Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi Naruto,

I wanted to reach out to you to thank you for all you did for me. Meeting you changed my path off of one of destruction. With the unfortunate passing of my father-

No.

That wasn’t right.

Greetings Uzumaki Naruto,

I wanted to reach out to you to apologize for all that I’ve done to you and your village. I was not in control, not only with Sukaku, but also with my role in my village. I have been under the subjugation of my father’s whims for longer than I have been alive. I was born to be a weapon without knowing what that truly meant. I am no longer just a tool for the village, but my own person. With that I want-

Gaara wasn’t taking responsibility with that one. He was throwing his problems onto others again. He couldn’t apologize like that. It wouldn’t be right. Naruto deserved a genuine apology.

Hello Uzumaki,

I’m sorry.

I want to make things right.

I don’t know what I can do to make things right.

How do I make things right -

Wrong.

Every word he wrote was wrong.

Hi Uzumaki Naruto,

Hello Naruto,

Greetings Uzumaki,

Nothing felt right.

Gaara didn’t understand why, but this letter had to be perfect. He had to tell the other person just what meeting him did for his life. How much everything changed from that one fight.

Nothing was perfect.

No words could capture this feeling of respect he had for his fellow jinchūriki. Every attempt might have well started off in the shredder. That would have been a better place for it, anyway.

Maybe Gaara wasn't meant to talk to this boy again. It was supposed to be a once in a lifetime meeting, never replicated or reciprocated. Just a nudge from the universe in the right direction. That must be why nothing worked.

His sister walked into their fathers, no, their father is dead.

His sister walked into their office with a stack of new paperwork and letters. There was so much paperwork to do now that everything didn't go according to their father’s plan. They were supposed to do this job in shifts until the council came to a decision. It ended up being mostly Gaara who took care of it.

Peeking out from the side was an orange envelope.

Hi! Gaara!

Or should I say soon to be Kazekage? Congrats, man! well not congrats. Your dad died right? That sucks. But he was also an asshole… so maybe it doesn’t - I don't know - that has to be hard. Anyway! I’m coming to Suna in a few weeks with the Pervy Sage for my training and wanted to see you. So if you're not busy, we should totally hang out.

Your friend,
Naruto.

Naruto’s letter was a mess.

His handwriting could use a lot of improvement. He easily could have just gotten another sheet of paper instead of crossing that all out. It would look more put together that way - more intentional at least. It didn't matter, because it was perfectly Naruto.

And he was coming in a few weeks.

Chapter Text

It was a hot summer day in Sunagakure, a city hidden deep within the desert. No one found their way here by accident. If one was to make it past the raging sandstorms, disorienting heat, and chilling cold, they would have to find the single entrance in the cliff-side. Then they would have to make it past the chokehold of shinobi. Most wouldn't bother to do all that work to reach a village with so little.

Except, Naruto waved his arms, shouted across the street, and ran right up to his new friend. Clad in bright orange brighter than the sun he stood out in the sea of beige. The Leaf shinobi made true to his promise.

“Hey Gaara!”

Everyone watched as the two monsters said their pleasantries.

“Hi.”

“I didn’t think it’d be this easy to find you. I was planning on spending all day looking. Maybe even asking people. It was going to be a whole thing.” Naruto yelled, “I’m so lucky!”

“Hn.” Gaara’s not too sure what to say, everyone expected him to freak out.

“Do you know a good place to eat around here?” Naruto, in all his knuckle-headed glory, didn’t seem to notice the onlookers.

Gaara nodded.

“Great!” the blonde's arm swung around his shoulders.

Everyone flinched.

“Follow me.” Gaara ignored the touch the same way he ignored the judgment.

The crowd parted like sand to allow them to make their way to the restaurant. A little sitdown place, nothing too fancy. It wasn’t too busy this time of day. Right after the lunch rush and right before the diner crowd. They sat quickly. Gaara ordered his dish, and Naruto ordered the exact same thing.

“I’ll bring that right out.” The server said, he made one last glance between the two of them. Probably wondering what this boy had done to be trapped dining with a monster.

“Thank you!” Naruto turned to him in the new found privacy of the booth, “They treat you like that, too?”

“Hn?” So he did notice.

“Like, you're some sort of monster, one wrong move away from killing them.”

To be fair, “I was.”

Naruto just laughed.

The whole situation was uncomfortable, “How long will you be here?”

“Trying to get rid of me so soon, I’m hurt.” he exaggerated his facial expressions.

“I’m no-

“I know. I’m joking around. Only a few days, me and the old man are just doing this as a pit-stop.”

“Oh,” normal people asked questions in these situations, “What's your end destination?”

“Konoha.” Naruto laughed at his own joke, “The mission's top secret, ya’ get it?”

“Yes.” They were from different Villages after all… and Sunagakure was not on the best terms with Konoha right now. Their meeting was probably not a good idea. Any information passed between them could cause a lot of pro-

“I am glad I found you, ya’ know?”

“...” was he?

“Jiraiya is doing his ‘research,’ which is just code for looking at girls in the bath… as if that’s a good plot for a book. Big ol’ pervert hangs out in bathhouses all day. I don’t know. Don’t really get it. After the third one it didn’t sound fun, so I bailed.”

Ah, Gaara was a consolation prize, that made more sense.

A group walked in, saw them, well him, and walked out.

Gaara found the confidence to ask, “Aren’t you worried about sitting with me?”

“I kicked your ass last time or did you forget?” His laugh was warm and non-threatening.

“Here you go.” The server dropped off their food without glancing at either of them.

“This looks so good! I knew you had good taste!” Naruto complimented, “Ikadamatsu!”

“Ikadamatsu.” Gaara said quietly.

“Yes, so good!” Naruto hummed doing a little dance in his seat, “Oh! I should have asked, do you got this? I think I can spring it, but it means not much else for the rest of the trip, ya’ know?”

“Yes.” It was the least Gaara could do.

“Thanks man! You're the best.” He smiled and ate more vigorously.

Naruto’s smile was the best thing in the world, Gaara decided. Something worth protecting. Everyone else in his home town refused to even look at him. But Naruto looked at him and smiled so freely.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” Naruto questioned, picking imaginary food off of his face.

“No,” this was awkward, “They are looking into replacing the Kazekage… after everything that happened.”

“Oh right, your dad. That’s,” Naruto paused, as if looking for the right word, only to land on, “sad.”

“It’s not.”

“Oh, good, sooo,” Naruto avoided that conversation entirely, “Who gets it here? I think I just assumed it would be you. But, like, did he already decide? Or the council picked the strongest dude in the village? Or what?”

“It's between me and my siblings.”

“Really!” he was excited, “So you're doing it, right?”

“I don’t know.”

“You have to do it! It's my dream to be Hokage. So if you're the Kazekage, and I’m the Hokage, we can show everyone we’re not what they think we are. Ya’ know?”

That did sound nice, “I don’t think they’d want me.”

“That’s the point.”

“Wha-

“They don't want you. It's why you have to do it. Being a Kage means everyone has to respect you. You can show them that they want you. I believe in you. You can do it!”

“I suppose.” It was a silly little dream, but he had a point.

“Ya’ know… Just between you and me, we’re in search of the next Hokage.”

“Hn?”

“Me and Jiraiya - That’s our mission. The council already decided who they wanted… So, we have to go find this lady I’ve never heard of and ask if she wants the job. It's one of Jiraiya’s old friends. She’s an omega too, ya’ know. I was supposed to be the first… but I guess I can’t be too mad if she paves the way for me. That would be one less annoyance.”

“You're an omega?”

“Ugh… I divulged top secret info, and that’s what you got from it?”

Unfortunately, “... Yes.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to be gross about it…” he glanced over to the door, “‘cause I’ll just leave.”

“Gross?”

“Yeah, like tell me I can’t do things, or ‘omegas are good for one thing,’ or blah blah blah-

“I just didn't think you were an-

“Why not?”

“I don-

“I don’t act like an omega or something?”

That was exactly it, but Gaara had a bit more sense than that, “I just don’t think of those things. I have not presented yet.”

“Oh.” Naruto calmed down, “Well it's a bitch. When you do, stay hydrated. There's nothing worse than coming out of all that a dehydrated mess.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“What are you hoping to be?”

“A beta.”

“Bor-ring.” He said taking a bite.

“I’d rather not have another thing affect my control.”

“I guess that makes sense…” Naruto shrugged, before he leaned in closer, “Does he still, ya’ know?”

“Yes.”

“That sucks. At least the dumb fox is quiet.”

“That sounds nice.”

“What’s he saying?”

… “Nothing.” That was new.

“Oh, good! He's probably sleeping or something. Kyuubi does that all the time - lazy bones.”

That was it.

Their first hang out as, friends? If that’s even what they were now. Acquaintances might be a better word, but Naruto called them friends. Whatever it was, it wasn’t a total disaster.

Naruto would spend more time with Gaara throughout the next two days. They trained, or ate, or talked about the future, or anything that came to the blonde’s mind. As he was the one carrying the weight of most of their conversations.

Until Naruto’s last words were, “See ya next time!”

Chapter Text

—-
Next time?

Next time was a total disaster.

Uchiha Sasuke was swiftly on the way to become a missing-nin from the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Konoha had requested aid from the village that once wanted them destroyed. As now they shared a common enemy, The Sound. That was what brought Gaara of the Sand to this field with his former allies and his former foes.

Everyone’s roles reversed.

Gaara noticed the injuries on the green boy's arms, this was his chance, “I’ll handle this.”

“No. Just back me up instead!” Lee was confident he could push though. That confidence only got him a step forward before he collapsed. Sand tied his leg and kept him tethered to the ground.

“You’re in no shape to fight.” Gaara had to make up for all the pain he caused before, “I’ll handle this.”

“You must be Gaara of the Sand? Accurate name.” Their enemy scanned the situation.

With an expressionless face Gaara did the same. The enemy knew who he was, which means Orochimaru briefed him on potential threats. He’s not hard to identify. However, the jinchūriki had no intel on this man, a nameless face.

He knew to be cautious of the unknown threat, even though he was sure he could take it on. Lee was fast, if he was that injured, it meant that man was faster. Speed wasn’t the answer. Sand poured out of the gourd. The enemy was right. It was an accurate name; he was of the sand and the sand was of him.

“Be careful, he attacks with his bones!” the grounded boy warns.

So that's what he’s doing.

The man's skin split at the fingers, exposing elongated pointed bones. A long ranged attack, how simple. Gaara's body stood perfectly still as the sand moved for him. It defends it with no extra exhortation of energy.

The bones snake past the barrier, a hit to the right.

Dodged.

Left.

Dodged.

Down.

Dodged.

It didn’t matter, Gaara and his new ally were protected at the same time. If this was all his opponent offered, he wouldn’t even break a sweat. This take down would be easy.

Sand Shower.

The sand hardened to hail down upon the man. He used the same ability he used against Lee to hold his enemy in place. There was no avoiding it.

“What a one-trick pony!” The man taunted.

It didn’t matter, “So long as I have sand, I can do anything.”

Gaara made more as they talked. Grinding the rocks and minerals in the soil to grow his reservoir of sand. It enclosed the enemy, stopping all his bones from escaping.

“You got him!” Lee shouted.

“Not yet.” Gaara closed his fist.

Imploding Sand Funeral.

This was over qui-

Blood.

A portal of blood appeared at the front of the sand coffin. Shortly after a hand escaped death, pulling forth the rest of the man who should be dead. That’s a first.

“More bones,” the other person must be able to regenerate them at a faster speed than could be destroyed, “that’s not good.”

“He’s certainly a nuisance.” Lee agreed.

“That pressure was something else! Without my bone armor I would have been dead for sure. I underestimated you… it won't happen again.” New found vigor found in each word.

Shifting his weight, Gaara called forth the sand he’s built up throughout their entire battle. Ocean waves of sand crashed through the clearing, into the woods, destroying everything in its path.

Sand Tsunami.

“...” Lee’s terrified, “You did it.”

“Not yet.”

Total Sand Funeral.

The pressure built up, crushing everything encased in the sand, except, “Won't he just give up?”

“Huh?!”

Sand peaked out where he tried to escape. Another crush. It didn’t matter; he kept moving as if any of Gaara's moves didn’t matter. The sand still surrounded his foe, crushing at the beat of his heart, trying to slow him down. It didn't work; the man was free. Looking more of a monster than a man. The monster was ready to pounce.

Three seconds before contact, Gaara threw up a shield.

He broke through, “This is your so-called total defense? Heh, what a joke.”

The final sand shield over Gaara’s flesh began to crack. This happened more times this month than his entire life. He didn’t want it to become a habit.

“I see, you coat yourself with san-

Lee kicked the man square in the jaw, “He’s not your only opponent! I’m here!”

“This sand is just a nuisance, your first to go.” The boy got knocked back ten feet by the man’s tail.

Flesh ripped open on his back, the man pulled a sword of bones from his spine. “Iron Flower Dance. Vine.”

The spined sword transformed to a whip surrounding Gaara. Sand again. The same thickened form taken from the coffin protected him from the attack.

“My bones have classified as far as they’ll go. They will pierce right through your shield, to your body!” Blood spat from his mouth as he announced his plan.

He must not have much longer.

Gaara just had to draw out the fight longer. They would win if he took his time. That’s easy enough. He could do this all day.

Total Sand Defense. Shukaku’s Shield.

The sand thickened further preparing for the ‘final strike.’ It was the perfect defense. Only one fight and anyone could see that. Nothing could penetrate this form.

His sand rotates with the bones piercing damage, slowly degrading it down like sandpaper.

“Very solid.” the man said.

“I pulled together the densest minerals in the soil. Used my chakra to apply the pressure and knead them into sand.” Gaara explained to the future dead man, “You're using a Kekkei Genkai, right?”

“Yes. Of the Kaguya Clan… a power which I only possess.”

“You're the last of your family,” Orochimaru had a type, “That means today the Kaguya Clan perishes.”

“Maybe so… But it won't be the end of me. I am not alone. I am part of Lord Orochimaru's mission. For that I will remain forever in his heart.”

“How sad… You’re brainwashed.” Gaara had another trick up his sleeve.

The earth gave way to a sinkhole of Gaara's own creation. He sucked the enemy down and buried him two hundred meters down. With that type of pressure, even if he survived, he won't be able to move a finger. He would be laid to rest in this final Sand Coffin.

“You did it! You really did it this time!” Lee shouted.

Gaara knew the truth, the monster’s still moving down there. A garden of bones broke the surface. There’s no more movement down below.

Gaara used his sand to rescue both of them from this final attack, “He was a tough opponent, but that should be the end of him.”

“You saved me. I never imagined you could have done someth-

“I’m not brainwashed.” The monster escaped, “He’s just the only one who understands. You know nothing!”

Sand moved to protect them, but it didn’t matter.

Their enemy was dead.

His last move was a declaration of loyalty to a master who could not hear or care.

After all of that, Gaara didn't have enough chakra to actually help Naruto. He was stuck here making small talk until someone came for them. The newly made allies rest a while outside the ruined battlefield. Sand and bone coat the earth, spitting the green that once stood in its place. Violence had a way of taking over everything.

Gaara acknowledged, “He had me…”

“That’s not true! My master always said a big part of skill is luck.” An image of an older man who looked exactly like the boy beside him appeared in his mind.

“That annoying man?” Skill and luck were on the opposite side of the spectrum.

“He’s not annoying! Don't talk about him that way!”

“You two are the same… You see your idol under attack. You become enraged as if it were you. The more precious your idol is to you…” Gaara thought of the words from their recent battle, “it reminds me of Naruto.”

“...” Lee couldn't possibly understand the connection, “Do you think he’s alright?”

“He’s a lot stronger than you give him credit for.” Gaara nodded, “I’m sure he’s fine.”

Chapter Text

A few hours later, Naruto was found at the Valley of the End.

The mission was a failure.

Chapter Text

They didn’t talk about it.

Not really anyway.

Naruto awoke in a hospital bed with more injuries than the average person could survive. The med-nin did some tests, then cleared him for visitors. His teammate visited first. Then his teacher. Then his mentor. Then Gaara of the Sand.

The beeping of machines was a consistent, necessary nuisance in the background. It was odd for Gaara to see someone he admired in such a damaged shape. Naruto’s entire body was covered in bandages, yet he still smiled. He had an optimism that was harder to break than bones.

The last time Gaara was in this hospital he started the events that lead to this, “Hi.”

“Oh, hey man! I didn’t think you’d come here.” he smiled, rubbing his hand through his blonde hair… the hair that wasn’t covered by bandages.

“I can go…” Gaara suggested, maybe he made things awkward. Like it was okay in the Sand where no one Naruto knew could see them together, but not here wher-

“No! Just stay. I want the company.” Naruto said.

Sasuke did a number on him. To make it worse, Kyuubi was taking a long time to heal him. Gaara should have left Lee and gone straight to Naruto. If he exhausted the last bits of his chakra reserves, things wouldn’t have ended like this. Things could have been better.

“I'm sorry I couldn’t help.”

“What are you talking about? If it wasn’t for you and your siblings… who knows what would have happened.” Naruto shook his head quickly, “I don't want to think about that.”

“But I-

“Kept my friends safe.”

“You’re in the hospital.”

“So.” There was no winning when Naruto acted like this.

Gaara didn’t want to win, “I guess you're right.”

“Ya’ know, Lee came by earlier.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah! He told me about the fight! It sounded so cool. I don’t know what a garden of bones is… but it sounds creepy. Did you really send him all the way to the center of the earth?!”

“No. Just 200 meters.”

Naruto tried to visualize what that meant and failed, so “It doesn't matter, that's like practically the center of the earth, anyway.”

“Heh. Sure.” If Naruto wanted it to be the center of the earth, it would be the center of the earth, “I heard what happened… with Sasuke.”

“Yeah he left, but don't worry! We’re going to get him back.”

They still didn’t talk about it, “The oth-

“Orochimaru has him now, but he’s just got him brainwashed. Just like the guy you guys fought. I’m not gonna to give up on him, ya’ know?”

“Yeah,” Gaara knew, “It seemed that way.”

“He definitely did that to Sasuke… He wasn't acting like himself.” Naruto justified the others' heinous actions.

“Sure,” that seemed reasonable, “but, -

“But nothing. You know… he wasn’t always like that. Sasuke was my first friend.”

“Sure,” It’s weird to think that sometimes. That Naruto of all people would have any problem making friends. The curse they shared permeated all aspects of life, it tainted even the best of them.

“I’m serious. He might look all emo and stuff on the outside, but he’s a total softy once you get to know him.”

“I don’t think that's true.” There was clear evidence to the contrary laying in a hospital bed in front of him.

Naruto shrugged, “I don’t blame you. He’s bad at expressing his feelings.”

“Let's go with that.” It was easier than whatever fight would happen if Gaara kept pushing.

“Ya’ know, I’m going to go on this trip with Jiraiya, soon… he's going to train me to become stronger. That way I can bring Sasuke back home!”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah! If Sasuke is getting stronger, then I have to, too.”

“You know,” Gaara threw a lifeline, “If your training brings you to Sunagakure, you always have a place with me.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“That’s awesome!” Naruto smiled, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

They talked about a lot of other stuff, too.

Meaningless stuff.

Naruto was good at talking. He brought up anything and everything to keep his mind off the fact he was in a hospital bed. The fact that his former friend was the reason he was there. And the fact that Naruto had a bright red mating mark on his neck.

But they didn’t talk about it.

Chapter Text

Visit 1

They still don't talk about it.

Gaara wanted to talk about it.

There was so much to talk about. He wanted to know more about what the blonde was going through. He wanted to be told something. Anything that could shine light on what happened. The way Naruto acted at the hospital, he wasn’t going to get it from him.

The first thing Gaara did when he got back to Sunagakure was research everything he could about Mating Marks. Books were either too academic or too vague. Magazines were too flowery. Movies, too dramatic. Not many people wanted to talk to the Village Monster about mating. Everything he found out let him know Naruto was 100% screwed.

Naruto was permanently bound to the wanted criminal that Bingo Books would call: Uchiha Sasuke.

The dark part inside of Gaara said he should have killed Sasuke when he had the chance. When the boy was under the weight of his sand, one twitch of the fingers was all it would have taken. But Gaara was also working for Orochimaru at the time, he was under strict orders not to. The Sound wanted to capture the last Uchiha alive.

There's a lot of regret wrapped up in one incident.

Gaara had to keep reminding himself, if Naruto could forgive him. He could forgive Sasuke.

Naruto took him up on his offer. He’s been in Sunagakure for the past two days, and they still don't talk about it. It’s only two or so weeks from the Valley of the End, so it's probably still too fresh for him. The purpose of his training with Jiraiya was to bring his Bonded Mate back to their village. Their deadline was three years from now.

When they finally talked about it… Gaara wished they didn’t, “Why do you want to forgive him? Really.”

“Because we’re soul mates.” Naruto said as if it were an immutable fact. The research Gaara did on marks said they can really mess with someone's perception of their mate. Hormones override the system and make one feel more positive about them. Even if it's forced.

“You believe it?”

“You don’t?”

With everything he read, Gaara couldn’t figure out what end he sided on with Soul Mates. Love was still a foreign concept after all, “Not really.”

“Well, it's true, and me and Sasuke are it.”

“I don't know if you can call the guy who forced a bond on you your soul mate.” Gaara usually sided with Naruto, this time he didn’t want to.

“He didn’t do that!” Naruto shouted, “He didn’t force me!”

“Then what did happen?” Gaara hoped it was forced, then he could say Naruto didn’t want it. He didn’t understand why he didn’t want Naruto to be bound to Sasuke. Especially not enough to wish that type of harm on his friend. Maybe it was just the dark thoughts of Shukaku slipping in again.

“We fought.”

Gaara stared at him.

“Ugh - Okay. Fine. He told me that Itachi-

“Who?”

“His brother,” Naruto corrected, “He told me his brother said the only way to get more powerful was to break his bonds… but Sasuke didn’t want to do that.”

“What does that have to do with this?”

“Instead of breaking our bond… he made it stronger. Duh.”

That didn’t sound right, “Okay.”

“So you get it, right?”

No. “Yes.”

It was easier to drop it. They only had a few more hours of this visit left and Gaara didn’t want to waste it… or worse make Naruto not want to come back.

Chapter Text

Visit 2
Day 1

Naruto came back.

As usual, Naruto could only be here for a few days. Gaara looked forward to this visit since he first heard about it. Which was probably why the universe decided to ruin it for him.

Once he saw the blonde, his teeth started itching. The world became too bright and too hot. As if the sun itself was cooking him from the inside out. A new flame ignited inside of him; Gaara had the desire to conquer. To take what was not his and claim it as his own.

He hated this feeling.

“Gaara!” Naruto ran up to him, “are you oka-

A wave of sand pushed him away, Gaara knew better, “Go.”

“What the fuck is wro- OH! I’ll get your sister!” Thankfully he realized what was happening. A shadow clone appeared in a second, only for one of them to disappear in the next.

“I said go!”

“Nope,” the omega taunted.

“I’m presenting.”

“I know.”

“Then why won-

“If I leave now, you won't have anyone to watch over you. So, I’m staying till your sister comes.”

That was how Gaara ended up in the worst battle of his life with the knucklehead-self-sacrificing-idiot Uzamaki Naruto. The alpha battled with newly forming instincts. This was worse than any fight with Shukaku. These were the darkest desires of his own making.

Gaara needed the omega in front of him… He wasn’t quite sure what for - he knew what it was for. He did the research just in case this day ever came up. It's hard to research mating marks, without learning a thing or two about heats and ruts. Just like with mating marks, the books didn’t mention anything like this would happen.

Naruto seemed to transform right in front of his very own eyes. This rut was his own Sexy No Jutsu. It turned Naruto from a friend to an Omega. He didn’t like how his hormones messed with his perception of reality. He just made this friend.

The scent of oranges called to him, it needed to be fixed. It held the rot of another beast on top of it. It should drip with his own- whatever scent he had. He couldn't tell… yet.

“You're doing great, buddy!”

He’s not.

Gaara’s mind melted out of his head, the sand was the only thing keeping him upright. It always had his back. He couldn’t become the beast his mind wanted him to become. Not to Naruto. Not again.

These 7 minutes of hell could not have dragged on any longer.

“I got him from here, blondie.” His sister said.

Poof.

The shadow clone was gone, and so was Naruto, “Great! I’ll see you later.”

Day 2

Temari took Gaara to the same place he lived during his childhood years. A small house just outside of the village where he could do no harm. This was the home he never wanted to return to. It held too many memories.

Gaara was in the few minutes of lucidity he got. It’s biology wired into his DNA to allow for alphas to take care of their partners. It’s not an all day fuck fest like porn his brother gave him advertized. Honestly, more than anything he wanted to fight.

He craved a battle.

To feel his enemy crushed beneath his sand. The crunch of bone and swell of blood pooling out. Gaara pictured the way Sasuke looked under his sand. He was so weak then. If it wasn’t part of the mission to keep him alive, Gaara wouldn’t have hesitated to close his fist.

That would have ended everything.

“Hey!” Naruto appeared in the window.

“What are you doing here?” Gaara couldn't believe the blonde was that stupid.

“I’m not,” Naruto shrugged and sauntered forward, “Shadow Clone.”

That's less stupid, “Still?”

“I come with gifts,” a basket came into view.

A different urge beside fighting came up, “Thank you, but I think it's best you leave.”

“Don’t gotta tell me twice. Take care of yourself! Oh - There's water in there.” he informed and poof!

Naruto was gone.

The basket held many things: First water. Next some sort of shakes, Alpha Protein X-treme. Then, a chew toy. Finally, a scented blanket.

That was the item his brain claimed as the most precious of the bunch. He had to find the safest place for the ripe orange blanket. Nothing could happen to it. Gaara would crush anyone who tried to take it.

Day 3

Oranges became Gaara’s favorite fruit. He’s never had them before, but he’s sure they would be his favorite. They had to taste as good as they smell. Wet juicy fruit he imagined gushing over his tongue. Sweetness filled his mouth with delight.

The source of the oranges appeared through the window. Sun bathed him in light, as if an angel sent from above. He had come again with more gifts if the basket was anything to go by.

Steal.
Conquer.
Protect.

“Oh?” the clone covers his nose, “should I come back another time?”

No. “Yes.”

“Fine. By the way, it's totally normal to feel that way, don’t think this is weird.” Naruto dropped off another basket.

Food, water, necessities… no new blanket.

Okay.

Day 4

The scent had almost completely disappeared from his prized possession. Gaara had half a mind to go hunt down its origin. Refresh that perfect blend back onto the fabric from the source itself. He didn’t listen to that half of his mind.

Instead, the source came to him, “Hey, Gaara! How ya’ doing?”

“Better now.”

“Really,” He squinted, “Looks like you got another day of this at least.”

Probably, “but you're here.”

“Yep! And I come bearing more gifts!” another basket.

Could Gaara ask for a scented item, would that be too weird? It probably was. He didn't understand the etiquette of these sorts of things. His alpha said, fuck etiquette. Chase him. Take it. Take him.

“Well, guess I gotta go again. I hope this helps.”

It did. There was another scented item in this one. It wasn't a blanket, just a black t-shirt. One that he’d probably been training in all day. It was drenched in Naruto’s pheromones.

Perfect.

Day 5

Gaara was free.

That infernal rut was finally over, and the alpha could start his life anew. Unfortunately, he missed every day Naruto was supposed to be here. His friend had to leave the second they could actually hang out. Well, for more than just the five minutes Naruto would drop something off.

“I’m glad I could be here for you,” he said.

“Me, too.”

“Ya’ know,” he started, “When I first presented, no one was there. I had to do it all by myself.”

Gaara couldn’t imagine having to do everything by himself. He didn’t want to think of the possibilities of a world where Naruto didn’t make sure he was okay. “That sounds awful.”

“It was… I hated every moment of it. Pretty sure I almost died of dehydration.”

Oh, “Is that why you helped me?”

“Of course! We’re friends and I couldn't leave you like that.”

“What about the blanket?” That had to mean something more.

“Did it help?”

“Yes.”

“Great! I heard friends' scents can help you feel comfort during… that time.” That sentence meant two things. One, Naruto had never had a friend's scent when he was in heat. And, two, Gaara was just a friend.

Of course he was. Naruto believes his soul mate was a med-nin who tried to kill him. So the two of them could only ever be friends.

“Did you want to get food before you go?” Gaara added, “My treat.”

“You mean it? Yes!” Naruto smiled.

Friends weren't that bad.

Chapter Text

Visit 3
Naruto came back again.

This had happened enough times that Gaara was not too worried that it would stop soon. As long as Naruto was traveling with his mentor, every so often they would stop by here. They would be guests of the Kazekage.

Yes, the council finally accepted him.

Gaara got to tell Naruto that they were half-way to their shared dream.

“You mean it?”

“Yes.”

“For real?”

Gaara already said, “Yes.”

“That’s amazing Gaara! I’m so excited for you.” Naruto pulled his friend into a large hug.

“The ceremony is later this week,” he hoped the blonde could join.

“Ugghh… We gotta leave before then.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah… sorry.” Naruto pushed out of the hug, ”Um, there's this organization that Itachi is a part of that is hunting people like us. So, we can’t really stay places too long… especially not places with other jinchūriki. Pervy Sage thinks it's actually dangerous we visit here so often.”

Uchihas’ always seem to cause problems for him and Naruto.

“The Akatsuki?”

“You’ve heard of them!”

“Of course,” Gaara’s going to be Kazekage, he’s heard of one of the top terrorist organizations roaming around.

“So you get it?” Naruto hoped.

“Yes,” he understood, but he still wished he lived in another universe where Naruto could be there. Naruto was his first friend. He wanted him to share in the accomplishment of a dream that wouldn't exist without the blonde.

They continued spending time together as normal until Naruto left a few days later.

The ceremony was uneventful. It was in the middle of the town square the council paraded him around for the village. Their job was to ensure that everyone knew who their leader was. Gaara said his highly scripted words loud and clear, just as he was told.

When the fanfare was over, he stepped off the platform. Not bothering to look into the audience. His sister and brother were on the stage with him. That’s all who really mattered here.

“You were amazing!” Naruto seemed to appear out of nowhere.

“I thought you couldn-

“Shadow Clone.” He smiled. That jutsu was the answer to all his problems. It worked for most of them. It worked for this one.

“Oh… does that mean you can see me now?” Gaara wondered if it functioned like his Sand Clones. Where he could see out of any eye he made with his sand as a live broadcast.

“No.”

Then what's the point, “Will you have any memory of this?”

“Kinda - It's weird.”

Gaara must have made a face.

Because Naruto continued, “Ummmm… How do I describe it? It's like poof, and it goes into my mind. Well not my mind, because I'm not me… but my mind, like him. So all the clones act independently of me, but not me, because I’m not me, so I, and by that I mean he, doesn’t have to think that much. You get it?”

“I think so.” Gaara looked at him, “It means you’ll remember this night.”

“Yes! But not me. Him.” Naruto smiled.

That was nice to know, “I’m glad you're here.”

“Me too.” Naruto took his hand, “So how do you want to celebrate this momentous achievement?”

“Can you eat?” it was the first thing to come to his mind.

“Yes… but it might be a waste feeding a Shadow Clone.”

“Fair enough. Would you like to go on a walk with me?”

“A walk?! That's how you celebrate?”

“I don't know what to do,” to celebrate, “with a Shadow Clone.”

Naruto thought for a second, “Yeah, I guess I’m not the same.”

“You're perfect.” It was much better than Gaara’s original plan. He was going to head back home to not disturb the villagers. He knew they had to accept him now, but most of them didn’t want to.

Naruto led the way for a while, pointing at different things and asking about them. It was much easier to give a tour in the comfort of the night. The village celebrated a new leader… more they celebrated a reason to celebrate.

Things didn’t go too well for their village under his father’s rule. Especially when he partnered with the Sound. So any reason to celebrate was a good reason to celebrate.

They all gave their new Kazekage a good amount of distance, it's fair. Becoming a Kage was just the start of Gaara changing their perspective of him. He knew he had a long road ahead. Naruto seemed to notice it, because it soured his mood.

“What's wrong?” Gaara asked.

“I thought it would be different.”

“What?”

“You being Kazekage.”

“I might be their leader, but I have not shown them I can lead. Give them time.”

“Yeah, but your supposed to be acce-

“Give them time. They have a lot they have to forgive. It's not fair to expect them to change this soon.”

