JapanEmoGirl
Lee stared after Gaara for awhile. His heart broke at the sight of seeing the one he loved cry such sad tears. He flipped his gaze to Neji in a deathly glare when he heard the door shut, "Neji..." Lee breathed out angrily, "what have you done...?"

Neji kept staring at the ground, as if it was the most interesting thing in the world, "He needed to know the truth, Lee," his eyes looked up at the raven haired male, "someone had to tell him. It's better to tell him now then later."

Lee's knuckles turned white as his fists trembled beside him. He wanted to punch Neji, to tell him he was wrong. That Gaara wasn't the reason, and wasn't the type to be so rude towards. That Neji went too far, and should have stopped. Naruto noticed this, and spoke up, "Neji, man, you didn't have to be so harsh. Yeah, you're right, but it's not redhead's fault-"

"Naruto, I swear to all that is holy, that if he didn't know the truth, then he would have been even in a worse state. What if the next person that got sick was someone he already met? Like you, or Lee, or Hinata? He would be devastated."

Naruto stood up, his face red, "Don't you dare bring Hinata into this."

"Get out," Lee finally decided to break the fight, "all of you, get out. Now."

One look at Lee, and they were out. Fast. Lee had a blood thirst in his eyes, like he was ready to kill at any moment. Seeing Gaara cry made something snap, and all he wanted to do was cheer him up. To hold him, and tell him that Neji was just a jerk. That not all the villagers were like that. Quickly, once they left, Lee made his way up the stairs, and into his room, seeing Gaara on the bed. He sat next to him, the look of sympathy covered his face, "Gaara-kun..." he whispered out.

XxGaaraloverxX
The saddened prince glanced next to him, where Lee was sitting. He felt so powerless at that moment. Raised as a prince, he was trained to be noble and all-powerful. At that moment, however, he has never felt so deprived of everything that he has trained for. He hated for Lee to see him in such a state. It only made him feel worse.

Comfort was what he wanted, but he was unsure if it would help the situation. "I-I'm sorry, L-Lee-kun…" He felt like he has somewhat offended Lee's guest, and was afraid that Lee was upset at him for doing so to his friends. He tried his best to be nice and obliged Lee's friends and his people that he respects to no end. Perhaps it was something that the prince has said to make Neji speak out in such a rant, to make him that upset to speak in such a vulgar way towards the prince of Suna. He didn't want to involve his stature into the picture, but he was taught to treat others the way you want to be treated, he did just that. It really seemed like his people didn't like him in the slightest.

"I-I n-never meant t-to… *sniff* o-offend your friends…" The prince said as his head sunk further down, afraid of the response he will get. Was Lee mad at him as well? "P-Perhaps I-I should… sh-should go back to castle… I am sorry that I brought you into this mess…" As much as he hated it, he might have to go back to the castle. It was getting dangerous, and Lee's safety was getting involved. As much as he loved the man that sat next to him, he just hoped that Lee wouldn't try and give him up so easily. Gaara has told Lee how much he absolutely despised that horrible palace. Right now, he could use some of Naruto's encouragement. The blonde always brought a smile on his face, even in the most awkward or embarrassing moods.

Would Lee give him up? Or would he cling onto the prince and never let him go? The smaller redhead wished for the latter, but he knew that if Lee wanted, he could turn the prince in for a ransom of gold. Gaara wouldn't mind it too much… He would be devastated, but he knew that with that amount of money, Lee wouldn't grow hungry or cold at nights. He would be safe.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee gave Gaara a stern look. He thought he offended Neji? That's impossible, he didn't do anything! It was Neji's fault! But, the way he talked to Gaara, Lee guessed he would feel the same as Gaara if that were to happen to him. Of course, he already feels terrible. His crying, sniffling lover next to him. He didn't want to see this. He didn't want to see the love of his life hacking, sneezing, tear stained face. Ever. He wanted Gaara to be happy. With him. Forever.

