Chapter 9: Of Woes and Festivals

Even though Gaara had claimed that Kankuro’s approval didn’t matter, it really did. Luckily for them, Temari had warned him in advance. So Lee had had nothing to worry about in the first place, Kankuro had already known.

Lee and Gaara separated quickly, the knight sporting an obviously larger amount of red on his features. Gaara had a little bit of light pink masking him, but Kankuro seemed oddly calm. You’d think he’d have at least some sign of shock on his face.

“I didn’t believe her at first, but strangely enough, you two do seem to make a good match.” Kankuro stated lightly, almost snickering. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the inevitable apology Lee was going to give him.

“I’m so sorry Kankuro-san, if you could ever forgive me for…” Came the lame explanation, and Kankuro decided to save them all the trouble of listening to it all and stopped Lee before he could get started.

“Sorry? For what? I can’t think of any reason why you’d need to apologize to me. In fact…” Kankuro came into the room, and the door swiftly shut behind him. “If anything we should celebrate!” He said grandly, as he gave Lee a congratulatory slap on the back. Which had the poor knight reeling onto his knees and off the bed. Usually, he’d be able to take something like that without budging, but all the nervousness drained him of any strength he might have once possessed.

“Look at what you’ve done now.” Gaara said simply, helping Lee back to his feet. Lee leaned on Gaara for a moment, but then remembered what he had told himself earlier. If anyone needed someone to lean on right now, it was Gaara. And Lee would at least feign confidence if it meant pleasing his ‘princess.’

“No, it’s fine. I’m just a little weak on my feet after that sudden spell.” Lee said, standing assertively by Gaara’s side. Kankuro gave them another observing glance.

“And Lee’s extra height masks your masculinity completely, she was right.” He said, smirking. Gaara gave him an ‘Oh you’re so not comical’ grin and made a noise of detest.

“Isn’t that the point?” Gaara said, giving Kankuro a slight glare.

“Yes, I guess you’re right. And it’s better this way, because now we don’t have to deal with all those obnoxious princes who thought they’d get a shot at being your betrothed.” Kankuro pointed out, still laughing inwardly at the whole situation.

Better late than never, Temari appeared at the door and came in to join the congregation. “So, what were they up to when you got here? I’m sorry I had to miss it, had to send off all those pestering guests.” She said, as she looked from Kankuro to the two men in question.

“Nothing too bad, I just seemed to have interrupted a passionate make-out session.” Kankuro replied grinning, knowing he might have exaggerated.

“I’m sorry, Temari-san, really…” Lee tried to start again, but the siblings were getting better and better at cutting him off.

“Cut it out with all the apologies. If my little brother really has chosen you, and you’re going to become apart of this family, you need to grow a spine.” Temari scolded, just as harsh as her brothers. They were what Lee needed to get better at being self-confident, but maybe this wasn’t the best thing for his health.

“You should really specify when you say ‘younger brother.’ Don’t get me confused with little miss princess over here.” Kankuro teased, motioning to the cross-dressing male beside Lee. Gaara grimaced, and gave Kankuro a harsh glare to show his displeasure.

“At least I don’t play with dolls.” Gaara said, revealing Kankuro’s hidden fetish. He’d been carving his own play toys since they were little and Gaara knew he still possessed that habit.

“They’re more like effigies anyway. Or maybe I’m dabbling in dark magic? Be careful, they might be used to manipulate unsuspecting victims.” Kankuro taunted right back, not missing a beat. If Lee hadn’t been in the room it would have been an all out show down.

“Okay, I think that’s enough.” Temari said unexpectedly, and looked out the window to see about what time it was. “We have to be at another meeting soon, so come on.” She added, starting towards the door. But Lee beat her to it and held the door open for them.

“Already? I need a break, I just got back!” Kankuro complained as he followed Temari out the door.

“That’s why I planed all the meetings for right after you got back, so you wouldn’t have time to go out with your associates and get completely intoxicated.” Temari replied swiftly, smiling. Gaara and Lee followed them out and down the hallway.

“Are you sure you’re feeling well enough for this?” Gaara asked Lee, remembering how easily Kankuro had knocked him over.

“You need someone to be at your side, right?” Lee remarked, grinning at Gaara. The red head didn’t outwardly smile, but looked somewhat reassured. “I assure you, I’m fine.”

