Gaara was ignoring Hyuuga, irritated that this was kept a secret from him. All morning, Hyuuga was trying to talk to him in between classes, even apologizing for keeping it from him saying it was supposed to be a surprise. Not to say he wasn't happy Hyuuga was in his class, just that his alone time to try to figure things out was cut very short, that and he just hated surprises. He had dealt with enough surprises in his life that had given him lasting nightmares.

The only good thing was that Hyuuga was very distracted during classes. As Hyuuga was quickly learning, the hunter class was the real advanced class. Math was college level. Science would challenge an engineering major. And the English classes were led by native speakers. Everyone in the class could speak almost perfect colloquial English with the minimum amount of a Japanese accent. Everyone but Gaara who refused to learn that is.

The English was not a surprise though. Almost every shinobi had been learning English since they were young. The Americans and shinobi have had a relatively strong relationship since Tsunade came into power. Added to the fact that the American military still occupied Japan and became involved in their activities from time to time, it was a useful skill to have.

"Don't tell me the exams for this class are normally this hard too?" Hyuuga asked, looking a bit lost as he went through that day's notes.

"Of course," Sai, who had the pleasure of sitting next to Hyuuga in class much to Hyuuga's annoyance, answered. "How else would they keep the scores on the exams fair?"

It was a lot for Hyuuga to take in. Hyuuga pretty much had 3 years of schoolwork to catch up on, not that it mattered. Even if his grades dropped in this class, he would still place extremely well on the college entrance exams. He may even get a higher score than he would have staying in his old class. Hyuuga really had no need to learn everything. Besides, transferring classes so late in their senior year, Tsunade may be lenient and let him take the school's normal exam to keep his grades up. Maybe. There was no guarantee.

The lunch bell rang, and everyone got up, some going to the school store, others moving desks to eat with their friends. Gaara got up from his desk to buy himself some strawberry milk from one of the vending machines. Things in his life were changing very quickly and at dizzying speeds. Letting Uzumaki go, dating, a whole bunch of feelings and emotions he had never felt before. It left him off-balanced as if he was teetering between losing control and keeping himself distant.

Half the week was already over and his deal with Hyuuga would be coming to an end. He thought he was just indulging himself a little, that the week wouldn't change much between them. He had been wrong. Gaara's emotions were out of whack, and the thought of letting Hyuuga go was becoming nearly as hard as when he had to let Uzumaki go. Could he handle extending the trial one more week? Would he get more attached? Would it just hurt Hyuuga more to prolong it? Was it already too late for him?

Gaara sipped at his drink absentmindedly, walking around the campus. He just needed to stop thinking for a while. It was his luck to run into Hyuuga surrounded by his old classmates.

"I told you hanging around him would get you in trouble," one boy said.

"It's really not that bad," Hyuuga said politely, but his eyes said he was looking for an escape. "I asked to transfer since I've been getting sick lately. The teachers are more lenient in that class is all."

"But you aren't class rep anymore. What are you going to do about your transcripts? College is right around the corner?" a girl chimed in, leaning much too close to Hyuuga.

"I'm okay really. I'm not worried at all," he tried to reassure the group, but the group of students couldn't read the atmosphere, continuing on.

"Why couldn't he disappear with Uzumaki? Then you wouldn't have to leave," someone muttered bitterly.

"Not like anyone would miss him."

Words that Gaara heard often. None of it bothered him. Hyuuga on the other hand had a stormy expression, his polite persona completely dropping. He couldn't let Hyuuga ruin his image now. At least not over someone like him.

But then some boy threw his arm over Hyuuga's neck in a friendly way, bringing him in close to say something in his ear. It was nothing more than friendly touching. The guys in Hyuuga's class had always been physical with him. But why did he feel so….

The glass bottle in his hand broke from the pressure, cutting his hand and dripping blood onto the floor. The group surrounding Hyuuga gasped, a few backing away, afraid they had been overheard. Hyuuga pushed past them, coming to his side and taking his hand with concern. It was already healing.

Quickly, Hyuuga steered him away from the rest of the students, taking him outside and finding a secluded area behind the equipment shed by the gym to hide in. Hyuuga took another look at his hand, glass shards still sticking out of his Gaara's skin. "Don't mind them," Hyuuga said, carefully, picking out the glass shards. "They're idiots."

Hyuuga was so gentle as he worked, focused solely on his task.

