Hunger. Hunger permeated into Gaara's dreams. His stomach was knotting and cramping until he was nauseous. He needed to eat. He needed energy. He felt so weak; he could barely move. He was boiling hot, he felt smothered, and it was hard to breathe.

Something cool seeped into his body, starting from his lower back. It spread through his system slowly but surely, pushing back the fever and dulling his roaring hunger into a more manageable ache. It wasn't enough, but he latched onto the feeling, taking as much of it as he could.

"Gaara."

The sound of Kankuro's voice jolted Gaara upright, realizing instantly that it was not a voice from within a dream, but from someone who was within close proximity to him.

Kankuro was standing at the end of the bed, fully dressed, staring down with a slightly annoyed expression. "What are you doing in here?" Gaara demanded.

Kankuro pointed to Hyuuga who was still asleep beside him. "Aren't you supposed to say, 'it's not what it looks like'." Kankuro kept his voice low.

"Is there something wrong with two friends in the same bed?" Gaara whispered.

Kankuro assessed him, seeing if he was telling the truth or not. "I didn't know friends could be so personal."

What did he mean personal? He looked down to see Hyuuga's hand on his lap which had presumably been around his waist up until that point.

Breath hitching, he wasn't sure what to think of it. Uncomfortably, he removed Hyuuga's hand, tossing it off him, feeling a bit of heat rise to his cheeks.

The action woke Hyuuga, who stirred a bit, then blinked slowly until his eyes landed on Kankuro. His action was similar to Gaara's, sitting upright suddenly, then looked at Gaara. His face flushed, knowing exactly how awkward this probably looked to an outsider.

He was lost for words, trying to think of something to say.

"He won't be staying long," Gaara said to Hyuuga. "You can use the bathroom first."

Grateful for the exit, Hyuuga bowed his head slightly to Kankuro who watched Hyuuga's every movement as Hyuuga scrambled out of bed and to the bathroom.

"Why are you here. I completed the mission like you wanted." Gaara went straight to the point, not forgetting that Kankuro had not answered before.

"The better question is how didn't notice me until I called your name. The reports said, you should have woken up the moment I entered the apartment. Did you tire yourself out last night?" he countered.

Like he cared, Gaara thought. "Tire? That's one way of putting it." Gaara slipped a hand under his shirt. He seemed to have healed fully, but the hunger was deeply rooted. Less than what Gaara expected, but he was unsure if he could survive another 4 days without eating.

At Kankuro's stare, he answered. "I was stabbed multiple times and drugged. Recovery wasn't easy. Does that answer your question?"

They both paused, hearing the shower start to run, reminding them of the guest still in the apartment.

"Why didn't you just kick him out?"

"Why should I? He's a guest. You aren't." Gaara turned in the bed, letting his feet touch the floor. "Hurry up and say what you need to. It's not even five yet."

Kankuro went silent, but Gaara was too tired to look up to see what expression he was making, staring at the floor and getting his hunger under control took priority. Especially with two humans within his proximity. It had been a while since he saw Hyuuga as potential food.

"Tsunade contacted me. She said that they suspected you lured two college students into a vampire's lair. Is it true?"

"I never touched them, spoke to them, or made direct contact with them." All of which were true, but he didn't deny that the accusations weren't true.

Kankuro sighed heavily. "Do cause so much trouble. Do you want to back early?"

"If that's all. Leave." Gaara cut him short, his exhaustion washing over him in a wave.

"I came to tell you to be careful. As much as I don't the shinobi, I wouldn't call them sloppy, but talking to them during my stay, they don't seem put together. There are big gaps in their reports, and they don't seem to notice."

Gaara felt the lord inside him stir at the thought in almost an amused glee. "A message that could have been sent in a text or email."

"But not this." Gaara heard Kankuro move and was greeted with a piece of paper entering his line of vision. "It's my new address. Memorize it and burn it when you're done."

Gaara took the piece of paper, glancing over the new address. "Finally leaving?" he asked though he wasn't really interested.

"Dad and I have not seen eye to eye for a long time. You are one of three people who know."

"Why tell me?" Gaara crumpled up the paper in his hand, still refusing to look up at Kankuro.

"A safe place. Just in case." There was some rustling and a book came into his view next. It was blue with intricate, gold engraved on the cover in a middle eastern design.

Gaara took it, looking at its spine followed by a small scoff and held it back up for his brother to take. "I don't need it. I don't believe in Allah."

"It was Mom's. I was told to give it to you on your 18th birthday. I'm sorry for being late. It took time to get it back from Dad."

