Gaara brought up another shirt to his chest, his frown deepening as he looked at himself in the mirror before discarding it into the ever-growing pile of rejects on his bed.

Since Hiashi announced that he had made them dinner reservations, Gaara had been searching his limited wardrobe for something to wear. He even checked the clothes left behind by Uchiha in a desperate attempt to find something suitable. His clothes were too bland, consisting of jeans and v neck t-shirts with his vial of sand around his neck. Uchiha's clothes, while higher quality and more fashionable, did not suit him. They were somehow both modern and old-fashioned at the same, consisting of button-up shirts, vests, suit jackets, slacks, and oxford shoes. Though checking what was currently fashionable in Korea, it seemed what Uchiha wore was quite similar to the looks of fashionable CEOs and actors in their late 20s to mid-30s. Uchiha had even been a model for some of their ads.

He checked his watch, realizing he only had a few minutes left. He had to choose something. Growling, he borrowed a white button-up and black slacks from Uchiha, fiddling with the cuffs and collar, yet kept his sneakers on. He also combed his hair, hoping it would lay flat, and exited his room.

He did worry. He worried about whether Hyuuga would even show himself. Hyuuga did have a history of running from his problems. Running from him. But he had always come back to him. He was terrified if this would be the moment that Hyuuga turned his back on him. And this time, he could not even blame Hyuuga if he did.

His feet stalled before he rounded the corner, and the view of the floor down below became visible. Seth's whisperings were starting to reach his ears again. He took a moment to reign in Seth's power, reign in his fear and anxiety that Seth used to gain power over him. How telling it was that Hyuuga could reduce him into a nervous wreck so easily.

He stood hidden for several seconds, listening. Hearing the sound of movement, the sound of rustling clothes, and the sound of a heartbeat that he had grown familiar with after listening to it so often as he fell asleep, his anxiety melted, and he stepped out, looking down into the foyer.

Hyuuga's stood down below, hands in his pockets. As expected, he was dressed in the latest fashion. A white V-neck T-shirt with a black vest over it, dark jeans that stopped just at his ankles, showing a little skin before his black dress shoes started, his hair in a low ponytail to allow him to wear a fedora. He looked like he had just stepped out on of those magazines Gaara had been looking at moments before.

Insecurity seeped into his mind, making Gaara look down at his own clothes. Perhaps he should call this off and say it was a mistake.

Before he could retreat, Hyuuga looked up and their eyes met. Beautiful lavender eyes stared into him. Red dusted Hyuuga's cheeks for a brief moment before he looked away, though his expression remained a bit cold, not having the same warmth as before.

So he was still angry, Gaara realized, feeling his heart sink.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

He did not want to see Hyuuga look at him like that. He did not want to feel guilt. But leaving Hyuuga was harder. Recalling Hiashi's words, he took a breath, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. "Yes."

Gaara's conflicting emotions made each step down the stairs feel like it took years. He wanted to run into Hyuuga's arms and apologize. That would probably would have helped the situation. He knew why Hyuuga was angry. But even as he went to Hyuuga's side, he could only stare at his back with longing, unable to say a word of apology.

As Hyuuga opened the door, Gaara could not help but watch and follow. He knew why Hyuuga was angry, so why was he leaving it be. A simple apology would be enough. He just needed to say something. And yet his mouth was glued closed even as Hyuuga opened the car door for him. Frustrated with himself, Gaara got into the car.

Hyuuga slipped into the driver's seat, surprising Gaara to a degree. Well, Hyuuga was a hunter now. Hunters were able to get licenses in any country under their jurisdiction. Driving would be something Hiashi would have taught him. Gaara was never taught in order to limit his mobility, but it was not like it was a hard concept with automatic transmissions.

He continued to work up the courage to say something, anything to break the tense atmosphere. He tried to sneak glances, checking Hyuuga for any signs of hidden trauma. Just because he was angry did not mean that yesterday's trauma did not affect him.

Hyuuga was tired. His face was drawn. He likely had not slept well last night if at all. Gaara still did not know what exactly happened, it could have been witnessing a death, a murder, or even torture. He felt he had no right to pry now, not until they had reconciled first. Gathering his courage, looking outside the car window, he asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he replied, short and curt as if to end the conversation. Gaara could not bring himself to ask more, hearing the tone. So, he settled for the uncomfortable silence as they drove into Seoul.

