Hi everyone, the comp's fixed. If you haven't looked recently, I put some new stuff up on my deviantart I think you'll like. Other than that, thank you to those of you who took the time to review. Enjoy!

Seiichiro wanted to spend more time with his daughter, however he knew his presence was that of a third wheel. He excused himself for the evening, the cool wind of the night soothing his stress. It made awnings and curtains billow gently as some of the wood structures groaned in protest. There was a peacefulness about it that left no questions in Seiichiro's mind about how Beki had settled into Konoha so completely. He looked back over his shoulder to see his precious daughter walking in the opposite direction. The Kazekage was beside her, an arm protectively around her hips. Seiichiro sighed to himself in resignation. Who better to protect my daughter than a monster?

As he watched them walk away, Seiichiro couldn't help but be reminded of himself and Yukihana in their youth. Truth be told, plenty of people had considered them monsters. He looked down at his massive hands, hands that had crushed skulls, and remembered how they had been around the Kazekage's neck a few hours before. Squeezing the life out of him. The boy had every right to fight back. His survival depended on it, but the boy had suppressed the urge to lash out and had reached out to Seiichiro as a person. Seiichiro clenched his hands and shook his head. Who am I to call the Kazekage a monster? Maybe Beki has a better head on her shoulders than I give her credit.

With that final thought, Seiichiro turned away from his daughter and headed to the inn to wait.

…

"That went better than expected," Gaara sighed.

"How on earth is my father almost murdering you 'better than expected'?" Beki balked. "I would say things couldn't have gone much worse!"

Gaara pulled her closer and rested his head on hers. "Well, for one, your father didn't kill me. Second, I would have to say we came to terms by the end of the day."

"You are a glass half full type, aren't you?" Beki bumped him good naturedly, glad that he didn't hold her father's behavior against him. It amazed her constantly what a good person the Kazekage was. Every kind gesture endeared him to her and made her more proud that she could call Gaara hers. Gaara gave Beki a small sly smile. "If there was a glass of water in front of me, I wouldn't argue about whether it was full or empty. I would thank the waitress and drink it."

"You have an answer for everything," Beki sighed in mock frustration. She saw that their wandering was in the direction of the Hyuuga compound. "Hey," She stopped in her tracks and Gaara followed suit, his eyes instantly drawn to hers. "Do we really want to call it a night already? I'd hate if one of the few times I got to see you in person was so, well, wasted."

"Of course not," Gaara took her hands and kissed them. "What do you have in mind?"

"Well," Beki began. "I thought we could start by running away. We'll dye our hair, take different names, travel the world taking odd jobs to get by. Maybe when we're in our thirties we can buy a shack on a beach or in the mountains somewhere and have a couple of kids."

Gaara was silent for a moment as he traced her knuckles with his fingers. "That would be a lot of time where we would be alone together. Are you certain you wouldn't tire of my company over the years."

Beki sighed. "I've thrown everything I can at you: complicated political ties, my insanely protective father, even my questionable choices in underwear. I just can't seem to get rid of you."

"I've never known anyone quite as stubborn as you," Gaara feigned frustration. "I ask you to keep in touch over long distances, put up with my job, tolerate my family, face the Shukaku, and deal with my kidnapping and death. I guess we're stuck with each other." Beki smiled up at him lovingly. "I guess so." Gaara leaned in and kissed her. Beki responded by wrapping her arms around him and pulling closer. They lost themselves in each other for a few minutes, the darkness of the new moon concealing them even though they were in the middle of the road. Gaara pulled away after some time. As they stood there, catching their breath, he searched Beki's face. Gaara missed her constantly. Thoughts of her constantly invaded his mind, interrupting his work all day long. Being with her was worse. He could think of nothing else but to pour over every centimeter of her, to memorize how she breathed and smelled. There was a physical need to run his hands through her hair and to feel the softness of her skin. Beki sunk into him as a refuge against the cold. Gaara held her close, holding his breath so he could hear her heartbeat.

"I love you, Gaara."

