21. I Only Kiss Your Shadow
Gaara Subakuno sat in his last class of the day Monday afternoon feeling unusually anxious. Not that anyone else could tell by the way the redhead sat quietly at his desk, his arms resting calmly on his desk. After all, it was Gaara – the demon from Suna, the monster who lurks in silence before striking in a bloodthirsty rage. Sure, they noticed the way Gaara's eyes were practically boring a hole through the student's head before him, and they were probably even suspicious. Some were beginning to whisper, saying that Gaara had finally found his next target.
They were wrong, of course. Gaara wasn't anxious due to an overwhelming hunger for blood. It was quite the opposite, actually.
He was in love.
It had been three days since the party at Naruto's apartment, and Gaara had spent those very three days struggling to rationalize the bizarre feelings he'd been having. Of course, the redhead knew Naruto was important to him. That was the reason why Gaara joined Naruto's group to begin with – so he could get close to the blond and learn more about him.
During the party, though, Gaara had finally realized that his feelings went beyond a simple adoration for Naruto. No, he loved Naruto.
At least… I think that's what it is. I haven't really loved someone before, but… what else could it be? I don't want to believe that anything but love could make me feel this way…
Yes, it had been during the party – shortly after Akamaru had decided to pee on Gaara's shirt – that the redhead had come to this realization. It wasn't even so much what Naruto did that brought Gaara to this decision, either. If anything… it was Sasuke.
Sure, Gaara had never cared for the Uchiha before meeting Naruto. After all, Sasuke was a rich, cold-hearted, patronizing jerk who somehow had earned the love and adoration of most of the student body. It wasn't fair to think that he could just stroll right through life so easily, so Gaara had decided to teach the Uchiha what it meant to suffer.
After the fight with Naruto, though, Gaara's bitterness had only grown. While Naruto had earned the redhead's respect through his kind words and deeds, Sasuke had only appeared more unworthy. What did the Uchiha do to earn Naruto's love and devotion? Where was the justice in letting someone as selfless as Naruto waste his effort on a cold, insensitive prick like Sasuke?
There isn't any justice, of course! That's why I asked Uchiha that question… to test him. If he really cared for Naruto, then he would've stepped in to protect Naruto, even if it cost him his own life. Even then, though, I knew what Uchiha's answer would be. He does love Naruto… it just took a while for him to realize it.
Gaara felt his heart sink. He knew it was useless – Naruto loved Sasuke, and Sasuke loved Naruto. Even though the Uchiha appeared to be cold and indifferent to his boyfriend's affection, it was all a façade. Deep down, beneath the surface, Sasuke couldn't deny his feelings for Naruto. And that was the problem – Gaara had misjudged Sasuke, and it killed him to admit it.
In reality, Sasuke was a genuinely good person. Gaara couldn't understand why the Uchiha would choose to hide that sympathetic character beneath a cold exterior – but, then again, how long had Gaara suppressed his feelings? It had taken Naruto to awaken those dormant emotions – maybe Sasuke just needed little push himself?
Still, the problem remained – there was no room for Gaara in Naruto's love life. It didn't seem fair that the redhead couldn't even get a chance at love with Naruto, that Sasuke should, once again, waltz right through life unopposed. Even if Sasuke was worthy of Naruto's love, it didn't necessarily mean he was the best pick for the job.
Which is why I have to see him today. I don't care if he rejects me… even if he never wants to see me again. I'd rather suffer the heartache of loss than spend my whole life wondering if I ever even had a chance.
"All right, class, that's all for today," Asuma announced as he fumbled in his pocket for his box of cigarettes. "Don't forget to your homework tonight is problems 1-10 in the book, okay?"
There were numerous grumbles that sounded somewhat similar to "okay," followed by the shuffling of feet as the students shuffled out the door. For the first time in a while, Gaara actually led the pack, his backpack slung over his shoulder as he rushed out the door. Knowing Naruto, he'd only have a few minutes to catch the blond before he left the building.
Hurrying down the hall, the redhead was pleased to see Naruto's vibrant, yellow locks shining over the heads of his peers by his locker. Taking a deep breath, Gaara walked to the vulpine boy's side and tapped him once on the shoulder. Naruto spun around in shock, only to breathe a sigh of relief when he saw Gaara's green eyes staring back at him.
