The raven was beyond exhausted as he collapsed into the bed. However, he knew he couldn't lie there for long. A sigh escaped as he went through the list of what he needed to do. He needed a shower because the desert heat made him melt like ice cream. He then had to get ready and he needed to "dress to impress but in a casual way" as Naruto had put it. All of that included doing things like styling his hair, an act he rarely participated in since university. It was time-consuming and required a level of effort that he just couldn't be bothered with. With the list of all small little details he had to attend to running laps in his head, he became even more fatigued. He was depleted of almost all of his energy, although sadly not enough to settle the butterflies doing donuts in his stomach. He could just bail.

No.

No.

That type of thinking will lead him to stay in his hotel room all weekend.

And that was just unacceptable.

He had shit to do.

People to see.

Alright, Uchiha Sasuke.

He was going to get his ass off this bed and go get ready.

Now.

Summoning the last of his strength he pushed himself off the bed, stumbling towards the shower. Then, he spied the clock on the desk. 2:30. Oh, fuck yeah! He could take a power nap, then have a cup of tea without cutting into his dressing time. Time to celebrate the small wins, by knocking himself unconscious. Fuck yes. He set his alarm and threw himself back into the bed.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

Alright, alright. He got it. Shutting off the alarm in a hurried panic to make the noise stop, he opened his eyes back up. At least he felt a little bit better than before. He honestly felt like he didn't need his cup of tea. He was still going to have it though. He knew better than to think he wouldn't pay for skipping it later. He needed that caffeine if he was going to survive the next few hours.

Opening his suitcase he pulled out his box of tea and the diffuser. Finding a mug and filling it with water, he popped the mug into the microwave. It hurt him to do it this way but there was no kettle in the room. If he wanted his tea he'd have to suck it up and deal with microwave water. As the water finished he did make note of the only advantage microwave water had on the kettle. It was faster. As he made the cup of hot water into his preferred tea, his mind couldn't help but wonder.

He hoped this evening went over well. He really wanted to make a good impression. After all, he was here for a reason.

After he finished his tea, he cleaned up his cup and made his way towards the bathroom. He still was a bit too hot and wanted to take a cold shower but he knew that he couldn't stand cold showers. Maybe a lukewarm shower would be tolerable. As soon as he found himself under the spray of water, he knew that nope it needs to be decently warm. Showers in the desert were tricky because he was dying of heatstroke before he got in. But now, he wanted warmer water but still didn't want to overheat.

Whatever he was going to just keep playing with temp.

This wasn't a nervous tick.

Nope.

He was always this anal about something as simple water temp.

Yep.

That was him more high strung than a cable between two skyscrapers.

Okay, he needed to hurry up and get this over with. Shower, Sasuke. It's not that hard.

Another cup of tea, two outfit changes, and fifteen minor meltdowns later, he was finally ready. Well, as ready as he would ever be. The Uchiha man had never thought of himself as a fashionista, that was Naruto's forte. However, he had to admit when you wanted to look good it was much more difficult to just throw on clothes.

He was thankful to his fashion icon best friend for packing his bag and telling him how to pair things up. He was embarrassed to admit he did look really good in the clothes that moron had chosen for him. He even caught himself checking him out in the mirror. The navy blue chino shorts complimented his white tee. The white Chuck Taylors would be perfect to finish the look.

He couldn't help but appreciate that his friend had chosen colors not only that he liked but looked good on him. Granted, it wasn't that hard as all of the clothes the other man chose Sasuke did already own, he just probably wore them like once and not in a way as complimentary as this.

However, he knew he needed the dope's final approval before leaving. If not, he would have never heard the end of it. Grabbing his phone, he video-called the dork. It took two rings too long for the other man to pick up. Sasuke's nerves couldn't withstand the wait, he just needed that damn opinion and he needed it now.

The moment that dumb blond hair made its presence on his phone screen, the wave of anxious anger receded being replaced with an eerie calm.

"Hey, dude are you ready? Go to the mirror and show Papa your outfit." Goodbye calm, hello annoyance.

"Don't ever refer to yourself as papa to me. Ever. Again."

"Alright, alright, don't kill me when you get home. But seriously show me the outfit."

Sasuke flipped his camera to show Naruto the look.

"Yo, you need to tuck the shirt in a french tuck."

"The fuck is a french tuck? Sounds like some kind of sexual position."

The blond cackled, "Just tuck in the very front of your shirt, dude"

The Uchiha followed instructions to the best of his ability with only one hand available. It really wasn't working.