“In Konoha the Hoka-

“This isn't Konoha. I am not the Hokage.” Gaara reminded him, “This is Sunagakure, and I am the Kazekage. Things happen differently here. They knew the moment my father died, me or my siblings would take over this role. It's not like Konoha, where the council picks who they believe would be the best leader out of the entire village.”

“I guess.” Naruto believed that simply being the leader meant people had to love and accept you. He’s not wrong… In Konoha. Konoha picks their leaders based on who was the strongest, yes. However, a bigger component was popularity with the people. The people would not accept someone they could not trust to lead.

It was a cultural difference the two had to accept.

“Let me show you something.”

Sand swept them to the rooftop of the tallest building. It's where Gaara killed his Uncle, on a not so unsimilar moonlight night. Except, the city was alive with music and celebration. Warmth filled the streets down below. It's a different world now.

“Woah. How do you travel like that?” Naruto was a bit disoriented.

“You get used to it.”

“Okay,” Naruto didn't believe him, it didn't matter, “It's pretty, but why did you bring me here?”

“You see that entire block, and everything to the left of it.” Gaara pointed out to the skyline.

“Yeah?”

“About 10 years ago, I destroyed all of that.” He pointed to the right, “From that block onward, I also destroyed. This city, almost all of it, is less than 10 years old.”

Naruto should hate him, “Wow.”

“You understand.”

“If it makes you feel better, most of Konoha is only, like, 14 years old.” Naruto smiled.

It wasn’t the same. In his case it was the demon fox that destroyed everything. The fox wasn’t even attached to him when it happened. If anything, Naruto was the reason the destruction stopped.

Gaara called to the beast inside of him, he let the hatred win. He wanted to destroy everything in his path. Make everything dust. Hurt as he was hurt.

Gaara laughed anyway, “A little.”

“Besides, it's not like it was your fault.” Naruto shrugged it off.

“It was entirely my fault. I lost control. I should have-”

“You were four.”

“It doesn't matter how old I was, the villagers don’t care about that. They only know that their houses were destroyed. They had to rebuild everything from the ground up. That's why I have to prove to them I will be a good leader. It's why I’m going to prove that I’m better than what I was.” Gaara thought, “I need to do it for them.”

“That’s - Wow.”

Kiss.

Naruto kissed him.

“Oppse.”

Poof.

A Naruto Shadow Clone kissed Gaara.

Chapter Text

Visit 7

“‘Cause he’s late… What do you expect from a jerk like that?” Naruto started off, “You can never tell what's going on with-

“I'm sorry if I'm late.” Gaara said.

Naruto in a fit of embarrassment threw a rock at the intruder. The ultimate sand defense made sure it did not get far.

“What was that about, Naruto?” Jiraiya asked.

“Nothing- I was just saying hi.” Naruto pointed at the redhead, “Come on you know a little rock like that couldn't hurt him, anyway. Right?”

A huf of air came out.

Naruto interpreted it correctly as a laugh, “See!”

“You two sure are weird.” Jiraiya said.

“What does that mean, old man?” Naruto glared at him.

“It’s just interesting to see how kids these days act, is all.”

“Huf.” Naruto crossed his arms, “whatever.”

“Would you like to join me for tea?” It was a new ritual they started last couple of times, that Gaara would like to continue doing. It was polite to greet your guest with a pot of tea.

“I’ll leave you two to your privacy. I have important work to do after all.” The Legendary Sannin waved up his hand, rejecting their offer. He wasn’t on Sannin business, he was on famous author business.

“Yeah-yeah. Just don't get yourself hurt, old man.” Naruto warned.

“Last time was a fluke. I’ll be fine.” he went marching off in the direction of the red light districts.

“Hn?” Gaara questioned when the man was out of earshot.

Naruto answered, “Last town we went to he got slapped so hard it left a print on his face for a whole day. It was so swollen and red… It was hilarious.”

Gaara smiled.

He led the way to their usual meeting spot, a private balcony that overlooked the city. It was just off of the main road close to his office. They could see the training grounds perfectly from this vantage point.

Gaara had already set it up with a kettle of tea and some snacks for the weary traveler who just spent days traversing the desert for him. It was a nice array for pastries and finger sandwiches from the bakery across the street. They should complement the tea Gaara painstakingly chosen for this.

He’s not sure why a part of him was obsessed over making sure these meetings went well. Temari told him it was just his instincts going haywire. Naruto was an omega, so his alpha demanded him to provide. Even though they were just friends.

“It looks so good!” Naruto smiled.

Gaara didn’t mind being an alpha much, “I’m glad you like it.”

They sat down. Gaara turned a dial on a small portable burner, igniting the flame under the kettle. It should only take a few minutes for it to be done. Naruto took one of the treats from the plate and popped it in his mouth in the meantime.

“How's being Kazekage?”

Tiresome.
Awful.
Harder than Gaara originally thought.

“It's going well.”

Naruto saw past his bullshit, “Those jerks at the council still causing you trouble?”

Gaara knew it wouldn’t be a simple task to reverse the mess his father made. Now that he’s seen firsthand what his father had to work through, he understands it better. Dealing with the Council was like pushing a boulder up a hill, only to watch it fall.

Sunagakure was a poor village. There were poorer, but that didn’t help or hurt Sunagakure. It was just a fact. Either way, Gaara had to be creative with how he decided to fix some of the village's problems.

“That bad?” Naruto didn’t wait for an answer.

“Is it that obvious?”

“You look dea-

The whistle of the kettle shouted that tea was done. Gaara poured the tea into the cups from a suitable distance to allow the leaves to stay at the bottom. It was the most efficient way to make sure their experience wasn’t ruined. When he passed the cup to Naruto their fingers brushed against each other.

Naruto smiled, “thank you.”

The tea was light and sweet, with hints of mint. A familiar taste. It wasn’t quite what Gaara had grown up with, but it was the closest blend that he could find.

“Is it really that hard… being a Kage?” Naruto asked, his eyes far away looking over the training grounds.

“It's not easy.” Gaara didn’t want to scare Naruto away from his dream, “but that’s mostly due to the way my father left things.”

“Ah! Right. That sucks.”

They caught each other up on what the other one missed out on in their lives. Naruto spoke of grand adventures that he and Jiraiya went on. His training seemed to be more doing things, than being directly taught anything. It worked better for Naruto.

He spoke of his Kazekage duties, the ones he's authorized to tell someone. How the council seems to be a brick wall around any tangible goals he’s set out for. Naruto offered a few solutions. Some might work.

Naruto taught him some of the stuff they would do in Konoha’s schools. A lot of it seemed counterintuitive to what he learned growing up, but it seemed like it might work with the students.

He also mentioned some of the things they do to keep the citizens safe during attacks. It seemed like too much for Sunagakure to enact. Their defense was their location. Who would travel this far out for an invasion.

It still gave Gaara a lot of good ideas of things he could do for his village. He didn’t expect letting someone in like this would help him with his problems.

This was the perfect way to start off their visit.

Gaara stood up pouring the remaining bit of tea into his cup, leaves and all. He lifted the cup with both hands with exaggerated movement. Then he threw the liquid into the desert wind.

“I always meant to ask, why do you do that?”

“It’s a charm,” He said seriously.

“A charm?”

“Temari taught it to me. Our mother taught her. It’s supposed to help you call upon the desert spirits.”

“What are you asking them for?”

Gaara looked at Naruto, “I don’t know.”

“Huh?” Naruto laughed, “You should probably know what you want, before you call on spirits like that.”

“Probably.”

After the ceremony a few months prior, the two of them went back to having a thing they didn’t talk about. Another thing Gaara wanted to talk about, but couldn't. It's probably better this way, it's unfortunate, but it's the truth.

Even though they didn't talk about it, they didn't stop doing similar things. Naruto never kissed him again, but he kept close. Closer than an mated omega should be with an unmated alpha.

Naruto scented Gaara.

He wasn't sure what that meant. It could just be a friend thing, but his alpha and Shukaku called him stupid. Friends didn’t act like this. Friends didn’t find excuses to be this close to one another.

Friends didn’t lay together staring up at the stars with their bodies touching like this. Gaara didn’t have strong feelings either way to the stars. They were a useful tool for navigation out in the desert. The sky was so clear at night. They could see everything.

But when Naruto said he wanted to enjoy them that evening, that’s what they did.

Somehow, later in the evening Naruto landed in his arms. Blankets covering them as they stared up at the stars. Gaara should have enjoyed this moment, but all he could see was the mark of another alpha. Instead of talking about their kiss, they managed to talk more about Sasuke.

“So, was that the first time he showed…” Gaara tried to phrase it politely, “that sort of interest in you?”

Naruto laughed nervously, “I mean… not really.”

“You don’t have to talk about it.”

“Umm…” Naruto removed himself from Gaara’s arms, and covered up the mark, “I think I should. So, like, we were kinda sorta not really, but also really, dating for a while before he left.”

“I have no idea what that means.”

“It means, while we weren't, like official or anything, we were dating.”

“Why would you date someone and not be official?” Gaara couldn't understand.

“I mean, I get it… I’m not the type of person someone would want to admit to dating publicly.” Naruto said.

That made even less sense to Gaara, “Why wouldn't someone want to admit that they were dating you?”

“Well, you know the whole demon fox thing or, like, the whole everyone hating me thing. Or me being really annoying and stupid thing. There's a bunch of reasons to not want to admit to dating me. So I get why he wouldn't want to when he was trying to work in the village.” Naruto assured him, “But when I become Hokage, all of that will change.”

“Of course.” Everything either links back to him becoming Hokage or Sasuke.

“I’m serious.”

“You don’t have to settle for someone keeping you a secret.” Or a war criminal. Gaara felt like he should be more forgiving to Sasuke given his own past… but he didn't want to be.

“I mean… I kinda do.” Naruto said. Removing a mark was hard - borderline impossible.

“I guess. How did you guys start not really dating?” Gaara poked a bit of fun at a topic he hates. He didn’t know why he liked to inflict so much pain on himself. Maybe he felt like it was a punishment for lusting after his friend.

“Asshole. And it was a mission, our first real one. Like we technically kissed before that, but I don't count that, even though I rub it in Sakura’s face sometimes.” Naruto could never tell a story from point a to point b. It was always point c to d to lmnop to q to a, eventually to b.

“Okay, so a mission got you two together.”

“Yeah, we were doing what should have been a simple mission to the Mist, turns out it wasn't. And we were training late one night, and one thing led to another, and then he said it could never lead there again… but it did. And again and again.” Naruto thankfully left out a lot of details.

Unfortunately, Gaara’s mind filled in the blank spaces, “Were you two together during the Chunin Exam?”

“Yes, but no.”

Gaara must have looked confused.

Because Naruto filled in the gaps this time, “We were at the beginning, but then he got all butt hurt about not being as strong as everyone else. He blamed me for it… then, like, his brother showed up, and he saw I became more powerful than him, because I mastered a really cool move. And that snake Orochimaru was like, blah blah blah, ties, blah blah blah, I’m evil - join me. And we broke up. But he still acted like we didn't sometimes. And it was all so confusing.”

“It sounds confusing.”

“It was. And at the Valley of the End, I thought we were over-over, but he left this mark on me. So we can’t be over. This is, like, forever. So he’s coming back for me one day. I just have to help him see the way.” He touched the mark with a weird expression on his face. This was the first time he’s been so open about his past with Sasuke.

Gaara had to be a supportive friend, even though he didn’t want to be, “You’ll bring him back.”

“Yeah.” Naruto’s expression was too complex to see in the dark.

“And you’ll be Hokage, and we’ll have that drink together.” He moved to the side, stretched out his arm, giving space to Naruto to fill the gap next to him again if he wanted.

He did.

Naruto fell into the space Gaara left open for him.

Chapter Text

Visit 5
—

After the night under the stars their visits became more intimate. Each one had Naruto getting closer to him, opening up more about his past. Gaara doing the same. They spoke of futures, amazing worlds they could build together.

It was like a dream.

Unfortunately, it was time to wake up.

It was the beginning of May. They were having their tea as usual, this time Naruto brought the blend from his last travels. An entire tin was brought as a gift for Gaara.

“I think this is going to be our last meeting for a while.” Naruto let him know, “My training with the big perv is almost over, so I’m going back to the Leaf Village.”

“Oh,” Gaara knew this was going to happen eventually. He just couldn't believe it's already been three years.

“Yeah! Isn’t that exciting? I’m one step closer to my goal.” Naruto didn’t say if that goal was Hokage or Sasuke. Which was for the best.

“I’m proud of you.” That's the truth. Gaara knew he was working hard to become stronger. He can be proud of that.

“I’m going to show everyone how super strong I got. They are going to be so impressed. They definitely are going to see me as Hokage material now.” Naruto flexed to show off.

Gaara smiled, “Yeah.”

They spent their days of this visit in a melancholy haze. Both of them knew this was the last time they would see each other for a while. Naruto got closer physically enough to interest Gaara’s alpha and confuse his mind. The usual between them.

Naruto leaned into Gaara’s side as they walked down the streets. They had just come back from lunch at some place. The next thing on the itinerary was training. As Naruto leaned forward, the collar of his jacket pulled back.

Naruto’s mark looked putrid.

Not just because it was from another alpha. It was a dark purple, almost black. It didn’t heal right and was obviously never renewed throughout Naruto’s heats. It was dangerous to have a mark like that. On a normal person that type of rejection from their alpha might kill an omega.

“Does the fox heal that?” Gaara’s stupid mouth said.

“Is it obvious?” Naruto covered it up, “because I’m thinking of covering it up with scent blocker patches.”

“Probably a good idea.” Then Gaara wouldn’t have to see it.

“I thought so. Pervy Sage said not to bother, it's best if other alphas think I’m taken,” Naruto quickly added, “Because I totally am.”

“Yep. You are.”

“Don’t be like that.”

“Like what?”

Naruto rolled his eyes, “Okay.”

“Like what, Naruto?”

“Never mind.”

“I won't know how not to be if you don-

“I said never mind.” Naruto wanted to end that conversation.

“... Okay,” so they did.

“Look, I’m sorry. About leading you on. I shouldn’t have done that, it's just- I don’t know. I’m just. I’m taken. And I’m sorry.” Or maybe they didn't. Naruto sounded so apologetic. His voice filled with pity and regret. As if everything he did with Gaara was something shameful.

“Don’t be.” Gaara didn’t like this conversation.

“No, I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

“It’s fine,” that kiss was a lifetime ago.

“It wasn’t fine.” Naruto doubled down, “I’m marked. You're not my alpha.”

“I know. It wasn’t even you, it was a clone.” Gaara offered a lifeline.

“Yeah… just a clone.” He almost seemed sad at that.

“It’s fine. Let's not ruin our,” last, “visit together.”

“Yeah. You're right. I’m sorry. I mean I’m not sorry. I mean- why don’t I kick your ass in training again?” They arrived at the training grounds in record time.

“That sounds nice.”

So they trained. And they trained. Until their bodies wore away any problems, their minds could conjure up. It was therapeutic. In the ring they weren't an alpha and omega, they were just two shinobi. Naruto had Gaara pinned down and was smirking in victory.

“You're getting sloppy, Lord Kazekage.” He taunted the shinobi under him.

“We’ve been at this all day.”

“And I’m still on top of my game.” Naruto looked worn out, like a second longer and it would be Gaara on top.

“Yeah,” Gaara smiled, it must have been the constant battling, because he did not know where the next bit came out, “Umm… I want you to know, no matter what happens, you’ll always have me in your corner.”

“Oh my god, don’t get sappy on me just because you're losing,” his face got closer.

Gaara’s hands moved up to support his waist, “I’m not.”

“Yeah, you are. I won.”

“I’m not being sappy because I’m losing.”

“I know.”

“It's just, this is probably going to be the last time we-

“I know.”

Naruto kissed him.

Then immediately said, “I’m sorry. I should go.”

Chapter Text

Gaara stood atop his city and watched as the people went by. Naruto hadn't visited in a while. He knew the omega wouldn't, just didn’t expect to miss him this much. It felt as though a piece of him had been ripped out.

The last thing they did was kiss.

He knew that meant something. Gaara was just not sure what it was. Naruto obviously had to have some feelings for him. Friends didn’t kiss each other. Friends didn’t do what they do. Friends didn’t give friend’s feelings like this.

Maybe he should write Naruto a letter. Get everything in his head sorted out in writing so he could move on with his life.

“Lord Kazekage, it's time.”

“Verywell.” Gaara followed him to the council meeting.

It started like every other meeting. Past notes, new news, etcetera, etcetera. Gaara sat at the head of the table organizing his thoughts on the future of his village. They've already done so much, but needed to do so much more.

“Over the past few years Sunagakure has stabilized. Our relationships with other Shinobi Villages have flourished. We have seen outstanding success in recent development since we incorporated some of Konoha’s training programs into our school’s curriculum.” An advisor went over their recent accomplishments.

“The Chunin Exam is approaching, I look forward to the results.” Another advisor wanted to see if Gaara’s efforts would be measured with how many of the genin would pass.

“At this juncture, I’d like to introduce a new business,” Yura, a senior official for the past four years, spoke up.

“Such as?”

“About the Akatsuki. Lord Jiraiya of the Legendary Three, has spoken of rumors of them heading this way.” He was the contact for Jiraiya, so it made sense the information would go both ways.

“Sunagakure should enter a state of emergency.” Gaara knew this day was coming, “Post black ops at entry points around our village perimeter. Not a single grain of sand should be able to enter our village undetected.”

“Of course, Lord Gaara.”

“Set up rooftop scouts along major road junctures, just in case anyone breaks through.”

“Of course, Lord Gaara.”

“Have the med-nin’s refresh their knowledge on the evacuation routes for non-combatant civilians. We need to ensure the fall-back shelters are stocked in case of a siege.” This was one benefit of being friends with Naruto. The sharing of knowledge that would keep his people safe. Naruto told him about the shelters in Konoha, how they kept the people safe in case of an attack.

“Of course, Lord Gaara.”

They discussed further details to protect the village. Exact locations of the ANBU, durations of shifts, and the flow of information. Protection of the village was the Kazekage’s top priority. He knew he could handle anything that came after him.

“Send for my sister and back up from our allies.” On one hand, Gaara hopes to see Naruto again, on another, he knows that two jinchūriki in one spot was dangerous. For both his village and the Akatsuki.

The village was on high alert.

Chapter Text

The Akatsuki took Gaara.

Naruto saw red.

Chapter Text

Red.

Blood.

Flames.

Eyes.

Destruction.

Nothing left but sand. A speck of dust turned into a little boy all by his lonesome in the cruel world. No one would walk beside him. Dreams would never be made into reality. It was so lonely out there.

The desert was a wasteland of its own, even with a single soul to occupy it. There was no point to run. Nowhere to hide. Nothing to do but cry.

The boy knew he deserved it. He was the reason for his own loneliness; he pushed everyone who could have ever loved him to the worst parts of themselves. His father had no choice but to do what he did. His uncle lost all that was precious to him. His brother and sister were the sidelined casualties to it all.

Because the boy was born a weapon.

His first breath was another person's last. His mother was his first victim. His family was forced to watch as she was slain on the altar of the monster's return. Sacrificed to the greater evil.

Another monster was created shortly after him. Born to the same type of all-consuming destruction he was. A village devoured in flames around a crying baby reaching out for love. Only found after the final embers burned out.

Monsters transformed into men. Men transformed into children. Children watched as people died.

“Gaara!” another little boy ran into the abyss.

Who was he calling?

Pain.

So much pain. The two shared that feeling deep within their heart. A unique set of circumstances that bound them together like no other. A past that followed closely behind to remind them they were not worthy of existence. No one wanted either of them around.

The boy caught up with the other lost soul.

Who am I?

“... Gaara…” blue eyes filled with kindness boarding on love.

Gaara knew that was silly, “... Naruto.”

Was Gaara dead?

He must be.

His savor was above him.

“What is this?”

“We all came running to rescue you,” Naruto smiled, although he was covered in injuries, “You had us worried, ya’ know.”

Gaara didn’t know what to say. His village surrounded him; they looked to be okay When he left them, all felt hopeless. A blood-soaked entrance. There were bombs. So many explosions. The Akatsuki.

Still, the Village came to rescue him… That didn’t make sense. It's Gaara’s job to keep them safe.

“Hmph, you sure did. Caused us a lot of problems, little brother.” Kankuro said.

“Don’t be a dick, Gaara is Kazekage.” Temari appeared more exhausted than the two of them combined, “So, shut up.”

Both Kankuro and Naruto's faces soured, like little children scolded by their mother.

“How are you feeling?” His sister asked.

“Ugh,” Gaara struggled to get up.

“You shouldn't move so suddenly, your body still needs to recover.” She reminded him.

Someone in the background started sobbing, “What a relief, I thought Lord Kazekage was really gone.”

“Lord Gaara wouldn't die so easily,” a woman with mousy brown hair scolded him, “He is a silent, cool, strong, and handsome elite shinobi.”

“Yes! Yes! And he's cute, too!”

“I’ll protect you from your enemies next time!” The girls came over to him, pushed past Naruto.

“No, I will.”

Gaara must be dead.

This wasn’t how his village saw him.

“Ugh,” Naruto complained about something.

“Hey, cheer up, you know they just like him ‘cause he's the Kazekage.” His brother said to Naruto, “It’s not serious.”

“I guess…”

Temari blocked off Gaara’s new admirers, “He needs rest, ladies.”

Naruto and his brother were talking a ways away. It seemed to comfort the both of them that they were still here. It was hard to hear what they were saying now, but they were smiling.

It took awhile for Gaara to build up the strength to say, “Thanks, Naruto.”

“You should thank Granny, not me. She saved you with her medical ninjutsu.” he pointed over to his teammate Sakura and Granny Chiyo. Both tired, barely able to stand. Everyone risked a lot for him. “She was tired and fell asleep, but she should be-

Kankuro interrupted, “No.”

“What do you mean no?”

“It wasn’t a medical ninjutsu, it was a transfer technique. Granny Chiyo is dead.”

“What are you talking about?” Naruto didn’t want to believe it.

“It's a jutsu to resurrect someone. It has a very heavy cost.” Kankuro explained, “It was a project Granny Chiyo led years ago. Before they could even test it, the technique was banned and sealed.”

“She looks like she’ll just laugh and say, ’I was just pretending.’” Her brother noted their old game.

Sakura held the old woman closer, “yeah.”

“Naruto, you have the power to change people. Granny Chiyo used to say she didn’t care about the village's future. She wasn't the type of person who would do something like this. She must have trusted the future to you and Gaara.” Temari tried to comfort Naruto, “it was a sacrifice befitting a shinobi.”

“Yeah, same as the old man… Yeah - Now I get what Granny wished for.” Naruto looked over to Gaara.

Another person sacrificed themselves for him. Gaara couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. He had to -

“Lord Kazekage.” someone tried to stop him.

“I’m,” Gaara was lifted up by Naruto, “fine.”

The two boys walked over to the fallen shinobi together. Both doing their best to support one another in the aftermath of everything. With Naruto’s help, Gaara stood tall.

The Kazekage said, “Everyone, have a moment for Granny Chiyo.”

Late at night, the savior and former monster found sharing a hospital room. Naruto lay on the cot closest to the window, the moon looked down on him. Gaara in the bed next to him, shrouded by hanging cloth dividers. Both boys were exhausted from the past few days of battle.

The Akatsuki have made their first big attack. It was the sign of bigger things to come. Everything that they had worked for the past few years had come to a head.

Gaara woke up disoriented for, maybe, the second time in one day, it was hard to tell, “Did I really die?”

“Yeah…” Naruto looked away, the light from the window silhouetted him.

“And Shukaku-

“He's gone.”

“Akatsuki took him? So, I couldn't stop-

“You're alive, That's all that matters.”

“But they are closer to whatever their plan is.”

“So?”

“I should have stopped them.”

“I don’t care about that. I’m just glad you're okay.” Naruto, still shadowed by the moon, finally had the courage to see Gaara. To really see him. He was attached to a myriad of machines, each monitored how close the alpha was to death.

“I guess,” being okay didn’t feel like enough to Gaara.

Naruto sat on the edge of Gaara's hospital bed, “All of this made me think about us… Ya’ know, I know how you feel about me.”

“I don’t need your pity.”

“It's not pity,” Naruto assured him, “I think I feel the same way.”

“Naruto. Please, don't do this.”

“I’m serious.” he looked deep into the other’s eyes in hopes to convey that message.

“You only feel this way because I just died today.”

“That’s not… not true.” Naruto fumbled his words, “Sure you dying made me realize this… but these are my feelings, and I know they are right. I don’t know what they are, but I want to explore-”

“I’m not someone you can do that with.” Gaara stood firm - lay in a medical bed firm.

“What?”

“Test out your feelings on.”

“I’m not testing! I just don't know-

“Naruto, I’m fine with just being your friend, and knowing nothing more can happen.”

“I don’t know if I am.”

“What about Sasuke?” This wasn’t the conversation Gaara wanted to have the moment he woke up.

“What about him?”

“Isn’t he your soul mate?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Naruto held his neck, “This is all so confusing to me.”

“Please don’t get my hopes up, I don’t think I can handle it.”

Naruto's eyes lingered on Gaara's lips. It wasn't long for the impulsive shinobi to dive in and attack full force with all of his desire. The will of an all-consuming fire, the truth of Naruto.

It was the passion Gaara always loved. He met it full force. Hands roughly tangled in blonde hair. The next kiss happened so fast their teeth clunked together. In a violent attempt to keep each other close.

"Naruto, I," love you, "don't think we should do this."

"Why not?" He seemed almost frantic, fearful even.

"I don't think you're doing this for the right reasons." Gaara explained, "I died today, and you're afraid of losing me. I'm not like - other people - I won’t abandon you."

"That's no-

"I meant what I said to you the last time, I'm not going anywhere. You don't need to do this." Gaara knew what they were, they were just friends.

They could stay just friends if they didn't cross this line more than they already had. Naruto could keep visiting, albeit less, but he'd still show up. Naruto would become the Hokage one day, and they would be great allies. Share that drink. Just like they always talked about.

It's not Gaara's ultimate fantasy, but it was a reality they both could live in. If they didn’t mess up tonight, all of their mistakes from before could easily be written off as a near death experience gone even more wrong.

"Yeah, you're right, I'm sorry, again, I keep," Naruto glanced over to his bed, then back at Gaara.

"You can stay here with me tonight." Gaara wouldn’t kick him out of bed just because they had to stop.

"But what if a medical ninja sees me?"

"Then they see you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah," he didn’t want another famous disappearing act. Naruto had a strange habit of kissing and leaving.

"Thanks," Naruto melted into Gaara's side on the tiny hospital bed, "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."

Gaara squeezed him closer, this was real, "You don't have to worry about that."

"Apparently, I do." he sighed, "I was so worried about you."

The light from the medical equipment contoured Naruto's features. He looked worn down to the bone, almost heavier than the normal cheerful blonde. Blue eyes held heavy bags that almost matched his own.

A few years ago Gaara couldn't imagine anyone doing what Naruto did to bring him back. Back then he saw Naruto do a similar thing for a teammate. Love compelled him to protect those precious to him. That dedication inspired Gaara to be a better person…

Still, he never thought he'd see the day his village would see him as their Kage, let alone someone worth saving. He never would have thought Naruto would be by their side. Gaara didn't feel like he deserved it. He still had so much he had to make up for.

This time their kiss was much more tender. Going gentle into the night. Neither knew who started it, but it felt right.

Hands wove smoothly into each other's body, mapping every location to heart. They shared a desire to get closer. They needed to feel that the other one was still there. That all this was real.

Gaara didn’t want to ask, “Are you sure about this?”

“Yeah.” Naruto reached down to Gaara’s pants. He pulled at the tie, to get them off. He was desperate to show the alpha he was serious about what he said earlier. The omega was bad with words, but good with action.

It was Gaara’s turn for action; he pinned Naruto down. The alphas larger form draped over the other in the darkness. He ignored the sharp pull of the IV in his arm. Naruto didn’t have to prove anything to him.

Gaara knew if he didn’t take advantage of the situation now, he’d never see another opportunity again. He planned to take his time to categorize every moan, twitch, high-pitched breath. Keeping everything they did backed up for the moment this would all just be a memory they laughed about over a drink.

Who is he trying to fool, Gaara knew they would never speak of this night again. They would go back to pretending this never happened in the morning. The two of them had gotten very good at not talking about things.

A selfish part of him wanted to do so good that he burned himself into Naruto’s memories as well. That way the blonde would still think of him even when he was with another. Sasuke might have been Naruto’s soul mate, but Gaara would be the person he would never forget.

Gaara kissed down Naruto’s neck. Mouth filled with perfect citrus, with the softest note of an old rotten Tomato. An unconventional fruit salad of sorts. The forced bond was weakened to the point that if Gaara didn’t know what he was looking for he wouldn't find it. Something he’s grateful for at this moment.

His knee settled between Naruto’s legs. Pressing further, Gaara separated Naruto’s legs further for easier access. Only to quickly put them back together to remove the offensive orange sweatpants. Fabric dragged over round ass, plump thighs, to finally land on the floor. Quickly by Naruto’s shirt.

Years of imagination did this sight no justice. Naruto looked up at him tenderly with those big blue eyes of his. His body was a delightful mixture of hard and soft. Firm muscles from years of work as a shinobi, contoured with the softest curves fitting of an omega. Naruto's chest swelled, barely noticeable, adorned with dusty pink nipples.

Gaara kissed Naruto's body slowly and gently. Mapping every hill and valley with his lips. The omega melted in a puddle beneath him, content with no longer having to be the one chasing. Naruto allowed himself to be showered in affection.

Curious fingers brushed through the blonde pubic hair. Only slightly darker than the sun kissed hair on his head. Gaara’s thumb lingered atop Naruto’s cocklette, playfully pressing into it.

A sharp gasp, followed by a loud moan.

“You might want to be quiet.” the nurses would still make their rounds through the night. Tabloids finding a Leaf shinobi in the Kazekage’s bed wouldn’t go over well for either of their villages.

Naruto froze for a second, before he covered his mouth.

“Normally I’d want to hear you, but we probably shouldn’t wake anyone.” Gaara’s fingers teased at Naruto’s entrance. Sliding over his folds enjoying how obvious it was that the omega was into this. Slick soaked fingers trailed a bit longer until Naruto's hips bucked forward. “Impatient?”

“Shut up,” Naruto didn’t deny it, “We’re supposed to be quiet.”

Gaara never did anything like this before, Naruto had been his first and only kiss. Still, he wanted nothing more than to taste what lies below these sheets. He had researched enough to have a vague idea of what he was supposed to do.

Arousal pooled deep within him. The alpha kissed along the plump inner thigh. His lips pause over Naruto's slit. Slow. He couldn’t rush this. Naruto was so needy. His pride fell off of him with each breath on his lower half. Shuttering with anticipation, he couldn’t fight his own desire.

The omega loved being teased, he might try to deny it, but it's obvious. He didn’t want this to come easy. Maybe there’s a part of him that couldn’t have it come easy. Easy would be too fast, too easy to forget. Naruto wanted to remember this night, too.

Tangy sweet slick finally coated his taste buds. Gaara instinctively let out a low alphan rumble as he satiated his craving. This was purely Naruto. His omega responded by lifting his hips and pressing his pussy closer to Gaara’s mouth. Tongue pressed firmly against the flesh. The muscle swirled between the folds, consuming as much as he could.

Naruto choked down his moans, doing his best not to make a sound. Gaara would give anything to be in the privacy of his own home, where Naruto could make every sound his heart desired. He would bathe in all the noises the omega would make.

But beggars can’t be choosers.

Naruto's head fell back in pleasure, arching his back more and more. His skin was burning hot. The omega kept grinding his hips into Gaara's tongue. He needs more, he's so close. Pathetic cires barely muffled by the sheet he shoved in his own mouth.

Gaara slipped his finger inside, while letting his mouth switch focus to the omegas cocklette. The alpha experimentally thrust in deeper. It took a minute to find Naruto’s sweet spot. He kept focusing on the spot with each thrust. Causing every inch of the omega’s body to convulse from the pleasure.

“Oh- Gaa - ra! I-”

Hands tugged at his red hair, but the alpha didn’t stop. Gaara slurped up the throbbing little cocklette between his lips. It was obvious Naruto was close.

