No Such Thing
Chapter 8 - The Dinner Party part 2
Kankuro observed Shikamaru with a certain glee, (carefully hidden, of course!) as his friend enjoyed his first sip of red wine. It was an hour or so into the dinner and the main courses were all but finished off. Only Sakura was still eating.
His thoughts digressed from the more pleasing prospect of seeing Shika inebriated and helpless, as he was momentarily distracted by the pink thing's embarrassing version of sophistication; eating her dinner with exaggerated delicacy. Having seen how his otouto handled her 'advances' (aka: pathetic attempts at gaining his attention), he was no longer worried about him and now only mildly amused whenever he would be forced into irrevocably showing his disinterest.
Ino glanced at Sakura again and couldn't help shaking her head, wishing she would put the pretentious pinky finger down as she held up the chicken wing she was trying not to wolf down. Thinking over her actions throughout the evening, Ino decided that she would rather be put down like a dog, than be that pathetic. Desperation was just not sexy. Trying not to grin, she had known that Sakura would sabotage herself! She was her own worst enemy.
Next to Sakura, tentatively Shika had decided one glass of red wine would be okay on a full stomach. Inner Kankuro grinned evilly as he considered how he had subtly 'helped' him arrive at this conclusion. He'd make sure this wouldn't be the last one either!
Shikamaru glanced up at Kankuro and couldn't help the shudder of foreboding that ran through him. He said, "Whatever it is, forget it."
Brought out of his delightful musings, Kankuro realised that he must have been chuckling out loud. "What?" he tried to sound as innocent as possible.
"Kankuro," Shika began resigned, "the evil snigger sort of gives you away."
Not wanting the highlight of his evening to slip through his fingers - when would an opportunity this good come round again? - he attempted to reassure his friend that he really had no bad intentions (not many anyway and made a mental note to get hold of a camera).
"Listen, it's not what you think - I'm just considering where I can get a hold of a camera for Gaara's dance with Naruto."
There! Pleased with himself, he thought, give 'em a bit of truth mixed in with a lie and they swallow it every time. To his credit, he did manage quite an innocent look and coupled with the fact that Shika himself was quite interested to see this dance, he got away with it. Although, if Shika had wanted to be really honest with himself, he would have realised, (being terribly smart), that Kankuro would never miss an opportunity to totally humiliate him - what are friends for? - that and the fact that he had been looking directly at him while the aforementioned evil chuckling had been taking place.
Naruto, reacting immediately, "WHAT? No way in hell Kankuro!"
Before any more can be said, Gaara, calmly but with authority asked, "Are you refusing my request Naruto?"
"No! That's not what…" ending on a quiet note with a scowl, " I meant, no cameras."
Gaara couldn't have quashed the smug smile even if he had wanted to - and who wanted to? - as it encouraged Naruto to, once again, become rather red. Well, he thought, he had given him a break throughout dinner. He couldn't be expected to be that lenient for any length of time, not when it was so cute to see him become uncomfortable.
The rest of the table also found it rather amusing (apart from Sakura who, while stuffing her face, was working on ideas for nabbing the second dance from Gaara).
Taking everything in, Kankuro decided that sadism definitely ran in the family but what were they supposed to do when opportunities fell in their laps? It would be shameful NOT to make the most of them! They had the Subaku name to live up to, after all.
At long last, Sakura was finished and the owner seemed grateful that he could finally clear the table. He enquired respectfully if anyone wanted any pudding.
"Oh no! Absolutely not! I'm soooo full! Gaara, thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality tonight. I think I will have another pina colada though." (No need to clarify who that came from).
The owner nodded his assent and everyone found themselves ordering another cocktail, apart from Shika, who was savouring his first glass of wine. Ino and Naruto decided to order something sweet. The evening had been an extremely pleasant one (all things considered) and on occasion Ino felt that it was okay to indulge in a little of what made you feel good. So she ordered Tiramisu.
Naruto had liked the idea of something to sweeten his mouth but didn't know what to order. He was still a bit pissed at Gaara, so hadn't wanted to give an inquiring look his way. He didn't need his bloody annoying help! If he had looked though, he would have found Gaara already anticipating his reaction and ready to step in. As it was, he just said that he would have the same as Ino. He hoped it would be something he liked.
Unfortunately, Gaara did not seem put off and that small smirk appeared glued on his face. Irritating bastard! He would show him that he could dance with him and not be embarrassed. Determined not to let him get the better of him, he felt a sort of childish urge to do whatever the opposite was of what Gaara wanted. Naruto could be so wonderfully predictable Gaara mused, having quite quickly adjusted to this new turn in their relationship. He was pleased with the evening so far.
The drinks arrived and Gaara was brought back to reality (with a bit of a bump) as a loud voice carried from inside the restaurant. Please don't let them come this way he found himself wishing over and over. Unfortunately it came nearer and nearer until eventually the owner of the voice came through the door to hold centre attention as all eyes went his way.