"Oh god, dude just prop the phone up. Then, fix it. God, sometimes you are a goofball."

A mild tint of pink brushed his cheeks and he shot a deadly glare at his camera. He didn't appreciate the embarrassment he was feeling, but he still complied and propped the phone up. Now, with two hands it was much easier to tuck in the front part of the shirt.

"Your tuck is a little too tight."

He pulled on it to where it loosened up a bit, "Better?"

"Absolutely perfect. You look amazing Sasuke. I'm so proud of you, make sure to take a picture later. Bye!"

"Talk to you later."

With the boost in confidence, he was ready to go. Calling his rideshare, he pulled on his shoes and grabbed the small box from the table. He walked out of his room and down to the lobby.

The short ride was pleasant enough. Thankfully, the driver felt no need to talk more than the obligatory questions. However, this did leave Sasuke to stew a bit in the backseat and let his nerves build again. He was so lost in his anxious thoughts that he didn't notice his phone ringing until the third ring. He accepted the call without a thought.

"I forgot to say, I LOVE YOU! Kay, byyyyye!" the blond the other end screeched and hung up. The Uchiha wasn't completely sure that it had actually happened until he heard the quiet chuckle from the front. That dumbass was too loud. Simmering in his embarrassment, he didn't notice when the car was stopped.

"Sir, we are here."

"Oh, thanks. Is it okay if I take a second before I get out?"

"That's fine sir."

In.

Out.

He was gonna be okay.

This weekend wouldn't be a bust.

"Thanks again."

He convinced himself to get out of the car and stare at the sleek building in front of him.

Red's Scales.

What a fucking name, real fucking intimidating. Granted the entire process of this experience was as fucking intimidating as staring at hell. Fuck meeting the devil himself would be only half as scary.

But it would be okay.

Walking inside he made his way to the receptionist's desk. Behind it sat a brunette man who was, well, not unattractive. The man looked up at him as he approached.

"I am assuming you are here for the seminar this weekend?"

"Yes."

"Name?"

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"Thank you. You are now signed in, Temari will be upfront to take you to the classroom in just a minute. I am Kankuro, one of the owners. Can I ask what's in the box because food is strictly prohibited from leaving the lobby."

Oh, this is Gaara's older brother and that wasn't a request, it was a demand. Okay, then.

"Oh this isn't food it's a birthday present from Naruto."

Recognition grew aflame in those brown eyes.

"Oh! You're that idiot's emo friend! I remember hearing about you! My brother almost murdered you when we were kids!"

Kankuro stood up and clapped him on the shoulder. A hearty laugh escaped the older man's lips.

"That's not quite how I remember it but okay sure."

A low chuckle and an eye roll came out of the Uchiha before he even understood what was happening. Holy hell, that man was naturally disarming. No wonder he was the first person you see when walking in. This man's charisma even warded off Sasuke's anxiety. What the fuck.

"Am I interrupting?"

Sasuke whipped his head around to see a beautiful blond woman in business attire walk towards them.

"Oi, Temari. This is Sasuke, that blond moron's friend. Dude, I thought you looked familiar. It's because you are on that dobe's social media looking like the angriest pretty boy in the universe."

"Kankuro, that's not how we talk to clients. While he might be Mr. Uzumaki's friend, we do not know him." she turned to Sasuke, "I apologize for him. It is rude of him to act so chummily with you. He doesn't know who you are."

She went back to giving her brother an icy glare, and he looked slightly scared of her as her face showed clear disdain for his behavior. Then, her head whipped towards Sasuke and the most professional smile plastered itself onto her face.

"Now Mr. Uchiha if you don't mind following me to the classroom, the seminar will begin shortly."

Sasuke nodded and followed her down a short hall and they stopped in front of an open door.

"Hey, where is the restroom?"

"It is the door right behind you, so it is hard to get lost."

"Thank you."

"I'll go on in then."

She excused herself. Sasuke just stood a little to the side of the door and glanced down at his phone. 5 minutes before they would start. He hit the call button and as always the other person answered almost immediately.

"Hello, Just_A_Person I am warning you now that I only have four minutes to talk. So what do you want to talk about?"

"Nothing just wanted to chat for a few. But something sounds wrong on your end. What's up?

"My one friend was going to visit this weekend as he does every year and he just texted me telling me that he is sorry but something came up and he cannot come. I am trying to not be insecure but this is the first time he has ever canceled our plans. He said he was sending the best present to make it up to me. However, I cannot help but worry that he is getting sick of me."

