XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara smiled in victory when Lee didn't argue with him about payment on the food. He won a match with the taller male for once. When he walked out of the bathroom, he did notice a different sparkle in the others eye. It seemed to portray as one would do to a love, a gentle and an affectionate stare. Almost like Lee was longing, and admiring him.

Gaara nodded at Lee's outburst of happiness, and fallowed him outside, nodding in gratitude to him as he opened the door for the prince of Suna. As soon as he walked outside, he pulled the hood over his head; afraid of anyone catching sight of him would immediately turn him in. His eyes were shadowed, and he stared at the ground to keep from looking into others faces, in case his eyes were shown. He was mostly known for his eyes. It was rare for a male to be born with such bright blue eyes, and a fiery shade of red for hair. He knew that if anyone ever caught gaze of his aquatic eyes surrounded in dark bags under his eyes, or his crimson hair, he would be caught for sure. He had to keep his identity safe not only for his own sake, but for Lee's as well. They could easily portray Lee as a kidnapper, or harbor of the prince. He would be executed, on the spot, probably without a trial. Gaara could not let that happen. Lee is such a kind fellow, and he would never forgive himself if Lee was killed from his own doing.

Gaara sighed at the thought, he felt bad for burdening Lee like this, but he knew that he would defiantly make up for Lee's lost wages and labor. He has been so kind to him now. Giving him a place to sleep: food, shelter, water; anything that he would need to survive Lee has given him. It made his heart warm with happiness that someone cares for him. Not just because of the fact that he is royalty, but because he is a human. A friend in need. Lee has not treated with specialty, bowing down to his every whim, but he has treated him just like everyone else.

Gaara turned to Lee, awaiting him to lead the way; he did not know the streets of the town very well. Covering them by darkness, when he would escape he doesn't know the streets as well as he would during the daytime, like now. The last thing he wanted to do was to get lost, and worst of all get caught, so he would fallow Lee's lead. In the back of his mind, he hopefully thought that Lee would offer his arm to hold, like last night when he was lead to his home. He had mix feelings about him then, but now Lee has shown him such gratitude that he almost expected Lee to treat him like a true prince while walking. It would be ok, if he didn't though. He would suck it up and go on without the generous hold of Lee's warmth, and keep his hands to himself if he had to.

JapanEmoGirl
The raven headed male shut the door, and gripped the basket in his hand. He smiled and stepped forward, "first, the bread," he said and offered his hand to Gaara, "sense you are supposed to be hidden, I think you should disguise yourself a little better. Maybe you holding hands with someone else would put those guards out." He smiled at the redhead, secretly hoping he'd take his hand and make him feel lucky.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara blinked when he saw Lee take his hand out. For a moment, he thought that Lee wanted something from him. Perhaps money for the bread that he spoke of, he was just going to pay it up front to the store owner. But if Lee wanted it now he'd give it to him, but the look on his face didn't look of greed. But when Lee mentioned, that he would be in a better disguise if he were to hold hands with someone, his heart leapt for joy. Slowly, he put his own smaller hand within Lee's larger one, and grasped it generously, taking a look up at Lee with a bright smile. He would have to enjoy looking up at Lee's face, because once they are out in the town, he would have to keep his gaze lowered, so no one could see his eyes. "Thank you, Lee-san. This is a wonderful idea."

He knew that Lee would have to lead him to the town and to where the food and produce is located. He had no idea where he would be going. He has never stepped foot out of the castle grounds during the day time, only at night when he would escape. "Lead the way." He smiled, before dropping his head to look at the ground. He hated to hide himself from Lee, but he was hoping that he would understand.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee gave a worried look at the lowered redhead, and shook it off. He understood why he had to hide his face, so he didn't question it.

He began walking down the road to the town, "stay close, okay Gaara-kun? I don't want you getting lost. That would be bad." He lightly squeezed Gaara's hand. It was so small and soft. He loved to hold his hand.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara nodded when Lee told him to stay close. He understood, completely. There was no way he wanted to get lost; he'd never find his way back to Lee's. If he got separated from Lee, then he was sure to get caught by the guards. They would drag him back to the castle, and then he would have to try and escape again to find Lee. But they would probably lock his door so he wouldn't escape so easily, next time.

