XxGaaraloverxX
Aquatic eyes wondered over the photos, smiling at the pleased giggle that Lee made. He listened carefully, as he fallowed Lee's finger point to what he was saying.

It made him giggle a bit knowing that the picture of the "Neji" with the dress was the person that he met today. Gaara could only imagine how Lee managed to convince the stoic male at the bakery to dress up as a female.

When Lee spoke about his loyal steed, it made him think about his own poor animal at the royal stables. Perhaps he could manage to sneak into the castle grounds to sneak his own horse out of there as well. He hated Shukaku being there all alone. His own steed was extremely loyal to him, and probably would risk its own life for Gaara. He was smart, agile, and quick on its feet. Not only that, but he noticed that Lee didn't own a working horse at his small farm. Perhaps he could let Lee use him for carrying his produce for a wagon, to the city for easy transportation. Lee would surly get more money that way, and it would make his day easier. Not only that, but Shukaku could be used as a plow horse to help in the fields.

Gaara didn't mind it; Shukaku wouldn't be used for anything in the stables anyways. He would just sit in his stall and await for Gaara to come by to ride. The steed would probably like to do something other than stand around and do nothing.

"What a beautiful name." The young prince said as he watched Lee's hand brush over the old photo, as if he is touching the real thing. It was easy to tell that Lee loved his horse, who wouldn't? It just broke his heart to see Lee sad, pressing back onto old memories.

When those deep black abyss eyes met his, he felt a pang of empathy strike him. Shukaku was a young steed, only around five years of age. He never had the feeling of losing a beloved pet, but he knew that it was hard.

A pale hand reached up and gently grasped Lee's larger hand for comfort. "I am sure he is in a better place now, Lee-kun… I know for a fact that he loved you just as much as you loved him." That was all he could say; he knew the relationship between horse and rider was a precious bond. If something were to happen to Shukaku, Gaara wouldn't know what to do. He would be heartbroken.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee stared longingly at the photo, caressing his thumb across the horse and himself in it. Man, did he miss Lotus. That horse was his best friend, the one who was always there whenever Lee had a problem he was too embarrassed to tell anyone else. When Lotus died, Lee felt empty. It was heartbreaking and soul crushing. Naruto would say that Lee should get over it, it was just a horse. But, in Lee's eyes, it wasn't just a horse. He was his companion, partner in crime. A brother. It took awhile. He was just happy his parents understood what he was going though. His father apologized over and over again. Lee didn't blame him, though. He knew Lotus was sick beyond healing. He was an old horse, it was understandable.

Lee was shocked out of his thoughts when he felt a hand touch his. He snapped his head down to see smooth, pale skin touching his own. Smiling, he realized it was Gaara, and relaxed from his mini heart attack, "Thanks, Gaara-kun," he said, looking at said redhead, "I am positive that he is happy, where ever he is. Watching over me, I hope," he stared lovingly into Gaara's eyes for awhile. So blue, so pretty, so... Lee cleared his throat. He quickly flipped a page, "look," he said, unwillingly tearing his eyes from Gaara's, and onto the page, "here's a picture of me and Neji after I 'saved' him."

XxGaaraloverxX
There was a moment where blue met on black, and everything else seemed to fade out between them. The smaller redhead couldn't help but to blush a bit at the look that Lee gave him. It held longing, hope, and most of all love. Gaara didn't want to look away, but he felt a fluttering in his heart at the moment they laid eyes on each other.

The prince jumped a bit, when Lee cleared his throat, jerking his hand away as if touching a hot stove. He felt a little shy and embarrassed at the fact that he got lost in those eyes that he has confessed his love to the beholder. Gaara wished that he himself was a stronger person. He felt so weak and powerless under the stare of those deep Onyx colored eyes.

Yet, Gaara still fallowed with Lee to the next picture that he pointed out to. It was a cute picture that had Lee dismounted from his horse and wielding a little wooden sword with a cardboard shield in the other hand. Neji stood behind Lee, with a scowl on his face, as if Lee was rescuing him and protecting him from whatever imaginary monster stood against them. Lotus was simply grazing in the background, sort of ignoring his master in his own little world for a moment for a snack.

