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Chapter Text

Gaara had expected to face opposition when he took up the mantle of Kazekage after his father stepped down. He had been prepared for accusations of nepotism and megalomania, as well as gibes at his youth and status as a former tailed beast host. Yet there was one criticism he had not accounted for.

His marital status.

The council members used every opportunity to attack what they perceived as his failing in this area. No Kazekage had ever held the title without a wife, they insisted. Never mind the decades his father had ruled a widower. It was unseemly, they claimed. It showed a lack of commitment, a crudeness, a want of humanity.

It had gotten to the point where, regardless of the meeting agenda, the discussion would inevitably turn to his bachelorhood.

"This has to stop," Temari declared, glaring at the wall as though it were personally responsible. "Absolutely nothing is getting done. We were halfway through discussing the first point on the list when they brought up marriage again."

"The hell is their problem?" Kankuro shook his head in disgust as he plunked down on the couch. "I swear, they're nitpicking every little thing they can think of."

"That may be so, but it is the most valid complaint," said Rasa. "Every Kazekage thus far has ascended to the position with a wife. In this case, their objections can be disguised as mere adherence to tradition."

Gaara sat opposite his brother, utterly silent.

Temari frowned. "So what do we do? It seems like the only solution is for Gaara to marry."

"That is the most effective option," Rasa posited. "A union would not only silence the council, but make an impression on foreign dignitaries as well." His eyes softened imperceptibly as he looked at his youngest son. "And you may find the experience not unpleasant."

"Plus, it'd make you a hell of a lot more personable to the villagers," Kankuro pointed out. When Gaara gave them all a dour look, he defended, "It's not like it has to be real. Just something to get those decrepit morons off your back."

"A fake marriage?" mused Temari. "The other party would have to be in on it as well. And the relationship should be convincing enough that the council won't catch on to our real intentions."

Gaara's look had turned contemplative.

Seeing that his brother was beginning to consider the idea, Kankuro added, "It won't have to be forever, either. Maybe a year. That should be long enough to show those idiots that you're committed and civilized and humane and whatever else they've been spouting. Then you can get an amicable divorce."

"If the prospect of a genuine marriage is disagreeable to you, this is the best alternative," Rasa affirmed. "Although it may be difficult to maintain the act."

"Fine," Gaara said at last. A year of presenting the perfect marriage was doable. He did not want the entirety of his leadership to consist of one long condemnation of his marital status.

"Guess all that's left to do is pick the lucky girl," Kankuro said cheerfully.

"Since we need both of them to carry on the act, that means she has to be someone we can trust," Temari concluded.

"Not to mention willing to go along with this," Kankuro continued.

Temari nodded. "Someone familiar would work best."

Gaara barely listened. There was only one person he could accept at his side for an entire year. "Lee."

Rasa was the first to react. He raised an eyebrow. "That would certainly deter any inquiries regarding an heir," was all he said.

After the initial shock, Temari considered. Lee was familiar, trustworthy, and overwhelmingly eager to be of service. "If we frame it like a mission, he's sure to agree."

"He'll be really enthusiastic, too. You'll barely have to do any acting, Gaara." Kankuro grinned.

"You two have my blessing," Rasa said, in a voice drier than the desert sands.

After Lee returned from his mission, Gaara received him in the Kazekage's office.

"It is good to see you, my friend! Have you been well?" Lee asked brightly, never mind the fact that he was the one covered in blood and grime.

With a nod, Gaara placed the other's mission report aside and steepled his fingers together. "I have another mission for you, Lee."

"Of course!" The man stood at attention.

"Marry me."

Lee did not react, and for a moment Gaara wondered if his friend had even heard. He dismissed the thought immediately. The jonin's hearing was superb. He left his desk and stopped in front of the other. Although there was still a difference in their heights, it was a far cry from the sizeable gap that had existed when they were younger. He could look into those dark, round orbs with ease now, to his satisfaction.

Lee flushed. "Pardon?"

"I know you heard me," Gaara said sternly.

"Yes, but I am afraid I do not understand," Lee answered weakly.

Now Gaara was confused. What was incomprehensible about this? "I want you to be my wife," he tried.

Lee flailed. "But I am a man, and my friend, are you proposing? That is something you do to your most precious person! And why all of a sudden? I have never heard you express interest in marriage before!"

Gaara was about to point out that Lee was his most precious person when a snicker came from the doorway.

"So romantic." Kankuro grinned, walking over. To Lee, he said, "You know, I suggested flowers, but he said they were unnecessary."

Temari approached as well. "All right, enough with the fun and games. You must be confused." She paused before explaining, "The thing is, Gaara is facing a lot of opposition to his rule from many of the council members. Their biggest complaint, for some reason, is that he's unmarried. So, we're giving you a mission. For one year, we need you two to pretend to be a couple in order to quell their dissent."

Understanding dawned in Lee's eyes. "I see." He blinked. "But why me?"

"Well, you guys have always been close." Kankuro shrugged. "With luck, that familiarity will pass as intimacy. And you're good at reading him, which is useful since you'll need to be in sync with each other to pull this off." His grin returned. "Not to mention, we're kind of hoping your enthusiasm will cover for Gaara being, well, Gaara."

Lee looked intensely thoughtful for a moment before beaming. "Very well! I am honored to be able to provide such assistance to my dearest friend!"

"Great." Temari turned to go. "The wedding's next week."

"You probably want to stop calling Gaara your friend by then," Kankuro said over his shoulder.

Lee walked to the door as well. "I will be seeing you, my," here his eyes widened, and he corrected hastily, "love!"

Gaara's heart should not have squeezed the way it did just then.

Although Lee felt a tad guilty concealing the truth from his sensei, Guy's sheer delight at the news of the upcoming nuptials made up for it. His teammates' reactions were more incredulous.

"Are you crazy?" Tenten yelled over the phone. "You're getting married in a week?" She sighed. "Can't say I'm surprised at the choice of partner, though. You two have been in love since forever."

It was a rare occasion when both Gaara and Lee were at a loss for words.

"Congratulations," said Neji. "I assume it will be a small gathering?"

"That is correct," Lee replied, recovering. "All of our friends from the Sand and Leaf are invited, but of course, not everyone will be able to make it on such short notice. We are expecting around twenty people."

Tenten finally calmed down. "I guess a week makes sense," she grudgingly admitted. "You guys have waited long enough at this point. Well, we'll definitely be there. Later, lovebirds!"

For some reason, most of the guests reacted much the same way.

"Hey, No Brows, Bushy Brows, glad to see you guys finally pulled your heads out of your asses!" Naruto greeted cheerfully, tossing them a gift as he waltzed in.

