A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed and will keep on reviewing! I really appreciate it, thank you –hug-

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Chapter 10

Neji nearly panicked when his eyes opened. He couldn't see anything. But his senses kicked in and he forced his body to relax. There was no point in jumping to conclusions. Besides, he couldn't go blind! That was impossible…

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and just felt. He could tell he was lying on sand, a blanket crudely wrapped around his torso. A small cloth had been thrown over his face and he could feel the swelter of the sun through the material. But he couldn't sense anyone nearby. Where had Kiba gone? Was he near? Had he left? Neji banished that thought; Kiba wouldn't have left him. Slowly, Neji sat up but regretted the movement immediately. Pain shot from his backside and thighs. Slumping back onto the ground, he calmed his breathing. Trying once more, he sat up, feeling the cloth slide off his face and into his lap. Slowly he opened his eyes, closing them quickly again when he realised that the sun was brighter then expected.

Stupid! It's a desert, what do you expect? Neji scolded himself as he allowed his eyes to adjust. Glancing around, he couldn't see his ex-lover anywhere. He was alone. Alone in the desert. Neji shifted slightly, feeling pain once more but bared with it as he made his way to his feet. He hissed as the hot sand stung his feet, burning his flesh but he didn't care at this point. Wasn't this the opportune time to escape? But which way should he go? There were only sand dunes wherever he looked. There was nothing else. Neji clutched the small cloth in his hands, running his fingers over it nervously. Which way? Neji frowned and brought his hands up.

Byukagen! Neji felt for the first time in his life- absolutely indebt to his family for having this ability. Now more then ever did he feel like he needed it. His eyes scanned the area and he stretched his vision. All before him was barren sand dunes, he couldn't see much else. To his left there were some rock formations and someone…Kiba was there. He had a small sac over his shoulder and he was heading towards Neji…but he was about two hours run from where Neji was if he was lucky. Neji bit his lip. Suna isn't that way then… he thought to himself as he subconsciously backed up a bit. Turning away, he looked around once more. There! He had found where he wanted to go! Even as he stood looking, he could see that there was a person-though seemingly injured- was heading towards him solitarily. They seemed to be following something that looked seemed to be a trail.

Trail? Neji looked down and paled. Blood, his blood. It had to be Gaara following. What a crude way to be found, but it was sufficient and Neji was glad that he could be rescued soon by his precious lover. Neji glanced back in the direction of his assailant and scowled. He was running pretty quickly, and making good ground. He knew he had to get going now, or else…

Neji turned in the direction of the sand village, and began to run. It was a slow run. But it was he could manage at the moment with each movement that sent pain coursing through his backside. His lungs were sore and his lips bruised but he knew that once he was with Gaara, none of these things would matter. To him, Gaara was his cure. His savior; his lover who protected him with what he could. Kiba had been that, but Kiba had changed. He was no longer the Kiba Neji knew or loved. Things had turned out differently; fate had dealt a new hand.

He made his way across the sand, each step feeling like torture. The sand sizzled from the heat the sun had warmed it all day with blistering rays. The wind only served to lift sand and blow it into Neji's hair that cascaded down his near sun burnt back. Where his scratches were exposed lingered sand particles, irritating the flesh and making his eyes water. He just wanted to get away. He needed to! Until things were right, he had to keep running. He had to keep his legs moving forward.

He could already imagine himself falling into Gaara's arms, his body gentle against his, his embrace loving. His words would be true and comforting as best Gaara could manage and Neji would feel safe. He could imagine that their first night being reunited would be a painless one- maybe with passionate sex where Gaara would hold him the entire time, his body gentle as he pushed his way into Neji's pliant body. Gaara would run his hands over Neji's torso, his lips would make memories on his skin and his breath would be warm as he whispered seductive words in Neji's ear. But that may have to be later; his body might not have been able to handle it just yet…but Neji would wait. He would do whatever it would take to make sure he and Gaara would be together in comfort and stability.

Neji urged his body to move faster, his path set in his mind, and his heart beating ruthlessly in his chest as he progressed further over the next sand dune. "Gaara…Gaara…." Neji began to whisper despite his throat aching, begging him not to talk. He could sense his lover…he was so close to him. Just one more sand dune…no two… "Gaara!" Neji called out, his voice cracking and he had to stop as he began to cough violently. His lungs ached and his lips cracked as he ran his tongue over them soothingly. "Gaara…" Neji shook his head as he began to walk while he caught his breath. He reached the top of the next sand dune and his feet slipped from beneath him, his body turned and he tumbled down the slope. His one hand clutched to the blanket around his body, his other hand shielding his face as he slowly came to a stop. Sand caked his body, his thighs rubbing roughly together as sand thinly coated the flesh there. Neji brought his hands beneath him and pushed himself in a sitting position. His head hurt…he needed water…he needed Gaara… Closing his eye, his arms buckled and his body fell against the sand before him. Opening his eyes, he laid there just breathing. Gaara was close. "Gaara…I know…you're near…Gaara…"

If his body wasn't so weak, Neji knew he'd have made it away already. But he had been near suffocated and beaten while unconscious – not to mention being fucked then too! It wouldn't even surprise him if he had been drugged. But such thoughts only lingered in the back of his mind; all he cared about was his freedom which he always seemed to be running after.

