A/N: I am so so so sorry for the wait. I was sick all week and had no access to the computer. I will try to move things more quickly and work more on my grammar and the story. Chuu 3

Three

(Gaara)

The night was filled with uneasy twists and turns. I couldn't sleep. The sound of the gamboling leaves lay just on my window sill. The wind was pushing them up against the glass, begging to be brought in. I lied there awake all night. My eyes staring up at the ceiling, I gently place my middle and index finger on my lower lip, pulling it down slowly. I close my eyes, picturing the kiss I shared with Uzumaki. My heart sang in so many different songs, first a slow and steady melody, but once Naruto crossed my mind it plucked my heart strings vigorously. I can feel my toes and fingertips grow numb from anticipation. Deep down I wanted Naruto to stay the night. He left right after he invited me to his day tomorrow. He was probably extremely halcyon as I was, too excited to say anything more, too shy to continue to stay another fleeting moment. I wasn't quite sure when I'd meet him, chunin exams were in a week. I had plenty of time to prepare. I was also debating on what to wear on our outing tomorrow. Kazekage robes, my shinobi gear, or should I go a little more formal? I was at war with myself, I had been for a while, but now I was having a side dispute on what I would wear. I was completely losing it, and I wasn't sure why.

Who am I kidding? I know why... I hated my self profusely for having felt this strongly for someone. I also despised myself for showing any emotion at all. I was suppose to appear as a well kept guy. Someone who wouldn't be faced by petty feelings such as want and need. I shake my head and turn on my belly, burying my face in the warm pillow. I take in a deep breath of stale air and wrap my arms around my lower stomach. It suddenly reminded me of Kakashi, when I lied there exposed and utterly defenseless. Why would he do that to me? Why would he hold me like that and touch me without permission... More importantly... WHY WOULD I LET HIM?! I let out a muffled scream. I felt lassitude overcome me. My eyes shut tightly. So much was happening with me that I didn't understand. My abdomen hurt with anxiety and I grip it tight. I could hear the sand labyrinthine in my gourd. My emotions were confusing and so was Kakashi. But especially Naruto.

0o0o0o

It turned out to be a restless, sleepless night with nothing but an agonizing pang of confusion. My mind kept screaming provocative things. You should have let him in! You shouldn't have been so scared! I was one to only think how I feel and react to things on the inside, preventing to lose my composure. Unlike Naruto, I felt showing pain, excitement, laughter, and whatever else that happens in short random burst were best kept in my mind. I guess you can say I had sort of two personalities, the outside Gaara and the inner Gaara, to whom if I let out would probably be just as annoying as Naruto is.

I sat up in my bed, my head spinning and mind went amiss. I try to pull myself from my bed, objective, bathroom. I wheel myself forward, sliding the paper door open to feel Kankuro's arms wrap around my shoulders. "Good morning sunshine, how was your little confab with Naruto last night?" Kankuro asked, sounding somewhat suspicious.

"Fine, just fine," I state.

"I heard you screaming in your sheets, wanna talk about it, Otouto?"

Damn, he is persistent.

"I can't, I am fairly busy today nii-san." I duck under his arms, making a hasty escape to the bathroom. I turn out the shower, letting the water run enough until it became lukewarm. I undress myself from my pajamas, stepping inside the contained shower. The water ran warm down my back and the front of my chest, soothing my aching muscles. I reach for a glass bottle of scented oils and extract some onto my hand. I gently massage them all over my body, the necessary spots, easing my dry scratchy skin. Living in a dry place your skin is either immune to it or against it. My skin was against it. I tried my best to maintain moisture in my skin when needed. Considering my skin is rather fair and prone to sunburns and dry scratchy rashes, I use oils and lotions to keep my skin from burning. Its not just me, the men in our family just have sensitive skin.

After my shower I dry myself, quickly slipping on my long decided outfit for the day. A red jacket with four buttons on each side, darker red joggers and a brown leather belt to match. My hair went flat from the water and I evenly brushed it out, knowing that it will eventually work back to its normal messy state within the next half hour. I press my hands on the edge of the sink, looking down. I wasn't ready for this outing. Maybe physically, but not mentally. It took at least fifty even deep breaths before I finally stepped out of the bathroom.