"Oh, it's just you, Gaara. What's up?" the blond asked as he packed his books into his backpack.
"We need to talk," Gaara said simply, trying not to avert his eyes.
"Really? About what?" Naruto asked before being struck with an idea. "Wait! You want to return that shirt, right? I already told you, it's no problem."
"It's not that," Gaara interrupted flatly.
"Well, what's the deal, then?"
"I can't talk about it here," the redhead replied, glancing at the crowd of passing students. "It's private."
"Hmm… I'll tell you what – Kiba has track practice after school today. We'll have the apartment to ourselves, so we can talk there," Naruto said with a grin as he slammed his locker shut.
Gaara considered the proposal for a moment. He really hadn't thought of a place for the two of them to meet, but he wasn't sure if going to Naruto's apartment was a good idea. After all, he'd probably be too distracted thinking of what Naruto and Sasuke had done a few days before – or, at least what he thought they'd done. Sasuke certainly had wanted them to keep quiet about it, at least.
Then again, the only other place where they could have some semblance of privacy would be Gaara's house, and he knew they'd only end up being pestered by Temari and Kankuro.
"Fine. Let's go," Gaara concluded with a single nod of his head.
The walk to Naruto's apartment was, needless to say, awkward for both teens. For Gaara, it was fifteen minutes of anxiety as he tried to figure out what exactly he was going to say to the blond, while trying to not to make things more suspicious than they already were. As for Naruto, he was forced to try and make conversation with one of the most anti-social guys at Konoha High, which was quite an obstacle for even Naruto to overcome.
"So, Gaara… have fun at the party last weekend?"
"Yes."
"I see… well, sorry again about Akamaru. You know he did the exact same thing to me the first time we met? I think it's his way of saying hello, you know?"
"Is that so?"
"Gaara! Watch out! There's a car coming…"
"If he hits me, he dies."
Things continued in this manner the entire trip. Naruto would ask some simple question, and Gaara would give a short, unenthusiastic response. Sure, the redhead knew Naruto was only trying his best, but he didn't want to get wrapped up in petty small talk when there was something far more important on his mind. As they drew closer to Naruto's apartment, however, this tension only grew worse. Gaara felt a pounding sensation in his head as he felt himself begin to panic, while Naruto became increasingly uncomfortable trying to make conversation.
Maybe I should head back now. I can just say I forgot something… no, what am I thinking? He'd just get suspicious. This is my chance. I have to tell him…
"Alrighty then! Here we are!" Naruto announced with a nervous chuckle as he fiddled with his keys.
"This is it," Gaara concurred in his distant tone.
After unlocking the door, Naruto pushed it inward and stepped inside, where he kicked off his shoes and tossed his backpack on the floor. "What a long day! I hate Mondays."
"I know how you feel," the redhead lied, setting his own backpack on the ground.
"Say, you want something to eat? We probably have cookies or something lying around here…" Naruto asked as he stepped into the kitchen.
"I'm fine," Gaara replied. "If you don't mind, I'd actually like to get right to business."
Glancing back over his shoulder, Naruto froze with a bag of potato chips in his hand as he considered Gaara's proposal. After only a moment's hesitation, however, he placed the snack back in the cupboard and nodded. "Sure. We'll talk on the couch."
Following Naruto's, Gaara stepped into the living room and slowly sat down on the sofa, while the blond plopped down on the other end, sitting with his legs resting on the middle cushion. Once they were both situated, Naruto decided to make the first move. "So, what's up?"
"Do you love Uchiha?" Gaara asked bluntly. Both he and the other teen were taken aback by the question.
"Well, of course!" Naruto replied with a laugh as he scratched his cheek sheepishly. "I mean, he's my boyfriend, after all."
"I know that… but is he the one?"
Naruto considered this for a moment, resting his head on one of the throw pillows. "That's a tough one. Can you ever really be sure that you've found the one person who can bring you true happiness? I suppose there's always the possibility of meeting someone else…"
"So there's a chance you'd leave Uchiha if you found the right person?" Gaara asked, trying to hide the hopefulness in his voice.
"No," Naruto responded simply, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. "Sasuke's too important for me to just leave him like that."