"I don't care about them." Gaara's eyes drifted to the side. Why did he feel so angry and irritated? "You seem to attract a lot of people," he muttered.

Confused, Hyuuga looked up from his work after taking the last piece of glass out and the skin smoothed over. "They like what I show them." His thumb brushed over the freshly healed skin. "Were you jealous?"

Yes. Yes, he was. He didn't like them touching Hyuuga. This…. This wasn't good.

"You shouldn't let them touch you anymore," he whispered.

"Hm?"

Twisting them around so that Hyuuga was trapped against the wall with Gaara's body. Each breath felt like a struggle to keep it even. His hands on Hyuuga's shoulders wanted to keep him pinned so that Hyuuga could never leave his side. He wanted to mark. Wanted to have. Hyuuga was his. Why did he have to share?

"Gaara?" Hyuuga asked with caution. Even he could sense Gaara was close to losing it.

"Can you spend the night tonight?" his voice shook, fighting desperately for control.

"Yeah…"

Gaara nodded, but he didn't let Hyuuga go. He stayed there unmoving, not letting Hyuuga leave or move either.

Mark him. Show people that he's yours.

Those types of possessive thoughts kept replaying in his mind. He knew they were wrong, and he was fighting not to listen to them.

Hyuuga made the first move, caressing Gaara's face and bringing their lips closer. He was going in for a kiss, Gaara realized. Before their lips could touch, he turned his head away and stepped back, confusing his lover further. "I'm late for a meeting." With his flimsy excuse, he fled. He had to get this under control as soon as possible.

Neji tried to find Gaara afterward their encounter. He was worried, but also a bit taken back by the experience. It was the second time Gaara had just become aggressive towards him, seemingly barely hanging on to his reasoning. If he was honest, it did unnerve him a bit. It really looked like Gaara was on the brink of hurting him, and he wasn't sure why.

He thought it was jealousy. The first time, Gaara mistook the situation as a girl hitting on him. He had no idea what set Gaara off this time. All he had was Gaara mumbling not to let anyone touch him. The only people who had touched him were a few of his male classmates who were being overly friendly. Surely, Gaara couldn't have been talking about that. Jealousy was one thing. He thought Gaara getting jealous was cute, but if Gaara was serious about what he said, it was no longer just jealousy, but borderline possessive. And then there was the fact Gaara avoided his kiss and…

Neji shook his head. He was probably overthinking things. When Gaara calmed down, he'd talk to him. When he visited tonight, they'd have a nice long talk. He didn't have many other options. He couldn't find Gaara for the rest of the lunch period and never returned to class after lunch. Not surprisingly, Gaara was missing after school too.

So he got into his family's car, heading back to the compound fighting down a headache from it all. Training would help clear his mind and help him find a solution to his problems.

His uncle was waiting for him at the gate, which was unusual. One, because normally he'd be doing after school activities right now, and two, he never came to greet him personally at the gate ever.

Neji got out, confusion on his face as he shut the door behind him.

"School your expression. I should never know what you're thinking," his uncle scolded him in that detached way of his.

Neji immediately smoothed out the creases between his eyebrows, managing a blank expression of his own as he bowed to his uncle. "Greetings, Oji-sama. Is there something I can do for you?"

"We will be leaving for survival training in 15 minutes. Change your clothes and report back." He brought out a hand from his sleeves and held it out. "From here on out, all electronics will be banned for the next 72 hours."

Neji glanced nervously at the hand. "Can I send one last text?"

"If you are capable."

His driver stepped forward from behind him, Neji's phone in his hand, respectfully handing it to his uncle. That phone had been in his pocket just now. He hadn't felt a single thing.

"And it appears, you are not." Neji watched his phone disappear into his uncle's sleeve mournfully. Gaara wasn't going to be happy. "You are down to 14 minutes."

"Yes, Oji-sama."

Running inside and changing into his training clothes took 6 minutes. He couldn't shake the guilt he was feeling for breaking his promise to Gaara and being unable to tell him about it. His uncle's word was law now. He had chosen this path and he could not go back on it.

He also knew this survival training was a big deal. He knew this type of training was usually reserved much later. If he could pass it, then he would be able to cement his place as a hunter, that he belonged.