Then, the other words hit his ears. He should... leave? No. No! Lee won't let him, not unless Gaara told him that he wanted to! Lee would never give up Gaara so easily. He's finally found someone in his life; he doesn't want to lose them so suddenly, so fast. He doesn't want Gaara to ever leave. Never ever. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with him. To live in a nice house with him, kiss and hug him all day. Marry him, maybe adopted an orphan, if he wanted. He wanted to be with Gaara. He didn't want to let him go. Not now. Not ever.

Lee wrapped an arm around Gaara, pulling him close and gently rubbing his back in a circular motion, "Do you know why Neji has such a terrible grudge with the castle?" Lee started in a hushed whisper, "When he was very young, about seven or so, his father's life was taken by a guard. The Kings personal guard. The King ordered death upon him, because he tried to overrule the kingdom. He wanted to become King. His majesty was so angry at his disobeying follower, that he displayed his dead body in town square for all to see for a week. A reminder of what could happen if you go against the rules," Lee shivered at the memory, "you could imagine how traumatized Neji was... to see his dead father be tied to a pole. Every day for a week. Ever since then, he's hated the Kingdom. The rules, the why we are living... please don't think he was being rude to you. Don't take it personal. He doesn't know how different you are. I promise, for the bottom of my heart, that he is one of the small few that will hate just because of what family you live it. He doesn't know your story very well, and will take some time to let it sink in. But, I promise that soon, he will start being nice, and he will apologize."

XxGaaraloverxX
That touch. That special and longed for touch from the taller male was all he needed at this moment. He yearned for it, and wanted to hold it close to his heart forever. Lee held him close and comforted him by rubbing his back slowly and smoothly. It felt good, making his body tingle a bit from the soft massage. It felt so good to be in the arms of the man that he confessed his love for. He never wanted to let this feeling go. The prince grasped onto it, tightly. Gripping Lee's shirt and pressing himself closer to the warmth that the older male provided and gave out needlessly. It would kill him if he were separated from what gave him happiness. All these years, and now he has finally found love. If it was taken from him now, he would probably kill himself.

If he was brought back to that castle once more, without his love by his side, he would leap from his bedroom window, and greet death with a warm welcome. He never wanted to leave Lee, but he didn't want his people to suffer as well. Yet, this grip that Lee holds him in. It seems as though he is clenching onto him, like a priceless treasure. Gentle, but protective, awaiting for the next thief to come to try and steal it away from him. This only made him push closer to the other man, practically sitting in his lap. He never wanted to let go.

Tucking his head neatly under Lee's neck he listened silently, as the raven-haired male told the tale of Neji's past, and his grudge against the kingdom. He now understood why he was so angry with him beforehand. He seemed to be exhibiting his anger out on the ears of royalty, since he could never do such a thing to the king itself, do it on the next best thing, the prince of Suna. It was terrible what the kings of Konoha and Suna have done, and it was unacceptable.

Warm, wet tears dripped onto Lee's cooled neck as he stayed silent. What was there to say? He was a part of royalty, so part of it was his fault, even though he had no part of it. It was like a sin that was carried down from father to son. If his father did it, then the son shall take the blame. He is the castle. He is the prince of Suna, and anything that happens behind those walls is partially his responsibility. There was no need for Neji's apology; it was the prince that needed to apologize to him for his families wrongdoings. "I-I'm sorry… I-I had no idea. It was wrong of the King do so such a terrible crime." He said softly, still attached onto the older male, wishing to never let go. This moment of contact was sacred and precious. As if, it would be the last time he would ever hold Lee in his grasp.

Those hands that rubbed at his back soothed him, though. Making him a bit drowsy, as he rested his whole body against the cushion known as Lee. The prince resituated himself for comfort and sat himself fully into Lee's lap; he just hoped that Lee wouldn't mind it too much if he accidentally fell asleep. The older male was just so comfortable. He was warm, caring and so kind to him. It made all of his troubles seem to drift away.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee nodded to the young Prince, and buried his face in Gaara's hair. He smelled like strawberries. It was a nice smell. He could smell it all day. Lee's arms tighten around the redhead, and he gladly accepted his into his lap. It was comfortable. He could sleep with Gaara in his arms so easily. Lee doesn't recall ever having this much comfort, this much love in his life, other than this moment. This one, innocent moment with Gaara.

