CHAPTER 7: The Devil Looks Like This

The next morning, Gaara woke up in his brother's arms. Drowsily, Kankuro caressed his naked back, as Gaara reached over to the bedside table to get his phone. Comfortably back in the sheets, Gaara snuggled closer to his brother, and unlocked his phone.

As he went to his messages, he realized Kiba had been erased, but the hollowness it caused was distracted by an unread message from Naruto.

"Buddy! Want to hang out today? Please don't send your brother, I want you this time. Don't get me wrong, I adore Kankuro, but you're irreplaceable, you know? :) Let me know your thoughts."

Gaara smiled, and replied: "Just for your nuisance, I'll send him again. ;)"

Naruto was quick to type back: "Nooooo! D: I need you, Gaara, please, come save my boring Sunday. T.T "

"Alright, I will :P" Gaara replied, and got up.

"Welcome," Naruto greeted with a luminous smile, and before Gaara had even taken off his jacket, he was already offered a hanger.

"You're awfully full of energy just for a regular Sunday," Gaara chuckled darkly.

"Heh, you know me," Naruto grinned, and darted into the kitchen. "Come look, what I cooked."

Cautiously, Gaara peeked into the kitchen, as if fearing for the worst, and Naruto stuck out his tongue at him.

"Hey, don't be like that, even I can cook! It's not poisonous, I promise," Naruto chided playfully.

"I'm not scared of dying from poisoning, but surviving it," Gaara noted wryly, and stepped closer.

Naruto regarded his dark humor with a small smirk. "Come on, you'll love these, I promise."

On an oven tray, there were nine minuscule pepperoni pizzas. They smelled delicious, and the cheese on top was alluringly molten.

It was love at first sight, and Gaara took four of them straight away on his plate. They went to the living room to eat.

"Heavenly," Gaara breathed between mouthfuls on the sofa. "You surprised me."

Naruto chuckled, "And you have an extraordinary skill to praise and insult people at the same time."

Gaara smirked, and licked his fingers. "You know that's part of the charm."

"Indeed," Naruto chuckled again, and gazed at his friend fondly. "I'm more than glad to spend this day with you."

"Same," Gaara agreed, with a small smirk. He narrowed his eyes playfully, and stared at his friend, just to see where it would lead.

Naruto smiled quickly, a blush coming to his face. The intensely dark rims around his friend's eyes were prominent as ever against his pale, gaunt skin. Flaming red hair and a tattooed, red kanji meaning 'love' on his forehead, with his all black attire, were an impressive sight. Who wouldn't be captivated by such a sight?

In the depths of his jade eyes, something audacious swirled, something that was very much alive, and Naruto felt mesmerized.

"With the way you look at me, it feels like you're gonna steal my lunch money and use it to buy cigs and booze with your friends in studded leather jackets," Naruto smiled shortly, unable to tear his gaze away.

Gaara's intense stare didn't falter, but turned darker, bolder. "Maybe I would make an exception, just for you."

"Would you?" Naruto breathed, full of tension. "You wouldn't brutally separate me from my hard-earned money just for your personal amusement?"

"Who knows," Gaara only said, and narrowed his gaze, it almost looked like an invitation.

Naruto smirked, feeling his heart throbbing in his throat. Nervousness and excitement were turning uncomfortable, but even so, he couldn't look away.

Gaara gripped his chin, and he let him, his touch was assertive and dominant, yet the innuendo of violence was missing. Gaara's gaze felt like it was piercing his soul, and Naruto resisted, lowered his gaze, until the unspoken command became too obvious and he surrendered. He let him see his soul, and never before had Naruto felt so vulnerable.

With the way Gaara read him, Naruto felt like an open book, and with shame, he realized there wasn't much he could be proud of. But to his surprise and joy, it seemed that his friend seemed to be pleased nevertheless.

Gently, Gaara released his chin, and held his cheeks instead. The touch was cold, or maybe it was only Naruto's skin that was burning. The redhead leaned closer, and whispered in his ear, "Do you want to have some fun?"

Breath caught in Naruto's throat. His soul was screaming, his muscles were tingling from all the tension, and he feared he was sweating, too. Gaara smelled of metal and tobacco, and never had he imagined being drugged by it like this.

"I—I do," Naruto gave consent, trembling. What was this wild energy in the room? He felt intoxicated by it, and the way Gaara's cool touch left his cheeks, only to grab his collar, made shivers run down his spine.

"B-but what about your…?" Naruto breathed, eyes half-lidded.

A cruel, almost sadistic smirk spread on Gaara's face. "It's over, don't think about it."

"H-huh?" Naruto was surprised, and was about to ask something more, until Gaara started unbuttoning the blond's shirt.

"Ah, whoa," Naruto stammered, and before he could finish his thought, his shirt was thrown away.