"Kazekage! What a delightful surprise!" said Kato adding a sweeping bow. (What was it with him and sweeping bows wondered Naruto briefly).
"Ah! We seem to be interrupting you! Now, I just wanted to enjoy La Traviata's open terrace with my Angel." (Naruto noted that at least he didn't have the monopoly on blushes as the younger man's face lit up in a pink hue).
"It has been shockingly hot today, don't you think? Great minds think alike! A pleasant evening to eat al fresco! Actually, we've already eaten but they do have the best selection of champagne in all Suna. Of course you must know that! Ah! Musicians! How lovely!"
As his monologue seemed to be coming to a close, Gaara stood. He had tried to find a way out of inviting them to join but nothing came to mind and the sudden shock of seeing them didn't help him think of anything. It had him reverting back to autopilot as his defences came screaming up.
No one would have been the wiser to his inner shock, (apart from Kankuro and Naruto who cast him concerned glances) as he smoothly replied, "Of course you must join us Kutaragi-san." Turning to address the man who it seemed had just been dragged through the restaurant, he glanced down to the hands they were holding before continuing, "and you too, of course, Teshigawara-san. Please take a seat," he said, gesturing to the table.
While Naruto's frustration with Gaara was totally forgotten and was now alert, it is also true that he was very intrigued to have an opportunity to observe them in action.
The table had free spaces at Ino's end with only one free chair at the top of the table next to Naruto and Gaara. As Kato let go of Kenji, the younger man suddenly felt very exposed. The astonishment he would have normally felt at such a reaction, was quashed by his nerves at the boldness of his superior's actions.
He moved a chair to join the one next to Naruto and Gaara, and returned to place a hand in the small of his back as he then steered him to seat nearest Naruto. He let him settle before seating himself on the one nearest Gaara.
He draped his arm protectively round Kenji's shoulders and gripped him firmly, as if to say, stick to the plan (and maybe a little of, 'its okay, I've got you'). Naruto took their actions in his stride and instead looked at Gaara. His face was inscrutable and blank. Politeness but an insurmountable wall between him and the two people who had so disturbed his peace of mind since their arrival. Naruto felt a little reassured that the red head would be okay - no one got close to Gaara when his defences were so firmly in place. So he turned his attention to the two diplomats to his right, observing each closely.
He found the younger shorter man, who sat nearest to him, to have an expressive face. Not really best suited to espionage, if that is indeed what he was engaged in, Naruto mused. Naruto could read the nervousness in his eyes quite clearly and briefly felt a pang of sympathy for the man (his own ordeal with Gaara ongoing and fresh in his mind). He had short hair with a longer bang at the front that swept gently down to his chin. Dark hair and eyes. A slim build with delicate female looking hands that were currently anxiously clutched together.
Gaara observed Naruto discreetly as his blonde cast a scrutinising look over their two new additions. The blue eyes moved from the younger to the older.
Naruto continued in his appraisal as he took in the older man's features. Long black flowing hair, an oval face with features that could almost be called pretty and bright eyes, light olive in colour. All in all, not an unattractive man, if you were into that sort of thing. He was suddenly glad he was not and couldn't help glancing to Gaara who he found was studying him. They shared a look and Naruto tried to reassure him with a gentle smile. Gaara appreciated the gesture very much and couldn't help returning with a warm look.
Immediately noting the exchange, Kato thought that it was something that would prove interesting. He felt sure the it had been worth interrupting.
"Very kind of you to let us join your party. I do hope we're not intruding," Kato offered. He turned as the owner approached the table.
"Ah, our distinguished guests from Otokagure!" the owner gushed. "What may I offer you tonight?"
Kato felt a frisson of satisfaction as the object of his affection turned his innocent eyes questioningly towards him. He gave his shoulder an gentle squeeze in reassurance before placing their order.
"We'll have a bottle of Moet & Chandon." He raised his voice slightly to address the table, "Would anyone like to join us?"
Sakura blushed at the thought of being invited to a glass of one of the best champagne's in the world. She responded enthusiastically before wishing she had been a little less obvious.
"Oh Yes! How wonderful! I would love to!" When there was a brief moment of silence, apart from the guitars that still filled the air with the sounds of soft Spanish music, she inwardly winced a little. (Still, never having actually had a glass of the 'real stuff' she eagerly looked forward to it!)
Kato smiled graciously at her, "It would be our pleasure to invite you. Anyone else?"
When the rest politely murmured declining the offer, he addressed the owner saying, "Please bring three glasses."
"Certainly sir!" and the owner rushed off.
Obviously they're good customers thought Kankuro before, "So gentlemen, what brings you here?"