The beautiful lights and colors of Seoul were a drastic change to the small island of Konoha. If Gaara had any sense of aesthetics, it would have been beautiful. It all passed by him in a blur. Even the impressive district of Gangnam did not really move him with its luxury stores and housing.

This was where their restaurant was located.

It was a luxury hotel. Hyuuga drove up to the entrance where a severe-looking middle-aged woman waited for them. Two young valets hurried to open the doors, bowing as they stepped out. The woman gave them both a brief once over. She was thin with sharp features, dressed conservatively but fashionably. Her lips were thin with slightly too red lipstick. "You must be Hiashi-sunbae's nephew."

Gaara's eyes drew to her, noting that she had called Hiashi by his first name. Her tone was brisk and unwelcoming, but the fact she had come out to greet them, and he did not sense any disrespect or disdain for Hiashi, she must have been very close to the older Hyuuga.

"We have a table reserved for you with a window view. I hope you enjoy your dinner." She bowed her head to them.

Gaara stared a little longer. Perhaps it was homophobia that made her seem standoffish though he could not sense any disgust from her either.

"Thank you, your efforts were much appreciated," Hyuuga replied, smiling politely. "Thank you for taking care of us Yeong Seo Ah- nim."

The name was familiar. She owned this hotel for one. Gaara had seen her name on a few reports. Whenever Hiashi had to work in Korea, she always seemed to be the one working with him. She was reported to be very professional, so it was odd she was so informal using Hiashi's first name.

Well, Hiashi's personal life had nothing to do with them. Hiashi had used his connections to reserve them a table at one of the most luxurious and famous rooftop restaurants in the county. He should make the most of it.

She personally led them to the elevator and stayed with them until they were seated. "If there is any trouble, feel free to contact me and I will resolve it immediately." She pulled out a business card, handing it to Hyuuga who accepted it with both hands, bowing his head slightly as he thanked her.

The entire time, she had only addressed Hyuuga, only looked at him until they were seated. While Gaara was used to being treated in such a way, whether it was racism or just people assuming he did not speak the language, he felt uncomfortable. Not because he was ignored, but because she was talking to Hyuuga.

He took a moment to collect himself and his thoughts. Trying for his second attempt at breaking the tension, he asked, "What did you do today?"

"Chakra training," Hyuuga said, picking up the menu. He didn't add anything else.

Hurt, Gaara picked up his own menu, choosing to focus on that. The menu was written in Korean with English translations in small lettering underneath it. It allowed both Gaara and Hyuuga to read it, but also took away Gaara's chance to at least make conversation if just to translate the menu for them. Gaara settled on steak quickly, taking a moment to glance around their surroundings.

The restaurant was surrounded by windows on three sides with only the back wall with the elevators, bathroom and kitchen being solid. On the north side, there was a door leading out onto the balcony that was closed for the approaching winter. The center of the room had a piano with an active pianist playing softly, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The tables had a white cloth on them while with gold-rimmed plates and spotless silverware arranged perfectly.

Conversations from other patrons were quiet. There were only nine other customers, all on the other side of the restaurant, giving Gaara and Hyuuga ample privacy, though Gaara was not sure privacy was what he needed right now.

He thought of asking if Hyuuga knew what to order, but after two failed attempts he did not have enough confidence to ask a third time. Rather, he kept the menu open if just to have something to look at.

The waiter eventually came, at first a blessing to distract from his thoughts, but as usual, he spoke to Hyuuga first, speaking in Japanese. The waiter seemed confident in his ability, but it was still heavily accented and stilted.

"I'll have the steak, rare, and have it paired with a Domaine Leroy Chambertin Grand Cru pinot noir. You may choose the year. As for dessert, I will have the chocolate mousse, paired with a shiraz first, followed by a crème au caramel and the classic opera cake," Gaara answered flawlessly before Hyuuga could speak, handing him the menu without even looking in the waiter's direction.

The waiter appeared taken back by the order, especially with the three desserts. He thought he saw Hyuuga smile a little, but when he looked over, more carefully, he was just smiling at the waiter as he gave his own order.

"I will have the fish filet with duglere sauce," Hyuuga ordered, stumbling a bit with the French words. "As for the wine," he then hesitated, his eyes scanning the menu. "The Sauvignon Blanc."