“If you’re well enough to spew that obvious come on, I’m sure you’re fine.” Gaara now smirked as the knight’s face heated up. They followed Temari and Kankuro into the Meeting Hall for another monotonous gathering. But at least there was an at peace air about them that cleared the tedium, somewhat.
Another few days passed without any other major altercations. It was wearisome, to say the least. Their days were busy until the middle of the night, and the nights were hardest on the boys, especially with the upcoming betrothal.

The more Lee thought about it, the stronger he decided he had to become, and the more he was worried about his position. He didn’t see anything wrong with being with Gaara; actually, he was joyous beyond words that he was to become the man’s fiancé. But he was really worried that Gaara was just rushing into this without thinking ahead. Lee had been his only friend and companion inside these castle walls, but that didn’t mean he felt anything beyond friendship for him. Gaara had never really been with anyone beside the knight; maybe he just didn’t know what it would be like to spend time with someone else. What if later on Gaara regretted this? Lee could never regret it, but Gaara was in a very noble position. Gaara was the princess, and Lee was but a lowly knight. What would everyone else think of this arrangement? And if Gaara was the princess, marrying him would make Lee a prince. In Sabaku, a prince usually didn’t have much power, the women of Sabaku ruled completely. Being a prince in the family usually meant living a life of luxury without much work at all. Most wouldn’t think this a problem, but Lee was not a typical sort of person.

In the middle of one of these sleepless nights Lee made his way to Gaara’s chambers. He was going to see if Gaara was awake, which, more likely than not, he was. Gaara had told Lee that he could enter his room whenever he wanted, needless to say Lee had been too nervous to be that brazen. But now he needed answers, and he wasn’t going to get a chance like this again before the harvest, which was the next day.

The knight meekly cracked the door open and peered inside. He had never been in the room in the dark of the night, and it took his eyes a moment to adjust from the torches out in the hall to the sudden almost complete darkness of the princess’s quarters. When he could finally see the forms of objects in the darkness of the starlit room he noticed Gaara’s figure upon the bed, it seemed to be asleep. So Lee, slightly crestfallen, quietly backed away, and started to shut the door. But a voice stopped him, and he looked into the room once again.

“I said come in already.” Even Gaara’s soft voice carried in the darkness. Lee cautiously moved into the dim room once more, closing the elegant door behind him. In shadow, the crimson of the room was a pale black or deep amethyst. The teen before Lee moved, so that the knight could see his face as he moved ever closer to that glamorous bed once more. In the spur of the moment, of all the things that could happen and were happening in Lee’s mind, the knight almost forgot why he was here in the first place.

“I’m sorry if I awoke you.” Lee apologized faintly, still a good seven feet from the princess.

“I wasn’t asleep to begin with.” Gaara replied, sitting up against the pillowed headboard. He propped his elbow on his knee and rested his head onto that hand, still facing Lee’s vague form against the starlight. “Take a seat, no one’s watching.” Gaara teased and Lee finally moved to seat himself on the edge of the bed closest to Gaara. Then he rested his head on the pillowed headboard, and they both looked overly tired for two happy young men soon to be engaged.

“I’m sorry…” Lee started again, but was cut off after only that.

“Quit the apologies, there’s never anything to be sorry for.” Gaara scolded, he was more like his siblings than he would ever admit. They would break Lee of his habit and force him to be self-confident, no matter the circumstances.

“I’m s- I mean, okay.” Lee finally said, sighing into the headboard. “Can I ask you a few questions?”

“They can’t wait?” Gaara asked, again on the verge of betraying annoyance. “Soon we are to become fiancés, then we’ll have more time for these things.”

“It’s about that.” The knight replied timidly. When Gaara didn’t respond Lee assumed he could ask his questions. “Well, are you sure about this? I mean, you won’t regret choosing me later on, will you?” The ebony haired male finally expressed his woes, turning towards Gaara as he waited for an answer.

“It’s not like I have much of a choice in the matter.” Gaara didn’t look at Lee as he spoke; apparently, he had been thinking this over, too.

“Of course you do, you could have chosen anyone.” Lee said, looking at Gaara as he continued to look away.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Could I really have chosen anyone else?” The crimson haired young man asked, not wanting an answer. “You’re the obvious and the only choice, by far.” At this Gaara finally looked into Lee’s eyes, finding that he was still not at ease.