Ow. Now he felt like a dick. He didn't mean to make the other man worry.

"I'm absolutely sure he isn't getting sick of you. I'm sure whatever he has planned will turn out amazing."

"I understand that I am being irrational but I cannot help it when he has been my only friend for years."

"Not to change the subject but where are you going? You sound like you are in a rush."

"I am on my way to this weekend's seminar. I will not be able to call often this weekend."

One more minute before the class started.

"That's okay I think I'm going to be able to get my Gaara fix without the phone calls this weekend."

"What did you just call me?"

The voice was no longer on the phone but in the hall with him. Sasuke looked up to see the most beautiful man he'd ever laid eyes on. It had only been three months since he had seen him last, but seeing him in his natural state, blew him away all over again. While the man was distractedly looking at the phone in his hands, the raven-haired man was able to just stare. He was dressed in ripped jeans and a t-shirt hugged his muscles. He had a flannel tied around his perfect waist. His red hair took the bed head look to the optimal level of sexy. The gawking man was ready to melt just by looking at him.

"By your name. Gaara."

The Uchiha said to him, directly to him, not through the phone. The redhead flung his head up and stared him down. As soon as those piercing seafoam eyes made direct contact with onyx ones a nervous tension settled over the two.

"You are him."

It was more of an accusation than a statement. The taller of the two men was suddenly in his personal space. He couldn't tell if the other man wanted to hit him or kiss him. Maybe the redhead didn't know which either.

"Ironically enough. And you are both the man I fell for and the man I drunkenly made out with."

"How long have you known?"

"Three weeks. I didn't know how to tell you in a way for you to understand that I wasn't fucking with you. I figured it would be best done in person."

"Fair. I still do not understand fully and I still am not convinced you are not trying to deceive me. However, I must go to my class though. I am late."

"I am also late too so whoops. I'll go in before you. But here, happy birthday."

Sasuke shoved the box into the other man's hands. He ran into the class before the redhead could respond. He knew he was being immature, but they didn't have the time for explanations now.

He kept his head down as he passed Temari and took an empty seat at the large round table. Looking around, he spied the other adopters. They were a diverse group, to say the least. However, the flash of red in the corner of his eye made him instantly look away and towards the man he just ran from. The look in his eyes said he was pissed and confused, but the smallest hint of a smile rested on his face as he stared at the box in his hands. Honestly, he looked slightly unhinged but Sasuke would too if he had been the one slapped in the face with this surprise. But the other man was able to shake it off enough for his normal blank face to reappear.

"Sorry for my tardiness. If I expect you to be on time, then it is only fair you expect it from me as well. So once again, I apologize and will be on time for the rest of this weekend. Now Temari, please get us started."

"Hello again everyone! You might recognize me from our example videos, but I'll formally introduce us here at Red's Scales. I will refer to everyone by their first names as we are all siblings so it'd be pretty confusing if we went by our shared last name. The man at the front desk was Kankuro. He is the one who did your initial vetting and client outreach. I am Temari, and I will be running this seminar this weekend along with the help of my brother next to me, Gaara. This facility is named after him and he is the one in charge of animal care. This weekend we will be teaching you all the proper care for your new family member. At the end of the seminar, Gaara will evaluate your readiness to home one of our precious animals. If he finds you ready you will go home with your new family member! Yay!"

She clapped cheerily. Sasuke could see how this business was succeeding so well with her being the face of the seminars. While Gaara's appearance was Sasuke's cup of tea, Temari was a much more approachable person for everyone else. The warmth of her smile was comforting and her overall demeanor was pleasant.

"Alright, everyone just so we get more comfortable with each other, let's have everyone introduce themselves. Please state your name, where you're from, who you are trying to adopt by name and species. You'll notice a pattern for this seminar by the end. Let's start with the couple to my left and go around the table."

The women Temari motioned towards looked at the rest of the group. One smiled and spoke up, "We are Anko and Shizune. We are from a small town on the outskirts of the Hi province. We are trying to adopt Sasquatch John the pond slider turtle."

"It's nice to meet you," Temari stated.

The next group was a man and his small son, "I'm Shikamaru and this is Shikadai. Temari's my wife, so yes, even family has to go through this process. We live here in Suna. We are perspectives for Michael Tomato, a box turtle."

"Yes, everyone that's my husband who is off-script, and my cute baby boy."