"But, you said…"
"I know – there's always the chance that there's someone better out there, but that doesn't mean I'd leave Sasuke," the blond said, running a hand through his hair in thought. "I don't know if this makes any sense, but he's the first person I've ever felt this way about. Sure, I've had crushes on people, but that wasn't love. I got over Sakura rejecting me time after time, but… I think Sasuke will stay with me forever."
Gaara remained silent and simply stared into the other teen's blue eyes as his fears were confirmed. "So he is the one."
"Well, if that's what being the one is, then yes. Even if Sasuke and I go our separate ways, I'll always remember him," Naruto concluded with a sigh before sitting up suddenly. "Why are you asking me all this, anyway?"
Took him long enough…
"I'll tell you, but you'll have to close your eyes first."
Naruto shot the redhead a skeptical look. "What are you planning?"
"Just close your eyes. I need to figure something out for myself," Gaara said almost pleadingly.
After hesitating for just a second, Naruto complied and closed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest impatiently. Seeing this, Gaara took a deep breath and moved forward. Leaning in, the redhead parted his lips ever so slightly and, briefly, planted a kiss on his beloved blond.
It barely lasted a second, but it was enough for Gaara. He'd wanted nothing more than to experience Naruto for himself, to feel what Sasuke felt every time they were together, and somehow Gaara had found it in that momentary connection. No sooner had the redhead's lips graced Naruto's, however, than the blond's eyes shot open. He kicked Gaara off the couch and into a nearby end table, where he knocked over a lamp. There was a loud crack as the lamp hit the floor and the light bulb shattered, sending small pieces of glass flying into the air.
"What the hell are you doing, Gaara?" Naruto asked, wiping his lips with his sleeve as he rose from the couch. "Didn't I just tell you that I love Sasuke?"
"I had to know what it was like," Gaara asked from the carpet. He glanced down at this hand, and found it was bleeding. He felt no pain. "Uchiha's not the only one who loves you."
"Wait… so, when you said you were rivals…"
Gaara nodded. "I know I can't possibly take you away from Uchiha, but I had to make my feelings known. I'll understand if you never want to see me again."
"I don't hate you, Gaara," Naruto said, extending a hand to the fallen redhead. "I'm mad as hell at you, but I don't hate you."
He doesn't? What's wrong with this guy?
"Look, I can't help it if you have feelings for me," the blond continued as he pulled Gaara to his feet. "The same goes for you, though. I love Sasuke, and you can't make me change my mind just by kissing me."
"I know."
"Then why'd you do it?"
It was a good question. Gaara considered it a moment before sighing. "I just wanted to know what it was like. I wanted to feel what Uchiha feels whenever he's with you, if only for a moment."
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but you'll never know what that's like," Naruto said, placing a hand on the redhead's shoulder consolingly. "A kiss is more than two people locking lips – it's an expression of the feelings they have for each other. Unless you find someone who shares those feelings and can return them, then you might as well be kissing a pillow or something."
"I'm not an idiot," Gaara snapped as he slapped the blond's hand away. "I know I could never feel what Uchiha must feel, because I'll never be able to replace him. But still, I wanted to get as close as I could. I couldn't just leave with nothing."
Naruto stared at the redhead, recognizing for the first time the frustration in Gaara's eyes. Never before had the blond seen such obvious emotion in the other teen – it made him uncomfortable to think he was making Gaara seem at least somewhat vulnerable. Rather than stand in silence, though, Naruto scratched his head and tried to make sense of the whole situation. "Look… I didn't mean to offend you or anything. It's just… well, I heard you'd never loved anything but yourself before we met."
"That's true," Gaara confessed with a nod. He brushed a hand across the tattoo on his forehead, the kanji 'ai.' "But, even though I never cared about anyone else, I always knew exactly what love was."
"I don't understand…"
"Let me explain," the redhead said as he sat back down on the couch. His hand was still bleeding. "Ever since I was born, I've been despised by my family. My mom died giving birth to me, so I've always been blamed for her death. They took me in and raised me, of course, but I've never really belonged. There's always been bitterness in my father's voice, and my siblings, though they act like they care for me, have always associated me with the loss of our mom.