"Took you long enough, someone is waiting for you outside," Kankuro sang, rustling my hair with his hand. I scoff. I just brushed it!

Here I am, taking the courageous steps to face the man I could potentially be in love with.

0o0o0

The breeze pushed on my skin. I could feel myself, heavy and tired, walk so slowly besides Naruto. He was wearing a somewhat large backpack on his back. His stride cheerful and charismatic. Uzumaki's eyes were so wide and bright, but mine were so chatoyant, so exhausted. You'd think I would be so use to not sleeping, after years of avoiding it. When the Shukaku was extracted I was able to sleep again, but getting into that habit of scheduled sleeping, I hadn't realized how much I needed it. Waking up was a chore. I tried to maintain somewhat understandable. (Don't get me wrong, I was unbelievably excited for today.) I was just not, you know, expressive. My feet pressed behind him, matching his rhythmic steps.

We entered a canopy of bushes and trees, leading to a large spring with two separate waterfalls. The water, that crashed against boulders, sprayed mist of cool earthy water. The trees turned into a beautiful array of pink and white and the grass was covered in cherry blossom pedals and green grass. My jaw dropped, (metaphorically). It was efflorescent, there was no other way to explain it. Blooming!

Naruto placed his bag on the ground directly under the largest sakura tree. He brushed aside as much pedals as he could and opened the bag, taking out a large quilt. He set it down neatly and began to arrange different bento boxes in the corners of the blanket and a fancy bottle of sake with two polished clay cups. He smiles, satisfied with himself and sits down. I follow suite, my face felt hot. He arranged a picnic for us. I wasn't the most romantic person, this was all new to me. I press my rump on the blanket, taking off my shoes in respect before doing so. Naruto looks at me, his eyes intent. I couldn't help but look away. I felt awkward and didn't know exactly what to say.

"Gaara," he spoke first. He popped open the bottle of sake and poured us each a glass. I didn't drink much, hardly ever, but I accepted the drink. "This is to you, for being so stubborn, strong, silent, cool... Alive." He held out the glass towards me and we clink them together and each sipped at it.

"Thank you.. Naruto... Thank-"

"No, no, don't thank me. I just missed talking to you. I needed to take you to a special place to tell you this..." He paused. His eyes focused solely on mine. I take a deep breath and instead of returning the gaze I look around at the scenery.

He must think I am rude... I say to myself. "It sure is lovely here. Konoha truly holds being the prettiest village."

"You're cute," Naruto says suddenly, sipping at his drink. He held his head in his hand and rested his elbow on his leg. His smile was extremely hard not to look away from.

I gulp.

"You're cute when you act awkward," Naruto restated.

I take another gulp, but it was empty. "H-ow.. That's... That's inappropriate," I half shout, tripping over my words.

He just smiles in response. "I'm sorry, Gaara-chan." He used the wrong honorific, it was sort of disrespectful, but I didn't call him out on it like other people would. Instead I tried to take another drink of my sake.

"Well, I brought us some food. Sakura helped me make this stuff. Rice balls, fried vegetable noodles, saury, and some sugar cookies after. How's that sound?" Naruto asks, he hands me a bento box. I take it, hesitating.

He hands me a pair of chop sticks and I rip them apart generously. The scent of fish and fried curry vegetables fill my nose. I could feel my mouth water and stomach grumble. I wanted to dig in. The box felt over filled, which made me overjoyed. I was starving, Naruto too. He claps his hands together, saying thanks for the meal, I repeat the same gesture and we both dive in. I felt more relaxed eating in front of him this time. In fact I finished before him, which was an oddity. Shifting all my weight against the tree, letting my belly extend. Naruto leaned back just the same, letting out a satisfied burp. I close my eyes, tilting my head back towards the sun.