That picture warmed his heart a bit, and the pure determination on Lee's face in the picture reminded him of earlier that day. Even as a child, Lee seemed very protective, just as he is now. The taller male had protected him. If the guard managed to pull back his disguise he would be dragged back to that castle for sure. Not only that, but Lee would be put to death for harboring the prince. Gaara got off lucky, when he, literally, ran into Lee. He knew that he would protect him. Lee would be his knight in shining armor.

"Th-That is very lovely, Lee-kun." He said softly, his hand still tingling from where it touched the calloused skin of the taller man in the room. He didn't know if it was wise to try that again, it seemed like Lee was a bit of a shy person as well, but the prince seemed a bit bolder when it came to romantic moves. It was alright, though. Gaara was equally as inexperienced.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee giggled in response, and opened his mouth to say something else, but closed it in confusion when he heard a knock, or, rather a bang, at the door. He stared at the object for awhile, then a look of panic came over him, "G-Gaara-kun," he whispered, "go into the kitchen, and hide in the cabinet under the sink. Just move stuff on the counter, if you need to. There's plenty of room."

He urged Gaara into the kitchen, and looked back at the door, "Don't make a sound," he whispered again. The door was banged on again, and he heard voices from outside. His heart started beating fast, and his palms grew sweaty. He heard of the people outside say 'Gaara'. It has to be the guards, there's no other way. He looked at Gaara to see if he was hidden, and slowly walked towards the door. Quickly putting on the act that he was cleaning, he rolled up his sleeves and pant legs, grabbing a broom on his way.

Slowly, he opened the door, "Yes?" He said out of habit, looking straight at the turned around 'gaurd' in front of him.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara's entire body jumped from the sudden noise that echoed through the house. He turned around towards the sound of loud banging that seemed like it was coming from the front door. He almost jerked his way into Lee's lap, but refrained himself from doing so in case Lee would yell out in shock. Who could it be that wanted Lee's attention so badly? Could it be Naruto? The blonde-headed boy was rambunctious, but he didn't think that he would do something like that to Lee's front door.

Fearful aquatic eyes widened in shock when he realized that it could be none other than the guards. They would show people no mercy, and usually after the citizen would open their door, they would barge in and search the home themselves without the homeowner's permission. If they usually didn't answer within five minutes, they would let themselves in, not thinking twice about the damage they would cause. He had to hide, quickly.

Lee whispered his name, which sounded like he was screaming in his ear, making him jump again out of fright, and look his way. He didn't open his mouth, afraid of the consequences of what would happen if the guards outside heard him. They would break in immediately.

Gaara nodded when he told him to go to the kitchen and hide under the sink. Lee lead him to the kitchen, as his heart raced, and his breathing quickened. He was so frightened about what would happen if he would get caught.

Quickly, and quietly, he opened the bottom cabinet and pulled out some of the cleaning products that were in it. It would also be a great disguise to help Lee as he looked behind him seeing the taller male look as if he was cleaning, so it would work out if he had cleaning products out to assist him.

He was lucky that he was small and skinny, since he easily slid into the wooden cabinet. It was small but big enough for him to kneel underneath the sink and duck down, pulling the wooden doors closed as he shut his mouth and listened carefully. He silenced his breathing to low and shallow breaths, and kept his gaze on in the direction that Lee was at, even though he couldn't see him.

JapanEmoGirl
The man gave a deep sigh, "Do you know why we're here, boy?" He said in a low, gruffed voice. His hands on his hips, and his back to Lee. Two people beside him on each side also had their back to him. They all had hoods on.

Lee gulped, and quickly got over his fear. He gripped the broom tightly, and stood still, "No, sir." He said shortly.

The man gave a chuckle, which surprised Lee, "Sir?" He said, turning around, giving Lee a big, familiar grin, "Wow, Lee, didn't think I'd see the day."

Lee nearly fell, "N-Naruto?!" He growled. He took the blonde by the ear and dragged him in the house, "You scared Gaara and I half to death!"

"Ow, ow! L-Lee! Mother mode overload!"

XxGaaraloverxX
Imaginary eyebrows furrowed in confusion over the seemingly quite conversation between Lee and the guards. He could feel Lee's fear from underneath the sink, this made his own rise with worry. His confidence was dwindling and his fear was getting the better of him.

A sudden yell from Lee, made Gaara jump. Ultimately, he banged his head against the bottom of the sink, making another bang noise that he was sure that Lee and whoever he was talking too heard. Pale hands reached up to press at the tender spot, and the little bump that he will surely have. It sounded like he said "Naruto," and he was hoping to god that that was correct. If not, he was a goner.