The server took the menus, bowing.

Before he could leave, Gaara added in Korean, "Change his wine selection to the pinot noir that I chose." The waiter paused, considering his request and if he should confirm it with Hyuuga, but then he smiled at Gaara for the first time. "Very well, sir."

It was good that the waiter had some knowledge of wine. Though white wine generally paired well with fish, the pinot noir paired much better with dense fish with a creamy sauce like the dish Hyuuga had picked. The Sauvignon Blanc would be too dry for him.

Though, he was underaged. Hyuuga was barely legal in this country, the waiter had not checked either of their ages.

"Have you been to a place like this before?" Hyuuga asked. He was still avoiding Gaara's eyes, but it was the first conversation he had tried to initiate.

"Occasionally, I must attend delegate dinners for appearances. I was forced to learn." Thrilled that Hyuuga had tried to talk to him, he could not stop himself from answering through tight lips, reluctant to admit it. Those dinners were not memories he enjoyed. Rather than a guest, he was treated more like an oddity or trophy, smothered by the presence of his father, and used to intimidate his father's opponents as the first "tamed" host.

"I see," and that was it. Silence fell over the table. Gaara struggled to try to remember how they had held conversations before and what they talked about. Why was this so hard?

The waiter returned with their drinks and shortly their appetizers. At the rate they were going, this date was going to be a disaster. Neji wouldn't leave him after a bad date, right?

His anxiety started to manifest, the sand in his vial swirling in a small tornado. If he could just act on his feelings and beg forgiveness like he wanted to. Why was he so incapable when others could do it so easily?

He stirred the onion soup absent-mindedly. Hyuuga was eating a salad, eyes on his plate. About to take the plunge and finally apologize, Gaara fought through the knot in his throat and the discomfort he felt in his chest. His mouth opened, his tongue feeling heavy and thick. "Hyuuga—"

"Excuse me, young man." A voice cut off Gaara's weak and wavering voice, drowning it out. A man approached the table, well dressed. His skin was clear, obviously someone who spent time on their appearance with his hair parted down the middle carefully. His attention was on Hyuuga, a business card in hand though he did not present it immediately. "Have you ever been scouted before?"

Gaara's jaw clenched so hard; he thought his teeth might crack. "He doesn't speak Korean," Gaara nearly growled, startling the man into looking at him finally.

Just a glance at Gaara, and he grew uncomfortable, avoiding his eyes. "Oh, sorry. Sorry," he said in English, giving small bows. "You speak English?" turning once again to Neji. "How long been in Korea? You very cool. Look very handsome."

The talent scout was very persistent. Gaara's possessive roared to life, and he tried desperately to keep it under control. Hyuuga hated when he was like that even if he said otherwise. He couldn't stop Hyuuga from meeting new people or get in his way. He knew that, but actually following through was hard. He grasped the tablecloth, crushing the fabric in his fingers, just short of tearing it.

"Thank you," Hyuugas' eyes darted to Gaara. "But I'm not interested in becoming an idol." Hyuuga intentionally spoke a little slower and clearer to make sure the man understood.

"Don't say that." The man leaned closer, producing his card. "Lots of potential. Can make you very famous." He extended his business card, trying to get Hyuuga to take it.

"Really, I am not interested," Hyuuga raised his hands, waving them, accentuating his polite refusal.

"I am suspicious, yes? I am good guy." He pulled his phone out, pulling up pictures. He stepped closer to Hyuuga, standing slightly behind him and leaning over him to share the pictures. "These people I made very famous."

Hyuuga's posture stiffened with how close the man was, though he was still not making contact, forced to look at the photos. However, for Gaara, the man had crossed a line too far. Standing so close to his mate, acting so friendly and invading their space.

Gaara shot out of his chair, his hip hitting the table in the process, spilling some of the soup. He ignored the pain radiating from his hip, his hands reaching out and grabbing the scared scout by his shirt, lifting him from the ground until his feet could not touch. "He said no," Gaara growled in Korean, his chest rumbling from the bass. "And yet you stand so close to him. You must not value your life."

The man's face was full of alarm and fear, dropping his phone and putting his hand up. "I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry. I was just trying to recruit him. I meant no harm." The man stumbled and faltered over his words, trying to look around for someone to help him. "Please spare me."

