara was kind and cared about those that he was close to. He was willing to do anything to protect Naruto and the Cullens because the vampires meant the world to his brother in all but blood. And he didn't ask nor expect anything in return. In some ways, it made him selfless as well. And that's what Jacob was fond of, that part of Gaara that he kept hidden. Of course he liked and accepted everything about the red head, good and bad, but that was his favorite trait.

Whether Gaara merely wished to be his friend, his brother or even his lover it didn't matter. As long as Gaara let him remain by his side and didn't reject him, Jacob would be happy. Gaara was his world now, the reason for his existence and Jacob wanted to do whatever it took to make him content. He would fight and kill for the other as long as he could protect him, keep him safe and sane, show him he was worth something; that people other than Naruto could care for him.

Suddenly hearing the ceased movement of footsteps, Jacob halted remaining a few yards behind Gaara. Said red head was currently still his tail swishing lazily as he looked around carefully before cocking his head to the side once more, listening. Sniffing the air cautiously, Gaara suddenly crouched and slunk to the right slipping into some brush. Not wishing to interfere, Jacob merely sat on his haunches and waited taking his time to gaze upon his surroundings. The terrain was rather similar to Forks and La Push with vast forests that stretched for miles, towering trees and mountains cut through by roaring rivers. It really was breath taking and relaxing. It almost made Jacob forget for a moment where he was and what he was doing; at least until the startled roar of a mountain lion drew his attention.

Snapping his head in the direction Gaara left, he listened as the demon scuffled with his prey before there was a sudden sharp silence and the lion's roaring was no more. His intended had won his meal which greatly pleased Jacob and he felt a swell of pride. Gaara was perfect; a powerful, intelligent hunter who could provide for himself as well as hold his own in battle. There was nothing weak about Gaara. Which meant Jacob had no need to worry about the red haired demon being unable to care for himself should the shifter ever be unable to.

Phasing back in order to situate himself into a more comfortable position, Jacob shimmed to rest against a tree and sat, making sure to cover some of his nudity. He wasn't embarrassed for himself but rather he wanted to be considerate toward Gaara whenever the demon came back. He probably wouldn't really be bothered but Jacob still felt it was courteous to do so. Leaning his head back Jacob stared at the sky which was blue and beautiful with large clouds that were content to hover by. His thoughts wandered back home to his father and to his pack. He hoped they were okay and doing well especially his father. Truthfully they had all been torn between anger and understanding when he approached them on the subject of leaving with the Cullens.

On the one hand they were upset because they felt he was abandoning them for "leeches" and that his duty was to the pack. But once he explained in detail what was going on and why he was leaving they began to comprehend the seriousness of the situation, but were still begrudging. Mates were important to shifters and so Gaara would always come first. They understood that Jacob would follow Gaara in order to protect him; it just happened that he had to follow the Cullens by association. So the pack had been smart not to complain or say anything else on the matter. Plus none of the pack liked the idea of the Volturi trying to get their hands on the twins; the hybrids would no doubt one day be powerful if trained correctly.

Sighing, Jacob retraced his mental steps back to his original thoughts of revealing to Gaara his imprint status and hopefully figure out what was to become of their relationship. Unfortunately the more Jacob thought about it the more nervous he became. It certainly was quite a lot to unload onto the raccoon demon, but it had to be done. Jacob didn't want to keep secrets anymore and Gaara deserved to know.

"Okay Jake, no need to be nervous and wind yourself up. Just relax," he consoled himself as he fought the urge to jump up and pace. Instead he sat patiently waiting while he tried to form the proper words to explain the situation. It was another twenty minutes of nervous fidgeting before Gaara finally appeared once more smelling of blood and water. Jacob assumed that he had most likely gone off to wash up before coming back. The red head sat himself in front of the shifter appearing content and relaxed. Silence stretched between them and Jacob mentally cursed his misfortune wondering if he should either just blurt it out or try to find a somewhat intellectual way to begin their conversation.

"You seem to be thinking very deeply about something," Gaara stated his gaze fixated on Jacob as he broke the silence. The shifter froze blinking owlishly at his companion. Suddenly words ceased exist in his mind and he was unable to form thoughts, let alone proper words to speak. After all, how exactly did he go about telling Gaara about the imprint and what it entailed? He almost wished for a brief moment that Sam was around to give him advice since the other had to go through the same thing with Emily. Frowning, Jacob focused on Gaara again.