Gaara hissed a bit in pain, and crouched his head back down and away from the evil sink that hurt him. "O-Ow… D-Damn…" He whispered quietly, hoping that no one would at least suspect him of being underneath of the sink. The only person that he wanted to know he was there was his Lee.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee groaned and let go of Naruto's ear, "What are you doing here, Naruto?" He really didn't want to see the blonde right now. He wanted to spend time with Gaara a little more. Oh, no! Gaara's still in the cabinet! Lee ran for the kitchen, a confused Naruto following behind him. Quickly, he opened the door, carefully pulling the Prince out. He looked at the pained redhead, and gave a sympathetic look, "Did you hurt yourself, Gaara-kun?" He asked him, looking at the spot he was holding.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Neji and TenTen wanted to come and see Gaara," Naruto smiled. Lee gave him a glare, and stood up, ready to yell, "Wait up, fuzzy brows! I didn't tell them! Neji found out, and told TenTen!"

Said coupled walked into the kitchen, Neji looking rather awkward and TenTen was bouncing off the walls.

XxGaaraloverxX
The prince jerked again, this time backing towards the wall, when the door opened up suddenly. It frightened him beyond comprehension; he was sure that he was caught now. Scared aqua eyes glanced up at whoever opened the cabinet without his permission, only to sigh in relief that it was only Lee. Was it safe to come out, now?

"L-Lee…?" He asked softly; as the older male reached in to assist him out of the tight and cramped area, being careful about his little injury. "Y-Yeah… I bumped my head under the sink when I heard you yell… I thought you were attacked or something." Gaara said as he placed a hand on his fluttering heart. He was relieved to see that Lee was OK.

He didn't even notice the blonde in the room, thinking it was safe and sound, as Lee looked over at his barely noticeable injury. Without warning, he hugged the taller male with a warm gesture. "I am so glad you are alright, I thought we were caught…"

It seemed that the never ending fears weren't over with him today, as the blonde made his notice by speaking about Neji and Ten-Ten. He jerked his arms away from Lee, curling them against his chest as he jumped back, looking at the blonde. He had no idea that he was here, he was very oblivious today it seemed. "N-Naruto…!? Wh-What are you doing here!?"

To heighten the fright, two others made their way into Lee's home, unsure if it was uninvitingly. Immediately catching sight of the male that Lee and Gaara were looking at in the picture album upstairs. The prince gasped, deathly afraid of being caught by the "Neji" that he met earlier today. The woman, he wasn't so worried about, but that man gave off such a powerful and scary aura it made his whole body shiver. Gaara quickly hid his way behind Lee, wondering why in the world Lee brought him out in the open when there were others to come into his home. Naruto he didn't mind seeing, but others he was not so fond of.

JapanEmoGirl
"How did- when did- ugh." Lee rested his head in his palm. He groaned out in frustration, and rolled his eyes to the back of his head. He shook his head, and looked at Neji and TenTen.

Neji looked at Lee. His lips pressed together in a business form, eyes now slits of knowingness. His arms crossed. Neji slowly took in a breath, and let it out, "Is it true, Lee? You have Prince Gaara here?"

Lee didn't know rather or not he should answer. On one hand, he didn't want to lie to his best friends and make up a random story. They were to close, and it wouldn't be fair to them if they didn't know something major in his life.

On the other, he didn't want Gaara taken away from him. He doesn't think his friends would rat them out, but he doesn't want to take any chances. Neji was... one to always do the 'right' thing.

Lee looked at Gaara, a small look of asking in his eyes. It was up to Gaara rather or not he wanted to tell them the truth or not.

XxGaaraloverxX
Pale hands reached up to grip at the shirt that Lee was wearing. He was caught. He knew it. The moment that "Neji" spoke up in question, he knew that he was found out. The only thing that blocked his view from Lee's friends was Lee himself.

Gaara pressed his face into Lee's back, the feeling of guilt and the shock of being caught overweighing his senses. He almost felt like crying. Surely, these people would like to turn him in for a ransom of gold from the king and become a hero to the town as the one who defeated the 'kidnapper' (Lee) and rescues the prince. He overheard Neji's hatred towards the royal family due to the tax increases and the law enforcement that ran the town. He didn't think twice that "Neji" would turn him in.

