The Light in His Life(Gaara romance)

Gaara's Fight

The names on the screen began to spin. Gaara was about to go down there before the names appeared but Aris stopped by grabbing his shoulder. She looked at him sternly.
"Your turn will come Gaara. Listen, I know you might not be able to control Shukaku, but at least try, okay?" Aris said. Gaara looked at her guiltily, then nodded. Lee said he didn't care if he goes last. Aris shook her head, There he goes again, with his, uh 'youthful' attitude. Aris rolled her eyes at the thought. Just then the screen showed-
Gaara of the Desert vs. Rock Lee
Aris's breath hitched. While she had complete and utter faith in Gaara, Aris knew what Lee has train in. She honestly didn't know who'd win this fight.
"Good luck Panda." Aris said with a small smile. Gaara smiled back then teleported down with his sand. Lee jumped down as well, and he seemed excited. Aris saw Kankuro join Naruto on the other causeway, so she teleported to them to get a better view.
"Yes! See if I say I want to go last, then I'd surely be next!" Lee said excitedly.
"Now that's good thinking Lee!" Gai said. Both then simultaneously gave a thumbs up, and a shining smile. Aris facepalmed. Gaara's just stood there unimpressed. Lee then charged with his Leap Hurricane, but as expected, Gaara's sand just protected him. He didn't even need to move. Really, Gaara just looked bored. Attack after attack, and Lee couldn't get threw. After throwing a kick at Gaara's head, which the sand blocked, Lee saw the Sand head towards him. He rolled and dogged it, trying to stay out of it's reach. Lee saw the Sand come at him from behind, so he pulled out a kunai, spinning it in his hand, then slicing threw the sand, with graceful movements. But sadly, whenever Lee would think he saw an opening the sand would just block. The sand advance on him and he dogged, also threw shiriken while he was at it. He got far enough away and the sand stopped.
"The sand! He's using it as a shield!" Naruto said a little astonished. Aris shook her head.
"No Naruto, that's not it." Aris said, Naruto looked at her.
"Huh? Then what is it?" Kankuro began to explain.
"He's not doing it, the sand is protecting him of it's own accord. It's almost like a living thing. It'll come to Gaara's defense without his doing anything. That's why Gaara's never been injured, no one can get at him. No one's ever been able to touch him, save Aris of course." Kankuro explained, his last sentence he said quickly when Aris glared at him. Aris remembered what Yashamaru said about Karura Gaara's mother's, will being in that sand as well as Aris's own. The thought made her smile a bit.
"Well? Is that all?" Gaara asked not looking at him. The sand then grabbed Lee and threw him against the wall. Aris frowned, I don't think Lee is gonna win this, but then again I remember Gai saying something about teaching Lee some kind of trump card. I hope it isn't something fatal to both of them. Gah! I'm so torn between them! I don't know who I want to win! I just want both of them to make it out alive, and do their best. Aris sighed heavily. Sakura wondered aloud why Lee doesn't use ninjutsu or genjustu. Aris shook her head as Kankuro asked the same question.
"It's because Lee can't. He never any talent in those areas, hell he didn't have any chakra either, so Gai just skipped it. They only focused on Taijustu. And that made Lee the best Taijustu specialist ever." Aris explained loud enough for even Sakura to hear her. Lee then began to back flip away from the sand, but he slipped. The sand took advantage of this and tried to bury him, but Lee jumped and flipped int the air a few times, landing on the statue forming a hand sign. Lee looked troubled, Aris bit her lip. But then Gai yelled out.
"Alright Lee! Take 'em off!" Gai said giving him a thumbs up. Aris looked down, the weights, which are as heavy as mine.
"But Gai-sensei, you said that was a last resort! When the lives are very important people are at stake!" Lee said.
"Yeah! That's right! I did! But this, is an exception!" Gai said again giving him a thumbs up. Aris sighed.
"Here we go." She said nervously. Kankuro and Naruto looked at her questionly.
"Really? Really? Yes!" Lee said. He then removed his orange leg warmers revealing his weights. Naruto gasped.
"So he has the same weights has you huh sis?" He said. Aris looked at Naruto agitated.
"Naruto, hush for a moment and watch." Aris said sternly. Naruto gave a worried look, She's agitated, I can't say I blame her. Lee then removed the leg weights, and held them up.
"Totally cool!" Naruto said.
"Totally dumb." Kankuro mocked. Aris looked at him with no emotion.
"Just wait Kanky." She said. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what she knows.