Gaara stared at the Quran in his hands. In the end, he placed it on the nightstand. "Do not enter my apartment without permission again. He doesn't like it.

"I'll call next Friday. Try to answer this time." Kankuro left that as his parting words.

Gaara didn't relax until he heard the front door close and lock. Why couldn't Kankuro come at a more decent time or leave a message. There was no way he was going to fall asleep now. Sighing heavily, he ran a hand over his face. Damn, he was hungry.

The bathroom door opened, and Hyuuga's scent hit his nose, causing his fangs to extend. He struggled to put them back when Hyuuga approached. "Sorry, but can I borrow some clothes?"

"Help yourself."

Gaara took shallow breaths until he felt he had gotten himself under control. It may be dangerous to have Hyuuga over until he had a chance to feed in the future.

"So who was that?" Hyuuga asked, going through his drawers. "A relative?"

"Elder brother. Apparently, he doesn't know how knock."

"He, uh, knows we didn't… that we aren't, you know?"

Gaara's brows furrowed. Hyuuga uncharacteristic stumbling made him curious enough to look at him.

Hyuuga was turned towards him, but avoiding eye contact, a light blush on his cheeks, apparently still flustered about Kankuro's unwelcomed disturbance. Gaara's eyes were elsewhere.

Hyuuga's hair was still damp, trailing water down his well-defined muscles. He had a build of a martial artist, lean but solid, without an ounce of fat on him. His skin was still flushed from the hot water, reminding Gaara of the blood rushing underneath it. He was sure Hyuuga would taste quite sweet if he just—

Gaara looked away when his fangs had extended once again, and he was feeling bothered, not just because he had just thought of Hyuuga as food. When he had imagined his lips against Hyuuga's throat, he thought his heart had skipped in excitement. Spending too much time with him while he was like this wouldn't be good. His eyes glanced at Hyuuga's body despite himself.

"Is it that strange for friends to sleep in the same bed?" Gaara finally answered.

"I guess not," Hyuuga agreed, finally picking out a pair of clothes. Hyuuga dropped his towel to get changed, making Gaara look away again.

Gaara counted backward from a hundred, trying to keep his mind clear with temptation so near.

Hyuuga, now fully dressed, came to Gaara's side of the bed, medkit in hand. "We should change your bandages."

"It's fine," Gaara said quickly, leaning back slightly. "Kankuro changed them already."

Hyuuga stared at him to an uncomfortable degree, long enough to make Gaara feel uncomfortable underneath the collar before Hyuuga finally stood. "I'll start breakfast then since I doubt either of us will be able to go back to sleep."

Gaara nodded, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He quietly mourned his lost sleep and got up to prepare for the day as well, taking a shower and dressing for the day, going so far as to add bandages just in case Hyuuga asked. It wasn't something he wouldn't be able to explain away so it was best to take precautions until he could remove them at a better date.

Hyuuga had breakfast done by the time he had finished. They ate in silence and afterward sat on the couch to watch TV in silence as they waited to leave.

Just as Gaara turned off the TV and was picking up his bag to go, Hyuuga reached out, grabbing Gaara's arm. "About yesterday and what I said before. I'm sorry. I was upset and took my anger out on you and Uzumaki." His voice was full of regret as he spoke, trembling just slightly.

Hyuuga had a lot of pride, apologizing like this must have been difficult for him, especially since he waited so long to say it when he had all morning. Gaara wasn't used to getting apologies, and it was making him uncomfortable, unsure of what to say in response. What he said wasn't easily forgivable, but he didn't want to spur Hyuuga when he was trying to be genuine.

"I think we need to spend a couple days apart," Gaara said.

Hyuuga tried to contain his disappointment, letting go of his arm. "I see," he replied tightly.

"That will give me enough time to order a pullout couch and dresser. Unless you want to keep sharing my bed," Gaara finished.

Hyuuga was shocked. He was wide-eyed then it slowly morphed into a smile. "I don't know, your bed is soft, and the sheets are pretty nice. As long as you stay on your side."

Gaara returned the smile with a smirk. It was small, but it was a drastic change on his normally stoic features. "The couch it is."

The atmosphere around them lightened and for the first time, they walked out of the building together, walking towards the bus stop when something caught Gaara's eye.

At the end of the block, Akamaru was growling at the cop, going so far as to snap at him with his large jaws. The cop had his hands up in a placating gesture, slowly backing away from the dog. "Easy. Easy. No one's going to get hurt. I promise," the cop said with his voice wavering.

"Go on ahead. I forgot my bus pass in the apartment," Gaara urged Hyuuga on.