The man now known as Shikamaru muttered something under his breath. It was obvious his wife knew what he said despite not actually hearing him as she shot him a playful glare. Now it was Sasuke's turn. He had to take a pause and breathe, he didn't like speaking in front of strangers. Stealing a glance at the redhead staring him down, he tried to draw strength from the familiar person. Now or never, Sasuke.

"I am Sasuke from the city of Konoha. I hope that at the end of the weekend I will be able to take home the map turtle, Zabuza Mist."

"Welcome, Sasuke."

That pleasant smile again, encouraging and accepting. It was very comforting in contrast to the holes being burned in his head by the redhead. Please the next group say something, please.

"I am Deidara and this is Sasori and we are colleagues who are trying to get an office pet. We are applying to get Lucifer Tomato, the box turtle."

Temari handed every group a paper.

"Now that we are all introduced, can anyone guess the theme of this weekend? It's turtles! The paper I handed you is the itinerary for the weekend. So let's get started with terrarium set up!"

The next few hours went by in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The entire build of the terrarium Gaara hovered around Sasuke. Even the smallest misstep and redhead would swoop in and fix it. Sasuke couldn't tell if he was being tested or if the other man was just doing his job. Anytime the man would come in close for a readjustment his scent would work its way up the raven's nose and drive him up the wall. Why did he have to smell so good? What kind of cruel world were they living in where the man he was trying not to scare away had to smell so enticing? He really just wanted to smother himself in that scent but he knew better than to approach the man while they worked. It was nice he wasn't bashing his face in, and Sasuke quite appreciated it. However, he could tell the other man was far from comfortable. By the end of Sasuke's mental argument, the terrarium was gorgeous. He wanted to move in himself.

"It's beautiful," he whispered.

He couldn't help but steal another glance at the redhead's face. His face looked at the tank approvingly.

"Oh, Sasuke your tank looks amazing!" Temari popped over to their enclosure.

"Gaara do you mind inspecting the other tanks for me?"

He nodded his response and swiftly walked away.

"Soo... Sasuke why are you here?"

"Um, I'm here to adopt Zabuza?"

"I get that but why this particular animal, right now? I looked at your application and you never had a pet before. A turtle is a big commitment, he'll be with you for the next thirty years if not longer. Not to mention you are applying for a turtle who you were told is not one for handling as it stresses him out."

Why did he get the feeling they weren't talking about the actual animal?

But she couldn't have known who he was.

Not yet at least.

Unless Gaara told her about Naruto's birthday party.

But he doesn't seem like he would have.

Ugh.

This is too much for him.

Oh, shit.

He hadn't answered her yet.

Fuck.

"I wasn't able to have a pet as a child. Once, I became an adult I didn't want to commit to one until I knew I was ready to love and care for the rest of its life."

"What happens when he outlives you?"

"As it said in my interview Temari, I have spoken to Naruto and Hinata, and should I pass before him, they will care for him. Any other questions?"

"Nope, I'm sure you are ready for this lifelong commitment. Granted, I am not the one you have to convince."

She was watching as her brother finished up with the others. As she went to walk away she stopped herself and looked back at him.

"One last thing, it's going to be tremendously hard, but don't give up, okay? I can tell you need this as much as he does."

She then walked to her brother. Sasuke stood there even more convinced that they were not talking about the turtle anymore.

"Alright, it looks like everyone's terrarium is approved. We can hold them here for those who are staying in hotels, just leave them on the table. We will see you tomorrow at 9 am! Have a great night!"

Temari walked the group back to the front lobby. Sasuke trailed at the back of the group when the red-headed man didn't make any inclination he was going to speak to Sasuke. That was fine, he understood he needed his time. He had almost made it to the lobby when a firm hand took hold of his wrist. He turned to see Gaara staring at him as if he was a puzzle that needed to be solved.

"Where do you think you are going?"

"You looked like you needed more time to process things, I was going to give you your space."

"No, we need to talk now."

Oh, hello. It is me. This was originally gonna be much longer but I decided to split it into two chapters. By the way, I'm wanna do a Q&A cause why not? So please shoot me any questions you want me to answer, it can be about anything personal or related to the story.

I am alive still, kinda. The reason for my absence? I could say uni has kept me too busy, but that'd be a lie. To be honest, I have been the most depressed I have been in years. Adjusting being functioning depressed to not functioning at all has been a rough one and our world has not fucking helped. Due to everything being a clusterfuck I rewrote this chapter a million and two times. It was originally not gonna be an entire chapter of Sasuke just being an anxious little fuck, but yuh know oh well, I like it.

I just have one final thing to say: DON'T BE A FUCKING KAREN.