"Watch your language, Naruto," Sakura reprimanded, before extending her congratulations to the duo.

"Took you two long enough," Sasuke said as his brother bowed gracefully at his side, Itachi's smile as enigmatic as ever.

"It's like a fairy tale." Matsuri sighed happily. "After all these years, you both finally realized the depth of your feelings."

"I was wondering when the pair of you would notice," Shira remarked with faint amusement.

There was a bit of a stir when the Legendary Three showed up.

"The Sand brat's all grown up, I see. Settling down with his childhood sweetheart and everything," Tsunade observed.

Jiraiya thumped Gaara on the back. "It's sudden, but hey, I get it. Why wait when you can get right to the good stuff?" Next to him, Orochimaru rolled his eyes. Lee turned an unhealthy shade of red.

Only those who did not know the Sixth Hokage well were surprised when he arrived.

"Hey, thanks for getting me out of the village for a week," Kakashi said. After a beat, he added, "Not like I could've missed this if I wanted to. Guy would have gutted me."

"Oh, Rival! Always so humorous!" Guy boomed. "But I never doubted you would be present for this momentous occasion!" He took Gaara's hands in his own. "Lord Kazekage! You're the only one I can entrust Lee to. Your union will be as joyous and fruitful as the glorious springtime of youth itself!"

Next, the man clasped Lee's shoulders. "My precious student! There are several things I must tell you before you embark on this next journey of your life!" He proceeded to launch into a passionate speech, his former student listening eagerly.

Kankuro nudged Neji as they observed in twin bemusement. "Here's to a lifetime of third-wheeling."

The Hyuga only sighed in reply, though he could not help the smile that tugged at his mouth.

Some distance away, Tenten shook her head. "Why did they have to be so late on the uptake? If they realized sooner, things wouldn't be this rushed."

Temari shrugged. It was a little strange to see how prevalent the misconception that Gaara and Lee were in love was, but so long as it helped their cause, she would not complain. "Come on, Buns, it's a wedding. Lighten up." She smirked.

Tenten rolled her eyes. "Guess you're right." She nodded at the dance floor, then grinned back at the woman. "Well, are you gonna join me, or do I have to drag you over myself?"

At the other end of the room, Rasa eyed the proceedings with a practiced poker face. "This will be easier than we thought," he said to Yashamaru, who chuckled.

Baki approached and bowed to the former Kazekage. "Congratulations, Lord Rasa. Those two are a good match for each other."

The man simply grunted in agreement. "Has the rest of the council been informed of the marriage?"

"Yes. They were surprised, to say the least." Baki paused. "There are some who insist this is nothing more than a ruse, but they are unfamiliar with the pair's relationship." The two men looked over to see Lee smiling lovingly at Gaara as the Kazekage's hand rested on the other's waist.

Rasa could only hope they were able to continue the charade for as long as necessary.

Gaara's first council meeting as a married man was drastically different. The instant he walked into the room, there was an uproar as several council members bombarded him with questions.

"Lord Kazekage, what is the meaning of this?"

"We asked for a marriage, not this ludicrous farce!"

"Do you truly expect us to believe you wed that laughingstock?"

They fell silent as murderous intent filled the room. Gaara might as well have slammed his hands down on the table. "I advise you never to say such things about my wife again," he said evenly, and sat down.

"Wife?" the council members mouthed at each other, before the door banged open.

Lee rushed in, breathless. Spying his friend, he brightened. "My love, you forgot your lunch!" He whipped out a box neatly wrapped in a polka-dot handkerchief and set it down in front of the man. With a wave at the council, he left.

Gaara gazed calmly at the stunned faces, excluding Baki, who was smiling. "Shall we begin?"

In the following weeks, the Kazekage could be seen walking alongside the jonin through the streets every afternoon. A few citizens murmured how sweet it was, while others scoffed. Nevertheless, they all became accustomed to the sight of this daily ritual.

The walks were not the only difference. The Kazekage could often be found buying trinkets and presents for his beloved, or accompanying the man to the market to pick up ingredients for dinner. Again, public opinion was mixed, but such events became the norm.

The first gifts that came flooding in from various dignitaries reflected Gaara's habit of referring to Lee as his wife.

"If you don't want this, I'll take it," Temari said, pulling a stunning women's kimono from a package.

Lee could only nod as Gaara looked on impassively.

Temari's mouth quirked up. "Thanks." Folding it away, she mused, "Buns looks great in pink."

On the couch, Kankuro cracked up. "Listen to this." He read from a card, "For the ravishing wife of the Fifth Kazekage. May these blooms last as long as your beauty."

Lee dropped his head into his hands. Flowers he could manage. But there were far too many gifts that were intended exclusively for the female form.

As if to prove this point, Kankuro whistled, holding up a sheer nightgown. "Now that is racy." He addressed his sister. "You want this, too?"

Temari considered. "Nah. Tempting, but she'd probably hit me."

Kankuro grinned at his brother-in-law. "Looks like you get to use this yourself, Lee."

Something in Gaara stirred as he pictured the man in the garment. He filed the feeling away for later inspection. Meanwhile, his friend groaned and did not look up.

The strangest part of the whole thing, Lee thought, was getting used to people calling him Honorable Consort. The mission itself was not difficult. He spent the same amount of time with Gaara as he always did, although now more of it took place in the public eye.

Overriding nearly two decades of habit to say "love" instead of "friend" was challenging at first, but soon the endearment dropped from his lips with ease. And in truth, Lee enjoyed the excuse to do small things for Gaara that would normally toe the line of friendship, like writing notes in the man's lunch, or massaging the other's shoulders after a long day of work.

The council, of course, was not content to allow the days to pass quietly in this carefree manner.

"We've got trouble," Kankuro announced one day.

Gaara stared at him in a way that suggested he would be arching an eyebrow if he had any.

"The council is getting suspicious again," Temari elaborated.

Lee looked dismayed. "Have I not been passionate enough in my displays of affection?"

Temari coughed. "You could say that." Chewing her lip, she said, "You've been doing a great job, Lee. But some of them still aren't convinced. They keep bringing up the fact that you two are never seen, you know, being intimate."

"Who knew those idiots were such perverts?" Kankuro threw up his hands. "Do they want to see you guys screwing on the meeting table?"

Lee gaped as Temari shook her head. "As much as I wouldn't put it past them, I don't think it's that. Gaara's dissenters just want an excuse to invalidate the marriage."

The Kazekage frowned. "What do you propose we do?"

Kankuro shrugged. "I know it's a lot to ask, but if they're that adamant about PDA, you're gonna have to give it to them. Just a smooch here and there. You guys are best friends. You've slept in the same bed since you were five, for gods' sakes. It shouldn't be that awkward."