He walked closer to Lee, their sides almost touching, as they both started to walk towards the town. He was hoping that it was a busy day, today, so he could blend in with the crowd. It would be too much of a coincidence if they were the only people to be on the streets, and the guards probably would ask them something, related to the disappearance of the prince. That would definitely go terribly wrong.

He blushed, when his hand was gripped gently. He could feel the harsh callousness on the others skin, it felt so rough and tattered, like sandpaper. Luckily, he was looking down at the conjoined hands so Lee couldn't see his blush, and he squeezed back gently, with a smile.

JapanEmoGirl
The streets were busy with the morning rush. People chatted and laughed. Kids ran around and chased each other. Lee got many hellos and welcome backs. He just smiled and nodded, wanting to hurry before a guard came. He looked for the gain store, and stopped, "this is Hyuga Grain, Gaara-kun. My best friend Neji and his cousin work here."

He walked into the shop with Gaara following, and walked to the counter, "Hey, Neji-kun!" He smiled and pulled Gaara in front of him, in case a guard came from behind him and saw the redhead.

Neji looked up and down at Lee, "Lee, you've grown," he got from the counter and shook Lees hand, "it's been a real long time. Things changed sense you were gone."

Lee smiled, "same old Neji. All so serious."

Neji looked at Gaara, "Who is she?"

XxGaaraloverxX
Luckily, the streets were crowded, but at the same time, it made Gaara a bit nervous. What if he were to bump into someone on accident? He maneuvered his way, holding onto Lee's hand and sticking close by his side, fallowing Lee's lead by looking at their feet. It was hard to judge where a person was going to walk next, just by their feet. With a barely noticeable, glance up, he saw a poster attached to one of the town buildings. It had his face on it and it was a MISSING PRINCE poster. Gaara mentally, cursed to himself. They were already on the move to look for the missing prince. Gaara glanced down quickly, and took note that the bounty for his return is around 10,000 gold coins. He knew that the longer he waits, the more the bounty will rise. The picture of him, was of his bright red hair, and those unforgettable aquatic eyes, not many people have seen the prince in real life, since Gaara never really left his castle home, but he knew that if he were to reveal himself, the townspeople would not have to take a second glance to know that he was the missing prince. He was hoping that Lee didn't see that poster, it only brought unease and worry to his mind, if he did.

Would Lee be tempted to bring him back for the money? Would Lee be that heartless and cruel to throw over love for greed? He knew that Lee wouldn't do such a thing, but it was still a possibility.

As they walked on, his ears picked up a newspaper/messenger boy, yelling on top of a box handing out newspapers and yelling "Extra, extra! Read all about it! The king's son, Sabaku Gaara, went missing!" Gaara gulped and pulled his shoulders up, hoping that no one would be too bold to recognize his stature or size. He pulled closer to Lee, a bit of fear radiating through his body. He didn't want to be caught.

Luckily, they managed to find the shop that Lee was looking for. Only, because he saw Lee's feet stop, and he only moved his gaze up as far as he could before the hood blocked his view, it looked like a cute little stand. It held a decent selection of wheat products, from bread to the actual wheat cut off from the fields. His arm was pulled, and Gaara fallowed, as he felt as though he was placed in front of Lee, making him blush, but understanding Lee's logic. He was only trying to protect him.

He didn't really pay much attention to Lee and this "Neji's" conversation, only when he spoke out softly, and it felt like towards his own direction. Gaara swallowed thickly, and a deep blush stained his cheeks. "He thinks I am a female…?" It wasn't a threat, nor did it come off as offensive. He didn't seem fazed at all by this man's assumption that he was of the female gender. He could understand completely that he would guess such a thing at first glance. He and Lee are holding hands, visibly, and to be known in public, no homosexuality can be displayed due to the fact that it is illegal. The punishment for being openly gay is being stoned to death. So he fully understood why this gentleman thought of him as being a girl. He is also smaller in size compared to Lee, and Lee is the known visible male, so it is only logical that Gaara would be the female of the couple walking down the street. Perhaps he could portray himself as a female, until the heat dies down.

He didn't know if he could speak it out, he did have a voice somewhat considered a male, since he is one, but he has been mistaken as a girl at the castle too, while he was fully exposed, and spoke. Perhaps he was just a very feminine guy. He may have had an aura similar to one of a female. He didn't mind it, though. Strangely, it seemed to suite him.