“Would you like to know why you’re the only one?” Gaara said, and Lee replied with a solemn nod. “Reason one, because you have accepted me and shown your skill at hiding my gender.” Maybe this wasn’t the greatest time for Lee to notice that under that blanket Gaara was wearing little to nothing. “Reason two is that you are already a citizen of Sabaku, and already apart of the castle.” Gaara was stating the facts, and they did seem to make things more believable. Or maybe Lee just wanted to accept it and move on because Gaara’s upper half was exposed to him? No, what Gaara was saying definitely made sense, but he’d have to think about it later on, when he was not seated next to him in bed.

“And another reason is that we seem to share a mutual affection for each other, that’s always good for a long term relationship.” Gaara stated, still meticulously listing off reasons for the already convinced knight. Maybe he shouldn’t have come here in the middle of the night. But it was too late to leave anytime soon now. And Lee quickly closed the gap between the two boys with a tight embrace.

“I love you, too, Gaara.” Lee said smiling. The words Gaara had used had been too stiff; Lee had to express his emotions like a normal teen would. And at this Gaara returned his embrace, with a blissfully sad look upon his face. Everything would turn out fine, right?

“At least take off your shoes before ambushing me in my own bed.” Gaara said after a long, peaceful moment. Lee quickly got off of the crimson haired boy and made his way to the edge of the bed again. “And leave the chain mail over there, also.” Gaara said, and Lee obeyed, unlacing his work boots, slipping them off and then removing his heavy shirt of chain. Now that he too was shirtless he felt a little sheepish about crawling into Gaara’s bed.

Lee hesitated, he didn’t know if he should do this while he was already so confused about his relationship with Gaara. They had messed around before but what if Gaara wanted to go past that? “Um… Gaara?” Lee said quietly, turning towards him but not moving any closer to him just yet.

“Just come over here, we don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.” Gaara demanded softly, and Lee let out a sigh of relief. He moved towards Gaara, who motioned for him to join him under the covers. It was kind of cold in Gaara’s room, since there was a massive window and no torches lit, so Lee was obliged to cover himself.

Despite what Gaara had said about not doing anything he still possessively put his arms around Lee’s neck and placed his body against the knights. Having the boy on top of this made Lee nervous, they’d gone through something like this before, but Lee didn’t feel up to it. He was too worried about everything to let his libido take over. He made a small sound of protest, even though his body welcomed the feeling.

“Shh,” Gaara shushed, placing his face in the crook of the knight’s neck. “You can sleep, I won’t do anything.” The teen said, his lips grazing the skin on Lee’s nape, almost making him shiver with pleasure. But he really was tired, and this bed was so comfortable. Before he could even think about protesting he was asleep, his arms wrapped securely around Gaara.

Though the ‘princess’ didn’t sleep, he stayed in a dream-like state, trying to merge himself with Lee, it seemed. He couldn’t possibly worry half as much with those strong, lean, and scarred arms embracing him for at least the remainder of the night. Luckily it was winter, so the night was longer and the day started later.

This day would start at the crack of dawn, though, and would be especially hectic. As soon as there was the slightest bit of pink in the sky the bells were wrung throughout the castle, making the knight below Gaara sit up rapidly, knocking Gaara to the side.

“What happened?” Lee said, looking around frantically when he realized he wasn’t in his own bed.

“The Festival’s happening, don’t be a fool.” Gaara said, sitting up with Lee, his legs still atop Lee’s. When Lee noticed his lack of clothing, and saw that Gaara was wearing only his sleeping shorts, he freaked.

“What happened?” He repeated, but it was a totally different question. Gaara gave him an annoyed look before answering.

“Nothing, you came in here and fell asleep.” Gaara explained, hoping Lee’s memory would catch up with him soon.

“So we didn’t do anything?” Lee replied with a question, trying to find out where his mind currently was. It didn’t seem to be in his head.

“No, we didn’t even go beyond an embrace.” The red head seemed bothered by this, but tried not to let it show. They’d get more time together after he announced their engagement, of course.

“Sorry.” Lee said, still forgetting not to apologize. But he leaned towards Gaara and brought their lips together, so Gaara didn’t have time to point out his mistake. When Lee started to pull his head back slowly, the younger teen put himself over Lee and straddled his hips. Since Lee’s mind wasn’t currently in he didn’t see a problem with them doing this and ignored the fact that the festival was already staring.