Gaara's cool touch was now caressing Naruto's stomach, tracing out the lines of a tattoo he had there. Gaara had never seen it before, that swirly pattern, and it reminded him of a tribal sun. Naruto's muscles tensed as Gaara traced his thumb along the pattern, and like a predator, he unbuckled Naruto's belt, and slid it off.

"If you may turn around," Gaara murmured with a velvet voice, like a gentleman. Naruto did as he was told, and soon he felt Gaara tying up his wrists behind his back with the belt. Before he could say anything, Gaara was gagging him with his black bandana, and then he was whispering in his ear again, "We don't want the neighbors to hear your wanton screams, do we?"

Naruto was molten lava, driven by Gaara's audacious innuendo, as well as the idea that what they were about to do, had to be kept in secret. As he finally lay on his back on the sofa, shamelessly exposed to his friend without a chance of escape, he thought he'd explode just from the anticipation.

Gaara was fully clad in black, only his gaunt face and pale hands visible, and his predatory gaze was lasciviously nailed on the gagged blond.

Naruto let it happen, he closed his eyes the first time Gaara touched him like that, and soon his salacious moans were muffled by the gag. In the end, he hopelessly squirmed against his restraints, until he was given the mercy he begged for.

With almost sadistic glee, Gaara looked at the red-faced, out-of-breath blond. Even after what he had done to him, Naruto looked so innocent and fresh, like an untainted sheet. Gaara turned him to lay on his stomach, and took a stiletto out of his pocket. Naruto heard the click, and his eyes widened.

"Mmmf," he uttered.

"Ssshh, love. I'm gonna leave a mark, just a tiny one. So that you will remember me," Gaara informed, and cut a small heart-shaped symbol on his friend's buttock.

Naruto's eyes were watery, but he let it happen. Gaara slid his fingers on the blond hair, gripped it, and lifted up his head. "I'll be the pain and pleasure you can't forget."

Then, he took off the gag, and released his friend's wrists. Naruto was out of breath, as he turned around sluggishly. As the bleeding wounds chafed against the sofa, he hissed, but didn't complain. With a click, Gaara pocketed his stiletto, and was about to leave.

"Gaara…" Naruto whispered, and gulped, for his mouth felt dry. "You didn't come. I'd love to help."

But only a smug smirk spread on Gaara's face. "No need, I did get my pleasure as well."

"G—Gaa…" Naruto whispered, but his friend was already gone, and only the hangers in the hall were left rattling, as he took his jacket and left.

The next day, Naruto was walking with his head in the clouds. At work, he felt shameful, dreadful pleasure every time the wounds on his buttock chafed against his clothes. It felt illegal to have a double life like this, and even if it gave him twisted kicks, the fear of his secret revealing also caused him major anxiety.

Like an addict, he kept on glancing at his phone, but so far, Gaara hadn't messaged him. Briefly he thought of going to the library after work. A part of him wanted to intensely see his friend again, while a part of him resisted, wanting to desperately distance himself from what had happened.

By the end of the day, he found himself in the library. When he saw a certain black-clad redhead behind the glass doors, his heart began pounding, and he hid behind a bookshelf. How childish was this? Nervously, he took a random book from the shelf, and escaped to the self-checkout.

"Didn't know you were into stage plays," came a monotone voice from behind him.

Nervously, Naruto beeped 'Waiting for Godot' through the scanner and turned around, smiling shyly. "Hi, Gaara."

Gaara eyed the thin book, and then the nervous blond man. A benevolent, polite smile came to his face, and Naruto calmed down.

After Gaara's shift had ended, they walked slowly away. Naruto kept his hands in his pockets, and his gaze ahead.

"Wanna come to my place?" Gaara asked.

Naruto flinched, glancing around. As he realized that there was no one within earshot, he relaxed and nodded.

At Gaara's home, Naruto was relieved that the older of the brothers was nowhere to be seen, as he was afraid that Kankuro would read him like an open book, and humiliate him.

In Gaara's room, Naruto perched on the edge of the bed, smiling nervously. When his friend sat next to him, he froze.

"Why are you so fidgety?" Gaara asked, and looked at him with empathy.

"About yesterday," Naruto whispered, and a blush covered his face. "I can't stop thinking about it."

A sly glint visited Gaara's eyes, but then it was gone again. "It was fun."

"It was," Naruto agreed, sounding desperate. "But I need to know how you feel. Was it just a casual thing to you, or do you consider us a couple now?"

"A couple?" Gaara wondered. "How do you feel about it?"

Naruto let out a sigh, and glanced around, as if to make sure they were alone. "Look, there's something I need to tell you."

"Oh, what is it?" Gaara asked serenely.

Naruto lowered his voice, "You know, the office I work at… It's founded by people who have a remarkable role in Jehovah's Witnesses. Even most of our clients are fellow Witnesses, too. They are very kind and empathetic, believe me. But certain things… aren't accepted, if you know what I mean?"