Gaara felt the gaze of Lee strike him, making him look up. He could see the asking in his eyes, but Gaara was afraid. Afraid of what would happen to his newfound love and life. Perhaps if he is quick enough he could make an escape through the back door, and disappear from this life. But, he would be leaving Lee behind. The life that he planned on having together with this man. The man that stole his first kiss.

Aquatic eyes looked down in sorrow. He truly didn't know what do to or say. If he was going to get turned in, he would much rather do it himself without Lee being involved. The last thing he wanted was his death, and a brand upon his family name as a kidnapper of royalty. It was Gaara's choice to come and stay here. Lee had nothing to do with this; he was just being kind and assisting him.

Tears rolled down his face, as he looked back up at those caring coal colored eyes he has grown to love. He would give it a shot, but if they claimed to take him back, he would make a dash for it, making sure to allow Lee to be free from this problem. He was going to make sure that Lee would not be harmed because of him.

With slow movements, he made his way around the taller male, still clinging onto his shirt, and eventually arm, as he stood next to him. Just taking one look at Neji made his heart sink, and more tears rolled down his cheeks, as he sniffled lightly. Gaara gripped onto Lee's arm tighter, and rubbed his face into it, as if trying to hide his fear and shame. He could feel his tears staining Lee's sleeve of the shirt he was wearing, which only made him feel worse.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee's look saddened as Gaara moved around him. He didn't have to this, to risk himself like this. He didn't want Gaara doing something he will regret. If he didn't want to expose himself, then he didn't have to. Lee won't make him. But, it was his choice. The raven haired male respected his cute redhead's choice. He decided to trust his friends with the knowing that he's a Prince. Somehow, that made Lee really happy.

Lee wrapped an arm around the trembling redhead, moving his hand up and down his arm in a comforting way. He took a moment to stare at Gaara, then turned his hopeful gaze at his best friends, "Neji, TenTen, this is Gaara. Prince of Suna..."

Neji seemed to stare down at Gaara. His frown deepened, no other emotion was over his face, "Lee," he said after a while, "are you sure about this? He is wanted back at the castle; thousands of coins are an award for his safe return. He is betrothed, and they will not hesitate to kill you on the spot if they see him with you."

"I don't care," Lee said, bravely. He tightened his grip on Gaara, "it was Gaara-kun's choice to leave that place in the first place. If they bring him back against his will, I will not go down without a fight. I want him to be happy," he said, courage pouring out of him like a river, "If he's not happy, then I won't be. I love him."

XxGaaraloverxX
He felt Lee give him a saddened look, as he was pulled into a side-hug. His sobbing grew slightly louder as he felt the taller male try and comfort him. This only made him cry worse, as he clenched onto Lee's shirt, attached to his chest. He didn't want to leave; he didn't want Lee to get hurt. Now instead of staining the shirt of Lee's arm, now Gaara was staining his chest with his tears.

Half of his face was shown from him trying to hide into Lee's embrace. Teary, sparkly, aquatic eyes glanced up at the three who stood before them in accusation, as Lee introduced the prince. His body jerked in little spasms as he sobbed softly. He didn't want to go. It was so unfair.

Gaara curled into Lee closer, when he felt that judging gaze look over him from Neji. He felt exposed and discovered, waiting for the chance for him to say "I'm turning him in" and making a dash for it. Although, as Neji spoke to Lee, he couldn't help but to scrunch his face back into the protecting arms of his newfound lover. The thought of "Lee would protect me… Lee would protect me…" Kept buzzing through his mind, as he held onto Lee tighter, almost to the point where Lee's shirt would rip.

He felt like dying after Neji spoke to his Lee like that. Would Lee he reconsider and turn him in? He knew that it was probably for the best for Lee's sake. Then the taller male wouldn't be accused of the crime and everyone would be safe, but at what cost?

Opposite to his thought, Lee spoke out against his friend. After that curt "I don't care" comment, Gaara paused and snapped his shining and glittering eyes up to see Lee's determined gaze looking right at Neji. His eyes widened in shock as the raven haired male spoke back to his friend, in defense of Gaara. The last three words making his heart skip a beat. He just exposed his love for the prince openly. Not only was this illegal, but it was probably the ultimate crime in the kingdom. Yet, Gaara didn't care. All he cared about was the fact that Lee did love him.