"I knew something was wrong. I could see how other families acted, how there was always this general happiness about them. How they all had moms. Then I noticed how my father treated my brother and sister. Even though he maintained his cold exterior, he almost seemed gentle around them. I knew it was my fault. The reason he was so unhappy, the reason Kankuro and Temari would cry themselves to sleep – I was the one that robbed them of their joy. Sure, my siblings cared for me, but I knew what they were thinking. They'd traded their mother for a little brother, an added burden. I was the short straw, and they got stuck with it."
"Gaara, I'm sure Temari and Kankuro…"
"I'm sure they do too, Naruto," Gaara interrupted, sounding somewhat irritated. "At least, they do now. They've had time to adjust – but I'm sure they still wonder from time to time what life would be like if it was the other way around. What if she'd lived, and I was gone instead. They'd probably be happier. My father would be, at least. He wouldn't have the added stress of providing for his family and raising his kids on his own.
"That was how I grew up, though – knowing nobody would love me, because I would always be the one who destroyed what love they once had. I saw how it crippled them, that loss, and so I became determined not to feel anything of the sort. I killed my emotions then – or, at least, I thought I did. For sixteen years, I managed to survive as a coldhearted killer, but now… just look at me! I'm talking to you about love…"
Naruto was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry, Gaara. I didn't know…"
"It's fine. I shouldn't have told you anyway. Just… don't try to trivialize my feelings. Even if I've never loved someone before, I still know what love is," Gaara continued, turning his head to the side in shame. "And since I'll never be able to take Uchiha's place, I decided to kiss you just once before giving up on love altogether."
"No!"
Gaara was stunned. No sooner had the redhead risen off the couch and started for the door, than he was cut off by a fuming Naruto, who placed both hands firmly on Gaara's shoulders.
"You can't give up on finding happiness just because I'm already taken, Gaara," Naruto said, almost as if he was scolding the other teen. "You said it yourself – there's always the possibility that you'll find someone better out there."
"But it's like you and Uchiha – even if I find someone new, I'll never be able to stop thinking of you…"
"So what? You shouldn't forget the people you love! But that doesn't mean you have to suffer the rest of your life! You have to try and move on and try to find love with someone else," Naruto began before sighing. "Look, if me and Sasuke broke up, I'd be devastated. I probably wouldn't get over it for quite some time, but eventually I'd try to find someone new. Even though that person could never replace Sasuke, I know I'd be happier with someone than living the rest of my life alone."
"So… I don't have any chance with you, then?"
"Not with things the way they are. I'm sorry," Naruto continued, dropping his hands to his side. "I don't want to let this ruin our friendship, though. I still care about you, Gaara – just… not in the same way you care for me, I guess."
That hurt. Gaara knew the vulpine boy was trying his best to spare his feelings, but hearing that definitive rejection was simply painful. He glanced down at his hand – it was still bleeding. "I understand. I'll leave now."
"Are you gonna be okay? You can stay for a bit if you want…"
"No. It's better this way," the redhead sighed as he picked his backpack off the floor. He heard a crunch as he stepped on a piece of the shattered light bulb. "Sorry about the mess."
"It's fine. See you at lunch tomorrow?" Naruto asked, following the other teen to the door.
"Sure," Gaara replied, a trace of a smile on his lips. With a bittersweet feeling in his heart, the redhead turned his back on Naruto's apartment and sighed.
Naruto Uzumaki… will you ever cease to amaze me?
xxxxx
Shikamaru Nara stood on the front porch of a quaint, white, two-story house, his legs shaking anxiously. He had no idea what had possessed him to come to the Subakuno residence – one moment he had been heading home, intending to fall asleep on the couch, the next he was marching off in the complete opposite direction. Maybe he'd wanted to go this particular house ever since the party Friday night, and it was only the sight of Gaara heading towards Naruto's apartment that triggered his reaction.
Who am I kidding? That's exactly what it was. I saw my chance and jumped on it. But now…
Shikamaru stared up at the door and raised his finger towards the bell. He stopped just after brushing the button and dropped his hand back to his side in defeat. Yes, he'd found the perfect opportunity to act now that Gaara was absent – that was supposed to be the hard part. But now that the lazy genius had finally reached his destination, he found it next to impossible to ring the doorbell.
What the hell am I doing here, anyway? Yes, she was hot – but I've seen plenty of attractive girls before. Why do I suddenly feel the urge to ask her out, when I've only talked to her twice?