Lee pulled away a little. He gently touched Gaara's chin with his thumb and index finger, softly forcing him to look up. Lee looked Gaara in the eyes, and laid a soft, simple kiss on his lips. The moment was just too hard to resist, "Gaara-kun," Lee barely said over a whisper. He rested his forehead on Gaara's, and closed his eyes in a relaxed feeling, "I never want you to leave. Let's run away, just you and me. Tomorrow, if you want. I want to be with you forever. Not a day without you. We can run, and not look back. Leave everything here, and start a new life. We can even get your horse for the stables and ride him away from here."

XxGaaraloverxX
That soft, precious feeling of love drifted through his racing heart, when those arms held him tighter. He loved the feeling of his Lee holding him tighter. It was clear to him that the love they felt for each other was stronger than anything that he has ever felt before. This all felt so right, no matter how badly the king considered it wrong. Love couldn't be wrong, he had to listen to his heart, and it was telling him to accept this man with open arms, and that is exactly what he did.

Somewhat sleepy, aquatic eyes lidded open when he felt a calloused hand reach up to touch his chin, pulling him to see Lee's face and those coal eyes he loves so much. What made it better was the soft, tender kiss that pressed upon his lips. It made his whole body shutter with a sharp and fluttering feeling of love that struck his heart. Who would have guessed that a single kiss could take the princes breath away?

When he separated, Gaara's eyes were glazed with love and affection, as he focused on those delicious lips that stunned him every time his own touched it. It was Lee's voice that seemed to bring him out of his daze and focus his attention to those deep abyss colored eyes, as his forehead was pressed against Lee's. Even through his sleepy gaze, his eyes widened with shock at what Lee claimed. "B-But Lee, wh-what about your house? Wh-What about your friends?" He asked softly back, as if speaking too loudly would make them be discovered in the deathly silent house.

It warmed his heart that Lee loved him enough to sacrifice his current life for the prince's happiness, but what about Lee? What his love proclaimed sounded too good to be true, and it seemed so easy to accomplish. Gaara managed to run away from his life, and now he is able to do it again. Only this time, he will be running in hand with Lee by his side. It was a wonderful dream. They could run away together, find a home outside of the kingdom of Konoha and Suna and find a nice farm and a plot of land in the Land of mist, or any other place but here. They would work hard and raise a family together, while growing old and living their happily ever after, together. Gaara's dream, a reality.

Or, he could start fresh, and begin to rise with a kingdom of his own. Lee and Gaara kings of their own domain. Lee could have his family and friends there, and they could rule in peace. They would allow simple townsfolk to come by and fallow in Gaara and Lee's kingdom. He knew that no murders and harsh penalties would be portrayed in the young princes dream palace. Gaara has already told Lee about his dream to rule over a castle and only exhibit peace and tranquility with a thriving economy for his people.

And the thought of getting his horse back seemed like a dream come true. He loved his animal to pieces. Perhaps when night falls, he could sneak back to the stables and retrieve him. Although it would be difficult to move a thousand pound animal past those guards, but Shukaku was fast, and could out-race any of the cavalry that tried to chase after them. There was a good reason to all of that training it seems. He would have to go in the dead of night, and sneak out of the house without Lee's knowledge. He would hate to put him in danger, and if Gaara were to get caught, there would be no penalty. If Lee was with him, he would be executed.

"O-Oh, Lee… That sounds so wonderful. B-But… Where will we go? H-How will we get there?" This all seemed so dangerous, but the thrill of going with Lee made it all the more exciting and thrilling.

JapanEmoGirl
Lee thought. He didn't think about where, or what about. He thought about when, and now, "We can just leave this house, whoever can find it can have it. And, my friends...? Gaara-kun, I love my friends to death, but I love you beyond death. If I can't be with you under the comfort of my own peers, then I don't have to be. All I need in life is you. You and me together." He smiled.