And here the prince was, weeping in his lovers arms, doing nothing to support Lee's saying. Perhaps his friends wouldn't believe him, Gaara had to do something.

With as much bravery that spilled out of Lee at this moment, and when they had their first kiss, Gaara leaned up onto his tippy-toes and latched his lips onto Lee's. Reaching a hand up to support Lee's head and death gripping one onto the older males shoulder. He had to tell the world that their love was real, and that he stood by Lee every step of the way. Gaara loved Lee just as much as he loved him.

He was sure that Lee's friends would be shocked and dismayed at the sight, but Lee was being so brave and bold, so the prince had to do the same. Also, it would be a good-bye kiss if he had to bolt for the door if they were to try and grab him to turn him in.

JapanEmoGirl
Nejis eye twitched, and he raised his hand to speak again, opened his mouth to try and reason with his friend. But, he stopped when TenTen rested a hand on his shoulder, and Naruto giving him a 'don't you dare' look. The male brunette looked at both, and then looked back at the kissing couple. He had to admit; Neji couldn't deny and reject the fact that he could feel their love from where he was standing. It was strong, pure, like they couldn't care less about anyone, but each other in the whole world.

But, it was wrong. Sick, even. How could Lee love a man, the Prince no less? It was against the law, forbidden. Never was, and never will be allowed. But, Neji couldn't seem to bring himself to stop this. To stop them. He just...

He sighed, after much thought, "Alright," Neji said. Lee pulled away from a now loving staring contest with Gaara, looking desperately at his friend, "I won't do anything to stop this. But, if you do get found out, mention nothing of me, or TenTen."

Lee grinned a large grin, and dashed towards Neji, hugging him tightly, "Oh! Thank you, thank you!" He said, happily.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara could easily feel the angry Neji behind them, as their lips locked. Yet, he didn't care a single bit. All that mattered now as him and Lee. Perhaps this will be his last good-bye he will give to his new love before him his charted off to the castle once more. Nothing could break this moment between them.

Neji spoke out-loud with a sigh of defeat making Lee and Gaara separate with a soft crackle of their lips, as if they desperately wished to be back together again. The redhead prince looked back at Neji with fearful eyes, still stained with glittering tears. He was just about to make his grand escape, if Lee's friend claimed to send him back.

In surprise, and in a quick turn-around, Neji decided to spare their love, just as long as they are not mentioned if he is caught. Gaara would definitely agree with his terms. The less of a danger to others as possible the better.

Lee slipped out of his grasp and ran at his friend in a friendly and grateful hug. Gaara couldn't contain the small smile that graced his lips. He wouldn't have to run after all. With a slow and proud stride, Gaara made his way over to Neji, stopping in front of him after Lee had his fair share of gratitude.

"Neji-san… Thank you so much for this…" the prince said as he bowed lowly in gratitude. He was so grateful that this would be kept a secret. This man seemed to see right through him, and he found him out right from the start. "I can promise you and your family will be safe and kept anonymous if I am caught." Bright bluish eyes sparkled up at the long, brown haired male in the room, showing just how happy he was at this moment. His Lee was safe.

JapanEmoGirl
Neji looked over at Gaara when Lee let go of the deathly hug. He gave a small, slight smile to show he wasn't a threat, "You're welcome, I guess..."

Naruto gave a loud, annoying laugh, "Now that that's over with," he blurted, "what we're you guys doing before we came. And why was redhead in the cabinet?" He warped an arm around Gaaras shoulders, and leaned on him. Naruto gave a sly smile, and wiggled his eyebrow.

TenTen tried to cover her smile, giggling a little. Neji had a look of shock over his face, then quickly got over it and shook his head. Lee felt his heart quicken, "N-Naruto!" He yelped, "We n-never did anything like that!" He grabbed Naruto, and dragged him in the living room, throwing him on the couch. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms, trying to calm down, "He was in the cabinet because we thought you were the guards. He needed to hide."