"Ah Kankuro! Well, I had envisaged a romantic evening for two, the pleasant night air and the best champagne money can buy," he said looking deeply into Kenji's eyes.
"Please don't let us stop you," expressed Kankuro rather impudently.
Tearing his attention away from the beauty next to him, he hardly took note of what the sand sibling said, and waved it off, "Yes, yes, Kankuro. This is just as nice, and I see you have thought of something that I overlooked."
Kenji looks over to the charismatic man next to him questioningly and Kato softly replies looking deeply into the dark doe eyes, "this dreamy guitar music lover."
Kenji is astounded, once again, at the sheer brilliance of the acting skills of the usually serious, gruff and not to be fucked with commander next to him. He believed the softly spoken words completely.
Reality catches up with Kenji as a thumb brushes softly across his cheek and the deep voice comments, "You're so beautiful when you blush." At the words, it (of course) deepens. Kato enjoys the freedom this charade gives him. The freedom to truthfully express and indulge in, what he feels for the man he loves, without anything holding him back. The only forum he has to do so. He intends to make the most of tonight. The music in the background, is a nice touch: one which he will take advantage of.
Looking into the eyes of the man he loves, he can almost forget why he is here. A cough brings him out of his reverie and taking his time to drag his eyes away from the large dark ones, he returns his attention to Kankuro questioning, "So what brings you here tonight?"
"Friends from Konoha unexpectedly dropped in and we felt we should have a little get together. Make sure they let their hair down," his eyes travelling unbidden to Shika before catching himself, "I'm on my second mojito."
"Ah Mojitos! I love them. So delicious. Yes, I must admit, when the mood catches me, that is my cocktail of choice." With Kankuro's attention on him, he lets his eyes travel over to Shika briefly as he continues, "I commend you on your choice," before smiling seductively.
Kankuro's eyes widen momentarily before he gets himself under control. He's just trying to wind him up. Dickhead! Gaara can't help noticing the exchange and has to suppress a little smirk. Even in a situation like this, he can't help but enjoy it when someone gets a dig in at Kankuro.
The older sand sibling decides that its on! No one takes him on and survives! As the verbal banter continues, Ino is still in slight shock over the intimacy on display. Eyes locked on the two men at the far end of the table, she mutters under her breath, "What the hell..?"
Hearing her, Temari turns and responds quietly with, "You have no idea!" Thinking for moment, she then continues with, "Wait a bit till everyone is dancing and relaxed. Then you'll hear the full story!" a wide smirk on her face.
Ino looks at her curiously and replies, "Can't wait." Temari is actually quite impressed with Ino. She's never really talked to the Konoha kunoichi much before tonight but she's been good company this evening, funny and surprisingly witty.
The conversation around the table is interrupted by the arrival of the champagne. As the bottle arrives and the glasses are set down in front of the two diplomats, Kenji feels the hand removed from his shoulder. Kato removes the wire cage from the top of the bottle and expertly pops the cork and pours it into the three glasses. He looks deeply into those doe eyes while waiting for the bubbles to subside before topping them up.
He holds up a glass for Kenji and their fingers touch at the stem of the glass. Kenji can't look away until the piercing eyes let him and he wills his hand not to shake as he takes it (although it does a little which doesn't go unnoticed).
Sakura receives a glass and then a toast is proposed. All three lean in to clink glasses.
Kato catches Kankuro's eye briefly as he says, "Here's to friendship," a miniscule pause then, "and more." His gaze drifts to Shika once again before returning to Kankuro and he smiles wryly. All this takes place in a moment and soon everyone is lifting their cocktail glasses to join in on the toast.
Gaara can't resist as he, once again, has caught the gentle barb directed at Kankuro. He raises his glass and stares at Naruto who finds the nervous tension from earlier make a reappearance at the intense look directed at him from the red head. They clink glasses and he hears Gaara repeat the toast.
"To friendship and more."
He can't move for a second; can't respond, glass hanging in mid-air with Gaara's. Shit! What the hell is he playing at tonight? Just wait till we're alone thought Naruto. He clears his throat and reiterates the toast himself.
"To friendship and more." A pause and then, a good natured, "Bastard."
Gaara let a smirk appear (hell, he couldn't really suppress it).
Well, that confirmed everything I wanted to know, mused Kato, as he observed the Kuubi holder's interaction with the Kazekage.
By now Shika has somehow gotten through half a glass and is feeling quite pleasant. Not quite tipsy but very relaxed. The teasing directed at Kankuro hasn't gone by unnoticed - (he is the opposite of stupid after all) - but he is among those, like Gaara, who are happy at any opportunity to get one up on Kankuro. If he has a chance, he may even go along with it, just to see the look on his face. An evil grin appears for a second before Kankuro has caught sight of it and he feels his own sense of foreboding.