The way she said it was so easy and casual, as if she was telling the Kazekage his hair was red. The moments the words left her lips, Gaara felt his entire body tense. He had grown up fearing no one could ever love him and now he found himself with the opposite problem. No one had ever said that to him. His siblings cared for him without a doubt but it was with the assumed familiarity and aloofness they had learned from their father. Endearments were sparse and declarations of affections were never shared. The tension mounted inside him. Gaara knew he needed to say something, that Beki was expecting a reply from him. He had spent so much of his life wondering if he could love another person, and now he was forced to name his feelings for Beki. Was love, the one thing Gaara had been searching for his whole life, so easily shared? It was then that Gaara realized that was exactly what he loved about Beki. In such short time, she had completely entrusted her heart to him, bared her soul, and risked life and limb for him. That was exactly what love was, and he would do all the same for her.

Gaara squeezed Beki so tight she was reminded of her boyfriend's history of popping people. "I love you too, Beki. I don't think there is another person in the world I could ever feel this way about. You make me feel whole. You complete me in ways that I didn't even realize I was lacking." Gaara brushed the hair out of her face as his words came racing out of his mouth faster than he could think. It was as if finally saying the words aloud at last had broken some kind of seal. He was free to shower Beki with as much affection as he could muster and now there was a chance he might just drown her in it. "Sorry, I... I just can't stop. I love you so much I would fight a bear for you."

Beki laughed at him and Gaara stepped back, surprised and wounded. "What's so funny?" Kankuro said girls played games to mess with people's emotions. Had Beki set him up so he would embarrass himself? Normally such a reaction wouldn't catch a second of his notice, but at the moment he was feeling especially vulnerable.

"So, the Kazekage, one of the five most powerful ninja alive, is offering to fight a woodland creature for my honor?" Beki smiled up at him affectionately and he felt his face flushing. "You are absolutely adorable."

"I suppose with that kind perspective it does sound like a silly thing to say," Gaara mentally began to turn off the tap of his affection, averting his gaze. "I suppose I was just trying to find a way to express just how deeply my fondness for you runs-"

"No, stop," Beki turned his face back to hers. "You're turning into the Kazekage again when I was just in the middle of enjoying Gaara's company. Go back to the bears. I wanna hear all about this bear you're going to fight for me."

Gaara relaxed and held her hand against his cheek. "It would be a big one. The biggest bear we could find."

"Ahuh," Beki grinned. "It would have to a grizzly. They're the meanest, you know."

"Could it maybe just be a black bear?" Gaara cringed. "Agreeing to fight it kind of implies I won't be using my sand."

Beki sighed in mock exasperation. "Fine. Not a grizzly bear. You know what, I would be fine if you didn't fight it. You could just run up and touch it and run back. That would be enough bravery to prove your commitment."

"So I just have to tag a bear?" Gaara asked as he rested his head on top of hers. "Will you believe how much I love you then?"

Beki nuzzled into him, suppressing her amused laughter. The Kazekage a was a cold customer but Gaara was as innocent and pure with his emotions as a child. "Sure, Gaara. That's enough for me." She closed her eyes as she enjoyed the warmth of his embrace. She felt his arms moving and assumed he was adjusting when suddenly he pulled back her waistband to look down the back of her pants. "Gaara!" She cried as he let it snap back into place. He gave her rear an affectionate smack. "Tag."

It was in that moment Beki remembered what underwear she had been wearing. She hadn't known he was going to be in town and it was laundry day, so she had been reduced to wearing her teddy bear undies. "Was that...was that all just a long con to get an excuse to swat me?"

Gaara pressed her closer and Beki could feel his cheeks pulling back in a smile. "I would never."

…

The night was still young and Beki was feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Hiding her relationship from her father had bothered her more than she realized. Now that the situation had blown up and everything was out in the open, Beki could finally relax. Regardless of how wonderful this all was in the long run Beki still felt exhausted from the ordeal. Her father had almost murdered Gaara, after all.

The compound was still fairly busy considering the hour so Beki didn't catch any attention. She walked through the kitchen door of Hinata's house and kicked off her shoes. "Hina chan," Beki sighed as she walked into the living room. "I tell you what, it's been a day." Hinata was curled up on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her. She was partway through a thick novel and looked so cozy and inviting. Beki walked over to the couch and weaseled her way under the blanket so she was bundled up inside it beside Hinata. She nuzzled into her friend's shoulder and pouted.

