The Man Behind The Mask

Chapter Five

Elizabeth POV
I woke myself up today before Gaara did. He is already packed and ready to go but at least he didn't have to wake me up. I take a breakfast bar from him and we set out for the day. I notice my muscles don't ache as much and make a mental note to thank him for making me stop at the springs. The forest seems to never end, it actually seems to be getting thicker. I don't complain though because I don't want to bother him. The day passes with no incident and we eventually find a stream to camp by.
I have almost lost track of the days but I think we're on our eighth day. We set into our routine of getting the fire started and him bathing while I cook our food. He comes back from bathing and takes his bowl of food from me. We sit and listen to the stream while we eat our dinner. He comes over to take my bowl and I reach it out to him. Every time we do this our hands touch momentarily and gives me a sense of comfort. He walks to the stream and washes out the bowls and I head down the bank to wash off. The stream is much colder than any of the other ones we've stayed by. I finish bathing and make my way back to camp where Gaara is sitting on the stream bed facing the water. I walk over to him and sit close to him. He doesn't acknowledge my presence, just keeps staring at the water.
"Do you ever take your mask off?" I ask him. "Only at my own home. I am not permitted to remove it during missions," he says, still not looking at me. "How old are you?" I ask him. "I am 19 years old." "Oh, well I'm 19 too so I guess we're a good fit," I blurt out with out realizing what I just said. "Yes it seems that way," he replies with no change in tone. We continue to sit together watching the water flow. I move slightly closer to him but he makes no sign that he notices it.
I move my hand slightly towards his, which rests on the rocky stream bank. I lay my hand next his so there is hardly any space between them and I can feel the heat from his hand. "We are traveling in a lot of hilly terrain, it's going to get a little bit colder so I suggest you wear extra clothes tomorrow," he informs me. "Are we going to leave the fire burning then?" I ask. "No. It gives us away too much. If it gets too cold at night I will sleep next to you," he says. I don't respond I just focus on the warmth coming from his hand.
Gaara stands up and starts to walk away from the stream bed. I reach out my arm and graze his arm with my fingers. "Are you going to bed?" I ask, hoping not to show my disappointment. "Yes, is there a problem?" He asks. "Um no I guess not," I reply. "Okay then," he says and walks away to put out the fire. I get up and walk to my bags. I haven't unrolled my sleeping bag yet so I take it and walk over to his mat. "Is it okay if I sleep over here," I ask Gaara. "Sleep wherever you wish as long as I can see you," he agrees. I nod and lay out my sleeping bag next to his mat. I climb into it and lay down facing him. He lays on his mat, still wearing the mask and turns away from me. I reach my hand out and place it on his arm "Goodnight Gaara," I whisper and pull my hand away.