Nah! Who does Shika think he's kidding? If anyone is going to chuckle evilly, it's him! Shika won't know what's hit him! What is it with people ganging up on him tonight he wonders disgruntled? Kankuro decides then and there to take back control. (The thought that comes unbidden into his mind, that truly makes him shudder in horror, is imagining himself demanding 'Who's the Master bitch?' No! No No No NO!)
Shika finds himself wondering at the brief look of horror that flashes across Kankuro's face. Ah well, it's all good, as long as he gets to torture him a bit. It's not that Shika is big on the whole friendship and sadism thing - not like Kankuro - but more a case of, do it before it's done to him.
Usually he wouldn't have the energy or motivation to engage in this kind of thing but he knows Kankuro and he's not stupid enough just to sit and enjoy a pleasant evening. With his Suna friend, there always has to be a bit of drama. Much better to strike first than wait around for something to happen to you! Plus, maybe, just possibly, it was rather amusing. That look of horror that flashed over Kankuro's face, really suited him, mulled Shika as another evil smirk appeared playing over his lips.
The desserts arrive and Naruto finds Tiramisu and cutlery placed in front of him. Somehow he finds himself glancing up at Gaara and is immediately annoyed with himself. He finds the red head, once again, looking at him and if he didn't know better, (apart from the fact he seems to have been staring at him all evening), he would have said the smirk from before was present, just below the surface.
Gaara found he could read Naruto like a book and the endearing way he glanced at him as his dessert arrived, full of uncertainty, was feeding some sort of flame inside of him. Was it some sort of feeling of power? Power..? He didn't have any answers, but decided that going along with his instinct, as he had been all night, was just fine (this was all new territory for him after all). He wasn't sure what this would lead to, if anything, but felt compelled for more. More of these delicious reactions from Naruto. Maybe he was becoming addicted? In fact, that's exactly what it felt like!
As Gaara was thinking all this, Naruto tasted his first spoonful of Tiramasu. Coffee! He didn't really like coffee was his first thought. Then he took another spoonful which had a lot of the creamy white filling instead of the sponge base. Yum! Just as Naruto was having a little food orgasm to himself, Gaara looked at him, coming out of his musings. Suddenly he found himself reacting in a way he never thought possible. The look of ecstasy on Naruto's face, eyes scrunched closed, the end of a little pink tongue peeking out to lick the side of his lips where he had been careless with some cream. He felt a twitch of life down below and for a second his eyes were wide.
No one noticed apart from the one person he probably didn't want to see. Kato had to steel himself against the smirk that wanted to appear. Understanding everything that he witnessed, he empathised with what the young Kazekage must be feeling. It looked as if it was all new to him. Not that he himself had any real experience, he thought looking over to his beloved. …Yet! And inexperience certainly wouldn't stop him from taking what he had come to so desperately crave.
He hadn't acknowledged it but it was the first time that he had felt a connection to the man he had been sent to kill. A connection where he could understand exactly what the Kazekage must be feeling, as he took in the sight of his own personal addiction - the alluring man sitting so closely to him. So close and yet so far he mused. Would he ever want to be with him of his own free will? Was Kenji just tolerating his advances? The answer seemed depressingly obvious to him. He found himself replacing his arm around Kenji's shoulders.
He pushed down these thoughts as he tried to concentrate on the real reason they had come tonight. No! Not to have a chance to openly kiss the shy, sexy man to his left, rather to observe the Kazekage and his friend from Konoha. (He had to strongly remind himself as the soft brown eyes once again sought his for reassurance. He let his hand gently massaged the shoulder he was currently gripping, once again receiving a pleasing blush in response.)
Ino was already finished with her dessert and took a large swig of her mojito to wash it down.
"Good?" Temari asked.
"Hit the spot," she replied, leaning back and feeling uncomfortably full. One of those times where she just should have stopped she thought and said so.
"Shouldn't have had the dessert. But it was good!" Turning to the Suna blonde, "it's a lovely restaurant. Do you come here often?"
"Nah. Kankuro, Gaara and I eat together at home, three or four times a week. Otherwise I make myself something. I like cooking. Plus, it feels a little stupid going out to eat by myself. Kankuro, on the other hand, lives in restaurants when he's got no one to cook for him."
Kankuro feeling that he had been talked about, turned to them and said, "Hey! Who are you calling stupid?"
Rolling her eyes before addressing her brother, "Not everything is about you brother dearest. But, as it happens, I was just mentioning that you would die without your fix from 'Sushi Sushi'." Turning towards Ino, she continued, "I daren't think of how much cash he leaves there every month!"
Ino agrees, "Yeah, Choji is the same. Probably worse. That's on top of his mother's cooking!"
Shika rather dreamily adds, "His mother's cooking is to die for." His glass of red wine is empty notes Kankuro and as Ino's pudding plate is cleared away, he quietly orders another for him.
