(no subject)
Who: Lee and Gaara
What: First Date
Where: Movie then Lee's apartment
When: June 30
Warnings: None. Except that lol log is a tad late here.
By now, the drive to Lee's apartment was as familiar as going to the grocery store. Gaara's fingers tightened on the wheel briefly as he parked in the basement of the building. His lips curled down for a moment, green eyes looking at the way his hands flexed. Lee had said this was a date. Indirectly perhaps, but it was implied in the journal comments exchanged between them.
The situation was just too strange for him. Only a month ago, Lee was asking Haruno out on a date- and he kept denying anything of the like whenever the two of them went out. Were there protocols he had to follow? Rules? Dating procedures? The drive to his friend's apartment wasn't even long enough for him to pick and prod at what this meant for their friendship. Exhaling softly, he cut the engine and stepped out of his car. He would let Lee take the first step...whatever that was. For his part, he'd treat this like the previous times they went out.
A brief climb and a short walk later, he was standing in front of Lee's door and gave two sharp knocks like he'd always done before.
Lee had been rushing around since this planned outing- Date, you said it was a date. Right, since this date was planned. It was more to keep himself busy enough to not think about what this change meant.
By the time there was two knocks at his door his apartment had become insanely clean, everything was oddly organized, and Lee had changed into his fourth outfit (a green tank, khaki shorts, and a pair of worn out chucks for shoes).
Sighing to try and calm himself, Lee went to answer the door. "Hello, Gaara." He gave a small grin as he stepped out of the apartment. "Ready to head out now?"
As soon as the door opened, Gaara's line of sight caught a green-covered chest, taking in a well-defined collarbone, a bright grin, and finally Lee's eyes. His brows knotted as he stared at his friend silently. There didn't seem to be any expectation for a gift or some form of affectionate greeting. Or was he confusing his research on dating?
"Lee." He finally said, reaching out and putting a hand on the taller man's shoulder. That was as far as he went though. The hand rested there for a moment as his normally neutral expression gained a hint of confusion, eyes locking onto Lee's. Then he pulled his hand back and looked away. "...I am ready. The American movie is showing in an hour and Kessha in forty-five minutes."
He reached up and tugged down the zipper on his sleeveless white shirt, loosening the high collar and letting his pale neck get some ventilation. As for his black pants...there was little he could do to cool his legs.
Lee gave a small nod to show his understanding. He took a moment to close his apartment door firmly, locking it soon after. "Then we can go ne? Since we're taking the train, will have a better chance of making the American movie, won't we?"
Lee realized several seconds later that he was being rather casual for a 'first' date- like he was actually used to this kind of thing. Then agian, if he looked back on it, several of their other outings could have been considered dates if he had just agreed to call them that. Still- shouldn't there be something different here?
Will a small sigh, and a hint of hesitancy, he reached over and took hold of Gaara's hand. He gave it a small tug as he moved to lead them both out of the apartment building. "Come on, then." He flashed a small grin back at Gaara. There, it wasn't much, but it was a small change right?
Gaara's long period of reclusion in his own room almost made him forget just how touchy Lee could be. He had gotten used to it before summer started, but now the unfamiliar feeling of Lee's hand had him staring at their locked palms as the other man led them out of the building. It was different from that ice-skating outing they had. This time, he could see no reason for the hold other than as an affectionate gesture. This really is...a date. He thought silently, his hand moving to grasp Lee's in a firmer hold.
First date or not, the contact grounded him to the present once more. Being alone for almost a month really wasn't healthy for anyone's social life or social skills. Gaara quickened his pace a little to match Lee's strides, returning the grin with a cool stare and a slight twitch of lips.
The walk to the train station wasn't that long, and after a short queue, they had their train tickets and were just waiting for the train to arrive. Their locked hands only gathered passing glances- mostly from giggling young girls as they stood at the station. "...What made you decide to call this a date?" He suddenly asked, looking up. He remembered Lee saying something about dating being done only with someone you liked.