“I- do- it's too much-”

Naruto tried to fight against his pleasure. Alternating between pushing away and pulling closer. The omega was a frantic mess of confusion. Pussy constricting around his alpha’s fingers. His body was a live wire about to explode.

Gaara paused to say, “I’m,” between breaths, “here,” before returning to previous actions.

It seemed to work; the omega relaxed into the uncertainty of his body. Allowing the alpha to take control of his pleasure. Naruto was on fire, heat pooled below. Vision went to pure white.

“I- I- Gaara!”

Naruto’s entire body seized up from the powerful orgasm. Completely losing any composure he might have had. He moaned loud enough to draw any attention if someone passed by. Sweet pussy dripped slick, as his cocklette spilled over in his alpha’s mouth. Gaara licked his lips, the remains of the slick trickled down his chin.

Exhausted, Naruto let out incoherent whimpers as Gaara situated him back into his side. He knew that was it for the night. Naruto’s body still shivered from the aftermath.

Gaara's cock throbbed angrily against his constrictive underwear. Alpha instincts wanting to flood the omegas womb with potent seed. Claim the most sacred space as his own. Gaara knew he couldn’t be selfish tonight, he’s already taken so much.

The alpha collected as much slick as he could into his palm, earning another vulnerable choked out moan from Naruto. He was completely spent. Without hesitation, Gaara shoved his hand into his sleep pants, fisting his cock. Naruto’s release aided his movement.

“I can help,” Naruto deliriously mumbled.

“I’ve got it.” Gaara focused on the prevalent smell of slick in the air, “you can rest.”

“But,” his hand limply rested atop Gaara’s furiously stroking himself to the memory of what just happened.

The slight weight of the other’s hand served as motivation. He quickened his pace. It didn’t take long before Gaara came into his boxers, “Fuck.”

“I could have,” Naruto yawned, “helped.”

“Just sleep,” Gaara pulled his hand from his pants, whipping the remains of himself on the outside fabric. He had everything he could have ever asked for in his arms. The world was perfect.

Gaara could finally sleep.

Naruto stood in front of Chiyo’s headstone. The rest of the Leaf shinobi were not too far behind. They only knew each other for a few days, but it was enough to make a lasting impression.

Battles did that, they bound shinobi to one another.

“Sakura. Naruto. It's time to go,” their sensei reminded them.

“Right!” Naruto shouted, forgetting their location.

Sakura paused, hand on the headstone.

“You commin’?” Naruto asked.

“Yeah.” She took a breath and pushed forward.

All the Leaf were led out of the village by mourners. It was a solemn day. They had a lot to do. Before the group finally left, Naruto paused.

As expected, Gaara and Naruto didn’t speak about last night. To be fair, they didn’t have a chance. The two were immediately surrounded by Gaara’s family and the nurses once they woke up. His family didn’t question it, but it was only a matter of time.

They definitely couldn't speak about it here. Not in front of everyone. It was. Too sensitive subject to have that many ears. That conversation if it were to happen should be just between the Kazekage and the future Hokage.

“I guess we're supposed to shake hands or something… I’m not really that good at these types of things. You know, goodbyes,” Naruto rubbed the back of his head, “So I guess…”

Gaara extended his hand.

Naruto blushed. Leaf shinobi and Sand shinobi surrounded them. Everyone seemed to understand the occasion, this was a moment in history. For a little extra encouragement Gaara’s sand wrapped around them.

Naruto took his hand, “See you next time.”

And again, a future was promised.

Chapter Text

Hi Gaara,

There’s a new Team Seven. Kakashi is no longer our sensei and it's some guy named Yamato. He’s cool I guess. Also some Sasuke-wannabe-reject joined our team. He’s a good artist, but a total dick-head.

We found Sasuke.

Gaara refused to read past that line for several days. He got his hopes up after dying, like an idiot. If he didn’t read further, he could keep his hopes up.

Besides, he had to make the preparations for the upcoming Chunin Exams. The Council had several meetings to decide whether or not the Kazekage should leave Sunagakure this soon after an attack. They concluded without the One Tail in him; he was no longer a target.

However, then they had to worry about their students. They didn’t know if they would be ready soon after the incident. Technically, there was little to no damage to the village and very little fighting due to Kazekage stepping in. It didn’t matter, there were still 3 meetings about this, and several stacks of paperwork.

They settled ongoing. With the loss of the guards it would be better to have more Chunin in their ranks. This then required the Kazekage to fill out their travel visas and several request forms. Gaara never expected this job to be mostly paperwork.

He’s finished up the latest stack when his brother came into his office fresh off a mission… with more paperwork. They had to file a report after each mission to document everything that happened. This way their billing departments could better charge in the future. They could also ensure rating systems stayed accurate. All while improving strategy in the future. It was the Kazekage’s job to ensure authenticity.

"You ever going to tell your big bro about you and Naruto?" Kankuro handed a file over.

"There's nothing to tell." Gaara placed the file over the orange letter, hiding it from view.

"Nothing?" Kankuro said in disbelief.

"No."

"So he just happened to show up in the middle of the desert over 20 times in the past two years?"

"Of course not, he was visiting me."

"Oh, is that what we're calling it?"

"Not like that, like how Temari visits Konoha."

"Ah…" Kankuro made sure, "you know she visits Konoha to see a boy she likes?"

"No, she's there as Sunagakure's liaison to the Leaf."

"You ever notice how her missions always seem to pair her with the same Leaf shinobi? Yeah, it's because she likes him."

"Then it's not like that with me and Naruto."

"So he just happened to end up in your bed without pants on?"

Gaara admitted, "We might have done something."

"Obviously."

"It doesn't matter."

"Bullshit." Kankuro said, "You can't tell me your first time doesn't matter."

"We didn't do that."

"Blow job then, whatever. I don't really care to know the details of how my brother gets his dick wet."

"I didn't."

"Don't tell me you didn't get anything from that… Gaara, you can't let him use you like that."

"He's not using me." Gaara let him know, "It's not like we can actually be anything."

"Tch. Why not?"

"Naruto's marked." Gaara hated that, "He has an alpha."

"Oh." Kankuro might be a great shinobi, but he was a bit out of the loop with his brother's personal affairs. It might be by design.

"Yeah, so even if I wanted to. And even if Naruto wanted to. It doesn't matter. Because we can't."

"You're being dramatic. You guys can still date. You can still fuck. So what if you can't mark him?" as a beta, Kankuro would never really understand.

"If Naruto has prolonged intimate contact with an alpha that's not his… There would be negative consequences."

"Okay? So no prolonged fucking… You just keep doing the long distance thing. Spread it out so there's no whatever-the-fuck. No big deal."

"An omega can experience catatonic drops with only a few months away from their alpha. You introduce another one on top of that… Naruto's lucky to still be alive as it is," Gaara said, "I can't make things worse for him."

"There's gotta be ways to reverse it."

"None that have a high enough success rate… Besides, Naruto doesn’t really want to be with me.” Gaara said. Sure, Naruto visited a lot, but they spoke mostly about him and Sasuke the whole time. Gaara wasn’t stupid enough to believe that meant nothing. One night of passion couldn’t erase a person's soul mate.

“So, you're telling me you missed maybe your one chance to get your dick sucked by the guy you’ve had the biggest crush on for the past two years?” Kankuro judged.

“We still fooled around.” Gaara defended himself.

“You doing all the work isn’t the same and you know it. He’s got you so whipped,” he pointed to the letter hidden under the file, “You can’t even finish reading that thing. It was there before I started my last mission.”

“So?”

“So, I’m worried about you, little brother.”

“There’s nothing to be worried about.”

“Sure…”

Hi Gaara,

There’s a new Team Seven. Kakashi is no longer our mentor, and it's some guy named Yamato. He’s cool I guess. Also, some Sasuke-wannabe-reject joined our team. He’s a good artist, but a total dick-head.

We found Sasuke.

The wannabe-reject betrayed us and gave info to Orochimaru… but that turned out to be a double-or maybe a triple cross- a quadruple cross. Anyways it was all a part of the plan. And I guess we're cool now. He’s not that bad.

Sasuke went on and on about his new bonds of hatred and being depressed-thing. He wants nothing to do with me. Or anyone really. I asked him about the mark; he said it was to piss off his brother. Isn’t that fucked up? Anyway, I still have to keep my promise to Sakura and bring him back to the village. I can’t break my promise and still be Hokage.

Sakura had gotten really impressive with her medical ninjutsu, but you already know that, I guess. She could save your brother and all. And of course you! But like, even on this mission she was so cool saving people and stuff. Granny is really teaching her a lot. She’s so cool now. But, like, I don't know how to compare my stuff with her. Is it for every time she heals people I punch people, but she also punches people. It's not as direct to compare our skills when they are so different. I think I miss having a rival that I can 1v1 judge our improvement.

The mission was still a success, mostly. We could learn some stuff about the Akatsuki and Orochimaru. So, that's at least a step in the right direction. Yamato wants me to do some more training on wind techniques. He said wind is totally my style.

See you soon,
Naruto

Gaara didn’t know whether to feel relieved or annoyed. Something about the letter felt off. Like he wasn’t getting the whole truth. He should see Naruto soon - he could ask then.

It’s just… Naruto didn’t mention what they did or their promise for a future together. It was just a simple update on Naruto’s life. Gaara knew not to get his hopes up, even when he was talking to his brother he knew. He just wanted to be wrong.

While what Naruto did was obviously important, Gaara kind of hoped that their next interaction would clear up the open ending of their last meeting. He could know for sure if it was just a one-time thing brought on by stress… or if Naruto really liked him.

Greetings Uzamaki Naruto,

I am glad to hear that your last mission was a partial success. Ms Haruno’s medical ninjutsu is rather impressive. Thank you for reminding me, I will have to give her my thanks next time I see her.

As for your artist friend, you have a way about you that draws people to you. It is no surprise to me that you were able to befriend your new teammate.

We are getting the final preparations done for the next Chunin Exam. I suppose you might take them as well. If you are still in Konoha, then I would like to meet up with you.

With warmest regards,
Kazekage Gaara

Chapter Text

The Kazekage walked into Konoha with his sister, two guards, and three genin teams. The Chunin Exams were this week. Sunagakure was hoping he would bring back a significant amount of chunins to the village.

He was half expecting to see Naruto at the gate to greet him. That became a ritual of his in Sunagakure. Gaara would have tea at the shop closest to the gate so he'd be able to sense when Naruto arrived. They would all have a pot together.

Then Jiraiya would leave them to do something on his own. He'd say it was research, but the ANBU who followed him would say it was getting drunk at bars flirting with women. Sunagakure seemed to be more of a rest spot for the two of them. Which Gaara was more than happy to provide.

Naruto must be busy on a mission. Actually, more likely he's preparing for the exam himself. Probably lost track of time with his morning training.

It's fine. Gaara wouldn't be able to drink with him this morning, anyway. He had a lot of preparations for the event. He had to ensure the teams got settled into their hotels, that they knew how to behave in a foreign village, then he had to meet up with Lady Tsunade.

There was no time for tea.

"Welcome to the village," Shikamaru added, "Lord Kazekage."

That was the boy his sister liked. Gaara hadn’t seen him since the failed rescue mission. From what he remembered, Shikamaru was a good leader, smart, but lazy. There were several battles the boy refused to participate in. His involvement could have turned the tides for his teams in their Chunin Exam.

However, he couldn't be all that bad if his sister approved of him.

Gaara eventually said, "Thank you. Our teams are looking forward to the exam this year."

"Yep - Yeah - Of course - Temari, would you like to join me as I show those teams to the hotels?"

"Sure,” Temari laughed, “I got this handled, little brother."

Gaara ended up very early for his meeting with the Hokage, "Lady Tsunade, it's good to finally see you."

“Nice to see you too. The arrangements have been made for your teams already. You didn’t need to come this time.” Tsunade said, “You're sister usually has this handled.”

“It's best I show my face here now and again.”

"Of course… You know, a little froggy told me about his visits to Suna." She could talking about either of them.

"After everything you've done, we are happy to be a resting place for the Leaf." Gaara assured her.

"I'm sure you are."

"Um… Yes?" Gaara didn't understand what she meant.

"Don't be bashful, I think it's great you two are getting close."

"Of course. I'm very grateful for our alliance-

"Stop being so political." Tsunade knew she had to be more direct, "I'm talking about your love life with the brat."

Oh, "I assure you, there is nothing there to talk about."

"... Sure," she didn't believe him. No one believed him when he said that. Not even himself.

"You know better than anyone there can't be anything to talk about."

"Why's that? Cause you're a stick in the mud and he's a pain in my ass?" Lady Tsunade laughed, "There's been worse matches."

"His mark."

"That's not as big of a setback as some might think."

"Hm?"

"People experience issues with mating marks every day. You spend enough time in hospitals and you realize it's a common problem." She made it sound more hopeful than any other resource he’s ever read.

"Does it have a common solution?"

"Each solution must be tailored to the person."

"Does Naruto's have one?"

"So, you admit there's something to talk about?"

"You already knew that."

"Yeah, but it's nice to hear that I'm right every so often." Lady Tsunade said, "Of course there is, I've already told him a few."

Naruto knew this whole time there were options and didn’t tell Gaara, "And they might be?"

"Well, the first is killing the alpha who did that to him, but you probably know how that one went."

Gaara didn’t, but he could guess it didn't go well.

She went on to explain how many ninja die, and they don’t drop in pairs. The bond servers in death. It's still a nasty drop and can be deadly without interference. However, usually check-ins from the omega’s pack would be enough to get them through the hardest part.

Since Naruto's was a half bond, it would be an easier break.

She glossed over the other ways. None of them sounded too promising, anyway. They quickly went back to business as usual.

Later that night Gaara found his way to Naruto’s place in the Konoha Shinobi Apartment District. Block 7, by the lake, third floor walk up. It looked older and a bit runned down, like they stopped taking care of it many years ago.

He had a rather interesting talk with the Hokage. A lot of information was exchanged in such a short amount of time. They were able to complete the arrangements. She was also kind enough to tell him where their mutual friend happened to live.

The lights were out, but Gaara was told Naruto would be home. It's not like him to retire this early in the night. He’s not a night owl by Gaara’s standards, but he matched pace for a while.

Knock.
Knock.
Knock.

He could hear a bit of movement behind the door. No overly loud ‘I’m coming,’ like Gaara was used to. The Sand shinobi prepared for an attack. There must be someone else in Naruto’s apartment.

Eventually, Naruto’s tired frame tried to cover the inside of the apartment through the doors crack, “Hi, Gaara, I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”

“The Chunin Exam is this week. Did you not get my letter?” Gaara calmed his sand.

“What?! This week? Are you sure?” Naruto freaked out.

“Yes, I'm sure. That's why I’m here and also why I had a meeting with the Hokage this morning.”

“Oh fuck! I don't think I submitted my paperwork.” He frantically searched the mail holder next to the door.

It gave Gaara a good line of sight to the inside of Naruto’s home. Saying it was a mess would take it lightly. It looked like a natural disaster tore through the small studio apartment.

Naruto pulled out the submission form, "crap."

"I'm sure Lady Tsunade wouldn't mind including you if you submitted now." Gaara said. Naruto would probably get a light scolding but nothing too serious. She seemed to care for him as one of his own.

"It's alright, I think I have a mission next week anyways." Naruto shrugged it off, “I wouldn’t be able to finish the exam if I went.”

"Oh… Okay. May I come in?" Gaara asked.

"Now's not a good time… um, how about we get dinner instead," Naruto suggested, "my treat."

He always tried to get out of paying, getting a good look at his small shinobi apartment, Gaara saw why, "That's unnecessary."

"I insist! Just give me a minute to get ready." Naruto shoved the door closed without waiting for an answer.

Gaara had half a mind to see if anyone was sneaking out his window or something. Naruto was acting very suspicious. In the end he decided not to. It's good etiquette to trust Naruto had the best intentions.

The shower turned on. Gaara prepared himself to wait a bit, he leaned his weight against the rusted railing. Little noises came from the apartment every so often. A fuck here or there. Some obvious stubbing of toes from the speed he got ready. It only took Naruto 7 minutes to exit his apartment.

"That was fast."

"Yeah… I Like to sleep in but I don't like being late." Naruto admitted.

"Of course," Gaara asked, "Where did you want to have dinner?"

"There's this great ramen place, I know you'll love it."

Gaara had almost forgotten what it was like to walk down a street and get stared at like he didn't belong. Naruto had not. The village stared at the both of them as if they were scum.

It was pretty obvious why for Gaara; it wasn't but 3 years since he was their enemy. Naruto you'd have to go even further back to before he was born. It broke Gaara's heart to know he still had to deal with this in his own home.

There were some smiles, especially at this ramen stand. An old man and his daughter greeted Naruto warmly.

"And who's this handsome fella with you?" the daughter asked.

Gaara had worn regular street clothes for his time with Naruto. Black shirt, black pants, nothing too special. Apparently just being out of uniform was enough to disguise him here. He's only been Kazekage for 3 years, and these people weren’t shinobi.

"This is my friend, Gaara!"

"It's nice to see one of his friends," maybe they're just being polite.

"I've been eating here ever since I was a kid," Naruto let him know, "it's the best place in Konoha!"

“I’m glad you’ve taken me somewhere special.”

Naruto smiled, “Of course, only the best for the Kazekage.”

If the owner or his daughter heard that, they didn’t react. It must not be unusual for Naruto to know important people. The owner asked, “Would you be ordering the usual?”

“Yes, please.”

“And you?”

“I’m not sure…” Gaara looked over the menu and then to Naruto, “What do you usually get?”

“Miso ramen with pork, obviously.”

“Then I too will have that.” Gaara said.

“They’ll be right out.”

“Thanks!” Naruto said.

They chatted for a bit before Gaara asked, "You’re really going to miss out on the Chunin Exam?"

"I already told you, it's okay. I have a special training mission with Yamato and Kakashi next week. I can’t be two places at once." Naruto waved him off.

It was weird for him to not take the opportunity to become a higher ranking shinobi. It would definitely help him gain more missions. Eventually helping him acquire his goal of becoming Hokage.

“Okay.”

And that was the last of that.

They ate in relative peace, talking about lighter topics. Gaara’s travel here, some things Naruto’s learned over the last mission, and even the weather. Still, not at all what Gaara wanted to talk about, but a public food stall was not the place to have the ’so I heard you ran into your ex who's now a missing-nin’ conversation.

They eventually finished their meal, Naruto offered to pay for the two of them, which Gaara refused. The woman behind the counter looked at him weird when he paid. The man seemed used to others paying for him. Not bothering to put the check in front of Naruto.

They walked closely back to Naruto’s apartment. Closer than two friends should walk, but far enough away for some deniability. Their relationship seemed to be a sort of an open secret, even in Konoha.

"I had a great time tonight… I'm glad you came by." Naruto said, with obvious intention to snake his way back into his apartment and end the night quick.

"Me too… Is there a reason you don't want to let me in?" Gaara wanted the privacy of the four walls to talk to Naruto again. For real.

"It's just not all that clean right now."

"That's fine." There was an urgency built in him that made him feel like he had to see what was behind that door. There had to be more to what he saw earlier.

“I don’t know, man. It's just not up to the standards of a Kazekage.”

“I’m your,” hopefully something more than, “friend first, and Kazekage second.”

“You probably shouldn’t tell your village that.” Naruto joked.

“It will stay between us.”

Naruto looked back into his apartment, “But I guess I can let you in… you just can’t judge me if I do.”

“I won't.”

It was worse than what he could see in the door's crack earlier. There was old takeout containers piled up in the kitchen area. A lot of top ramen containers sprinkled in. On top of everything the trash hadn't been taken out in a while.

Clothes littered the floor. Haphazardly taken off and forgotten about. Naruto’s nest torn asunder, maybe? It was hard to tell if it was a nest on his bed or just old clothes not put away. A few dead plants on the windowsill.

“Is everything okay?” Gaara asked.

"It's fine, I just get like this sometimes," Naruto admitted, cleaning the first area he saw, the dining table, "I didn't want you to see me like this. You get it…"

"It's not that bad." Gaara walked around looking for something he could do to help.

"It was easier to hide when I was always on the road, or just visiting you." Naruto acted like he had a body in here.

"It's just a messy apartment," Gaara reassured him.

"You don't have a messy place."

"I also have many people that help me with that sort of thing." Gaara was the Kazekage, he always had outside help with domestic labor, "How long has this been going on?"

"A couple of weeks, I guess."

"No, you said this happens sometimes. Did this always used to happen or -

"It's not Mate Rejection," Naruto said not believing it himself, "I've always been messy."

“Okay,” Gaara helped clean up the mess on the kitchen counter, “Should I start here?”

“I’ve got it.”

“It's no problem.”

“I can’t have my first guest help me clean up my apartment… especially not the Kazekage.” Naruto took the trash out of his hand and into the bag, “Just sit on my bed I’ve got it.”

"Is this your nest?" There was no way to make that question sound nice. There were a few pillows and blankets, but not enough to make a formal nest. At least not really.

"It's just my bed, I don't really have the space for a nest. I'm always traveling too. So I wouldn’t be able to maintain it." There's a lot an omega had to do to maintain a nest. Most people acted as it was its own ecosystem, constantly needing attention.

"You could at least have a temporary one in the meantime. Can’t you?” Gaara suggested.

"It's not safe enough here. For a nest I mean."

“It's your apartment, how's it unsafe?”

“No one’s around to protect it.” Naruto said. It was hard to tell if this was an omega thing or a reality thing.

Gaara wanted to offer his home, but knew he shouldn’t, unless, “So are we going to dance around this subject all night?”

“I’d like to.” Naruto always seemed to be the one who wanted to push off this conversation.

“I wouldn’t,” Gaara said, “you said a lot of big things last time we were together… I just want to see if that’s how you still feel.”

“Oh,” the answer was probably no.

“It’s fine if its no-

“It's not no.”

“Then what is it? Because it doesn’t sound like a yes either…”

“I’ve just got a lot going on, with the village and Akatsuki, and Sakura, and -

“Sasuke?”

“I mean yeah… Duh, I have to bring him back. I promised Sakura.”

“It’s okay if it's him. I knew last time, too.” Of course Gaara knew this would result from opening himself up that way to Naruto. He cared for the blonde in a very different way than the blonde cared for him. “He’s your Soul Mate.”

“I don’t know if I think he is anymore.” Naruto admitted, “But you said, you didn’t think you could handle my indecision… so I don't want to hurt you again… You’ve been so nice to me. And I don’t think I can do-”

“I’m not asking you to marry me,” Gaara said.

“Oh.” Naruto frowned.

“I just think if we're going to try something, we should actually try it. We should take it a bit more seriously than what we do.”

“What do we do?” Naruto tried to hide himself by cleaning dishes.

“You kiss me. A lot. You sleep in the same bed as me when you visit. We do that. Then we don't talk about it. We act like it doesn't happen.” Gaara told him, “I just want us to acknowledge that it happens.”

“I think I can do that.”

“And, I want you to tell me when something’s wrong.” Because something was clearly wrong here.

“That one’s going to be harder.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“It's alright.” Gaara knew it would not be an overnight thing. He got off the bed to help clean again. Naruto would need it. “Why don’t we start small.”

“...fine.” Naruto allowed him to help around the apartment.

They didn’t get it sparkling clean, but they got the worst of it gone. Gaara might be able to help more tomorrow morning before his Kazekage duties… If Naruto let him stay the night.

“You don’t have to keep that on…” Naruto said, getting ready for bed.

“Oh?” Gaara wasn’t sure what he wanted exactly, but he had some ideas.

“Your scent patch, it's got to be uncomfortable by now.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, you’ve been wearing it all night.”

“It's the polite thing to do. Besides, you’ve still got yours on too.”

“Ah, well, that… that's just because it's polite.” Naruto said. Trying to shield Gaara from the truth again.

“You don’t have to hide it. I know you're marked…”

“It's not that…”

“Can I see?”

Naruto sighed, “Yeah,” exposing his neck for the alpha in front of him.

Gaara gently removed Naruto's scent patch. He wasn't prepared for what it hid beneath it. Naruto’s mating bite, putrid before, now looked long infected with the way it was seeping out alpha venom.

"It looks worse than it is," Naruto tried to comfort him.

"It looks awful."

“It's fine.”

"Did Lady Tsunade or Sakura see it?"

"When I got back from the mission."

There was a calendar on the wall. It had the Chunin Exam date circled in red, the paperwork submission deadline, as well as the Kazekage’s visit. It stopped being checked off a few weeks ago, when Naruto saw Sasuke.

Gaara confirmed, "So three weeks ago?"

"Yeah, I guess it's been that long… but the fox says it's fine." Naruto tried to cover it up with his jacket.

"We should take you to a med-nin."

"It's late. I don't think it's necessary."

"That wasn't really a suggestion." Gaara wanted them to visit the Hokage. She only told him one way to fix it, but seeing this, they needed more. This needed to be done as soon as possible.

As a compromise, they visited Haruno.

Naruto refused to go to the actual hospital or the Hokage. Said it wasn't worth the time, Sakura would be better anyway. In a way he was right. She gave them some creams and care guides and sent them back home. After a lengthy discussion of interrupting someone's beauty sleep.

It was Mate Rejection.

“See, I told you I was fine.” Naruto, someone who definitely was not fine, said.

“Haruno said a normal person would be in the hospital by now.” Gaara reminded him.

“Luckily I am not a normal person.”

“Make sure you take your meds.”

“Sure… whatever.”

“I’m serious.” Gaara said, “and I’ll help you change the bandaid tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Apparently I do. Why are you so opposed to going to the hospital?”

“... I mean, you know, you're a jinchūriki, too.”

“Yeah.” With the way the villagers treated him walking down the street. He doubted they would be that great in a medical emergency. They would be grateful the demon child was gone.

“So you get it…” Naruto looked over to his bed, “Let's go to sleep. I’m tired.”

“Okay.”

They got ready for bed in silence. Naruto landed on the pillows first. He did his best to leave enough room for Gaara. It was hard in a full bed. These types of apartments were meant for one shinobi to get at most a week of sleep before starting a new mission. So they made do.

It's interesting how much you can learn about a person by seeing them in their natural habitat. Gaara thought he knew most things about Naruto with how close they got in their visits. He wasn't expecting any more big surprises, especially not something like this.

Gaara felt like he learned more from this meeting than any other.

Naruto and Gaara laid in his bed quietly pretending they were both asleep. Each leaving a significant amount of distance between them despite previous conversations.

It was Naruto who broke the ice, “We found Sasuke.”

“I know.” Gaara pulled Naruto into his arms.

“It was awful. I thought… I don’t know what I thought.” Naruto buried his head into Gaara’s shoulder.

“You thought he was brainwashed into going.” Gaara knew that much. It was Naurto’s favorite fairy tale, The Snake that tricked the Boy.

“Yeah, isn’t that stupid of me?”

“No.” Despite how much Gaara hated it, it's what he loved most about Naruto, “You always want to see the best in people. That’s not stupid.”

“It's okay - It's a little stupid.”

“I don’t think so… You saw the best in me.”

“That’s different.”

“It's not.”

“You're different.”

Gaara wasn’t but, kiss, “I guess.”

Nartuo sighed, “Sasuke, I still care for him, but he hurt me. He hurt me in a way that will be with me for the rest of my life. I won't ever get rid of this… and the worst part is,” Naruto opened up, “He doesn't care.”

Gaara was afraid anything he might say in this moment would backfire, so he just held Naruto closer.

“To him biting me is some stupid way to get back at his brother. He said it's to strengthen our bond, but it only goes one way. He doesn’t feel this way. He’s not forced into these… moods.”

“You’ll get out of it.”

“I don’t think I will… Gaara, my apartment’s been messy before, but I dont think it's gotten this bad. I don’t know what to do, I wake up and I - I just can't move. My body won’t let me. I’m forgetting things, days are passing so fast. I don't know what to do.“

“Lady Tsunade told me of a way-”

“I don't like those ways.”

“She also told me that.”

“It's just- I don't think I can do it. And even though he hurt me, badly, I can't do that to him. I know what pain he's going through, and he might not care, but I do.”

“I know.”

Chapter Text

Gaara awoke in Naruto's bed.

It was a familiar sight in an unfamiliar place. His hands moved over a familiar body. Small waist, broad shoulders and chest. Firm perky ass under the folds of cotton red-heart briefs. The sun cast over them, showcasing Naruto's tanned face with whisker scars on his rounded cheeks.

“Mornin’,” Naruto mumbled out, matching the same energy. Exploratory hands traveled over Gaara's body.

Gaara was attached to a clingy omega who kept trying to affix their head into his neck. Desperately trying to get to his scent. A soft pur vibrated between them as the omega got their fill.

“You smell good.” Naruto said.

The scent of slick penetrated the air between them. Naruto rubbed his thighs together attempting to hide what they both know to be true. His boxers were thoroughly slicked.

“Thank you,” Gaara felt down to the wet patch that proved Naruto’s previous statement.

“‘m serious.” Naruto should be disgusted by his scent. No fault of Gaara’s, or even Naruto’s, but the fault of Sasuke. The mark on his neck should have him completely repulsed by Gaara’s scent. Instead he's eating it up for breakfast.

That type of pressure on Gaara’s sensitive glands made him weak. He practically bathed Naruto in his scent. Doing his best to claim the blonde as his own. He wanted so desperately to do more. He needed to penetrate the omega’s soul with his claim on his heart.

Gaara took this as one of many signs to pull down Naruto’s boxers. Naruto moaned into this new freedom. The alpha massaged up the thighs, nearing closer to his prize. Fingers only a centimeter away.

Their lips met several times over. Each deeper than the last, until they were practically breathing each other as air.

“Fuck, Naruto.” Gaara moaned out.

Gaara continued with the same fervorous energy. His inner alpha screamed at him to take over. Claim, consume, take omega. Omega was his after all. Not the alpha that abandoned him and left Naruto to rot in his studio apartment.

Fingers ghost over Naruto’s pussy, Gaara groaned into Naruto’s ear, “Your so we-

Knock.
Knock.
Knock.

-t.”

“Oh shit,” Naruto said, immediately hiding himself in the sheets, “You know that training I said was next week?”

“Yes.” Gaara started putting himself together. He really was a mess. He needed a million cold showers to tame down his erection. He settled on trying to fix his hair first.

“Now that I think of it, it might have been this week.”

“Naruto!” A man’s voice screamed through the door.

“Scratch that. It definitely was this week.” Naruto wrapped the blanket around himself, before going to the door.

Knock.
Knock.
Kno-

“Hi - Yamato-sensei! Nice to see you this morning.” Naruto said through a crack in the door, “I’m so sorry. I think I slept in. But-”

His teacher barged his way through the door, “We had an agreement. And you-

“Hi,” Gaara pulled up his pants from the night before.

“Who’s this?” Yamato asked.

“Its my friend -

Yamato answered first, “The Kazekage.”

“Gaara!” Naruto corrected.

“Hi.”

“What is the Kazekage doing in your apartment?”

“He’s here for the Chunin Exam.” Naruto explained the situation.

“I understand why he's in Konoha,” Yamato asked, “Why is he in your apartment?”

“I’m visiting my friend.” Gaara kicked underwear under Naruto’s bed.

“Ah… Of course you are, Lord Kazekage.” Yamato-sensei noded

“He’s visited me in Sunagakure several times. I figured it was my turn to return the favor.” Gaara explained this time.

Yamato took a deep breath in, centered himself, took a deep breath out, “Ya’ know, we can meet at the training grounds in half an hour.”

“That sounds great,” Naruto said, “I'll see you in half an hour.”

“See ya’... Have a great morning, Lord Kazekage.” Naruto’s new teacher left his apartment.

Naruto said after the door shut, “I’m so sorry, that was so awkward. I shouldn't have let him in.”

“It's fine.”

“No, I know you probably want to keep us a secret.”

Gaara never said that, if it were up to him he would tell the whole world he was dating Naruto. However he does know there were a lot of implications of a Leaf shinobi dating the Kage of another village. “I don’t mind if people know… I just don’t think you’ll enjoy the attention it might bring you.”

Chapter Text

Naruto was almost offended, “Attention it’ll bring me?”

“Yes. I don't know if you're aware of this, but we already had to squash a few exposes in Sunagakure about our close relationship.” Gaara informed.

“You're not serious.”

“I am.”