"I can wait," Hyuuga offered, but Gaara shook his head.

"It's going to take a while. Besides, it's best if we aren't seen together in public. You still have a reputation."

Hyuuga's lips thinned. He lingered for a couple seconds until he gave in and continued to the bus stop alone.

Gaara headed towards the conflict. "Akamaru," he called out to the dog.

Gaara's voice gained Akamaru's attention. Giving one last growl towards the officer, Akamaru flicked his tail irritably and walked behind Gaara, narrowing his eyes at the officer from his new position.

"Thank you," the officer sighed in relief. "Is that your dog? I've never seen one so big before. I was just about to call animal control."

"He's not mine. He's just a face most people on the island knows." Gaara answered approaching the officer. He analyzed the officer's face, a small frown pulling at his lips. "Who are you?" he asked rudely.

"Oh, I'm Usokawa," the officer smiled, though didn't come any closer, glancing wearily at Akamaru. "We've met before at last month's hunter meeting."

Gaara opened his mouth to say he remembered but stopped himself when he felt a large rush of chakra from the lord inside him, temporarily overwhelming him. No, that wasn't right. Gaara had not seen an officer at that meeting. He also didn't talk to anyone. "No, I don't think we did," Gaara replied.

The cop became flustered. "You're right. We didn't formally meet. I came in just as you were leaving. I'm sorry. I should have phrased that better." He seemed apologetic, and Gaara was inclined to believe him, but something was keeping him from fully trusting him though he wanted to.

"What are you doing here then if you are working for the hunters."

"Well, I'm not a hunter. Just an ordinary civilian. I was put in charge of looking for leads regarding the old Uchiha mansion. I wanted to talk to Hyuuga, Neji. I was told he was an instigator of last night's trespassing."

"Hyuuga-san is no longer here. Look elsewhere."

"I apologize. I didn't mean to bother you, Gaara-san. I admit, I wanted to meet you for some time. You are Shukaku's holder, aren't you?"

Gaara tensed. "Why do you need to know?" Gaara asked cautiously.

"Curiosity. I heard rumors. I minored in mythology in university. Egyptian mythology was my favorite. I couldn't help but ask."

Gaara could feel Shukaku's smug feelings leek through into his own. Shukaku was as vain as always, but it was influencing Gaara's attitude towards Usokawa, even if he was aware of it. "Then you should know how dangerous he is. Flattery will only get you so far with him."

"Did it sound like flattery? I just wanted to get across how much I respect him. That's all. I also wanted to ask a favor."

"A favor?" Though suspicious, he still listened with interest.

"About the owner of the Uchiha mansion? Don't be too hard on him. He's a rather lonely and pitiable boy. He has no idea what trouble he has gotten himself into."

"And what trouble has he gotten into already?" Gaara asked, vaguely interested.

"You will see. I'm counting on you," Usokawa said, extremely friendly.

It couldn't hurt to listen to try to listen to him. It wasn't like he was planning to deal with Uchiha if he could help it. He didn't question why the officer knew so much about him and didn't think to ask. It felt natural.

Gaara watched Usokawa get into his cruiser and drive off. He was certainly an odd one. No wonder he was working for the hunters.

He looked at Akamaru who was still growling softly at the direction Usokawa left. "Why are you here?"

Akamaru's large head, rammed his back hard, pushing Gaara forward, almost falling from the force. He grimaced in pain as the dog hit his still tender flesh. "I'm going. I'm going," Gaara grumbled. He didn't need to hit so hard. Akamaru wasn't one to wander far from Kiba unless Gaara asked a favor, or the dog was off to find food. Whatever he was trying to tell him must have been important. He recalled the officer's words, now more wary of his request. He had a feeling he was about to find out why.


How could this have happened? Gaara thought. His emotions were a maelstrom of anger, fear, guilt, and panic. How could the hunters let it go so far?

Akamaru had brought him to the hospital where Kiba was staying. He told Gaara everything, including that Naruto had been bit. He had asked if Kiba was sure about what he saw. Kiba was certain.

It was all his fault. If he hadn't sent those boys then the rumor wouldn't have started and Hyuuga never would have made that stupid dare. What was going to happen to Uzumaki? If the hunters found out about this, they will kill him.

Gaara was in the middle of his meltdown when a strong wave of hunger and fatigue hit him, almost knocking him off his feet. This was the worst timing. Or it couldn't have been timed better.