Gaara nodded.

Naruto continued, "Look, my personal beliefs may be a lot more liberal than I can publicly let on. This is a small town, and people talk. I'm scared for my career. And more than anything, I'm scared how the congregation would take it."

"What do you mean?" Gaara frowned.

Naruto flashed an uneasy smile. "Look… I've already gotten disciplined for being publicly intoxicated at the pub, that night when Sakura left me. And they didn't take it kindly, that Sakura and I were dating for so long, without getting married. I got interrogated because of it. And I'm… I'm scared that someone might notice how keenly you and I spend time together, they might get suspicious. And what makes it worse, is that you're not part of the congregation. I could always say that I'm trying to convert you, but that explanation will lose credibility more and more as time passes."

"Oh…" Gaara understood, and gazed at Naruto sadly. "Well… Is there anything you can do?"

"Well… I have to keep flying under the radar. And I'm dying to get a better job. But the thing is, this is a small town, and so far, there's no better job in sight. I'd have to move to the city. And you know what that means," Naruto said forlornly.

Gaara nodded, and now he looked sorrowful, too. Oh how his jade eyes looked hollow, he had seen that despair before.

"I don't want to move to the city," Naruto assured hastily, "Not without you."

Gaara perked up, was that a small smile on his face? But the joy was soon gone. "You know I can't leave my brother behind. He needs me."

"I know," Naruto responded, and pulled his friend into a hug. "I'm not saying that I'm leaving, or anything. I'm just saying that… right now, I can't afford the freedom I dream of."

"Oh…" Gaara muttered, dispirited.

"About last night," Naruto whispered, even if there was no one there to accidentally overhear. "I'm still dazzled."

Gaara chuckled, "Glad to hear it."

"I'd be happy to make you enjoy anytime," Naruto said, and caressed Gaara's back in a certain way.

Gaara tensed, and bit his lip. "Um, thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"How about tonight? I take it that your brother isn't coming home anytime soon?" Naruto tested.

"Oh, he will take his time. But the thing is, I'd be happy to just rest in your arms tonight," Gaara suggested.

"That's alright," Naruto promised, and smoothed down his friend's hair. "Hey, um, there's this one thing I've been meaning to ask. I know it's none of my business, but… as recently as last Thursday, we were talking about your fiancée, and by Sunday, you suddenly told me it was over. It seemed a bit sudden for me, and now that you and I have… you know, crossed a certain line, I was just wondering, where do I stand in the middle of all this?" Naruto wondered.

Gaara yawned, and snuggled into Naruto's arms even more comfortably, "Don't worry about it."

"But I do worry. How do I know that you aren't getting back together with your ex tomorrow?" Naruto was worried.

"It won't happen, I promise you," Gaara assured passively. He seemed to remember something, as he lifted his head to look at Naruto in the eyes, "I did follow my heart, just as you told me."

"You followed your heart?" Naruto wondered skeptically, remembering the ominous way Kankuro had hinted about the relationship having to come to a premature end.

"I followed my heart. And now I'm here with you," Gaara only repeated.

Later in the evening, Kankuro came home, and now he was knocking on Gaara's door. Gaara and Naruto broke hastily off from their embrace.

"Come in," Gaara called, holding a game controller, while Naruto pretended to be on his phone.

"It's supper time, you guys," Kankuro invited them.

"Is it—"

"No, it's not eggs and bread again, smarty-pants," Kankuro cut him off.

Gaara responded with a smirk.

"Oh, so that's why you've been hating those egg sandwiches I have at the pub?" Naruto realized, looking at Gaara, and Kankuro rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, mock me all you want, kiddos, but the supper is cooling down while we talk," he reminded, and headed to the kitchen.

To Gaara's surprise, it was rice porridge and berry soup with a bowl of apple slices.

"Wow, I'm impressed. You've exceeded yourself!" he praised.

Kankuro glanced at him darkly, with a small smirk, "And you have the extraordinary ability to insult people while giving them credit. It's not a world's eighth wonder if I know how to make an easy dish like this."

"Hey, I always say the same," Naruto agreed, and Kankuro nodded in understanding.

"Don't bully me, you bullies," Gaara stuck out his tongue playfully, and sat down.

"Well, you started it," Kankuro reminded, snatching an apple slice before anyone else had a chance.

"Thank you for making supper, Kankuro," Gaara smiled shortly, and started wolfing down his share.

"Glad to have you with us, Naruto," Kankuro began, while eyeing his little brother and the blond friend of his. "I wouldn't mind if this became a habit."

Naruto blushed a bit, and lowered his face. "Eh, who knows, now that I know what kind of delicious supper you guys cook."