Lee blinked in surprise at that question. He really should have been expecting it- given that up until now he had avoided classifying anything they did as a 'date.' Still, even if he had expected such a question he really wouldn't have thought to hear it this soon.
"Uh well..." He was fumbling for answer. He had said himself that dating was done with someone you liked...and while it was true that he liked Gaara, he really wasn't ready to just come out and admit that- especially in a crowded train station. "I just...wanted to." Lee's cheeks turned a little pink then. If Gaara remembered anything of that conversation, of how Lee himself had described dating, he pretty much admitted that he liked Gaara right there.
Luckily, before the conversation to be carried on much farther, their train arrived and they were forced to sandwich themselves in between several people. Surely Gaara wouldn't carry on such a conversation here...right?
Lee's answer confused him. If he 'just wanted to', then this meant that Lee's earlier description of dating was null. Of course, opinions could change as time went on... Gaara followed him into the train as it arrived, soon finding himself squeezed between Lee and a metal pole. It was a tight fit, made even more by businessmen and some students coming home from school.
He had to keep one hand against the pole behind him to stop it from digging into his back, inevitably pushing him against his friend's body. Though their height difference had him facing Lee's chest instead of his face. Gaara looked up, staring again into Lee's eyes. An expression of helplessness crossed his face briefly as he wondered if Lee only said this was a date because Haruno rejected him. It brought an unfamiliar feeling in his chest- an unpleasant one.
Looking away, he watched the scenery flowing past the windows. Soon, the train conductor announced the station just before their stop. Most of the passengers got off as the train came to a halt, letting Gaara finally move into a more comfortable position before new passengers swarmed in. This time, he was holding on to the pole with his back to Lee.
The train was moving again. Gaara let out a soft sigh, thankful that the next stop would be theirs. He could smell sweat coming from some of the passengers who just boarded. And it made his nose wrinkle in distaste. Finally, they reached the Shibuya station.
The whole train ride to Shibuya had been awkward. First with how they were originally shoved onto the train- both of them pressed together and up against a pole. There had been that look Gaara had given him too- the look Lee had been trying to figure out for this whole ride. It was almost....helpless, and it hurt to be fixed with such a look. It hurt even more when Gaara turned from him the first chance he got. This...was not a good start to a date was it?
Lee had to force such thought out of his head when they stepped out of the pack train and onto the platform of Shibuya station. Such thoughts would only make this date worse right? It was better to look on the bright side, and enjoy this time- no use in dwelling on negative thoughts when you were supposed to be having fun.
Gaara straightened out the shirt he had on, bringing the zipper down just a little more to cool him down. Turning to Lee, he ran a hand through his bangs, pushing them away from his face. "The movie house is a three minute walk from here." He glanced at the big clock inside the station. "...And we still have almost an hour before the American movie starts."
He wasn't sure about his next action, but he reached out and grasped Lee's hand. Whatever reason Lee had for making this into a date, he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to experience something he hadn't thought he ever would. And since he didn't even understand why he felt that way in the train, he would set that aside for later scrutiny.
He tugged on his friend's hand gently, almost expecting him to pull away like before. "...We have time. I want something cold before we watch."
Lee kept his hand exactly where it was, even returning the grip with a small queeze of his own. "Something cold huh?" He asked with a small laugh as he moved to lead them out of the station. If it was one thing he had learned about Gaara it was that when it came to heat the apporpriate reaction was always with something cold.
"We'll find something then...." He murmured as he took in their surroundings, they were mostly shops, or small buildings- but just a little further up the road he spotted a sign for a cafe. They were bound to have cold menu items for the summer. "There's a cafe up that way....would you like to go there?"
The laugh eased the tension between them. And the return squeeze took away whatever was left. Gaara's lips twitched up again- though higher this time so he was almost smiling.
They walked through the urban streets of Shibuya. It wasn't that different from their neighborhood around the campus, but there were also some sights that were unique to the area. There was the statue of Hachiko the dog right outside the station; corner boutiques and fast food stands lined the streets.