"Speak your mind… Naruto has always told me that it is better to talk when something troubles you. That it helps sort your thoughts," the red head explained slowly, almost unsure of his words. The gesture of concern on Gaara's part warmed Jacob.

It was obvious that Gaara rarely offered comfort to others and to have such a gift extended to him, the wolf was pleased with the show of trust from his intended. So it only seemed right, seemed fair to share his thoughts. Whether they remained just friends or perhaps became more, Jacob didn't care as long as Gaara didn't send him away. If he could remain by the raccoon demon, he would be content. Taking a deep breath Jacob replied, "I need to talk to you about something… it's rather important."

"What do you wish to speak about?"

"Well," he began, "Remember after Marcus told us that Devon was his mate and Naruto brought up how my kind imprint?"

"Yes I remember," Gaara stated taking pause, "You have imprinted on me."

Jacob was perhaps a little shocked at how the words sounded more like a statement than a question. It made him wonder if Gaara had known all along, but perhaps he hadn't. After all it didn't really take a genius to figure out where the conversation had been heading considering the circumstances and Jacob had learned quickly that Gaara was perceptive. Now the question was what were they going to do?

"Yeah… I did," Jacob finally replied.

Gaara hummed thoughtfully, "Since we first met I take it."

The shifter could only nod, unable to lie to Gaara. Not like the red haired demon wouldn't be able to tell when he was being lied to, but Jacob felt it was best to be honest with his intended. It was bad enough he had hidden their bond for as long as he did without informing the other, yet at the same time it had been a smart move he supposed. To have given such overwhelming information to Gaara when they first met, no doubt the raccoon demon would have sought out distance between them. Such was the complication of imprinting.

Sighing Gaara brushed some hair behind his ear as he spoke, "I understand what you're telling me although I hold reservations. I am… unfamiliar with the workings and practices of relationships whether platonic or romantic. The only comfortable relationships I've held are with Naruto and my siblings before they died. I have never been or attempted to instigate a romantic relationship with anyone nor did I develop any sort of interest."

Jacob nodded in understanding, "I get it, I really do. Really with me imprinting on you, I can be whatever you want me to be. I can be your friend, your confidant, your… your lover or hell I could be your punching bag! It's up to you Gaara, I'm not going to push you into anything. I don't want to do that. The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable."

"I… wish to take things slow. To learn more about you as my friend… my companion," Gaara explained softly glancing at the shifter, "If that is fine with you?"

Jacob grinned, "Of course it is! We've been friends since we met and if you want to take things slow, I'm all for it. Your friendship and your opinion matter to me."

Gaara seemed relieved, his tense shoulders relaxing as he breathed deeply. Again Jacob could see the kindness in him, the reluctance to hurt him or his feelings in any way. While Jacob could be hot headed, brash and quick jump in head first, even he understood the importance of taking it slow with Gaara. The other had admitted to never being in a relationship so it would be his first time taking such a step. And he was already socially awkward so when it boiled down to it, Gaara was full of insecurities deep down.

He was strong and confident, perhaps more so than he would have been in the past, but not all deep seeded fears can be washed away so easily by time. Naruto was the same way, Jacob had observed. He was just as assertive and sure of himself, but there were moments when his eyes would tell a different story. It seemed like a trait in all those who became human sacrifices for ignorant people too ungrateful to appreciate their saviors.

"Sure is a nice day today," Jacob blurted out unable to help his elated mood as he stared up at the sky through the canopy of trees. Gaara nodded, humming softly in agreement as he too gazed upon the clouds that crawled by finding himself content. They talked of other things, Jacob offering stories of his life growing up on the reservation with his family while Gaara told of his travels and of the sights he saw. The shifter became absorbed with his intended's tales, smiling as he listened with rapt attention.

"I can't even begin to imagine any of that. I mean to live for so long, to see humans change and evolve," Jacob exclaimed grinning.

"It is something that is difficult to comprehend. Even Naruto and I sometimes have trouble adjusting to the changes of the humans," Gaara replied, "But all the same it is fascinating to see them grow, like children I suppose. In some ways, the present we live in now is quite similar to our past in certain aspects. And in other ways it's different."

"Do you miss your home and how things were before?" Jacob questioned. Gaara appeared thoughtful before answering, "Sometimes yes and sometimes no. My life was difficult from birth and I was shunned which stunted my understanding of emotions and interaction with people. After I met Naruto, things became better but I still had trouble. I do not regret how I lived and while I do not miss the bad that came with my life, I've learned to cherish the good that I have been granted as well."

