#naurto

Gaara isn't used to this. To you. He isn't really used to anyone. Being shunned, hated, and feared most of his life catered to that. So the idea that you- smiling, wonderfully cheerful, sweet you.. Of all people, wanted to be around him? It was foreign, practically unbelievable, and did off put him.

But being off put didn't cause him to turn you away. Whether before or after Naurto caused a change in his heart. Before? He'd keep you more out of curiosity than anything. You were lucky he found your spunk intriguing instead of irritating.. After? It'd be genuine, out of want for a connection. Though there'd definitely be curiosity there still as well! He's very curious to what you even see in him.

And by off put, it's more of an awkwardness and disbelief than anything. Gaara can't get why you want to be around him. To even go as far as befriend him- He was.. He had blood on his hands. Unwanted or not. And yet, here you stood, commenting on his his hair matched the radiance of a red desert flower. Making him stand in silent awe that appeared so horribly awkward to any onlookers.

But you're never fazed. That makes it worse. He has flaws, even when now on the path to being a good person, and you don't care. He was awkward, you were calm. He was hesitant and you were kind. He was stiff and you teased. Teased him silly until he gaped and flushed, as if he wasn't the Sand's Kazekage but just.. Him.

He never got your teasing at first. Though used to what Temari and Kankuro subjected him to, when they were younger and occasionally now, it was different with a person who wasn't them. Nonetheless that teased so often and giggled so vibrantly afterwards. It took him time, many questions, or flushing faces, but eventually he began to grow used to it and even manages to retort back now. His own small teases that are rare and yet hit harder than all of yours combined.

His comfort also grew with time. It wasn’t off the bat that this push and pull dynamic formed between the two of you. The playfulness, the ease, the love. It started off as more pushing from you than anything, and shy tugs on his half. He did like you, trust you, want you even. But.. He feared to mess up. That's what took him longer to be fully their in the companionship you formed. But once he got there, he made it whole.

Gaara is an absolute sweetheart unknowingly. When around you he does practically anything to make you smile or laugh. In subtle ways though. He tries to be sneaky, ends up looking kind of obvious, yet is so endearing you likely don't comment on it and just enjoy his gestures. He just wants to make you as happy as you make him.

Interactions between you two go like:

There was always a kind of calm in the Kazekage's office that you couldn't describe. Not dry, nor boring, not.. Tense, with the weight of expectations and power. It was just calm. Like the still in the midst of the desert. Nothing but the gentle breeze.

Nothing but you and Gaara.

Normally, people didn't just "hang around" Lord Kazekage. Not unless they were his personal guards, or needed advisors which didn't even stay as long as the guards did. But you, you were always the exception.

He always let you stay, like now. While he did paperwork, signing things, noting things, giving permissions and input. You both didn't speak. Just sat. The sound of pen to paper and the wind guiding the sun beneath the horizon the only things heard.

Peace.

You loved it. Especially for Gaara. The peace was something he deserved for so long and yet was kept away from. It warmed your heart to see the softness in his eyes, especially when he gazed upon you.

Which he did periodically.

Which caused you to tease, as always.

"Do I have something on me?" You questioned, tilting your head with mock curiosity, knowing fully well you had not even a speck of dust on your nose at the moment.

Gaara paused. Verbally caught. He then glanced at your face again, silently hoping you did have something on you he could use as an excuse to escape your teasing.

".. No."

There was no escape.

"Then what? Miss my face that much?" You prodded, lopsidedly smiling.

He seemed to actually ponder before responding.

"Yes, actually."

You hadn't been expecting that, but hearing his honesty made your heart swell. You couldn't help yourself anymore. Leaning forward on his desk you began to coo, even reach to gently pinch his cheek.

"You are so sweet and utterly adorable, Lord Kazekage." It was even more obvious you were teasing because you didn't use his honorific title unless surrounded by other people.

"T-Thank you.." He scrunched his face up at your pinching, but didn't pull away. Just endured it. Because he loved seeing you be yourself. Your teasing, pinchy, utterly honest self.