Lee brought his mouth to Gaara’s again after getting a good breath in him. In no time Lee felt the other male nipping at his lower lip, almost too passionately. And Lee started to slip his tongue into the mouth of the other boy, as he brought his hands to the small of Gaara’s back, daring to enter the male’s shorts.

The younger teenager pushed the elder one down, wanting to keep him there for as long as possible. But it didn’t get to stay that way very much longer. Just as Lee’s mind started to drift back into his head the entrance to Gaara’s bedroom seemed to burst open.

“I knew you two would be up to something. Just when I don’t need it! Hurry up and get presentable, be down in the hall in ten minutes or else!” Temari practically screamed at them, after barging into the room unannounced. Needless to say, this shocked Lee so bad he literally jumped right out of the bed and was half dressed before Temari even had time to leave the room again. Gaara, on the other hand, just slowly got out of the bed and gave a sigh of disappointment.

“How many times has this happened to us? Someone must not like us very much.” He said, referencing to how their passion had once again been interrupted by someone coming into the room. He swore that the next time this happened he wouldn’t care anymore, and he’d continue to have his way with Lee even if someone was watching.
“What?” Lee said, his shirt on backwards, his shoes untied and on the wrong feet. Seeing Gaara still not even attempting to get dressed he frowned. “Do you need some help?” Lee said, even though he looked like he needed some help at the moment.

“No, I can get myself ready. You better go change, you’ve only got about nine minutes left.” Gaara said, almost teasingly. Lee gave him a priceless look of bewilderment, and then was off to his room.

“I’ll see you again in only a few moments, Gaara.” Lee said, a wild grin on his face as he shut the door behind him and ran down the hall at top speed. Gaara walked over to the door and pressed his ear against it, waiting for the inevitable. In another moment he heard Lee as he fell on his face and let out a loud “Ow!” Gaara hadn’t bothered to tell Lee his shoes were still untied.

Gaara walked back towards his armoire as he chuckled to himself. He couldn’t help it, Lee was just too amusing. He opened the doors of the tall cabinet to find the gown Temari had instructed him to wear beforehand. It was the Sabaku colors for the official Harvest Day, black and orange. It was quite the gown, princess cut and full length, bishop sleeves, full circular skirt, with off the shoulder sleeves. The mid section of the dress was black, and so were the sleeves. A deep orange was used for the main part of the dress, and orange string was looped through the front part of the dress, over the back, creating a simple yet elegant pattern. For some unknown reason, Gaara found himself actually liking this dress a lot.

He quickly found his cotton and wrappings on the bottom of the armoire and strapped himself up. After he believed his fake breasts were secure he easily slipped into his refined gown. He then quickly put his black slippers on and made his way towards his bathing room. Grabbing the hairbrush and running it through his crimson locks he felt the need to hurry. Oh yes, if he didn’t get over there soon Temari just might destroy him. After his hair was done he placed a bit of perfume on himself. He wanted to be presentable, today there would be a lot of foreigners in the castle, and he didn’t want to seem improper.

Gaara was downstairs right on time, before Lee and after Temari had begun pacing. “There you are! Where’s Lee?” She asked, looking around to see if he was hiding for some reason.

“He went back to his room to get ready, I haven’t seen him since then.” Gaara reported, remembering how Lee had fell onto his face. Maybe he was still bleeding and that was the problem? Just as Temari was going to start loosing her sanity Lee appeared running down the hallway towards them.

“I’m sorry, Temari-san, am I late?” Lee said, his nose still bleeding. He held a kerchief to it but that didn’t make it any less obvious that it was broken.

“Lee, your nose is broken. Go to a medical assistant immediately, I don’t want to see you until your face has stopped bleeding.” She said, giving Lee a stern look. “I’ve got Gaara, go!” Lee nodded pathetically. Gaara had to admit, he was dressed well for a man with a profusely bleeding face. But as a large drop of Lees blood escaped the handkerchief and fell to the floor Gaara felt something inside him stir. It was a bloodthirsty impulse he hadn’t been familiar with before, and it passed as quickly as it came. Lee dashed away, off to find someone to fix his face.

“Come, Gaara, everyone’s awaiting your arrival at the gathering.” Temari said, finally smiling. It may have to be frantic, but this day wouldn’t be too bad, especially considering how well it had started.

They left the castle through the overly tall double front doors. The sun greeted them as the entered the courtyard, and Gaara’s eye’s failed him for a moment. The sunlight was intense at first, but pleasing after his eyes adjusted. When was the last time he had been outside? It seemed like forever ago.