He filled his standard hunter's pouch that all hunters carried with them at all times. It was a small pouch that could be hidden on the body. The size and shape depended on the person and their skills. Neji's fit around the writs, hidden by sleeves and wrappings. On his left wrist were senbon needles and a small knife. On his right wrist, emergency medicinal pills. He also carried a pouch on his hip, that held wire, talismans, and other material. The small hip pouch was optional and usually carried only when they weren't trying to go undercover. The pouch wasn't large enough to hold food or water, just a few of the bulkier items that could not be easily concealed.

It took him longer to pack his pouch. He debated what to bring and what to leave behind. He was still new to a lot of the equipment. He was still learning how to properly use them. He wasn't sure which equipment would fit his fighting style yet. Running out of time, he made the best choices he could and hurried back to his uncle.

When he returned, he was surprised to find his uncle had changed out of his normal traditional clothing into training clothes of his own, and that Uchiha was talking quietly with him. Upon his approach, Uchiha's predatory gaze shifted to him. Neji fought the shiver it brought. It was no longer as overwhelming as it had once been, but it still raised an instinctual fear in the back of his mind.

"Better," Uchiha said. "But still lacking."

His uncle followed his gaze, landing on Neji as well. "Is that not why you are here?"

Uchiha had a condescending look in his eyes as he regarded his uncle. Then his face changed, it was almost warm and friendly. It was the same face Neji saw Uchiha use at school. Extending his hand, he said, "Nice to formally meet you, Hyuuga-san. I will have the pleasure of hunting you for the next 72 hours." His tone was polite enough, but something about the way he said the words 'hunting you' sent dread down his spine.

Neji took his hand, and Uchiha's polite smile, transformed into a derisive smirk. Even his uncle looked disappointed as if he wanted to sigh.

"Well, that's one death down. How many lives did you say he had, Hiashi-san?"

The training had already begun, Hyuuga realized too late. Uchiha had a firm grasp on him, and it would take too long to pull out a weapon if Uchiha had come with the intention to kill. If this were real, he would have been killed.

"You have four lives, Neji. Uchiha-san has claimed the first one. If you fail three more times, this exercise will be considered a failure."

Hyuuga nodded and Uchiha let go of his hand.

"I'll give you an hour head start," Uchiha said, a smile still playing on his lips. "Use it well."

Uchiha walked past him to enter the main house, a servant there to escort him inside.

His uncle approached him, explaining the rest of the rules quickly. "The entire mountain is the arena. I will accompany you in the shadows. I will not help you. I am there to access your skill and to ensure that Uchiha-san doesn't irreversibly harm you. The other trainees have already gone on ahead and have had an hour head start. They are also in pairs."

That didn't seem fair at all, and that unfairness made Neji feel bitter as old feelings resurfaced. Did his uncle want him to fail?

"You are disadvantaged in skill and experience. You are fighting a losing battle starting as late as you are, but your foundation is stronger than any of them, your intellect and intuition are sharper, and your reason for being a hunter is different. You will be walking a lonely road, Neji. Many things will work against you. Will you let this little thing bother you?"

"No Oji-sama. I understand. Thank you for your teachings." Neji bowed.

"58 minutes."

The mountain forest was vast, and he hadn't traversed it as often as he should in his childhood. This will definitely be a challenge. Taking a calming breath, Neji set off towards the mountain. He would pass this test. No matter what.

Gaara waited all night for Hyuuga to arrive. He wanted to apologize for his behavior. He even made them a late-night snack to eat, knowing training would have been difficult on him. But he never showed.

Gaara tried not to mind. Maybe training went on later than Hyuuga had planned. It was better if he didn't come running to his house in the middle of the night.

But then he didn't show up to class either.

Two days without sleeping was making him irritable. And his worry for Hyuuga's sudden disappearance wasn't helping. He couldn't even ask Hinata about it as she was looking after Inuzuka. Apparently, those two had started dating a while ago, not that Gaara cared.

School dragged on and on. The entire day felt like trudging through thick mud and a headache was forming from his lack of sleep. To put his mind at ease, he visited the Hyuuga compound after school. The servants wouldn't even let him through the front door.

"The masters are unable to see you at this time," the servant man said, blocking the entrance to the gate.

Gaara had to bite his cheek to remain calm at the man's rude behavior. He was clearly looking down on him from his tone to his posture.

"I just want to know where Hyuuga, Neji is," Gaara said through a clenched jaw.

"As I said, the masters are unable to see you at this time," he repeated. "I have no obligation to tell you why."