“Why would people write about that?” Naruto laughed.

“I’m the Kazekage, my personal life apparently is entertainment to them.”

“That’s so stupid… but, like, do you care about it?”

“I don't mind it… but with the Akatsuki getting more adventurous with their plans. I don't think it's safe for you if people know there’s someone you care about like that.”

“They already know I care about you…” Naruto thought for a second, “Actually, now that I think about it, the ones who know are probably dead.”

“Dead?”

Naruto blushed, “Probably dead. I said probably.”

“What happened?” They haven't had a chance to talk about his death before. He knew it was a sore subject for both of them for obvious reasons.

“I got mad… They just threw your body on the ground like you were nobody. You're not nobody. You're Gaara. You're my,” Naruto didn’t know the word for it, they didn’t say a word for it, “Friend!”

Gaara wrapped Naruto up in his arms, “It's okay. I’m okay. I’m okay.”

“No you don’t get it.” He struggled to get out of the embrace.

“Then tell me,” Gaara refused to let him go.

“You didn't see how they treated you. You were on the ground, they sat on your body. Like, you were an object or something.” Emotions ran through his voice.

Gaara didn’t really mind how he was treated after death. He never put much thought to it before. As a shinobi, he assumed his body would be lost to a battlefield one day. Now after seeing Naruto like this, he thought he should consider a different option. “Hm.”

Naruto eventually accepted Gaara, “They talked about you like-hic-you weren't Gaara. Like you weren't-hic-my-hic-

Naruto never finished that sentence. Sobs overtook his voice. Wet tears filled the shoulder of day-old clothes. Gaara already planned on changing when he got back to the hotel, but now he definitely had to.

When his voice came back it was still shattered with sobs, “I felt like I lost-hic-you. I did-hic-I did lose you. If it weren't for granny-hic-

Again the words fell apart.

Naruto had cried for him before. When he first heard Gaara’s story. His heart wept for an enemy he hardly knew. That moved Gaara enough to change the course of his entire life.

This time, the blonde's tears did more to him. It pulled his heart strings, plucking a song of devotion. He never wanted to see Naruto cry like this again. Gaara vowed to make sure Naruto would always have him in his life. He promised that before, but this was different.

Before he was being selfish. Gaara wouldn’t leave Naruto life, because he didn’t want to lose the blonde. Now-

-hic-I don’t-hic-I don't know what I’d-hic-do without you.” Naruto finished his thought.

Gaara said, “you don’t have to worry about that.”

He rubbed Naruto's back, trying to bring him back to the real world. Remove him from the memory of one of the worst days of his life. Naruto nuzzled into him closer. The hyperventilation turned to deep breaths. He could feel the other was alive and with him.

“I know…” Naruto said, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“I don't know… getting upset.”

“It's okay.” Gaara died, “I’m okay now. And it's because of you.”

“I should have gotten there sooner.”

“You didn’t know… no one knew.”

“I could have-

“You saved me.” That was the end of that.

“Yeah.” Naruto kissed him.

They got ready together. After such a rude awakening, they still had their own schedule of events to get to. Gaara still had to get the teams ready for the Chunin Exam. Naruto still needed to get to his training.

“Before you go, let me get that situated for you.” He pointed to the patch on Naruto’s neck.

“Fine.”

Gaara peeled off the scent patch that doubled as a bandaid, which ripped a deep whine from Naruto, “that hurts.”

The scent stung Gaara’s nose. It reeked of both distressed omega and possessive alpha. Rot and despair amped up his adrenaline to 10. Gaara was ready to fight.

“Just let me take care of it, okay?”

It looked better than last night, but still nowhere near what a healthy bond mark should look like. Black puss oozed from some of the bite as if it were still an open sore. Gaara gently dabbed it away, before putting ointment on it.

“That better?” Gaara asked.

“A little…” Naruto reached to touch it, but-

Gaara stopped him, “I have to put the gauze on now.”

“Right.”

So he did. Gaara placed the gaze on top, quickly sealing it in a scent patch. Before he knew what he was doing, he rubbed his own scent gland on top of it as a pseudo claim. If Naruto noticed, he didn’t mention it.

“Thanks…” Naruto mumbled out.

“Any time.” Gaara said.

Even though Naruto got to the training grounds half an hour past their original scheduled time, Kakashi-sensei would still be an additional ten minutes late. Leaving him alone with Yamato-sensei. The same teacher that saw him naked with an extremely important political figure this morning.

They sat in silence for a while, before Yamato-sensei asked, “So the Kazekage?”

“It’s his first time visiting for the Chunin Exam… isn't that exciting?” Naruto attempted to dodge the question.

“Very exciting…” Yamato-sensei thought for a second, “How long have you two been friends?”

It's probably best not to say, since after he destroyed the village, “Well, we got close when I was training with the Pervy-Sage.”

“It looks like you got very close with the way he-

Naruto interrupted that line of thought with, “You're late!”

“I got here on time and no one was around. So I went off for a while.” Kakashi-sensei shrugged.

Yamato-sensei and Naruto looked at each other, then back at the silver-haired teacher, then back at each other. There was no way to tell if that was the truth or a lie. Did Naruto miss out on the one time that Kakashi-sensei was on time?

“Now that we’re all here, I can finally explain the change in Chakra Nature.” Kakashi-sensei started.

“Yes, sir!”

“Fundamentally there are only five different types of Chakra Natures.” Kakashi-sensei held out his hand with all five fingers up.

“Only five?”

“Fire, Wind, Water, Lighting, and Earth. These are the foundation for all ninjutsu.” Kakashi-sensei explained, ”Wind nature leads to wind style jutsu, and lighting nature to lighting style jutsu. For example the Chidori is a type of lighting style jutsu.”

“So, Sasuke must possess both fire and lighting then?”

Kakashi-sensei’s lips pierced to a line, “Yes. We have some idea what yours might be, but it's best to double check. So we're going to test it out.”

He held out five sheets of paper. Explaining how each one would do a different thing depending on what nature he had. Lighting would wrinkle the paper. Wind would tear it. Fire would burn it. Water would soak it. Earth would make it crumble. They're made from a unique species of tree that absorbs and grows from chakra, which allows them to do these special tasks.

“All right.” Naruto focused his chakra through the paper causing it to split in half.

Wind.

Kakashi-sensei nodded, “Well then, let's get started.”

“Like I thought, your Chakra Nature is Wind.” Yamato-sensei said.

“Wind?” Naruto wondered if Gaara’s would also be wind, even though earth would make more sense. Maybe he can do both like Sasuke with fire and lighting. He might not even know this himself.

“It's a Chakra Nature that's unrivaled in battle power. Able to cut through anything in its path.”

“I knew I was unstoppable!” Naruto shouted in excitement.

“Woah, you literally just learned this.”

“Yeah,” Yamato-sensei backed him up, “you still need to train in this style.”

“Okay… so what do I have to do?”

“Split this leaf.” Kakashi-sensei held up a simple green leaf.

...

“What?”

“You're going to hold the leaf between your palms, just using your chakra to tear it completely in two.”

“Easy!”

It was not easy.

Even after hours of work, he was only able to get the leaf to split a little bit. It's just a silly leaf. It shouldn't take all this chakra to split one(hundred) silly leaves.

“Kakashi-sensei, is there anyone else in Konoha that has a Wind Nature?” Naruto asked.

“You want to ask them for tips?”

“Duh.” there had to be an easier way to do this.

“There's one in particular, but he's probably playing shogi right now.”

Instead of running into Asuma-sensei with Shikamaru, he found Temari with him. They had gotten close over his visits too. Just not as close as Naruto and Gaara. Actually with the way their body language reads, probably a lot closer than them.

Shikamaru was lazily playing shogi with her. Each move was drawn out, as if he's intentionally prolonging their time together. He takes an extra second to think before moving any piece.

“Hi!” Naruto yelled.

“Hey, Naruto, I heard my brother didn’t return to the hotel last night… Do you know anything about that?” Temariasked, ignoring the game in front of them.

“Well - uh - I,” Naruto immediately said, “Wait, you heard? So you weren't there either… Where were you last night?”

“I went to bed early last night. You know, long travels and all.” a light blush dusted her cheeks.

Naruto looked over at Shikamaru, “Yeah, long travels…Anyway! Do you know where Asuma-sensei is? I gotta ask him an important question. It's about Chakra Natures.”

“You're doing Change in Chakra Nature Drills?” Shikamaru asked.

“Yep!”

“You can't do them if you aren't sharp. Ya’ sure you're up to that?” His comment made Temari giggle.

“That’s why I need to ask your teacher for tips about Wind Nature.” Naruto said annoyed.

Temari perked up, “Wind? You know I am a wind user too, right?”

“Really?! So, you can help?”

“What do I get out of it?”

… “What do you want?”

“I want you to promise me you wont hurt my brother.” her voice held something terrifying.

Naruto laughed to cut the tension, “I don’t plan on it.”

“I’m serious, Naruto. He’s gotten better, but he's still the same kid he used to be. You can’t play around with his emotions.”

“I won’t.” Naruto knew how precious Gaara really was.

Temari looked over to her own secret Konoha-nin boyfriend and said, “this will only take a minute.”

“I think you're overestimating your student.” Shikamaru said.

“Hey!” Naruto yelled.

“You don’t think I’m a good teacher?” She asked.

“I retract my previous statement.”

She went on to teach him everything she knows about wind nature chakra. It was a lot. And while technically it did take longer than a minute, it was still under 5. She was a really good teacher.

“Thanks for all the help!”

Poof.

Naruto returned to training with a new found vigor.

Naruto came home after the end of his training. It was something he dreaded all day, returning to a messy apartment. Except, he forgot Gaara helped him clean last night. In all that excitement of this morning, and all the rigorous training it must have slipped his mind. He could still do a little more himself, but it was no longer overwhelming.

Gaara was nice like that.

Naruto couldn't imagine Sasuke even attempting to help him clean. He’d probably just look at the mess and call him an idiot for not having better habits. At most maybe taking out the trash. Even that seemed like it would be beneath the Uchiha Prodigy.

For the first time in a long time Naruto wanted to build a nest. He didn’t have that much in the way of materials for one, so he’d have to make do. A few pillows surround the edges to create walls. The two blankets he owns did their best to drape in between to feel more structurally safe.

All in all, it was a really sad nest. Maybe this was the real reason he didn’t make them that often. If anyone were to see it, they would just think it's a messy bed.

Peaking out of the corner of his bed was a bit of white fabric. It was one of Gaara’s many scarves. It must have slipped under there sometime last night, or even when they were rushed out of there in the morning. It wouldn't hurt to add it in.

It's really long.

For some reason the way Gaara usually drapes it over his body, it didn’t look like it would be this long. Before adding it in, Naruto tried to replicate Suna fashion, to no success. No amount of folds would adhere it to his own body. He had no idea how Gaara could make this a wearable piece of clothing. Maybe he’d ask one day.

With more grace than his attempt to wear it, he placed it into his nest. Right under the windowsill, in the shadows of the decaying plants of the past. Naruto hoped to dream under the stars tonight.

Naruto glanced around his apartment, he could probably finish the task of cleaning today. So he did. There wasn’t much left besides a few countertops, a few high shelves, and laundry. It was easier today.

Now was the daunting task of dinner. He should still have some microwavable ramen. Pull the tab. Take the packet out. Fill the cup with water to the line. Cook for three minutes. Put the packet back in. Ikadamatsu.

Sasuke would lecture him about how this wasn’t a meal. The only nutritional value in it was salt. It's the real reason he’s rotting from the inside out. It wasn’t healthy. It wasn’t good. Naruto wasn’t good.

Gaara wouldn’t say anything. Not while he was eating it at least. But he would offer to take him out to eat for the next meal. Probably something Naruto’s never tried before… but it would still be good. At least most of the time.

Naruto hated comparing them.

He shouldn’t compare the two. They were very different people.

Gaara was thoughtful.

Sasuke only thought of himself. He was so selfish. It was all about Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke. How he had to strengthen his bond with Naruto, but didn’t want one in return. How he had to run away with Orochimaru and leave his mate behind. How he had to chase his dreams of killing his brother.

Gaara used to be selfish. He wanted to hurt everyone because of his own pain… but Gaara changed.

…

Sasuke could totally change, too. If he wanted to. He just needed the right opportunity to do so. That's it. It's not that he doesn’t want to be a better person. It can’t be that.

There had been a battle waging between them in the back of his head ever since he got closer to the Suna-nin. If it were a few years ago, he never would have believed he’d be in this position. Naruto was convinced Sasuke had to be his soul mate. It's the only thing that made sense to him.

Fuck Gaara for confusing him.

Now Naruto’s not too convinced how much of his love for Sasuke was genuine or just the mark that was forced on him. He knew it can do things to a person's brain. Sakura made sure of it with all her lectures on it. Blah blah blah, the mark was designed to keep an omega bound to their alpha, and vice versa. If, and only if, an alpha’s marked, would they also be bound.

Things were so much simpler before.

Gaara wanted them to acknowledge what they do together. Not hide it behind closed doors and late night visits. The deniability of never giving it a title. Just lips so preoccupied that there would never be a loose tongue spouting the truth.

Naruto loved Gaara.

Probably more than he loved Sasuke.

Gaara obviously loved Naruto more than Sasuke ever did. Naruto doesn't know if he’s ever felt love like this before. Gaara seems to actually consider Naruto as a part of his life. Someone that needs to be checked-in with for important situations. A fixture of his life that needed to be taken care of.

There he goes, comparing the two again.

“Why did you mark me?” Naruto asked.

“You're such a child, Naruto.” Sasuke explained, “I don't care what happens to me… or you… or the rest of the world. So long as I get my revenge, nothing else matters.”

Pain boiled up in his stomach.

Sasuke commanded, “Stop him.”

Naruto stood still in front of the red gates of the Kyuubi. The fox promised him more power again. Naruto’s taken it in times of grief to get out of situations that would have killed him or those he loved. For some reason, he couldn’t take it now.

His omega had no choice but to submit to the whims of his alpha, “Don’t ever come out again!”

“Shut up!” Naruto shouted, “I’m not afraid. I don't need anything from you.”

“Get lost.” The command was still in his mind as he reached his hand out.

Another hand joined, Sasuke.

“What are you doing here?”

“I can see it now… This is the source of your strength. I never imagined you had such a thing inside of you.” Sasuke judged.

Chapter Text

They sat in the viewing box for the duration of the second test. TV’s with live broadcasts of random areas of the arena lined the walls. Chairs were comfortable enough, considering they’re to remain there for the rest of the day.

All of their students passed the written exam. Which was to be expected of Sand Shinobi. Now it was time to watch them traverse the Forest of Death. It shouldn't be too long for their first team to pass the finish line. One’s already retrieved both scrolls.

Temari said, “Ya’ know, you stupid boyfriend doesn’t know anything about Chakra Natures. It makes you wonder what the old man was teaching him this whole time.”

“The best way to sneak into a girls' bathhouse.” Gaara said, long over the idea of correcting people when they assume Naruto was his boyfriend. Maybe if enough people said it, it would become true.

“Gaa-ra,” she laughed, “when did you develop a sense of humor?”

“Hm…” He wasn't trying to be funny. It's just the first thing he remembered Naruto saying he learned.

“Lighten up. I’m just appreciating the change in you. You’ve gotten a lot better since we were kids… I’m happy about that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I never would have thought this would be us one day.” She looked over to the screens. They were on that same battlefield not too long ago.

They had gotten a lot closer since then, “me either.”

“As annoying as he can be, I’m glad you met Naruto.” Her hand landed on his shoulder.

“Me, too.”

She glanced over to him with a grin, “Ya’ going to sneak out again tonight?”

“Are you?”

Half of their teams already passed, they still had a while for the second test to be over. Then it would be the preliminary rounds, then the final battle royal. All in all, it's shaping up to be good for Sunagakure.

Naruto’s apartment seemed just as dead as the other day. He was supposed to be home. They agreed to see each other. Gaara would only be here for a short while. Who knew the next time they would be in the same village.

Knock.
Knock.
Knock.

Nothing.

But the apartment was unlocked. Gaara shouldn’t have opened it, but he did. At least to lock the bottom one and shut the door. It would keep Naruto’s apartment safe.

Naruto wouldn't know self-preservation if it walked into his apartment and kicked his ass. He was laying in a deep slumber on top of his bed. Spread out and open with a white fabri- Gaara’s scarf, tangled around him.

He built a nest.

Naruto thought Gaara’s scarf was good enough for his nest. That warmed the deepest part of him. Naruto liked his scent.

“Naruto?” Gaara announced his presence.

Nothing.

Naruto didn’t wake up.

If it was only Naruto’s bed, he wouldn’t mind if Gaara joined him. They've done it several times. Now that there was a nest on top of it, that changed the rules. An alpha was not allowed inside of a nest without the omegas express approval.

Gaara did the safest thing and sat on the chair next to the bed. It would be better to have a sore back in the morning than to deal with the wrong decision made tonight. Even though it's been a few years, it's only been a day since the half put a label on it.

“Ga-

Gaara’s eyes opened immediately. He was ready for anything - Naruto.

-ara?” Naruto mumbled out in the dark, “‘hat ‘re you doin’ here?”

“Chunin Exams.” Seemed like the best thing to say right now.

“Right… Why aren't you in bed?”

“Didn’t want to wake you.”

“Come to bed,” Naruto rolled over to make room for him.

“Okay.”

The bed felt nicer tonight. With a bit of rearranging the space became an intentional place for an Alpha and Omega to exist. Naruto did what Naruto does and held onto Gaara as if his life depended on it.

Gaara kissed his forehead.

Naruto kissed the edge of his chin.

They held each other through the night.

It was 7am. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and Naruto finally looked refreshed. Warm life grew back into his tanned cheeks. Blue eyes had their same shine. Lips up ticked in their usual half smile.

“You look good.” Gaara said.

“Shut up… ya’ don’t gotta be this cheesy early in the morning.” Naruto hid into Gaara’s chest.

“I mean it.”

“That makes it worse.”

“Your boyfriend can’t compliment you?” Gaara said it. He finally said it.

Naruto mumbled something.

“What was that?” he had to make sure he didn’t ruin this morning.

“Iguesshecan,” Naruto said as fast as he could.

Gaara smiled, “Then you look good this morning.”

“Thanks.” Naruto’s cheeks were beat red, he quickly got off and said, “Um- I gotta get ready for training later. I don’t want a repeat of yesterday.”

Gaara chuckled to himself. This trip had been a success so far. He could hear Naruto getting ready in the next room. So he did the same, looking through the kitchenette for anything to make them for breakfast. He found some eggs and toast. No meat. None that looked like it wouldn't kill them, anyway.

Eggs and toast.

It would have to do. Gaara wondered briefly if Naruto had any preference for his eggs. He knew some people do. He could ask, but he settled on just frying them. Naruto needed some time alone this morning.

The bathroom door finally opened, steam filled the apartment, “It looks good, but you didn’t have to-”

“I wanted to.”

“Oh, right, um, thanks,” Naruto joined him at the table, in only a towel, “I didn’t think you’d still be here.”

“Why not?”

“Umm… no reason.” Naruto thought. Water from the shower still clung to his chest, dripping down to the floor.

“Okay… Do you have a preference?”

“What?”

“For eggs. Do you have a preference for eggs? When I was making them I realized I didn’t know what you liked.” Gaara admitted.

“Oh, anything’s fine.”

“But what do you like?”

“I mean eggs are eggs, there's not really a difference. I guess I like them fried, but I can never do them right. They always end up popped and scrambled, anyway. So, I eat a lot of scrambled eggs.” Naruto over-explained, “But yeah, there's not really a preference. I like what you made.”

“Okay.” Gaara nodded, finishing a slice of toast.

“Umm… Did you want to use the shower? I think I used all the hot water, but there might be a bit left.”

“I showered before coming over last night.”

“Oh… that's cool.” Naruto played with his eggs a bit before saying, “How were the Exams?”

“The genin are doing good this year. At least half should pass.”

“That’s good!” Naruto smiled.

“Yeah, is your training going well? Temari told me she helped you with your Wind Nature?”

“Temari. Yeah her advice was super helpful. Plus I loved seeing the look on Shikamaru's face. He was like, ‘Oh fuck.’ Your sister's one terrifying girl. She gave me the shovel talk… Like I would even do anything.”

“Shovel talk?”

“Yeah, ya’ know. You mess with my brother, they'll have to bury you. Ya’ know. She was really serious about it.” Naruto animated the threat to his life in a comedic fashion.

“I’m sorry. I can talk to her.”

“No. Don’t. She was being sweet.” Naruto finished most of the food on his plate, “She really cares about you.”

Threatening murder can be sweet, “... I’m glad.”

Their conversation became a lot easier after that. Naruto seemed to get uncomfortable when bringing up their relationship. Gaara knew he’d have to be patient with everything going on. It wasn’t fair to push Naruto more than he already did. He got what he wanted. They acknowledge it. Naruto was his boyfriend.

Gaara helped with Naruto’s mark from the other alpha. He lathered it in the ointment and sealed it back up with a new bandage. It seemed like the fox was back to helping, too. It should go back into a dormant state soon.

The rest of the week went kinda like that. They would spend the night together, wake up, share breakfast, go do their respected things for the day, then repeat. It was a routine that became very comfortable to Gaara.

By the second night Naruto had gotten comfortable with the word ‘boyfriend.’ It didn’t spill out of his mouth as much as it fell out. Naruto would then pause, think about it, and smile. The pauses kept getting shorter. It was a good sign.

Each day seemed to bring Naruto back to life. By the end of the week even his polluted mark didn’t look as bad. It still was nowhere near what a healthy mark looked like, but at least Naruto didn’t look like death.

They had messed around a few times this week already. Each time invigorated something in Gaara’s soul. His heart did training drills every time their bodies connected. Racing faster with each touch.

That night was the same. Naruto was in his nest as usual. Gaara’s scarf never left it. In fact, he intentionally left it there, and added a few other things each night. Not to fully take over, but enough to show he cared to maintain it.

His alpha was yelling at him. Fangs dripped with venom ready to take a bite of that delectable tan neck. Gaara thought if he could bite over it, his mark would overwrite the one already there. He would shower Naruto in the attention he deserves to keep it healthy. It would never get as putrid as it was now.

Sometimes it felt like Naruto knew what he did to Gaara. The way he would lie on his nest, peachy ass up and ready. Only in his heart stamped boxers after a nice shower. It gapped just enough to see a hint of his pussy. Naruto innocently reads a scroll trying to learn as much as he could before bed. And Gaara was thinking about eating him out.

“Gaara?”

“Yeah, it's me.” He shut the door and locked it, “You should really think about locking your door.”

“But you were coming over and I didn’t want to get up,” was Naruto's excuse.

“How’s the scroll?” Gaara dropped off his gourd and any other loose things from the day at the entrance, before removing his shoes when coming inside.

“Boring.” Naruto spun over, “There's leftovers in the fridge. Sorry I couldn't wait.”

“It’s okay, you were training all day.” Unlike the first night there was actual food in here now. Not a lot but enough for the both of them. Gaara could spot the leftovers right away. Some sort of bean salad.

Gaara ate it from the container while standing.

“Ya’ know you don't have to eat like that.” Naruto reminded him.

“Yeah, I just got used to it.”

“How?”

“Being the Kazekage doesn't leave much time to eat.”

“But we did it all the time.”

“I planned for that when you would visit.”

“So you worked your whole schedule around me.”

“It’s not that hard.” Gaara shrugged, “I would do more work the week before and expect to do more work the week after.”

“That sounds like a lot.”

“It's really not.”

Gaara quickly finished the meal, before getting himself ready for bed. He steps in the shower, the water warm against his skin. Naruto must have left him some.

Konoha Shinobi Apartments weren't the best he’d learned. Gaara realized he should probably look into how his own nation treats its shinobi. He didn’t realize how important it was until he was sharing a double with Naruto.

He dried off as best he could in the steaming bathroom. Towel wrapped around his waist he joins Naruto. Fresh for the night.

The omega was far past just attractive. Gaara couldn't find a word to describe it. He could spend a thousand years in a thousand libraries and never find the right words.

“Can I join you?” Gaara asked.

“You don’t have to ask,” Naruto said, as he gave more room.

He looked over before Gaara could join, face landed perfectly in front of Gaara’s towel covered lower half. Naruto moaned, the musk of alpha cock hit hard. Instinct took over for a moment, the omega pulled down the towel to see what lay beneath. Big blue eyes looked up at Gaara.

“Can I?” He asked, knowing the answer.

Gaara nodded.

Nine and a half inches of alpha cock gliding effortlessly threw pink lips. Gaara’s cock quickly hit the back of Naruto’s throat. He gagged while pushing through. Naruto seemed to love it. It was like he was made for it.

“F-fuck!” Gaara stopped himself from thrusting forward. Grabbing a fist full of blonde hair to control the pace. He needed to slow it down before he embarrassed himself.

Gaara bit his lip as Naruto’s nose hit his pubes. Blue eyes glazed over taking everything the alpha had to provide. The hardened grip on his hair only seemed to motivate him more.

His alpha loved it. Omega submitting to his basic urges. The drive to fulfill a singular purpose of draining all the cum out of Gaara.

Wet sounds echoed throughout the apartment. Gaara’s moans joined in only seconds before Naruto’s did as well.

“You’re so good, baby.”

Cock muffled Naruto’s whimpers. But he seemed to enjoy the encouragement. Thighs rubbed together trying to gain some friction below. The omega was lost in lust.

“You like that?” Gaara asked as if Naruto could respond.

Naruto didn’t need to, he was too focused on sucking his alpha off. It was obvious he liked it. He thrived on positive reinforcement. Naruto’s thrust went faster, as he hollowed out his cheeks.

Gaara was close, when Naruto decided to multitask. Desperately needing more friction between his legs. His hands tried to fulfill that need. It threw off the rhythm they had going.

“That’s it… Don't worry.” Gaara’s hand traveled down Naruto's back, “I got you.”

Pushing Naruto’s hands aside, Gaara rubbed the omega’s pussy through slick soaked boxers. Fingers quickly slip between the fabric. Gliding through the folds so smoothly.

“That’s it, just like that.” Gaara’s close.

He didn’t know if what he's saying was embarrassing, he just knew Naruto liked it. Gaara had switched over to trying to narrate his thoughts. But fuck it was hard with the way the omega’s mouth was on him.

Now Gaara’s turn to multitask, receiving blinding pleasure while he gave it. Fingers thrust in, Naruto gasps against his alpha’s cock. The omega was so wet. He must have been waiting for this since he came home. Naruto’s inner walls hugged against his fingers.

“Fuck I’m-” Gaara’s not sure if he should pull out.

Faster. Naruto's hands griped his hips to help the movement. So wet. So warm. So, fucking, perfect.

Gaara’s not sure he could pull out, “I’m close.”

It didn’t matter, Naruto slammed to the base and took it all. Fertile alpha seed spilling down his throat. What a waste. It should fill his pink pussy.

Naruto gently plopped off, leaving Gaara’s now sensitive penis to rest. Gaara took advantage of this moment to hear what his omega had to say. His fingers went for the spot he knew would drive his omega wild.

“Fu-ck-fuck-fuckfuckfuck-Gaara!” Naruto screamed, latching on to Gaara’s wrist.

It only stopped the thrust, not the come hither movement of his fingers. Blue eyes glazed back. Naruto’s legs shook, no longer being able to support his weight. His ass fully in the air as he landed in the presentation position.

“Yeah?” Gaara didn’t stop.

Naruto had to rip his hand from his pussy, he huffed out, “Gaara.”

“Too much?” Gaara rested his hand on Naruto's ass.

Naruto shook his head. Then took in much needed air into his lungs, “We can keep going, I just,” he stopped talking and repositioned himself. Back against the wall, legs spread open, ready for more.

Gaara pulled off Naruto’s boxers, and joined him in their nest, “Fuck. You’re so hot.”

“Shutup…” Naruto mumbled and looked away embarrassed.

“You didn’t seem to mind when you were sucking my co-”

Naruto silenced him by shoving his face between his legs. Like a moth to the flame it worked. Gaara was immediately back at it again. Sucking up Naruto’s little cocklette as his fingers thrusted back in.

At this point Gaara's lost the same way Naruto was moments before. Mind single focused on the task before him. Eagerly his tongue goes down to join his fingers at the entrance. Practically scooping Naruto's slick into his mouth.

Gaara took a break to say, “You taste so good.”

Quickly back onto the little nub at the top of his entrance. His tongue lapped up the sensitive little thing. Fully taking it in between his lips, never stopping the thrusting.

“Fuck-fuck-fuck!” Naruto screamed between gasps.

Naruto's legs clamped shut, hands pushing Gaara’s head away. His omega’s close. Gaara knew not to stop now. His fingers contort to all the spots that make the blonde moan. Little gushes of slick squirt out of Naruto’s spasming pussy.

Their night ended here. Cuddled up in the afterglow of their lovemaking. They’ll wash up again in the morning.

The last night Gaara slept over, he gave Naruto a gift. He found an omega store and bought nesting materials. Nothing too extravagant just in case Naruto didn’t like it. But enough variety to gauge Naruto’s reaction for what he can provide for in his own den.

It was an important step in Suna’s Mating Rituals. An alpha providing nesting material showed their perspective omega they could provide a comfortable home. When the omega was ready to settle down with them, they would build their nest in the alphas den.

Gaara held the bag out for him.

“You didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to.”

“Yeah, but I don't even nest.” He was reluctant in accepting the gift.

“Are you sure about that?” Gaara motioned to the nest that was built over the days they spent together.

“Okay, but, ya’ know. It’s not safe. And I-

“You don’t have to use them if you don’t want to. I just thought you might want more to add to what you’ve already built.” Gaara didn’t talk too much normally, but he’s embarrassed so he tried to compensate for that, “We can just put this in the closet. If you change your mind when I leave tomorrow you can add them in… or you could never use them. It's up to you.”

“Thank you.” Naruto finally took the bag, fiddling with it, “This was a very thoughtful gift.”

“It’s okay if you don’t like the gift.” Gaara was rushing their relationship.

It's hard not to want to go to this next step. Even though they've technically only been dating for a week, maybe a month, two if you're being generous. It felt like a lot longer for Gaara. Their undefined boundaries made it easy to pretend it's been a year. And if he was more honest with himself, three years.

“It’s not that I don't like the gift. I do like it… I like it a lot. If I tell you… You have to promise you won't get mad… Promise.”

Gaara knew he shouldn't, “Promise.”

“It’s just, umm, well, Sasuke took my last nest away… and I haven’t built one since.” Naruto fiddled with the handle of the gift bag.

“What?”

“Right after the Chunin Exam… but before he left. We broke up… and you know. He said it was weird I still had our nest. And he made me throw it out. So I did, because I still wanted to be his friend and I didn’t want to freak him out and lose him…”

“No, I heard you the first time.” It took everything in Gaara to stay in that apartment and not instantly go on a hunt for Sasuke himself.

“It's not a big deal! He was right anyway… it would be weird if I still had the nest we built together. He was right to throw it out.”

“Naruto. That’s a crime.”

“No, it's not.”

“Yes. It is. Destruction of an Omega’s Nest is a crime.” Compared to the Uchiha’s other crimes, it probably wouldn't make any list, however, “It’s taken very seriously in Sunagakure.”

“Not here. And even if it was here, it wouldn’t matter… he's the last Uchiha and I’m… just - just Naruto. So ya’ know things work different.”

“Yeah,” Gaara tried to center himself, it was not the time to go on a murderous rampage. At least not yet. “Things work different.”

“I didn’t want to make you mad… I just wanted you to know why I couldn't use your gift. It's not that it wasn’t nice. It's just, I don't know, my head is mean sometimes.”

“I’m not mad.”

“Right.”

“Okay, I am, but not at you.”

“I just - I try not to talk about Sasuke any more, because of … us dating or whatever… and I know it upsets you that I dated him. And I don't want to make you mad.” There he was, Naruto became another person afraid of making him mad.

“I’m not upset that you dated him. I’m upset that he treated you that way.” Gaara made sure, “You know I would never do that to you?”

“Yeah… I’m not saying you would. I wouldn’t say that. It’s just-”

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry… I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No, I’m glad you did.” It might hurt sometimes, but he wanted Naruto to feel safe with him.

“Look… I can try having a nest again.” Naruto looked down at the bag and back at the bed.

