This… was not the same house.
Gaara stood at the doorway in disbelief at the house he had just agreed to rent yesterday. Everything had been cleaned, the appliances had either been updated or repaired, and that blasted western furniture his brother liked had been moved in. It was so drastically different; he was surprised an AC unit hadn't been installed.
His brother's interference was becoming a burden. This was supposed to be his space. Wasn't keeping a guard good enough. His brother had even gone so far as to turn the courtyard into a sand garden. The sand was from his homeland. How much money did his brother spend to bring over that much sand in less than 24 hours?
Well, it was just furniture. He could change it if he wanted to, and the sand would help keep a moody Seth calm as well as protect him. He could put up with the interference for now. Didn't mean he didn't question his brother's tastes though.
Taking care of Inuzuka took longer than he had thought. Time moved differently in the cave. What could be hours to them could be days inside or vice versa. Fortunately, Inuzuka emerged after 9 hours, but it also meant that it was 2 am by the time he came out.
Nearing 3 am now, Gaara just wanted to sleep in peace. He still had school in the morning, and it was going to be a rough night without Hyuuga by his side.
Entering the master bedroom, he saw the king-size bed stuffed into the room, making Gaara shake his head. It was a traditional-style Japanese house. Something this big was ridiculous. The room was meant for a futon. There was barely any room on the sides to move around it.
Too tired to even get angry, Gaara went to the closet in the room where normally the futon would be stored during the day to find it repurposed as a more modern closet with clothes for him already waiting for him. He decided to chuck his clothes to the side and sleep in just his boxer. It was a warm night even if it was almost winter. Though Gaara didn't get hot in the traditional sense, he did prefer fewer clothes when he was alone.
As he climbed into bed, he heard a thud followed by running footsteps. Ah, right. He forgot about that.
Figuring his brother had stocked the kitchen, he quickly padded over to the kitchen and found some snacks waiting for him. He looked them over, not really wanting to part with any of it. Taking out one of his least favorite of the group, a giant pink daifuku, he placed it on a plate, carrying it over to one of the spare bedrooms, placing it in the center of the room.
"I'm not much of a talker so I'll make this quick. You don't cause trouble for me and give me my privacy. I'll let you stay and pray for your soul once a week until you pass on or I leave. Whichever comes first. Become a nuisance, and you'll wish to cease existing. Deal?"
A soft whoosh of cold air passed him and a faded image, one Gaara could not see clearly, appeared before disappearing once more. Though Gaara could not see him, he could feel his presence in the room, taking his offering. Spirits were not Gaara's strong suit. He could barely see them and only if the spirits wanted to be seen in the first place.
Taking the quiet and the lack of malicious air as compliance, Gaara finally went to his room to sleep, climbing into bed. It was overly soft, and the blankets lacked the scent he had become accustomed to, a mixture of Hyuuga's body wash and shampoo. He'd have preferred something simpler. A futon was fine. With Hyuuga beside him…
He really was a lost cause, wasn't he? Wishing for someone else to be beside him. He used to hate the idea of anyone seeing him sleep so soundly. Now, despite how tired he was, despite the fear that was associated with it being no more, he could not sleep.
He lied awake, for an hour before sleep finally claimed him, putting him into the hands of Seth.
Well, well, well, I should congratulate you. Taking that boy into your hands so easily. Seth caressed his cheek. I didn't think you had it in you.
Gaara growled, swatting his hand away. I thought I finally got rid of you. Why are you harassing me now?
Seth smiled his jackal grin, and pulled Gaara in close, holding Gaara in a cross between prey and lover.
Is that any way to treat me? I did train you how to give a good hand job and so much more.
Gaara avoided looking Seth in the eye. He didn't pull away, knowing Seth liked it if he fought. So far, Seth wasn't doing more than what he normally did. You didn't train me. They were my dreams.
That I controlled. He brought his face closer to Gaara 's. I'm sure your boy would love to see how you use that pretty mouth on him.
Seth was putting images in his head again with his words, recalling the dreams Seth had assaulted him with nearly a month ago with sharp details. Gaara could feel his blood go south.
Finding Seth had crossed a line, he pushed him away, not planning to give him the satisfaction. If you want a show, I'm not going to give you one.