Gaara had no way of making him talk and forcing his way in wouldn't help the situation. He was forced to turn back with nothing to show for his efforts. He tried calling and texting, but his calls didn't go through and his texts remained unread. It felt like Hyuuga was avoiding him.

A little voice in the back of his head whispered doubts and insecurities. Gaara tried to push it away. When Hyuuga got the chance, he'd call. Hyuuga wouldn't ghost him unless he had a good reason, right?

Gaara returned home to an empty house. It was too quiet. Even with the occasionally ghostly footsteps and presence at his side, he felt isolated. It was similar to the time before Hyuuga came into his life. Back then, he was okay with the isolation. He knew what his future held. He knew he had no one to depend on but himself. He was never filled with such uncertainty before. Never craved to have someone at his side. Never felt so confused.

His worry kept him from sleeping well for the third time, but the sleep he did manage to get wasn't a peaceful one.

Oh, look at my dear host, left abandoned by his one and only love.

Gaara sat trapped in the top half an hourglass as Seth looked on from the outside, sitting on his sand throne.

How unfortunate for you.

He didn't abandon me. Gaara said weakly. His hands pressed against the glass. He likes me.

Feelings can change. Maybe your little display scared him off.

Gaara shrunk back at the accusation.

Or maybe, he wasn't satisfied with a weak hand job. He probably realized how afraid you are.

Stop it, he said weakly , bringing his hands to his chest and curling in on himself.

He probably found himself another lover. Someone more willing and not so violent. He's probably at a hotel right now, fucking the brains out of one of those school mates of his. You saw how much they were drooling over him.

No! He's mine! Gaara yelled, banging his fists against the glass. His jealousy and rage surfaced quickly, overpowering his other emotions in a tidal wave. The glass didn't even shake let alone crack.

They're so eager to pleasure him. I wouldn't doubt they are prostrating themselves for him. Begging him to take him. Why would he want to spend his time with someone like you?

The hourglass flipped. Gaara fell to the bottom hard, hitting his head followed by sand pouring down on top of him at a steady pace.

Seth stood from his throne, taking slow steps with a slight pep to his walk. Face it. You've lost. You can't bind him to you. You aren't a vampire. You can't mark him like you crave. He can't be your mate. And why would he want to be? You are unloved and unwanted.

The sand was filling the small space quickly, burying Gaara. No matter how desperately he tried to stay on top, he was sinking.

If he wants to leave you, how will you stop him? Force him against his will? Imprison him? Chain him?

Seth tilted his head as he watched with twisted glee as the sand reached Gaara's neck. It was getting harder and harder to breathe.

You're too weak to take what you want. Too remorseful to give in to your desires. If I were you, I'd rape him over and over again until he couldn't leave me. Make him think only of me. Make him unable to live without me. Make him love me.

The sand was covering Gaara's mouth and his nose could barely stay above it. Seth looked on, like a child torturing an insect without any conscience of right or wrong.

Too bad you're not me. Gaara 's vision became obscured as the sand finally consumed him. If you were, maybe you'd still have him.

" Stay away from him!" Gaara yelled, sitting up in his bed. His clothes and bed sheets were drenched in sweat. His breathing ragged, he noticed far too late that his driver was standing in the room in a corner with a sense of bloodlust lingering on him.

"I came to wake you, young master," he replied. He didn't sound any different, but his hands were hidden behind his back.

Tense, Gaara looked around once more, realizing his room was full of sand from the courtyard. Seth had almost taken control of him in his sleep, he realized. Gaara's body was stronger than it had been in the past and could better handle Seth's abundant power.

"I see," he said. It was only five am, but sleep was the furthest thing from his mind. "Clean this up," he commanded, getting out of bed. He needed to see Hyuuga today. He had to put his mind at ease. He couldn't let Seth take advantage of him again.

Two days. It was the longest yet shortest time in his life. Neji hadn't had a wink of sleep. He drifted off once when he thought he was safe. It hadn't even been an hour before he was caught by a very smug vampire, losing yet another one of his lives. His third life was taken later the second day.

There must have been an unspoken rule. A time limit between each time a life was taken. Rather than staying next to him and delivering three death blows, Uchiha would take a life then leave. It allowed Neji time to reflect. And reflect he did.

Collecting food and water was a challenge. He didn't have the training in clearing his tracks like the others. He did what he could based on common sense, but he could only do so much. Only knew so much. He didn't know the extent of a vampire's powers. How far they could hear, what they could smell. He didn't dare make a fire, and he stayed away from the creeks and rivers. He just didn't have the knowledge or skills. So he tried another tactic. He didn't do anything.