He couldn't tell how much time had passed, how the sun loomed further above him, making his body feel like it was melting and his limbs feel heavier then usual. The blood on his body was dry and he knew would be painful to scrub off later when he got the chance. Neji barely noticed when someone knelt down beside him, slowly reaching out to his still form.

Neji flinched as he was touched gently on the shoulder. Opening his eyes, he lifted his head and his eyes widened further. "Gaara!" He gasped his voice unheard as he threw himself at Gaara. His arms wrapped around the other's waist, his body in the red head's lap. Neji felt slender arms wrap themselves around his shoulders and hug him close tentively, as though afraid of hurting him.

Gaara smiled down at Neji, feeling a bit of relief seep through him. He had finally gotten to his lover; he had him in his arms! But Neji was far from alright. His legs were bruised and cut up, cum and blood covering his high thighs that he could barely see from the tattered blanket that barely hid his body. His neck had grip marks on it and his wrists were bruised as they had been tied. His hair was tangled and covered in sand as it flowed loosely down his back. And Neji's voice…he had tried to say something just then…but Gaara didn't hear anything. What had Kiba done to him?

"We have to get back; Kiba's nearby, right?" Gaara spoke as he helped Neji to his feet. At first Neji's legs buckled and he fell, but on the second try Neji stood with help from Gaara. "Can you walk?"

Neji nodded, his eyes on the ground. He was about to move forward when he saw blood- fresh blood too. Eh? It can't be mine… Neji thought and looked towards Gaara. He immediately noticed the torn flesh and the small weapon protruding from Gaara's ankle. Had he walked the whole way with that? Neji thought, grimacing slightly. Gaara seemed to notice him stall and bent slightly to see Neji's face.

"What's wrong?" Following Neji's gaze, he sighed. "I'm fine…it's already numb and doesn't hurt anymore. I'll tell you later what happened, but we should go." Receiving a nod, Gaara looped his arm around Neji's waist and they began to move back in the direction of their home.

- - -

Kiba slowed his run as he arrived at the spot he left the unconscious Hyuuga. "Where…?" He growled, anger boiling as he looked around.

'Yes! He got away!'

"Damn it!" Kiba hooked the small sac to his belt and knelt on the ground, bringing his nose close to the sand. He'd track down his Neji, take him back and kill who ever had crossed his path!

'I hope they get far enough first!' Kiba thought, watching as his body caught the sent and began to track down Neji once more. Kiba was hopeful that the drug would begin to wear off soon- he wanted control once more! But if he had heard right, the drug was stronger this time…therefore it would last longer…'I hope you get away safely, Neji…'

With his blood pumping, Kiba's strides grew stronger, carrying him further as he locked onto the scent.

- - -

Gaara and Neji made their way up what seemed to be the hundredth sand dune, their pace agonizingly slow but steady. Neji was faint but he refused any request for a break, his grip on Gaara surprisingly tight. Nearing the top of the dune, Gaara re-adjusted his grip on Neji. "Are you holding up alright?"

Neji nodded, and smiled as they reached the top of the dune. They could see Suna coming up from the dune they were on. There were Suna Ninja. Upon seeing their Kazekage they quickened their pace until they were beside the two injured lovers.

"Kazekage-sama!" They called as one took Neji in their arms and another assisted Gaara. Neji barely heard what was said as he fainted listening to Gaara give orders…

Gaara looked over from instructing his men to see that Neji was asleep in the Ninja's arm, his head lulled to the side. One arm across was lying across his chest limply and his lips slightly were parted. He didn't seem tense, which Gaara took as a good sign. Turning to the Ninja nearest him, he spoke: "We'll head back. I'm sure his assailant is nearby, though. Keep an eye out for him and have the village guarded. He may hurt anyone who gets in his way. But do not alarm the citizens. We can't have them panicking, especially over one person." Although reluctant, he allowed himself to be carried back, yet still managed to keep his eyes on Neji the entire way. He had nearly lost Neji, and he couldn't allow that again whether there were others there to help keep Neji with him or not.

Arriving at the village itself, they took side routes so as not gather attention and entered the Kazekage's home from the rear entrance. Kankuro appeared in the hallway and took his brother while Ukon took Neji.