XxGaaraloverxX
The prince's attention was captured by the obnoxious laughter from Naruto, as he turned his bright aquatic gaze to the blonde. Quickly, he wiped his eyes free from any straggling tears that were still left. There was no need to cry any longer. Along with that, Naruto's laughter made his mood take a generous swing. He felt so much better. Even though, Gaara still felt a bit of embarrassment that now some of his people know his secret. The Prince of Suna was a homosexual. He has fallen in love with another man; worse off to the royal family, a citizen of Konoha. If only his father knew…

The blonde-headed male easily made his way over to the prince and shocked him a bit to find his arm wrapped casually over the redheads shoulder. Gaara pivoted on his feet a bit, as his balance had extra weight to carry, since Naruto was leaning on him. Now that he was closer up, Gaara took note of the fact that the blonde was a bit taller than he was. Not as tall as Lee, but a good couple of inches at least.

The look that Naruto gave put a stunning blush on the prince's cheeks. That suggestive look made him only imagine what the blonde was thinking, when he came into Lee's home to find a pretending Lee 'cleaning' and the Prince of Suna hiding inside of a cabinet. He must have thought that they were doing something "sinful." Which only made Gaara think of all the possibilities, making him turn redder than before, even though they did nothing of the sort.

What made it worse, was when the woman in the room began to giggle at him, as if fangirl-ing over the possibility that the prince and Lee were engaged in some 'activities' before they came in. To add to the fact, Neji had a face similar to pure shock only to shake it away after a few moments. This made the redhead's gaze travel to the floor, as his face continued to get redder by the second; his confidence dwindling with Lee in the room. It made him think about the ways he could drag Lee into bed. Would he be a beast in the sheets? Or a gentle lover?

To his luck, Lee pulled the blonde off of the embarrassed redhead, and dragged him into the living room and onto the couch as punishment, giving him a stern talking too. That Naruto was a real bold man. If only he had met him sooner, they would have been great friends as young kids. Gaara already liked Naruto as a friend, even if he bickers at the prince about his looks of beauty, and his teasing.

To back Lee's statement up, Gaara entered the room and stood next to Lee. "Th-That is correct, Naruto-san. W-We were s-simply looking at old memories, past." He did try not to mention the first kiss that he and Lee had in the kitchen earlier that day that would only make the blonde boy even bolder and tease poor Lee and the prince even more. Gaara didn't mind the teasing much, though. He, actually, kind of liked it. It made him feel like he fit in; being a part of something, and that hyperactive blonde would always find some way to make him blush.

JapanEmoGirl
Naruto tried to cover his laugher, "Then what was he doing in the cabinet? And Lee looking like he was cleaning? Some kind of kinky game, hmm~?"

Lee tapped his fingers on his thigh, and stared angrily at the blonde. His face redden and his mind started to cloud a little. He couldn't help Naruto's words getting to him, it made him really wonder what Gaara would look like, or do, in bed. Would he be quiet and blush a lot, or would he be loud and demanding. Would he let Lee be in control, or would he take control? Lee tried not to imagine Gaara in bed, naked. Sweating, his face all red. Breathing hard and begging for more, "Lee..." he'll say "Lee please, I want it. So bad."

Lee immediately shook the thought from his head. That thought is a serious sin, he shouldn't be thinking about that. Especially right now, "Naruto," he sighed once he calmed down, "look, we thought you were the guard, and Gaara hid in the cabinet because he didn't want to be found. I had to act like I was doing something, since it took so long."

Neji and TenTen walked into the room, "Why don't you want to be caught? Do you not like the castle life, Prince?" Neji asked Gaara.

XxGaaraloverxX
Gaara decided to somewhat ignore the blonds teasing for a moment to take a glance at Lee to see his reaction. He was just as red in the face as the prince was. Was Lee thinking of the same thing as Gaara was at the moment? It was hard to ignore the teasing that Naruto brought upon the young prince and the farmer boy. The fact that Lee even though of Gaara as being sexy in the slightest made his heart flutter. The blonde was bringing out the sexy-sinful side of their relationship, and it only made Gaara's mind wonder further into thought of them in bed together.

The redhead's attention was then grasped by Neji and his wife walking into the room with a serious question. He wouldn't doubt why they wanted to know. Why would anyone want to give up a luxurious lifestyle of lying back and relaxing? A life of respect and royalty, having anything one desires. Although, they had no idea what happens behind closed doors in the castle.