“You don’t have to. I get it.” It hurt that the crimes of another fell upon him to clean up. He had to deal with the fallout of what he knew, and still learned, to be a very abusive relationship.

Naruto had the worst of it, “I want to.”

“You don’t have to appease me, Naruto.”

“I’m not.”

“I’ve been appeased my entire life. I know what it's like.”

“Fuck you, I’m not. It's just- this is hard for me, okay?” Naruto was trying.

“Okay.” Gaara held open his arms, “Come here.”

Naruto seemed hesitant but complied. He was rewarded with Gaara's arms around him.

“I,” love, “care about you. I should have been more considerate when you told me you didn’t nest before.”

“Gaara, I-

“Let me finish,” Gaara held him closer.

“Okay.”

“I didn’t know what had happened in your past, but I should have assumed,” Sasuke was a piece of shit, “that you had your reasons. You don’t have to go outside of your comfort zone for me.”

“It’s not for you… This week is the first time in a long time I felt safe enough to even build one. And it's shit. And I know it's shit.”

“When I saw you started one, I thought I could help you.” Gaara kissed his forehead.

“It was a really nice idea.”

“Why don’t you just try opening the bag first, see what's inside, and we can stop or go from there. Does that sound good?”

Naruto looked at the bag, still in his hand, “yeah.”

The first thing he pulled out was a sturdier pillow. Naruto placed it on his bed, about to reach for another thing, before going back to rearranging it into his actual pillows. Gaara’s shoulders relaxed.

The next thing was a chunky orange knit blanket. Naruto hugged it close to his body, breathing in the scent. He smiled.

“You scented it?”

“Of course.”

A flash of confliction was on his face before it disappeared. Naruto nodded, took another deep breath in, and placed it on the edge of his nest. The same thing that happened with the pillow repeated itself. Naruto immediately worked it into the folds of fabric already existing in the nest.

After that, Naruto didn’t bother hiding his excitement to add the items in. It was another blanket of course, linen sheet, similar in texture to the scarf left at the beginning of the week. Naruto's fingers trail along the edges before adamantly making it the base.

A fuzzy blanket next, it was folded and kept at the foot of the bed. Then finally a woven blanket with little orange spirals patterned onto it. That was kept in the center.

“It looks nice.”

“Yeah.” It was almost like Naruto was afraid to be happy.

Chapter Text

hi gaara

i just got back from a funeral… i need to go on another mission to train soon. i need to get stronger… there’s this thing, umm the best way to describe it is froggy mode, yeah. anyways i have to master it soon. i was wondering if, you wouldnt mind if i joined you in your village for awhile. The old bat said that there was a teaching position opening up. kinda like your sister, ya’ know.if you could request me that would help me out alot.

yours,
naruto.

The Kazekage sent the request that day.

Chapter Text

Naruto wished he never said yes to Gaara when he said he wanted to be his boyfriend. He impulsively said yes, because it felt like the right thing at the time. Especially when they pseudo-lived together.

Living like that with Gaara felt like the domestic bliss he’d been searching for his whole life. It was more real than the hotel rooms they shared in Suna. Knowing the alpha would be there when he went to bed was an amazing safety net Naruto needed.

That was the real problem, Naruto needed that feeling. It wasn't a want or a dream. It was a tangible need with words attached to them. Something he could lose now that it had a name.

It meant he had to confront the reality of their doomed relationship. One day he would lose Gaara for real. All this good will built between them would be gone. They might not even be friends when they broke up.

Gaara lived in Suna, and Naruto in Konoha.

Gaara was the Kazekage, and Naruto would be the Hokage.

They were supposed to share a drink together.

Not a bed.

That bed tangled up with limbs, started the mess of everything. It was easier when they didn't have a name. They could slip back into being friends who once shared a bed when duty finally called Naruto to his dream.

It was easier when Naruto didn’t love Gaara.

He was already searching on his calendar for a time they could meet up again. There's nothing like the Chunin Exams coming up. Naruto would either need to extend his training or start taking on more jobs if he wanted to keep his apartment.

His Chakra Nature training was done. The money from the failed mission to save Team 10 would tie him over for a while.

Naruto looked over to his nest that still held the rich scent of his alpha. That too would eventually fade. Before it did, Naruto made sure to lose himself in it.

Naruto felt the fog creep back into his mind. It’s what happened last time… right before he couldn't get out of bed for three weeks. Naruto couldn't let that happen again.

It was a new morning.

“Gaara’s not here.” Naruto reminded himself, “I have to do this on my own.”

He hated doing it all on his own. Breakfast without another person around felt tedious. What's the point of eating if there was no one to share it with?

Naruto also missed the early morning make-out sessions. Because they often turned into early morning other thing sessions. It really got Naruto ready for the day.

“Suna needs additional help with-” Lady Tsunade's voice was heard outside the door, “I’ll look into sending over someone. Maybe Sakura could teach-

It was only bits and pieces but maybe there was a mission to be had. Naruto burst open the door and said, “Hey old hag! How’s it hanging?”

“Naruto, you are speaking to the Hokage.” Shizune reminded him.

“Yeah - Yeah.” Naruto waved it off, “Are there any new missions available?”

“There might be,” She eyed him up and down, “Shizune, leave us alone for a while.”

“Of course, Lady Tsunade.” She left and the two of them were alone.

“What's the big deal? Is this a super secret mission or something?”

Tsunade circled around him like a shark who just smelled a drop of blood in the water, “I was worried about this.”

“What?!” Naruto laughed and immediately covered his mark with his signature neck rub.

“That with your special friend gone it would stop healing. You can move your hand now.” Tsunade said, using a pencil to push against Naruto’s hand.

“It's fine.”

“It was fine. Now I’m worried about it again.” She ripped off the bandaid.

It's true it had gotten a bit worse since his last mission. But someone died. He went to a funeral. So of course it would get worse.

Naruto knew his mark was tied to his emotions. It's what's supposed to help an alpha and omega connect to each other. BlahBlahBlah science stuff, his emotions help push out pheromones that call to his alpha so they know when something was wrong, or right, or whatever.

Without an alpha or a pack taking care of him his mark would ooze out the alpha venom. Like it's screaming for help from anyone who’s around. They would smell a distressed omega without their mate and become compelled to help. That’s not what happened. No amount of distress would change the fact he's still a jinchūriki.

Tsunade said if he just left it like that, there's a chance all the alpha venom would exit his body completely. He would be free of Sasuke's control. However, if that happened, he would suffer one of the worst drops in his life. Even with the Kyuubi he’d need intensive medical care.

Naruto kinda hoped that one would happen. It seemed like the easiest way to get rid of it. It would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Sasuke didn’t care. If an alpha could be a part of their omega for so long that the body physically rejects the mark. They didn’t care about them.

It was always said that an omega couldn't stand the pheromones of non-pack member alphas after they were marked. However, this far along in the rejection phase, that obviously wasn't the case. Gaara could attest to that.

His body seemed to crave Gaara now. The same way it used to-

“Are you listening to me?” Tsunade asked.

He shook his head, “No…”

“I swear, Naruto. You have to start taking care of yourself.”

“I do!” Naruto took care of himself all morning. He got up, he brushed his teeth, he ate breakfast, he put on clothes, he took a shower, not in that order. He did fine taking care of himself. He’s been doing it since he was 5 and was kicked out of the orphanage and into his own apartment.

“I mean really take care of yourself. How often do you spend time with your pack?”

“Enough.”

“Your mark says otherwise. It's oozing again.”

“What do you even know about it anyway?”

“A lot.” Tsunade reminded him, while bragging, “One, I’m the top medical ninja in the entire world. A part of the legendary three. And the Hokage.”

She loosened her shirt, it looked like she was about to take it off, “Two, I am an omega myself.”

Pushing the fabric back she exposed the back of her neck, there was an old calcified mark, “And finally three, I experienced this myself.”

“You did?”

“Yes. Remember when I said ninjas die all the time?”

“... Yeah?”

“My alpha was a ninja.”

“Oh.”

“And I’m not dead. So maybe you should listen to my advice before you get yourself killed.” She readjusted her top to cover back up.

“Yeah, but, there's nothing I can really do about it.” Naruto said, “Everyone’s busy with their own lives. I only really see them on missions… and I try to get as much as I can from then, but you know, I’m working. And so are they. So like, I’m doing my best.”

“You’ve gotta try.”

“I am. I don’t know… Just give me more meds or something.”

“With your stamina you're already at the top dosage. Remember, medical intervention only goes so far.”

“Okay… then what do you expect me to do?” Naruto was out of options.

“There's an opening for a part time teaching position in Suna. They are looking for a medical ninja. I was going to send Sakura, but if someone could change the qualifications, it might be open for you.”

“You know about that?”

“Yes. And I think it's a good thing.”

Naruto had to ask, “Why doesn't he make it worse?”

“Omegas are very resilient. The idea that we’re locked to one alpha for our entire lives is a lie they tell to get you to settle. Don’t settle, Naruto.”

“But what about the village? There's probably a bunch of missions I still have to go on.”

“The village will still be here… If you don’t go. I’m worried you won't.” She held him close.

“It's really that bad?”

She nodded.

“Oh.”

“If there's anything important we’ll call for you. Besides, it's only a few months.” She said as if he already had this job.

Naruto found Sakura sitting on a bench in the park. She had several books and scrolls covering up the bench beside her. So many they were even spilling out of her bag on the ground. The sun setting; it was a peaceful afternoon.

“How's it going, Sakura?!” Naruto shouted.

“Huh?!” Sakura flinched, and looked up, “Oh, it's just you, Naruto.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you're not Ino… or worse Sai.”

Naruto didn't know, “Why is Ino bad?”

“I’m mad at her.”

“Again?”

“Yes.” She continued to read a bit, making the occasional note.

“Well are you mad at me?” Naruto made sure.

“I guess not…”

“Do you care if I join you?”

“Fine, but don't be loud. I’m studying for my next training session with the Hokage.” Sakura moved over some books to let Naruto sit.

They sat in silence for a bit. Naruto obviously wanted to say something, but tried his best not to be added to Sakura’s hate list of the night.

Eventually while writing, Sakura said, “You and the Kazekage?”

“You heard?” It's like she could read Naruto’s mind.

“Everyone heard. You're not subtle.”

“Hey!”

“You two were spotted at Ichiraku Ramen three times during his visit.” She held up three fingers as if that proved a point.

“That’s not new, I’m always there.”

“Not like that.” She eyed him.

“Okay… So?”

Sakura looked away when she asked, “Does this mean you gave up on Sasuke?”

“I’ll still bring him back home.” Naruto wanted to keep his promise.

“You know what I mean.” Sakura was his romantic rival after all.

“Yeah.” Naruto admitted, “I’m done with that… I don’t think he liked me that much, anyway.”

“You finally learned that?”

“Yeah,” Naruto said, “I guess it took me some time.”

“You have weird taste in alphas.”

Naruto laughed, “Hey! You liked one of them, too!”

“When I was a kid. I’ve moved on.”

“Really?! You have to tell me!” His jaw dropped.

“No, I don't.”

“You know mine.”

“All of Konoha, and I’m assuming Suna, knows yours.”

“So, you still know mine and I don't know yours. That's not fair.”

“It doesn't matter, she doesn't like me, anyway. I guess I have a weird taste in alphas too.” Sakura sighed, “I really like alphas I have no chance with.”

“She?”

“Yeah, she. And don't start thinking too much about it or you’ll hurt your brain.”

“I just didn't know your type changed that much. A broody emo alpha boy to a she.” Naruto had an idea of who this alpha girl could be.

“It never changed. I think I always liked her… I just didn’t think we could be together. And now I know we can't.”

“Ya’ know… You should have told me you liked blondes. In another world maybe we could have dated.” Naruto laughed.

Sakura smiled, and gave him a friendly push, “As if.”

“Ya’ know… You shouldn't give up on her.” Love was worth fighting for.

“I think I have to. She's on a date with Sai right now.” It seems like her type didn’t change. It just morphed with her secondary gender. Sakura’s crush still liked broody emo boys.

“Really? Gross.”

“Right?!”

They chatted about all the stuff that came to their mind about their new teammate. The world they lived in. Their past. Their future. Everything.

Late into the night on the same park bench, Naruto said, “I’m glad you're my friend, Sakura.”

“Yeah, you're not so bad yourself either.”

“Would you-” Naruto didn’t know how to ask this, “Would you hate me if I left?”

“What? You're doing another training mission or something?”

“Not exactly. But exactly.”

“Stop sounding stupid.”

Naruto took a deep breath in, and “I’m moving to Suna.”

“Like permanently?”

“Like for the next 6 months.”

“Okay, that’s not so-

“And then, I don't know…”

“Oh…”

“Yeah.”

“You're really serious about him?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you giving up on Hokage?”

“I don’t know.” Naruto said, “I just want to see how this works out.”

“Oh…” Sakura thought for a second, “Well let him know if he breaks your heart he has to deal with me.”

Naruto laughed, “I’ll tell him.”

Chapter Text

Gaara knew this request meant something different.

Naruto would live here for 6 months. Naruto would have a job here for 6 months. This wasn't one of their little vacations where he’d take off work and spend time with the blonde. This was more serious than that.

If Gaara wanted to make this work, he would have to take it seriously. This would be the greatest test of their relationship. To see if they could they actually live in the same place.

Last time they kind of did it. Gaara lived with Naruto in a small studio apartment. They ate together, slept together, even bathed together once, and didn’t spend a lot of time like they usually did. They were both too busy for that.

So now Gaara had this conundrum. Does he set up an apartment for Naruto, like he would any other Leaf shinobi doing the same job. Or does he invite Naruto to live with him? Both had their pros and cons.

Naruto wouldn’t make a request like this if something wasn't going on in his village. He went to a funeral, so someone obviously died. He might need someone on his-

“You're going to wear a hole in that carpet if you keep pacing like that.” Kankuro told him.

Gaara stopped in his tracks, “Oh.”

“What's got you doing marathons in your office?”

“Naruto.”

“Tch. Right. Of course. Look, I know you like him, but-”

“He’s going to live here.” Gaara cut him off before he was given the ‘there's more fish in the sea’ talk.

“What? How did you swing that?”

“Just for six months. He’s taking over a part time teaching position.”

“And that's a good thing right?”

“I believe so… I just don’t know what to do.”

“You want to be with him long-term right?”

Gaara nodded.

“Then take it slow. There’s no need to rush things. You can mess up a lot of shit by going in too fast.” he said with a surprising amount of wisdom.

“Yeah. You're right.”

“Of course I’m right.” Kankuro smiled, “I’m your big brother, I’m always right.”

The Kazekage would set up an apartment for Naruto. The same way he would for all the Leaf shinobi in that position. They could work on developing their relationship in time. Giving Naruto space in the beginning might be the best choice for them to grow.

Gaara was doing more than he would for any average Leaf shinobi in this position. Kankuro said it was fine to pamper his ‘omega friend.’ Which was quickly corrected to ‘boyfriend’ and the embarrassment of that conversation.

All that led him to an Omega Store in Sunagakure with his sister, as his brother ‘wouldn’t be much help with this dynamic shit.’ The people in the store seemed to ignore him. It differed from the way he was ignored as a child. This seemed to have a veil of privacy attached to it.

“What should I get him?” The last time Gaara bought Naruto anything from a store like this it didn’t go over 100% how he planned.

“Fuck if I know, I’m dating a beta.” Temari said. She was also an alpha like him, and he was hoping for more guidance than that.

“Oh…”

She sighed, and said, “What does he like?”

“I’m not too sure, I left before I could see what he really gravitated towards.” Gaara thought of the only thing he saw Naruto constantly ensure was in his nest, the scarf. That wasn’t enough to go on.

“So, you’ve already done this. Why do you need my help?”

“It didn’t go well last time.”

“He rejected it?”

“Not exactly.”

“Okay… Cryptic much?”

“Naruto, he has issues in his past that make it hard for him to open up… You know about his mark.”

“Yeah. Things with you and Naruto always seem so hard… It's worth it right?”

“I believe so.”

“Okay,” Temari picked up what was probably a random blanket and said, “What about this?”

“It looks nice.” It was similar in fabric choice to one of his scarves.

They spent time going down each aisle. Settling on just a few more items. More structural pillows than anything else. They got three of them. Gaara also chose a few more sheets than blankets to deal with the heat. Then one thick blanket to deal with the chilly nights.

The two also stopped by a grocery store to make sure Naruto had enough food for the first week. It took a while to process checks. He wanted to make sure his omega could eat well in the meantime.

Gaara then remembered the plants in Naruto's room. They shared that in common. He made sure to stop by the greenhouse to get something that could survive in the apartment.

“Your instinct’s going haywire, isn't it?” Temari asked.

“Is it obvious?”

She laughed, “don't worry, when I started dating Shikamaru I did the same thing.”

“I thought you said he was a beta.”

“He is. So he didn’t know what to do with all that.” She shrugged, “Luckily he's smart enough to know it was what it was. Or I think I’d feel rejected and it would have all stopped before it started.”

“Gaara!” Naruto ran up to him waving.

Naruto was as subtle as a rasengan.

Gaara smiled, hand going straight to Naruto’s lower back, “Hi.”

Gaara wasn’t that subtle either.

“So! Ummm… what do I do? Do I get into it the first day or what?”

“No, I think you start in a few days. They want you to get adjusted first. I heard their last Leaf shinobi passed out from dehydration.”

“I didn’t know you signed me up for such a dangerous job.” Naruto joked.

“You’ll be fine.” Gaara walked forward, “Let me show you where you’ll work.”

“It's the school on Main and 6th, right?” Naruto had visited several times. He probably knows certain areas better than Gaara with how much he was able to explore over the years.

“Right. I should still introduce you to them, anyway.”

Gaara took him to the school on main and 6th. Where Naruto learned, it was not customary for the Kazekage to introduce new teachers. His new coworkers would obviously talk about him now.

They gave him a lesson plan to follow. And by follow, it's more like learn it in a night, then teach it the next day. It wouldn’t be that hard. He’s only part time, and it's mostly for supplementary learning.

Naruto’s supposed to teach some of the stuff he learned in school… which was why this probably was not a good job for him. Luckily Iruka gave him some pointers before he left. He had to show the others he wasn’t just there because of nepotism.

His coworkers seemed nice though. Naruto was already invited to their next Friday hangouts. Apparently they do that for everyone, and not just people who were close friends with the Kazekage. So that’s hopeful.

“This is where you’ll be living.” Gaara stopped in front of the apartment complex closest to the school grounds.

“I’m not going to live with you?” Naruto asked.

“Umm…” Gaara looked around, “let's talk about that inside.”

“Okay.” Naruto’s smile flattened.

They went upstairs, Naruto trailed slightly behind. Looking at each door number and wondering who’s inside. What type of lives they live. How different his own life really would be here. He might have moved hundreds of miles away, to be in the same studio apartment with another man who wouldn’t acknowledge him in the streets.

Gaara smiled as he opened the door to apartment 409. It was a modest one bedroom. Something Naruto could entertain in without it feeling cramped. It had pleasant views of the city. Walking distance of the market, his job, and more importantly Gaara’s apartment.

“Do you like it?”

“It's nice.” It was nicer than what he had at Konoha.

“Good. Let me show you around.” Gaara took time to establish him in the apartment. There wasn’t much you couldn’t already see from the doorway. He made sure there was food ready, he had necessary toiletries, and it was cozy for Naruto. The tour ended in the bedroom.

“I know it didn’t go over that well last time, but I also got you more nesting material. I scented it.” Gaara frowned, “What's wrong?”

Naruto asked again, “Why aren't we living together?”

“I want to be with you for a very long time, Naruto. That's why I think this is the best situation for us, for now.”

“You didn’t ask me if that’s what I wanted.” Naruto took a step back.

“I didn’t have time.” Gaara sat down on the bed, “Naruto, I had a week to prepare for all of this. On top of my very busy job. I think I did the best with what I had to go off of.”

“If you didn’t want me here, you didn’t have to go through all the trouble.”

Maybe Gaara didn’t want to be as serious as it seemed. Naruto might have been too forward with his request and Gaara was just being polite.

“I want you here. That’s why this was no trouble for me.”

“I mean, I appreciate this all,” Naruto knew it must have been a lot of work, he sat down, “It just feels like our relationship is taking a step back.”

“I don’t think so. I believe this is forward.” Gaara moved closer to Naruto wrapping his arm around the other's midsection.

“I don’t know…”

“My brother made a good point when I spoke to him about this.”

“Kankuro?” He side eyed him.

“Yeah,” Gaara let him know, “I want you to feel comfortable here. I want you to get established here in your own right. Not under my shadow. That way, if you come here again, after the six months, you have more than just me here waiting for you.”

“That does sound nice.” This could be a good place to start over, without his negative past tying him down.

“I don’t want to be the only thing you have in Sunagakure. I want my Village to feel like a second home to you.” Gaara opened up, “I’m afraid if you live with me right away, we might jeopardize what we could have.”

“I don’t want that either. I guess this wasn’t a bad idea. Plus, the views kinda nice.” Naruto fell deeper into Gaara’s embrace.

“They are. And we’re not that far away from each other.”

“Yeah… I guess I’m just going to miss sharing a bed with you.”

“We can still do that.” Gaara pulled him back onto the bed. Their backs now flush with the mattress. Naruto looking up at the ceiling, Gaara looking at Naruto.

“Yeah?” Naruto’s gaze fell onto Gaara’s lips.

Gaara kissed his temple, “Besides, I was planning on staying the first couple of nights for you to get adjusted.”

“Why didn’t you say that first?”

Gaara laughed.

“I like your laugh.” Naruto blurted out.

“Really?”

“Yeah, It's really deep. And I don’t know, it just sounds nice. Warm.”

“What else?” He doesn't know what compelled him to ask. Maybe it was to get an insight of what someone like Naruto was doing with him.

“Ugh, don’t get a big head if I tell you, okay?”

“I won't.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“I guess, I like how nice you are. You're also like, really smart, but, like, in a detailed oriented way. You’re strong. I like your hair, it's so red. And maybe you're really hot, I don’t know. This is weird, I don’t think I’ve ever done this before.” Naruto had the biggest blush grow with each word he said. Some of those things didn’t make sense to Gaara. Almost felt like a lie.

“Oh.”

“Oh? That’s it?” Naruto rolled his eyes, “What about me? What do you like about me?”

Gaara could go on for hours, “Everything.”

“Lame. That's not an answer. I gave details.”

Chapter Text

The Akatsuki captured the Two Tails: Matatabi.

Kumogakure had lost a shinobi.

Chapter Text

Another day, another meeting with the council. They sat around the same round table discussing issues that kept coming. There was always something new, or old, that Gaara had to create a plan to fix.

“The Akatsuki is getting worse. It's not sure what their goal is yet with capturing the Biju. It seems as if they have captured another.”

“I’ve submitted another request of aid from the other villages.” The Kazekage said, “offering assistance back.”

“Have we heard anything back, Lord Gaara?”

“Only from Konoha. Lady Tsunade still plans on loaning us a few med-nin’s when their training is complete.”

One of the council members interjected, “Why didn’t they send one this time?”

“She planned on sending Ms Haruno. The one that saved my life, my brother's life, and many members of this village. However, Ms Haruno is currently on another mission. She should be free early next year.”

“So instead of help, they sent a target for our backs?”

“He is not a target,” Naruto, “Uzumaki is an asset to our Village. He will train our students for the next few months. I thought it best with a shinobi already familiar with our customs.”

“He is very familiar with our customs… isn’t he.”

Gaara knew exactly what he was insinuating, “I didn’t want to risk this program by starting it with someone who might not understand us.”

“Of course, Lord Gaara.” The man wanted to use Gaara’s desire for his own benefit.

Exchanging favors wasn’t new for the council. In fact, it seemed to be the reason it existed. There was a delicate web of exchanges that kept them all tied to one another. Quid pro quo.

Gaara hated it. He inherited several debts from his father’s whims. As his successor he had the obligations of the man who came before him. His father promised a lot.

This was the first time they had anything on Gaara.

It turned out the counselor wanted more units for an exploration mission in the north. A pet project he’s been working on the last few years. It was a simple request to fulfill.

The Council showed they already knew what was going on between him and Naruto. It was best to keep them from bringing it up on record. The Kazekage would have to address their newly budding relationship in an official setting, eventually. That meant coming up with official guidelines for being romantically involved with a person from another nation’s village. And, also, a person with a target on their back from the latest danger to the Shinobi World.

He wanted to keep their relationship as stress free in the beginning as possible. It was their time to figure each other out. They needed to establish their own boundaries with each other before going to their villages for approval.

They spent the last two days adjusting to his new life here. Which was more physical comfort than exploring the city. Naruto’s mark got worse in the time they were apart. Gaara’s not stupid enough to ignore that fact.

It had to be a factor in him wanting to move here. Naruto’s emotions were connected to its health. The last mission he was on was hard for him… especially its ending. Something about them being together seems to help.

It must be why Lady Tsunade supported this.

Filling out forms was rather tedious. He had to make more requests to the other villages. He even offered aid to those who might need help after losing their jinchūriki. He knew it was pointless.

They never respond.

Gaara had to stop looking out and start looking in. With Konoha’s help they could expand their medical gardens. Lady Tsunade had Naruto bring over medicinal herbs with care instructions. They had spent time yesterday setting up the ones that could start right away.

The councilman was right, he probably shouldn't have invited his boyfriend to stay over a med-nin. He set Sunagakure back by those six months. Hopefully, the combat training Naruto would provide could make up for it.

“Lord Kazekage, we lost track of the Leaf shinobi!” An ANBU informed him.

“I gave him permission to be in my personal greenhouse for his training with the toads. They need access to a water source.” Gaara informed the ANBU.

“I’ve checked there.”

Gaara put two fingers to his left eye, an eye formed from the sand in the greenhouse. Nothing looked out of place besides a small area Naruto obviously was previously, and an open empty scroll.

Even though he couldn't see it, Gaara said, “he’s in there.”

Gaara sat on a cream-orange couch, almost the shade of one of those popsicles he enjoys now and again. He picked it out for Naruto; it was close enough to his favorite color without being overwhelming to the space. It compliments the plants in terracotta pots he brought over as well.

He had made it into the other apartment as soon as he could get off. The Kazekage had to make sure he was right about what he told the ANBU earlier. That Naruto didn’t leave. He was just training.

Naruto appeared a little later that night in his apartment.

“I was worried about you, where did you go?”

“Woah! What are you doing here?” Naruto smiled, but he looked exhausted, “I went to the Toad World.”

“Where?”

“Oh? Hmmm… Have you ever thought of where the creatures we summon live when they aren’t hanging out with us? Yeah. I was there.” Naruto kicked off his shoes and put his jacket on the hook.

“What do you mean there?” Gaara got up to greet him.

“I was where the Toads live. Remember when I told you I was training a new technique? Yeah, I have to do it with them there. Otherwise blahblahblah, I wasn’t paying attention to the consequences, but they are, like, really bad.”

“Is that what the empty scroll was for?”

“Did I miss you for lunch or something?! I knew I shouldn’t have listened to Gamakichi.” Naruto walked into the kitchen, “I’m sorry.”

“It's alright. I’m just glad you're okay.”

“Yeah of course I’m ok-Oh! They helped me figure out my first lesson.” Naruto bounced around the fridge happily. He searched for something to eat or drink. The blonde pulled out a soda and popped it open.

“I’d love to hear it.” Gaara pleased with some much needed good news that he’s taking this job seriously. He knew the omega would, but it's nice to see evidence of it. Especially after today.

“You're going to love it!” Naruto put the drink down, crossed his fingers and poof he was a girl… with clothes on. That was new.

“Sexy No Jutsu?”

“I am going to teach the students about genjutsu, duh. I was wondering all day what I could actually teach the class. Then it hit me! Well then, a toad hit me. That must have knocked something loose, because I figured it out. You guys are all like regular ninjutsu and taijutsu and like keke genkai and stuff, but you don’t have as much experience with genjutsu.”

“That’s true, but why a girl?”

“It's my best genjutsu, and I’m going to keep it active until one of the kids finds out. It works better if I start it from day one, see?” He made a cute double peace sign pose.

“I get it.”

“I think it would be a great lesson to teach them how they work, and then even have them try a few basic stuff out. Before teaching them how to break free from them. That way if they’re ever against someone who uses them a lot, they don't have to worry. And-and this way their first introduction to it is something cute and fun and not big and scary.” Naruto was very excited for his new job.

Gaara smiled, “I think this is a great idea… but-

Naruto’s face saddened.

-would you mind turning back? I miss the real Naruto.”

“Oh, you don’t like my girly self?” Naruto’s back to happy, he batted his long lashes, showed off his pouty lips, “I think I make a cute girl. Look, I even know how to do makeup.”

“You’re cute. I just want to be with the one I’m more familiar with.”

“Ok-ay,” Naruto smiled and spun, before turning back into himself like a reverse magical girl.

“Much better.” Gaara held him close. He smelled the top of Naruto’s head, sliding down to rest in his neck. Content in the existence of the other presence.

“Bad day?”

“The council, again. The meetings wouldn’t stop.” He breathed in his love. Hands explored down the curve of Naruto’s body.

The darker part of him that awakened within the heat of the bedroom flared up. Gaara desperately wanted to consume all of Naruto. Swallow him whole until there was nothing left for anyone else.

“Woah!”

Gaara said, “I think I’m nearing my rut.”

“Like right now?” Naruto's voice held a bit of fear.

“Like a few weeks from now. I get warnings flashes like this beforehand.”

“‘Warning Flashes’ you mean the erection you're rubbing into me?”

“Sorry,” Gaara took a step back.

“Don’t be.” Naruto took a step forward.

“I shouldn’t-

“Gaara, you know you're my boyfriend, right?” Naruto pulled him closer, “You're allowed to be horny around me.”

“Yeah.” Gaara almost forgot.

They do this.

Gaara just did it. He went for a kiss, that merged into another, and another. Both hands holding each side of Naruto's face. A small trail of saliva still connects their lips as they take a second to breathe.

Naruto’s puffy lips and slightly glazed eyes sparkle in the overhead light of the kitchen. He dived in this time, full force with no plan, just like always. Hands slide up Gaara's shirt, as the omega gets closer.

His alpha trailed the endless kiss from his lips down his neck. He debates on tearing the scent patch off, or leaving it on. Gaara settles for one for now, but probes at the area with his tongue. Fuck it. It's off. Gauze would never be a suitable substitute for Naruto.

“You taste so good.” the mark was dormant again.

“Ah! Fu- Gaara,” Naruto moaned.

Gaara debated on ripping off Naruto's shirt too, but that seemed more of a hassle. He pulled on the edge, sliding it as gracefully as he could over Naruto's head. Freeing his beauty from his confines.

“You're perfect.”

Naruto's cheeks flushed red, “You're such a sap.”

His omega’s on his knees in a flash. Big blue eyes looking up at him. Lips so close to the bulge in his pants. Gaara moves away some of the excess fabric of his outfit to help the other along.

“What do you think you wanna do for your rut?” Naruto asked, on his knees, pulling down his alphas pants.

You.

Instead Gaara said, “I think it's best I spend this one alone… like before. Our relationship is still new.”

“Oh. Is that a part of taking things slower?”

“I hope you don't mind.”

“Of course not…” Naruto stopped what he's doing, “Does that mean you want it to stop now?”

“Not if you don’t.” Gaara pulled down his own pants.

A sly toothy smile. A soft huffy giggle.

Gaara’s cock was free, red tipped and already drooling with precum. Naruto was hit with a huge dose of ‘come hither’ pheromones. His smell of deep earthen clay, warmly baking under the scorching desert sun. Something about it drove Naruto crazy.

The small apartment filled with the ascent of arousal. Sticky sweet oranges ripening on the table. Begging to be opened up and devoured.

Their scents mixed in the air. It was torture for the omega, so close to his alpha’s cock. Tempted to take it all in, he knew he should take it a bit slower. He didn’t want to push his alpha into rut early.

Gaara threw his head back and groaned. He stumbled back a bit, back of his legs hitting the lower cabinets. Hands rest on the edge of the countertop for support. He’s already going crazy over just the tip. Wet lips engulf the head, tongue darting around collecting all the pre.

“Fuck. Naruto.”

That’s all it took. Naruto just needed a little encouragement to get everything going. His hot mouth hugged tightly around his cock. Hand twisting everywhere lips didn’t reach.

