Hyuuga hadn't acted the way he had expected.

In truth, Gaara didn't think Hyuuga would return. Seth's poisonous words had worked Gaara over to giving up all hope. He never imagined Hyuuga would return, act more affectionate and gentler and do those things to him.

Gaara could barely look him in the face after they did those things. He was too embarrassed over his actions and behavior. Ashamed that he had shown such a shameful side of himself to Hyuuga. He didn't understand it himself. Gaara had gotten Neji off without thinking too much of it, but Neji being the one to service him… His face reddened at the thought and his shame deepened to the point he wanted to just die.

That night, he had said things. Things Gaara himself hadn't realized until he said them. That he was afraid Hyuuga would leave him if he wasn't useful. He wasn't sure if those were his real feelings, but why else would have said them if they weren't? He spent so much time going back and forth on whether he wanted to bring Hyuuga closer or push him away. Hyuuga wanted him to figure out what he wanted and what he liked, but he wasn't even sure if that was possible. He had gone so long pushing his wants and desires aside because he knew he couldn't have it. Wanting them would only cause him pain when it was taken away. Other than Uzumaki's happiness that in the end would not involve him, he did not want anything. Neji was his first real desire, and he had no idea how to handle it.

When Hyuuga returned right before their departure to South Korea, he had pulled him aside, asking him for a favor. Eager to please him, he agreed to it without thinking too much only to really consider what Hyuuga had asked him on the plane. He had asked if Gaara would help Uchiha, give his resources to help find Uzumaki. For Uzumaki's sake alone, he was more than happy to help, but as he sat on the plane, he realized that for a short while, Uzumaki had not been a first or even second priority. He had been forgotten.

Gaara had forgotten him. Hyuuga leaving him had brought him to his knees with panic as fear grabbed hold of him so tightly; he had almost lost his mind. He had been reduced to that small, frightened child being locked in his cell as he begged and cried not to be left behind.

Gaara wasn't stupid. He knew he had a list of mental disorders a psychologist would have a field day with. The way he had dealt with them all these years was to put it in a box. You can't feel if you don't care. You can't get angry. You can't breakdown. If he distanced himself from everyone including himself, he wouldn't fall apart. He could keep trudging through what he called a life until the end finally came, and the pain finally stopped.

It wasn't a perfect strategy. It wasn't even good. Only temporary. He just needed to make it until graduation. So his only losses of control were to hunger and Seth related influences, things he learned to manage, and the occasional breakdown could be swept under the rug, witnessed by no one until he could build the walls back up and continue on. He couldn't afford to be vulnerable, and yet last night, it was neither a mental breakdown nor loss of temper. It was something entirely new. Just as vulnerable, but full of desperation and need to get closer rather than push away. It was different than the possession he had felt. He wasn't so eager to build himself back up again.

Gaara sighed, gaining a worried side glance from Hyuuga. Hyuuga subtly held his hand after that for the rest of the flight.

When they arrived in Korea they were greeted by a middle-aged Korean woman. Gaara didn't pay the woman much attention as Hiashi began to speak to her in her native tongue. Gaara picked up bits and pieces but lacking interest once he knew she was trustworthy, tuned them out, returning to his inner thoughts.

Their temporary living quarters were just outside of Seoul in the forest. It was a nice house with multiple bedrooms. The seclusion was most likely due to Uchiha being with them to reduce the vampire's temptation and ability to eat. What really concerned Gaara though was that they would all be sleeping in their own rooms, causing that panic to rise once more.

His palms felt wet and his hands were fidgety. He fought the urge to show his anxiety. It felt too soon to be separated, and when Gaara thought that, he was ashamed he was being clingy. It was just for a short while and it wasn't like Neji was going anywhere. He was still going to be by his side. At least that's what Gaara thought.

In reality, Hyuuga and Hiashi were rarely there. They went out to train and go on basic missions all the time, leaving Gaara and Uchiha in the empty house. As much as Gaara wanted to follow, he couldn't. Someone had to keep an eye on Uchiha, and Gaara couldn't leave without drawing attention in the city.

Perhaps it was a good thing. He needed some space from Hyuuga to get his thoughts together. Try to figure things out. Try to answer Hyuuga's questions. Hyuuga wasn't his to keep. He wasn't property, but sometimes it was hard to keep his mind straight whenever his vampiric urges reared its head. They were strong emotions that often overwhelmed him and left him breathless that only meditation could restrain, but the longer Neji was away, the harder it was.