He didn't cover his tracks. He started a fire to keep warm. He stopped hiding his presence whatsoever. In exchange, he gave up sleep entirely, forcing himself to stay awake, waiting.

It worked. Sometimes he felt eyes on him. He couldn't tell if it was his uncle who claimed he was somewhere nearby or Uchiha, but as he sat, waiting in one place, Uchiha never approached him. Not until the third day. It was nearing the afternoon, so time would be up shortly. Fatigue made it hard to keep his eyes open and he was gaining a migraine. His eyes burned and he found himself zoning in and out. The closest thing to rest he allowed, was meditation, but even then, he kept an ear out on his surroundings.

That was when Uchiha approached him. He came out of the trees, walking ever so slowly and approaching him with caution. "I admit, I give up." Uchiha smiled. "No matter how hard I look I can't figure out what trap you laid out. So I have to wonder if there really is a trap."

Neji opened his eyes, slowly standing up. "I wonder. You could always come over here and find out for yourself, Uchiha-san."

Uchiha did not approach further, observing him. "You aren't like what I thought you would be. I'm surprised he even let you be put into danger like this."

"My uncle has always taken a hands-off approach to raising me."

Uchiha smirked. "That's not who I was talking about." He took another step closer. "You don't have a trap, do you? You've been bluffing."

"You were the one stupid enough to fall for it, weren't you?"

Uchiha chuckled. "It's not a tactic I've seen used often. Most new hunters will do their best to run or stay hidden. To be confident enough to try, I underestimated you."

Neji didn't take his eyes of Uchiha, feeling his heart pound. He didn't know how much time was left, but it couldn't be much longer until time was up. Why else would Uchiha show himself now when he could wait for him to fall asleep? He just had to stall until then.

Seeing the front door of Gaara's house, he sighed with relief. All of his exhaustion hit him at once. He wanted to see Gaara and hold him as he caught up on the past 3 days of sleep. Eating didn't even cross his mind. He could hardly keep his eyes open.

As he climbed the last few steps, he tripped, his vision spinning. He reached out to steady himself, using the door as support. Gaara's soft bed was just tens of meters away.

Finally getting through the door, he called out wearily, "I'm back."

Seeing Gaara rush out to greet him as he took off his shoes brought a smile to his face. It made all his fatigue and struggle from the past three days' worth it. "Gaara." His voice was full of affection at seeing him, but as Gaara got closer, he realized something was off.

The way Gaara was moving. He couldn't hear his footsteps, and his qi was repressed. It was almost as if he was approaching him like he was an enemy.

"Where have you been," he asked quietly.

A shiver of fear went up Neji's spine, now fully alert. He hadn't feared Gaara for a while now, but now, he felt as if he had been stranded on a frozen lake with the ice cracking beneath his feet. One wrong move and he was done for.

"I'm sorry," Neji kept his moves slow, keeping his eyes on Gaara. He didn't raise from his crouched position either, his hand still hovering over the guest slippers on the stair leading into the main house. "My uncle made me participate in a hunter exercise. I didn't have a chance to call you beforehand."

Gaara's qi lashed out dangerously, shaking the house, and knocking the paintings off the wall. Grains of sand began to drift into the house from the courtyard, swirling around him. "Then why do you smell of him," he growled.

"Wha—" Neji's breath was knocked out of him, Gaara once again pinning him to the wall, but this time his hand was around his neck, making it hard to breathe.

"Don't lie to me! He's left his qi on you. You're supposed to be mine." Gaara's eyes were flashing between his own and Seth's, barely hanging on. He had never seen Gaara this furious, and he was afraid to be on the receiving end of it.

"I'm telling the truth," he tried to say it calmly, but he didn't understand. What had he done wrong? Why was Gaara acting like this?

Gaara growled, his lips parting to reveal his fangs, his eyes turning a steady golden brown. His hands were twitching, his nails digging into Neji's skin. "Don't lie. He can't have you. You're mine."

Neji winced. If Gaara squeezed too much harder, he might actually cause some permanent damage. Silently apologizing, but also feeling a bit angry himself, he pulled a talisman from his pouch on his hip. His uncle had been adamant about him keeping it on or near him at all times. He just never thought it would be used for something like this. With a flick of his wrist, he attached it to Gaara's chest. The talisman became rigid and crackled with energy. Gaara went flying backward, hitting the wall hard enough to crack it.