Gaara tangled his hands into Naruto’s hair, guiding his movements. Naruto was getting pheromone drunk, and sloppy on his cock. The sound of gagging and moans bounced around the apartment. Until -

Splash.

The alpha filled his omega’s throat with warm seed. His cock slides out effortlessly. Naruto managed to clean up before it hit him.

“Nest?” Gaara asked, realizing he just got a blow job in the kitchen.

Naruto nodded.

He squatted down and picked up his lover, wrapping the omegas legs around his waist. They slam into a few walls along the way. Covering each other with more deep kisses. If Naruto could have them, his neck would be coated in hickies.

Gaara knew this part he couldn’t rush. Naruto spent a lot of time maintaining his nest now. It would be rude to just slam him on it. He used all of his willpower to gently lay him down in the middle of his nest.

Naruto thumbed down his bright orange sweat pants and underwear in one go. This was perfection. His omega fully naked in his nest, inviting him in to share the evening.

“You just gonna stare?”

“Maybe,” Gaara got into the bed.

It wouldn't be a bad thing to look at. Long tan legs spreading open revealing his chubby pussy. His well built body pulls him in. Uzumaki Naruto was probably the best thing that had ever happened to Gaara. They couldn't be more different, it's a miracle they even became friends, let alone lovers. Yet here he was, in the nest of the one he loves.

“You’re so ridiculous…” Naruto laughed, before covering his mouth.

Gaara pulled his hand away from his lips, then covered them himself. Their lips folded into each other, one right after the other. In the flurry of passion, the alpha caged his omega under him.

He touched Naruto like a man possessed. Large hands roamed his body grabbing, teasing, groping whatever he could touch. Pinching dusty pink nipples. Earning him soft moaning into each kiss.

Tongue traced along the side of Naruto’s neck. His inner alpha speaks to him again. Bite. Bite. Bite. Claim Omega. Make Omega yours. It's the reminder of his ever nearing rut. He had to make sure they didn’t go too far this close to it.

Gaara saw him unpack heat aids earlier this week, orange and pink, they were in his side table. He twisted at the waist to grab them. Both were at or around 6 inches. In closer inspection neither had a knot. They don’t look like penises either, more an artistic interpretation of what one might look like to someone without their glasses on. Peculiar, but he won't mention it.

“This okay?”

Naruto nodded.

“Which one?” Gaara took his chin between two fingers, forcing Naruto to look at him, “Come on, omega, you know.”

“Pink,” the omega whispered out.

The pink one had a longer handle with a few buttons on its side. More technologically advanced than the manual orange one. It seemed more well loved than the other for this reason. He puts it down in between Naruto’s legs.

Gaara’s thumbs rubbed circles into the other’s thighs, dangerously close to his pussy. It’s been calling him all night. Gaara teased more, he had to show himself he was in control. Naruto melted into his touch.

It was finally time to get this show on the road. Separating his lips with his fingers, he achieved the main source of the sweet smelling slick. One enters, then two shortly after, warming it up. The pink vibrator on the side was ready for its turn.

Gaara clicked the button a few times till he found a setting he liked.

Buzz. Buzz. Off.
Buzz. Buzz. Off.
Buzz. Buzz. Off.

“You ready?”

“Umm…”

“I know you can take it.” Gaara manipulated the pink tip to play around the opening, as it vibrated away.

“Yeah, I’m- I’m ready,” Naruto breathed out.

The bulbous head penetrates, vibrations mix with moans. Naruto squeezed his eyes shut. It slowly gilded inch by inch through each ridge bumping into his walls. It fills him to the brim.

Naruto squirts, and cums all around it.

According to the books this was a very common omegan response to getting filled. Their bodies react enthusiastically to the alpha pheromones and sensations. Gaara could stop here, but he won’t. He knows he can give Naruto more than just a biological response.

Gaara gave it a second, before he started pulling it out and thrusting back in. Rhythmically going with the motions of it all. The slick coating it made everything so easy. Naruto bounces back and forth with each thrust.

“Oh! So much- Too much!”

“You're taking it so good, omega.” Gaara learned that was one of his favorite pet names. Something about being reminded of their dynamics in the middle of sex really did something to him.

Both of Naruto’s legs end up over his shoulder as Gaara fucks the plastic into him. The bulbous tip rubbing up against his G & O spots. Vibration on at just the right times. The toy was coated in slick.

Gaara’s cock got hard sometime in the middle of all of this. Of course it would. Look at Naruto moaning like a little slut. His slick dripping onto the mattress. An alpha would have to be a saint not to.

He coated his free hand with as much slick as he could gather. Quickly fisting it in time with the trust of the toy. That way he could imagine it’s him really fucking Naruto.

Gaara pulled out the toy, comparing it with his cock. That's all it could be called a toy. It looked childish next to his thick alphan penis. Over three inches too small, the girth looked like less than half of what he was working with.

He slammed it back in, while fisting his cock.

“Fu-fu-fuk - Alpha!”

He kept it in, wriggling it around to let the vibration catch on different pleasure spots inside of his omega. That way Gaara could focus on his own pleasure for a second. Massaging the head of his hard cock. Trying to catch up to where Naruto was sure to be in a few minutes.

“You like that?”

Naruto just moaned. Hands tried to reach down to the toy. The vibration getting him so close to another orgasm.

“Come on, omega,” Gaara said, “you're so good for me.”

“I-im cumm-

Naruto’s legs thrashed around as he let out the loudest moan. Squirt. The omega couldn't control it. Eyes rolled back as his pussy spasms around the toy.

Gaara, long gone lost in his lust, licked the remaining slick off his fingers. Everything was so intense, his rut brain must have taken over. He coats the omega with warm fertile seed, knowing that he’s marked both the inside and outside as his own. Gaara had appeased his inner alpha.

Naruto looked beautifully fucked out.

“You're perfect.”

Eventually Naruto said, “That was so good.”

“I had some help.” Gaara referencing the toy. He started cleaning up with the towel Naruto left on the chair.

“It's never done all that before.” Naruto joked.

The moment was ruined when Naruto’s stomach growled. Reminding them he wasn’t able to eat when he got home. Blue eyes looked away embarrassed.

Gaara smiled, “I can make us dinner.”

“... Thanks!”

Chapter Text

Naruto read over some of the lesson plans Iruka gave him. He realized he wasn’t too stupid to learn these things as he once believed. He was just never taught how to do them before. Another symptom of being a jinchūriki.

The kids haven’t figured out that he’s not Naruko, yet. It shouldn't be too long. One of them seemed to catch on that something was up. The other teachers knew and he popped out of it for breaks. Naruto can't be that bombshell 24/7.

Knock-Knock.
Knock.

“Who is it?!”

“It’s me, asshole.” Gaara’s brother yelled through the door. “Open up.”

Naruto immediately hopped up to open the door. Leaving a mess of half read scrolls on the ground. He’d get back to them later.

“Here.” Kankuro held out some take out.

Not that this wasn’t a pleasant surprise, but “What for?”

“Gaara, told me to take care of you while he was away.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do.” He barged in the apartment, “If he thinks I’m doing a shit job he’ll bust out of quarantine to take care of you himself. And for some reason you guys don't want to do that, so here I have to be.”

“Come in.” Naruto joked as he shut the door.

“You haven’t eaten yet, right?”

“No, I've been too busy going over lesson plans for the kids.” he straightened up the scrolls.

“He said you probably wouldn’t. Ya’ make my brother take care of you?”

“No. I was going to eat, eventually.”

“Sure-Sure.” Kankuro waved it off, slamming the takeout on the coffee table, “Eat.”

“Okay… You don’t have to tell me twice.” He picked up a container that looked good. Gaara must have told him what to order, because this was one of his favorites.

Kankuro kicked his feet onto the coffee table, “Not that I want to know about his sex life, but I thought the whole point of you coming here was to be with him.”

“He said it was your idea.”

“I told him to get laid. So, I don’t know what you're talking about.” He picked up his own container and started eating.

Naruto asked, through bites, “You told him to take our relationship slow?”

“Yeah, but that’s because he was worried about fucking things up with you. I didn’t think he’d take it this slow.”

“I mean a rut share is a pretty big deal. It’s a major milestone in most alpha relationships. You have to really trust someone to do that with them.”

“Ya’ sure its not just a nonstop fuck fest?” Right, he’s a beta.

“It's not. That’s just a porn thing.” Naruto said.

He cocked an eyebrow up, “Yeah? How do you know that?”

“I’m an omega, duh.” there's more than that, but “I go through basically the same thing.”

“Right. Right. You know I’m only grilling you because my little brother really likes you, and I want to make sure you don-

“Temarialready gave me the shovel speech.”

“Oh shit, you good? Sorry to hear that. She can get intense.” Kankuro looked Naruto over, almost as if looking for a reminiscence of injury.

“I’m fine,” Naruto said, “I'll tell you what I told her. I really like your brother. I’m serious about him. I don't know what our future holds, but I want to try it. I know my past has a few bumps… but I don-”

“Bro, that's enough, you don't have to get all serious about it. I’m not my sister.” He shoveled some more of the side into the takeout container mixing it up with the remaining rice at the bottom.

“Aren’t you supposed to say, ‘if I fuck up you’ll burry me.’”

“No. If you fuck up, she’s going to do it. I’m not doing shit.” Kankuro laughed, “So how's the teaching gig got you?”

“It's going well. The kids are great, well- except one. He’s kinda a know-it-all jerk-face. But I’ll get him on my side in no time, I can feel it.”

They kept talking while eating. Silly useless stuff mostly. A lot of puppet talk, like, more than the average amount of talking about puppets. Even for this village. Naruto wasn’t used to people just stopping by like this.

Usually he’d spend all his nights alone, if he's not with Gaara. It wasn’t uncommon for him to go entire weeks without really seeing anyone. He’s grown really comfortable in his own company. But this was nice too.

“Okay. You're not dead. Check. You ate all your meal. Check. You still have leftovers for tomorrow. Check. You don’t plan on dying tomorrow, right?” Before he could answer, Kankuro said, “Good. Then my job is done here. See you in a few days.”

“I guess,” Naruto watched as he put on his shoes to leave, “See ya’.”

“Later, loser.” Kankuro peaced out.

Naruto made sure to lock the door behind him. His relationship with Kankuro had gotten weird since he and Gaara had started dating-dating, but also a little bit before that, when they were just almost-dating. It's almost like Kankuro saw him as another brother.

He wouldn’t know. He doesn’t have any brothers… but he imagined this must be what it feels like. There’s an odd safety in it all. Like they bicker but it didn’t mean anything.

Naruto didn’t have to worry about going out to dinner with his coworkers tonight. It's always so embarrassing when his wallet was basically empty. He had to bum off so many people, and they all thought he’s irresponsible for it.

Friday was PayDay. It's one of the first times Naruto’s ever had this much money in his wallet. And he didn’t have to worry about the bills right now, besides grocery. So most of this was pocket money.

The pay structure in Konoha was interesting. Naruto understood why a lot of ninjas got into teaching. It's a very consistent source of income. Unlike missions which come or go depending on ranks.

They ended up in a dimly lit restaurant with a bunch of private stalls along the sides. It was some sort of BBQ place. Definitely a place Naruto would avoid before.

“What’s he like,” Matsuri asked. She had chin length mousy brown hair, and dark eyes. Her casual baby blue blouse hung over her shoulder, revealing a pink tank top underneath.

“Huh?” Naruto looked up from the menu for a second, “who?”

“The Kazekage, duh.” She answered, “I’ve always thought he was so dreamy… you're his friend, right?”

Another coworker spoke up for him, Kōji, “You should give up. Naruto’s clearly his mate,” now pointing at Naruto with his cup, “You try to hide it with those sent blockers, but he’s still all over you.”

“I don’t know what you're talking about.” Naruto covered his face with the menu, pretending to read, and actually reading, it.

“Come on. That’s why you got this job instead of a med-nin. We’re not stupid.” He prodded some more. He’s been a bit cocky ever since Naruto joined the school.

“Sakura was just really busy, so I took her place. No big deal. She’ll be here later.”

“So, you're not the blonde omega that hangs out with him all the time?”

“Not all the time.”

“I think the only time I’ve seen him out of the office or battlefield is when that omega is with him. If that’s not you, you might want to tell him to lie off the pheromones,” The alpha said, “Because the pheromones he leaves on you are not friendly.”

“I got this for the table,” Ameno said, holding a tray of drinks. She was probably what everyone pictured when they thought of an omega. Long brown hair that perfectly framed her face, when it's not tied up. Really kind brown eyes, always seemed to know when you needed help.

“Settle a bet,” His violet eyes finally caught Naruto’s when the menu was down, “He’s fucking the Kazekage, right?”

“Even if he is, I don’t think that's an appropriate conversion for coworkers.”

“Oh, come on, we’re not on the job. Shishio I’m right, here, right?”

“I’m not subject to all of this pheromone nonsense, like the rest of you.” A typical beta response, he took a glass from the tray.

“Come on Matsuri, I know love is blind, but it can't be that blind,” no response, he took his own drink, “Fine. When Korobi gets back, he’ll settle it then.”

“No comment.” Korobi sat down, grabbing his own drink.

“Ugh.”

“Here,” Ameno handed Naruto one.

“Umm… Thanks.”

“It doesn't matter why he has the job, we’re here to celebrate his first week. You did good, the kids seem to like you.” She said, “everyone raise your glass.”

“To Naruto’s first week.” They all joined in.

Naruto was about to take a sip before Ameno said, “You hit it on the table first.”

He tapped it on the table once, like everyone else seemed to know how to, then took a sip. Embarrassed. This was his real first impression, without all the fanfare of their jobs to keep him covered.

The drink had a bite to it.

“You can’t even drink,” it was obvious.

“It’s my first time.” It wasn’t, but it might as well have been. He’s only drank once or twice before this. And it was with the pervy sage, so that didn’t count. It’s like drinking with your uncle.

“It's fine, Naruto. You don’t have to keep up with us.”

“Another,” Kōji said, empty cup out.

“You can get it yourself.”

“Don’t be cold, Ameno.”

One thing Naruto realized was no one here had a surname. Sometimes they'll have a title, or they would give themselves a title, but that's it. There was no way to distinguish the ranks of relationships like where Naruto lives.

It seemed to put everyone on an even playing field. If they were at raised position, it was something they earned with their own merit. That was something Naruto could get behind.

It seemed to put everyone on an even playing field. If they were raised, it was something they earned with their own merit. That was something Naruto could get behind.

“I got it,” Matsuri said, pouring him another cup, “besides your wrong, that’s not Lord Gaara’s omega. If he was, he wouldn't be here right now. He's mid rut.”

Naruto side eyed her, “How do you know that?”

“We got a weather advisory of intense Sand Storms in the southern districts. Everyone’s been advised to take northern routes to any outside mission. Obviously.” She explained.

“Okay?”

“He’s a sand manipulator, like Kōji here, but you know, much more powerful. Maybe he can fill you in.”

“Hey! I could easily make a massive sandstorm, I just have more control. So I chose not to.” He defended his ego.

“Lord Gaara’s never been that great at control,” Korobi added in.

“What do you mean by that?” Naruto barely half a drink in, ready to fight.

“I mean, come on, you might not know, but most of us went to school with him.” Korobi chose his words carefully, “he was always powerful, but he was bad at controlling it.”

“He was 7. What kind of control do you expect? Half the kids we teach are that age and I barely trust them to pull off most of the jutsu they are given.”

“You don’t get it. He was insanely powerful with no control.”

“Dude, yeah,” Kōji said, “it's one thing to say when you didn’t live with it.”

“Okay, but who he was when he was a literal child shouldn’t reflect who he is now. He’s obviously improved his control.” Naruto defended him, finishing off his drink. Maybe he won't get along with his new coworkers after all.

“We have weather advisories during his ruts. Like, come on.”

“I think it's hot.” Matsuri both pissed him off and backed him up with one sentence.

“Yeah, but you have a thing for anyone powerful enough to kill you. It’s more a mental condition than an endorsement.”

“Fuck you! You're just upset I’m not into your pretty boy antics.”

The two bickered among each other for a bit. Naruto was already planning his escape. He didn’t order yet and already finished the drink. Maybe he could pay the other omega back for the drink and say he’s got a headache.

Ameno filled his cup, then placed her hand over Naruto’s, “don’t let them get to you.” She then very loudly asked, “What’s Konoha’s schools like?”

“Umm…” Naruto rubbed the back of his head, “I only really know from a students standpoint, I haven't been a teacher there.”

“I hear they are really lax.”

“Yeah, like you guys don't even have to fight to graduate.”

“I don’t know who you're talking to, I had to fight to graduate,” Naruto didn’t technically lie. He also didn’t have to tell him he stole a forbidden scroll and almost killed two teachers. It seems fighting mattered to them though. So he made sure to tell him that.

“You're the first Leaf shinobi I’ve heard say that. Most just have to do illusionary techniques. I figured that's why you were teaching them.” Ameno said.

“Some do it that way, but Konoha’s really advanced. They know not all ninjas have the same skills. So we don’t all get tested the same ways. It would be stupid to judge a fish how good he could climb a tree. Ya’ know.”

“So you couldn’t climb a tree like the rest of your classmates, huh, fishcake?” Kōji joked.

“I can climb really well, actually. My final exam involved learning a forbidden technique… because I was more advanced than the other kids. So they had to give me something that would actually challenge me.” Naruto asked, “Why are you such a jerk to me?”

“He thinks it's flirting.” Matsuri chimed in.

“Well, I think it's annoying!” That’s it Naruto was about to leave.

“I’m not flirting, but it wouldn’t matter if I was. You're single right? So there's no harm.” Kōji prodded some more.

“I never said I was single.”

“You're not single. And you’re not fucking the Kazekage-

Ameno stepped in again, “That's enough. He’ll tell us in his own time.”

“Yeah, my romantic life isn’t that big of a deal. It’s kinda boring, actually.” Naruto tried to downplay it.

“Boring? Well, if you want some excitement, you can always-

“I don’t date jerks.” A sentence Naruto never thought he would say. He used to be into the Bad Boy type… painfully into that type. Some people might think he’s still into it, but Gaara’s not like that at all. He’s so nice. And sweet. And kind.

Naruto missed Gaara. Why can’t his stupid rut be over so they could spend more time together. It’s only a few more days, but it felt like a lifetime.

Naruto stood up, “I feel like I should go.”

“No, no, Naruto, stay.” Ameno kept trying to get this group to work. It wasn’t going to work, “he’s just being stupid.”

This was supposed to be his new start, “fine.”

“Perfect!” she smiled.

Ameno finally managed to find another topic that they all could agree on. That didn’t lead back to Naruto being an omega, or his relationship, or the Kazekage. She was his lifeline in all of this; she had made him feel welcome since day one.

Once they found one topic, it was easy to bounce off to another, then another, then another, until the night was long and it was time to go home.

“Your security sucks,” a drunk Naruto said.

“How did you get here?”

A drunk Naruto said again, “Your security sucks. They’ve always sucked. How do you think I got here the first time?”

Gaara never thought of it before, but to be fair his first rut was mentally taxing. He could only think of violence and, “Naruto. You shouldn’t be here.”

“But I missed you.” Naruto tried to go over and hug him. He stumbled along his path.

“Are you okay?” Gaara used his sand to catch his omega.

“‘M fine, baby. Just missed you.” Naruto pouted.

“Are you drunk?”

“Went out with the other teachers, ‘member?”

“You need to go home.”

“But I miss you.” He wiggled around in the sand for a bit, “Come on, you know I can get out of this if I want… Come on Gaara…”

The call of his omega pushed him past his senses, he knew he shouldn’t, but Gaara pulled him near, “You know I’m an alpha, right?”

“You're my alpha… and I missed you.” Naruto made it sound so tempting. He was Gaara's omega after all. He belonged in Gaara’s Den. The sand washed away like waterfalls.

“I missed you, too.” Gaara fell into the siren call of a needy omega.

Arms wraped around each other in a fevered attempt to become as close as humanly possible. They were two lost souls in the dark who found each other. The pair had to prove to each other that they were alive; they were together; they were in love.

Lips that didn’t know the words to say found meaning in their actions. Passion, desire, fire, burn through their souls to the other side. Heat. Hot. Scolding. They needed to burn like the phoenix melting in the flames, only to be reborn the next day from the ash as one.

They were so far from loney. They were together, present in the motions that stripped Naruto of his clothes. Freeing him to fall victim to his animalistic instincts. Naruto dropped to his knees to give another blow job.

“No.”

“Huh?” the pain of rejection flashed on his face.

“Get on the bed.” Gaara started herding him to it, it's not their nest, their nest was perfect, they could probably make it to their nest, he had to stay quarantined, the sand’s attached to his emotions, “I want to taste you.”

“Oh?” Naruto almost ran to join Gaara into this lust filled madness. He broke into an alphas' den. He knew Gaara was mid rut. He wanted this. He needed this too.

The scent of sweet slicked treats invades the room. Overpowering even the rut pheromones. It snuck in and made itself a home. Marking this as Naruto’s territory and Gaara just the beast that roams in it.

Naruto asked, “What are you going to do to me?”

“Spread.” Gaara said, towering over his omega, hands on either side of Naruto's knees.

As they open up for him, Gaara’s hands slid down Naruto’s thighs. His frame draped and dragged over his omega, pulled in by the intoxicating oranges. He needed it now. Gaara's face first in Naruto's pussy, tan legs on either side of his shoulder.

“Mine,” he said before partaking.

Gaara took his fill of the sweet slick that haunted his nightmares. Before tonight was a memory just outside of reach. Now he could engorge himself in Naruto.

Wet sloppy sounds get pulled from down below, loud moans ring up ahead. At best Gaara was a monster selfishly taking the fruits of the land. Thighs shook around him, like the rustling of leaves. He needed more. More. More!

The alpha took, and took, and took, until it seemed like Naruto had nothing left to give. The bed below them soaked in slick. Cocklette twitching uncontrollably over stimulated. Gaara’s head still where trembling legs meet trembling body.

Hands dig into red hair, pulling the beast off the sweetness, and into a kiss, “Fuck, Gaa-ra.”

“Yeah?” he breathed out, cock tapped against Naruto's soaked thighs.

Pink little pussy calling to it. Gaara focused so much on his desire to consume, he forgot his desire to conquer. An angry red penis reminded him of that. He needed to make Naruto his.

“Oh-oh fuck!”

His thick cock slid effortlessly through Naruto’s pussy, collecting slick. Hotdogged between his chubby lips. Pre-mixing with juices, it was intoxicating. One swift push was all it would take to be enveloped by his tight velvety walls.

It was torturing him.

Gaara’s lips found their way to Naruto's mating gland on his neck. In a way Gaara didn’t feel like he deserved this. This wasn’t something he earned. He was stealing Naruto. But Naruto did make it so easy for Gaara to take.

“You want this, omega?” Alphan fang scraping over the exposed gland, “You want to be mine?”

“Yours?” Naruto slurred out, it was hard to tell if it was the alcohol or the pheromones. Maybe both. It wouldn't matter either way. Not with Gaara so far gone, too.

“Yeah, baby, mine. All mine.” Gaara let loose.

The spongy head of his cock rubbed deep into Naruto's pussy, without fully taking the plunge, “Al-pha, please.”

“Please? You want it? You want my cock? You want to feel it deep inside you. Do you think your pussy can take it?” Gaara teased the tip more, pressing it into that pink fleshy hole.

He needed to hear how much Naruto wanted it, “Alpha?”

“Or do you want my mark? Do you want to feel my fangs penetrate your skin? Fill you with my venom? Make you mine forever?”

Just the tip started thrusting inside Naruto. Wet velvety walls welcome him home. He’s about to ignore his previous statements and plunge right in. Take it all, don’t even ask. Omega wet. Omega wanted it. Omega needed it.

“Come on, omega, speak. Tell your alpha what you want. I can’t give it to you if you don't tell me.”

“Alpha! Please.” Naruto was always left a babbling mess towards the end.

“Please what?” He stopped his movement.

His omega struggled so much to keep it going. Thrusting on the little bit he could get. Gyrating his hips begged for more. He needed to be filled with his alpha.

Naruto couldn’t handle it anymore, “Fuck me! Claim me! Make me yours! Please. Please! Plea-

Thrust.

Bite.

Poof.

The sandstorm raged throughout the night.

Chapter Text

Poof.

In an instant Naruto had memories of pleasure that never touched his body. Hands that ghosted through his flesh. Wave after wave of undeniable exuberation. A thick cock and a sharp bite.

Naruto knew he wanted it.

He couldn’t lie.

Not to himself.

Not about this.

He wanted Gaara’s claim.

Naruto never should have allowed a shadow clone to go in his place. If he went there he would be complete. Nothing but a puddle of pure pleasure underneath the Kazekage.

The omega reached for his heat aid.

The apartment smelled of fresh squeezed orange juice for a parched traveler. Naruto was on the couch, lukewarm coffee to the side of him. Made this morning and forgotten about.

He’s reading up on some scrolls for class or his own learning, probably a bit of both. He’d read some of one, put it down, read some of another, put it down, go back to the first one. Naruto said he’d stop reading once he got bored. Gaara never could understand how he’d do it. It seemed confusing to keep picking something up and putting it down.

Gaara’s voice was sleepy-soft and evenly paced, with a little bit of gravel in between, as he said the words, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Naruto’s voice chimed through, reading the last sentence, before looking up.

“I’m sorry about-

“Don’t be. You were in rut. I knew I shouldn’t have seen you when you were like that.” He puts the scroll down next to the coffee cup.

“I’m glad you sent a clone,” Gaara sat down.

Gaara made it a point to sit down when they had bigger conversations. He realized early on that Naruto would assume every movement was him about to leave. This gave him the security to talk about what they needed without fear. If Gaara was sitting he was going to stay.

“You didn’t mean what you said?” Of course -

“I did…” Gaara said, “That’s just not the state that we should have talked about it. You were drunk. I was in rut.”

“Yeah,” Naruto knows he's right. He might live and breathe impulsive activities, but Gaara likes to plan things. He needs the structure of it all. Maybe the omega does, too.

Gaara knows, they talk about it now, “I know you've told me before, but, how much do you rem-

“All of it.”

“That's very vague.”

“It's really not. I remember all of it. I remember sneaking past your guards. Who by the way, ditch them or get better ones, they are useless. I remember your mouth on me, I could feel it. I remember begging for your cock.” Naruto kept getting closer, “I remember begging for your mark. I remember the start of both and-”

“That's enough.”

“You wanted to know.” Naruto explained, “the shadow clones' memories get enmeshed in my own. Sometimes I see my life in 360. Like, when there's a bunch of them. I see me and me and me. It gets to the point, I don’t know whose memories are whose, and it doesn't matter. At the end of the day they are all mine.”

“But you’ve died,” Gaara’s killed, “many times as a Shadow Clone…”

“Gaara, it's a forbidden technique. They outlawed it for a reason. Most people couldn’t handle that, but you know, I’m not most people.” Naruto must have judged Gaara’s reaction as too much, because he softened the blow, “Besides, that part usually fades away fast.”

“Okay.” They could get back to that, right now, “You want my claim?”

“I mean, maybe, yeah.”

“Is it ‘maybe’ or ‘yeah?’”

“Yeah, I do...” Naruto fidgets away from him.

Gaara scoots closer to him, “I don’t know if we’re there yet…” he wanted to make sure it was more than just hormones & alcohol, “but, I think we will be.”

“Yeah?” Naruto falls into the gravity that was Gaara.

“My next rut is in 6 months, a little after you leave. We can talk about it again then. Make sure that’s still something you want.”

Naruto looked down at his hands, paused and said, “I’d like that.”

The omega liked that about his alpha. Things didn’t feel rushed with him. They could take things at a leisurely pace, and enjoy each moment with each other. Naruto didn’t have to worry that if he didn’t commit all or nothing immediately Gaara would leave.

It wasn’t like with - nevermind. He doesn’t matter.

“When’s your next heat cycle?” Gaara realized Naruto had seen him through a few ruts since they’ve gotten close, but he’s never seen Naruto have one heat. He didn’t think too much of it before. Naruto was an omega, and he was an alpha. It made sense he wouldn't want to be near him during his most vulnerable time. With his past it made even more sense.

“I think you're still on rut-brain there, mister.” Naruto jokingly poked at his chest.

“So we’re prepared. I don’t want it to sneak up on us. Like my rut.”

“MmmHm. Okay.”

“It’s not just the rut still in my system.”

“That’s what I thought. My heat, it's,” Naruto looked away, “Complicated. And I don't think you wanna get into it now with your hormones still raging.”

“Does it have to do with…” Gaara didn’t have to finish that sentence.

“Yeah.”

“I can handle it.” Gaara pulled him closer.

Naruto focused on the coffee he didn’t drink, “I'll spare you the nasty details. It’s irregular. It keeps lasting less time and coming further apart. It’s hard to know when it's going to happen next.”

“Do you get warning signs?”

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’m not in any danger. I’ve learned my body very well. Whenever they pop up, I rest up for a few days.”

“Tell me about it?” Gaara made sure he knew, “we don't have to do anything.”

“Okay… but they might be a false alarm. So don’t get too excited, alpha.” Naruto kissed him.

A few months went by and the couple settled into a nice routine. It’s calm. All the chatter that went on in the background of Naruto’s brain was silenced. He could focus on the now.

Gaara was right, he did like having his own place here. The separation did a lot for their relationship, even though it was only a few city blocks. Naruto’s been able to make a little life for himself in the desert.

He had friends he hung out with pretty regularly, for ninja. He had a job he liked. He had great students. He had an amazing boyfriend. He wished this dream never had to end.

He knew there's only about 3 more months left before he had to go back to Konoha. He still had to keep his promise to Sakura. They haven't heard anything about Orochimaru or … Sas-Uchi- Sasuke. Which no news was scary news.

Naruto hoped Sasuke was okay out there. Despite the way they left things, he knows the other alpha deserves a chance of a good life. Not being under the control of that gross older snake.

Besides, if Gaara could turn his life around, Sasuke could. Naruto’s alpha had given him a type of hope he couldn’t make up. It assured him, there was no one too far gone in their own hatred. Redemption was possible.

Just look at them, two people once considered monsters sitting in an apartment, the whole world in front of them. Both of them committed to making a change for the future. If they could be better people, it was possible for anyone.

Gaara asked, filling out some request forms he brought home, “You're going out with them on Friday, right?”

“Yeah, midterms are next week and we are mentally preparing before all that goes down.” Naruto asked while preparing their food, “Did you want to come?”

“I don’t think I should.”

“Come on, they’d love you.” Naruto’s gotten a lot closer to his fellow teachers. Some more than others, but he’d consider most of them friends.

“I know they don’t.“

Naruto shimmied the food around in the pan, “That’s in the past, love.”

Love.

Love was a nickname Naruto started using not too long ago. He hadn’t worked up the courage to say the three scary words ‘I love you,’ yet. So he thought he’d start simple. He’d work his way up to adding the other two words later.

“I would hate to ruin your night with them.” He could smell their meal was almost done.

“You could never.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Dress casually.” Naruto advised, “you know, like, not in your Kage Robes.”

Gaara’s robes were like his shield. They protected him from social situations that might be too much otherwise. They reminded people he was their leader, not their monster. Without the robes, he was just Gaara.

“I might get out of work later, and-

“And you can wear civilian clothes under the robes. I’ve seen you do it before.”

“Naruto-

“I know you worry about what happened in the past, but it's a new day. I want my friends to see the real you.”

“They’ve seen me plenty before.”

“Look. You don’t have to if you don't want to, but don’t let fear stop you from having fun. Okay?”

“I’ll consider it. Okay?”

Naruto knew that was the best he was going to get, “Okay.”

The omega plated their food, while Gaara tried to squeeze the last bit of work he could do before he had to stop. He made a deal with Naruto awhile ago that once dinner was served, work had to stop for the evening. Naruto refused to watch Gaara work himself to death.

“What do you think of, ‘We have heard of your recent encounter with an organization who wears Red Cloud Cloaks. We are willing to offer up the information Sunagakure had on the Akatsuki. We know others are at risk if they are allowed to continue.’” Gaara looked up at his own love, “Do you think that might work?”

The Kazekages pet project was trying to save the other jinchūriki from the same fate he had a little over half a year ago. Naruto didn’t like thinking about Gaara’s almost early demise. He almost lost the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Gaara’s offered every village help.