Living a life with Gaara would be wonderful. He could imagine what it would be like. He and Gaara could live in a house Lee built. Lee would continue teaching Gaara to cook, and clean. Him slowly getting the hang of it. Lee would get a job, somewhere, and soon earn enough money for a ring he made himself. He would slip that ring on his finger, and they will be tied together, officially. They'd adopted a young child, who they'll love and care for. They'll all be a happy family. The thought made Lee want to smile widely, giggle. He couldn't wait until that happen. To run with Gaara and start a new life together.

Lee was pulled out of his thoughts when he suddenly remembers that the redhead asked another question, "We'll go far away. Where no one can find us. We'll live a peaceful life; live in a nice kingdom, if we can find one, far from Suna, and Konoha. We can start over in our lives," Lee thought about the last question, "there's a cellar in my backyard, an old wagon in is it. I can take it out, and fix it up. We can get your horse, and tie him up to it, and be off..."

Lee then thought. What if Gaara doesn't want this? What if he doesn't want to leave the kingdom, and run away. Run away with Lee. The taller male began to grow panic, what if he was pressuring Gaara into this?! "T-That is, if you want to..."

XxGaaraloverxX
Just listening to Lee preach on about their possible future together made his heart leap into his throat. Lee would give up his friends and his own home just to be with the prince? This brought a gentle array of happy tears pooling in those aquatic orbs. If Lee was willing to give up his life to help the prince escape from this kingdom once and for all, then he would do it. He stayed silent, but a smile was slowly forming on those soft peachy colored lips of his, the more Lee talked.

This would be a perfect plan. Gaara could get Shukaku and his days of jumping and agility training would be over and he would retire into a life of farm work and pulling wagons for a living. He knows that his horse would love to assist in the fields and help with the plow work. This dream continued to entice the young prince, especially when Lee said that he had an old wagon in his property. With the gold that Gaara had, he would give that to Lee and he could fix it up nicely and make it able to carry them and their belongings. This sounded like a "dream come true."

Then Lee asked a very silly question that made Gaara look at him as if he was mad, imaginary eyebrows furrowed in confusion and a soft smile on his lips. "Of course!" The prince yelped out loud, his excitement bursting at the seams. "Yes! Yes, I would love to go with you Lee!" He claimed as he lunged forwards, throwing Lee on his back, and giving him a kiss to remember. This kiss was their promise seal. Their contract to keep. They would run away together and live a life of peace, or die trying.

This kiss was longer than the rest combine, and Gaara made sure to pin the older male down, as his hands gripped the sides of Lee's head so he couldn't escape the kiss. He hoped that he didn't shock Lee too much with his excitement. He just couldn't contain it. He would love to leave, first thing tomorrow morning, or the moment Lee fixes the wagon, and Gaara retrieves his horse. This was his dream, and he wanted to reach it so badly.

JapanEmoGirl
The moment Gaara's clarification reached Lees ears, a huge smile slapped on his face. He was immediately knocked over by a forceful kiss, not that he minded. He kissed back, making sure to put as much passion and promising into the kiss as he could. Lee wrapped his arms around Gaara's waist, also trapping him. No way was he letting go now.

He'll start on the wagon first thing tomorrow. He'll go to town, get a few parts and boards, then dig up the old thing and get to work. Once he's done, he will help Gaara get the horse. Everything seemed so easy, and so reachable. He had to try. And try hard, he will. If he has to, he'll steal Gaara, if they are caught. He will not die, not when he made such a promise to his love, and himself. He will fight for this love story, for this dream. Because, Gaara is his dream.

Running out of air, Lee pulled as far back as he could, gasping for air. He smiled lovingly, and flipped Gaara on his side, so they were both snuggled up against each other. Protective arms tightly wrapped around Gaara, "I love you, Gaara-kun." He sighed out happily.

XxGaaraloverxX
The moment Lee pulled back, he heard a sharp gasp fill the silent air around them. It seems as if Gaara kept the kiss a little bit too long, depriving precious oxygen from his Lee. And not to mention, the prince himself; as soon as Lee pulled back to breath, he also took a deep breath in, almost forgetting to breathe for a moment.