The bottle of sake was half empty. I felt somewhat guilty for allowing myself to get somewhat buzzed, I was able to hold my alcohol well. We sat there, talking about whatever popped in our minds, scooting closure to each other every few minutes. It was platonic, the heat between us was comforting and I wanted to be even closer. The thought of the night before had me thinking. Even if we did end up falling in love with each other.. There was no way it could work out. Being Kazekage was one thing, and the fact our villages were days apart was another. I couldn't possibly relieve myself of my duty because of this.

Naruto wore a cream green colored tee with some cargo shorts. His eyes were shifted towards the spring, as if begging to jump in. He lifted up his shirt, relieving his tight abs and hip bones which lead a crease in the skin on both sides, pointing to his lower region. I hold back my gaze and try to find something else to look at.

"Gaara, lets go for a swim!" He begs, his ocean coloured orbs pout.

I think for a moment and realize I had my sand armour on, "I can't."

"Come on, don't be like that! It'll be fun! Can you not swim?" He was persistent.

It wasn't that I cannot swim, because I was okay at that part. I just would sink like a rock if I did. Naruto was my cynosure now, his body had a certain curve to it as he stride towards the water. I cross my arms, I was almost convinced. Naruto gave it a few more minutes before stripping down to his boxers. That's when I lost all control of my emotions. My face felt hot and I cover my mouth with my hands, acting surprised. Naruto noticed and continued to flirt and tease. He shot a half smile at me, hoping it will pull me closure to him. I roll my eyes and shake my head. Why does he have to do this to me?! I finally made the decision to stand up, stripping my clothes nervously. I kept look around, making sure no one but Naruto and I was in view. Naruto had already been in the water by now, cheering me on as I remove my pants, showing my blue boxer briefs. I couldn't imagine how red my face must have been, but it didn't stop me. I needed to not be so demure, especially around Naruto. If I can do it in front of Kakashi, I can in front of Naruto. I wasn't the kind of person who was too confident about my body. I felt I was always somewhat bloated near my abdomen, I was self conscious of my legs and my back as well. I did have visible muscle, there was a faded outline of my abs when I stood up or stretched. My thighs were also somewhat protuberant, only noticeable when I walked or ran without pants on, which I rarely did. All in all though, I wasn't too big in fat or muscle and I wasn't too small either. I was pretty average in that department, maybe smaller than half the people I know.

Naruto splashed about in the water, his hands reaching out to me, I walk, taking my time to get to where my whiskered friend was. I take a step in. The water was actually refreshing. Warm enough to dive in even without hesitation. I focus my chakra in my feet and step onto the water. "Come on coon eyes! Get in!" There he goes opening his mouth again.

I let my inner self slip for a moment, "Dammit Naruto! You shut your mouth or I will shut it-" I suddenly couldn't see him, but I felt something tickle my feet under water, I let my guard down and stopped focusing on keeping my feet planted on the water. Almost instantly my whole body fell under, I swallow a gulp of water through my nose and push myself up to the surface. Cool droplets ran down my face and I coughed.

Naruto sprang up right after me, laughing. "GOT YOU!"

I let out a groan of disappointment and splashed some water in his face. Naruto dived under before the splash hit him and popped up behind me. I could feel his hands under my arm pits, tickling them. I let out an abrupt chuckle, which I hardly ever do. I could hear Naruto's giggles in my ear. I felt maybe too exposed, even in front of Naruto. He kept inching his hands closer to my belly. I squirmed under the water, treading the best I could. I wasn't too good at swimming, I was sure Naruto could see that. Every so often my face went under when it was hard to keep afloat. I laugh and splash him, trying to get away, but he had his grip on me.

"NARUTO AHHWAHH! STOP! AHAHA!" I shouted. I could feel my eyes water from holding back my laughter.

"Make me, no-brow!" Naruto teases. I managed to regain my strength and I turn to face him, my hands on his shoulders now. His grin turned into a teeth baring smile. I accepted his challenge and began pushing myself against him. He seemed to be enjoying this, he takes his hands and grip my sides. "Oh you want to play dirty, huh? You just can't resist me."