Princess Gaara was greeting by cheers of approval and excitement. The foreigners, and most of the people of Sabaku, had never seen the princess before. Gaara couldn’t even think of backing away from all these people, because even if he could, Temari would probably kill him if he didn’t talk to each and everyone of the nobles. He started with the closest group, shaking hands and learning names. He’d never remember any of the names people were giving him, so he didn’t see the point. But he put up with it, and was proud of how well he faked a smile and happy greeting. He continued through the crowd, the band arriving after him and playing soft music so people could dance and celebrate. There was food, but Gaara could never make it over there. When he thought he was finally going to get a break a rich merchant’s son, or a younger noble would ask him for a dance. He was now grateful to his aunt for the dancing instructions she had given him.

Midday came before Gaara even got over to the refreshments, and while the sun was still directly overhead Lee finally arrived. He had a cloth band-aid over his nose to help it heal right and adorned an enormous grin when he at last spotted Gaara. He somehow made his way through the crowd to stand by Gaara’s side. The princess had currently been dancing with another young male when Lee approached. He bent to one knee formally, completely ignoring the man that currently had Gaara in his grasp.

“I’m so sorry for my late arrival, your highness.” Lee said, being as cordial and formal as possible. The other man backed away, finally getting that Gaara wasn’t going to continue dancing with him.

“I’ll see you later, Gaara-hime.” The man said with a smile and a wink. Gaara didn’t even acknowledge his absence, just like he had never acknowledged his presence.

“Lee, stand up. We’re past this.” Gaara sighed, even though he found Lee absolutely adorable with that bandage on his nose and that solemn look upon his face. Lee quickly obeyed and stood, brushing the dirt off of his pants.
“I’m sorry, I’m trying to act more like your body guard.” Lee said, as if they were undercover and he needed to act like he had when they first met.

“Why?” Gaara said, placing his hand of his hip and giving Lee an exasperated look.

“So no one suspects anything.” Lee said in a frantic whisper. Gaara almost rolled his eyes at this. He was tired of this, already tired of this day, these people, how Lee was acting in this crowd, how he hadn’t even gotten to get a drink yet. He didn’t normally swear, but fuck everyone! He was going to drink Lee’s saliva, right here, right now.

“Suspect, oh no one’s going to suspect a thing.” He truly smiled for the first time that day as he pulled himself toward the knight and pulled the knights head to his. Lee had left his mouth open in surprise, mistake one. Mistake two was not pushing Gaara away instantly, because now he was going to have his way. He immediately pushed his parched tongue into Lee’s mouth and found some refreshing liquid there. And when Lee pulled his face away there was a small string of saliva going from his mouth to Gaara’s. Gaara licked his lips in satisfaction. “No, they won’t suspect a thing. They’ll know it to be fact.”

The crowd was awestruck, and open mouthed at this sudden turn of events. The older nobles turned their backs, saying that it was utterly inappropriate. The younger generation all had pink in their cheeks at the sudden intense display of affection. And some middle-aged men turned to their wives and asked why they never did anything like that anymore.

Gaara, on the other hand, couldn’t care less. Actually, he was quite pleased. Now those young men had finally stopped bothering him. “Come, Lee, I’m thirsty.” Gaara said, grabbing the dazed knight’s hand. He practically dragged the male behind him as he made his way over to the refreshments.

Lee was completely speechless, and his face was a deep shade of red. He followed Gaara obediently, and didn’t even see all the people giving him peculiar looks. The knight was focused on Gaara, and if this had happened any earlier in their relationship, he might have run away screaming. But he wasn’t going to be nervous, he would just ignore all the others. Maybe eventually, he’d become confident enough to come face to face with them. He made a pact with himself; he’d become a better person, in the name of his love for Gaara.

The man on the knight’s mind, however, was currently preoccupied with the refreshments upon the table. The table was actually a few of the castles tables brought out here for the occasion, and being thus they were very grand. There was much to choose from, but now that Gaara was over here he found he didn’t have much of an appetite. He’d wait until the dinner banquet to eat. For now he’d grab a glass of wine and be done with it.

“Would you like a glass, Lee?” Gaara said, pouring his own glass as Lee stood silently beside him. Gaara thought for sure Lee was going to freak out and tell him how insane that last stunt was, but to his surprise Lee didn’t make a complaint.