"My dad tried to kill Gaara today."

Hinata looked at her friend and made an empathetic "tch tch" noise. She reached up and patted her head. "Poor thing. He found out about you two then?"

"Gaara made it worse by making it sound like we'd been sneaking off all the time to fool around," Beki grumbled. "It all worked out and my dad didn't kill him but I am so exhausted."

Hinata rested her head against Beki's and set her book aside. She wrapped an arm around her comfortingly. "Well, I'm glad it all worked out."

"Me too," Beki smiled, grateful for Hinata's cuddles.

"Hey, what the hell," Naruto stepped in the living room in his pajamas with a bowl of popcorn in his hands. "I'm gone for five minutes and you move in on my snuggle time?"

"I was here first, sorry," Beki stuck out her tongue playfully. "I've had a hard day. Hinata's being a good friend."

"Oh yeah?" Naruto set the bowl of popcorn aside. "Friend time is not as important as lover time."

"It's okay, Naruto," Hinata smiled. "Beki can just watch the movie with us. There's enough room on the couch for three."

Naruto folded his arms. "You asked for this Beki. Hinata, I want cuddles."

Beki rolled her eyes. "What are you going to do, pout?"

Naruto pulled off his shirt, revealing his chiseled abdomen. Hinata's eyes widened, her pupils dilating at the sight of his body. With one strong shove, Hinata sent Beki tumbling to the floor. "Sorry Beki, its cuddle time."

Beki rolled her eyes and pulled herself up off the rug. "You win this round, Uzumaki." She stood and walked to the kitchen door. "I know when I'm not wanted. You two have fun."

"Bye Beki," They chimed in unison. As soon as the door shut behind her, Beki's ears were assailed with the sounds of their fiendish giggling. Beki rolled her eyes at how obsessed with each other the couple was. She had only been home a few minutes, so there was a small chance she could catch up with Gaara. Might as well get the time in with him where I can.

…

"I got bitch slapped, Gaara," Kankuro's voice echoed oddly from beneath the puppet. It was suspended from chains in the ceiling and it was completely opened up for repairs. Kankuro was working the chassis as he reviewed the day with his brother.

Gaara shrugged as he watched him work. "Apparently, I was giving Seiichiro the impression I had taken his daughter's virginity."

Kankuro slid out from under the puppet. "Weren't you two alone at the beach house?"

"Nothing happened," Gaara shrugged. "Other than the Shukaku getting loose and almost murdering her."

Kankuro narrowed his eyes as he took in this new information, and then nodded. "Yeah. That sounds about right."

"At least my dates turn out to be who they say they are," Gaara kicked the bottom of his brother's foot. "I don't know why you were so upset that my secretary took an interest in you."

"She is older than our father would be," Kankuro grumbled. "Old enough for me to be her grandson."

"You're going to be a spinster if you keep being so fussy, Kankuro," Gaara's face was as still as stone. "You can't afford to pass up opportunities like this."

Kankuro made a scoffing sound and the puppet amplified it almost to an elephant's trumpet. "I'm sure if I dyed my hair some wild color and ran around in a BDSM getup I'd have more people throwing themselves at me to. That's the difference between us, Gaara. I'm happier in the background."

"Tell that to your outlandish face paint," Gaara began, but the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Kankuro slid out from under the puppet and got to his feet. "I hope to God that isn't Seiichiro to finish you off. You're my brother but I don't want to have to keep almost dying to keep you alive." As the footsteps grew closer, Gaara recognized the shuffling gait. Without a moment's hesitation, he shoved his brother bodily into the confines of the gutted puppet and slammed it closed.

"What the hell, Gaara?!" Kankuro pounded from the inside. "Let me out!"

"I need this, Kankuro," Gaara pleaded. "Just stay in there until we leave. Don't make any noise while you're in there."

"This thing could kill me," Kankuro hissed.

"Shh," Gaara patted the side. "You took out all the weapon parts. If anything goes wrong while you're in there, it's on you for having such shoddy workmanship."

"Hey," Beki called out as she knocked. "The innkeeper said you guys were out here."