My eyes narrow and I ignore his bullying. I wanted to shove him under water, you know for fun. Not to harm him, but to show him he should treat me like an equal and not his uke. I cringe at that thought and shove him under, pushing myself away immediately. I dive under water too. Feeling somewhat satisfied. But that satisfaction was quickly lost when I found myself being held by each of my limbs. The water rushed around me and I held my breath best I could. Opening my eyes I seen what was keeping me from moving. It was multiple Narutos keeping me still. He used his shadow clone jutsu on me?! That idiot! I struggle a bit trying to get my barrings. The water made my vision blurry. My heart began to race and suddenly I could feel gentle hands on my chest. Naruto, or so I assumed was really him, was in front of me. His eyes blue as the water around, over, and above us. He smiled and placed both hands on either side of my cheeks. I wiggle, trying to break free. Air was on my mind, and from what I could feel, my lungs needed it more than anything.

Bubbles rush around us and I could still feel his hands on my cheeks, I close my eyes, thinking of screaming. This game was going on for too long. Out of no where I suddenly felt something soft touch my lips, and than freedom. My head finally surfaced and I took a long deep breath. Naruto's head bobbed, he no longer smiled. His face full of determination and want. I was still. Treading, keeping myself surfaced.

He kissed me...

It took me a moment for the events to register.

He kissed me! He held me underwater for that?!

I felt my heart burn with anger and I began to doggy paddle towards him, muttering not so nice things under my breath. In an instant Naruto was in front of me, his eyes focused on mine. I didn't feel angry anymore. Instead, I felt nervous.

"Gaara," he began, his voice low. "You don't have any idea how badly I want you."

"Nn..?"

Before I could respond, I felt his forehead on mine. I close my eyes, refusing to see anything but my eyelids. I had no escape, not that I wanted to escape.

"Do you want me?" He asks. Again, I had no time to answer before I felt one of his hands on the bottom of my back, inching its way down my boxer briefs. The other hands was pressed firmly on one side of my neck. My eyes shot open. His chest against mine. The sound of the waterfall dulcet, but loud smashed against the spring's surface.

"I-I-" I couldn't speak. My head spoke for me, You do you moron! Say something, or do something! Anything but what you are doing!

Naruto pressed closer. I could feel his heart beat and his skin rub against mine. I couldn't move or speak, no matter how badly I wanted to. I don't think I ever wanted something so badly.. He continued to move his hand deeper in my pantsu. I felt something tingle and twitch in my lower region, it was unnerving. Naruto pressed a finger on the tip of my bum and I squirmed, but I did not move away.

"Lets finish what we started," Naruto sang in my ear. Sweet and heavy was his voice, I nod. We pull apart and returned to solid ground. What was I doing? Why was I obeying him? We put our clothes back on and pack everything up. I wasn't sure what was to happen from this point on.. All I knew was I wanted him badly and he wanted me too.

o0o0o

I followed Naruto to his house. It wasn't too large, the scent of cup ramen and lavender filled my nose. It wasn't too messy, just not too organized. We were dried off by this time. We set everything in his dining room and I allowed him to lead me to his bedroom.

His bed was untidy, clothes hung on a string across the room to dry. My feet pressed in the wood floor, waiting for the next command. The sun was setting and many thoughts ran through my head, keeping me from enjoying the moment. I bet Kankuro was wondering where I am. I bet he'd be upset with me when I got back.

Naruto sat on the edge of his bed, gesturing for me to join him. I sat next to him. Our hands a half a centimetre apart, I could feel his heat. I could feel his eyes on me and I can feel my skin prickle with nervous goosebumps. I was out of it. My head everywhere but where it's suppose to be. Was this a crime? Was it a sin? Naruto's index finger wraps around mine and we look at each other.

"Are you ready?" He asks, his eyes just as unsure as mine.

"What are we going to do?" I laugh nervously.

He smiles, "Just kiss me... Follow me.."

"Hold me..." I finish, and I lean in towards his face, kissing him.

And he kissed me back...

A/N: I hope this chapter was alright. I quickly skimmed over it. I was rushed towards the end and hope the next chapter will make up for it. If you have any suggestions or complaints PM me so I can fix my mistakes. I respond to kindness. 3

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