"I agree kitty cat, after all.....who knows how much they weigh?" Naruto said with a smirk. Kankuro stared at him a little unnerved, then realize what Naruto just called him.
"Why you!" Kankuro growled.
"Ah! That's better! Now I'll be able to move freely!" Lee said. Everyone but Aris, Naruto, and Gai looked doubtful. Lee the dropped them making two craters. The look on everyone's faced almost made Aris laugh.
"Gai you are too much." Kakashi said. Gaara remained unconcerned.
"Alright! Now go Lee!" Gai shouted.
"Yes ser!" Lee shout back. Then he sprang into action, disappearing. Gaara was surprised. Lee appeared behind him and punch almost getting threw his sand and surprising Gaara. Gaara's eyes widened, Aris furrowed her eyebrows in worry. Lee the kicked him from behind, making him turn around yet again. Gaara couldn't keep up with Lee, hell the sand could barely keep up. Everyone, even Neji, looked at Lee in awe. But Aris just looked worried, for both of them. Lee got another hit just passed Gaara's head. So close. Aris thought. Sheika all of the sudden came out.
"Well, this looks interesting. Never thought I'd see the day, when someone actually gets pass Gaara's main defense." Sheika said, clearly interested. But this made Aris grip the railing. Sheika immediately regretted opening her big trap. Lee kept attacking, confusing Gaara. Finally he spun in the air, and managed to land a kick on Gaara's head. Aris breathed heavily, her head hurt almost like she felt that kick. Her grip on the railing tightened. Everyone was surprised. Gaara stumbled back a step as Lee landed few feet away. A large gash was on Gaara's cheek. Aris bit her lip, Sand Armor, this is getting serious. Lee smirked.
"Woah that's scary! And I thought he was quick on his feet before! He's been that fast, this whole time huh?" Naruto said very interested. Gai cheered up for Lee, and a fire began to burn in Lee's eyes. Aris frowned, There's that look again. Lee just doesn't know when to quit, alot like Naruto and me. But this battle won't be in his favor forever.
"It's not enough." Aris mumbled. Sheika whistled.
"Shukaku is getting pissed." She mumbled louder, a little worried. Lee charged, Gaara made his sand whip up to defend himself, but Lee dodged. He moved and attack, Gaara couldn't keep up. Lee then landed a punch, nocking Gaara on his back, as he grunted from the shock. A direct hit. Aris thought. Gaara began to stand back up, sand still pouring out of his gourd. Sheika, Kankuro's and Aris's eyes widened.
"Shit!" Sheika cursed.
"Uh oh!" Kankuro said.
"Oh no." Aris said knowing what's coming next. I can feel it. Gaara's losing control. If this keeps up, him and Shukaku will snap! She that frantically.
"Something's wrong. Gaara's getting the stuffing beaten out of , but I doubt you said uh oh because of that." Naruto said. Sheika sighed.
"No kidding!" She said. Aris's hair covered her face, as she yet again gripped the railing to the point of cracking it.
"Damnit." Aris growled. She practically felt the impact of that punch, and it hurt. So it's begun for Aris. And the worse part, is that Gaara is practically her mate. Whatever pain he feels, she feels. This is not good. Sheika thought grimly.
"Your rights kid, that isn't what I was talking about." Kankuro said. Aris pointed to the battle.
"Look." Was all she said. Everyone's eyes widened when they saw Gaara. Just like Aris with her sand armor, it looked like his face was falling off. But he held a crazed expression.
"Sand Armor." Aris again said. But this time she smirked a bit, but as soon as she did it was gone.
"What the heck? So he has the same abilities as Aris. Man it looks like his face is falling off." Naruto said.
"It's like a shell of sand." Kakashi said.
"Look at him! There's not a one scratch! Not a mark on the guy!" Shikamaru said astonished. Aris nodded at all the comments. It's been awhile sense her and Kankuro seen that look on Gaara's faced. And it hurt Aris more then anything to him like this. The Sand Armor began to rehabilitate on to Gaara. This isn't good. Aris thought.
"What is this guy? After all those attacks! Didn't any get threw?" Naruto asked. Aris shook her head.
"No they didn't." Aris said.
"It's like he's wearing at suit of armor. And Aris can use the same technique, as you saw in her battle. Ordinarily, the shifting sand can protect him. But in the situation were his main defense is penetrated, Gaara can wear the sand like armor, as a last line of defense." Kankuro explained.
