Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

The poll will stay up until Friday. As of now you can choose between ItaDei, Uchihacest (Itasasu), and NejiGaa.

Sorry for the late update! I started reading the Durarara! light novels and they kind of distracted me.

Thanks for the reviews! :D

Orange Sand

Chapter 4: Closer

"What do you mean the same reason we are here?" Gaara made his way in between Sasuke and Naruto trying to prevent any type of violence.

"What Sasuke means is that he was escorting me to the Leaf Village. I guess now I can head to the village with your team." Gaara was harshly pulled behind Sasuke as he activated his Sharingan.

"I'm taking Gaara to the leaf myself. You can head back now and wait at the gate or you can stay. Let me warn you, If you stay I will get you out of my way by any means." Naruto tensed before glaring at the arrogant Uchiha.

"I think the decision is up to Gaara, so Gaara who would you rather go with?" They can't honestly expect me to choose who to go with, right? The expectant stares answered the question all itself. Well Naruto's mission is to bring me back to the Leaf. On the other hand Sasuke has done a pretty good job so far. I think I know the solution.

"I will go with Naruto's team. It's their mission. You should go see how your team is doing, Sasuke." The Uchiha scowled at Naruto before placing his hand on Gaara's cheek. He placed a light kiss on his lips before disappearing from sight. Gaara flushed before turning to face his escorts. "W-we should go." Everyone nodded before starting the journey back to Konoha. No one seemed to noticed the seething blonde in the back.

Meanwhile In A Hidden Location

"Sasuke, have you gathered any more information on the nine-tails?" The deep voice echoed throughout the damp cave.

"Hai. He seems to have a new weakness I never noticed before." The shadowy figure nodded it's head to the new information before speaking,

"This weakness would be?..."

"He has taken interest in something I want."

GAARA'S POV:

The team had stopped to take break when the sky darkened with the promise of an incoming storm. Kakashi was sitting in a nearby tree reading, Sakura was cooking a small meal, Sai was painting the sky, and Gaara was sleeping in a tree leaning on Naruto's shoulder. The blonde was also fast asleep unconsciously wrapping his arms around the small redhead's waist. A gentle breeze danced across pale skin sending a shiver down the spine of the redhead. He shifted closer to the warmth he was feeling and let a soft sigh escape his lips.

Gaara woke up do delicate movement to his left. He cracked open one eye to see the blonde untangling himself from the sleepy redhead. When he noticed Gaara was awake he sent him a small smile before dropping down from the tree. Gaara watched as the blonde disappeared behind some bushes. I wonder what he is doing? Gaara dropped from the tree and went through the bushes he saw Naruto disappear behind. When he broke through the shrubs he saw Naruto sitting on a large rock, staring at the sky. He slowly approached and took a seat next to his close friend.

"Naruto what are you doing out here?"

Naruto turned to glance at the attractive redhead beside him. "Thinking about some stuff."

"Stuff?"

Naruto sighed softly before completely facing Gaara. "It's just weird for Sasuke to just show up near Konoha so randomly. I've been chasing after him for years and then I suddenly see him with you...Gaara I have to ask...How did you meet up with him?"

"I was on my way to Konoha when he showed up with his team. He threatened me. I almost killed his teammate. He escorted me along the path to Konoha. Then your team showed up."

"Uh,...Gaara?"

"Hn?"

"Are you and Sasuke friends now?" Friends with the arrogant Uchiha? Never really thought about that.

"I guess."

"O-oh."

"Hn." Gaara gently rested his head on the blondes shoulder and closed his eyes. Naruto tensed before slowly relaxing.

"Hey, Gaara?"

"Hmm?"

"A-are you and Sasuke more than f-friends?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"He kissed you." Gaara felt warmth spread across his face. He quickly pushed that away and shifted into a more comfortable position.

"He was acting weird the whole time I was with him. I just know the next time I see him I'm going to murder him for that."

"Ok." Naruto softly rested his on top of the redhead's before closing his eyes also.

"Gaara, why did you step down as Kazekage?"

"Love."

"L-love?"

"I'm tired of being alone. I need time to live as a normal person and spend time with someone I love. I plan to find that one person soon."

"Heh. They might be closer than you think."

"Yeah, maybe."

Both youths awoke to heavy rain pouring down onto them. With a few quick hand signs both were back at camp. They split apart to go into their own tents. Gaara lay awake listening to the loud thunder rolling by. Will I find my love soon? Maybe they are closer than I once thought. I have a feeling Konoha might have someone there for me. With a small smile on his lips he drifted off to sleep.

SASUKE'S POV:

Sasuke managed to gather Suigetsu and Juugo and set out on a mission. The mission was simple,

"Sasuke you must capture Gaara and take him back to the base. He will be the bait to finally obtaining the nine-tails. After the host is dead Gaara is yours to do with as you please."

Sasuke smirked at the thought of finally getting rid of the dobe and having Gaara as his. Soon Gaara, soon you will be mine.

I'm thinking of writing a Durarara! fanfiction but I'm not sold on the idea yet. Maybe after this one is finished.

If Gaara seems too comfortable with Naruto it's because they are really close friends in this fic. Gaara and Naruto write each other often, so naturally they feel comfortable around each other. Plus Sasuke left Karin behind because she is too weak now to be of any use.

*So, Who should win Gaara's heart in the end?*

Review please!