"Next time it will be eggs and bread again, don't get your hopes up," Gaara remarked snidely.

"Hey," Kankuro exclaimed, hurt, but Naruto smiled empathetically at him.

"No matter what kind of supper you'd offer, I'd be delighted to join you guys," Naruto said.

"Did you hear that? You could learn a lot from Naruto," Kankuro looked at his brother, while pointing at the blond with his spoon.

"Yeah, everybody likes Naruto, he's the best," Gaara agreed, narrowing his eyes at his brother.

"He is," Kankuro confirmed, glaring at the redhead, before getting back to his porridge.

"Thanks, I guess?" Naruto said to no one in particular, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"Gaara, can I have a quick word with you?" Kankuro pleaded, after the supper was over.

"Naruto, you can go to my room. I'll be there in a minute," Gaara called, and with a nod, Naruto left.

"So, what is it?" Gaara wondered, and now Kankuro stared at him meaningfully.

"Promise me you will be good to Naruto, okay?" Kankuro demanded, oddly serious.

Gaara frowned, surprised. "Of course I'll be good to him. What kind of a person do you think I am?"

"Look, I know you're a good kid, Gaara. Just promise me that you'll not savage him, no matter what. You'll need him, when I'm gone, okay?" Kankuro ordered.

"Gone? Come on, don't start that again. Besides, I can take care of myself," Gaara defended.

"I know you can. But everyone needs someone who'll tolerate them. Naruto is that person," Kankuro knew.

Gaara rolled his eyes, "He's the best, I know."

"Indeed. So, no sneaky tricks, no savaging. You'll keep him happy, or else."

"Or else what?"

"Exactly," Kankuro whispered, narrowing his eyes. "Now, off you go, he's waiting for you."

"Alright, mom," Gaara sneered, and slouched into his room.

Gaara entered his room, and closed the door behind him. Naruto was resting on his bed, looking serene like a seraph.

"I could get used to this," Gaara murmured, as he crawled on the bed with him. He sat on Naruto's crotch, and tilted his head seductively. "Whatever your heart desires, let me fulfill it."

With a blush, Naruto gently held Gaara's hips. "N-Now? What if your brother hears us."

Gaara smirked crookedly, and narrowed his eyes, "Don't worry about it. He won't mind."

"But I do, and I don't think it's a good idea for this particular evening. I have an early morning tomorrow, and I'm afraid I'll have to get going soon," Naruto rejected.

Gaara pouted, and narrowed his eyes like he was hurt. But Naruto smiled mysteriously, and sat up, pushing Gaara against the mattress. He held Gaara's chin, and stared at him intensely. "You will learn my darkest desires. Just you wait."

His blue eyes were blazing like a boiling ocean. Excitement surged through Gaara, and he tried moving his face, but Naruto kept him in place.

Slowly, Gaara batted his eyelashes, and stopped all resistance.

Naruto's expression softened, and gently he caressed Gaara's cheek. "You look adorable, did you know that?"

"I do?" Gaara pondered submissively, slowly blinking, biting his lower lip.

"Oh god…" Naruto let out a trembling sigh, and closed his eyes. "I better go."

"And leave me pining?" Gaara accused seductively. "Why don't you show me the darkest corridors of your desire instead?"

Naruto gazed at him, caressing his cheek, "You're a spider, Gaara. A lovely spider luring poor souls into the web of temptations. I won't be an exception, I'll fall for sure. They say that the devil will look like this, and I've never loved the devil more than tonight."

"Please, Naru… let your desires loose tonight, I won't stop you," Gaara pleaded, tilting his head.

"N-No, I'm afraid I have to get home. I'm very sorry," Naruto declined, and hastily got up, and straightened his clothes.

"Let me drive you," the redhead whispered, coming closer.

"T-Thanks, but no, I'm sorry. I hope you understand," Naruto begged.

But Gaara looked at him like a lonely puppy, "You're leaving me?"

"L-Look, you're doing this on purpose. Without even touching me, you're driving me into a frenzy. Tonight, I can't play with fire," Naruto explained, and strode to the door.

Gaara remained on the bed, and in the distance, Naruto ran out of the house, into the night.

At home, Naruto threw himself on the bed, and buried his face in a pillow. Oh, how he wanted to drown into the sea of temptation, to walk down the path that led to Hell itself. Never before had he felt this much alive, like a flower bud expanding into an infinite blossom.

How could something that felt so natural and revitalizing, be forbidden? How could it be a sin?

As he remembered his foster-family again, and all the friends he had, all the acquaintances and coworkers and clients that were fond of him, and how they would all turn their back on him, if they knew. Naruto let out a voiceless cry, and gripped the pillow. He was impure. Dirty. Unlovable. And a sinner as well.

Quietly, he began murmuring a prayer, his grip on his pillow tightening, and the tears on his cheeks began to dry.