"I know most of you would be shocked as to why I even thought of running away, letting alone the fact that I actually did. Wealth isn't all it is cracked up to be. All I ever wanted was freedom. My citizens, you all, get to have that; I do not, while trapped in that prison. I was forced to marry someone that I had no feelings for, and I was never allowed out of the castle grounds. If only you could imagine how prison would be like. Think about that, except replace the people in it with money instead. A person can't defeat their own loneliness. Growing up, I had no friends. If it wasn't for my siblings, I was sure to go mad. Throughout the years I have had to study, train, and dedicate my life to strictly running this country. I never had any time to be, simply, normal. To be treated normal. I have envied you, my people, about your freedom. You get to marry whom you may. You are able to leave your home whenever you please. And you get to have the comfort of other people as friends." He preached to Neji, mostly to everyone in the room. He had to take speech classes, so he knew to make a tolerable speech. "I am unsure if you will understand completely… But I only wish to be like you all. And if not, then I wish to become king and treat all of my people with the respect they deserve. But I wish to do so with the one I love by my side."

JapanEmoGirl
Lee rested a hand on Gaara shoulder as he spoke. Everyone else stared at the redhead, waiting his finish, and Neji's response. Neji looked baffled at Gaara's reason. He wished to be like them? Why, if Neji didn't know better, he would have been seriously angry with the Prince, "Do you have any idea what these people do? How many die each day because of the king's men? How many pray, and hope to see any other day. It wasn't till just before Lee left that he would come and stay with Naruto, or my family at nights, because it was too cold, and wet here. You should have seen everything before it got fixed up,"

Neji closed his eyes, thought for a while, then reopened them, "I know it's not your fault. I shouldn't blame you, and I don't. But, how could you wish to be like us, when we, ourselves, do not want to be us? What some of these people would give for a small speck of food will go far beyond the line. There are some people here who would even give their own mother for a single coin. There are orphans on the street; wanting nothing more than to have someone to hold them and tell them it will be alright-"

"Neji," Ten-Ten softly said, "that's enough. Can't you see that you're scaring the boy? He wants to be free."

"We don't have freedom!" Neji turned to Ten-Ten, "Freedom has no meaning here. If we did have such a thing, more people would be happy," he stared at the ground, "the people that have been lost to society because of this, so called, 'freedom'... Lee and Naruto's parents. Ten-Ten's mother... My own father. The people precious to us has been taken because of the way we have to live."

"Neji!" Ten-Ten raised her voice. Neji took a look at his pregnant wife, and sighed, signaling he was done. He wanted to say so much more, though.

XxGaaraloverxX
As Neji spoke, the prince's eyes widened in shock and sadness. He kept his mouth shut, as he listened into the others response. It broke his heart that Neji seemed to be upset at his choice to disappear from the life of royalty and into the simple life of an everyday citizen, was a bad one. He understood how his poorer people were struggling in the economy that the king has set out. Taxes were high, and times for the peasant were a terrible one.

Gaara felt like a child being scolded, as he raised a hand to grip at his heart, clenching at the cloth. He closed his glittering aquatic eyes in empathy and sadness for what Neji said. It was terrible that some people had to live like that. It was horrible that people died everyday thanks to the king's rule. He respected his people so much, and he desired to be just like them, allowing himself to take in the hardships that came with it. To him, money didn't matter. It was love, and friendship that was everything to the prince.

When Neji's wife spoke up for the first time, it made his heart sink at the fact that she told. Neji was frightening him a bit, and it brought a great deal of sadness along with it. The prince felt tears pool in his eyes, too afraid to look up into those light, almost white, eyes. He was hoping that his people would understand, but it seems that they didn't. Neji was still hooked onto the fact that the royal family was nothing more than a bunch of money and power hungry tyrants that wanted nothing more than to take control of others.

Gaara jumped a bit in shock at the woman's outbursts, making some of the unshed tears spill from his defense, as they rolled down his porcelain cheeks. "I-I'm sorry… P-Please excuse me for a moment…" He had to think this through, Neji was right, but he still refused to go back to that castle. He just wished that Neji was a little less mean about it.

With a slow stride, the sad-little prince excused himself from the room with a short bow, and made his way upstairs to Lee's room. He knew it wasn't his house, but he would like to be alone now. He didn't lock the doors, only because this was Lee's home, and it would have been rude. The redhead made his way to the bed, and sad himself down on it, with a dreadful sigh. His shoulders slumped, as he raised a hand to wipe the tears away from his eyes. He felt like such a crybaby, but he couldn't help it. He loved his people and hearing such a horrid tale made him very upset.