Neji coughed, rubbing his neck that was surely bruised. He glanced worriedly at Gaara who was recovering from the attack, sitting up. He looked to be in pain, but not from being tossed a moment ago. He was holding his head like he was suffering a migraine. His face was contorting with pain, but also fear and sadness.

As much as it tortured Neji to see him like that, he couldn't go to him. "I think… I should go home tonight," he whispered. He averted his eyes as guilt seeped into him with each word. "I'll... see you later."

Gaara didn't move from his position on the floor. He didn't know what face Gaara was making let alone what he was thinking; however, Gaara didn't stop him. There were no words, no movements for him. Gaara let him leave, and Neji left with a heavy heart, taking the mountain path home since his ride had left, bypassing Gaara's guard outside.

The sun had just finished setting when he arrived at the perimeter. Rather than entering through the gate, he entered the property through the forest, avoiding the formal greeting he would receive from his return. Over the past three days, he had grown familiar with this part of the forest, and he didn't need the light to navigate.

A few servants saw him enter the main house, surprised at his return, hurrying to bow to him as he passed. He paid them no mind, walking by without saying anything. He walked on the engawa surrounding the house, stopping at the back that overlooked the garden. His body collapsed into a seated position, dropping his bag beside him.

His body didn't want to move any further, and truthfully, he didn't think he was going to be able to stay awake much longer either. Even so, his mind tried to work through the haze to deal with the mess that was his relationship.

He knew Gaara was the jealous type. He had gotten that since Gaara first showed his weird behavior at school. He thought it was cute. Gaara rarely showed much emotion and to see him get worked up over him made him happy, but this went beyond jealousy. This was possession that had almost led to him getting strangled. Wasn't that borderline abuse? Just someone touching him had set Gaara off to such an extent.

He rubbed his neck which was tender to the touch. Gaara had almost hurt him in his jealousy. He didn't trust him. What type of relationship would it be if Neji let it continue this way?

"I thought you left for the evening."

Neji's hand dropped from his neck, and he immediately moved to greet his uncle. He almost fell from the wave of dizziness that hit him, but his uncle raised a hand. "There is no need to greet me. You've already shown your respect for today."

"Yes, oji—clan head," Neji corrected himself. He still wasn't used to the new title. His uncle was now in charge of his life whose orders were absolute, only second to Tsunade herself. Their relationship was more formal than ever. So it was to his surprise his uncle sat beside him on the engawa and a servant followed, kneeling beside him placing a tray of sake between them. He waved her away with a hand once she poured him a glass.

Why was his uncle here, Neji wondered, not realizing his body was beginning to slouch.

They sat in silence as his uncle sipped at his sake and watching the moon. Neji didn't know what to say to him. Even with their recent time together, there had been a purpose. Training, lectures, lessons. This was different and a bit weird.

"A bright autumn moon really does make the sake taste sweeter. Almost as good as a summer night." He placed the cup back on the tray and poured himself another glass as well as filled another cup. "Have a cup."

With a wary glance at the cup, Neji took it, unable to decline from his master and clan leader. He brought it to his lips, paused, then took a sip. It went down smoothly with a subtle fruity aftertaste. The alcohol hit him immediately, warming his stomach and making his head spin. Unable to take the spinning, he closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe through it.

"You should be resting. Your body still cannot handle multiple nights yet."

"Just needed some time to think about a few things." Despite himself, he took another sip. The taste was quite pleasant.

"A common problem for hunters, but you need to know when to sleep."

Neji nodded. "Yes, Master."

Silence fell again as they quietly drank together.

Maybe it was the alcohol or perhaps his exhaustion, but he found himself staring into the cup, watching the moon's reflection in the clear liquid, and asking, "Master, may I ask a question. As your nephew, not your student?"

"You may," his uncle responded, pouring another cup.

"Have you ever gotten jealous? Jealous to the point you couldn't stand other people even coming near or touching oba-sama?"

His uncle glanced at Neji's neck then turned his gaze back to the garden. "Are you speaking about yourself or your lover?"

"I just…I knew he was the jealous type, but this time…" he trailed off. He was going to say it was different, but it wasn't. It was just ramped up more than before as if it was getting worse. "It's not normal right?"