Shaking his head, the Nara reached into his pants pocket and withdrew a pack of cigarettes. As he flicked one of the smokes from the bottom of the box, he felt a wave of shame rush over him. He hated smoking – the fumes always made his eyes water, and it wasn't exactly a healthy habit either – but he found it settled his nerves when things got tense. To think that he'd get so worked up over a girl, however, was just disgusting.
I've gotta get a hold of myself. She's just a girl! What does she have that I don't… aside from the obvious. Just treat her like a human being…
His hand shaking somewhat, Shikamaru lit his cigarette with the small flame of his Zippo. He puffed on the cigarette for a moment, watching the smoke rise up into the afternoon sun. It was like he was making his own little clouds to ride the winds into eternity. A calming thought. He'd always envied the clouds – the way they just floated along wherever the wind took them.
They never have to worry about asking girls out or anything. Oh, to have that kind of life…
With a sigh, Shikamaru flicked the remaining butt of his cigarette off into the nearby bushes and turned to face the door. The smoke had helped ease his anxiety, at least somewhat. He could do this. Stepping forward, the Nara raised his finger once again and prepared to ring the bell. His heart pounding in his ears, he pushed the button down.
All the world seemed to go silent save for the faint chime within the building. Shikamaru waited with bated breath. Seconds passed, and yet he waited. And waited.
And waited.
He checked his watch – it'd been well over a minute. Groaning at his bad luck, the Nara turned to head home, only to bump into a particular blonde, who was standing on the front steps with a satisfied smirk.
"Geez! Where did you… how did you…" Shikamaru started between panicked breaths. Once he'd finally calmed down, the Nara spoke with a sense of forced dignity. "How long have you been here?"
Temari grinned and playfully patted the lazy genius' cheek. "Long enough to know you have a bad smoking habit, Shika."
That long? How didn't I notice her? Was I really that out of it?
"You could've said something," the Nara said defensively.
"Oh, I know. But that wouldn't be much fun now, would it?" Temari continued with a playful giggle. "I gotta say, though, I almost didn't recognize you at first with your pants on."
"Same goes for you."
"Hmm… touché, Shika. So tell me, what brings you here, today? Looking for Gaara again?" the blonde asked as she pulled a stick of gum from her pocket. She chomped on it a few times and blew a large bubble, which she soon popped with her tongue.
"No, not today. I was actually looking for you," Shikamaru admitted, turning his head away from the girl bashfully.
"For me? What for?" Temari asked coyly.
Get a hold of yourself, Shikamaru! She already knows what you're gonna say, so just hurry up and say it!
"To tell you the truth, I was… well, I was hoping you'd… would you do me the honor," the Nara stumbled, scratching the back of his head nervously as he spoke. "Will you go out with me?"
Temari eyed him for a moment, the chomping of her gum slowing down as she considered the proposal. A smile crossed her lips. "All right, Shika – under one condition. You put a stop to that nasty smoking habit of yours."
Shikamaru reached into his pocket and removed his pack of cigarettes, which he held out to the blonde. "Take 'em. I never cared for them to begin with."
Temari took the cigarettes with a laugh. "You're not even gonna put up a fight? It's too easy! Oh, I'm gonna have fun with you, Shika."
Leaning forward, Temari planted a quick kiss on the Nara's forehead before starting past him for the house. There, she turned and gave a flirtatious wink.
"Meet me at the Konoha Theater Friday night at eight o'clock. Don't be late."
Shikamaru gave no response, but remained completely motionless on the porch as he heard the door shut behind him. He was dumbstruck.
What the hell just happened?
Glancing back at the door, the Nara smiled. He'd secured a date with Temari, and all it had cost him was his cigarettes. Not a bad deal, all things considered. Of course, there was still the problem of Gaara, but Shikamaru decided he'd cross that bridge when he got to it.
Little did he know it would be much sooner than expected.
xxxxx
Gaara walked down the streets of Konoha towards home feeling oddly content. Sure, he now knew it would be impossible for him to be with Naruto, but for some reason he felt there was hope. Like the blond had said, even if Gaara loved Naruto till the end of time, it didn't mean he couldn't find someone else to spend his life with. Sure, no one could replace Naruto, but Gaara felt there was room enough in his heart for more than one person.