“That’s wine, is it not?” Lee asked, looking curiously over at the liquid in Gaara’s cup.

“Yes, it’s tradition to drink wine at the festivals.” Gaara replied, and Lee shook his head.

“Then no thank you, I’m good.” Lee nearly backed away from the substance, almost like he was afraid of it. Gaara realized he had never seen Lee drink any sort of alcohol before, he always insisted on water or fruit juice.

“Is there any reason you refuse to drink alcohol?” Gaara asked, taking a sip of the wine after he looked up at Lee.

“It has a rather unhealthy effect on me.” Lee said, looking away as he remembered the first, and the last, time he had drank some of that accursed liquid. Gaara took note of this in his mind. One of these days he’d see what this ‘unhealthy effect’ was for himself. From the sound of it, this effect seemed very amusing.

Gaara noticed that they were now getting a bit more personal space after that public display of affection. He didn’t care what other people thought; he actually enjoyed the newfound silence. The small band had trouble starting up again, and the people talked in rapid whispers in their different groups. Gossip, the high classed women loved gossip almost as much as they loved their overly expensive jewels. Some women lived for gossip; others just participated for the excitement there was in every new rumor.

But who really needed to care? Tomorrow he was to announce Lee and himself fiancés. The rumors would only last the rest of this day, not long enough to cause any harm. And a few rumors might prove to be very interesting. If anyone offended him after tomorrow anyway, he’d just ordered him or her exiled. After tomorrow, a lot of things might change.

As Gaara was thinking of this and sipping at his glass of wine neither he nor Lee noticed an irritated looking Temari coming their way. She tapped Gaara on the shoulder and managed to keep her voice down to a loud whisper. “What were you thinking? Let me guess, you weren’t thinking, were you?” Temari was pretty stressed over this ordeal, especially when compared to the tranquil Gaara. He didn’t even miss a beat, and replied as soon as his glass had left his lips.

“I was thinking that I would finally get to have some entertainment for myself.” Gaara smirked at his sister, and Lee stood by his side, looking horribly guilty.

“You’re lucky that you’re coming of age tomorrow anyway. Just don’t do it again, and don’t talk to anyone yet. It’ll take me little while to get them back on your side. Hopefully nothing too bad will happen before the engagement is announced tomorrow. I don’t think word spreads that fast.” She now focused back on Gaara completely, giving him a look that cold send a chill down even his spine. “And if we loose any connections because of that little fiasco, I’ll have your head served to the offended to appease them.” With that she walked away, off to mend broken trusts. She really was a great asset to the country, if not only for her intimidating presence.

Gaara turned to Lee, setting his now empty glass onto the table. Lee looked at him, and Gaara could have sworn he saw a new fire in Lee’s eyes that he hadn’t noticed before. Lee was determined, and nothing could deter this knight when he was unwavering. What he was so resolute to do, well, that was a bit tough to explain. He was going to be absolutely faithful to Gaara, and do everything in his power for him. That would be better than hindering the ‘princess’ with his constant doubts.

“Dance with me.” Gaara said suddenly, turning to face Lee as Lee turned to face him. Lee simply nodded, smiling.

“I would be honored.” Lee replied as he took his princess’ hand, leading them towards the area marked off for ballroom dancing. He knew the basic steps of the waltz, but was sure he must have developed two left feet, for he was very bad at dancing. Nonetheless, he didn’t want to disappoint Gaara, so he placed one of his hands on Gaara’s hip and the other hand entwined with Gaara’s. Gaara placed his free hand on Lee’s shoulder, grinning.

When Lee didn’t start dancing, Gaara wondered if he would have to lead. “Do you know how to dance?” Gaara asked, looking up at Lee, who blushed slightly at the comment.

“Of course I know how to dance, it just took me a second to remember.” Lee replied too quickly, but Gaara decided to let him have a go at it.

In another moment, when the music had just begun to pick up again, Lee fell into step, Gaara following his lead. 1-2-3, 1-2-3, Lee tried to remember in his mind where his feet were supposed to go, and they started a rough waltz. Lee would almost trip, but Gaara was always one step ahead, compensating for Lee’s being one step behind. Soon Gaara was shadow leading Lee into a graceful waltz, and it was eye-catching to all the people around them. The standardization of Lee’s formal knights attire was plain enough against Gaara’s elegant ball gown to make it seem even more brilliant, making the couple look very handsome together. Lee’s blunt height also made Gaara look more and more like a real princess. Well, he was a real princess, other than the not actually being a female part.