"Come on in," Gaara turned, standing in front of the puppet just in case Kankuro decided to pop out. Beki walked in the shed and looked around, her brow furrowing. "Where's Kankuro?"

"He-" Gaara cleared his throat to cover the knocking behind him. "He stepped out a moment. Said something about needing some parts." Beki shrugged, accepting his answer at face value.

"Well, I'm free for the evening. I figured you could spend some more time together."

Gaara's heart skipped a beat. More time with Beki? He felt guilty, as though he had already had a delicious meal and was now being offered dessert. "Sure," He looked around the makeshift workshop. "Perhaps we should head inside? I imagine once Kankuro returns it will become inhospitable in here." He watched, his nerves mounting, praying that she would agree. Beki gave a small shrug. "All right."

There was a low grumbling sound from the puppet and Gaara casually kicked it. He walked over to Beki and took her hand, his heart instantly racing with excitement. As they walked outside, the sand formed a cloud under their feet and began to float them up towards the top floor of the inn. Gaara took a moment to admire how Beki had adjusted to traveling on the sand with him. The first time he had flown with her Beki had to cling on to him to keep from falling off. After a few trips, she only held onto Gaara's hand, wobbling every once in a while, as her footing gave out. Now she behaved like a seasoned pro, relaxed and at ease. "It must be nice," She said as the touched down on the balcony. "You get the penthouse every time you visit."

Calling it a penthouse was generous. Konoha didn't have much to offer in the way of luxury accommodations, although to be fair neither did Suna. Usually travelers were only there for a night as they booked a mission or stopped to rest as part of a longer journey. Fortunately, Gaara had been able to send notice of his visit far enough in advance to have the suite of rooms booked. Usually he ended up sharing a room with his brother just like anyone else, however the innkeeper always made a point of spoiling them with the best of what they had. Beki plopped down on the couch and began to take off her shoes. She paused with a boot in midair and looked up at Gaara with a furrowed brow. "Where do you leave your shoes?"

"Excuse me?" Gaara blinked in surprise.

"You know," Beki waved at the door. "Most people leave their shoes by the door. Do you leave yours by the window?" Gaara gave a soft chuckle. "I leave them by the door, just like everybody else, Beki." She shook her head and scoffed. "I find that little hard to believe," Beki walked over to the door and plopped her boots on the side. "Since I think I can count on one hand how many times I've seen you use the front door."

"You're exaggerating," Gaara took off his own shoes and put them beside hers. He had another wisecrack at the tip of his tongue but he paused at the sight of their shoes side by side. There was something unspeakably intimate about it that it touched him deeply. For other people, it would pass unnoticed, something commonplace in any home. The only shoes Gaara ever saw in his house were his brother's or his sister's. It brought a smile to his face knowing that not only had Beki sought out his company, but here she was taking off her shoes and putting them with Gaara's because she was going to stay.

"Are you hungry? I can have them send something up," Gaara offered and Beki frowned in thought. "I think some tea would be nice. I'm still full from dinner, though." Gaara called down to the desk, grateful he didn't have to go ask in person. It was easy to disguise his nerves on the phone than it was to feign it in person. It was less than five minutes before the innkeeper was there, personally delivering the tray. Gaara thanked him with a polite bow, careful to obscure Beki from view. After he had gone, Gaara brought the tray over to the table and sat down across from his girlfriend. Beki gave him a quizzical look as she poured the tea. "Trying to hide me away?" Gaara watched her face to see if she was joking. It seemed so, for the most part. Gaara was learning that there was usually a seed of truth when people made statements in jest. "I'm just trying to protect your privacy," Gaara said as he took the cup from her outstretched hand. "I'm just trying not to get myself strangled again. I doubt we can find another person willing to bring me back to life."

"I'm just giving you a hard time," Beki sank back into the couch, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands. "I don't mind if people find out we're together. Now that my dad knows, it doesn't really matter. His opinion is one of, like, five I give a crap about. You're okay in his book, so I'm happy. Now that he knows about us and accepts it, he'll defend our relationship to anyone who tries to drag us through the mud."

"I'm really glad your dad likes me," Gaara looked down into his cup. "I never thought I would have a girlfriend, let alone one that her family doesn't despise me."