None have responded.

“I like it.”

“Do you think they’ll respond?”

Naruto didn’t know, “Hopefully. They have others right?”

“Yes. I worry they must be next.”

“Maybe, you should just send over the information we have with it. That way they don’t have to worry about doing the whole song and dance of ‘I’d love the information. When can we meet?’ ‘thursday?’ ‘I”m busy Thursday, how ‘bout sunday?’ ‘sundays no good.’ blah blah blah.” Naruto pantomimed with different voices.

“Yeah.” Gaara knew that meant they weren't going to respond.

Chapter Text

They were seated in a private room of the restaurant. He had told them Gaara might join later on, so they figured it was best to allow the Kazekage to have more privacy. Even though Gaara never confirmed if he was going to meet them after work. Naruto hoped he would. He had made so many friends in Suna, it's a shame they haven't got to hang out with his boyfriend.

“I’m starting to think you made up this boyfriend of yours.” Kōji looked over the menu, even though he’s going to order the same thing as always.

“I did not.” Naruto figured out this place made half decent ramen, so he already knew his as well. He didn’t bother with the theatrics though.

“You sure it's not just so you could let me down gently? My pride can take it.” He put the menu down as if he just so happened to decide on what he was going to eat.

“I’ve tried letting you down harshly and you haven't gotten the hint.”

“I get it, I’m too much alpha for you to handle.”

Korobi mentioned, “Kōji’s arrogance aside, you don’t talk about him much.”

“It's just so weird you have this boyfriend, and no one knows their name.” Matsuri added on.

“He must be jealous of you being so far away from him. I don’t think I could handle it if my girl was on a long term mission in another village like that.” Korobi said.

“Especially if she came back wreaking of another alpha.” Kōji laughed.

They kinda gave up on the theory that Naruto was dating the Kazekage after it was confirmed Matsuri’s theory of him being on rut. The sandstorm raged for five whole days after their first dinner together. Then the Kazekage returned to office like nothing happened. They figured, if Naruto traveled all the way here for the Kazekage, he wouldn’t miss out on that.

The next theory was that Naruto’s boyfriend was back in Konoha. It made sense that Naruto would be dating another leaf nin. Naruto just happened to be on a six month mission to another village.

It seemed like their latest one was that Naruto didn’t have a boyfriend.

“You should tell Lord Gaara to calm down with that.” Korobi added on. He was one of the many people who still kinda saw Gaara as who he used to be and not who he was. So this was a shallow dig at Gaara’s lack of control.

“Speaking of which, you said he’s coming tonight?” Matsuri’s eyes light up.

“I said he might be,” Naruto shied away, “He’s super busy, so he might not be able to make it.”

“Don’t get a girl's hopes up for nothing. I spent all afternoon getting ready for this. He’s got to see me at my best.” Matsuri frowned.

At times like this Naruto wished he could tell the truth, “I don’t think Gaara’s looking to date right now.”

Close enough.

“No one's ever looking to date. It just happens.” She adjusted her outfit, “I’m hoping to make sure it happens tonight.”

“You're not going to get through to her, just let her live in delusion.” Kōji reminded him.

“Here we are!” Ameno came to the table with drinks like usual.

“Thanks, Ameno!” Naruto’s gotten a lot better at holding his alcohol than before. It seems like a big part of their get-togethers, so he wanted to make sure he could do it right. He went too far the first night.

“Did Lord Gaara cancel?” she asked.

“He should be coming by later, he's busy or whatever.” Matsuri looked at Naruto like it was his fault that Gaara had to work late.

It didn’t matter.

They quickly got into their usual routine. They’d chat and complain about students. Drink. Eat. Drink some more. Chat some more. Until all the stress of work melted away. Minutes faded into a few hours. Naruto loved nights like these with his co-workers the most.

Gaara came through the door. He’s never been more handsome. Dressed in his regular black pants, a black shirt with the mesh armor underneath, and a simple white scarf wrapped around him. Most importantly, he's not in his Kage Robes.

“Hello.”

“Oh-um-Lord Gaara.”

“Lord Gaara.” Korobi shrunk down.

Naruto smiled, “You made it!”

He saw Naruto across the room, bright orange sweatpants, a tight black tank top, and the biggest smile. Gaara would have to walk past, and ask the others in the room to scoot their chairs in to maneuver around here.

Gaara was already uncomfortable here, and wanted to leave. He sat down anyway. Naruto made sure there was a spot next to him. He was here because his omega wanted him to be here.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It's fine, I know you had a lot of paperwork to do.” Naruto looked over to the slightly tipsy group, tipsy himself, “Everyone, this is my bo- Gaara.”

They can’t say ‘nice to meet you,’ because they already know him. Most of them were already terrified of him. They also didn’t feel comfortable enough to make fun of the very clear and obvious slip up.

Naruto was used to being a secret. At least this time it made sense. If they went public two Shinobi Councils would have to weigh in. Then their countries, then any two bit nobody with a voice that carries.

It was better for them, at least until they decided how serious they wanted to be. That doesn't mean it doesn’t still hurt Naruto that they couldn’t scream their love from the rooftop. Even he still wasn't able to say it in the privacy of their shared bed.

Gaara made a point to show up where it counts. He made a point to show up to this awkward dinner, even though it's obvious he doesn't want to be here. It had to be hard for him.

“How long have you two been friends?” Ameno tried to help them out.

Naruto looked over at Gaara, smiled, bit his bottom lip, then said, “Oh! Ummmm… I dont know. Three or four years now, right?”

Gaara nods.

“So directly after we attacked Konoha?” Kōji asked.

“... If you want to be specific, yes.”

“Do you have a habit of befriending people who try to kill you?”

The answer was yes. But also no, no in that way. Still it happened a lot more often than how one person should make friends. But also, maybe Naruto needs therapy. Maybe everyone needs therapy. Naruto doesn't know, he’s not a therapist. He’s just their friend.

“Don’t take that to heart,” Matsuri spoke up, “he just sucks at being funny, Lord Gaara.”

“Oi! I’m great at being funny. Just ask Shishio...”

Shishio shrunk in his chair.

Naruto quickly said, “If we have to ask, you're not funny.”

“Fuck you.” Kōji throws a balled up paper towel at Naruto.

Stopped quickly by sand.

Everyone tensed, readying themselves for a fight. Each trying to sober up as quickly as their body would allow. This was just like bef-

“Sorry about that.” Gaara realized what he did. The sand dissolves back into the gourd on his waist.

“You so weird Gaara, it's just Koji.” Naruto laughed.

“Yeah, Lord Gaara, I mean no harm to your ome-friend.”

Lucky Naruto already seemed to hold a buzz, because he didn’t notice the slip up, he laughed, “Like you could hurt me.”

Koji trapped between his pride and will to live, “I would never want to hurt you.”

“Ok-ay,” Naruto rolled his eyes.

“Naruto, I-

“Here.” Naruto poured Gaara a glass, and slid it over to him.

-should go.

“Thank you.”

It was awful.

Gaara couldn't understand why Naruto and the others drank it so easily. It was truly awful. It did warm his stomach, even with the bitter taste that stung his throat. He had consumed bad soldier pills in the past, this reminded him of that. A means to an end. Except instead of nutrition, it seemed like the end was the intentional loss of senses and control.

“You don’t like it?” Naruto asked.

“It's not… horrible.”

“You hate it.”

“I-”

“It's okay, I didn’t like it either the first time.” Naruto shrugged, “apparently it's supposed to be that way.”

Gaara wanted to ask, ‘then why did you keep drinking?’

He felt like he knew.

“Don’t worry, Lord Gaara. It grows on you.” the girl next to Naruto said.

Gaara nodded. He planned on slowly sipping this one drink for the rest of the night. It didn’t seem like it would last much longer. Their meals have already been eaten, they had only drinks in front of them. At most another 30-45 minutes. Gaara could do that.

“Oh! How was your day?”

The girl spoke up again, he vaguely remembers her name as Matsuri, “Yeah, Lord Gaara, I’m sure you must have done something incredible.”

Koji and Korobi share a look.

“Hm, my day was uneventful. It was mostly meetings. I did have some time to stop in the greenhouse during lunch.”

“How's the cacti doing? I don’t think I’ve gotten to check on anything in there in weeks with all the papers I’ve been grading.”

“They are coming along quite nicely. I think one might bloom soon.”

“Huh?”

“You have to tell me when! I don’t want to miss it.” Naruto smiled.

“Cacti?” she asked.

“Gaara and I, well mostly Gaara, grow cacti as a hobby. He’s got a great little greenhouse for all of them. They are so cute. I’ve been waiting for this one to bloom since I got here. Gaara said it's super rare.”

“That sounds delightful,” Ameno asked, “How long have you been into that?”

Gaara didn’t know if she meant him or Naruto, so he answered, “I’ve been growing them my whole life, but I really picked it up a few years ago. It's very calming. I got Naruto into it a few months ago. However he’s always been into growing different types of plants back in Konoha.”

“You’re also into horticulture?” Ameno looked over to Naruto.

“Horto-what-tle? I just like taking care of plants.”

“That’s what it means!” Koji said, dropping the usual, ‘idiot.’ He knew how to be polite around political leaders who have threatened to murder people for less.

“Oh! Then yeah. I’m into Horto-whats-its. I used to do it back home in Konoha, but ya’ know being a ninja and all, I was never around long enough to really be able to get into it. It always sucked to come back from a mission to an apartment of dead plants.”

“Is that how you two, ya’ know,” the cat was out of the bag, “bonded over plants?”

The two looked at eachother, then the group and shook their heads, “No, I was stopping by for a mission, and he was the only one I really knew here… So we hung out.”

“You had a mission in another village.” Koji was rightfully on the defensive, looking over to his leader. This would have been before the Teacher Program. So what was a foreign shinobi doing having a mission in the same village that attacked it weeks prior.

“No! No-no. I was doing a mission nearby, and the Pervy Sage was like, ‘you know who has great hot springs and hot omegas.’ and I was like, ‘no.’ And he was like, ‘Suna.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, but what about our mission?’ and he was like, ‘it's just a pitstop.’ And that’s why we were here.”

“I’m going to ignore the mess of all of that, who’s the Pervy Sage?” Ameno asked, “and why were you with someone of that title?”

“It’s what he calls Lord Jiraiya.” Gaara explained.

Koji confirmed, “Of the Legendary Three Sannin?”

“How many powerful shinobi are you connected to?” Matsuri asked.

“Huh? Like,” Naruto tried to think of a number, but landed on, “Just like a few.”

“That's not a number.” Koji said.

“I don’t know, like, the normal amount.”

“Are you, like, secretly related to someone super important?” Matsuri asked.

Naruto thought about it, it's a possibility, but “Not that I know of. Why?”

“Because you know a lot of powerful people.”

“I’m just really good at making friends.” Naruto shrugged it off. It's not his fault the only people who have enjoyed his company were people with power and influence. He never even thought of it like that before.

“Oh, so that’s how you do it, you-” Koji shut up.

“I what?” Naruto wanted him to go on.

“Nothing.”

“I want to -

“Here,” Ameno filled up his cup, pushed it over, “it was empty.”

“Thank you.” Gaara nodded, she only refilled a sip of his cup.

She then filled up everyone else's to the brim. Ameno knew that conversation could only end badly. It was best to lead with a bit of distraction.

They talk for a bit.

It's awkward.

Salvageable, but awkward.

Gaara took another sip.

He’s thinking of an excuse to leave early. He already said he was done with paperwork for today. They all know of his sleeping problems, so he can’t say he needs to rest. So he’s just stuck.

Naruto’s smiling though. He seemed to be happy that Gaara was here. One of his friends was one of the many fangirls that have popped up since his title change. They didn’t really love him, just the power that comes with his name. It's annoying but at least not fearful.

Two of them have barely said a word since he arrived. Koji obviously had some sort of crush on Naruto, that he’s trying to tamper down. Because he finally realized who he’s dating.

Ameno seems nice.

And to put the squeeze on the coffin of this horrible night, Naruto asked, “Oh, are those the kids from the orphanage or are they already in nin-housing?”

“What?”

“Orphanage?”

“Nin-housing?”

“Yeah, I was wondering when I should go check in on them…” Naruto finally spoke up about it. He was planning on asking Gaara a while ago if it would be weird if he made sure the kids were alright.

“I’m not sure what you're talking about…” Ameno hesitated.

“Ya’ know… The students that live alone in the Nin-housing.” Naruto looked around the table, he felt crazy, “I noticed I haven't seen any in my building. Do you guys have us all sectioned off by age groups? Because that’s smart. I was always telling the old man there should be a kid block.”

“Old man?”

“The Hokage!” Naruto smiled.

“You're asking the wrong questions.” He looked over to her, then back at Naruto, “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“We don't have any students who live alone in nin-housing.”

“Yeah, who would let kids live alone like that?”

“I mean, I moved into the nin-apartments when I was about five or maybe six, I don’t know whenever you could start training. I was just wondering if that's how it is here?”

“Nin-housing? So - you got adopted by another shinobi before you started training?” Kōji said.

“... No.”

“Who took care of you?” Ameno asked.

“What do you mean? I did.” Naruto said.

Gaara slid his arm over, not caring how saw, to put his hand on the lower of Naruto’s back. It was meant to be a gesture of comfort.

“Oh…” Ameno looked at him oddly, “Did you have any adults that supervised you.”

“You know, like, the Hokage would stop by once a month to make sure I was alright!” Naruto smiled.

“I meant more like daily, would any one check up on you?”

“I went to school like, 5 days a week. You know like everyone else.”

Kōji couldn’t take it, “She’s asking about at home, dude. Did you have adults at your apartment?”

Naruto started to feel a bit uncomfortable, “No, but that’s okay. I had an allowance and everything. So it wasn’t like I was starving or anything.”

“So they just gave a 5 year old a wad of cash and said, ‘don’t spend it all in one place.’” Kōji judged.

“It taught me how to be responsible and not waste money. Plus, like if it ran out, I knew how to fish, and there's this big lake right outside the apartments with all this tasty fish in it! … except that one time.” Naruto quickly added, “that was my fault! I didn’t cook it all the way. I wasn’t used to cooking on fire yet.”

“Were there a lot of you kids like that?”

“Not like a lot - a lot, but yeah. Me and my friend Sa-” before that sound left his lips, he covered with, “We used to live like that. It wasn’t a big deal. He lived a bit better than me, because his family left him a lot.”

“So did your family leave you anything?”

“I don’t have a family.”

“You have to have a family.” Matsuri said.

“No, you don’t.” Naruto stared at the half empty cup in front of him.

“Aren't there any recor-

Gaara pulled Naruto not even an inch closer, but enough to remind him that he’s there, “I think this is a good place to stop asking about his upbringing.”

“Gaara, it’s not a big deal. I’m the one that brought it up in the first place.” Naruto said to his love.

“Lord Gaara is right. This is clearly a sensitive topic and we were being insensitive about it.”

“You guys were just curious,” Naruto tried to make it less awkward, “The way Konoha does things is just different. How do you guys do it here?”

“We try to keep the children with a blood relative. Usually from the mothers side.” Ameno informed, “A lot of Sunagakure is still matrilineal.”

“We’re like, really big on family here. Even when just one parent isn’t doing well, a lot of times child care is split throughout the family.”

“Yeah,” Gaara said, “When my mother passed, her brother was the one that stepped in to help out.”

The room got really quiet. No one wanted to say anything.

Except Naruto, who said, “I don’t think that’s a good example.”

“I suppose you're right,” he chuckled.

Everyone paused, before a few people joined in on the laugh.

Apparently that over-share was enough to break the ice for the rest of the evening. Which lasted a bit longer than the 30-45 minutes Gaara had budgeted for this evening. He managed to spread 1.5 drinks over the span of an hour and a half.

Naruto’s friends were still a bit wary of him. That was to be expected with his past. With his role as the Kazekage and savior of the Village, it seemed to be enough to get civility from them. Naruto’s blessing was what took it over the edge. Gaara had always known Naruto had a way with moving peoples hearts.

“We have to do this again sometime, Lord Gaara.” Ameno said. Obviously one of Naruto’s closest friends out of the group, if tonight had anything to say about it.

“Yes, we should.”

“I’m really going to be able to get you out of the office for more than just missions, family stuff, and date-Hangouts!” Naruto saved their poorly kept secret at the end.

The group knew, but had enough sense not to say anything about it. Shinobi were good like that. They knew if something was a secret, there was a reason for it. And this was a secret of the highest order, one involving the Kazekage and another village’s shinobi.

“Yes, I will try to leave the office more.”

“Good.”

“You trying to get our Kazekage to slack off?” Koji joked.

“I’m trying to get him to stop falling asleep at his desk. He works late hours, and needs to relax sometimes.”

Naruto stumbled down the street with Gaara by his side, laughing, grinning ear to ear, happy to be alive. Happy to be with the one he loved.

“Love?” Naruto stopped, “You had a good time tonight, didn’t you?”

“Yeah.” Gaara nodded along, trying to heard his drunk boyfriend back to his apartment.

“You're not just lying to make me happy, right?”

“No, Naruto, I’m not lying. Tonight was a good idea.”

“Ya’ sure I didn’t make it awkward? I wanted tonight to be fun for you, but then I think I messed it up.” he fidgeted with the edges of his jacket.

“You could never mess it up.”

“Now I know you're lying. I mess so many things up.” Naruto avoided his lead.

Gaara hated it when he talked like that. For some reason, Naruto had a lot of self doubt. He knew the reason, one Uchiha Sasuke. That man instilled it into the free loving blonde whenever he had the chance.

“Naruto, tonight was fine.”

“I shouldn’t have made you go.”

“You didn’t make me do anything.”

“Okay,” Naruto finally accepted that.

“I mean it, I had a good time. I’m glad we got to spend more time together. And I think your friends know that we’re dating now.”

“Oh no…” Naruto realized they couldn't hide, “Is that a bad thing?”

“No. I don't think any of them will tell the council.”

“So, it's okay that they know?”

“Of course.” The only issue was the Council finding out and having to make a decision before they were ready. “I don’t want to keep you a secret.”

“Oh… yeah,” Naruto seemed to forget why they did it.

“Now let's go home?” Gaara wrapped his arm around Naruto’s mid section to keep him from wandering off.

Naruto nodded. Letting Gaara lead him back. His head rested on Gaara’s shoulder. They should really care how obvious they were being, but they don't. Naruto's eyes close, knowing his boyfriend would take him home.

They opened and Naruto saw, “that’s my favorite part of the whole city.”

Naruto took off. He took Gaara’s hand on his own and pulled him forward. Naruto just had to show Gaara. The alpha was too off guard not to follow along.

It was less than ten years old. It was a walking bridge that overlooked the restaurant district. It was late enough in the night for people to really start going out. It was alive with people. And it was beautiful.

“Ameno and I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago.” Naruto looked over at him, “after one of our weekly hang outs. We spent hours afterwards just chatting. All that time we saw everyone moving about, closing up shops… I don’t know it was amazing.”

Gaara looked out to the city, “Yeah, it is.”

This was exactly what he hoped would happen when he invited Naruto to stay in Sunagakure. Gaara wanted Naruto to feel like it was a second home. Now he had his own favorite spots, with his own memories, with his own friends.

Everything was perfect.

It must have been the strength of the alcohol tonight, because here under the lights, Naruto finally said, “I love you.”

“What?” Gaara couldn’t have heard that right.

“Oh… was that too soon?”

Too soon was not even close to what that was. Gaara’s been in love with Naruto for what felt like eternity. It was so true it was written within the stars above them. Naruto once asked about soul mates, and back then he didn’t know, now he knew.

Soul mates had to be real.

Because how else could you explain them? Two people from completely different villages, once on different sides of battle, one trying to destroy the other, slowly falling in love. That was too epic of a story for the stars not to get involved.

“No. Naruto… it's not-

“I’m sorry!” Naruto looked around for an exit, “I can take it back.”

“Don’t do that.”

“It was too soon and I-

“I love you too.” Gaara had to stop this nonsense, “I’ve loved you for a long time. I’ve loved you since before we were together officially. I’ve wanted to say it for the entirety of us being together. Naruto, I love you.”

Naruto had helped Gaara redefine love.

Love used to be a thing that he never felt worthy of. Love was a thing that would get you hurt. Love killed. Love destroyed. Love was pain. Love was a word Gaara scarred on his body to remind himself not to be foolish and fall to its twisted desires.

Now.

Naruto smiled, “I love you, Gaara.”

Chapter Text

The two eventually made it back to Naruto’s apartment. Gaara led him through the city blocks, up the many stairs, and finally through the doors, to Naruto's nest. The omega jumped right in, and enjoyed himself fully within its sheets.

“Are you coming in, love?”

Gaara who still waited to be invited, “Yeah.”

“You're so silly.” Naruto moved over to give him more space.

Arms wrap around Gaara's body in a quick attack. Naruto had trapped him in their nest and had no intentions of letting him go. Gaara was his and would be forever.

“I’m glad,” Naruto kissed him, “you're here with me.”

He said that as if he was not the one that traveled hundreds of miles to be with Gaara.

“Me, too.”

Naruto tucked his head into Gaara’s shoulder. A soft yawn takes over Naruto’s face. Gaara’s arm holds him tight. His mind was occupied by earlier conversations. They lay like that for a while. Naruto’s breathing evens out but he doesn't fall asleep.

“Can’t sleep?” Naruto mumbled out.

“No,” but that wasn’t abnormal for Gaara.

“Why not?”

There was the obvious answer, but Gaara said, “I didn’t know it was like that for you growing up…”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“You don’t have to be strong right now.” Gaara reminded him, “It’s just us.”

He wasn’t sure what was worse. Being completely alone or having everyone who loves you want to murder you. Gaara often wished he didn’t have a family when he was younger. He’d want them all to die.

In reality, Gaara knew that’s not what he really wanted or they would actually be dead. He wanted their love and it was always out of reach. When his father realized killing him wasn’t an option, they worked out some sort of appeasement ritual.

Gaara never had to worry about anything. He didn’t think of bills. He always had the best toys to make up for the fact that no one wanted to play with him. When he started training, it was always the best teachers. Adults were the only ones that could be manipulated enough to spend time with him. They were compensated well enough.

But to be alone.

Truly alone.

How could a child live like that?

How could Naruto?

Naruto sighed and asked, “Can I talk about Sasuke?”

“Yes,” Gaara noticed that Naruto had stopped his Sasuke talk awhile ago. At first he assumed it was just because Naruto was over the other alpha, but it seems more likely it was for Gaara's own sake. Another appeasement ritual.

“When his family died… they put him in the apartment across the street from mine. It was in the nicer block, ya’ know?” Naruto fidgeted with the fringe of a blanket.

Gaara nodded, blonde strands tickled his face, “Yeah?”

“So I would look into his apartment- not in a creepy way! But like in the my window overlooked his balcony sort of way.” he added on, shaking his head, “I wanted to be his friend so badly. I would do such crazy things to try to get his attention. I was so stupid.”

“I don’t think you were stupid.”

“You don’t know the stupid stuff I used to do.” Naruto laughed it off.

“Fair enough.”

“It didn’t matter what I did though… he always ignored me.”

Gaara had learned by now the best thing to do was nod along, Naruto would say what he had to say eventually.

“I wanted to teach him how to be alone… that way, ya’ know, all my years of living like that could be worth something… it would be worth it if I could have helped someone. Not feel the way I -” Tears start to fall.

The sand reacts without his control, swirling up around them. Solidifying in chunks. A perfect round ball. Protect.

It's not a physical attack, but it's all Gaara knows how to do. He feels like a lost child reaching out for the first time. This time however someone was reaching back.

“But Sa-hic-suke would rather be-hic-alone than ac-hic-cept my help.” Naruto gasps up air in between his sobs.

Gaara holds his omega close, “It’s not too late.”

“You did-hic-didn’t see how he was -hic-last time… I think he’s act-hic-ually serious.”

“If anyone could get through to him, it's you.” He feels compelled to say this.

“You re-hic-ally think-hic- so?”

It hurts to say, “Yeah.”

“I hope -hic-so.” Naruto’s breath evened out a bit, but still not stable, “You don’t know how close that could have been me. I’m lucky to have found the old-perv… Instead of someone else who wanted to take advantage of my loneliness.”

Gaara couldn’t imagine Naruto going down the same road he, or yes, Uchiha Sasuke, did, but he understood the loneliness, “I’m glad no one took advantage of you like that.”

“They almost did… Ya’ know, how I said tonight we graduate differently in Konoha, that was kinda a lie.”

“Hm?”

“There was a teacher, who -fucking-lied to me. They promised if I could steal a Forbidden Scroll and learn one of its techniques that would be like, an instant A. And I would pass the class. And I would be a ninja.”

“So you did it?”

“Yeah,” Naruto blushed a bit, “The Shadow Clone Technique. Learned it in one night… I was so proud of myself.”

“It's impressive to learn something like that in one night.”

“I thought so. So when Iruka-sensei found me in the woods. I thought he’d be so happy. I confessed to stealing it, and wanted to show him my new technique so badly.” Naruto frowned, “He let me know there was no such test.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. Turns out Mizuki-sensei just lied to me so I would steal the scroll for him. I would have been kicked out of the village or worse if anyone but Iruka-sensei found me.” One person changed Naruto’s life so drastically.

“I’m glad he found you.”

“Mizuki-sensei tried to kill us both once we found out… He tried to kill Iruka-sensei… I got so mad. I didn’t care what happened to me, but I didn't want anything to happen to Iruka-sensei.” Naruto always cared more about other people than himself.

“So you stopped him.” Gaara knew that’s how the story must have ended. Otherwise Naruto wouldn't be in his arms tonight.

“Yeah, I stopped him. I used my Shadow Clones and beat him up a million times over. That showed him.” Naruto’s voice was full of pride.

“And that's how you became a shinobi?”

“Iruka-sensei let me wear his headband… and that was probably the greatest moment of my life. I felt so seen.”

“Good.” Gaara knew he deserved that.

“Yeah…” Naruto’s story didn’t seem to go anywhere. It was just a very emotional rollercoaster from start to finish.

Gaara was just along for the ride, “What was the point of all that?”

“Oh, right. Being alone sucked, I hated it, but I don’t want it to be my whole life. I made friends. I have people who care about me. I have you.” Naruto gave Gaara’s shoulder a kiss, “So don’t worry about all that dumb stuff that happened to me back then. There’s no point keeping yourself up like that.”

“Okay.” Gaara laughed a little while stroking Naruto’s hair in rhythmic montios.

“Good. Now go to sleep, love. You have work in the morning.” Naruto commanded.

Chapter Text

A few days after that night, Ameno and Naruto were hanging out in the apartment after classes. They graded some papers together, before starting on dinner. In about 20 minutes their favorite show would be on.

“You and the Kazekage? ‘Just friends’ right?” Ameno chopped up vegetables for dinner.

Naruto laughed, “No.”

“So why do you hide it?” She then said, “Poorly I might add.”

“We’re kinda sorta a bit new. Like, we just started dating officially maybe a couple of months ago. I don’t know. I guess I don’t want to ruin his reputation in case it doesn't work out.” Naruto shrugged.

“Oh.”

“Yeah. He’s the first jinchūriki to be Kage. It’s important I don’t fuck it up for him.” he was the one that pushed the other to take on the job afterall.

“I doubt you could mess it up for him.” Throwing the vegetables in the pan.

“He’s dating a ninja from another village. So you have to admit that’s at least a conflict of interest. If your council found out there’d be an investigation. Everyone of his decisions would be brought into question. My village would have to get involved. It would be a whole thing.”

Ameno looked at him, “It's weird seeing you this serious.”

“Sorry,” he rubbed the back of his head, “I just don't have anyone to talk to about this…”

“What about Lord Gaara? Not much of a talker?”

“I meant someone who's not directly affected. ‘Cause like, I tell Gaara, and he’s like, ‘well duh. I feel the same pressure, but like, a million-billion times worse, ‘cause I actually live here-live here.’ But, more how Gaara would actually say that… Which, I don’t think he would say anything like that. He’s really trying to make this work.”

“And you're not?”

“No-no! I am. But he’s, like, really trying to make this work. He set this all up for me to be as easy as possible, even though he works forever.”

“I never thought Lord Gaara would be like that.”

“Don’t think just because you're my friend I’ll let you get away with talking about him like that. I’m sick of hearing people talk about him like he’s tra-

“This is more of an all alphas are assholes thing, than a Lord Gaara thing.”

“Humph.” Naurto crossed his arms, “Still.”

“I’ll be careful not to say it.” she laughed, “if you can promise me not to be so serious. I don't think my fragile heart could take it.”

“Fragile heart, my ass.” he laughed.

“I am a mere delicate omega. My heart is too fragile for serious matters.”

“Fuck you. Fine. Just don’t say anything bad about Gaara.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Dinner was made, there was enough for the two of them and lunch for the rest of the week. Ameno had a habit of making sure they over cooked each time they made dinner together. Naruto thinks it's just a way to make sure he ate healthy.

Knock.
Knock.
Knock.

“Naruto,” Gaara walked in announcing his entrance as usual. He had a long day and wished to be in his omegas presence. It was always better to end a day like this with Naruto.

“Oh! Lord Gaara!” She bowed.

Naruto laughed, “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

“I didn’t know you had a guest,” he said.

Then, both guests said, “I can leave.”

“No. It's fine. Naruto clearly had plans. I can go-

“Nonsense!” Naruto said, “You don't mind if Gaara joins us for dinner, right?”

“Of course not, Lord Gaara.”

“Naruto, you don’t have to-

“You’ve been busy all day at work, and we made way too much for two people. Isn’t that right, Ameno?”

They did make a lot of food for two people.

“I guess. Yeah.”

“Great!” Naruto didn’t notice or care for the hesitation.

The dinner wasn’t as awkward as the last. They got along together a lot better than everyone else. She seemed to understand Gaara’s still not the same scared child he once was. He was doing his best to be their leader. WIth his help, Sunagakure had seen great improvements. That’s all she seemed to care about now.

“So, they are friends?” Gaara asked.

“No. The blonde hates him. Used to bully him like a real jerk. But he doesn't care, he wants the asshole to see that they are the same now. That he’s going to be number one.”

“Ah.” This was obviously the type of show Naruto would like, “And that’s their teacher.”

“Yeah, but he’s never taught a day in his life, and it shows.” Ameno answered.

“I think he’s a great teacher.”

“That's because you learn best on your own.” she said.

“He’s really inspiring.”

“He’s never written a lesson plan in his life.” She points at the tv, as if the man on the screen could hear him.

“You're just saying that because you have a crush on the other guy.”

“I would never allow my personal opinions to affect my professional evaluations.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

They talked through the entire show. It was hard to follow the plot or the conversation. Gaara still enjoyed the night.

Sweet spring fruit ripping in Gaara's hands. Sticky viscous liquid overflowing from the source. Heat, warmth, wet, diving into the slick folds of Naruto’s pussy. Movement so known to Gaara now, it was practically second nature.

Moans filled his ear as Gaara slowly woke up to the world. Naruto’s eyes were closed. He wasn't fully awake yet, but his body was reacting so sweetly. Naturally complying to Gaara’s whims.

Oh fuck.

Naruto was in heat.

They hadn’t agreed on what they were going to do when this happened. The subject was brushed under the rug long ago. It was risky sharing a bed as often as they did, but Naruto did promise he knew when it was coming.

Gaara was pulled to the source of his wild temptations. His body was built for this situation. Naruto was an Omega, and Gaara was an Alpha. They were designed to be together. He could just let loose to his nature, give up his control to the pheromones that connected them.

Any smell of rot that once existed, was overtaken by sugary oranges. Begging for a bite. Such a sweet little omega. Needed an alpha. Needed a good alpha.

“Nnnha,” Naruto woke up. Hands slid over Gaara's body, falling prey to his hormones as well.

“I think you're in heat.” Gaara said, like an idiot.

“Don’t care,” lips kissed down Gaara’s neck, “smells good.”

That was all the encouragement Gaara’s alpha needed.

Omega wants.
Omega needs.
Alpha provides.

Naruto was his. Now was the opportunity to show him. Gaara released more pheromones, to call his omega closer.

Naruto gagged.

“I have to go!” Naruto held his mouth, and ran to the bathroom.

Gaara called back his sand from reacting. Alpha instincts screaming at him to keep his omega in his nest. He knew it was wrong.