When Lee asked him about the cafe, Gaara readily said 'yes'. He followed his friend as they headed up the road and into the cafe. The place was simple, with cheerful tones coloring the walls and furniture. A waitress led them to a vacant table, giggling a little when she saw their clasped hands. He took a seat and looked at the menu. The cold items were mostly desserts. After looking at the selection, he finally ordered a strawberry parfait for himself.
Lee was relieved when the tension seemed to fade. It seemed nicer, easier- over all with the decreased tension the atmosphere was more relaxed in general.
The cafe was quant, simple and laid back. It definitely seemed like a nice place- a good find for just spotting the sign on the street. Once at their table, and after a few more giggles and glances from their waitress, their orders were placed. Lee had decided on ordering the same parfait as Gaara (a fact their waitress had to giggle over). He hadn't had something like a parfait in a long time, so it seemed like a good choice.
"Are you looking forward to the movie?" He asked, deciding to make idle conversation while they waited for their orders.
Gaara had leaned his hands on the table while Lee made his order. He tilted his head to the side a little at the question. "...It is not something I'd watch by myself." He replied. "But it sounded like something you'd like."
Green eyes looked down at his hands for a moment. Even though Lee had held his hand all the way here, he still wanted more of the contact. The first time his friend touched him, he had reacted with surprise and had pulled away. But as they spent more time together, whether for those tutoring sessions or one of their more casual outings, he found himself getting used to his touch, sometimes even initiating contact himself. But now they were on a date. His hands curled a little on the table. That changed the meaning of every touch.
"Lee. You're my friend. I...like you." He said, looking up again. "This doesn't have to be a date for me to enjoy your company." A small part of him pointed out that this was the first time he'd ever told anyone he liked them.
"I'm not sure I understand...." He understood well enough that Gaara enjoyed his company, liked him even, but it was that last comment that nearly threw him for a loop. Did Gaara not- "Would you....prefer if this wasn't a date then?" He asked that question almost hesitantly, not sure if he really wanted the answer to that.
Truth be told, he wanted this to be a date- not because of Sakura rejecting him, or because Gaara kept asking. No, the real reason he had decided to call this a date was because he genuinely liked Gaara. He had been pretty dense the last few weeks, and it had taken him a while to catch on. but he finally got the point that he liked Gaara. Things were different with their friendship than it was with his other friends, and Lee had finally understood that it was because the affection he held for Gaara was leaning towards something more than a simple friendship. He just hoped he hadn't had such a revelation too late.
Brows knotting, Gaara's hand rose up to his forehead, almost touching the scar there before letting his hand fall back down. He had remembered to take his pills before leaving his apartment- it was more of a habit kicking in rather than anything surfacing. Like most of the time he spent with Lee, there was nothing in his mind but his own thoughts.
"...I'm not sure." He admitted. "I don't mind going on a date with you. But you said our relationship is different from that of two people who go out on a date." He rubbed the back of right hand with his left, his skin remembering the feeling of Lee's palm against it. "...I still don't fully understand what friendship is, even after having you and Naruto. What you are to me..."
The conversation was interrupted with their waitress bringing them their strawberry parfaits. Gaara eyed the cool dessert, wondering if he should continue or take a bite. He settled for taking the whole strawberry on top of the whipped cream, sucking the cream on it and taking a small bite.
Lee had been about to say something when their waitress arrived with their parfaits. He wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or annoyed at the interruption- he finally decided on a mixture of the two as he munched on the full strawberry that had been placed on the top of his parfait.
The conversation had be caught on an awkward point, and he wasn't really sure how to continue it. Hell he wasn't sure if he should continue it, or just let it drop.
Gaara watched Lee chew on his strawberry. He placed his own fruit on a napkin, intending to eat it after finishing the parfait. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything. Although his siblings try to teach him how to interact with other people, he still ended up confusing or being confused by other people.
Taking the long spoon beside his glass, he dug it into the fruit and whipped cream mix, bringing the chilled cream to his lips. The cold made his lips flush red while the sweetness had his tongue darting out to lick his spoon for more. He took another spoonful before taking a glance at Lee. He still hadn't replied after what he said. From under the table, he tried getting his friend's attention by nudging his foot with his. But since he couldn't see what was going on down there, his lower leg ended up rubbing against Lee's instead.