"Glad to hear it. After all the crap that you and Naruto have been through, you guys deserve happiness," Jacob commented.

"Yes, but happiness is not given freely," Gaara said, "It must be earned. That is why we go through the trials of our life. It helps us appreciate when good fortune graces us. If we did not struggle as we do, we would not value life as we should. We would never learn and never grow, forever remaining shallow and without character."

"I guess it's like this book I read once in school. A character commented that it would be great if a sunset or a sunrise never faded, that it just remained the same because it was beautiful. But another character stated that it wouldn't be good because then we wouldn't be able to appreciate it's beauty to the fullest. We would be so used to it that it would cease to become beautiful therefore losing it's meaning," Jacob said.

Gaara nodded, "Exactly."

"Wow, I think this is the first philosophical conversation I've ever had in my life," Jacob snickered. His red haired companion shook his head in fond exasperation, but a slight smile was curled upon his lips.

A sudden tension in the air gave them pause, their inner beasts perking and growling, hackles raised. Gaara immediately stood eyes narrowed, his shoulders stiff with strain and anxiety. Jacob stood as well feeling the wolf in him stirring restlessly, his skin itching with the need to shift and defend from danger.

"What is it?" he thought shifting his footing. As if sensing his thoughts, Gaara spoke quietly, "I don't know what it is. But something is wrong… something is here that shouldn't be."

They jolted forward as there was a keen whine, the sound of shattering glass and an explosion that rocked the very ground under them. Eyes widening, Gaara immediately took off in the direction of the noise with Jacob right behind him, powerful paws propelling him. The noises had originated from the Cullen house, something was happening.

"Can't be… did something break through the barrier?" Jacob thought with alarm hoping that the Cullens were okay.

"We need to hurry!" Gaara called out hastening his pace. Quickened footsteps and the faint smell of sickly sweet death were the only signs Jacob had before he realized what was upon them. He let out a startled yelp as a stone body collided with his sending them both crashing into trees and dirt. Jumping onto a low hanging limb Gaara whirled around calling out, "Jacob!"

Snarling the wolf snapped his jaws around a limb and tossed the vampire away, looking up in time to see sand form a barrier around Gaara as a second vampire attacked the red haired demon; a rather familiar vampire. Eyes narrowing Jacob snarled thinking, "It's him!"

Cold mint green eyes narrowed darkly as his sand tossed aside his attacker. The vampire managed to land in a crouch, red eyes gleaming wickedly as he licked his lips staring at Gaara hungrily. Said demon clenched his fists when he realized that he was facing the recognizable form of Felix who eyed him as if he was a delicious meal he couldn't wait to sink his fangs into. The vampire who attacked Jacob appeared by Felix's side a moment later, the Volturi tracker known as Demitri.

"Well this is great," Jacob thought as he moved closer to Gaara who had jumped down from his perch, sand curling around his feet.

"Hello again precious. You don't know how pleased I am to see you," Felix purred. Gaara's lip curled in distaste, tilting his head slightly as he picked up the sounds of fighting, thunder and explosions. Noticing his distraction, Demitri spoke up, "Of course we didn't come alone. Your little friend as well as the traitors are being dealt with as we speak. We even brought you an old friend to chat with although he seemed very insistent to see Uzumaki."

Jacob snarled baring his teeth while Gaara tensed more, his sand rising threateningly. Despite their outward appearances, both were worried greatly for Naruto. There was no doubt in their mind that the disturbed demon had either found the blond or was searching for them. But until they could dispose of the obstacles before them, there was nothing either of them could do and both hoped that Marcus and Edward would be enough protection for the time being.

"Please Naruto," Gaara thought as he shifted his stance the vampires crouching to attack, "Be safe."


As I promised, some alone time between Gaara and Jacob. It seems slow, but I want it that way. I really feel that Gaara having been without affection for most of his natural life would be cautious and perhaps a bit anxious about entering a romantic relationship. So I wanted to convey that. The next chapter might take a while to get out just because my inspiration and motivation for this has been wavering. I believe it's a mix of working on various other stories, my lack of interest in Twilight, and just other things in the form of life that have been getting in the way. But I promise, PROMISE I will finish this even if I die doing it. So just keep hanging in there with me!

But anyway, reviews will be appreciated! So make sure to give them! Thank you!

~Seth

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