Ino nods in agreement. "Irresistible and impossibly large portions - a bad combination!"
"I love eating at Choji's house," continues Shika, rather in a world of his own.
Kankuro can't resist the smirk, but it's forgotten at what Ino says next.
"Actually Shika is a wonderful cook too - when he can be bothered, that is."
"What? You've never cooked for me!"
Shika's attention turns to Kankuro to dryly ask, "Why would I?"
"Why wouldn't you - for your best friend in Suna? Huh! Never would have thought you can cook." Shika can almost see the cogs turning in Kankuro's head.
Kankuro turns to Ino asking, "Is he that good?"
"Oh yeah! Well he is a genius don't you know. Almost everything he turns his hand to turns out to be a resounding success." Her tone turns fond as she continues, "Mostly he can't be bothered. You have to blackmail him to get him to do anything."
Shika's feeling a little tipsy now and as he observes Kankuro's face, he suddenly wishes that he had a clear head. "What?" he asks, not really expecting an answer.
"An excellent idea just occurred to me!" Kankuro, pleased, responds.
When it seemed that he wasn't getting anything else out of him, he asks, "Care to share?" Nothing. "You know, elaborate?" No reply just a very annoying smirk aimed in Shika's direction. "Kankuro! No matter what you're planning, it's not going to bloody work!" Shika explodes - a little - nothing too drastic but loud enough to get the attention from the ones at the other end of the table.
Kato can't resist, "Ah Kankuro, I must admit, I can't say your technique is working. That's certainly not how to go around wooing your intended."
Shika finds himself, once again, marvelling how he likes the way a look of horror complements Kankuro's face.
"As if!" is all that is managed in way of a reply.
Shika decides to play along. "Yeah, you should be so lucky." Pleased to see Kankuro's head whip round to face him, he continues, as if considering weighty and important matters. "Yeah, I would say you'd need to be much more subservient to gain my approval. Certainly a slavish dedication to my every need would have to be present," looking up directly into Kankuro's eyes now as he continues explaining his shortcomings as a potential lover, smug look firmly in place.
"Not to forget, you'd certainly have to pay better attention to your appearance. Look at Kutaragi-san Kankuro. Its obvious he pays attention to his appearance, for the sake of his beloved."
(Naruto notes that another blush is lighting up the face of the man next to him and he feels a sudden empathy with him. Bastards who delight in causing needless blushing havoc should be severely punished - with lots of violence - before his attention is once again back to the conversation taking place).
Shika continues, "And to conclude, all in all, I'm certainly not convinced that you'd be a generous lover. You're too selfish to be a really good one. Now, I'd believe Kutaragi-san would be really attentive to detail. Just look how he plans his romantic evenings."
Kato added, "I feel obligated to point out that I had forgotten about providing music. But I thank you and accept your compliment. If you'd like, I could give your would-be suitor a few pointers?"
Shika made his face light up as he continued to play along, "Oh would you? Mind you, I'm not guaranteeing that he would be successful, but it might prove to be of help. Assuming your excellent suggestions would go into that thick skull of his."
Kankuro was glad that he had been brought out of his stunned shock by the arrival of Shika's second glass of red wine, otherwise he may well have been embarrassed by his utter failure to provide any sort of witty comeback having been stunned into silence. Damn but Shika was playful tonight. Recovered somewhat, he thought with amusement (not intimidated at all), so that's how he wanted to play it. He decided that it would only be fair to give Shika what he appeared to want, seeing as he seemed in the mood to play tonight. Be careful for what you wish for Shika, he thought perversely happy by the thought of his friend begging him for mercy, once he had achieved total victory.
"I assure you I'm fantastic in bed. If you would ever be so lucky as to find out, you'd certainly change your tune. It might even be worth it so see you have to eat your words in front of your friends." He pretended to consider it. He added as he handed the red wine to Shika, "Look, you're wine has come." At Shika's blank look, he said, "I assumed you ordered it. Never mind, we can send it back." This was all lightly said as if it were unimportant. Shika considered it and glanced suspiciously at Kankuro's face but he seemed to be debating his sexual prowess animatedly with Temari and Ino.
He looked back to the red wine in front of him and fingered the stem as he considered. Well, perhaps one more wouldn't hurt. He'd eaten first and it was ages since he had allowed himself the pleasure of a good glass of red (which, despite his very low tolerance he enjoyed) . The restaurant must be the best in Suna he thought as he considered the very high quality of the wine in front of him. He had certainly never tasted anything this good. He grimaced as he thought of the price it must cost. Decision made, he took a sip and considered the benefits of being on good terms with the Kazekage and his family.
Kankuro was able to conceal his sense of victory as he observed Shika take a drink, his eyes closing in pleasure. If he managed to get him suitably drunk, take incriminating photos, and successfully blackmail into cooking them a fantastic meal, then he would make sure to bring a good bottle of red with him. See! He was too nice for his own good he thought, pleased with the plan.