Shame. The sand around them swirled becoming a chair that Seth sat in, looking positively bored. You finally have a sexual awakening, and you don't embrace it at all. How boring.
My sex life isn't for your amusement. Gaara snapped.
Isn't it? Seth asked. He twirled his fingers, making the sand dance. There's nothing else to do here. The most amusing thing I've seen so far is the boy's poor performance. He smiled, showing off his sharp teeth. Do you think you can last longer?
It's none of your business.
Seth rolled his eyes, continuing to watch the sand dance. It was strange. Seth liked to harass him, forcing Gaara to undergo things he didn't want to for his amusement, yet Seth had given up so easily.
Why are you so obedient today?
Seth turned his eyes onto Gaara, half-lidded and looking at him from under his eyelashes. The look sent an unpleasant shiver down Gaara's spine.
My brother's presence has been missing for some time. I can't feel him.
Gaara's brows furrowed. Seth never talked about the other lords. From what he had learned, Seth was very self-centered and destructive, and he never shared anything personal about himself either.
Which brother?
Kurama of course.
Gaara felt his heart constrict in fear. He couldn't possibly mean.
Relax. Your idol isn't dead. He's very much living. If he was dead, I would have felt my brother's soul leave his prison to find another host. But for his presence to be blocked would mean he was put to sleep. There are few methods to do so. Most are known by an annoying woman I can't stand. And she has been annoyingly quiet recently too. Makes me wonder.
When Seth mentioned the woman, his face twisted with displeasure. You can communicate with the other hosts?
Who knows? Seth said playfully. You should be wary, my little host, someone has been targeting the hosts. One has been killed and two have gone quiet.
That was indeed concerning. He heard nothing about a host being killed or about another host going missing. If the medjay knew, they would not have allowed him to stay in Japan. Tsunade would be more likely to hide the information, but he felt she wouldn't be so calm about Uzumaki's disappearance if she knew about the other hosts. The possibility that she knew couldn't be dismissed, however.
I told you something good. Make sure you reward me when you wake.
Gaara woke up confused. Feeling quite groggy. How long had he been asleep? It couldn't have been longer than 3 hours. His alarm hadn't even gone off yet. But something was off. Why did he feel something hard against his leg?
Gaara woke a bit more, realizing someone was sleeping behind him and familiar arms were around his waist. There was no need to see who it was, but he did wonder how Hyuuga managed to sneak into his bed. It was more concerning that he had grown so used to Hyuuga's presence he had actually slept through someone coming into his room, getting into his bed, and holding him.
Carefully, he turned to face Hyuuga without waking him, watching him sleep for a second. He didn't get much chance to appreciate him. Hyuuga groaned in his sleep, pressing his erection against Gaara's leg. So that's what Seth was referring to about giving him a reward.
He wondered what he should do. Should he wake Hyuuga and help him take care of it? He did say he would help but was unsure of what to do in this situation.
Hyuuga's hips started to rock, his leg brushing against Gaara's crotch. Inhaling sharply, Gaara decided helping him now would be best.
He brought his hand to the tent in Hyuuga's pants. He tried not to think too much as he massaged him, apply pressure lightly at first, wondering if it was okay. Neji pressed against his hand, grinding against his palm, encouraging Gaara to apply more pressure.
He didn't want to wake Neji, just help him through his dream, but Hyuuga's arousal was getting stronger. Gaara could smell it clearly with his nose against Hyuuga's skin. It was heady and clouding Gaara's thoughts.
"Gaara," he groaned into Gaara's ear, his breath sending a shiver down Gaara's spine that went straight to his groin. This was going to be harder than he thought.
"Gaara?"' Hyuuga repeated, this time more of a question as his eyes opened.
Gaara's hand stopped moving, unsure of how or if he should continue. A warm hand covered his, guiding him to continue. "Don't stop. Almost there," his voice still heavy with sleep.
He let Hyuuga guide his hand. It allowed him to try to keep his own excitement in check. He just wanted to make Hyuuga feel good. He had to get a hold of himself. He needed to stay in control. He couldn't give in to this feeling.
Hyuuga came with a soft grunt, and the arm still around Gaara held him closer. "You didn't have to do that," he murmured into Gaara's hair, his voice still rough with sleep. He sounded exhausted and his words slurred a little.
"I told you I would help." Gaara sat up, watching in Hyuuga who seemed quite content in trying to go back to sleep. "Why are you here?"