Gaara swallowed thickly, and blushed further, squeezing onto Lee's hand out of nervousness. Would this citizen recognize him from his voice? Mostly everyone in the town should have known about his and Sakura's marriage. And surely, everyone knew about his disappearance from the castle. He didn't know if he should speak or not.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee looked at Gaara, nodding. He read Gaara's movements, and agreed. He then looked at Neji, "Her name is... Akio," he thought then nodded, liking the name, "I met her when I was gone. We took a bit of a liking to each other, as you can tell." He raised his and Gaara's hand and laughed.

Neji raised his eyebrow, "And she didn't answer my question herself, because?" He was highly suspicious.

Lee smiled nervously, "She doesn't like talking speaking much. She's shy and quiet."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara sighed out in relief, when Lee mentioned that is "other" name is Akio. He would have to thank him later, for a "good call." Lee really saved him this time, and he gently nodded, liking the name.

When Lee lifted their conjoined hands, he blushed harder and gulped a bit. He was nervous, especially of what Lee said. Did he really mean that he has taken a liking to him? Or was he just putting up a front to keep "Neji" from speaking out against him.

Although, his relief soon faded quickly, when he heard the suspicion from the other man, as he spoke out. Gaara shuffled a bit in his stance, and moved closer to Lee, nervously. He didn't know what Lee was going to say, now. They were being interrogated a bit, and he didn't like it at all.

Gaara bit his lip, when Lee mentioned that "Akio" was a shy woman, and didn't like to speak much. Half of that was true in text. Gaara didn't like to speak unless spoken to, and he was a bit shy, when it came to meeting new people. Gaara curled closer to Lee, and pulled out some money in his pocket and handed it over to Lee's unoccupied hand, a bit secretly. He didn't mind staying out; it really was a difference from the castle, to the outside world. He'd stay out for as long as Lee wanted to.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee looked at the money and blinked, taking it, "Neji, it has been wonderful talking to you, but i would like some bread."

Neji nodded, forgetting the suspicion he had, and moved behind the counter, ranking up the total of bread, "that would be... 6 gold coins."

Lee almost flipped, "Wow. Prices have gone up!"

Neji shrugged, "These are hard times. The royal family has risen up taxes. Greedy Princess and Prince they have. Next thing you know, the Prince went missing. Probably couldn't handle the life of not being spoiled to bits, what with having to become the king and marring our Princess."

Lee flinched, "Oh, I don't think he's bad. I think it's the Princess that got to him," he quickly changed the subject, "so, how is TenTen, Neji?"

"Pregnant," Neji gave Lee a dull look, "it is our second son. We have a daughter as well."

Lee smiled, "My! I have to see them soon. Well, I have to get going. Good bye, Neji!"

"Good bye Lee... Akio..."

Lee walked out, with Gaara following, "That was a close one. Normally, Neji can see though anything. Now, to Uzumaki's Dairy. Naruto works there."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara didn't flinch when he heard the price of a loaf of bread. He wouldn't be surprised that the taxes have risen. The royal family must have had some odd reason to raise taxes, but most of them were ridicule, and absurd. Some people can't afford to feed their families due to the high cost of food that is skyrocketing. Part of the reason why he didn't want to be a part of that family. They were all greedy. He knew how to respect the hard working citizens that keep this place alive and active.

Gaara gasped softly when Neji spoke such lowly of the prince, meaning him. It hurt. That the townspeople seemed to misinterpreted how his feelings were. They don't respect the prince as the prince respects the citizens. Gaara always defended his people, and admired them. Hell, he even ran away from his home to have a taste of their life. It just hurt how the people seemed to think that he is a bad person. Gaara's head lowered, sadly. He tightened his hand onto Lee's, and moved closer to him. Would he agree with Neji?

Even when Lee said that he didn't think that the prince was a bad person, it still didn't waver his thoughts. He ignored Lee's and Neji's conversation, as sadness drew him in. He had no idea that his own people held such hatred towards him. They all thought that he was just a big brat, running away from not being spoiled enough. But that wasn't true. Not true at all.