The only time they really had a moment together was the second day of their arrival. Hyuuga asked if it was okay to feed Uchiha. Hyuuga was hesitant as he asked, shifting uncomfortably, lowering himself physically and in speech. If he was a dog, he would have his ears pulled back, showing his stomach to him. Hyuuga seemed to know what he was doing because the anger, possession, and sense of betrayal flooded Gaara's senses, stopping his thoughts other than the one that wanted to push Hyuuga down to take him as his own.

Why would Hyuuga share his chakra with another? Was he interested in Uchiha? How could he give it away so easily? They were mates. Hyuuga was his as much as Gaara belonged to him. Gaara's mark on him was already weakened due to their separation and now Hyuuga wanted to give his chakra to another rather than asked to be marked by him.

Those were his vampiric thoughts, and he almost lost to them, straining to keep them in check. Hyuuga's submissive behavior helped. Vampires were hunters but they were also a hierarchical species. Hyuuga wasn't challenging him. He was making himself vulnerable to Gaara's judgment and wrath.

Gaara wanted to ask Hyuuga why he had taken the submissive role. Gaara's vampire side found the sight appetizing and pleasing, his human side found it hurtful that Hyuuga was doing this in the first place. Either way, Hyuuga's actions kept him from completely losing himself and with a tight voice, controlling his voice to the best of his abilities to appear indifferent, he gave Hyuuga the go ahead.

Hyuuga smiled at him, giving him a small kiss on his cheek that made Gaara forget his previous jealousy before leaving to do yet another training session.

Swinging back and forth from one strong emotion to the other was exhausting, and Gaara found himself tired whenever it happened. He didn't know where his human instincts ended and where his vampire ones started. How much could he blame his vampire side? For someone who was reluctant to feel before in the past, maybe this was just normal human emotions that he was unfamiliar with.

Gaara did manage to see Hyuuga feed Uchiha later that day. Placing his strong lean hands-on Uchiha's naked skin in the living room. It was like Hyuuga was flaunting his betrayal. Not betrayal, Gaara reminded himself. Hyuuga was just trying to keep Uchiha out of trouble and keep him useful without resorting to using blood. But Hyuuga was touching someone else. Sharing chakra with someone else. It was supposed to be their thing and sharing chakra…. That was supposed to be the beginning of a mating ritual. A ritual Gaara could never complete, but Uchiha could, and Uchiha had left a mark on Hyuuga that one time.

Gaara couldn't continue watching from the second floor and hid away from everyone, trying to get his emotions in order, starting his days trying to meditate and mitigate his feelings.

While Hyuuga was away, alone with Uchiha, he would help try to look for Uzumaki. The beginning was rocky as Gaara was unsure of Uchiha. Was he interested in Hyuuga? Was he playing with Uzumaki? Was there any way to keep Uchiha away from his mate?

As time passed, his opinion changed, no longer thinking ill of him. Every chance Uchiha had, he would look for Uzumaki intently, borderline desperate. When he wasn't looking for Uzumaki, he was listless, staring out into space with a drawn and tired face. He didn't know Uchiha for long, but even Gaara knew Uzumaki's disappearance affected Uchiha. Even more than himself. The man who was always in control, well-groomed, affluential had turned into a bum, wearing sweats and lazing on the couch whenever they ran out of leads. Chances were, when Uchiha laid there, he was trying to think of other leads. Gaara believed that Uchiha was spending every moment even then, thinking about Uzumaki, and that put Gaara's heart at rest. Uchiha was attached to Uzumaki. He would protect him. Uzumaki would be treasured long after Gaara was gone from his life with a strong mate by his side.

Gaara also continued Matsuri's lessons online. It was only twice a week, but Gaara discovered that the time spent teaching her was time spent not worrying about finding himself or searching and worrying about Uzumaki. The young girl was gaining better conscious control of her powers. Gaara would watch as she would get excited over the smallest things, excitedly calling him Sensei whenever she did something right, checking to see if he was watching. She was so animated and cheerful. All his teachings about keeping her emotions under control never took root in her. She was just as emotional as the day she met him. Was it possible for him to do the same? Have emotion and have control?