As the conversation went on around them, the two couples at the end found themselves more interested in each other. Having been temporarily distracted from his dessert, Naruto finished it off and glanced down to his bowl. He had considered leaving most of the spongy base. It had been soaked in a coffee flavour and it wasn't really to his taste. In the end, he had forced himself to eat everything. This place must cost an arm and a leg. He could never afford it and found that he didn't want to insult the kind invitation. Glancing up to Gaara, he found himself surprised by the look on his face. He found an intense gleam in the teal eyes, trained on him as if he was the most interesting thing in the universe.
He tried an unsure, "Gaara..?"
The red head didn't respond and instead seemed content to continue with the open stare. Naruto found himself licking his lips, perhaps a little nervously. The eyes immediately trained on his mouth and then, even Naruto, couldn't deny the obvious anymore. Their relationship was headed in the very direction that they had been discussing in the gardens earlier. How had this happened demanded Naruto of himself, a touch desperate. As the thoughts of their conversation went through his mind, he couldn't suppress the memory of the two men fucking, and winced a little.
This time, Gaara reacted immediately to the look of disgust that appeared on Naruto's face. As if shaken out of his trance, he pulled back and found the icy wall once again firmly in place.
Naruto could see that he had done something to cause Gaara to totally freeze up. He didn't mean to do that! Thoughts of the possibility of having a romantic relationship with Gaara were replaced by a growing desperation to close the distance that had opened up between them. He wanted the unguarded look back. He wanted Gaara to be open with him! What should I do, he asked himself, distressed.
The red head was displeased. He wasn't sure if he was angry at himself or Naruto but it was clear that this new development was distasteful to the blonde. Naruto looked troubled and Gaara felt like he would like nothing more than to be able to leave the restaurant now; to walk away and let out his frustration. Sadly, he was trapped here, at least for a while longer. Especially with the two diplomats next to him. Thoroughly irritated now, (but hiding it well as always), he let his gaze drift to the two unexpected guests next to him.
What he saw was almost the last straw for him. While being exposed to the whole table, the ambassador was kissing his secretary tenderly, (who certainly seemed to be responding well). He looked at Naruto and saw he was staring at them wide eyed as he had turned to see what had shocked Gaara from his anger. He continued to look troubled. Gaara couldn't sit still any longer and stood, rather too suddenly, and found all eyes on him. Not too bothered by appearances at this moment, he announced his intention to go to the toilet.
The three most aware of the change in Gaara's mood, looked on curiously. Kato observed the latest development with interest, Kankuro was more startled than anything - having plans of his own scheme running around his head - and it was left to Naruto to sit there, deeply emotional, and worry about his friend. As Gaara made his way round the table, he could only sit there rooted to the spot. He didn't know what to do with this unexpected development. If only he could talk freely with him! It was all some terrible misunderstanding, he felt sure.
Not realising how much he had already accepted his own feelings for Gaara, he hadn't noticed the tolerant approval reflected in his responses tonight. In fact, Naruto wasn't thinking but sitting there panicking. It was like he couldn't move. His emotions had taken him on somewhat of a rollercoaster journey today and he was frustrated that it would end like this - with bad feeling between them! The two cocktails that he'd drunk, did not help him with his composure. I'm such an idiot is all that he could think.
Tonight, Kenji had been on his own emotional rollercoaster of sorts and finally came out of his kissing daze. He had to admit that his superior had skills! Kissing skills or acting skills, that was the question! Both he decided. He glanced at Naruto and upon noticing the abject misery on his face, which he could clearly not hide at the moment, he felt a pang of sympathy for the young man. He'd noticed the Kazekage's somewhat abrupt departure. He placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder to get his attention. When eyes, wet with unshed tears, turned to him, he gently suggested, "Why don't you go after him?" After a moment of no reaction, he urged, "Go on. The toilets are through that door and down the corridor on the left. Talk to him."
Naruto heard the advice and unthinkingly stood up and did as he was told. As Kenji looked up, he caught an undecipherable look from the Kazekage's brother which was soon hidden behind the mask of joviality again. When he turned to Kato, his breath caught. Love seemed to shine out of the clear eyes and as he saw the face approach his own, he had a moment of panic before he once again, heard the deep voice whispering in his ear.
"Shh. Don't look so alarmed. I'm not going to eat you." (Well, not yet, but he decided to keep that to himself). "That was very kind of you Kenji. You are a very special person." A pause then the voice continued, breath tickling his ear. "I just wanted you to know." The head pulled back to stare into his eyes and he once again found himself held prisoner by them, until they decided to release him. He really didn't know what to think or feel!