"They're not the same kind of friends you and Naruto are," Temari retorted, smirking at her brother's expression.

"Look, just try, all right? There's not much else the council can complain about after this," Kankuro muttered, and fled before his sister could make any further comments.

Chapter Text

Later that night, as the pair lay sleepless in bed, Lee cleared his throat. "My friend, are you really all right with this?"

As was usual when Lee reverted to that term, Gaara simultaneously felt a thrill of relief and a pang of disappointment. He had long since stopped questioning it. "The kissing?"

Lee's blush was visible in the dark. "Well, yes, that as well. But I was referring to this entire mission." Softer, he continued, "Perhaps it would be better for you to find someone you can truly spend the rest of your days with."

"That would be you," Gaara pointed out. "And you've said the same for me. We promised."

Lee laughed. "Yes, and I fully intend to see that promise through. But this is different. I will accompany you to the end of our days as a comrade and a friend. Yet, do you not at times long for a companion of the heart? Someone who makes you happier than anything else in the world? Someone whom you cherish dearly, and wish to protect with your life?"

Gaara blinked. Lee was only describing himself. Before he could reply, his friend added, the blush returning, "Someone with whom you might carry out those acts Kankuro spoke of?"

An image of Lee underneath him, flushed and panting, flashed through Gaara's mind. He nearly choked.

Oblivious to his friend's plight, Lee continued, "There are many fine men and women in this village, and in the Leaf as well. I am sure that if you only looked, you would find someone worthy of becoming your most precious person."

"I need no one else." Gaara's voice was husky, the image not entirely gone from his mind.

A slight huff. "Very well." That seemed to be the end of the conversation, until Lee spoke again. "If that is the case, then we must fully commit to this mission! It is imperative that we give the council no room for doubt. So," his voice faltered, "perhaps we should practice."

Gaara turned to face his friend, the question evident in his gaze.

Lee gulped, red staining his cheeks in the moonlight. "Kissing."

Gaara could see the sense in that. To fool the council, they would have to pretend as though such a thing were a familiar action. "Fine."

Lee seemed at a loss, perhaps not expecting the other to agree so readily.

"Have you kissed before?" Gaara forced out the question. Despite the sour taste the words left in his mouth, it might help if the man had any experience.

"No," came the whispered answer, and the relief would have shaken Gaara had he not been lying down.

"Neither have I," he said instead. There went any hope of experience between the two of them. Still, it could not be too difficult to puzzle out. The mechanics were simple enough. Lips meeting for several seconds, and then separating. The difficulty lay in making it look habitual.

Gaara stared at Lee's mouth with a frown. Unconsciously, the other's tongue peeked out and swiped across. He watched, fascinated, his thumb coming up to trace the wet line. The jonin was blushing furiously, and a part of his mind noted that his friend looked good like that.

He leaned in slowly, stopping just millimeters from Lee's mouth. With a last bit of forethought, he tilted his head to one side, then brought his lips to the other's.

It felt good, to his surprise. Then he immediately wondered why he was surprised. Touching Lee always felt good. Why should this be any different? He drew back, eyes flicking up to meet his friend's. "Your turn."

Lee made an incoherent questioning noise, expression dazed.

"I shouldn't always be the one initiating," Gaara replied logically. "We must prepare a versatile repertoire."

"Oh! Of course," Lee answered, coming to his senses. He swallowed, and focused on the other's mouth. Mimicking his friend, he leaned in. After tilting his head, he swiftly pressed their lips together, then retreated.

"My turn," Gaara said with a pleased note.

Drawing closer, he brought their mouths together. On a whim, he licked a stripe across Lee's lips, following the line the other's tongue and his own thumb had traced. He was about to withdraw when he felt them part in a soundless gasp.

Curious, Gaara probed into the wet cavern with his tongue. It was strange. He should think it odd and repulsive to map out another's teeth and gums, to sense the slide of a foreign tongue against his own, to feel saliva pool against supple cheeks. Yet all he could think was that there was nothing else he would rather be doing.

Finally, he released Lee. His friend drew a shuddering breath, and choked out, "I suppose it is my turn."

Nodding, Gaara waited. The other seemed to hesitate. Suddenly, determination flashed in those black eyes, and their lips joined. He could feel the man copying his actions, but instead of allowing his tongue to remain motionless as Lee had, he met the foreign appendage with his own, tangling them together in a crude imitation of a dance.

At last, his friend pulled back and asked, breathless, "How much longer should we practice?"

Gaara would not mind spending the rest of eternity kissing Lee. Instead, he replied, "Until you can do it without blushing."

The words only caused the man to redden further, but he accepted the challenge gamely. The two lay in bed, trading kisses until morning.

Lee's blush never really disappeared beyond a light tinge of pink, but Gaara found he did not mind.

At the next council meeting, Gaara caught his friend's arm after another neatly wrapped lunchbox was dropped off. With an indulgent smile, the other leaned down. The Kazekage hid a smirk as the council members looked ready to faint at the sight of their leader shoving his tongue down the man's throat.

One would think that after surmounting that challenge, everything else would seem simple by comparison. Sadly, Lee was to discover otherwise.

The Wind Feudal Lord had requested a meeting to discuss the Hidden Sand's budget. Of course, such a request meant that the Kazekage was forced to drop everything and clear his schedule for the appointed date.

Temari and Kankuro would accompany him in their roles of advisor and bodyguard, respectively. As a former Kazekage, Rasa had the right to attend as well, but declined immediately. "Not having to deal with that fool was one of the reasons I retired," he said with a snort.

"You're coming, too, of course," Temari informed Lee.

The man nodded firmly. "I will do my part to present the image of a loving couple!"

Temari coughed. "About that. There are some things you should know about the capital of Wind Country. It's an extremely traditional city, which means there are ceremonies and customs they insist on following, especially when the wife of a dignitary is visiting."

She held up a hand. "I know Gaara doesn't mean anything by it when he calls you his wife, but be aware that they will insist on treating you as such while we're there. The consort of a Kazekage has never been male before, and I doubt they're going to drop decades of tradition to change the script now."

The woman looked Lee in the eye. "This means that you'll have to learn a few things a noble's wife would be expected to know. Tea ceremonies, flower arrangements, aristocratic manners, that sort of stuff. Breaches of etiquette are seen as a sign of disrespect there, so do your best."

Lee gulped, and stood ramrod straight. "Understood."

Temari gave him a half smile. "Don't worry about it too much. If kunoichi can learn this for undercover missions, so can you."

Over the next several days, Lee underwent a crash course in everything Temari had listed. He could only hope it would suffice for the visit.

On the day of departure, he was directed to a dressing room. To his surprise, there was a figure awaiting him. "Yashamaru?"