Lazily opening an eye, Hyuuga looked up at him. "Couldn't sleep last night," he closed his eyes once more. "So I ran over."
"You ran?"
"Mmhm," he replied shamelessly going back to sleep.
Had Hyuuga finally lost it? At the minimum, it would take an hour to get here from the Hyuuga's compound on foot at Hyuuga's level, traversing the mountain in the middle of the night. Scowling, Gaara punched his stomach, making Hyuuga double over. Fully awake and curling on his side to soothe his injury he asked. "Why?"
"Don't ever do that again," Gaara snapped. Just because they were on an island full of hunters didn't mean the forest was safe. There were still sacred and cursed grounds, gods and demons. Even if that wasn't the case, Hyuuga couldn't see at night. What if he fell or got hurt? The thought upset him more than it should.
Hyuuga wanted to say something but seeing Gaara's face, he exhaled and gave him a comforting smile. "Are you worried about me?"
Gaara kept his lips glued together, turning his back to Hyuuga. If anyone saw him, they might say he was sulking. But that would be wrong. Gaara didn't sulk. He was just slightly irritated at Hyuuga's recklessness.
Sitting up and wrapping his arms around Gaara, he rested his chin on Gaara's shoulder. "I promise I won't do it again. Don't be mad."
His cheeks heated, and that earlier feeling of excitement came rushing back. Why did he feel so hot when Hyuuga held him like this?
He elbowed Hyuuga in the stomach, forcing him to let go and allowing Gaara a chance to escape. "Go back to sleep. I'll take a shower first."
"Actually, I wouldn't mind showering fi—"
Gaara left before Hyuuga could finish. His blush just wouldn't go down. What was wrong with him recently?
Even after yelling at and hitting Hyuuga, he felt a little bad for doing so. He should have let Hyuuga sleep. Hyuuga would have had less sleep than he did to have come all the way here just to be with him, and he knew he had been sleep deprived lately.
No. He did more than enough to pay him back by helping him out this morning. Next time, Hyuuga should stay home and sleep. A smile curled on his lips and he smiled widely, unable to stop himself. His happiness that Hyuuga did so much to see him spread through him. It was the widest and brightest smile Gaara had ever given with no one to witness it. As long as no one knew about it, it should be okay.
Gaara managed to escape the house before Hyuuga was ready for the day. He told him to skip and go back to sleep, in fewer words of course. After this morning, he was feeling a bit embarrassed to face him. It didn't make much sense. He was okay with helping out Hyuuga, but the small things that people would call normal made him uncomfortable. A shower didn't help as he had hoped. Staying under the hot spray alone really only made it worse as he was left alone with his thoughts. The only option left to him was to leave a bit early and spend some time alone.
He did manage to check in on Inuzuka before heading to school. He was still unconscious after his ordeal, having lost a massive amount of chakra from his forced awaking. He would also be undergoing massive amounts of training to learn to control his chakra. Unlike others, for example, Neji or himself who manipulated the chakra inside them and exerted it on command, Inuzuka's chakra was always being released and consumed, keeping Akamaru bound to him. If he didn't learn to control it, he could give too much, killing himself or give too little and have Akamaru turn on him. Inuzuka had to learn to be aware at all times, even during sleep. As such, Inuzuka would be missing from school for the time being.
Gaara stared out the window from his desk in the classroom. Kakashi was late as usual, and his class was less subtle about hiding the fact they were hunters. Without Uzumaki and Inuzuka there, and the fact that they were no longer considered civilians, there was no more reason to hide or pretend. The class was more segregated than usual, showing the clan tensions to its fullest extent. Most avoided Nara all together who was leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed. Everyone knew he was in charge of the intelligence community. Combined with his neutral stance, people were wary of what they said around him.
Well, as long as everyone left him alone, Gaara did not care much for what his classmates did. He could use a quiet day. There were things he needed to work out, Mayuri needed to continue her training, and he still needed to ask his brother to help him find Uzumaki. Was his list of responsibilities getting longer or was it just him?
Kakashi walked in, and Nara immediately followed his duties as class rep, announcing the teacher's presence. As usual, he ignored the morning ritual. It had been a while since he was this tired. Had it always been this difficult to function with three hours of sleep? Two months ago, he would have considered it a good night.