Foolish, Gaara thought, his eyes lingering on the man's neck. He could try to come back for his mate when he wasn't there. Did this imbecile think Gaara would let him go so easily? He would not let this man walk out of here alive.

Hyuuga rose out of his chair calmly, walking around the scout to place his hand gently on Gaara's arm. "Gaara." His voice easily penetrated Gaara's consciousness, a soft melody to Gaara's ears that temporarily distracted Gaara from his anger-filled mind. Gaara met Hyuuga's eyes, and instantly his anger melted into guilt and shame. He averted his gaze and put the talent scout down.

"Pardon my friend," Hyuuga apologized in English, putting on a polite smile once more to calm the shaken man. "He misunderstood your intentions and acted rashly."

Even Gaara, who could not understand what Hyuuga was saying, knew he was apologizing on his behalf. How could he mess up so badly? He could feel the judging eyes of the patrons across the room. He knew what they would think. The violent classless foreigner, and they would judge Hyuuga for being associated with him.

Hyuuga grabbed his wrist, dragging him away; Gaara followed without questioning, staring at the ground.

Hyuuga should be ashamed of him. He was a mess. He could not apologize, could not start a conversation well, and was unable to keep his possessiveness in check in public. He was so much trouble and Hyuuga gained so little in return. Desperately, he wanted to keep Hyuuga by his side. He was determined to do so, but he did not know how.

Hyuuga turned heads when he walked by. He could adjust his personality to fit the situation and put people at ease and like him. He was fashionable, smart, and could be very kind and patient when he wanted to be. He was shining and beautiful and everything society could want while Gaara was avoided and ignored and remained in shadows.

Perhaps Hyuuga realized it too. When Hyuuga intervened, Gaara could not guess what Hyuuga was thinking or feeling. He could only assume it was disappointment in him. He had ruined their first date after all. Maybe he was going to break up with him this time.

Just the thought was constricting his breathing. Without Hyuuga, he did not know what he would do. He couldn't go back to how things were. He may really lose his mind if Hyuuga left him. How could he fix this? He needed to fix this now before it was too late.

Hyuuga dragged him into the bathroom, pushing Gaara inside and locking the door behind them. This was it. Gaara just knew this was where Hyuuga was going to dump him. It couldn't even wait until they were home. Hyuuga couldn't stand another minute with him. He had to fix this. He had to say something to stop it.

"Hyuu—" Gaara was cut off. Hyuuga's lips sealed over his aggressively, his body pushing Gaara back into the wall from the force, trapping Gaara against the wall.

Hyuuga's arm wrapped around Gaara's waist pulling him closer while the other arm rested against the bathroom wall. He devoured Gaara's mouth eagerly, impatiently, almost desperately as if he was a stranded man seeing an oasis in front of him.

Gaara responded without a second thought, wrapping his arms around Hyuuga's neck. He didn't have a chance to question what was going on, nor did the thought immediately come to his mind. His body pressed against Hyuuga's wanting to melt into him. Rather, the longer Hyuuga kissed him, the more it pulled up the desires he tried to suppress whenever he was around Hyuuga. The heat of his breath, the warmth of his body, why had he ever worried about being physical with Hyuuga.

Gaara felt his pants tighten, the bulge pressing against Hyuuga's inner thigh. His hips moved sensually, rubbing against him, enjoying the taste of his mate on his lips. A fang piercing Hyuuga's lip accidentally in their haste.

Hyuuga broke the kiss, breathing heavily, a small trail of blood on the corner of his lips, meeting Gaara's gaze. Gaara leaned forward, his tongue darting up to catch the small trail of blood, unable to help himself, eyes half-lidded. Normally, he would be disturbed at his actions, apologize for his erection ruining the mood and try to separate from him and bring his emotions under control. He thought nothing like that. He did not really think of anything. His body was moving on his own and Gaara let himself be carried by those actions.

Hyuuga teasingly brushed his lips against Gaara's, keeping his heated gaze on Gaara. Gaara pressed his erection against his legs again, this time feeling Hyuuga's bulge as well. Feeling it, Gaara shivered, arousal coursing through him as he smelled arousal in Hyuuga spike as well. The scent of Hyuuga's arousal, made his mind go blank. He wanted more of it. How could he get more?