The man looked over with a smile. "Hello, Lee."

The familiar presence eased him somewhat, and he approached. "Was there something you needed?"

"No, I'm here to help you get ready." A nod at the garments lining the room.

Lee was confused. Surely he could be trusted to dress himself.

At his expression, Yashamaru explained, "You might have a little trouble with a women's kimono."

Lee had a sudden flashback to one particular summer festival years ago. "Oh."

Yashamaru waved the other over, and perused the patterns. "I used to do this for Sister when she visited as the Kazekage's wife," he said conversationally. "She was never too fond of having to dress up." A pause as he made his selection. Green was the symbolic color of Wind Country, and it was a happy coincidence that Lee wore the hue well.

He motioned for the man to undress. "I know it's a bit different for you," he murmured in quiet sympathy. "I hope you aren't made too uncomfortable during the visit."

Lee shook his head. "Do not worry about me! It is a mission, pure and simple! Rest assured that I will do all that I can to ensure its success." He grinned at the other.

Yashamaru chuckled. "That's good to hear." The next several minutes were spent folding, wrapping, and tying. The final touch was a matching hair ornament, carefully tucked behind one ear. At last, the man turned Lee toward the mirror and gave him a pat on the shoulder. "All done! I bet the Kazekage will be mesmerized by you."

At the other's flustered stammer, Yashamaru laughed. "Sorry. I used to say that to Sister, and she'd have the same reaction."

Lee paused, a small, almost sad smile coming to rest on his face. "Gaara's mother and father truly loved each other, did they not?"

Yashamaru considered the man, eyes softening. "Yes, they did." He sent the other out the door with a gentle push. "Go on. They're expecting you."

Lee walked slowly down the hallway, in part because of the wooden sandals, and in part because he was deep in thought. Despite Gaara's claim about needing no one else, he sincerely wished that his friend would one day find the same happiness the man's parents had found in each other.

"Everything's ready," Kankuro announced, straightening from his inspection of the luggage. "Now we're just waiting on Lee."

As if on cue, footsteps approached. Gaara glanced up, and found himself transfixed. He had never seen his friend arrayed in elaborate formal attire before. It imbued the man with a grace that normally only revealed itself on the battlefield.

Kankuro grinned. "Well, no one can say you don't look the part. Don't let those nobles' wives tear you apart, all right?" Shouldering his pack, he said, "Let's head out. Temari's waiting by the carriage."

The man's reminder caused a cold lump to settle in Lee's stomach. As they set off on the road, he tried desperately to recall his lessons. When taking from the bowl of sweets at a tea ceremony, one should not eat immediately. Yellow camellias conveyed longing, while white camellias signified waiting. Hot, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty were the five scents used to classify incense.

Gaara observed his friend's furrowed brow and strained expression with a frown. "Stop worrying," he ordered, interrupting the man's mental review. "It doesn't matter how you act."

Lee shook his head, the ornament swishing back and forth. "But I do not wish to reflect badly on you, or the Hidden Sand!"

"You won't," Gaara replied firmly. "Remember, you are officially my wife, and the respect commanded by that position is rightfully yours."

Lee found it difficult to believe those words when he was being stared down by five pairs of scrutinizing eyes. After they had arrived at the city, they were shown to reception rooms in the Feudal Lord's palace. The meeting was to take place later that day, and in the meantime they would be entertained by members of the court.

As the Honorable Consort, he had been directed to a separate room designated for women of the nobility. And now, here he sat, doing his utmost not to fidget under their penetrating gazes.

"A male one," a woman in blue said, breaking the silence. "How unusual."

"Didn't Ryu bring that boy once? A sweet little thing," a woman in orange mused.

"Yes, but look at this one. He may be young, but he is hardly little," a woman in purple remarked. "I wonder what the ruler of the Sand sees in him?"

A woman in red spoke up. "I had heard the Kazekage married quite suddenly. They took it to mean he was rather smitten with his bride."

"Then there must be something special about him." A woman in yellow addressed Lee. "Well? Why don't you tell us why the most powerful ninja in Wind Country chose you?"

None of the man's etiquette lessons had prepared him for this. He knew why he had been chosen for the mission, of course. Rather than spin a tale, he decided to remain as close to the truth as possible. "I am not quite sure myself," he said honestly. "But it is most likely because I have known my love since we were children. He is the person closest to my heart, as I hope that I am the one closest to his."

"Childhood sweethearts?" the woman in purple voiced aloud. "I hadn't realized those still existed."

The woman in orange sighed. "To be young and in love again."

"I was in love once." The woman in red nodded. "It felt a bit like indigestion."

"It may very well have been indigestion," the woman in yellow replied. "Your suitor had a habit of sending you entire boxes of confectionaries."

"Perhaps you should introduce yourself," the woman in blue said to Lee.

The man's eyes widened, and he bowed on his knees. "My deepest apologies! I am Rock Lee! It is an honor to make your acquaintance!"

"Well, Lee, what are your pastimes?" the woman in yellow inquired.

Lee had a feeling that "training" was not the correct answer, yet he hardly felt confident in his knowledge of proper activities such as incense appreciation and flower arranging. He tugged absentmindedly at a sleeve, then was struck with an idea. "I am a silk aficionado."

"A silk aficionado? What is that?" the woman in red asked.

"Don't be silly. It's an aficionado of silks," the woman in purple admonished. "Although, I must admit that while I have heard of art aficionados and theater aficionados, the concept of a silk aficionado is novel to me."

Lee smiled, sheepish. "I realize my hobby is not very common, but it is how I occupy my time."

The woman in orange hummed. "There are certainly worse things to be interested in than fine silks."

"Well, if that's the case, then you must be quite knowledgeable." The woman in blue extended an arm. "Tell me, how would you appraise the silk this kimono is made of?"

Lee reached out a hand. "May I?" At the woman's nod, he examined the fabric, running his fingers along the material lightly. "Judging by texture and sheen it is evidently high quality mulberry silk, grade 5A at least. The level of detail in the pattern marks it as Nanjing brocade, which is a rare art and produced only in certain villages. From the heft I would estimate the density at twenty-seven or twenty-eight momme, often only achievable after a bountiful harvest." He looked up. "I suppose you purchased this from Vegetable Country two summers ago?" She blinked in affirmation.

Inwardly, Lee sighed with relief. He had never thought that keeping up with his sericultural knowledge in an effort to feel close to his estranged parents would pay off in such a way.

"Fascinating." The woman in purple snapped her fan shut. "However, I am afraid that none of us share your unique interest."

"Our pastimes are more ordinary, such as flower arranging," the woman in red added. "I don't suppose you know anything about that?"

"Oh, yes!" Lee answered hastily. "A little."