Gaara didn't even nod in good-bye as he was dragged off by Lee. Not a word was spoken of, from the prince, as Lee explained to where he was going next. Perhaps the blond male could bring a small smile to his day. That Neji really brought down his spirits about his hopes of walking into his new life, but now it seems like the people didn't even want him to be a part of their lives. Like he was nothing.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee could feel Gaaras sadness, and stopped around a corner, making sure no one was around. He looked at the smaller one, "Gaara, Neji doesn't mean what he said. I bet he's just mad about the taxes. He's only one person out of this whole Kingdom. I bet lots of people don't think that way. Besides, you said you don't get out much, right? People do not know you as you."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara managed to give a peek up at Lee, when they were all of a sudden in this alleyway, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. He looked up at Lee, his aquatic eyes watery with hidden tears. Gaara listened into what Lee had told him that he didn't mean it, but it still hurt dearly. It struck his heart hard, that even one person seemed to speak like that about their prince; he has never spoken of any of his citizens in such a barbaric manner.

"B-But…" A sob broke out, as he felt a tear roll down his face; quickly he raised a hand to wipe it before he thought that Lee would see. "B-But, w-why did he-he have to be so m-mean about it…?" He couldn't help that he sounded so childish at the moment. It made him blush a bit, but he still was clearly upset at what that "Neji" said about him. It truly hurt his feelings.

Even though he understood, Lee was right. The townspeople don't really know their prince. They interpret how he is based upon their King. If the king is greedy, then so is the prince, as they presume. If only he could just show them that he is not the spoiled prince that they thought that he is. That he respects the hard worker more than he does himself.

There was nothing more that he wanted right now was a hug. He would have gripped onto Lee for the comfort and support that he needs, but he didn't know if Lee was comfortable with the prince's touches. The last thing that he wanted was for Lee to be uncomfortable.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee's eyes soften. Gaara was really upset. Lee didn't think Gaara ever knew about his people, Neji, saying such things. Maybe Gaara was never picked on, so he doesn't know want to do. Right now, Lee just wanted to hug him. He didn't want to see Gaara cry. Ever. It pained his heart, and he grew a little angry at Neji for giving Gaara this pain.

Lee went behind his worries back, and held the redhead, rubbed his back lightly, "Gaara-kun," he whispered, "do not cry. It is okay. Neji does not know you. I know it hurts, but there are a lot of things that hurt. Neji is just a big bully. He thinks he is a genius and knows all. Well, he does not know you are a kind sir, with a good heart. You are a big help, and I love having you around. I do not love you crying, though. Please."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara's body flinched when he felt Lee's arms wrap around his body. Never, has he been hugged before. It made him both scared, and protected at the same time. All Gaara could see was Lee's shoulder. The tears fell down his cheeks, as he felt those large hands gently rub at his back. Lee's words soothed him, and brought a sense of relief over his mind. He didn't know that Lee could ever make him feel this way. It made him feel happy to know that Lee cared for him, enough to actually hug him when his feelings were hurt.

His hands moved up to Lee's chest, leaning into the comfort, and warmth. "Thank you, Lee-san… I feel much better now; I am glad that, at least, you enjoy my company." Gaara gave a gentle smile, as he looked up at Lee's face, and into those dark colored eyes. He felt so happy right now, and was feeling so much better. It was all thanks to Lee. Now that Lee explained it, he now understood a bit how his people really felt about him; most of them don't know who he really is. That is why, when he becomes king, one day, he plans to show them otherwise. But right now, he didn't want to go back to that castle. He wanted to be here. With Lee.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee looked at Gaara, and rubbed his tears away with his thumb. He smiled, "Now, want to see someone else who likes you?" He laughed and grabbed Gaara's hand, dragging him lightly to get the dairy.

The streets were slightly cleared, enough to walk through better. Everyone must be home for breakfast. Lee looked back at Gaara, giving him a small smile and a squeeze of the hand. He hurried to Naruto when he saw a guard call out to him, though, pretending not to hear.

"Naruto!" He yelled, walking in the shop and seeing his friend not there. A dark blue haired female walked out, though, and gave a curious look, "hey, Hinata," Lee greeted the female, "is Naruto here?"

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara's heart skipped a beat when Lee wiped away his tears. A gorgeous smile formed onto his lips, and he giggled and smiled when Lee mentioned that he was going to go and see others who like him. That could only mean that Naruto guy. No one else has seen him out of his disguise other than Lee and him. "Heh~, yeah, let's go." Gaara blushed, when Lee grabbed his hand and dragged him to their next destination. He wasn't dragged mostly, since Gaara had a smile on his face the whole time.