"Hold up," Beki raised her hand. "I said he accepted you, I didn't say he liked you. You'll have to tread that line carefully for a long time." The expression on Gaara's face hardened, as though he was retreating into himself. Beki realized her words had come out more harshly than she intended. "I'm not saying he won't ever like you," Beki leaned forward. "It would be easier for him if he had more kids, or even if my mom were still alive. You need to understand I'm everything he has, and he's going to have to let me go. Over time he'll get used to you and once you show him that he'll still get to be a part of my life, he'll soften up. When he and my mom got together, they were effectively cut off. He's not used to something this normal." Gaara gave a soft laugh and Beki furrowed her brow. "What's up?"

"I'm sorry," Gaara shook his head and smiled at her. "I just never thought we would be considered 'normal', miss future ambassador."

"Do you think that this isn't normal?" Beki asked.

"It isn't that," Gaara explained. "This is the most normal relationship I've ever had. It's just sometimes I almost can't believe it's real. It's hard to believe that it's mine."

"Believe it," Beki said as she sipped her tea.

"I will when you marry me," Gaara stared her down.

"Gaara," The tone in Beki's voice was threatening.

"You won't give me a straight answer," Gaara put his cup on the table. "What will it be, Miss Tsukimori?"

Beki gave an exasperated sigh. "Can you slow down? My dad just found out we're dating. What do you think he'd do if we ran off and eloped?"

"See?" Gaara rested his chin on his hand as he watched her face. "Still no straight answer."

"Okay," Beki clapped her cup on the table. "You want a straight answer? No. I'm not ready to get married, and I think you know that. I don't appreciate you treating this like it's a joke."

"It isn't a joke, Beki," Gaara explained. "I'm just hoping if I keep asking I'll catch you in a good mood and get lucky."

"I understand that you like being the youngest everything," Beki folded her arms. "Getting married at 17 isn't as impressive as becoming a kage at 15. One of those things implies talent and determination. The other implies you rush into decisions and are ruled by your emotions, which is something a shinobi worth his salt would never do."

"I think you're insinuating that my affection for you affects my ability to do my job," Gaara leaned forward. "And you would be right in that accusation. Do you realize how distracting you are? I check my mailbox three times a day hoping a letter from you has arrived. I think about you night and day. I miss you constantly." Gaara sighed. "This separation is unbearable. Excuse me for being so selfish, Beki. I know how you feel but I can't help but try to find a way to bring you closer."

Beki looked at the Kazekage, who for the second time today was baring his soul before her. She heaved a sigh and got up from the couch. He watched her, concern flashing across his face. Beki walked around the coffee table and sat beside him, taking his face in her hands. It's impossible to stay upset at him. "I'm not mad at you. I know how confusing this all is." Beki thought of Naruto and Hinata giggling, how they woke up side by side every morning, of how they were together always. "I get frustrated too, not being able to be like other couples," Beki stroked his cheek. "Let's not take it out on each other, okay? We don't ever get to see each other and it always seems like when we do, we talk about stuff like this. I just want to be together, like we were on the beach."

Gaara put an arm around her and pulled her close. "You mean before I turned into a Tailed Beast and attacked you?"

"Precisely," Beki leaned into his chest and let the sound of his heartbeat and the rhythm of his breathing blot out her thoughts.

"It's getting late," Gaara said and Beki began to pull away, thinking he was kicking her out. Instead, Gaara tightened his grip on her. "Would you like to spend the night?"

Beki looked around the room. "Where's Kankuro going to go?"

Gaara kissed the top of her head. "That's the nice thing about the suite, he has his own room." Beki thought about it for a moment. No one had really seemed to care she had gone out so late. So long as she got home at a reasonable time in the morning it wouldn't raise any alarms for the Hyuugas. "I won't have anything to wear," Beki looked up at him and he smiled gratefully. "You can borrow something of mine," He offered.

They stacked the cups on the tray and walked into Gaara's room. Beki closed the door behind them as Gaara fished through his bag. "Wait," He stopped. "Can you do something for me?"