"How delightful!" The woman in orange clapped her hands. "We usually hold a little flower arranging party this day of the week. You must join us."

"It's a bit of a game we play," the woman in blue explained. "We present them in front of our husbands afterward, and whoever is able to garner the least apathetic reaction is the victor."

The woman in yellow rose. "Come, we'll show you to the preparation room."

Chapter Text

The area they arrived at held dozens of shelves lined with freshly cut flowers. Partitions divided the long table in the center into several workstations.

"No cheating." The woman in blue wagged a finger at Lee.

"Help yourself to whatever is in the room," the woman in yellow said, breezing past.

Lee looked around to find all the women taking up spots by the table and gathering flowers for their creations. Making up his mind, he marched toward the shelves. This was simply another challenge, that was all. While it was unlikely that he would win this competition, at the very least he could ensure that his performance was passable.

The man tapped his chin in thought. If they were presenting the flowers to their husbands, then this was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his love for the Kazekage. And surely no one would find fault with an arrangement imbued with such feeling, no matter how clumsy it might be.

Beaming to himself, Lee scoured the shelves for roses. He could not possibly go wrong with the universal symbol for love. When he could find none, however, he blinked in confusion. "Pardon me," he said to the room, "but are there no roses?"

"Oh, no, there aren't," the woman in red answered. "Roses are so very conventional. We stopped ordering them months ago to make the game more interesting."

"I see." Disheartened, Lee turned back to the shelves. Suddenly, his eyes fell on a small bundle of yellow blossoms. Primroses, the label under them read. He snatched them up, his smile returning. While he could not recall their exact meaning, surely flowers with such a similar name would have a message comparable to that of roses.

The man continued down the row, humming to himself. What next? He reviewed what he remembered of his lessons on the language of flowers. Yellow camellias, perhaps. Longing. He retrieved a few and continued on.

Spotting the potted cacti tucked away in a corner, Lee's smile widened. The familiar sight put his mind at ease, and it occurred to him that perhaps Gaara would appreciate the small reminder of home as well. Without further consideration, he snipped off the blooms.

The man was about to head over to the table when he noticed a small pond housing aquatic flowers. He knew instantly that he had to include his friend's favorite plant. Lotuses in hand, he set off for his workstation.

Once there, Lee was at a loss. Unversed as he was in the art, he ended up stacking his chosen flowers on top of one another, and hoped the result was satisfactory.

"Time's up," the woman in orange sang.

"Cover your arrangement with this," the woman in purple instructed, handing Lee a dome.

They filed out of the room and into the other reception area, where the rest of the guests and nobles sat. Lee nearly sighed with relief upon seeing his friends. One by one, the women displayed their creations. Most of the reactions from the nobles were indeed apathetic, which Lee found incredible. As far as he could tell, the arrangements were all masterpieces. He could only hope his own would garner the same apathy, and not outright disdain.

When it came Lee's turn to present, he stepped forward.

"So this is the bride that had the Kazekage in such a frenzy that he married within the week," one man remarked, peering at him. "I must admit, I fail to see where the fascination arises."

"I prefer them shorter myself," another concurred. "And less endowed in the eyebrow department."

"Now, now, don't be too hard on him. He is charming, in a rustic sort of way," a third said magnanimously. "Well, boy, show us what you have."

"Yes, sir!" With a hasty bow, Lee lifted the dome.

"Oh, my," the woman in yellow said faintly.

The woman in blue gave a startled laugh. "Who knew they were so forward in the Sand?"

Lee was bewildered. The nobles had all turned shades of red, and some were trying to stem nosebleeds. Glancing back at the women, he was greeted with varying degrees of shock and amusement.

"You naughty boy," the woman in orange giggled.

The woman in red fanned herself. "Do you think we'll get a show?"

Gaara seemed to be the only other person in the room not reacting. He frowned at his siblings, who looked equal parts horrified and entertained. "What's going on?"

"I guess Lee didn't really retain those flower arranging lessons," Kankuro replied, struggling to hold back laughter. He pointed to the blossoms. "Cactus flowers stand for lust, and sex. Primroses mean desperation. Yellow camellias symbolize longing. He basically asked you to bend him over the table and fuck him senseless."

Gaara stilled, very determinedly not dwelling on the image. "And the lotus?"

Temari's hand met her face. "That's the cherry on top. Literally. Lotuses mean purity and chastity. He's saying he's a virgin."

The nobles were looking at Lee with decidedly more interest than before.

"Look at him, he's practically begging for it." The speaker shook his head. "Have you really not consummated your marriage?"

"I don't know why you're waiting. Breaking them in is the best part," a second voice asserted.

"That's neglect right there," someone declared. "You owe it to your consort to satisfy him. Take some responsibility, my goodness."

As the other nobles clamored to give their input, the woman in purple turned to her group. "I believe the victor is clear."

On the trip home, Lee tried desperately to scrub the fiasco from his mind. Temari and Kankuro were having none of it.

"I'll be honest, I nearly lost it when the Feudal Lord straight up asked Gaara if he wanted any sex tips in the middle of the meeting." Kankuro grinned.

"It could have been worse," Temari said at last, fighting a smile. "You certainly left no doubt about your feelings for the Kazekage. Even if they weren't exactly pure."

"The meeting was a success." Gaara glowered at his siblings. "That's all that matters."

And so the incident was dropped, relegated to the status of an embarrassing memory. Or so they thought.

"The council got wind of what happened at the palace," Temari said, expression pinched as she walked through the door. "Namely, the part about your marriage not being consummated." Instantly, the three men in the room were on edge.

"But, surely you could tell them that it was a simple mistake," Lee tried.

The woman shook her head. "I did, but they didn't seem to care. Now that they've set their sights on this, they're not going to give up so easily."

Kankuro stared. "Oh gods. They really do want to see you screwing on the meeting table."

Temari took a breath. "Not necessarily. But they do want proof."

"What kind of proof?" Gaara's voice was dangerously quiet.

"I don't know," the woman admitted, her chagrin evident. "They want you and Lee to see Chiyo together. She'll tell you the details."

"Honestly," the old woman grumbled, waving them in, "they called me out of retirement for something like this?"

"What proof does the council need?" Gaara questioned, right to the point.

Chiyo rummaged through a cabinet, tossing various bottles and containers aside carelessly. With a yelp, Lee hurried to catch them all, wobbling back and forth as he balanced a towering stack.

"Here!" Triumphant, the old woman held up a small bottle.

"What is that?" Lee carefully placed the other containers down and approached.

Chiyo promptly turned and sprayed him in the face. "Water!" She cackled. "It's important to stay hydrated while you're losing all that fluid."