Naruto forbade himself to cry, although at the moment, he found himself at the mercy of overwhelming feelings. The only thing that stopped Naruto totally freaking out at the way he was behaving was that it was Gaara. Hell, no one would have gotten this reaction out of him apart from the red head. He didn't know why he trusted him so implicitly or why he was now, standing here on the verge of tears. He just felt emotional and didn't know where he stood with Gaara. He found the door to the toilet and opened it. As he came in, there was a sink and then one cubicle. It was occupied. He tried to steady his voice before calling out, "Gaara? Are you in there?"
When there was no immediate reply, the tears came back with a vengeance and this time, he could not stop them from quietly dripping down his face. He went on, "Please talk to me." So he found himself standing there with no reply, heart nearly breaking and he didn't altogether understand his own misery.
Gaara heard Naruto's shaky plea and his heart went out to him. He unlocked the door and to his shock, found the blonde in tears. He grabbed his wrist and pulled him in, before locking the door again. The blonde kept his head bent towards the floor as he stood in front of him.
"Why are you angry wi..with…" Naruto had trouble getting the word out in between trying not to make any noise and sob like a girl, "with me?"
All anger had melted away and Gaara felt frustration rise at his total lack of skills in giving comfort. It was like he was seeing the person in front of him for the first time. Well, he had certainly never seen this side to Naruto before. He felt like his heart was aching and found his hand gripping his Yukata.
Quickly Gaara decided that he had followed his instincts this far and he would risk following them further. He stepped closer to Naruto and forced the urge to wrap the blonde in his arms at bay. Lifting Naruto's face with one finger, until he was looking at him, well he would have been looking, had his eyes not been scrunched shut, he almost felt amused (almost). He thought back to what he had witnessed between the diplomats earlier. Firm but gentle, he held the face in place with his left hand, while with the right thumb he wiped the moisture off. As the tears kept coming, he decided to use both hands.
Naruto was amazed at Gaara's tender actions and couldn't help the urge to just be wrapped in his arms. He hadn't really gotten too many hugs in his life and right now, he wanted to be near the one who had always accepted him unconditionally. To be reassured that everything was okay with them. To have his approval instead of his displeasure. Soon enough, he got his wish as he felt himself being drawn towards a warm body. A hand at his neck encouraged him to lay his head in the crook of Gaara's neck and the other arm went round as far as it could to hold his back in place. He let himself go.
As sobs wracked Naruto's body, Gaara felt that it was more than what had just transpired between them. In fact, he wasn't sure what had exactly brought them to this position, but an overwhelming need to comfort and protect had arisen in him. It felt good to have him near - within his grasp. He felt a need in himself satisfied. He had someone to safeguard, to shield and someone that belonged to him. None of this spoken out loud, Gaara didn't consider whether Naruto would agree, he just let his feelings guide him.
A Little Time Later…
He felt stupid. Unbearably humiliated and pathetic. He'd cried like a baby! Too embarrassed to look Gaara in the eye, he opted to keep his head, for the moment, tightly pressed against the neck. Soft skin tickled his nose. He couldn't help giving in to the need to breathe in Gaara's scent. It reminded him of waking up to it in the Jacuzzi. It smelled like home. He didn't quite understand how that was possible but instead accepted all the comfort he could get. You never knew when such warmth would come your way again and Naruto wanted to make the most of it.
Gaara was content to wait for Naruto to speak or pull away. In the end he heard a muffled voice speaking into his neck. For the life of him, he couldn't help smiling. He was different from anyone else he had ever met. Translated, what Naruto said was, "I feel like such an idiot."
"Don't. You've had an emotional day. I know I didn't help with all the teasing. I just got a bit carried away." He hesitated to say what he wanted to, but decided it was the time for honesty.
"Your reactions were so cute, I couldn't help myself. I know it was a lot to take in for one day." He hesitated before going on, just because he wanted for it to come out right. "Something's changed between us."
At the way the blonde stiffened, he quickly added, "Something good, something that's better than it was before. I don't think now is the time to go into specifics but just to acknowledge that it's changed. And I like it better this way - whatever this is. I want to see you after the meal, so don't go back with everyone else. I'll talk to Kankuro about you being my body guard and you can walk me to my suite. I need to end this night properly. I mean, I don't want you going off without some things being said, so stick with me okay?"
As he listened to what Gaara had to say, Naruto felt cared about. He felt like he was important to him. He wanted to stay in this comfort forever. The opportunities to feel so safe and loved were so far and few between. In fact, he could safely say that he had never felt quite like this. The occasional hug from Iruka and Tsunade's bone crushing one's and even Kakashi's head petting, had nothing on this deep, safe, amazing, warm…he didn't have the words to describe how good it felt. He mumbled his next question, which translated was, "Why were you angry with me?"