No. He and Matsuri were different. She didn't have Seth. She didn't have as much to worry about. If she lost control, she was still herself. Her body wasn't getting hijacked. And yet, Gaara found himself wondering if it was somehow possible for him. He wanted it to be possible despite knowing it was unlikely.

And that was how the next two weeks went. Sometimes, he swore he felt Hyuuga beside him as he slept. The only evidence was the scent on his sheets and the feeling of being rejuvenated when he woke. However, when he was awake, he barely caught glimpses of Hyuuga. By the end of the fortnight, he was missing Hyuuga's presence greatly. He wanted to see him and touch him, no matter the form.

It was around midnight. Hyuuga was training in the gardens under Hiashi's watchful eye. It was a strength exercise. Lead weights were wrapped around his wrists and ankles while he wore a weight vest. His shoes were off and the only thing he wore was the pants to his gi. His stance was lowered into a horse stance as his arms moved slowly and steadily from one position to another, flowing as smoothly as tai chi. The only visible effort that showed was the heavy sweat on his brow. Even his facial muscles were smoothed out to hide his efforts.

"Your elbows are dropping. 10 more minutes," Hiashi commented. He was also dressed in a gi. His much dirtier than Hyuuga's was, it was also torn and worn as if it had been through many battles. The clothes didn't detract from Hiashi's elegant form, still standing proudly. "You will continue until you get this right."

"Osu!" Hyuuga shouted, lifting his elbows to their proper height. His arms were shaking, and he struggled to keep them there. Hyuuga wouldn't be able to keep it up another 10 minutes. Even Hiashi had to know that.

"Are you holding onto your chakra? Why are you reluctant to use it? Or are you saying you only have this much?"

Hyuuga inhaled shakily, shifting his stance, bringing his left leg in then lifting the knee to slowly extend his foot into what would be a high side kick at full speed.

His muscles were tired, Gaara noted. Maybe the weights were too heavy for his skill level. Hyuuga was just starting out. Wasn't Hiashi pushing him too hard? It had only been 3 weeks since training started. His muscles will only just begin to really take form. Couldn't he take a break? A day of rest to spend time with him?

"Is there something I can do for you Gaara-san?" Hiashi's question managed to get Gaara's eyes off Hyuuga, only briefly. Hiashi was still watching Hyuuga like a hawk, focused and unblinking. It didn't appear he was going to let Hyuuga go any time soon.

Hyuuga's eyes flicked over to Gaara when his uncle said his name, earning a small scowl from Hiashi from Hyuuga's broken concentration. "An additional 2."

Was Hiashi keeping Hyuuga away on purpose? Surely, he had to know how much he needed Hyuuga. It wouldn't even hurt to let Hyuuga and him share a room, yet Hiashi had been firm about them sleeping separately when they arrived. Gaara's eyes drifted back to Hyuuga. He just wanted to touch him. Just for a moment.

"Can I spar with him?" he asked. His voice was quiet and unexpectedly a bit timid. What was he doing, he thought. He was interrupting Hyuuga's training. He knew how much Hyuuga wanted this. Would he get mad for interrupting?

He thought Hiashi would say no. He had no reason to say yes, and he hadn't given Hyuuga any time to see him before. Surprisingly, Hiashi agreed.

"Take off your weights," he told Hyuuga, moving to a pile of supplies that was neatly sorted. He picked up a bokken tossing it to Gaara and tossed a kodachi to Hyuuga who caught it without even looking. The bokken was shorter than a normal katana, about the same length as Gaara's khopesh he normally took on missions. About the same weight as well, though the curvature of the wood was more suitable for a katana stand in than one for his khopesh.

Hyuuga unsheathed his kodachi, twirling it in his hand, gaining a feel for the weapon. Hyuuga was still uncomfortable with it. He adjusted his grip a couple of times, but there was also some familiarity in the way he handled it as if it had become precious to him the moment it landed in his hands.

Hyuuga was sitting in a seiza position. Eyes closed as he focused inwardly, waiting for Gaara to enter the makeshift dojo. The space was marked with four stakes in the ground, one at each corner in a perfect square. Hyuuga was at the center waiting.

The air around him was different now. As Hyuuga calmly waited for Gaara's approach to begin the fight, there was an underlying intimidating air around him. A common trait in the Hyuuga martial arts style that focused on grace, conservation, and waiting for the perfect chance to strike. When Gaara entered the area, Hyuuga opened his eyes, making the hair on the back of Gaara's neck stand on end. As he rose to stand, Gaara could already tell Hyuuga's training was sinking in. Less wasted movement. Calm. A cool gaze and hidden emotions. Hyuuga was truly becoming a hunter.