Lee nearly jumped at the contact to his leg, so far gone in his thoughts that such a touch had almost scared him half to death. He brushed it off as something accidental, things like that happen in small booths and tables. It did serve to gain his attention though, his eyes turning back to Gaara as he spooned up a bite of his own parfait.
He was starting to feel that awkward tension again, the kind that came in whenever he and Gaara left things unsaid. It was like a very heavy cloud hanging over them, and Lee didn't like it one bit. Sighing to himself, he decided to press forward with their previous conversation. "Gaara...about what I said with out relationship being different from people who date...I- well I'm not so sure it's that different anymore..."
Gaara's eyes widened at that, the dark rings around his eyes stretching as well. "You want to be together?" He asked bluntly, The last time a conversation like this had taken place, Lee had denied anything of the sort. But now he was sure this was exactly what the other man was saying.
The tension between them was there again, but he ignored it this time. For once, he preferred talking over silence. He could feel a twist in his stomach that had nothing to do with hunger. And despite the coldness of his parfait, there was something warm creeping up his ears. "...Tell me what you want from me."
This mode of conversation was eerily similar to the same conversation they had when Lee first wanted to be friends with Gaara. Lee could feel his face heat up as he nodded in response to the first question Gaara asked. The second demand....was a bit more difficult to answer. It wasn't so much as what he wanted from Gaara as it was what he wanted Gaara to accept from him.
"I don't want anything....I don't need anything. You don't even have to agree to a relationship if you don't want to. I just....I really like you Gaara. That's all. I don't expect anything from that...unless it's something you're willing to give."
The flush crossing Lee's face had him staring at his friend for a moment. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen him blush this hard- and if he had, it certainly wasn't because of him. He stayed silent for a few seconds, thinking about Lee's words. What he wanted from Lee.... "I want...to be close to you." He started, trying to voice out what he felt. "I don't know what kind of relationship I can give. ...I don't even know if I make a good friend. Or anything more than that."
He took the spoon again and swirled his parfait, his eyes still fixed on Lee intently. "But I like spending time with you. And I like you as well." The last thing he said had him looking down at his parfait, watching the mess his swirling had made and thinking that his feelings were like that- mixed yet still perfectly blended. What he felt for Lee...it was friendship as Naruto described to him. But there were times when he yearned for something more. And that was why he bit his lip and gave a quick nod. "...If we're together, what do I have to do?"
Lee had been about to argue that Gaara was the most excellent of friends, but he was easily shut up as Gaara continued to speak. He waited for his friend to finished before contemplating his answer.
Wait...Gaara's last question- did that mean that Gaara was agreeing to a relationship? Or was Lee's optimism just making him take it that way. He sighed, biting at his lip before finally vocalizing an answer. "If...if we're together, you just have to be you. Don't...don't change anything for the sake of a relationship. Ah...well I guess there would be some changes, but that would be a mutual effort from the both of us...er I'm not really giving a clear answer am I?"
"No." He said, though there was a trace of amusement in his usual monotone. "Those changes...they mean we would be more intimate; like kissing or having sex, don't they?" He took a spoonful of his cream and brought it to his mouth, sucking on the spoon before dipping it back into his glass. Those had been in his research on dating and sex- the part that made him write those rules and that application form for anyone who wanted to date Temari. He wondered if they applied to Lee as well.
"...I'm not prepared to go that far." He said, brows knotting a little. "I can't give you an answer right now. This date... I want to see how it ends first. I want to see if I am capable of being something more than a friend."
Lee looked a little disappointed at Gaara's response, more for the fact that it wasn't so much a straight answer than for anything Gaara had actually said. It only took him a good few seconds to brighten back up though.
"All right....I can understand that." He replied with a soft grin. "We can see how this date goes then...." He continued to smile, waving off the slight anxiety and weight that was putting on this date of theirs.