She withdrew a jar from her robe. "This is what those doddering fools at the council want. It's ink used to detect the presence of foreign semen in the body. We normally use it to prevent unwanted conceptions. After copulation, apply it to the lower abdomen, and it will turn blue if it tests positive."

The old woman handed them the jar before shooing them out. "Go on, I know you young people can't wait to get at it."

The walk home was silent. In their bedroom, Gaara placed the jar on the nightstand and turned to face his friend. To his alarm, the man would not look him in the eye. "Lee," he breathed, crossing the room in long strides. "What's wrong?"

Finally, Lee met his gaze. "I am sorry, my friend. It seems the situation has spiraled quite out of control."

Gaara frowned. "Why are you apologizing?"

Lee looked pained. "For me, it is only a mission. I will see my assignment through, as any ninja would. But for you, who worked so hard to become a good leader, yet still faces so much opposition that you are forced to this," he choked up, hands balling into fists, "it is unjust."

"What are you saying?" Gaara stared, trying to puzzle the other out. "What am I being forced to?"

Lee returned the stare, disbelieving. "Intercourse!" he half shouted, before realizing his volume. Flustered, he lowered his voice and pressed on. "That special act that should only be done with the one you love! You are still in the springtime of your youth, my friend. You should be experiencing these things with your special person, not as part of some unfeeling charade!"

Gaara took in the sight of Lee standing before him, distress painted on those expressive features. Although he did not fully understand, the other's obvious concern warmed him. His arms reached out of their own accord and pressed the man to his chest. In truth, he did not care about doing those things with any so-called special person. If anything, he would much rather do them with his friend.

Gaara was aware, however, that Lee felt strongly about such sentimentalities. Despite the other's claim about it only being a mission, he knew that undergoing the intensely personal act without any feeling involved would be anathema to the man. He absolutely refused to allow the jonin to make that sacrifice.

"My friend?" Lee asked, when Gaara had been quiet for a while.

The Kazekage drew back. "We'll just draw a blue line and show the council."

"I am certain that they will want to see the ink change color in person," Lee said miserably.

Gaara looked him in the eye. "Then we'll abort the mission."

"We cannot!" Lee protested vehemently. "If we stop now, the council will know that the entire marriage has been an act. What will the villagers think? Or the nobles? Your reputation will be ruined!"

"I don't care." While it would be troublesome to recover from such a scandal, Gaara would walk that path in a heartbeat if it meant safeguarding his friend's happiness.

"But I do," Lee replied softly, stubbornly, simply.

Gaara shook his head. "This discussion is over. In the morning, I'll inform the council that we're getting a divorce."

Lee appeared as though he wished to retort, but finally hung his head. "Very well." After a beat, he looked back up. "But know that I would do anything for you, my friend."

Gaara just blinked at him. "You've already done enough, Lee."

At dinnertime, the jonin was nowhere to be found. "He said he had some business to take care of," Kankuro informed as they sat down to eat.

Gaara frowned, but did not pursue the topic further.

Temari joined them shortly. "Is Lee not back yet? I saw him near the south gate on my way here."

Gaara ate absentmindedly. What could his friend be doing? The only things near the south gate were a number of hotels, a seedy entertainment district, and...

He surged to his feet, the tableware clattering as he bolted for the door. His siblings' shouts remained unheeded as he rushed into the night air, rapidly creating a platform of sand to ferry him above the village.

Gaara dearly hoped that his suspicions were mistaken, but the dread in his stomach only grew as he scoured the streets for Lee. "Know that I would do anything for you, my friend," the other had said. He gritted his teeth as he flew toward the entertainment district.

Spying a spot of green, he dropped down into an alley. His breathing stopped as he stared at the discarded jumpsuit. With a curse, he dispersed sand into the streets, searching desperately for that familiar chakra signature. He finally located his friend inside a public restroom, and formed an Eye of Sand in the stall before setting off in its direction.

What Gaara saw enraged him. Lee, disguised in a standard Sand jonin uniform and a cloth mask, was being pushed up against the wall by an unknown man. Seething, he read the figure's lips.

"I got real lucky this time," the stranger was saying. "It's not every day someone gives themself away for free. You must want it bad, don't you? Want my thick cock filling you up? Don't worry, I'll make sure to stuff your hole nice and full."

"This slutty body of yours is really turning me on," the unknown man went on, working open Lee's clothes. Gaara's blood boiled at the sight of those hands wandering and fondling his friend's body. "Too bad you wanna leave the mask on. You must be making such a dirty expression right now."

The Kazekage reached the building just as the figure pulled out his length. "You don't mind if I go in dry, do you? I bet this hungry little mouth of yours is impatient, anyway. Gods, I can't wait to see you spread out on my cock, swollen with my come."

At that moment, Gaara barreled into the restroom. In two strides, he ripped open the stall door and sent the stranger sprawling onto the floor with a vicious punch. Ignoring the unconscious villager, he advanced on Lee, tearing the mask off and pinning the other against the wall.

They stared at each other for a long moment, the Kazekage's eyes raking over the jonin. At the man's disheveled state, he simmered with barely contained rage.

Lee broke the silence. "My friend, what are you doing?"

Gaara cut him off, practically growling, "What were you thinking?"

Lee stuttered, obviously uncomfortable with voicing the answer. At last, he forced the words out. "The ink tests for foreign semen in the body."

"So you would let yourself be violated by a complete stranger?" Gaara's voice was dangerously low.

Lee met his gaze. "The council would leave you alone after this. I could not allow the mission to fail."

"You did this for the mission?" Gaara's fingers dug into the other's arms. "You're the one always talking about a companion of the heart or a special person. You would cast aside your values for a mission?"

"Yes," Lee replied firmly, "if it is to help my dearest friend."

Gaara stared, then pulled the man out of the building. He kept a firm grip on the jonin as they flew back to the house. Inside their bedroom, he finally let go.

"Strip," he ordered.

Lee obeyed, confusion written on his features. "My friend, you do not have to force yourself."

Gaara could have laughed. "I don't have to force myself? Just what were you doing, then?"

"My duty," Lee answered stubbornly.

"So am I," Gaara retorted, divesting himself of his clothes. He was overcome with an urge to make the man hurt, to make the other feel a fraction of the fear that had gripped him on realizing his friend's intentions.

All of that fell away when he saw Lee sitting on their bed, naked and so, so vulnerable. A confident expression was plastered on the jonin's face, but those black eyes were alight with trepidation.

Chapter Text

Gaara joined his friend on the bed. "How do you wish to do this?"

Lee's head jerked up. "What do you mean?"

"One of us will penetrate the other." From what Gaara had learned of intercourse, it seemed that the experience was more painful for the receptive partner. He was about to volunteer himself for the role when his friend spoke.