Beki narrowed her eyes suspiciously, a sly smile pulling at her lips. "What?" She had already begun to undress, peeling off her socks, standing on one leg at a time like a flamingo. Gaara unbuttoned his jacket and held it out to her. He smiled shyly up at her. "I was wondering if I could see you in this?"

As she took the coat from his hands, Beki couldn't help but notice how heavy it was. It was incredible how much weight the Kazekage carried around on himself as though it were nothing. Beki slid the coat. The shoulders sagged on her smaller frame, the sleeves hanging down to the tips of her fingers. The tails dragged on the floor behind her like a train and the front hem of the jacket was long enough to be a scandalous dress on her. Gaara smiled at her affectionately. "So?" Beki held up her arms so the sleeves fell to her elbows. "Do I look as regal and dignified as a kage?" Gaara shook his head. "You're too cute to be dignified." Beki puffed up, feigning insult. "I'll have you know, sir," She wagged the loose sleeve at him. "I am the Drowned Maiden and I will not stand for such slander!" In one fell swoop, Gaara yanked on one of her tails with his foot, knocking her off balance, and then shoved her on the bed.

"It didn't take that much to defeat you," Gaara had locked her in a tight embrace. "Then again, I apparently have a 'bondage thing'. I could just be a specialist in this sort of thing."

"Is this what you meant when I could borrow something of yours?" Beki's voice was muffled in his chest. Gaara chuckled. "No. I'll let you have one of my shirts." He released her and rolled out of bed, scooping up the shirt he had abandoned on top of his bag. Beki took it from him and laboriously peeled off his jacket. Gaara took the coat and slung it over a chair, turning in time to catch Beki as she stripped. His eyes caught on the curves of her legs and stayed there, transfixed, until she pulled off her shirt. Gaara's heart raced as Beki unhooked her bra. She paused and caught his eye. "What's up? Forgot how to talk?"

Gaara shook his head to refocus. "H-hi." Beki laughed. "That's the best you can come up with?" Gaara gestured to the exposed breasts before him. "With this in front of me, yes! I'm a man, Beki. I'm lucky if I can remember to breathe." Beki's lips stretched into a wicked smile. "Really?" Gaara held up his hands defensively. "Look, Ma'am, I don't want any trouble." As she approached, he backed towards the bed until he fell backwards onto it. Beki climbed on top of him, placing her hands on either side of his face. She lowered herself down until her forehead was against his. Gaara felt the warmth of her skin through his clothes. She smelled faintly of vanilla and strawberries. Beki leaned in closer, strands of hair coming loose and brushing against his face. She kissed him softly at first, but slowly it built up until it was a hard pull.

Instinctively Gaara reached up and held Beki's waist. He sat up and pulled her close, his body craving her. Beki ran her fingers through his hair sending sparks down his spine. They broke apart for air and Beki's breath caught with excitement. The sound triggered something in Gaara, a deep physical need, that made him want to pin her down. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to pull her close and hide her from the world, to make her his and his alone. Gaara had no idea how to channel this aggressive hunger. All he could do was squeeze her tighter.

Beki pulled away and Gaara watched her closely, waiting for her next move. She grabbed at the hem of his shirt and began to pull it off, so Gaara raised his arms and helped her along. The sensation of the skin to skin contact was intoxicating, so much so that Beki pressed herself against Gaara, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her face in his neck. Gaara pulled her down onto the bed beside him. Beki broke away and looked at the Kazekage. Gaara reached up and took her face in his hands, his heart throbbing so hard in his chest it felt like it was going to burst. Beki swallowed nervously as she felt his manhood pressing against her. Gaara noticed where her gaze had turned to and began to untangle himself from her. "Sorry," He said breathlessly. Bek grabbed him and drew him near. No, stay." Gaara put his hand on her hip, sliding it under the strap of her panties. "Do you...Do you want to?" Beki's body was on fire. Wherever she was in contact with Gaara was lit up like a marquee, and wherever he wasn't touching her was screaming for his attention. There was nothing more in the world that she wanted than his body. She made up her mind and her heart began to flutter. "Yeah," She said breathlessly. "I need you...I need you really bad."

Gaara kissed her, positioning himself so he was on top of her propped up on his elbows. "If it starts to hurt, we can stop,' He said nervously. "Just say something."

Beki nodded, "Okay."