"Aa." Gaara nodded, almost surprised that Lee hadn't said no outright. From what he knew of dating- textbook dating that is -if one person got turned down like that, they usually got mad or pestered their partner to say yes. He also had to pause and stare at the other man when no blush came after he mentioned sex. The previous times he said anything about such intimate contact, Lee had looked nervous and embarrassed.
Turning his attention away from his observation, he went back to eating his parfait instead. The sweetness of the cream matched perfectly with the strawberries, he thought. And it wasn't too sweet either. Taking another spoonful, he exhaled and relaxed. This at least was familiar- eating with Lee, eyes meeting now and then, legs brushing against each other. Even though this was a date they were on, he couldn't see why it was any different from their previous outings.
The next time their eyes met, Gaara didn't look away. He stared into those dark pools and tried to analyze what his friend was thinking. What reason Lee could possible have for his feelings to change like that. Why he even wanted to date him.
Lee had been working on finishing his parfait when he had chanced a glance up, and his gaze met Gaara's own. He held it for a moment or two before blushing lightly and glancing away. Normally such gazes wouldn't bother him, the look Gaara gave when he was trying to puzzle a person out was not new but in this situation it became just a little unnerving.
"Should we head towards the theater soon?" He asked a little awkwardly a few seconds later. He was spooning out the last bit of his parfait, and they had been there for a good while now.
Gaara nodded at that, setting down his spoon and licking what bit of cream was left on his fingers. Then he signaled for the bill. Even though Lee had asked him out, he didn't see the point in making him pay for everything, as most date resources suggested. He set his own fair share of the bill down on the table.
Cocking his head at his friend, he quietly slid his hand until his fingertips met Lee's. The difference in skin, structure and size had him wondering how two different things could fit so well together. He slid his hand just a little further so part of his fingers rested on top of the other man's. Then he looked up. "I am ready to go."
Lee was going to pull out the full amount of the bill, that was until he saw Gaara had already laid out his fair share. Sighing to himself, he quickly reallocated his money to put down only his own share of the bill.
He grinned slightly when he felt Gaara's fingers rest over his own. He gave a quick cheerful nod before sliding out of his seat, waiting for Gaara to do the same before moving to exit the small cafe.
Pushing himself out of his seat, Gaara followed Lee out of the cafe. One of his hands unconsciously rubbed the tips of his fingers where they were pressed against Lee's skin earlier. They passed a few more shops and cafes on the way to the theater, at times getting caught in a traffic of businessmen making their way to the train station.
When they finally reached the place, it was just a few minutes before the movie would start. He placed a hand on Lee's arm, feeling more comfortable with the contact, as he pointed out what theater number the movie was. "Let's get our tickets." He said, preparing to take out his wallet.
Lee nodded, taking out his own wallet just as he noticed Gaara was doing the same. "Ah...Gaara don't worry about it. This will be my treat okay?" He suggested with a small grin.
It was a small thing, but Lee wanted to treat Gaara on this date. He hadn't gotten the chance at the cafe, but it wouldn't hurt to try and treat him to the movie now.
Gaara didn't say anything, but a slightly surprised expression did cross his face at that. He nodded and watched his...date pay for both of them. When Lee finally had tickets in his hand, he started heading towards the theater doors.
Lee grinned as he handed over both their tickets before they entered the theater. The lights in the theater we getting ready to dim, the film on minutes off from starting. "We should hurry and find seats, I think...."
As they headed inside, Gaara had zipped his shirt up higher from the air conditioning. "We're in that row." He said in a hushed voice as they looked for their seats. Counting silently, he headed over to their assigned seats, sliding past a few people until he could sit down. The movie started rolling, Japanese subtitles flashing on screen.
He could understand English, but some of the words used were unfamiliar to him, and he had to read the subtitles as the first scene came on. From what he knew about Indiana Jones, this was the typical action-packed, vine-swinging movie that Americans seem to love. It also seemed like the kind of movie Lee would like- at least, from what he knew about his friend. 'My friend. ...And date.' He thought silently.