Throwing up could be heard from the other room. Gaara waited a second or two to see if it would stop. Maybe something from last night just didn’t agree with him. When it was apparent that Naruto wasn’t coming back, Gaara decided to join him.

Naruto looked dead.

Blue eyes glassed over, no longer in his own body. Naruto hugged the toilet seat as if his life depended on it. If Gaara touched him, he hurled. Coughing and spewing more into the porcelain bowl. When he was done a flush.

“What's going on?” It wasn’t normal.

No response.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Still nothing.

“Can I get you some water?”

Nothing.

Even though Naruto said nothing, Gaara still left the room to get him some water. It was something to do. It was something that could help.

Gaara sets a glass of warm water by Naruto’s hand, “You should drink it.”

Naruto glanced over at it. Pathetically tried to reach for the glass. No strength was left in his hand to actually grip it. Water spills onto the floor with a clank. The omega looks to be on the verge of tears.

The wound on his neck was getting worse. It screamed and yelled of an omega in distress. Black putrid pus-like venom escaped the gland again. Gaara thought Naruto was getting better.

Fix it.
Fix it.
Fix it.

“Don't worry I’ll get some more.”

Naruto seemed to finally be able to see that Gaara was next to him, “‘s ‘kay. S’rry.”

Gaara doesn't listen to him, he throws a towel over the water. Trying to cover Naruto without touching him. The fallen glass gets set by the bathroom sink, as he goes to the kitchen for a new one.

“Here,” Gaara holds out the new glass.

A shaking hand tried to reach, he doesn't want a repeat of last time. Gaara knelt down beside his omega. Ignoring the putrid smell of rotten tomatoes burning his nose, his hand went to support Naruto’s wobbly head.

“Come on,” Gaara helped support Naruto’s hand. It might be harder, but at least this ensures some water does end up in Naruto’s mouth.

It doesn't settle. The water just diluted the vomit that now fills the bowl. Naruto’s body wouldn’t keep it down. Gaara sighed, he couldn't help.

Gaara called for a med-nin.

“What did you do?” She came out of the bathroom hot. Furious. Angry. Ready to fight.

It triggered everything in Gaara to respond with the same energy. In some sense he admired her for being able to stand up to him like that. This type of furry had only ever been seen from his sister, Naruto, and once his brother. No one else dared talk to him this way.

So he had to respect that.

However, his alpha had a different take. Gaara's omega sits in the bathroom throwing up, in pain, in extreme distress, and she dares to think it is his fault. He would never harm Naruto. He’s the one that called her here to help.

Gaara takes a deep breath, he can’t let the rage win, “I called you here to help.”

“Bull shit.” She stomps closer, “Naruto’s experiencing severe Mate Rejection. Something I’ve only seen with patients whose alphas have died in battle. Since you're right here… What did you do.”

It wasn’t a question.

It was a demand.

“I didn’t do anything.”

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m not.” Gaara informed her, “I’m not his mate.”

“I’m serious, don’t lie to me. Naruto’s life hangs in the balance, and you expect me to believe you're not his mate. You're going to keep that bullshit up now?”

“I’m not lying to you. Naruto’s mate abandoned him when he was twelve.”

“Twelve? Who the fuck mates an omega fresh off their first heat?" She's not one to curse like this. She had always been a peacekeeper in Naruto’s friend group.

“A missing-nin.” Gaara got to unload all of his least favorite Uchiha Sasuke Facts onto her, “A man who shot to the top of some of Konoha's Bingo Book in a matter of days. An alpha who left him abandoned, bleeding out, five feet from a rising tide. A man who partners with Orochimaru as we speak. A man who reports said took out an entire army last week. A man who Konoha and, more importantly, Sunagakure have been searching for since that day.”

Gaara conveniently left out that this ‘man’ was also 12 at the time.

Ameno’s brain seemed to fill in the gaps with the worst, “Oh…”

“Yeah. So I would appreciate it if you stopped comparing me to him, and started helping Naru-

Naruto stumbled out of the bathroom. Somehow back on his own two feet, even though he looked like death. He seemed to have a mission to return to his nest, hugging the door as if his life hung in the balance.

“Hey, love. Sorry for scaring yo- Ameno! When did you get here?”

“Naruto. You need to sit down.” She instructed. When one started to feel like they were to pass out. The safest thing was to reduce the distance from them and the floor.

“That’s what I’m trying to do. I need to get back to my nest.” he holds an empty trash can from the bathroom, “I just needed to get this.”

Gaara didn’t let this play out for any longer. Closing the distance between them. Sand ready to catch his omega at a moment's notice. He instantly supports the other's weight just in case.

“Love, baby, don't worry. I’m fine.” Naruto tried to push away from the help he so desperately craved.

“No. You're not.”

“Lord Gaara’s right. You're experiencing extreme Mate Rejection right now. We need to get you to the hospital.”

“I don’t need the hospital. I’ll be fine.” He tried, but failed, to wiggle out of Gaara’s arms, “I just need to take my meds and go to bed.”

“Are they the meds Haruno gave you?” Gaara asked.

“No, the old hag. She gave me enough for a year before I left Konoha.”

Gaara let Ameno know, “Lady Tsunade.”

She nodded, “Okay, that’s good. Where are they?”

“I’m trying to get them, but Gaara wont let me.”

“Just point them out. Lord Gaara can take you to your nest, while I get them for you.”

“You guys are over reacting…” Naruto pointed over to the kitchen, “they’re in there.”

Gaara lifted him up with minimal resistance. A few long strides and they made it across the apartment and back into his room.

“Is this okay?” Gaara asked before placing Naruto in his nest.

“We’re already here, so you might as well.” Naruto wasn't used to this.

Gaara shook his head, placing him gently into the bed, “is there anything else you need?”

“I’m fine.” Naruto moves around the nest to get more comfortable, “This one actually isn’t as bad as the others. I think I’m getting better.”

If this was better, Gaara didn’t want to know what was worse. Naruto could barely move 10 minutes ago. How could he have possibly survived this on his own.

Naruto refused to go to a hospital. Said he just wanted to be in his nest all day. Which Ameno said there could be a shock if they forced an omega out of their nest in the middle of the heat. Ameno eventually left the apartment, with strict rules for Gaara to follow.

Gaara’s holding on to him, rubbing his stomach trying to will the cramps away. Naurto was still in extreme pain. Gritting down on his teeth through each wave of what should have been pleasure.

Gaara somehow appeared next to Naruto in a red room with thick bars. The walls were carved with intricate spirals on spirals. A dizzying effect of madness surrounds him. It reminded him of the space in his own mind that Shukaku resided in.

“Are you the Nine Tails?” Gaara asked the voice.

Golden eyes appear in the cage. A toothy smile next. The shadow of an all consuming beast made its presence known.

The floor beneath them was coated in an inch of water or blood. It's hard to tell in the low light. Each step forward made a splash.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“He’s lying, Gaara.” Naruto appeared behind him, holding onto his stomach in pain.

“I know. I dealt with Shukaku.”

“You can’t remove the seal. It will free him.”

“I won't.”

“Stop tormenting Naruto.” Gaara commanded of the beast, “He’ll get better on his own.”

“You don’t have a choice. If he dies, you go with him.” Gaara knew this game. He’s played it since he was a baby. Shukaku killed not to keep Gaara safe, but to keep himself safe.

Chapter Text

“Oh yeah,” Naruto announced to the class with a large smile, “for your next test the goal is to kill me.”

A mixture of “What?!” and “How?!” and “That's not possible!?” filled the classroom. That was not a doable test for these would be genin. Naruto might technically only be a genin, but that’s because he never finished the Chunin Exam.

Shadow Clone Jutsu.

“Don’t be like that. You’ll do it in teams of three.” All 7 of his clones hold up three fingers, “and these clones are only going to use physical attacks. While you are not limited to what you're able to do. It will be easy.”

While his last heat was horrendous, it only took him out for a day. The next morning he was back to normal. Even better than normal, Naruto’s mark was almost fully healed. There was barely any of the previous alpha’s venom active inside him. It had stayed in the dormant state with no signs of becoming its former glory.

Ameno diagnosed him as ‘lucky to be alive.’

Which was much better than Tsunade's diagnosis of ‘being a dumb bitch.’

It didn’t matter, Naruto still had a class to teach.

They were in the outdoor tournament area, split into 7 Teams of 3. The assignment for their test was easy. The goal was to destroy one of Naruto's clones. Each clone was restricted to only using taijutsu, but they wouldn't know it was mostly defensive maneuvers. The children were not restricted in any way, well, besides the fact they had to use teamwork.

Once they completed this task, they would fill out the forms as if it were a real mission, and submit that to Koji. So they got an idea on how real world missions work. It's not all fun and kunai.

A few teams understood the power of teamwork faster than others. They had destroyed Naruto’s clones in record times. Leaving only 5 teams remaining.

A kunai flung towards Naruto’s head - stopped by sand.

“Hey, not fair!” The kid yelled, “You're ruining our midterm!”

“Midterm?” The Kazekage asked.

“Yeah, for the midterm they have to kill me.” Naruto ignored the students to talk to his boyfriend.

“Kill you?” They had outlawed tests like this for academy students.

“Oh! I’m a clone. Don’t worry.” the omega twirled in place.

“Ugh, does this mean we failed?” The student complained.

“What? We can’t fail.” Another student chimed in.

“The old man ruined our test.”

The ‘old man’ was 17 years old, “Test?”

“Yeah, lov-Lord Gaara,” The first time Naruto had ever used that phrase, “a test. They are supposed to destroy my shadow clone in a team of three.”

“That’s Lord Gaara?! Like the Kazekage?!” The child asked.

“Yes,” this was the reason Gaara didn’t like to walk around without his robes on. They were another extension of him, like his sand, designed to protect him. People, his people, would be able recognize the authority of the Kage position and forget that Gaara was even the one who held it.

“Like for real?”

Naruto laughed, “Yes, that is the Kazekage. He’s here visiting today, because-?

“I wanted to see how the kids' midterms were going.” The real reason is Gaara knew that his time with Naruto was limited, and a meeting was canceled, so he thought of inviting the blonde to lunch.

“Oh!” Naruto smiled, pointed to the bleachers, “You can sit over there and watch. But you can’t interfere any more. You gotta give them a fair chance.”

“You can’t talk to the Kazekage like that.” the young boy said, very sternly.

“I can’t?” Naruto laughed.

“Yeah… he’s very strong.”

“Oh, is he now?”

“Yeah! He’s the strongest in the village. I bet he could kick your ass.”

“Language.” Naruto scolded, “and you really think so?”

Gaara didn’t understand what Naruto was doing, “you shouldn’t threaten our Leaf shinobi. They are here to help us.”

Naruto just laughed, “It's fine, lov-Lord Gaara. He’s just excited.”

Hm.

“How about this if you three can pass this test, I’ll see if we can convince Lord Gaara to show you what he’s capable of.” Naruto looked over at him expectantly.

“Really? You mean it?” The kid looked over too.

Gaara shrugged his shoulders in approval. This wasn't how he was expecting to spend his lunch break, but the kids seemed to enjoy the idea. It might help them to see how real shinobi fight.

Naruto smiled, “Good. Now come on, your almost trailing behind -

Poof.

One of the other kids got Naruto when he wasn’t paying attention.

“You really mean we can see you fight, right?!”

“If there’s time today. I’m sure Naruto wouldn’t mind being my partner.” He still had to be back in the office.

The real Naruto, at least Gaara assumed was the real Naruto, walked up to their group, “Great job on passing guys. Go clean up and see Koji-sensei to submit your reports.”

“Yes, sensei!” the one that actually got the winning point shouts. Already making their way back to the locker rooms.

“Lord Gaara, said if there's time today we get to see him fight.”

“Yeah?” Naruto smiled, looking over to Gaara.

“It would be useful to see trained shinobi fight.” Gaara let him know, “I still have a meeting in a few hours.”

“Okay. I think there's only a few more teams that need to wrap up. So we should be able to fit in your schedule. Join me over at the bleachers while we wait.”

“Sure.” Gaara followed behind Naruto.

“Don't forget to submit your reports!” Naruto shouted at the kids running off to the locker rooms.

“Is it just like how you remember it?” Naruto asked.

“Hmm?”

“The school.”

It somehow seemed brighter, and more full of life than Gaara remembered, “It's better.”

“Stop being so cheesy.” Naruto leaned back, “Why are you really here anyways?”

“I was going to take you to lunch.”

“Oh, do you want to split mine with me while we wait?” He pulled it out of his pack.

It was a good sized bento, enough for two people to have a small portion. It was cutely decorated the same way he remembered his classmates having theirs done up. That type of meticulous preparation that only parents who loved their children, or wanted to show off, would do.

“It looks nice.”

“Thank you. Ameno and Matsuri have been teaching me some stuff with it. Apparently there's this whole artform to making lunch.”

“You seem to be doing better,” Gaara looked Naruto over.

“I told you my hea-” Naruto changed the words to, “-times were short but intense.”

“That wasn’t the type of ‘intense’ I was expecting.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” the omega scowled.

“You could never-

Naruto crossed his arms, “Don’t lie, you were hoping for an all day fuc-fun fest.”

“I wouldn't be opposed, but no, I just felt unprepared. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to ever have to see me like that.” Naruto kept his eyes focused on the food between them.

“Why not? I’m your,” they were still in public, even if they were on the bleachers far away from others, “boyfriend after all.”

Naruto smiled at that word, “Yeah, but-

“So, you should have come to me if they were like that. I could have helped.”

“You saw there wasn’t much for you to do. I throw up, pass out, then throw up again. Sometimes Kyuubi taunts me about it. You would have gotten bored of that.” Naruto meant ‘annoyed at him,’ “Besides I told you, it's getting better. A few more and I’ll probably be back to normal.”

“Do you at least have someone else to watch over you? Ms Haruno or Lady Tsunade? Or even Lord Jiraya? It's dangerous for you to be like that.”

“Pervy Sage usually leaves me to my own devices. He makes sure he's around so no one bothers me, but he doesn't help much besides that.”

“Your next one, I want you to come to me.” Gaara said firmly.

“It will be the same as the last one, alpha.”

“That’s why I want you to come to me. You need someone to take care of you.”

“I’m fine on my own.”

“Why can’t you let me be your alpha?” Gaara wasn’t angry, he was disappointed, which was worse.

Naruto nervously laughed, “You are.”

“You don’t let me provide for you. It's my job to make sure you're alright.”

“I don’t want to be someone's job.” Naruto had already asked for too much help from Gaara, if he kept asking he’s afraid of what their relationship would become.

“Job was a bad word, but you know what I mean.”

“I might not even live here the next time I have one.” They were irregular, and apparently now he didn’t get warning signs.

“Write in a request, I’ll set up the arrangements.” Gaara said, “Or just show up, and I’ll figure it out after it's over.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“I’m asking you.” Gaara didn’t want to say, “The same people who killed me earlier this year are hunting you. You’re so vulnerable in that state. You couldn’t drink a glass of water by yourself. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.”

Naruto almost removed the seal on Kyuubi when they took away Gaara. If it weren’t for Kakashi’s guidance he would have. It was only a miracle that Gaara was sitting here with him now.

“I guess- I guess I can try.”

“Okay.” Gaara knew that was all he could ask for.

Naruto took a big bite of the lunch, trying to change the subject, “I can’t believe my time’s almost up.”

“There’s two months left.” Gaara placed his hand on Naruto’s thigh.

“Yeah… I think I’ll miss it though. I liked teaching a lot more than I thought.”

Gaara smiled, “I’m glad.”

“It’s, like, really rewarding to watch them grow and learn.”

“They seem to respect you.” Gaara knew he couldn’t invite Naruto back right away. Sunagakure needed a med-nin to teach next. At least this was hope for the future of another potential long mission to keep them close.

“That’s what Ameno said too, but if you saw them in the classroom, you might change your mind. They are a bunch of restless kids.”

“I’m sure they’re not as bad as you think.”

The two of them share lunch together watching the final students finish up their exams. Both completely didn’t care about how they looked to outsiders. Just like two people madly in love.

The last of the kids finished up with enough time for Gaara and Naruto to have their Spar. Some of the other teachers joined in, to watch the spectacle. Most haven't seen the extent of Naruto’s abilities. And have seen too much of the extent of Gaara’s.

They stand in the gym's arena. A rounded circle, with painted lines over compacted sand. It was definitely a home field advantage for Gaara. The teachers started taking bets among themselves.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve done something like this.” Naruto stretched.

Gaara stood perfectly still, as his fox circled around him. Naruto would make the first move, he always does. Gaara’s more of a reactionary fighter.

“I can’t believe the kids convinced you to do this.”

Gaara doesn't even turn his head, he doesn't need to, he can feel each of Naruto’s movements, “I had the time today.”

Naruto threw three kunai at Gaara's back, knowing it would be stopped by sand. He wanted to see how it stopped. If it came from the gourd, he knew the field was still semi-safe. If it came from the ground, he knew that he had to watch his step.

From the ground.

Naruto’s fucked.

Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Starting off strong was the only way he might have a chance. 100 clones should do it, he’d attack Gaara from all sides and one of them would have to make it through. They all dog-piled onto Gaara’s location.

A massive spiked sand barrier blocked them. Popping any that made contact. For each one that popped, Naruto made two more.

Gaara realized something. All of the clones knew that they were clones. Which allowed them to act more reckless. WIth this in mind, Gaara was almost 100% sure he’s identified the real Naruto. The one that’s a few from the back of the group.

The one that’s now forming a rasengan.

That should have been the real hint. A small but powerful swirl of air was created into Naruto’s hand. The Shadow Clones were just a distraction. They kept coming in every direction. If Gaara was going to focus on making a shield powerful enough to block Naruto’s ultimate attack, he’d have to weaken other spots that would let the clones in.

It was a calculated risk, but a risk he’d have to take. All of his sand formed a wall 10 ft thick in the most obvious blast zone. Thinning out to a couple of inches everywhere else. The clones were able to punch dents into the walls, but no further than that.

Naruto ran.

As soon as the spireling ball of air touched Gaara’s shield, Naruto pulled back. It dissipated into nothingness and his bare hand struck instead. Gaara softened the area of impact. Swallowing Naruto whole into his sand.

The Konoha-nin was now rendered immoble.

Lord Gaara won.

Later in the classroom, the Kazekage walked in, “You let me win.”

“I didn’t let you win. I just… made a rule for myself.” Naruto said. Finishing up some of the grading from the kids' fights. He needed to add specific notations to each student's report. While he could still remember them as separate events.

“What was this rule?”

“I couldn’t break your shield.”

“Why would you limit yourself?”

“The kids… Love. I don't think you realize this. The kids I teach, they don’t know you… well, they don't know your past.” Naruto explained, “most of them weren't alive for it. If they were, they definitely weren't conscious.”

“Okay…?”

“You know what they do remember?”

Gaara tried to think of something, “No.”

“They remember the Akatsuki attack earlier this year. They remember being saved by your Ultimate Defense. They still talk about it. Some even draw it…” Naruto looked for some of the children's drawings, “I can’t take that from them.”

“Oh.” Gaara never thought about it. These kids only know the stories their parents tell. They didn’t live through it.

“One day they might learn you are not completely unbreakable, it's not going to be from me. But right now they need you to be their unstoppable Kazekage.” Naruto looked side to side, making sure they were alone, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Lunch was more eventful than Gaara set out for it to be.

Things with Naruto usually were.

Chapter Text

The six months were almost up.

Naruto wished he didn’t have to leave so soon. He was really enjoying his time here, but he had his responsibilities elsewhere. Jiraiya mentioned another mission soon, something about finally getting a lead on the Akatsuki.

At least he knew he could always come back.

Naruto added clean blankets into his nest. He just did laundry for the week, and it was time for a change. It’s very therapeutic to maintain. He got to decide where everything went, with the knowledge that it was going to be safe.

“I have to take apart my nest soon.” he sighed.

Gaara forgot that Naruto didn’t actually live in Suna, because he asked, “why?”

“Love, The six months are almost up…”

“Right.” Gaara confirmed, “So, Jairya should be here in 2 weeks?”

“Yeah, he said there was something going on that we had to look into. He also wanted to check up on where my training with the toads was going.”

“Did he say how long he thought it would take?”

“... No.” Naruto added, “Unfortunately.”

Gaara nodded.

“But I could definitely stop by before going back to Konoha.”

“Wouldn’t that be out of the way?”

“So?”

Gaara smiled, “it will be nice to see you. You know…” he couldn’t let Naruto go without a fight, “You don’t have to pack everything up. We can keep this apartment here for you.”

“That’s too much.”

“It's not.”

Shinobi housing, specifically the apartment districts, were notoriously cheap. A large portion of it was stabilized by the state. As they were a part of the military funding of each nation's shinobi villages. So it wouldn't be much for Gaara to take over for a few months or longer.

Gaara’s instincts told him he had to protect his omegas nest. He couldn’t let it go out of his domain. It had to be near him. This was where he and his omega made a home.

“I don’t even know the next time I’ll be back for an extended period of time. Me and the Pervy Sage have a lot on our plate. The Akatsuki are becoming more active and everything.” Naruto didn’t mention Sasuke.

“You’ll be back, though?”

“Yeah.”

“Then there will be a place waiting for you.”

“You're ridiculous, love.” That was the closest to a yes Naruto would give.

Gaara wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist, head leaning on his shoulder, their scent glands almost touching in this position, “I’ll take care of your plants, too.”

“I can’t ask you to do that. Especially not on top of everything else.” Everyone Naruto asked before would always forget to water them.

Naruto would get so excited to see them healthy on the windowsill. Only to find them dead when he finally got home. Eventually he stopped asking people, and just put them outside and hoped the weather would take care of them. They fared better that way.

“I noticed the ones you had in Konoha were dead. I wouldn’t want that to happen to the ones here. I’ll move them into the greenhouse when you're away. When it's time for you to return, I’ll move them back.” Gaara was taking care of everything.

“I guess.” That didn’t sound so bad. Gaara had already spent his time taking care of plants. A few more wouldn't kill him.

“Good.” Gaara won that battle fair and square.

It was still weird for Naruto to have someone who he could rely on for anything. He had to remind himself, the last time he reached out Gaara said yes immediately. Gaara’s the reason Naruto was as healthy as he was now. He didn’t feel like he deserved all of this.

“Ummmm…” Naruto knew it was now or never, "I don’t know how to say this, but…””

“Yeah?” he prepared for the worst.

“I might - I kinda - I - I’d like your help with something else… too.”

Gaara smiled, “That would be?”

“I want to break my bond with… Sasuke, but, uh, I need your help. I know its a lot to ask of-

"I'll do it." Gaara could kill Sasuke.

"You don't even know what I'm asking you to do." Naruto laughed.

He does, but "it doesn't matter."

"I think you might change your mind when you find out."

"Naruto, it wouldn't be my first time doing something like that."

"What? I can't believe you've done that before… Wait- What do you think I want you to do?"

They said at the same time:
"You want me to kill Sasuke."
"You bonded with another omega?!"

Again, they said at the same time, "What?! No."

"You think I shared a bonded myself to another omega?"

"You thought I wanted you to kill Sasuke?"

"You want to bond with me?"

“Are we just going to ignore that you want to kill Sasuke? He’s still my friend.”

“No,” Gaara would like to, but “It’s one of the ways Lady Tsunade told me would free you from your bond. So I thought-

“Of course she did… You know there’s others right?”

“I didn’t, actually.” Gaara knew she mentioned them in passing, but never told the details.

“My bond hasn't been renewed in a bunch of years, or, like, whatever, so it should be easy for another alpha to write over it.” Nartuo shrugged away, “But. you know, you don’t have to. I know it's a lot.”

“I can do it.” When he’s done bonding with Naruto, Gaara will probably still kill Sasuke anyway. For making Naruto think he wasn’t worth bonding with in the first place. That was a crime worth death.

“You might not even have to do it-do it… like go all the way or whatever. Like actually bite me, ya’ know. Sharing a few more heats with you as my alpha might be all I need to get him out of my system.”

Gaara thought about it, Naruto might not actually want to be bonded to another alpha for a while. He spent most of his time as an omega tied to someone who didn’t care if he lived or died. It could be better for him to be free to experience what his life would be without any bond. To be his own person.

Though his inner alpha had many other colorful replies. It painted his mind with images of the omega in front of him in all types of compromising positions. Slick soaked pussy devouring his cock, as he finally bites down on his prize. Filling him with alpha venom that would make the omega all his. The promise of him returning over and over again for the rest of their lives.

Gaara figured to ask the best person to mediate the war in his mind, “Are you sure you want to be bonded to another alpha again?”

“It wouldn’t be another alpha… It would be you.”

They’ve kissed many times before, but tonight felt different. Naurtos heart fluttered into a frenzy. He’s trying to throw every emotion he’s falling into his actions. Appreciation. Devotion. Love.

Large hands roam all over, groping at the thin fabric covering Naruto’s tight ass. Sliding in between his legs. Fingers rubbing at the mound in between. Naruto moans, rubbing furiously, chasing his pleasure.

Gaara’s face twisted into a satisfied grin. He wanted to tease his omega, hands roam up underneath Naruto’s shirt. Gaara plays with Naruto’s perky pecs. Squeezing the soft swollen nipples.

Naruto was like a clay in his hands. So sweet, wet, and ready to be molded by each movement. The omega moaned into their kiss, “More.”

Gaara slid off Naruto’s shirt, then his boxers. Exposing him to the elements. He didn’t bother to ask for permission to place Naruto into their shared nest, before joining him.

Their lips met again in the safety of the nest. The omega was protected under his alphas weight. Lips trailed down Naruto’s neck, stopping at the scent gland. Taking in as much as he could, engorging himself in oranges. When he had his full he went futher south.

Gaara sucked on his omegas nipples to the point of overstimulation. Dusky little nubs hareding with the lightest breath of air. His hand scooped over Naruto’s chest, admiring his work.

“It’s not fair,” Naruto said.

“What?”

“You're still wearing clothes.”

Gaara wasn’t for long. The shirt was flung somewhere in the room with no care. Thumbs loop through both his pants and underwear, yanking them down at one.

“Better?”

“Much.” Naruto eyed his hardened cock.

Naruto flipped them over, taking control of the situation. He got his mouth around the tip, moaning all the way down. Slobbering and sucking back up. The sounds he’s making was a performance that would make porno actors blush.

“You're so fu-cking good, omega.” Gaara guides him back down.

His omega can take a lot. Glazed over eyes, lost deep in pleasure. Gaara didn't want this to be their whole night. HE had other plans. He pulled Naruto off with a soft pop.

A sound of slight distress leaves Naruto’s lips.

“Don't worry, omega. I’m still here.” Gaara pushed him back further into their nest, “Spread. Show your alpha how much you want it.”

Naruto listened to his alpha, legs spread open. Hairless chubby slick soaked cunt only an inch from his face. Gaara can’t wait to devour him. A mess of juices took over his senses. One lick was all it took to shock his omega’s system. Naruto’s thighs try to clamp close against Gaara's head.

The alpha pulls them down to his shoulders to keep them separated, “We’re just getting started, omega.”

Dragging his tongue across his leaking hole.

Hole clenched around nothing.

Naruto squealed, back arching up as soon as Gaara hit the right spot with his fingers. Gaara just rests there for a second. Naruto uses wobbly legs to thrust back against it.

Hands grip into the sheets.

The sheets were already soaked. Light orange cream color now had a very dark puddle beneath them. The bed would probably permanently smell of slick.

Naruto tried to run away from the pleasure. Heels digging into the bed pushing himself away from Gaara’s impossibly thick fingers. They don't stop. Not yet. Gaara used his other hand to pull Naruto back down on them.

Gaara was so horny that it hurt. His balls ached to fill up the omega under him. Cock throbbing with anticipation of Naruto’s warm wet walls constricting against him. Just a few more seconds, Naruto’s almost-

“Fu-fu-fuck! Gaara!” Naruto spasms around his fingers, coating his forearm with slick, as he cums.

Gaara quickly lathered his cock in some of Naruto’s slick to get it ready. The tip of his cock kissed the slit of Naruto's twitching pussy. Gaara rubs in beads of his precum into the lips, as a prehistoric way to mark his territory.

“I’m going to put it in now.”

Naruto’s eyes glazed over, basking in the afterglow of his orgasm, “Huh?”

Gaara knew he should take this slow, but it's like Naruto’s sucking him in. His nine and a half inch cock fully sheathed in a matter of seconds. Naurto’s pussy clamps down as if measuring all of it internally.

Naruto squirts out more useless seed from his twitching cocklette. Another orgasm rolls through his entire body. Omega’s were built different, literally designed for multiple orgasms. Gaara lets him ride out the first one on his cock, enjoying every bit of it.

Naruto’s vision blurred out as he was on cloud nine. Not even aware of how his body was reacting. All of his synaps were firing at once. Static electricity. His alpha filled him so well, good alpha. Good alpha. Good Alpha. Alpha. Alph-fuck.

“I’m going to star-

Naruto was crying.

Gaara stopped, “Are you okay? Am I hurting you?”

“No-no I'm okay. It just-” he tried to thrust back but his body too lost, Naruto needs “It just feels so- fuck, we’re fucking - I can’t… I don’t-

Gaara started to pull out.

Naruto used his remaining strength to wrap his legs around the other's waist, “Don’t! Don’t go. Feels - good. So good. Don't - stop. Please. Please. Alpha. Alpha. Need.”

Gaara slammed back in.

“Alpha!” Naruto was a babbling mess of alpha and more, eyes fluttering in pleasure, tears still falling freely.

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m your alpha. It's my cock in you, baby.” Gaara let every possessive thought he had come out. “I’m going to flood your pussy in my cum. Make you smell of me for days. Let everyone know your mine, omega.”

Naruto was so long gone in his omegan headspace that he just ate it all up, “Yours, alpha, yours.”

His omega loved the idea of belonging to someone. Of being someone's most precious thing in the entire world. He would give himself completely to live forever in that feeling.

“All mine, omega. This pussy,” Gaara thrust, “Mine.”

Gaara gripped the back of Naruto's thighs to fold him in half. Granting him better access for what was to come next. Gaara’s knot kissed Naruto’s entrance. He thrust in and out with a light slap. Before finally pressing it in.

“Gaa-Gaara, yours, all yours, fu-” Naruto’s inner walls clamped down, fully locking Gaara’s knot in place, “-ck, Alpha, love you.”

It’s Gaara’s turn to cry, a few drops that could be confused for sweat, fall on Naruto's face as he said, “I love you, too.”

Thick white cum paints the inside of Naruto’s pussy, flooding into his womb. Twitch after twitch adds more inside. Thick knot rubbing against Naruto’s O and G spots keeps it from escaping. Gaara supported all of his weight onto the arms caging Naruto's head.

This was going to take awhile.

The real reason why omega’s can cum so much was how long it took for a knot to go down. Omega’s were designed to milk an alpha's cock for all it was worth. Gaara decided to use this to his advantage.

“I’m going to flip us over, okay?” He doesn't wait for a response and just does it.

Naruto’s sitting on his cock, back flopped over on Gaara’s knees. He’s in and out, head swaying back and forth. Trying to focus. Gaara takes his hand, presses it against where the tip of his cock was inside of him. Naruto shutters.

“That’s where you're getting filled, omega.” Gaara slid Naruto’s hand down his mons, blue eyes widened, “That's my knot plugging you up. Feel it?”

Tan legs shiver. Gaara massages the area outside, activating the O-spot even more. Naruto breathlessly screams as he squirts again and again on his cock. His hands curled in on themselves.

Below Naruto was his alpha. Red strands of hair glued to his face with sweat. Teal eyes looking back up at him.

“No more… I can’t-

It turned out he could.

Naruto woke up an unspecified amount of time later. Obviously cleaned up and put into his night clothes. Gaara lying peacefully asleep next to him. He’s not sure why he half expected him to be gone.

Gaara wouldn’t do that.

Fuck. Naruto realized he probably got more exhausted fucking this man than he ever did fighting him. His entire body refused to move from all the activity before, but he was content. Something about back to back orgasms really does something to his mental health.

Naruto planned to return in a few months to share Gaara’s rut with him. They would break the horrible bond Sasuke forced on him. Their lives would truly be connected after that. They could worry about all of the political backlash later.

Everything was perfect.

Nothing could ruin this.