"Does he have any weak spots?" Naruto questioned. Aris tightened her grip, the rail started to brake.
"Yes, the Sand Armor is both our greatest defense, as well as our greatest flaw. While the sand in our gourds that normally protect us is without​ any chakra what so ever, sense the sand acts on it's own accord, the Sand Armor however takes a lot of chakra to hold it up. Eventually he'll run out, but that will take forever. Like me, Gaara has a great amount of chakra. He can do so much, with so little." Aris s said. Kankuro looked at surprised that she spoke so highly of him, but then again it is Aris. He's pressured. Aris thought.
"Well, is that all?" Gaara said. Aris sighed. I knew it, Lee's speed isn't enough. Unless he has some kind of trump card, he's not gonna win this. Aris thought furrowing her eyebrows. Lee seemed to be thinking, then came a gleam in his eye. He looked at Gai for approval, who nodded. Lee nodded back the smirked. Aris rose an eyebrow. What's Lee planning? He unwrapped his bandages. Aris's eyes widened.
"No, he isn't gonna-!?" Aris said. Lee ran around Gaara in a big circle.
"What are you waiting for?" Gaara asked​.
"Okay you asked for it!" Lee said. Lee kicked him up by the chin, the chest, stomach. Over and over again getting him as high in the air as he could. Aris began to shake in fear for Gaara. Lee might kill him with that justu! Lee closed his eyes because of the pain. Then he wrapped Gaara in his bandages. Then him and Lee began to spin, heading back towards the ground.
"Primary Lotus!" Lee shouted. They hit the ground making the ground break apart. At the same time, Aris's gripped tightened completely and the railing broke apart in her hands, some of it turned to dust, as she stared at the battle in fear. Everyone else was shocked. Lee landed two feet away from the crater Gaara was in, who eyes were wide. Aris stop shaking when she saw and shook her head.
"It's over! I got him!" Lee said smiling.
"Right on!" Gai's shouted. Naruto said nothing just narrowed his eyes.
"No, I don't believe it!" Kankuro said in disbelief. Aris looked at them.
"Good, cause it's not over yet." She said they looked at her confused. Then what appeared to be Gaara began to collapse in on it's self, making it look like an empty husk. They turned back to Aris in shock, she just stared at them​.
"Sand Clone, Also substitution justu." Aris said, then turned back to the fight, as if that was all the explanation they needed.
"What?!" Lee said, his brow twitching. Aris frowned, Oh Kami, no. It's coming! Then, Gaara appeared behind Lee, chuckling darkly. Aris's expression turned to panic, and looked pained to.
"Oh Kami no! Please Gaara, keep fighting! Don't let him out!" Aris said. Gaara made a hand sign, smirking villainously, then the sand went haywire. It crashed into Lee, who tried to block but couldn't. Aris clutched her chest where her heart was with both hands, as she watched Gaara succumb to the monster he thought he was. Lee couldn't move or run around the sand crashed into him, he could only block.
"Run Lee!" Naruto shouted.
"He can't! The primary Lotus took up to much energy, he's lucky to still be standing! That technique is like a double edge sword!" Sheika said. The sand whipped around, and crashed Lee into the wall.
"The poor kids got nothing left! Gaara's just toying with him now." Kankuro said. Gaara licked his lips, making Aris shudder though she didn't know why. The puppet guy is right. The poor kid is screwed. Sheika thought. The sand lunged at Lee, and he jumped out of the way a few times like a cat. Gaara's continued to smirk, then made a hand sign. Aris remembered, so did Gai, when Lee was younger. When she met him he was awful at Taijustu then, but thanks to Gai he became what he is now. Aris blinked back the tears threatening to fall for her friend, and the one she cared for more then anything. Even back then Lee, you didn't know when to give up. We had only just met then, when you graduated the academy and I already knew you'd succeed in your dream. The sand hit Lee once again making him yell out in pain. Gaara had an evil look on his face when Lee got back up, that look said 'that's right, come​ at me! See what happens!'. Aris didn't know how much more of this she could take. Deep down in side, she felt Gaara's heart in pain. He was trying to fight Shukaku, but he couldn't hold back. Lee got ready to block, but Gaara chuckled at him.
"What good do you think that'll do?" He said. Kankuro smirked.
"I pity the kid. Gaara will just toy with until he begs for mercy." Kankuro said. Aris turned to glare at him with Naruto.
"I wonder, just exactly how did Gaara get like this?" Naruto questioned, glaring at Kankuro who gulped.