Part of shinobi training, and the medjay's as well, was the training of emotions. While hunters used it to hide their intentions and choose logic over personal feelings, Gaara used it to repress his hunger and fatigue. It was the only way he could remain in control. Control of his volatile anger. Control of his ever present hunger. And control of Shukaku. It was why he could never be expressive with his emotions. Unlike Uzumaki who had no need for it, his currently peaceful existence and the people around him relied on it. The slightest slip and Shukaku would use his anger at the world to encourage Gaara to draw on Shukaku's power. The last thing that needed to happen was for Shukaku to gain control of him.

Gaara took the moment outside the school gates to breathe in deeply and regain his center. Control. Keep the control. Sai had been present during the incident. What Kiba saw could have been an illusion. Depending on the situation, maybe it was done in a hurry and Kiba misunderstood, and Naruto was really fine. For added measure, he even focused on his fatigue to drain the rest of his urge to fight. He had no energy to get worked up, he reminded himself. Get information. Form a plan. Execute.

He barely had a handle on his emotions when he walked through the gates. He shouldn't be in the school. Too many people. Too many sounds and potential threats. Too much temptation. The only thing that drove him was his need to see Uzumaki. To ensure he was alright.

Crossing the threshold to the entrance, he almost sagged in relief to see Uzumaki talking to Sai. See, there was no reason to worry. Uzumaki was fine. Sai wouldn't talk to him if things weren't fine, he reasoned with himself. But he didn't get closer.

Seeing Naruto okay, for now, lessened his worry, but it made way for the hunger to become his number one priority. Suppress. He must suppress.

But everything was loud. He couldn't help but be drawn to the sound of the students' movements. Those who passed by him, their heartbeat pounded in his ears and he focused in on it until all he could hear was the loud thumping of their heart, deafening him.

He couldn't stay here.

He bit his cheek so hard, he bit a chunk off, using the pain to distract himself. He pushed passed the students as fast as he could. Making his way to the sanctity of the classroom where there were far fewer people and much quieter. He immediately opened the window, sticking his head out, breathing in the autumn air, trying to replace the scent of humans with something else. Anything else.

If there was a time to miss school. It would be today. But he couldn't bring himself to leave Uzumaki with the hunters. Until he knew for certain, he couldn't chance it. He took one last deep breath and sat at his desk, putting his head down. He closed his eyes, entering the first layer of meditation. Was he going to last another 3 and a half days before his next feeding? While he wasn't as hungry as he should have been with the injuries he had sustained and the low-quality food afterward, today was already a battle.

Maybe a creature off the mountain could sustain him a while longer. He could only hope.

One by one, students filed in as class was about to start. He could feel Uzumaki enter and near without having to look up. Soon, the sound of Uzumaki's desk moving closer to his followed. "Another sleepless night?" Uzumaki asked.

Gaara assessed the sound of Uzumaki's voice. He sounded normal. He didn't appear to sound panicked or nervous. As Uzumaki wasn't known for being able to hide his feelings well, it was reassuring. Gaara lifted his head from his desk, assessing his friend. His skin was a little pale, and it was enough to raise his concerns once more. "Care to explain why you look dead, Uzumaki?"

"I'm exhausted." Uzumaki plopped heavily into his seat and laid his head on the desk, his face towards Gaara. "I overslept, Baa-chan wouldn't wait to give me a ride, something happened to Kiba, and I have no idea what, and the girl I'm dating is obsessing over some guy in a magazine," he whined like a young child.

It didn't appear Uzumaki knew about Uchiha. Nara and Sai must have gotten involved after all. "You also got a 32 on your science quiz," Gaara added, enjoying Uzumaki's expressive reaction.

"How do you even know that?" he groaned.

Gaara had watched Kakashi grade during the return from a mission, but he could hardly tell Uzumaki that. "I had to grade papers with… for Hatake," he changed his answer last minute. No one would actually believe Kakashi would actually do work. He gave off the appearance of a lazy teacher and excelled in maintaining that image.

Uzumaki sighed, "How'd you get in trouble this time?"

Gaara didn't answer immediately. Thinking on an answer that Uzumaki would believe. He could probably not answer, and Uzumaki would accept it. He had done it before countless times, but seeing the expression on his face, Gaara gave him an excuse anyway. "I may have lost my temper again."

Uzumaki tried not to laugh, but his smile kept widening. "And you did this why?"

"They wouldn't stop talking to me," Gaara replied. He had hurt people for less, and Uzumaki believed it, shaking his head in amusement, fascination and exasperation.

"How'd you manage not to get them not to suspend you this time?" Uzumaki asked, lifting his head from his desk.