Without realizing it, the two had started a gathering on the dance floor. Well, it was really just a squared off section of the courtyard, but soon it was filling to the brim with couples. Gaara and Lee still got a certain amount of space, since no one wanted to interrupt their graceful routine. There were elegant lifts, positively amazing flares of the skirts, and all the bodies seemed to be in perfect tune to the music, even the elder couples look magnificent going at their unhurried pace. And thus the festival was back to normal, no awkwardness was shown. It had either dissipated or was being hidden with great care. After another song or two, you couldn’t tell since the music blended together so nicely, Lee and Gaara left the crowed dancing area. They joined the other people who had either already tired of dancing or just hadn’t danced in the first place.
No longer ignored, a noble came to Gaara straight away, intercepting the two men almost before they had left the dance floor. Stepping away from the dancing group, Gaara conversed politely with the high official for a while. Lee stood readily by his side, silent unless spoken to, and polite in answering any questions asked of him.

Gaara quickly grew bored of being acknowledged again, but put up with it. It was only an hour until the banquet was too begin, since it began in the late afternoon and ended late into the evening. Gaara and Lee spent the next hour caught in conversations. Hours passed by quickly during the afternoon, it seemed. Maybe because they weather was so nice, the land didn’t want to spoil its people.

The bells were wrung again, not for the time, but for the staring of a feast. Everyone headed towards the dinning hall, which had been situated for more people than it was usually accustomed to. But Gaara and Lee were granted seats near the head of the largest table. Temari still sat at the head of the table, since she was still in charge for this festival.

There were people everywhere, Gaara noted. He hadn’t realized just how many royals and upperclassmen had attended the festival here at the castle. All the tables were full to the brim with people, chatting away with their neighbors about politics, war, commerce, and such other topics. But all the people were silenced when the food started arriving, brought in by various, well kept, kitchen slaves.

Since it was overly rude to talk with food in your mouth, it was finally relatively quiet, as quiet as it had been all day. Gaara relished in the fact that he could finally hear himself think clearly, and almost didn’t eat; he was enjoying the cease of the nonsensical chatter so much. He only realized he wasn’t eating when Lee nudged him and gave him an “are you okay?” look. Knights usually weren’t allowed to sit with the nobles at any gathering, but they all had learned early on that Lee was the exception. If they had forced Lee to sit elsewhere Gaara would have simply followed him, pleased that he would get to sit away from the aristocratic, self centered, busy bodies. But if Gaara left the dining hall, Temari knew that they’d have problems with the nobles, so Lee was allowed wherever Gaara was. He was ‘her’ bodyguard, and that seemed justification enough.

The food was splendid, as it always was. It was nice to live in such a flourishing country, and if they weren’t so far east of the coast they might have had struggles against invading territories trying to conquer this rich land. Luckily, Sabaku was never really bothered with war. Sabaku had only taken part in two wars, once in aiding an ally and another time to defend itself. They had shown that even though they weren’t apart of the warring states they could put up a better than decent fight.

Gaara had wine to accompany his dinner, like most of the other nobles. Lee, on the other hand, asked one of the servants politely for a glass of water instead. Before he was finished eating, Gaara had downed at least three glasses of wine. He noted the tipsy feeling he had accomplished, and no one seemed to have noticed just how much he had had, and kept offering him more. After about the fifth glass he had to relief himself, and decided now was a good time to leave the festival. After the dinner they didn’t have anymore to do for the festival anyway.

“I’ll be retreating to my quarters now.” Gaara announced to anyone listening, and stood up, leaning against the table. Lee noticed his unsteadiness and got up to nonchalantly put his arm through Gaara’s, giving him much needed help to walk without revealing Gaara’s unstable legs. As they left the dinning hall, Lee turned to look at Gaara with concern.

“How many glasses have you had today?” Lee said, noticing the redness in Gaara’s cheeks and the drooping of his eyelids. Not to mention how heavily Gaara was leaning against him, he was practically carrying him.

“Today? I think I only had six or seven glasses.” Gaara said, calm and sure, even in his drunken haze.

“That’s more than three times the amount of alcohol you usually have!” Lee used a loud whisper, now worried about Gaara’s health.