The prince panted a bit, trying to catch his breath back, it never seize to amaze him how much this man stole his breath with just a kiss. A beautiful smile adorned the happy prince's face, as he was tightly grasped and moved to the side so they could snuggle against one another.

It was amazing. Just a few minutes ago, he was crying out of sadness. Now he is so happy that he is crying. Gaara wrapped his arms around strong shoulders; and half-way wrapped a leg around Lee's waist. "I love you, too, Lee-kun~! So very, very much… You have made my life worth something. You have made me so happy~!" He felt so childish at that moment, but he couldn't help but to say the truth. Lee did make him happy. He has never felt so alive.

His head once again, tucked underneath Lee's chin. He seemed to fit their perfectly, like it was meant for him to snuggle up against the taller male. God, how he loved it. Starting tomorrow, he will begin his life, anew. There will be hardships, but he knows that with Lee by his side, anything is possible.

JapanEmoGirl
The day grew young, and soon Lee fell asleep with his precious Prince in his arms. He smiled in his sleep when he realized that he was having a dream. Again, there was a farmer. The farmer and the Princess. They were together, where the dream left off the other night, holding hands and smiling at one another. The farmer built a house, with a large yard, and a nice little patio. The Princess wanted a pond, so he made that, too. A beautiful pond, that soon grew leafs and fishes.

Two children were running around the field, one boy, and one girl. Playing tag, and tackle each other to the ground. The farmer, who just got home from work, walked up to the house. The children raced to him to see who got the first hug. The Princess would walk out on the patio, apron on and a big, wooden spoon in one hand. She called them all to dinner, and they all ate in peace, talking about their day, and laughing.

That's what Lee wants, he realized in his sleep. A small, happy, healthy family. With Gaara. Forever with Gaara. Till the end of time, and so on.

Lee awoke in the middle of the night from the wonderful dream. He blinked, disappointment washed over him. He wanted to see what happened next. The room was dark, but he could see a little from the burning out candle on his nightstand. He carefully moved his head towards Gaara, seeing the sleeping form all snuggled like a rabbit hibernating. Lee almost chuckled at the sight, but decided not to in fear he might wake him. He simply placed a soft, small kiss on Gaara's forehead, and closed his eyes to go back asleep. Tomorrow was a big day, you know.

XxGaaraloverxX
The sleeping prince gently awoke from his slumber when Lee gave a soft peck on his forehead. Although, he kept still and silent, eyes closed. He waited for his love to fall back asleep, before slowly opening his eyes. It was dark out, and he didn't even realize that he had even fallen asleep in the first place. It wasn't Lee's fault for waking him; Gaara was a light sleeper anyways. The prince smiled at Lee's form; he must have been dreaming of something wonderful. Perhaps a continuation of the dream that he had told Gaara before. He didn't wish to disturb him.

Slowly, and silently, Gaara managed to slip out of bed and sneak his way out of the room. First thing he did, was use the restroom. He was going to be doing a lot of running tonight, so having a full bladder was not such a good idea. Luckily, he was already fully dressed in his everyday cloak, and had everything all prepared to go.

Slowly, he made his way downstairs, and pulled open the back door. He hoped that he would make it back before sunrise, and before Lee awoke to find him missing. The last thing the prince wanted was for him to think that Gaara had left him and broke his promise. Gaara sealed it with that kiss, and he would never break it.

He had to go out alone. He had escaped from the castle multiple times, and is the only one who knows how to maneuver through the city alleys. Not only that, Shukaku doesn't like anyone else but Gaara, nor will he listen to anyone else. That horse would follow him into a battle field, even death.

With one look back into the home, the prince pulled his disguise up over his ruby red locks and closed the door, making a dash for the castle stables to free his horse. He has noticed through Lee's yard, he has a small stable. That would be a perfect place to put Shukaku until Lee is ready with the wagon. That was probably the same stable that Lotus stayed at before his death. The prince was positive that Lee had all of the supplies needed for caring a horse. The only thing that Gaara needed from the barn was Shukaku's riding tack.