"I think you should be the one to enter me," Lee blurted. He flushed, and ducked his head. "I prepared myself earlier."

Gaara blinked, mouth dry. "I see," he rasped, and gently guided his friend to fall back against the sheets.

He took a moment to admire the sight of the man laid out completely bare before him, knowing he would never get the chance again. He ran a hand over the other's skin, and drank in the way the flesh shuddered under his touch.

He was enthralled. Bodies did not normally hold such fascination for him, but the simple knowledge that this was Lee he was touching, Lee who smiled at him on that playground so long ago, who settled in the Sand Village for his sake, who endured jeers and insults at his side, who held sympathy even for Shukaku, who learned the Eight Gates and the Heavenly Breaths solely to protect others, who promised to stay with him forever, was enough to make him heady with desire.

Gaara flattened a hand over his friend's heart, feeling the erratic beat, and registered the quickening of breath from the other's mouth. He was suddenly overwhelmed with a desperate need to own the man completely. Lee's heart, soul, smile, body, he wanted it all.

Then he remembered that this was only a mission, and that they were only fulfilling their duties. The knowledge made his heart ache in a way he had not thought possible.

He captured his friend's lips with his own, the motion fluid and effortless by now. Delving into the warmth, it occurred to him to determine what the rest of Lee tasted like. He shifted to lap at one corner, then steadily licked a path down the man's neck.

The soft sounds and gasps that spilled from the other's mouth reverberated around him, until the world had narrowed down to encompass just the two of them.

Gaara continued down his friend's arm, and a part of his mind noted that the bandages were gone. He studied every nick and scratch, committing them to memory. He was reminded of his recurring desire to keep Lee locked away, safe and happy and healthy, forever shielded from anything and anyone that might prove a threat. But he knew the jonin would never allow it.

Instead, he pressed a tender kiss to the inside of the man's wrist, a silent vow to protect the other insofar as he was permitted.

There came a choked sob from above. Reeling back, Gaara looked into Lee's eyes, glistening with unshed tears. "You don't want this," he realized, and made to withdraw.

A hand stopped him. "No, I do!"

How could Lee explain the utter misery he felt at pushing Gaara to this? There was a part of him that wished his friend had never intruded, had allowed him to finish his business with the stranger. At least that way, only one of them would lose their first time to a loveless encounter.

Deep down, Lee knew he was taking something special from the man, but he had managed to convince himself that it was purely duty. A mere transferral of seed from the Kazekage's body to his own, for the sake of a mission.

And then the other had to go and shatter that delusion, with those gentle caresses and tender kisses. Gaara treated him like a lover, and he wanted to cry at the wrongness of it all. His friend deserved the world, and Lee could only give himself.

"It is just," he started, then faltered. "Please hurry," he finally said. He simply wanted this twisted mockery of lovemaking to end. Every bit of pleasure Lee felt at the man's actions made him hate himself more.

He did not understand it. Being handled by the stranger had felt nothing like this. Yet simply knowing that it was Gaara touching him, Gaara who was the first to believe in his dream, who comforted him after he was disowned, who sought out a cure for his coma, who looked past generations of animosity to befriend Shukaku, who became Kazekage to protect the very villagers who had shunned and sneered, who promised to stay with him forever, was enough to leave him breathless and wanting more.

Gaara registered a pang of disappointment. Of course Lee wanted this to be over quickly. He simply nodded, and bent down to attend to that part of his friend he had never touched before. How curious, to see a thing normally pale and flaccid, upright and flushed the same red as the rest of the other's body. Beautiful, his mind supplied.

He wrapped his hand around, and held it in his grip a moment, marveling at its pulsing warmth. Then he gave an experimental stroke, and felt a thrill when the man bucked upward with a keen.

"What are you doing?" Lee stuttered out.

Gaara blinked. "Bringing you to completion," he answered. "It's unlikely that you'll be able to finish after I am inside."

Lee let out a broken moan as the Kazekage continued his ministrations. "But it is only necessary for you to finish."

Gaara frowned. "I want to make you feel good." As if to prove this point, he leaned forward and licked a stripe up the other's length.

His friend gasped out what might have been a protest. He paused, and leaned over the man so that they were eye to eye. "Lee." He cupped the jonin's face with one hand, and stared into dark pools. "I refuse to do this if you do not receive pleasure as well. Is that clear?"

Defeated, Lee closed his eyes. "Yes."

Gaara leaned back, satisfied. "Good." Then he took the other in his mouth, rendering his friend incapable of speech.

He swirled his tongue around the velvety flesh, alternating between pulling back to suck at the tip, and moving forward to envelop more of the member. Lee quivered under him, muffled noises and pants escaping despite the jonin's best efforts to hold them in. It was intoxicating, seeing the man fall apart so deliciously, and knowing that he was the cause.

When the other tensed, Gaara let the length slide from his lips. As Lee cried out and arched up beautifully, he surged forward to clutch his friend to his chest, burying his head into the jonin's neck. He could discern the pounding of the man's heart against his own, the two separated by mere inches of flesh and bone. Never before had he felt so close to another being.

Lee slumped in his arms, boneless and utterly spent. He laid his friend back down, pressing a kiss to the man's forehead. The sight of the other so undone, hair in disarray, marks littering reddened skin, drool and tears leaking from an unwittingly erotic expression, sent a sharp spike of desire to his own neglected arousal.

Gently, Gaara spread the jonin's legs apart. This was perhaps the only part of his friend's body that he had not seen before, and he was instantly captivated by the pink, throbbing ring. The area was slippery from whatever Lee had used to prepare earlier, and glistened wetly in the moonlight.

He reached out, entranced. The ring of muscle accepted his finger with a lewd squelch, pulling it all the way to the last knuckle. A second digit slipped in easily, so he added a third. Slick heat surrounded him as he was struck by the realization that he was inside Lee, touching the man's most intimate, unguarded parts.

Gaara's fingers rocked in and out, stretching and kneading the supple flesh. His breath hitched as he pictured his friend doing this alone. The other had begun to let out small sounds again, which escalated into a sharp cry when he brushed against something firm. Curious, he crooked his finger again, and watched as the jonin made a wounded noise, hands fisting the sheets.

Lee was in a hell that felt agonizingly like heaven. He could not believe that his body had the audacity to feel even more pleasure at his friend's expense. At this rate, he would almost certainly finish again, and that he could not allow. "Hurry," he gasped, having trouble forming coherent thoughts. "You, inside."

Gaara kissed a creamy thigh to let the man know he had heard. He made to leave the bed, but was stopped by a hand and a pleading gaze. "I need to find lubricant," he murmured in explanation, gently rubbing the arm that gripped him like a lifeline. "Otherwise it will hurt."