The change was unsettling. He didn't like Hyuuga not showing recognizable signs that he was looking at his boyfriend. The gaze most hunters had was often aimed at him as a potential enemy and now Hyuuga had the same gaze turned on him. No signs of happiness to see him. None of his warmth.

"Bow to your sensei," Hiashi called.

Hyuuga did as he was told, bowing to Hiashi while Gaara stood in almost a daze at Hyuuga who was almost unrecognizable to him.

"Bow to your opponent."

Hyuuga turned to bow to him, staying bowed until the more reluctant Gaara bowed, though it was closer to a nod of the head than a bow.

"Begin."

Hyuuga was much faster than before. His steps were lighter, and he closed the distance between them in a fraction of a second. He was using chakra to enhance himself, showing in one move that he had gained a better control of distributing and using chakra.

Gaara parried an attack from the kodachi, careful not to allow him to slice through the wooden material, pushing the blade away.

It didn't leave Hyuuga open. He responded in kind, using martial arts to deliver a swift kick, using the momentum of the deflected attack. His familiarity with martial arts compared to the use of the sword was apparent with that move. His stances were switched from one to the other with fluidity, a striking change from when they first started to train together three months ago.

Gaara leaned back from the attack, needing to use his own chakra to enhance his speed. Gaara hadn't needed it when sparring with him in the past; however, the first attack warned him quickly that this was not the same opponent as back then.

Hyuuga readjusted the blade in his hand during his kick, again he wasn't comfortable using the sword, but staying in close range would be dangerous. Disarming him would be worse. For some reason, Hyuuga was using the blade as his primary weapon when it was meant to be an aid at most in his martial arts style. Hyuuga's clan specialized in hand to hand, forcing chakra into their opponent to stop, disrupt, or destroy chakra flow channels. The longer a battle went on, the more favorable it became. With a weapon, they could not use their ability to its fullest extent. Yet, Hyuuga kept the blade in his hand, attacking with it.

After a few more exchanges of Hyuuga attacking while Gaara dodged or parried, Gaara slowly figured out why when Hyuuga managed to land a small scratch on him, taking him by surprise. If he hadn't known that something was off or weird and paying so close attention to everything Hyuuga was doing, he wouldn't have noticed the small amount of chakra that flowed from Gaara's wound and towards the sword. This was not a Hyuuga family tactic or ability. This was developed specifically for Hyuuga. Utilizing Hyuuga's gift for chakra manipulation. The kodachi managed to give him farther reach. Even if he couldn't land a direct him, any small scratches could weaken his opponent. He was likely trying to improve his swordsmanship with this spar.

With a proper teacher, Hyuuga had found the missing pieces he needed to pull himself out of his amateur state, incorporating movements he had developed during his years of self-training into the Hyuuga family's martial arts. He had always known Hyuuga was suited to use martial arts. As they sparred in the past, he could see Hyuuga grow before his eyes, easily figuring out what worked and what did not. He was able to figure it out on his own without Gaara needing to say a word. Now with a teacher, he developed leaps and bounds faster than any normal person would. He really was a martial arts genius and was going to flourish as a hunter.

So where did that leave Gaara? Hyuuga came to him because Gaara was willing to spar with him. Stayed with him because Gaara helped him, but what could Gaara give him now that Hyuuga was being trained by experienced hunters who knew how to teach and had a place to return, what could he do?

Gaara started to get distracted, making small mistakes that Hyuuga in the past wouldn't have noticed. Now, he was taking advantage of it, knocking him off balance little by little.

Hyuuga was growing at an unprecedented rate. If it continued, would Hyuuga outgrow him? Gaara had nothing to give. He couldn't give him emotional support. He couldn't even give him a promised future together. He was even having trouble having sex with him. After a month or two more, would he not realize Gaara wasn't worth his time and affection and leave again?

With his distracted thoughts, Hyuuga disarmed him and palm heel strike struck the center of Gaara's chest, knocking the wind out of him while the chakra entered his body forcefully, disrupting the flow around his heart. If Hyuuga had been serious, it could have killed him. Instead, it only made Gaara fall onto his back and spend a second or two in pain before it subsided.