I really need to do something about this sappy, sentimental crap. It's starting to cramp my style.
Gaara chuckled. He hated to admit it, but somehow, in just the week or so he'd known Naruto, the blond had changed him. Gaara knew exactly what the "old him" would've done in his current predicament. If Sasuke already had a hold on Naruto, then the only option would've been to eliminate the competition. Threats, physical harm, and unfortunate "accident" – they were all cards the redhead had played at one point or another, whether for personal gain or just sheer amusement.
Now, though, Gaara knew he'd rather see Naruto happy with someone else than have a miserable Naruto all to himself. In fact, he wasn't even sure he could lay a hand on Sasuke if he wanted to. As his rival in love, the Uchiha had gained a great deal of respect in Gaara's eyes. Yes, Gaara would love to take Sasuke's place beside Naruto, but he was content knowing his precious blond was with such a worthy adversary. Even though Sasuke could be a cold bastard, he genuinely cared for Naruto, and that was all Gaara could possibly hope for.
That's all well and good, but… can I actually find another? I want to believe in what you've said, Naruto – that there's always hope in loving again – but it's just not that simple…
And so Gaara went, vacillating between optimism and depression with his mind always focused on Naruto. He began to wonder if he would've been better off if he'd never even met the blond. No sooner had this crossed the redhead's mind, however, than he heard a loud voice behind him, which stopped him in his tracks.
"Oh! Gaara! Wait up!"
That energy… could it be?
Turning his head to the side hopefully, Gaara's dreams were quickly shattered when a green blur came to a screeching halt a few feet before him. His heart sank. "Lee, was it?"
"Oh, good! You remembered!" Lee exclaimed with a grin. "I was just out running laps around the park when I saw you. What're you doing here? Don't you live on the other side of town?"
Gaara sighed – why was he so damn loud? "I'm just heading home. I had to stop and talk to Naruto for a bit."
"Naruto? Really? Did you forget something at the party?" Lee began, before suddenly spotting the redhead's bloody hand. "You're injured! Did you and Naruto have another fight?"
Gaara hesitated and looked at his hand.. "No, not exactly. It was an accident."
"Well… here, let me fix you up," Konoha's green beast offered, pulling the redhead over to a nearby bench by his good wrist
For whatever reason, Gaara decided not to offer any resistance. Maybe being rejected by Naruto drained him of all his energy, or maybe he just didn't want to make a scene. In any case, he followed Lee to the bench, where the mop-topped teen reached into his pocket. After searching for a moment, he pulled out a cloth bandage, which he began to wrap around Gaara's wound.
"Gai-sensei always says to be prepared for injuries like this. You never know when you'll find trouble in the springtime of youth!"
"I see," Gaara said simply as he watched the other teen work. There was a certain gentleness to Lee's movements, a kindness that seemed too sincere to be faked. More importantly, there was no fear or distrust. To Lee, Gaara was just another person who, at that moment, needed his help.
Why do I feel like I can trust him… I barely even know this guy…
"Lee… have you ever been in love?"
My god, did I actually say that? What have you done to me, Naruto?
Lee continued working on Gaara's wound, looping the bandage between the redhead's thumb and forefinger. "Is this about Naruto?"
"Possibly," Gaara replied, a hint of depression in his voice. "I might just be curious."
"Well, to tell you the truth, I'm also a victim of unrequited love."
Also? So he saw right through me. He's not as dumb as he looks…
"Who was it?" the redhead asked, before realizing how blunt he sounded. "Nevermind, it's probably personal…"
"It was Sakura. I would've given my life for her… but I never stood a chance. She only has eyes for Sasuke."
Just like Naruto…
"How can you stand it? Doesn't it hurt, knowing you can never have her?"
Lee quickly tied a knot with the bandage, using his teeth to hold it in place, and the looked down at his work in satisfaction. "Of course it hurts – I still feel a little depressed every time I see her fawning over Sasuke – but I can't let it keep me down. What's the point of wasting your youth moping over what can't be helped?"
"But what keeps you going? Aren't you afraid you'll never love someone the same way again?" Gaara asked, meeting Lee's big, owl-like eyes.