Luckily, the streets were cleared enough so there wasn't a chance that Gaara could run into someone by accident. Gaara knew better than to lift his head, but this time, he did and saw Lee look back to smile at him, and Gaara smiled back, squeezing his hand just as Lee did to him. He lowered his gaze and gasped when a guard managed to call out to Lee, but he seemed to ignore it. This was starting to get dangerous.

Lee walked into a shop that had milk and dairy products that lined the shelves and it smelt like fresh cheese in the place. It made his mouth water a bit, he was hungry. To his surprise, the Naruto that he knew was not at the counter, it was this lady there instead. Gaara bowed his head, afraid that she might alert the guards of his presence, or maybe Naruto told her about him already, he hoped not, since word could spread fast. Suddenly, the guard that called out to Lee walked in, the bells to the door ringing; as he heard the sound of chain-link metal hit the floor. He could feel the stares of the guard on him, but he walked over to Lee instead. He was so frightened about what he was going to do or say. No other than the fact that he and Lee were still holding hands, and he was sure that Lee felt his hand shiver with fear.

JapanEmoGirl
Before Hinata could answer Lee, the guard took off his helmet, and looked straight eyed at Lee, only slightly taller, "Sir," he started in an angry voice, "you might have not heard, but I called for you. When the Kings guards call, it is wise to stop and listen."

Lee smiled, a little annoyed, "Of course. My apologies."

The guard slicked his hair back, only to have it fall back in place, "I'm here to ask you questions about the missing Prince. Do you know anything?"

"Missing Prince?" Lee looked confused, "Sir, I have just come back from an over five year training method yesterday. I know nothing of a Prince."

The guard seemed to not believe it, "Then, who is this?" He pointed at Gaara.

Lee looked at Gaara, then the guard, "She is my Mrs."

Kings Guard raised an eyebrow, " 'She' does not look like a she. May I take a look at her?"

Without permission, he reached for Gaara, almost touching his hood. Lee acted fast, and grabbed his wrist, gripping it harshly, "You may not touch her." He gave a deadly glare and tightened his hold, almost to where you could hear the bone cracking, "What kind of man would you be if you touched a woman without her permission? A sick, impatient man, that's what. You have no right. Not even if the King himself were to come in here and tell you, right in front of me, to touch her, would I let you."

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara bit his lip when he heard the guard speak of the missing prince. He knew that something was going to happen. He tried to halfway hide behind Lee, as the kings guard spoke to Lee angrily. It made him shiver a bit in his stare, and from his voice.

When the guard didn't believe Lee's story of him going out on a trip and that the hooded person is his mistress, the guard scoffed easily. Gaara's breathing picked up, afraid to death of being caught. If this guard caught him now, especially holding hands with another male, Lee would be executed without a trial, for suspicion of capturing the prince and taking him hostage, and for open homosexuality. Even if the prince, himself, tried to speak against it, it would do them no good, and Lee would be stoned to death, or hung. A sick and twisted feeling of worry and fear rifled through his stomach.

Gaara held his breath when he saw a hand reach for his hood, his eyes widened with worry and dread of what could happen if the guard found him. Suddenly, another hand intercepted the guards, and Gaara looked in the direction of Lee, only managing to look at his shoes since his head was hung low. He dared not to say a word, afraid that his voice will give him away. As he listened to Lee speak to the guard with such pride and dignity. Lee was brave. Not many could stand up to them like this, without getting a good beating afterwards.

He felt so protected, that Lee would risk himself like this to protect him. Gaara swallowed thickly, as he looked at Lee's grip, it looked like if Lee wanted to, he could snap his wrist in two from his grasp. Slowly, he raised a hand to grip at his heart, as he started to get control of his breathing once more. The only problem was, would the guard be scared off? Would he just leave and come back for more? Or, would he just threaten to lock Lee up for his disobedience? He could only stay still and quite, wishing that he could help, but if he were to speak, he would only make matters worse.

JapanEmoGirl
Hinata, sensing there will be violence, went to the back, coming back with Naruto on her arm. His eyes widen, "Lee, what are you doing?" He said to himself in udder shock. Never before has he seen Lee so deadly, and strong. Either the intense hard years of training got to him, or Gaara, somehow, released the beast in him.