Hyuuga backed off his opponent, waiting for Gaara to stand and restart the fight.

Gaara sat up slowly and remained sitting on the ground in contemplation. Besides killing, did he even have a use? Anything valuable to give?

"Gaara?" Hyuuga kneeled down in front of him, his blade dropped on the ground as he reached out to wipe away the tears falling from Gaara's eyes. "Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" His thumb ran over Gaara's cheek. His touch was gentle, and he was looking at Gaara with concern, his gaze showing nothing but warmth and love. It caused Gaara to cry harder.

Hiashi left, leaving them alone as Hyuuga tried to comfort him, unsure of why Gaara was crying. Gaara didn't know the reason either. He leaned into Hyuuga's touch, placing his hand over Hyuuga's. "What's wrong?" he asked him.

"I want…" Gaara started. His eyes shifted downward, curling his shoulders forward. "I missed you. I wanted to see you."

"Yeah?" He smiled a little. "Is that all?"

"I don't want you to share chakra with Uchiha anymore either."

"Okay, I won't," Hyuuga said placatingly.

"And I want you to sleep next to me again. And spend time with me once in a while."

"I will talk to my oji-san and get permission." He kissed away a tear.

Gaara grabbed his arms, afraid to let him go. Hyuuga had accepted his desires with no criticism, no judgment or negotiations. It emboldened Gaara to whisper his one true request, his voice having a small vibrato as he said, "And I want you to stay with me. Until I die, I want you to stay with me, and never abandon me."

Hyuuga pulled him fully into his arms, and Gaara wrapped his arms around Hyuuga's body. "I was planning to do that anyway." He stroked his hair. "Long after we turn gray and long after that."

That was such a nice thought. Living to be that old with Hyuuga but living with Hyuuga until his death was more than he ever thought he would have. If he could manage that, spending time with his mate, that would be enough.

"Come on, let's go draw you a bath." He helped Gaara to his feet.

Gaara didn't want to let go, keeping his arms locked around Hyuuga. It was okay to be a little selfish right? "I want you to join me…"

Hyuuga blushed a little. "If you really want me to."

Gaara nodded, refusing to let him go. He knew he was acting like a child, and a part of him feared that the behavior would turn Hyuuga off to him, but for once, he wanted to be a little spoiled and wanted to be taken care of, and Hyuuga seemed to want to give it to him.

They both took a bath, Gaara enjoying being in Hyuuga's arms after so long. It was more relaxing than the warm water they sat in. Hyuuga was stiff trying to make small conversation, but his arousal eventually reached Gaara's nose. Before Gaara knew it, he was making out with him, pressing himself against Hyuuga, trapping him so that he could not escape.

Gaara didn't know what possessed him. Smelling Hyuuga's arousal was like a drug. His mate needed his attention. How could he not answer its call? Gaara's eyes turning pure silver as he left his mark on Hyuuga's body. If only they could complete it, ward off any pursuers for good and make Hyuuga his.

Hyuuga kissed him back just as desperately, but when Gaara tried to get Hyuuga off, he pushed Gaara away gently, smiling that they should get out and go to bed.

In a daze, Gaara didn't understand why Hyuuga would want to stop until he growled a little with displeasure when he complied and backed away. His vampire half had taken over again. Hyuuga got out quickly, hiding his erection with a towel. Gaara's silver eyes glued onto Hyuuga's form, watching his backside.

Realizing what he was doing, Gaara closed his eyes, pushing the improper thoughts out of his head, and once he properly suppressed his vampire side, he felt embarrassed and thankful Hyuuga had stopped him. If they did eventually go all the way, he didn't want to regret it or feel that his choice had been taken away from him.

Gaara got out, hugging him from behind, body still wet. "Thank you," he whispered.

Hyuuga turned around, kissing his forehead. "Go on ahead. I'm going to use the restroom."

Gaara nodded, obediently going to the bedroom to wait. He wasn't at ease until Hyuuga returned, apparently relieved for now. He got into bed, immediately pulling Gaara back into his arms. "We probably shouldn't bathe together anymore," he whispered into Gaara's hair. "Though I really, really want to."

"I'm sorry," Gaara buried his face into Hyuuga's chest. "I can't control it. Sometimes… I just…"

"I know." At Gaara's silence, he chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I don't mind it at all. The opposite really," he whispered the last part. "Maybe if you tell me what triggers it, I can help."