"Well, then Gaara's in for a long match cause that's not gonna happen." Gai said.
"Lee doesn't know when to give up. He'll never beg. And for your information, it isn't Gaara who's toying with him. It's that rotten, no good, idiotic​, jerk of a bijuu in side him, that's doing this." Aris said, glaring at Kankuro then turning back to the fight. She cringed as the sand pounded him into the ground making Lee yell in pain. The tears began to flow. Seeing Lee like this, and Gaara, it hurt her to no end. Lee had the gift of perseverance, just like her and Naruto. He'll never give up, he doesn't know how. Neither does Gaara, this could continue until one is dead. That made her cry silently even more. That frightened her to no end. Aris didn't want either of them to die here. Gaara glanced at Aris and he was shocked. He almost thought she was afraid of him, but he realized the fear was not at him, but for him, and for the boy. Gaara turned back to Lee, I can't let Shukaku take control! And I can't keep toying with him! It'll only hurt Aris more. I have to end this, but I can't kill him. Lee then smiled, and as the sand attacked he dodged again and again.
"What?! He's still dodging!" Neji said astounded.
"He's still able to move like that? Impressive." Naruto said.
"He's smiling! He's dodging for his life but he's still smiling!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Yes! But now it's Gaara's turn to run! The leaf village lotus, blooms twice." Gai said.
"Wait I've heard that somewhere before! Yeah, Lee told me that!" Sakura said. Aris turned to them wondering what Gai knows.
"But ,no, Gai you didn't!" Kakashi said.
"Yes, Kakashi. I did." Gai said.
"So that boy, that genin, is able to open all the eight inner gates and use the hidden lotus?" Kakashi said. Aris gasped and began to shake in newfound worry and fear.
"No! If Lee uses that then Gaara could....Even Lee might-! Grr, Gai! What the hell were you thinking?! They're both gonna get killed!" Aris shouted. Everyone stared at her in shock, as the saw in her eyes that she was afraid. No one has ever really saw fear in her eyes before now. Now Aris was breathing heavily, still clutching the fabric above her heart.
"There's no need to worry Aris! Lee will win this! This is his trump card!" Gai said. Aris scowled him.
"I'm not worried about who's gonna fucking win! I'm worried if Gaara and Lee are gonna.....!" Aris couldn't finish a she turned back to the fight shutting her eyes tightly like she was in pain then opening them again.
"Gaara is precious to Aris, and Lee is her friend. She knows Gaara better then anyone, and you and her both know Lee. If she says there's a chance they might kill each other, then she's not bluffing." Kai said, a little worried. Her and Sasuke had stayed quiet the whole time, now even Sasuke looked a little worried and shocked. Gai furrowed his eyebrows. Naruto tensed as if ready to jump in.
Sheika rubbed Aris's back trying to calm her down, but it wasn't working at all. Lee dodged Gaara's attacks again. Gai and Kakashi began to argue. Aris frowned, I Know​ what Lee is trying to prove, and it is a goal worth giving up everything. But I don't want him to die, nor get Gaara killed in the process! Please don't do it Lee! Please don't! Lee began to open the gates. Gaara took a quick glance at Aris. He knew she never would hold such fear in her eyes unless someone she cared about was in danger, she knows what Lee is planning, and she's powerless to stop it. He looked back at Lee.
"I don't know what you think your planning right now, but this match is over for you." Gaara said ready to bring Lee down.
"You are right, it is over. One way or another!" Lee said. He thought of everyone he wanted to rise above, everyone he wanted to face. Gaara expression turned surprised.
"I will not be the only one to lose here! Gai-sensei, please let this work! It's now or never!" Lee said. He began to change, turning red, muscles bulging. He opened the four gates. Aris looked afraid.
"No!" She yelled.
"This is bad!" Naruto said.
Lee charged, faster then ever. Gaara was in the air, in pain, Aris could feel it. Lee began to pound on Gaara, and his sand couldn't take the blows like before. It began crack away. Lee kicked him around like a ball. Aris felt every bit and she couldn't take it. Now she was clutching onto Sheika, sobbing and wailing, while Sheika looked astounded and afraid. Naruto and Kankuro looked at Aris worried and confused.
"Sis! What's wrong! Are you okay!?" Naruto asked grabbing her hand. Aris' strength nearly it making Naruto wince but he had before.
"What the hell is going on!?" Kankuro asked. Sheika looked at him.