Hyuuga then did the unexpected, getting onto his knees and reaching for Gaara's belt. He looked up, silently asking if this was okay. Gaara looked down at him, wordlessly telling him it was okay. Hyuuga's face turned a beautiful shade of red, his expression of one who would do anything for his master, whether it be receiving punishment or pleasure, he would take it all. His hands undid the belt, and he nuzzled his nose against his crotch affectionately. Using his teeth, he pulled down the zipper.

Such a well-behaved mate. Gaara picked up the hat from Neji's head, causing Neji to look up at him. Keeping their gazes locked, he put the fedora on his own head, slightly tilted, and leaned back against the wall. There was a strong spike in Neji's scent. So irresistible, his Neji. His fingers threaded through Neji's hair as he caressed his cheek, Neji leaning into his touch briefly before pulling Gaara's member free.

Gaara's member stood tall, the tip leaking precum. Without hesitation, Neji engulfed his member, taking him deep into his mouth.

Gaara groaned, closing his eyes, taking in the feeling of the hot, wet cavern around him. Hyuuga sucked enthusiastically, his head bobbing. Gaara almost grabbed Neji's hair and fucked his mouth, but his mate was doing such a good job deep throating him on his own. His mate that took such good care of him.

Neji released his member to let his tongue swirl around his tip, kiss the underside, and engulf him again. Gaara opened his eyes, watching his mate work on him. So beautiful, he thought. His hand reached out, fingers brushing his temple to thread his fingers through silky hair, pushing back the silky strands away from Neji's eyes.

Neji shivered under his gaze then tried to take him even deeper, eyes half-lidded and full of lust.

Neji submitting to him, pleasing him, it was inebriating. The world did not exist, just his Neji. Just the feel of him, the sounds he makes, the pleasure and comfort he gives. He had to mark him. Own him. Be owned by him.

He came in that hot mouth, grunting softly. He did not close his eyes, only arched slightly. He did want to look away from his Neji even for a moment.

Neji pulled away a tad too early, a spurt of cum hitting his cheek. He looked up at Gaara, lips slightly parted, unsure of what to do with the cum in his mouth, if he should swallow or spit it out.

Gaara leaned forward, his body moving with unusual grace, running his thumb over Neji's bottom lip. Understanding, Neji closed his mouth, and Gaara watched as he swallowed. How satisfying.

Gaara smiled, bringing his face closer, their noses brushing against each other. He could feel his hot breath on his face. More. He needed more. He brought himself closer, straddling Neji as he kept teasingly brushing their lips together. His mate was so hard for him.

Gaara took a small detour, licking the cum from his mate's cheek, his fangs dragging across his skin. His body pressed close, Gaara grinding lightly against Neji's erection.

Neji let out a shaky breath, just short of a moan, his body shaking underneath him. His arousal spike sharply before gradually subsiding and the trembling coming to a stop.

Gaara's lips curled into a small smile, going for Neji's belt when Neji pushed him away, holding him at arm's length. "We should stop."

Gaara stared, Neji's words sounding foreign to him. Why would they stop now?

Wrapping arms around Gaara's waist, he placed his forehead on his shoulder. "Can I just hold you for a bit?" he whispered.

Gaara inhaled, taking in Neji's smell, his mind calming, sensing Neji's distress, hearing the waver in his voice. "Yeah," he replied, holding his lover close. "As long as you need."


He regretted walking away.

The moment he left Gaara standing in that hallway, he regretted it, but he did not have the strength and presence of mind to go back. He broke down in the shower. He struggled to sleep, seeing the blood and screams whenever he closed his eyes. He wanted to embrace Gaara, be embraced, and have something to ground him to reality.

In truth, he did not want to leave his room today. He felt overwhelmed, jumpy, and honestly, scared. His uncle had pulled him out, telling him that he had set up a date for them. Recalling his promise to take Gaara on a date, he pulled himself together, found himself some clothes, and forced himself to go to the foyer to wait.

When he saw Gaara at the top of the stairs, his heart bled. He wanted so badly to hold him, but his guilt from his words the night before, kept him rooted, and he could not bear to face him.

He knew Gaara was trying to apologize and make it up to him. He knew he was trying to reach out, trying his best despite his discomfort and insecurities. Neji did not mean to discourage him or rebuff him. He wanted to reach out too, but his emotional state was too much of a mess, and he felt like he was locked in his own head.