Said beast smiled innocently, and let go of the guard's hand, "I stick by my story, whether you think it's true or false. No one touches her. Do you understand?"

The guard yelped in pain, and fell to the ground, holding his wrist. He looked at Lee, in total terror, and nodded quickly, "I-I have NEVER, in my life, met someone as bold as you, boy," he got up, hissing in pain. He, with hesitation, stuck out his hand, "good man, you are. Able to stick up for your lady, even to a guard. Have you ever thought of working as one of the royal family's guardian?"

Lee blinked, and looked at the hand. He just almost broke his wrist. Shouldn't he be surrounded by guards or hit back?

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara flinched when he heard the voice of Naruto emerge from the doorway to the back of the store; it was a small little place so he was in the same room as them. He managed to finally catch his breath, and listened as the harsh voice of Lee turn soft and calm in a flash. Lee was scary when he wanted to be. He understood now the training that he went through must have made him extremely tough. Lee was so gentle with him; it must have brought on a protective surge when the guard almost touched him.

He thought that the guard was going to punch him or call his backup to attack Lee, and arrest him or worse. But instead, he simply praised him for his efforts of protecting his "lady" and for sticking up for himself against the palace guards. Which was true, no one has ever stood up to one of the guards before. He heard stories from over hearing the castle guards that they would purposely pick on people from the town, and they couldn't do a thing about it. Scared to death that they were going to be executed or beaten.

Gaara blinked as he felt Lee seem to "snap" out of it. Strangely, he could see that Lee was looking at his hand, and it looked like he just didn't believe that he would do such a thing, but it happened. Could protecting Gaara, spark a natural urge to defend and protect? Was it Gaara's presence affecting Lee in some sort of way that it made Lee act instinctively? He didn't mind it at all, but he was scared that Lee's boldness could get himself killed. Luckily, this guard didn't attack back. On the other hand, he instead, asked him about applying for guard duty at the castle himself. Well, Lee said that his dream was to be a part of the castle. Would Lee accept the offer? I he did, then Gaara would willingly give himself up, and go back to the castle, as long as he could be a servant and a protector of the royal family. Then Lee would have to see him every day, and Lee could still do things on his own, none of the maids ever clean up after the guards. It was up to Lee, though. It would be a good idea to make his childhood dreams come true, but he didn't know if Lee would be willing to do something like that. He could still have his little farm and home, only staying in the palace walls whenever he pleased, he would have two homes.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee thought. If he accepted, he would be in the Castle, and grant his childhood dream. If he didn't, he will continue his journey as a tax payer. Not a tough choice, huh? But, Lee had another dream. Gaara. His new dream is for Gaara to live his. He doesn't know what it is, but he knew it had nothing to do with the castle, sense he ran away from it to begin with. Lee overcame his dream of the castle, once Gaara came along.

Lee looked at said redhead. He didn't know why, but Gaara brought out a whole new Lee, only being with him for a day. He didn't even think about what he was doing until he let go of that wrist. Something about the Prince just made him want to take on the world. Does Lee have feelings for this Prince? Romantic feelings? After knowing him for not even twenty-four hours? Now that he thinks about it, why did Lee stop and help Gaara from the guards in the front place?

Was it just his natural kind nature? Or, was it because Gaara told him he was new? Or, maybe, Lee was pulled into helping a stranger? Man, he doesn't know anymore. Just, that moment, somehow, changed him. The minute he saw those bright bluish green eyes. Seeing that fiery red hair. He doesn't know anything, but the more Lee thinks about Gaara, the more his feelings increase. What is it? He's never felt this way before.

Lee soon shook back into reality, and looked at the guard, hand still stretched out. He smiled a little, and put up his own hand, as if trying to stop someone, "I'm sorry," he started, "but I am afraid I have to decline your offer."

The guard seemed un-amused. He took back his hand, "But why?!"

Lee put his arm around Gaara, resting his hand on his shoulder, "I do not wish to serve the King anyway then I already am. I am not sorry for your wrist, and I will not leave my home for any reason involving the King."

The guard gave a sour look, and just turned, leaving the shop, with a slam of the door. Something told Lee he was going to be back, but not soon.