"Aris is different from other jinchuriki. She always knows when one is in trouble if they're close enough to her, but she can also feel their pain. And if she's attached to them in anyway, the pain no matter what it is, is almost unbearable for her. Aris is so connected to Gaara that she's feeling every attack Lee hits him with. And right now, those attacks are hurting him." Sheika explain. Naruto's eyes widened in absolute terror. No.....Aris. Gaara grunted in pain. My Armor can't take much more of this! He looked at Aris. I have to make it, for her! Somehow she's feeling these attacks, I have to end this somehow she'll just get hurt if I don't! Lee charge with last attack opening the next gate, gate of closing. Aris looked on horrified. That could kill them both!
"No!" Aris screamed. Gaara brought up his arms in last defense. No Human can move like this! Impossible to defend myself! Gaara locked eyes with Aris for a moment and saw how scared she was for him. She didn't want to lose him. A look of determination came across his face as he turned back to Lee. Lee rushed forward then double punched Gaara in the stomach, making Aris yet again cry out. Gaara started to fall but Lee grabbed his white scarf, making Gaara gasp. Lee pulled him forward then sent a devestating kick making him and Gaara plumit toward the ground, at the last second the gourd turned to sand as they both hit, dust blew about everywhere as Aris let out a painful scream and fell to ground on her hands and knees. Tears flowed down her face like no tomorrow, now she was breathing heavily, Naruto held her closely scared beyond belief. Aris looked up as the dust cleared revealing Gaara and Lee, both still alive. She sighed in heavy relief, but she knew it wasn't over. Lee rolled away and the sand had cushioned the blow for Gaara, now he was shaking and breathing heavily. Gaara raised his hand and the sand followed after Lee, who couldn't get away. The sand got a hold of Lee's left arm and leg lifting him up.
"Sand Coffin!" Gaara said closing his fist. The crushed Lee's arm and leg and he screamed in pain. Aris's face scrunched up in agony, those screams broke her heart. Lee was done for. Gaara was gonna kill him, he couldn't stop himself.
"Gaara!" Aris yelled. At the same time, Gai came in and saved Lee. Gaara sat up and Aris jumped of the cause way and ran to him. She slowed down and kneeled next him.
"Are you okay?" She asked him. Gaara nodded still looking at Gai and Lee confused. Immediately Gaara saw, himself as a child, his father, Kankuro and Temari, then......Yashamaru. The memory then cracked and he held his head in pain. Aris put a gentle hand on his head, which actually helped. Gaara opened his eyes and looked back at Gai.
"But why? He failed. Why save him?" Gaara asked.
"Because he's, he's my student, and also because he's precious to me." Gai said. Gaara furrowed his non-existent brow, then he thought of Aris. He turned to her in thought. Gaara heard everything, he was precious to her and honestly, Aris was precious to him too.
"He's precious to him? A student?" Temari asked. That's a sentiment Gaara couldn't begin to understand. Baki thought. Aris heard and gave him a death glare, activating her mind justu, but she accidentally connected everyone to the mind link. That's were your wrong Baki! Gaara does understand! No thanks to you! The Kazekage! And the damned elders and villagers of Suna! Baki stared at her afraid, while everyone else stared confused but Gaara. He knew exactly what she was talking about. Whatever Baki was thinking, he pissed her off, it must've​ been about him. Must've, Aris would only ever glare like that if someone ever insulted me or her brother. Gaara thought. His gaze softened as he looked at her. Gaara got up, helping Aris up to, then went to walk away, his sand turning back into his gourd as he walked. Aris followed him.
"I quit." Was all Gaara said. Aris grabbed his hand making him look at her. She gave him the sweet beautiful smile only meant for him. The smile that made his heart skip a beat, he returned a small one.
"The winner is-" the Proctor almost said but then he gasped, so everyone else. Aris turned back as did Gaara, and they saw Lee, standing but shaking terrible. Aris's eyes widened in shock, But after all that he shouldn't be able move, let alone stand. What's he thinking he can't keep fighting like this. He's already proven himself. Wait....I don't sense anything from his mind. Oh Kami, he's out cold, he standing on sheer will power alone. I'm so sorry Lee, I'm so sorry! Aris let out a quiet sob, only Gaara heard her. No one else had reliazed that Lee was out cold.
"It can't be!" Gai said. Aris shook her head.
"It isn't." She whispered.
"No Lee it's all right, you've done enough. Besides your in no condition to-" Gai gasped when he realized what Aris realized sooner. Lee was out cold.