But he so badly wanted to connect to him. He wanted to tell him that Gaara had nothing to apologize for. That Neji was the one in the wrong, but the words would not come out. He could only default to his old behavior and the training he received to deal with others if just to get by.

Seeing Gaara get jealous even getting violent, it was almost a relief. He couldn't even explain why. Suddenly, he found himself dragging Gaara off, needing to have him alone no matter what. When he closed that door, the need to touch him took over. He had to hold him, had to kiss him, forgetting that he had intended to take it slow with him.

Feeling Gaara giving in without question, not pushing away, he found comfort and solace in his arms. He wanted to feel more, wanted to distract himself. He wanted to pleasure Gaara.

So he got to his knees and looked up, not expecting the sight he saw. Gaara's eyes were silver, and they remained that way. There were no brief flickers, no amber that bled through and took over, just pure silver staring into him.

Neji had seen silver eyes of course. Uchiha's would flash whenever Neji truly made him seethe, but even then, they did not hold. His uncle had told him that they changed when a vampire's desires were strong when their instincts were at the forefront. Newborns, for example, had silver eyes, a mass of instinct and desires with little to no link to reason. As vampires aged, they faded, learning to control them and suppress them. When they drew on their strength, sometimes they would flash silver once more, because their strength was tied to their predator nature. And that predator nature did not just consist of physical strength.

Vampires could cause instinctual fear in humans. Uchiha could just look at him and Neji would have a hard time overcoming that fear. Prey feared their predators. And just like a predator, they had learned to draw in prey. The fear they instilled was twisted. The feeling of oppression and dread turned into anticipation and anxiety, feelings one could associate with sexual anticipation. Though there was danger, and the prey could sense it, they could not help but be drawn in like a moth to a flame. They could feel the heat, the warnings of it being unsafe, but unable to stop themselves before getting burned.

There was no reason left in those eyes looking down at him. Just pure lust. He felt something from Gaara that he had never felt before. That oppression. It was like a weight on body that made it hard to breathe. His eyes were approving of Neji's new position at his feet, like looking down at someone less than. Gaara's body moved sensually as he placed that fedora on his head. He oozed sexual dominance, and that oppression did not feel negative in the slightest. Rather, it turned into excitement. He felt like a servant waiting for his master's next orders. He was in a vampire's thrall. Gaara's thrall.

Neji moved forward confidently even as he gave head for the first time. His teeth grazed occasionally, but Gaara did not seem to mind. He could not help but keep looking up into those eyes, and drown in their intensity, urging him to take in more and more.

While surprised Gaara came in his mouth, he looked to Gaara to tell him what to do, and his eyes told him what he wanted. Swallowing it under those circumstances almost made him come.

Gaara was so beautiful. Nothing could compare. Gaara continued to take control, licking his cheek, grinding against him, and pushing him over. Control was fully out of his hands for that short time. An incident that should have been embarrassing was instead liberating. He could finally stop trying to control how he was feeling and just feel.

It allowed the emotions he was dealing with to come into his awareness again, and he could confront them while being held by his lover. He cried quietly as he felt Gaara's hands go through his hair, soothingly not saying a word as he quietly grieved and confronted his trauma, reminding himself that Gaara was the reason he was going through this. The person he needed to get stronger for. The person he wanted to protect.

"I'm sorry," he finally whispered, apologizing for what he did the night before.

Quietly, Gaara replied back, "Me too."

Neji closed his eyes, inhaling Gaara's scent. He felt Gaara's chakra, seeping through his skin in small amounts from their touching. If someone was not highly chakra sensitive like the Hyuuga clan, they probably would not notice. It effortlessly joined with Neji's chakra without somehow disturbing its flow. It was comforting.

As he finally calmed himself and rational thought returned, he thought more of what had just occurred. Neji had been in a thrall. He had heard of them but never thought he would experience one. Most hunters were immune to it. Since the bases of the thrall relied on that original instinctual fear, which hunters learned to overcome fairly early, it did not usually take.

He did not think Gaara did it on purpose. He did not think Gaara was even aware that he had cast one. And though he should have been concerned, Neji just accepted it. Gaara taking control as he had, had been what he needed. He had not tried to hurt him, rather, Gaara's vampire instincts seemed to take care of him, almost cuddling with him once Neji acquired what he needed. Before, during, or after, he did not feel fear or any intent to harm him and perhaps it was foolish of him to believe so.