Gaara blushed. He debated on telling him the truth. In a small voice, he answered, "Your arousal. I can smell it."

He listened as Hyuuga's heart rate stutter then increase. "My…"

Gaara held Hyuuga closer, breathing in his scent. "It's heady. Makes it hard to think. It calls to me."

"Does that have something to do with being your mate?"

Gaara sat up, alarmed. "How do you know about that word?" he asked tightly.

"Uchiha," he replied, looking up at Gaara. "It came up when I asked him some things, and he admitted he marked me to make you angry."

Gaara's breath hitched, and his eyes darted away. His hands were shaking, and he clasped them to make them stop. "So you know that I…"

"Marked me?" he asked. He took Gaara's hand in his, coursing chakra through the contact. "Yeah. I don't mind."

Gaara shook his head. "You don't know what that means."

"I do, and I accept it."

"Hyuuga—"

"Call me Neji."

He wanted to. His name was on the tip of his tongue. But he chickened out, diverting the question. "I don't want to trap you in anything, but I can't help but treat you as if you were."

There was sadness in Hyuuga's eyes when Gaara refused to call his name. "Well, why don't you tell me what being your mate entails then if you're worried, and if there's something I'm worried about, I'll let you know."

It seemed like a good proposal, but he was worried Neji would run if he knew. But it would also address his worries.

Hyuuga rubbed the back of his hand. "Come on," he coaxed.

Being brave already today, Gaara took the leap, praying this wouldn't backfire. "Being my mate, I'll get possessive and aggressive to those who get close to you."

Hyuuga sat up with a smirk. "I figured that one out. Anything else?" he asked leaning in.

Gaara turned away a little. He couldn't let himself get distracted or discouraged. "I'll have the urge to mark you. To show others that you're mine."

"Is that all," Neji whispered, placing his hands on Gaara's shoulders and kissing his neck.

Gaara bit his lip, trying not to let Hyuuga distract him, but it felt so good. "When you're aroused, the scent can overwhelm me."

"Does it make you want to do it?" he mumbled against his skin then nibbled at the flesh.

Gaara nodded unable to speak. He thought Hyuuga wasn't trying to go any further for now.

Hyuuga's hands were trailing up his stomach to his chest, his thumbs rubbing his nipples making a noise slip out of Gaara. "What else, Gaara-kun?"

"Hn," Gaara struggled to hold back a moan. "I-I" He couldn't get the words out. He was being overwhelmed by the sensation.

"Speak clearly, Gaara-kun, or I might not understand you."

"I might," Gaara stopped again. He couldn't get the words out. He tried to fight against the arousal, placing his hands in his lap to hide his erection. He was looking for this, wasn't he? Why else did he invite Hyuuga to bathe with him? But he was scared to let go again. "I might not be able to stand you being far away from you for long periods of time." His voice broke.

"Doesn't sound like a problem," Hyuuga said. "So," he pushed Gaara back onto the bed getting on top of him. "If you get to mark me the vampire way, do I get to mark you the human way?" he asked with a playful smirk.

Hyuuga's playful eyes sucked him in. Though he was scared to give up his control, he was willing if it was Hyuuga. Hyuuga wouldn't let him fall. He would catch him as he always had. "Yes," he gave a breathy reply.

His answer took Hyuuga off guard, but his mate smiled down at him, bringing his face closer. "You won't regret it?"

Gaara leaned up to place a soft kiss on Hyuuga's lips, prompting Hyuuga to kiss him back.

Hyuuga spent a good portion of the night, marking Gaara as his, leaving hickeys any place he was able. He left them in places that were visible and intimate places only he would see.

It was funny. Gaara had always belonged to someone as their property. Orochimaru, the medjay, both never saw him as a person. He had even been branded. Yet when Hyuuga marked him, he felt happy. Hyuuga wanted him. Not the lord inside of him, but Gaara himself.

He wondered if it was a long dream. That he would wake up and find out that Hyuuga was still fighting with Uzumaki, that the sparring sessions never happened, and Hyuuga was still ignoring his existence. As he watched Hyuuga sleep beside him, he didn't want to close his eyes just in case it really was one of Seth's tricks.

"I love you too," he whispered, snuggling into Hyuuga and falling into a deep sleep.