"Lee. Oh Lee! What have I done? Look at you, not even consious. Yet still determined to show the world what you can do!" Gai said, as he to started to cry. Everyone else was shocked at this. Aris sobbed again, then buried her face in Gaara's chest, as he pulled her close. Gaara was hating ever second of this damn match. All it's done is hurt Aris physically and emotionally. Gaara frowned.
"Lee, you've already proven it! You are a splendid ninja!" Gai's said hugging Lee. Aris, stilling holding Gaara, looked at Lee, sadness washing over her.
"Your right, he is." Gaara said. Gai looked at him shocked, as did everyone else but Aris. Aris just smiled and hugged him tighter.
"The winner is Gaara." said Hayate.(a/n finally remembered his name) Gaara closed his eyes, deeply regretting the match, then he walked away Aris beside him holding his hand. Naruto jumped down running toward Lee. He ran passed Gaara and Aris. Gaara and him glanced at each for only a second. Gaara stopped walking and turned back to Lee and Naruto. Aris watched them closely. The medics arrived, but as they examined Lee, one of them pulled Gai aside to tell him something.
"His breathing is stable, but there are bone fractures and muscle tears threw out his body. He's facing a long and difficult rehabilitation. But that's not the worst of it, I'm afraid. His left arm and leg had suffered​ massive damage. I'm sorry, I know how much it means to you both, but he'll never fight again. His days as a Shinobi are over." The medics said. Aris stood in shock at what she heard, so did Gaara. No it can't be. Aris shook her head, unable to think of Lee never fighting again. Gaara glared at the floor, what have I done? Aris began cry again.
"He's lying, it can't be true!" Naruto said in disbelief. Gaara hesitantly placed a hand on Aris's shoulder, afraid she'd hate him. She didn't shrug off his hand, but she grabbed it and squeezed, not letting go. Gai was barely able to contain himself, he silently asked for forgiveness. Gai blamed himself. Aris finally registered the medics taking Lee away.
"No! Wait!" She said stopping them. She practically ran to Lee, even though he was only a few steps away from her and Gaara. I can't accept this! I have to do something! I owe it to him! The only thing that'll work, is that justu. Aris looked from Lee to Sheika who was on the causeway.
"Sheika get down here! It's time to use it!" Aris said. Sheika jumped down.
"You think that'll work?" Sheika said. Aris furrowed her brow.
"It has to. Let's merge Sheika." Aris said. Sheika nodded, then instead of dissappearing​ into smoke, she began to glow violet and walked into Aris, merging with her. Violet chakra surrounded Aris and her eyes changed to the violet fox eyes. Aris held her hands above Lee's left arm and leg, as her hand began to glow white. Everyone watched silently, wondering what Aris was up to. She place her hands on Lee and the white chakra began to cover his arm and leg.
"Lee, your a lot like Naruto and me. You never give up. I know you can't give up now. They're wrong, your days as a Shinobi are not over yet. I'll make sure of that. I'm not gonna give up on you. Your my friend, and I never give up on my friends or love ones. It's never over unless your dead. I know that all to well. Come on Lee, keep fighting." Aris said. Lee began to open his eyes and he looked at Aris.
"Aris?" He whispered. She looked at him and smiled. Everyone else was shocked. He raised his left arm, wincing a little at the pain, and lock hand hands with Aris.
"Easy, you need rest. It's gonna be okay." Aris said beaming. Lee grined back, then fell unconscious. Aris stepped back letting the medics take him away. Aris grabbed Gaara's hand. He looked at her and she gave him a small smile, his eyes softened though he didn't smile. Gaara watched the medics take Lee, regret plain to see on his features. Gaara turned back to the others, then closed his eyes grabbing Aris's hand then teleporting them both. to the causeway next to Temari​ with his sand.
"Good to have ya back Gaara." Temari said. He only glanced at her, his features soft for the first time. Aris sighed heavily and leaned into Gaara.
"Damn, this whole preliminary has been emotionally exhausting." Aris said. Gaara nodded.
"I have to agree with you, on that one." Gaara said, wrapping his arms around Aris. She yawned, she wasn't kidding about being exhausted.
"Tired?" Gaara asked. Aris nodded. Gaara then picked her up bridal style, making her gasp.
"Sh, sleep." He said, looking into her eyes deeply. Aris gave Gaara a tired smile and nodded.
"Thank you, Gaara." Aris whispered before dozing off. Gaara kissed her forehead. Then he sighed.
I'm sorry you had to go through that, Aris.