He leaned back, finally raising his head, and with callused hands, Gaara wiped away his tears, his eyes a warm green once more.

Neji smiled, leaning into Gaara's touch. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I should ask you that." With discomfort, Gaara asked, "Are you angry?"

Neji shook his head. "I started it."

Still uncertain, Gaara got off Neji's lap, tucked himself away, and zipped himself up.

Neji decided now was a good time to take off his boxers and clean his pants. Thankfully, the spot on his pants was not large, so it was easy to clean with a towel. His boxer on the other hand, getting them wet and carrying them around would be uncomfortable, so he just stuck the garment after carefully folding them into his pocket.

Gaara had his eyes averted, a soft blush on his face. What was he embarrassed about? "Is something wrong?"

"Are you going to go like that?"

He was confused about what he was referring to until Gaara's eyes darted to Neji's pocket. Smirking a little, he teased, "Does it excite you, knowing?"

Gaara's face turned a brighter red. After everything they just did, Gaara was embarrassed over something so minor. "We should go," Gaara muttered, walking past him, heading towards the exit.

Gaara seemed to be becoming increasingly embarrassed, appearing to be recalling or figuring out what had just happened. Unable to let Gaara get too wrapped up in overthinking, he hugged his lover from behind and whispered, "Thank you."

The tips of Gaara's ears turned a darker red which Neji found extremely cute.

Leaving the bathroom, he was surprised to find the remaining patrons had been cleared out, yet no one had attempted to enter the bathroom. Did they scare everyone away with the scene they caused earlier?

Yeong Seo Ah waited for them in front of their table. Immediately, Neji became defensive, ready to confront her if need be if she tried to say anything about Gaara's behavior. Unexpectedly, she bowed to them, apologizing.

"Forgive me for being short-sighted. I should have had the restaurant cleared from the beginning. At the very least ensure none of the other guests bothered you."

Gaara was also just as surprised, staring at her as if she was up to something.

"It was partially our fault," Neji tried to take some of the blame, but the woman merely gave him a stern look.

"Sunbae warned me that you were mates. Given the circumstances, the outcome was to be expected. Rest assured, the rest of the patrons have been escorted out and compensated well for their troubles. Please enjoy the rest of your meal."

That stern-looking woman bowed once more and subsequently excused herself, stunning both of the young men. Neji could not help but wonder how much his uncle had spent to set this up for them to be prioritized over others this much.

With the waiters coming out with a cart that contained their meal, Neji was relieved that their date was not ruined. He pulled out Gaara's seat, who had the cutest "pretend to not be embarrassed or flattered" face.

Dinner was served, and they were able to finally enjoy their night. Neji was still a bit low energy compared to his usual self, trauma did not heal overnight, but gently teasing and laughing. The meal was a bit too rich for his taste, so he only ate half. Gaara tried to silently put some of the steak onto his plate which Neji refused, the sight of blood turning his stomach.

He loved watching Gaara's face brighten when the desserts came. Watching Gaara eat made him understand the saying, "watching you eat makes me full".

Gaara glanced up from his dessert, spoon still in his mouth. He looked down at the opera cake he had been eating and pushed the cake forward. "I'm getting full," he lied. "Help me."

Neji could not help but eat the rest with him. How could he turn Gaara down when he was trying so hard? He took a bite. Gaara watched him carefully, and Neji teased him until he looked away.

Once they finished, Neji and Gaara left, thanking Yeong Seo Ah for taking good care of them. Rather than going back to the car, they walked around town, enjoying the view despite the cold air. Gaara stood closer to Neji, their sides touching. Gaara did not draw attention to it, so neither did Neji.

After a while, Gaara dragged Neji into a Subway. At Neji's confusion, Gaara only said, "You didn't eat much."

Feeling brave, knowing no one would recognize him here, he stole a small, short kiss from Gaara, who was so startled and embarrassed, he stumbled back. "You really are beautiful, inside and out."

Gaara may have overheated at his words. He really could not become redder. "Liar."

"Do you want to choose a dessert for me?" Gaara tried to pretend he wasn't happy, and he watched Gaara stare at the menu intensely, telling him what they had available and reading the board for him. He felt he was falling in love all over again. One of these days, he would convince Gaara of his own attractiveness. He just had to work on it one day at a time.