Gaara looked outside. "I told them it was an accident."

Uzumaki did sigh disapprovingly that time. "Did you threaten them again?"

"More or less…" It wasn't a lie. His brother had threatened Tsunade on more than one occasion. With his latest mischief, his brother probably did the same.

Uzumaki stopped talking, and soon Nara went through the morning ritual as the teacher entered. Gaara paid attention with half an ear. A vampire would be joining them in class after all. No matter how hungry he was, his instincts wouldn't ignore an unfamiliar enemy within his proximity.

Uzumaki hadn't moved his desk back in the proper place, beginning to doze off before class even started. He hadn't changed, maybe Gaara had been worried for no reason.

As if the universe had a sense of timing, the moment Kakashi said Uchiha's name, Uzumaki freaked out. Standing up suddenly, knocking his chair to the floor as his mouth dropped open in shock and his face filled with horror.

"Uzumaki-kun, is there a reason why you found it necessary to curse out our new student?" Kakashi asked as if he was bored, but Gaara noticed how the teacher's eyes were sharp on Uzumaki, observing his body language just as Gaara was.

The sinking feeling in Gaara's stomach grew as the vampire casually covered for Uzumaki, walking towards Uzumaki. Uchiha walked proudly and confidently through the rows of desk towards Uzumaki, and Gaara stopped breathing himself. All eyes were on them.

Gaara couldn't deny what he was seeing. The way Uchiha spoke to Uzumaki, treated him, drew attention to him, it was like Uchiha was broadcasting that he had his sights on Uzumaki.

Eventually, class started, and Uchiha was seated behind Uzumaki. Gaara's panicking had started anew. There were only three reasons a vampire targets someone: potential threat, potential food, or potential turn. With Uzumaki's reaction and Uchiha's actions, Gaara could no longer deny that the two of them had met. Kiba's story had become credible. How many hunters knew of what happened? How safe was Uzumaki going to be once it was found out?

Just as his fretting was reaching an apex, it cut in half as if half of his anger and worry were just forgotten. Surely, Uchiha didn't mean it. It's not like he knew of Uzumaki's situation.

His brows furrowed. Where had that thought come from? And why did he just make an excuse for Uchiha? He should be angry, downright pissed even, yet he couldn't bring his anger passed a certain point. And though he was aware of something being off, he didn't feel inclined to do something about it. Was his lord interfering? Shukaku had always amplified his negative emotions, never suppressing them. What would Shukaku get out of stopping his anger?

Gaara attention diverted to figuring out this strange occurrence, missing Uzumaki and Uchiha leaving the classroom until the last moment.

Cursing, Gaara followed.

Running down the halls as fast as he could, he followed Uzumaki's presence, noting that they were heading to the roof. As he climbed the stairs, he wasn't the only one there. At the top, Nara stood at the roof entrance, jiggling the handle, but unable to open it.

Well that was fine with him, Gaara would just break the damn thing down. He climbed the last few steps, ready to tear the door of its hinges, when Nara put a hand on his chest to stop him and put a finger to his lips, telling him to be quiet. They could hear them talking. It was faint, but Gaara could make out the conversation.

It was quickly confirmed. Uzumaki had been bit, and he was changing. Nara, as always, kept a straight face, but he was a liability now. Grabbing Nara's wrist so tightly that it would bruise, he dragged Nara down the stairs where they could talk without Uchiha overhearing them.

Gaara let go. A knot was in his throat as he tried to digest the information he had heard. "What are you going to do?" he asked.

"I'll have to tell Tsunade-sama. He'll become a possible threat the closer he finishes changing." Nara stated it in a way that conveyed that it wasn't anything personal. He was just doing his job.

It wasn't good enough. He needed time. "Give him 1 week. That's all I ask."

Nara scratched his cheek. He didn't look convinced.

Grinding his teeth, Gaara bowed, deeply. "Please. I will owe you whatever favor you want."

It caught Nara's interest. Just a sparkle in his eye that showed he was seriously considering what Gaara was offering. "1 week. No more."

Gaara didn't offer thanks. He left. Not just the stairwell, but the school entirely. He couldn't stay there any longer. He was too worked up to be considered safe to be around. 1 week. 1 week to figure out how to get Uzumaki out of the mess he started.

He fell back against the gates of the school, leaning against them heavily. His shortsightedness may have endangered Uzumaki. What had he done? He felt tears sting his eyes. He closed them so that he wouldn't cry. He refused to cry. No matter how much one cried, screamed, and begged, things didn't change unless you made them. He'd fix this. Somehow, he'd fix this.