Lee shook his head. "No, it is fine. I am ready." In desperation, he fumbled for the Kazekage's arousal, engulfing as much as he could in his mouth. He bobbed up and down a few times, then withdrew, a string of saliva connecting his lips to the head. Looking up at his friend, he begged, "Please."

Gaara nearly groaned at the tantalizing wetness that was gone all too quickly. He closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. "Fine," he agreed reluctantly. Letting saliva drip onto his hand, he coated his member again, then leaned over the man. "Tell me if it hurts," he ordered, looking the other in the eye. Slowly, he pushed inside.

He really did groan as he was enveloped by a tight, silken heat. Carefully monitoring his friend's face for any sign of pain, he sank deeper into the jonin. The walls seemed to suck him forward until he was completely sheathed within the other. He studied the spot where their bodies merged, and in that moment he knew he could only ever do this with Lee.

Gaara began to move with slow, steady strokes. Each thrust felt as though he were driving deeper, carving out a space for himself inside the man. His friend's body seemed made for him, keening and trembling under his touch, and despite knowing better, all he could think was, "Mine."

He suddenly recalled the stranger's filthy words to the other, and unconsciously rammed in with more force than necessary. His length grazed something firm, and the jonin jerked, mouth falling open and issuing a choked moan. Intrigued, he adjusted the angle and sought out that spot. When he found it, Lee was racked by another spasm.

Gaara continued to aim for that region, greedily hoarding each fractured cry that fell from the man's lips, every twist and jolt of the other's body. As heat coiled in the pit of his stomach, his motions became fervid and uneven.

Lee's mind was a jumble of guilt and confusion and undeserved pleasure. He had felt so full when the Kazekage had entered him, so wonderfully whole. Never before had he felt so close to another person. Being able to accept the man entirely, to hold his dearest friend in his body, gratified him in a way that he was ashamed to admit.

He knew instinctively that he could only ever do this with Gaara, and immediately tried to banish the thought. He held no such monopoly on the other, no matter how much he wanted to look into that breathtaking face and say, "Mine."

After the Kazekage began hitting something that had Lee sobbing out loud, he was forced to acknowledge that he was absolutely going to finish a second time. When his friend's thrusts became more erratic, the fraction of his mind still capable of rational thought alerted him that something was not right. In this position, there was a chance all the seed would flow out before morning.

"Deeper," Lee pleaded, willing Gaara to understand. As the man complied, he desperately tried to memorize the feeling of being filled so completely by the other, aware that there would not be another chance.

Everywhere inside him that the Kazekage touched felt seared and raw, on the verge of melting. His friend's pace quickened, until he was left panting meaningless fragments that echoed in the darkness. Finally, an intelligible word slipped through. "Please," he gasped, but for what, he did not know.

"Yes, always," Gaara promised, and plunged in one last time, so deep it was as though he were touching Lee's very soul. The jonin came undone around him, and a groan tore from his throat as he reached his release inside.

Afterward, he caught his breath and slowly slid out, the soft squelch as they separated rekindling the flush on the other's skin. Gaara felt an overwhelming surge of emotion for this man, who could voice the most sentimental declarations without shame, yet still blushed so readily in bed. His eyes softened, and he drew closer, wanting desperately to kiss the jonin.

Lee ducked away hastily. Now that the deed was done, there was no more reason to pretend. Instead, he pulled their bodies together in a loose hug, because despite the lies that had just transpired, in this moment he could try to ignore the sticky substance cooling on his belly, and believe that they were normal friends.

Gaara's heart twisted, but he accepted the gesture, lowering the hand that had been reaching for the other's face.

The next morning saw a stoic Kazekage and his consort standing before the meeting table. Nobody noticed that the jonin's expression seemed a bit dimmer than usual. Using ink from the jar, Gaara painted a black line across the other's abdomen. Almost immediately, it turned blue. Baki observed in concealed amusement as the rest of the council exchanged chagrined glances.

The pair fell back into their routine almost too eagerly. Indeed, in the following weeks, they seemed to treat each other with particular care. Yet when both men were alone, they became pensive and withdrawn. Or, in Gaara's case, even more so.

A strained silence hung over them during their daily walks, to the point where even the most ardent of the original detractors grew discomfited. The citizens of the Hidden Sand had grown used to taking the easy affection between their leader and his partner for granted.

The merchants plied the Kazekage with offers and discounts in an effort to cheer him up, giving suggestions on which gifts would be most likely to win forgiveness from an irate spouse. The locals at the market worked themselves up into a tizzy when they saw Lee buying ingredients for dinner by himself, and bombarded him with countless pieces of advice on how to resolve marital troubles.

Temari and Kankuro noticed as well, of course, and finally sat them down for a chat.

"Okay, what gives?" the middle sibling demanded. "You two have been acting weird lately."

"It started exactly two weeks ago," Temari added. "Did anything happen then?"'

"That was the day after we copulated," Gaara informed.

"Wait, what?" Kankuro stared. "You guys actually did it?"

"Yes," Lee admitted. "It was necessary to deceive the council."

"We thought you faked it somehow," Temari said, stunned.

"There was no other way," Gaara replied flatly.

"Let me get this straight. You two had sex and you're still in denial?" Kankuro threw up his hands. "Why am I surrounded by idiots?"

"Denial about what?" Lee blinked.

Kankuro looked ready to tear his hair out. "Being in love!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Gaara said sternly. "You were the one who suggested a sham marriage in the first place."

"That was before we realized the truth," Temari explained. "Everyone's reactions at the wedding kind of tipped us off, but after seeing you two together, and how you treated each other with such love, we knew they were right. We thought we'd let you figure it out yourselves, so we didn't say anything."

"But no," Kankuro jumped in. "It's been nearly a year, you guys have fucked, and you still refuse to see what's right in front of you!"

Lee seemed hopelessly confused. "But was that not the intention, to portray a loving couple?"

"Yeah, and we thought that we'd have to keep reminding you to maintain the act. But you both jumped right into it. To be honest, it seemed like you were using the mission as an excuse to do things for each other more than anything," Temari said softly.

There was a heavy silence.

The woman stood. "Look, just talk it out, all right? You both need to learn to stop keeping things bottled up." She walked out, dragging a disgruntled Kankuro behind her.

After a long pause, Gaara turned to the other. "I meant what I said about not needing anyone else."

Lee met his gaze, eyes a tumult of emotions. "You have always been my most precious person."

This time, when Gaara leaned in for a kiss, Lee met him halfway.

Many years later, Kankuro would tell the village children the tale of the Fifth Kazekage and his consort, who were married almost a year before realizing they were in love.