"If he was purely human, no, it's not. But for a vampire…"

Neji's haze filled mind slowly picked up what his uncle was implying, and he was slow to react, turning his head lethargically. "It's normal for vampires?"

His uncle stood and offered a hand for Neji to take. Neji took it, and he was pulled to his feet quickly, losing his balance and falling forward, falling into his uncle's arms. His uncle caught him, but it became evident that Neji would be unable to stand on his own. "I could tell you what I know, but Uchiha would better answer your questions. For now, you should rest."

Neji nodded, fuzzily thinking that his uncle was pretty strong to hold him up so easily, especially when he was picked up off his feet. He felt like a little kid again. Was it his father or his uncle carrying him in his memories? He always thought it was his father, but he wasn't so sure anymore. The hands that were carrying him killed his father, but it was also the same hands that used to hold and teach him martial arts.

His head rolled, resting against his uncle's shoulder. That felt familiar too. When he would run away and hide in the forest only to wake in his bed, he would dream that it was his father that had found him and carried him back home. Was it really a dream back then?

"Otou-san," left his lips as he recalled those past dreams, drifting between the border of sleep and consciousness. He swore he felt the arms around him hold him tighter in a protective manner. This was probably just another dream. It was a nice dream, but a dream all the same. When he woke, he would be in his bed once more, dealing with the world and his problems once again. Until then, while his cheeks were flushed from alcohol and his body limp with exhaustion, he'd enjoy the dream, just a little longer.

What had he done?

Gaara hadn't moved from the spot on the floor. He couldn't bring himself to. At first, it was because he wasn't sure if he was going to hurt Hyuuga, but as Hyuuga left, he couldn't move out of fear. He wanted to go after Hyuuga, stop him from leaving, but he didn't know what he would do. Hyuuga had run from him. If he chased Hyuuga, he would have harmed him. He wouldn't have been able to stop himself. His mate leaving him. The thought made him lose his mind, filled with panic and fear. He convinced himself that Hyuuga wasn't leaving him. Muttered it. Chanted it. Hyuuga wouldn't leave him. But as his mind unraveled with jealousy, fear, and panic, the stronger Seth's hold on him became.

He's rejected you, Seth whispered in his mind. He attacked you.

"No," he choked out, clutching his head. "He was protecting himself."

He ran. He was afraid of you.

He had been afraid. Gaara had smelled the fear on him. It had smelled sweet.

Give me control. I'll take him back for you. I'll kill the bastard who dares go after your mate, and I'll bring the Hyuuga boy back to you.

Gaara shook his head violently, clutching his hair between his fingers.

I can mark him for you. Keep him safe. Maybe put a chain around that pretty neck of his.

"Shut up. Shut up!" he yelled, pulling out a few strands of hair. Two days, Seth had been whispering to him every time he went to sleep, putting doubts in his mind. Feeding on his fear. He knew he was doing it. Knew he was worming his way into his insecurities to make his move, but the more Seth talked, the more Gaara was inclined to believe. Because there was truth in what Seth said. There always was. Hyuuga had run away. Had attacked him. Had been afraid. Gaara was worried Hyuuga had done something with Uchiha. A vampire didn't casually leave his mark on someone he wasn't interested in. There was truth, and Seth wielded it like a noose around his neck, tightening little by little.

Gaara could only hang onto the knowledge that Seth lived to cause chaos. Seth wanted him to hurt. Wanted him to give up control. Seth could not be trusted, but he knew it was a losing battle. He was hearing Seth while he was awake. Faint whispers he could barely hear like fleeting thoughts that came and went quickly, but he did hear them. Seth was gaining strength.

Why did he have to chase Hyuuga away? He berated himself over and over. He didn't know what was wrong with him. Why was he getting worse? In his mind, he knew his behavior was wrong, but nothing he could do, no rationale was good enough to keep him from wanting to rip the throat out of anyone who dared think Hyuuga was theirs.

Did the medjay know this would happen? Was this why he wasn't allowed to have a lover?

Gaara leaned back against the wall. His trial with Hyuuga ended up in failure, didn't it? Hyuuga wasn't going to come back. Why would he? With someone like him….

Gaara curled up on the floor. Seth continued to whisper into his mind, and Gaara did his best to tune him out. Beyond all reason, he hoped Neji would come back. He prayed Hyuuga wouldn't leave him. Because he really didn't know what he would do if he didn't.