Lee was already absorbed into the film by the first few minutes. The subtitles were a bit distracting, simply because he had to read them, but it was easily becoming a film he was certain to enjoy.
He chanced a glance over to his friend- date...Gaara during a long dialogue in the film and flashed a small grin. It wasn't like Gaara was going to see it in the dark theater, especially when there was a movie to focus on but he felt the need to grin anyway.
Gaara found the film interesting...not exactly the type of movie he'd pay to own or see again, but interesting. The stunts performed almost looked real, if not for the fact that this was a movie. A movement beside him caught his attention and had his eyes shifting to the side. Lee was facing him, but he couldn't quite make out his features besides the curl of his mouth.
Turning back to the movie, he frowned at how strange Lee's gaze made him feel. It was surely a reversal of roles.
Lee flushed with embarrassment when he realized he had been caught practically staring. He slumped down in his seat, eyes refocussing on the screen while his face flamed into an very interesting shade of red.
It figures...At least there was a good deal of the movie left to try and forget about that.
Gaara let the movie go on without giving it much attention for a while. When he'd been unable to see his friend's expression, he'd realized that this was the first time he'd been alone with Lee in the dark. Or anyone else for that matter. It reminded him vaguely of the times he'd spend sitting on his bed and staring at the opposite wall, during the nights when he couldn't sleep. Of course, there was no movie playing during those times, nor were there any people surrounding him. But maybe if he had someone next to him whenever his insomnia struck- a friend like Lee, he wouldn't feel so...lonely.
He'd been feeling a lot of emotions ever since he became friends with Naruto and Lee. Loneliness wasn't anything new, but he felt it even more now that he knew how a cheerful voice talking ceaselessly in his ear felt like. The movie caught his attention again when the effects started including bombs and glass-shattering. But on a split-second decision, he slid his hand under the armrest of his seat and hooked his pinky around Lee's thumb.
Lee had tried to be absorbed back into the movie. He had been doing a good job of it too, considering Gaara had caught him off gaurd with that touch to his thumb.
He looked over at the other boy, a small smile coming into place before he turned back to the screen. He moved his hand slightly, turning it palm up so he could lace his fingers with Gaara's in a firmer hold. It was warm, like it had been all those other times- but at the same time it felt new and different. It was strange...and nice.
When Lee turned the small touch into a firmer hold, Gaara's eyes widened briefly in surprise before looking down at their hands. Even though they'd held hands earlier, he hadn't expected the other man to twine their fingers like that. He was so used to having people shy away from him that any sort of reciprocation to his touches came unexpected. Just like when he'd held Lee's hand right after leaving the train station, he'd almost expected him to pull away.
Lee's fingers felt warm against his and he could feel the strength behind each digit. If his friend wanted to and if he didn't protect himself, he could probably crush his thin fingers easily. There was a pulse between their pressed palms, and Gaara wondered if it was his or Lee's. It was beating rather fast for a normal rate. Clenching his other hand, his brows knotted when he realized it was his own racing pulse.
Lee had chanced another glance in Gaara's direction, only to become worried as he took notice of the expression Gaara was wearing. It seemed like he was confused or worried about something.
"Gaara? Are you alright?" He asked very quietly, leaning closer to the other so that he could be heard without disturbing the other people in the theater. His thumb was rubbing lightly against Gaara's hand that was still in his grip, the action meant to be soothing.
Lee's breath ghosted over his ear, eliciting a shiver from him. Gaara's brows only knotted further. "Lee." He murmured, turning his head to face the other man and ending up just a few inches away from him. The proximity had him staring at his friend, occasionally making out an eye, a nose, and flashes of his lips whenever the projected movie was bright enough to see. He exhaled softly.
"I'm sick. My pulse is above average and your breath on my ear made me shiver." He said, voice growing hush as the light from the movie became bright enough for his eyes to seek Lee's. His head lowered slightly, eyes looking back down at their hands. "...Can't you feel my heartbeat?"
