Although everyone else was filled with excitement as they prepared for the festival, the Kazekage was anxious. He would be able to see Lee for the first time since last spring. He sat as his desk looking at the calendar. February 14th was circled and a countdown had already been initiated to the point where one day left. Thoughts raced through Gaara's mind. Would Lee still love him after so long? Gaara sighed.
A knock shook Gaara from his thoughts. Kankuro entered the Kazekage's office.
"Hey, Gaara. I'm leaving to help the Konoha ninja escort the villagers. I'll see you tomorrow. And try not to worry." Kankuro said as he bid Gaara goodbye.
Gaara yawned. He dug through the folds of his robe and took out a small doll of Lee. He hugged it as he walked home. He had taken the doll everywhere with him since Lee gave it to him. Gaara got home and went to bed, still holding the stuffed Lee. Gaara realized what he could give Lee as a Valentine's Day present as he drifted off to sleep.
Kankuro held his fist in front of Gaara's door. Gaara had changed a lot recently. He seemed happy. Kankuro knew that he would have to face the fact that Gaara had a new love, someone else to confide in. He only hoped that Gaara would still be the close little brother that he had been before. Kankuro knocked tentatively on the door.
"Gaara, wake up!" Kankuro called. He heard a mumble of protest come from inside. "GAARA!!!" Kankuro shouted.
"Kankuro, go away…." Gaara called back, realizing at that moment that Kankuro was home which meant that Lee was in Suna too.
Gaara jumped up and got dressed faster than Kankuro could beat the door down. He forgot that his brother was right outside and opened to door and tried to run out. He ran right into Kankuro knocking them both over.
"Gaara, calm down! Lee's waiting for you in your office. Don't worry!" Kankuro said, scolding his little brother who just got up and ran.
Gaara opened the door to his office. At once, he was nearly knocked over by Lee who insisted on kissing him before he even entered the office. A few nearby people let out some cat call. Gaara blushed slightly.
"Lee, can we get out of the hall?" He asked, pushing Lee into his office and shutting the door.
"Gaara-chan, I've missed you so much. It's been over half a year. Did you get my letters?" Lee burst out.
"Yeah…" Gaara said, blushing at the thought.
Lee drew Gaara in once more. He kissed him deeply. Someone knocked on the door.
"Kazekage-sama, you are needed to start the festival." They announced. Gaara face immediately switched to an extremely annoyed look. He grabbed Lee's hand and pulled him to the balcony, where Tsunade waited.
"Ready?" She asked Gaara. Gaara nodded, still holding Lee's hand.
"Welcome citizens of Suna and Konoha. We are gathered here this weekend for a celebration of the alliance of Sunagakure and Konohagakure. We hope that you will be able to bond with the different people around you and that our alliance will hold strong." Tsunade said, invoking the clapping of the audience. "I would also like to present our ambassador from Konoha who will be staying here for the next year, Rock Lee." Tsunade continued. Gaara's heart flipped in shock and joy. He would have a whole year with Lee.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama. I am very happy to be visiting Suna and I look forward to staying here." Rock Lee said, knowing what was going on. Gaara quickly changed his shocked expression to a more fitting one for the Kazekage.
"I would like all of the citizens of Suna to offer great hospitality to the ambassador. Like last year, my sister, Temari, shall be the ambassador to Konoha. Enjoy the festival." Gaara said, concluding the opening speech. He turned immediately to Lee and kissed him in front of the whole crowd. Lee was so shocked and embarrassed that he couldn't move. The crowd cheered at Lee and Gaara. Gaara took Lee's hand and led him inside.
"Gaara, did…you have to do that…in front of all those people?" Rock Lee said shyly. Gaara caressed Lee's cheek and nodded. He smiled and they went to the festival.
Despite being mobbed by their newfound fan girls, they managed to have a good time at the festival. They went on the Ferris wheel again. Gaara enjoyed cotton candy. They watched the fireworks. After the fireworks, the stopped by a bar and ate some yummy curry. Gaara dragged Lee back to his apartment.