"I know it's late in the year, but we have a new transfer from class 3-A," Kakashi addressed the class in a bored tone. He spoke quickly, trying to rush through the introductions as quickly as possible. "I'm sure you all know him already. Hyuuga-kun, come in."
What did he say? Gaara sat up straight, whipping his head to the classroom door as Hyuuga opened it and walked in, taking his place in front of the class. "I'm Hyuuga, Neji. I will be in your class from this day on. I have a lot to learn from you, so please take care of me." He quickly bowed to the class before standing once more. He was blatantly looking at Gaara with a smile.
Gaara was going to kill him.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Tsunade sat behind her desk, squeezing the life out of her interlaced fingers until she could no longer feel them. The color had let her skin as long ago. "Are you sure you checked with—"
"I checked with everyone I could think of," Nara said, standing at ease in front of her. "No one knows of Master Jiraiya's whereabouts. All that we can tell is that he left willingly."
Tsunade couldn't argue with Nara. If Nara said he checked with everyone, then there was no point in questioning him.
"And Naruto?"
"Uchiha, Itachi has gone off the grid. Our only lead went cold."
Tsunade sat back in her chair, contemplating the situation. Kakashi stood in the corner watching the meeting play out quietly, waiting for orders. The chaos from the attack had not calmed down and as they feared, videos kept popping up of the attack They would delete it as fast as they could but there were those that were persistent and news had spread, putting them under fire by other hunter organizations. In addition, because they had two hosts living under their borders, the Americans, Chinese, and Middle Eastern divisions were being very vocal about sending Gaara either back to his home country or to theirs, citing better abilities to protect the host over Japan's small resources.
"Anything else I should know," Tsunade asked.
"The detective who was on Uzumaki's case has refused to drop the case. Elder Danzo has fired him, but he seemed to have gone out on his own to search for him, following a lead on Orochimaru."
Tsunade's brows furrowed. "Keep an eye on him. Finding leads on Orochimaru, even old ones, isn't an easy feat for a civilian to accomplish. Maybe he'll find something we don't know."
"Are you sure you want a civilian involved?" Kakashi asked, his voice devoid of emotion. "it will make him a target."
"What do you suggest, we restrain him?" Tsunade countered back.
Kakashi held his tongue. There were ways to take care of civilians. Changing or erasing memories, blackmailing, laying false evidence, keeping them captive. There were so many options available, and she knew that, yet they were going to let a civilian get involved. Her love for the boy was clouding her judgment.
"Keep an eye on him," she repeated to Nara. "You are dismissed."
Nara bowed then took his leave, leaving a pile of papers for Tsunade to look over with his absence. Kakashi didn't make a sound and there was a long uncomfortable silence. He wondered if Tsunade had forgotten about him being in the room or if that dismissal was for him as well. Slowly, Tsunade looked over at Kakashi. "You are his closest student. Do you have any idea where your master would have gone without telling anyone?"
"Master Jiraiya operated under the creed that no one should ever know what you're thinking. Probably for this reason, is it not?"
A glimpse of pain entered her eyes that she smoothed out to hide her own emotions. She had always struggled to hide her emotions. Compared to Jiraiya, she was overly emotional and sentimental, but Kakashi could relate to the pain she was feeling.
"A guess… anything we can work with."
"I have nothing."
She closed her eyes. "Bring Uchiha, Sasuke to the archives. The sooner we locate his brother, the better."
"Yes, Godaime-sama," he bowed, leaving as well. He closed the door to the office behind him. He traversed across the campus leisurely, greeting the civilian teachers who greeted him first. It was sickening how easy it was to pretend, how ingrained it was in his training not to express anything. How easy it was to fool people.
Outside the school, a car waited. Upon his approach, the backseat window rolled down. Kakashi stopped beside the window. "It has been confirmed Master Jiraiya is missing," Kakashi told the man inside the car. "The man you fired is pursuing Uzumaki, and there are no leads on Uzumaki's whereabouts."
"I see," Elder Danzo responded. "Let me know if the situation changes."
"Yes, Elder."
The car drove off. Kakashi turned around, seeing Nara at the gate, staring at him. Kakashi walked forward, walking past the young man without acknowledgment. If he played his cards right, he would find out what happened to Iruka, and get a chance at revenge.