Gaara stood with this precious person in his arms, who had so humbly asked him why he had been angry with him and now he felt rather ashamed of himself. Instead of answering directly, he said, "It doesn't matter now. We'll talk about it later."
Naruto couldn't accept that. He wanted to know now, why Gaara had been unhappy with him. He pulled back (however reluctantly) to look in his eyes, to press how strongly he felt about this. "I want to know now. Now Gaara. I'm not sitting through any more of tonight without understanding exactly what I said to piss you off."
Gaara didn't want to look at the bright, determined eyes and mumbled, "I wasn't exactly pissed."
"The hell you weren't. I'm serious. I want to know now." He waited patiently, staring Gaara down.
"Fine. I was staring at you," before Naruto could cut in, he continued, "differently. I felt different and I stared at you and you had this look come over your face…like you were disgusted. I don't know how we've changed but then, you looked grossed out and I realised that maybe only I felt differently. Maybe you didn't feel it. Maybe you don't like how we've changed..?" It turned into a question at the end.
Naruto took it all in and felt relief, followed by embarrassment.
Gaara continued quickly, words spilling out over themselves, "See, this is what I'm talking about. You blush. You blush and it seems like its for me. Only with me. Only I can get this reaction out of you. You hand yourself over to me. Like, you show me all of you and don't hold anything back. It's special and it feels like mine. Then it's like, maybe it's not mine. Maybe I'm reading too much into things. And it's like you're taken away from me. Not mine. I'm alone with these feelings that you don't share."
Gaara shook his head impatiently as he saw Naruto wanted to interrupt. "Just listen. These reactions make me want to see more. Make me want more. More of you Naruto…I don't care about how our relationship is changing - other than that I'm pleased because it feels better this way." Then, as the topic has become a bit too emotional for him, he continues, "I'm really not into this sharing my feelings thing." The lack of control he's feeling is too soon and too new and too much.
Naruto realises that Gaara's reaching his limit for the day too and is quick to reassure him. He knows now that he hasn't done anything that would make Gaara's friendship stop, in fact quite the opposite. Gaara wants more. He knows this feels right and that, as long as it didn't happen too quickly, he wanted more too.
"I feel better Gaara. We don't need to say any more here. I'm happy that I've gotten to know you. The real you. I wouldn't give up this friendship for anything. This new twist..?" Gaara waited with baited breath. "It makes me happy. I feel more secure, more precious to someone. Not like it could be just anyone, but I mean, its special because its you." Naruto frowns, he got a little off track there. He freezes in amazement as he feels lips kiss his frown. It's a new feeling. Having his face softly kissed is something that he's never experienced before. He goes on to clarify, "As long as we're not moving too quickly, everything should be hunky-dory…"
"Tch! Kissing your forehead isn't moving too quickly."
"Actually you kissed my frown which was even more sweet. Ah, sweetly sickening! Yeah - don't ever do that mushy stuff again!" Naruto quickly corrected.
"Hm. I don't think I believe you Uzumaki. Shall we test that out?"
"What?" a slightly nervous Naruto questions.
One little scuffle later and Naruto is held securely in place while the Kazekage takes his time kissing his frown. When it disappears, he proceeds to take his time kissing Naruto's forehead, nose, eyes, cheeks. But then he stops. They're not ready. He's not quite ready to kiss a man on the lips.
"So?" Gaara questions.
Naruto tries to get his head in order. It felt so new and really really really nice to be kissed so tenderly. "So what?" he manages to ask.
"Are you ready to admit your mistake?"
"What are you going on about Gaara?"
"You love my kisses."
"…"
"Uzumaki Naruto speechless. I didn't know I blew you away that much! In that case…" His voice trails off and he nears Naruto's face again. It seems like he's heading for his lips and Naruto wonders if he's going to share his first (proper) kiss in a toilet, when he diverts and kisses his brow instead.
"Gaara!"
The red head smiles fondly, before changing it quickly to a smug smirk for Naruto's benefit. The blonde finds himself about to shout when, instead he says seriously, "I like it too. I like you." He blushes and Gaara is pleased.
"Come on, you owe me a dance." As the words settle into Naruto's consciousness, he feels himself being dragged out through the cubicle door. He's gently urged to wash his face, which he does and he finds that Gaara dries it off for him with toilet paper.
Then he's being pulled out of the door. Gaara stops to look back at his blonde and says, "Don't dance with anyone else." Then he continues as to pull him along the corridor. Naruto is once again rendered speechless before feeling the urge to laugh, so he does. When they step through the door onto the terrace and all eyes turn their way, they see a determined Kazekage and the Kuubi holder who's cracking up.
To be continued…
(AN: Sorry! Apart from the mistakes I've missed, I'm not sure if I got the sand sibling's last name right - Subaku? Also I hope that the end part is believable…Naruto in tears etc? Thanks again to those who reviewed!)