"I don't worry about it, because I know I'll never love someone the same way I love Sakura. You can't just take the feelings you have for someone and paste them on someone else – it doesn't work like that. I'll never feel about anyone else the same way I feel about Sakura, but that doesn't mean I can't find love elsewhere. I just have to keep searching – anything is possible with enough effort, right?" Lee grinned and pumped his fist in front of his face.
Gaara found himself smiling in spite of himself. That enthusiasm – it was like Naruto's energy on steroids. Both were such kind, caring spirits, too…
What am I thinking? He's not Naruto! This is Rock Lee – he worships Gai, he wears that green unitard every day… but, then again, he did stop to help me. We haven't even talked much, but he trusted me nevertheless. He's not Naruto, but maybe that's not a bad thing.
"How's the bandage feel?" Lee asked, patting the redhead's hand lightly.
"What? Oh, it's fine," Gaara said, flexing his fingers tentatively. "Thank you."
"It looked like it was bleeding pretty bad. Let me walk you home, at least."
Gaara turned his head to the side. "If you insist."
"Great! This'll make up for that last lap I missed, too!"
With that, Lee latched onto Gaara's good wrist and began running towards the redhead's house. Gaara wasn't sure exactly how Lee knew where he lived, but he was too busy trying to keep up with the mop-topped teen to care. As they ran along, Gaara felt himself growing winded, while Lee's breathing remained completely steady. It was impressive, really – Gaara had always considered himself to be a strong fighter and athlete, but next to Lee his stamina appeared weak.
I'd probably have to fight dirty to beat him – take his leg out or something…
Gaara shook the thought from his head. Why would he even consider that in the first place? It must've been a remnant of the "old Gaara" – the one who thought of at least three different ways to kill each person he met. He shuddered.
"Hey! Is that Shikamaru?" Lee asked, pointing forward with his free hand.
The redhead snapped out of his reverie and looked ahead to find a teen with black hair in the shape of a pineapple headed their way. He had his hands in his pockets and was staring up at the clouds, a content look on his face. As they drew closer, Gaara found the teen was blushing.
Gotcha…
"Well, well – if it isn't Shikamaru," Gaara began between breaths as he and Lee came to a halt. "Let me guess – decided to pay my sister a visit while I was away?"
Shikamaru's smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of dread. "No – I was just in the neighborhood, that's all."
"Yeah, sure. So when are you two going out?"
"We're not g–"
"Look, if you won't tell me the truth, I'll just get it from my sister. And if I find out you lied to me, I'll really make life hard for you," Gaara continued, stepping towards the Nara dangerously.
Shikamaru stuttered for a moment as he tried to find a way to talk himself out of the situation. When it became clear he was trapped, however, he conceded with a sigh. "All right – we're going to see a movie Friday night. Satisfied?"
"Of course," Gaara said simply as he walked past the Nara. "Be good to her, now. Come along, Lee."
Nodding quickly to Shikamaru, Lee ran after Gaara, and the two resumed their journey to the Subakuno residence. Once Shikamaru was out of earshot, Lee leaned towards the redhead and whispered, "What was that about?"
"Oh, nothing. I just want Shikamaru to know a little fear is all."
"You're not actually going to hurt him or anything, are you?"
"No, of course not," Gaara laughed, glancing back at the vanishing Nara. "But I don't want him to feel he can walk all over me, either. If he wants to date my sister, I want him to consider the consequences of his actions. If Temari gets hurt in any way… well, I'm sure you can guess what I'd do."
Lee gulped.
They continued running towards Gaara's house in silence, and in a matter of minutes they arrived on the redhead's doorstep. Both were winded at this point, and they took a moment to sit down on the stairs and catch their breath.
"So, this is your house, huh?" Lee asked awkwardly, trying to break the silence.
"Yeah. I've lived here all my life, I guess," Gaara replied, wiping some sweat from his brow.
The silence continued. Gaara stared down at his hands, trying to think of what he should do. The bloody bandage on his right hand seemed to stare back at him, urging him on.
He did help me out… it's the least I can do…
"Would you like to come inside for a drink or something?" the redhead asked, glancing over at Lee.
Lee met Gaara's gaze, a warm smile spreading over his face. "Sure."
Without another word, both teens rose off the stairs and walked into the house. Neither one left for several hours.