"Get us a doctor." Kankuro instructed as they took Gaara and Neji upstairs to lay them down. Kankuro laid his brother on the bed and began working at getting his shoes and pants off. "I'll get you some shorts to wear. Do you mind if Ukon cleans up Neji a bit?" Kankuro asked. He didn't want Gaara to snap at them, so he knew to ask first. He could only imagine how angry his little brother was at this point in time. Not that the clenched fists or pressed lips weren't signs, let alone the death glare.

"That's fine, if he allows Ukon to." Gaara finally spoke after a few moments of silence. He turned his head on the pillow to look at his brother. "Did they find Temari?" A nod. "How is she?" Gaara didn't like leaving her as he did…but he had had no choice. Gaara had only recently become really close to his siblings. He wouldn't admit it but he was afraid of losing them. His father was dead and he had never met his mother. And at first his siblings had wanted little to do with him. When they had come around to wanting to take roles of loyal protective siblings, Gaara hadn't wanted them. It had been Neji who had begun to set a change in Gaara. He had slowly accepted Temari and Kankuro, with the encouragement of Neji beside him. When he and Neji had parted, well, Gaara had continued to open up himself to them. He still kept guarded in general, but he did talk with them and consult them. He was grateful to have them at his side. And now more then ever he want the comfort of family and friends, as he was sure Neji would meed them more that he did right now.

"She's asleep now. Her injuries are minimal. She's lucky you didn't do more." Kankuro replied as he went over to the dresser to fish out a clean pair of shorts that he knew Gaara wouldn't mind wearing. "They're pulling out the drug and poison from her blood as we speak. By tomorrow she should be back to normal." Finding a loose black pair he returned to Gaara's side and lifted his brother's lower body. Slipping the fabric up over his legs, he let it rest on Gaara's hips as he lowered him once more.

Gaara glanced at the fabric and scowled. They didn't look bad on him- they hung about his knees and didn't show the shape of his legs, which he was grateful for- but he didn't really like wearing shorts. They showed too much of his pale white thighs.

"That's good. Thanks for everything, Kankuro." Gaara replied.

Kankuro blinked a few times before smiling. It had shocked him that Gaara had actually said sorry. He knew it really meant something special as Gaara rarely said such kind things to anyone. Giving his brother a nod, he stepped back. "Well the doctors should be here soon, so I'll go down and wait for them. Don't try to get up. Not until they've seen your ankle." Upon receiving a death glare, Kankuro chuckled a bit. He had expected that from Gaara. After all, Gaara didn't like to be restricted or told what to do.

"Kanku-" Gaara began but his brother only shook his head.

"If you want, I can get Ukon to bring Neji in here when he's done. Would that make you feel better?" Kankuro added, shrugging slightly.

Gaara nodded, though somehow he felt like he was being teased a bit. He didn't say anything as he watched his brother leave, though. Allowing himself to sink back into the sheets Gaara closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the house. Though his mind drifted from time to time, he thought solely of Neji. Kiba hadn't caught up to them. If he had, he would have shown himself. So he would be nearby. It wasn't likely that Kiba would just give up on Neji after what had happened over the last two days.

"Hey Gaara…" The red head looked over to see Ukon entering, Neji cradled in his arms, his cheeks bright pink. Gaara was glaring at Ukon, though the pale haired male seemed oblivious or deliberately ignoring the glare. "Shall I put him on the bed with you?" Ukon approached the bed as Gaara shuffled over to allow room for his lover to be placed down. "By the way, Neji can speak, but his voice is very low. It seems his throat has been damaged, so please don't make him speak too much." Ukon added as he bolted from the room, afraid Gaara would attack him for treating him like a child who was very oblivious to the obvious.

Neji chuckled softly as he snuggled up against Gaara, throwing his arm over the red head's waist. Leaning his head against Gaara's shoulder, Neji sighed peacefully. He could already tell Gaara was relaxing as well. Looking up, Neji noticed that green eyes were on him and he tilted his head slightly. He couldn't help but wander what was going through his lover's head right now. "Ne…"

"Shh." Gaara chided, placing his finger over Neji's lips. "I just wanted to watch you. I've missed you." Gaara explained, his eyes serious, as he ran his fingers through Neji's now clean hair. He knew their peaceful state would be interrupted soon, so he just wanted to spend time with Neji. He allowed himself to smile as he bent down slightly and kissed Neji on the lips gently.

"Me too…" Neji replied, his voice quiet but full of emotion. They shared another kiss before they heard footsteps approaching their room

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Well, yup! That's all for now! Until I update again….CIAO

Thanks to TenshiXXX for Beta-ing for me! –glomp-