“It doesn’t matter, take me to the nearest rest room before I soil this gown.” Gaara replied, and Lee obeyed, taking him towards the lavatory. Gaara looked unstable, and Lee could even see his eyes glazed over in the torchlight.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Lee remarked, letting his concern be known. They approached the facility, but Lee didn’t know if he should leave Gaara alone, even if it was just to use the rest room. He looked extremely close to passing out.

“I’ll be fine as soon as I’m done, wait here.” Gaara said, detaching himself from Lee to stumble into the lavatory. He left Lee to wait worriedly in the hall, and Lee almost burst in after him, but decided on listening with his ear nearly against the door instead.

Why would Gaara get intoxicated like that? Unless he was stressed about something, Lee thought. He knew men who drank to get away from their troubles. Actually, that’s why most people got inebriated. So what was Gaara so anxious about? Of course, Lee realized, he was worried about tomorrow, right? Who wouldn’t be? It was going to be a hectic day, so Lee would be here for him now, then, and forever. He didn’t hear Gaara vomit, that was a good sign. But it just meant that he’d be sick in the morning when he wouldn’t need that sort of thing.

Gaara emerged from the rest room, still completely unstable. Lee put his arm around Gaara’s waist to support him without saying a word. And they moved in a comfortable silence towards Gaara’s bedroom. When they arrived at the intricate French doors, though, Lee hesitated.

“Can I spend the night in your quarters again, Gaara-hime?” Lee said smirking, being overly polite, but in a mocking sort of way.

“Just get us in there already, Mr. Lee.” Gaara replied, shifting his weight completely against Lee. The dark haired knight obeyed and opened the door, practically dragging Gaara into the room. Gaara didn’t feel like walking at all anymore and just let Lee move his practically limp body as he wanted. Once the door was shut behind them, though, Gaara sprung into action. He placed his arms around the knight’s waist and stood on the tips of his toes to press his lips, along with the rest of his lithe body, against the knight. He pushed Lee back against the door he had just closed, and locked it himself this time.

“Carry me to the bed, I don’t think I can make it.” Gaara teased as he had his lips against Lee’s. Lee laid one more kiss upon those soft lips before picking Gaara up bridal style and gently laying him upon the bed. Gaara pulled him down against him with little to no effort as Lee fell upon him. Their lips melded together once more as they tried to burn their anxieties away with scorching passion. Lee was determined to please Gaara, and Gaara was determined to keep Lee. Neither one of them knowing that they both needed to do nothing more to achieve those goals.

As their mouths opened and their tongues intersected Lee could taste the alcohol. And even in that small of a quantity, it was enough to get him a little tipsy, too. Lee soon had his hand traveling towards Gaara’s ass and Gaara already had his hand up Lee’s shirt. Lee, feeling a bit more adventurous than usual, hiked up Gaara’s dress so that he could put his hand up the skirt instead of just trying to feel through it.

“Nhg, Lee,” Gaara hissed through his lips that were currently attached to Lee’s. He clutched at Lee harder, and tried to bring him even closer that he already was. But even as he felt Lee against him his senses were darkening. He could barely open his eyes again, to look a Lee. And as he held the knight as tightly as he could to himself he felt an odd sensation. He realized it was nothing more than the forgotten exhaustion he hadn’t experienced in so long. Maybe he shouldn’t have had so much to drink. Now he was going to fall asleep right before what could have been a satisfying night with Lee.

Lee, whose hand was currently up Gaara’s skirt, noticed the instant when Gaara fell asleep. First he embarrassedly pulled his hand from Gaara’s ass and propped himself over the now sleeping teen. Gaara was cutely and deeply in slumber, and Lee couldn’t help but place another light kissed upon those tantalizing lips. Which resulted in a small smile forming onto said lips.

The knight then took to the task of tucking the princess in, moving him gently and cautiously under the large blanket. Once tucked in, Lee moved Gaara’s hair away from his scar and kissed the foreign mark. Lee then took of his boots and over shirts and climbed into bed next to Gaara. As the knight placed himself under the covers and next to the love of his life, he interlaced their fingers. And in a moment the male rolled over in his sleep, coming to rest halfway on top of Lee. The knight smiled at the crimson haired boy, who still had a faint drunken blush, even in his sleep.

“I love you.” Lee whispered, and those were the last words said until daylight. Too bad Gaara wasn’t awake to hear them.