Lee had instantly grown more worried at the possibly of Gaara being sick. However, as Gaara continued to list reasons his worried look faded into a small grin. "I don't think you're sick Gaara..."
He pressed his hand more firmly against Gaara's, his own erradic heartbeat becoming more evident now that their hand were firmly pressed palm to palm. "Can you feel mine too? It's just as fast..."
Gaara tilted his head up again. If Lee's heart was beating just as fast, didn't that mean he was sick too? Maybe he infected his friend with whatever he had. "Hm. What else could it be?" He turned to the screen again, catching the moment Indiana Jones leapt from a car onto a motorcycle.
The movie was just loud enough to keep their voices from being heard by their seatmates. Since Lee seemed like he didn't mind being diverted from watching the film, he faced him again. He moved their hands on top of the armrest between their seats. Lee's hands, he observed, were definitely bigger than his. A little calloused at the ends too. His own hands were smooth and dry from all the sand sculpting he did. His medium was a little easier on the skin, but it also kept exfoliating fingertips and palms, with small patches of skin on the back of his fingers starting to peel.
Lee knew what their racing heartbeats could be- what he wanted Gaara's to mean, but he wasn't going to say that aloud. That would most likely influence Gaara's decision on their 'relationship' a bit too much. He wanted Gaara to make that decision on his own, and not because of an attempt at an answer Lee gave in a dark movie theater on their first date.
He had given up on fully focusing on the film by now, especially with they way Gaara seemed to be focused on him and on their joined hands. That much attention was a bit hard to ignore, and he's be rather lost if he went back to the film now anyway. "Gaara?"
The sounds from the movie were making Gaara glance at the screen every now and then.
Lee's question had him looking up from their joint hands, waiting for Lee to continue.
Lee really didn't know what he had wanted to say when he had said Gaara's name, and it was obvious that Gaara was expecting him to continue on and say say something. Drawing a blank, he merely shook is head and gave Gaara's hand a slight squeeze before turning back to face the screen.
Gaara also resumed watching the film. Despite the missed parts, he still found some of the scenes amusing to watch. The ending though, seemed completely out of place. If anything, the movie was worth it just to see the end of the Indiana Jones series and for the action scenes.
When the film was over, he nudged Lee to start leaving their seats. They made their way out of the theater and onto the street. The sky was already turning a dark orange, casting a tint on everything in sight. His hand was still connected to Lee's and he didn't know if he should pull away or leave it like that. "Where are we going now?" He asked, turning to his friend.
"I...don't know actually." Lee answered as they took a few steps away from the theater. He glanced up and down the street before tentatively moving in one direction. "Let's walk around for now hm?" He turned, giving Gaara a small smile. "There's bound to be something to do, right?"
"...Right." Gaara answered, for once outright agreeing with Lee with a hint of amusement in his voice. The small smile was returned with a slight curl of his lips. He couldn't explain why smiles now felt so natural around Lee. Maybe his friend's cheerfulness was influencing him a lot more than he'd thought it would. "And on the way, explain what you like about me."
"What I like about you?" Lee asked, casting a curious glance in Gaara's direction. He bit his lip and stayed silent for a good minute or so. It was hard to pick out everything individually when he just outright liked Gaara. "Well....I get along with you well. I always have fun when I hang out with you...You're smart, kind...it's a lot of things about you really."
He paused for a moment at Lee's answer. Then he nodded. "That is the same with me." Gaara started walking, tugging on Lee's hand lightly as he followed the man's suggestion. Walking around the crowded district of Shibuya, they headed past an assortment of clothing boutiques and music stores. The crowd made it necessary to walk closer together. At one point, he leaned close to say something in Lee's ear so he could be heard over the city street noise. "Take me back to your apartment. It's too noisy here."
Lee took a look at the crowd, before nodding and starting to say something. He sighed when he realized the crowd was drowning him out. He leaned over just enough to speak into Gaara's ear. "All right. Come on we can head back to the train." He pulled back, flashing a quick grin before leading them both back to the station.
Gaara nodded his assent and followed after his friend. They took the train ride back and walked the rest of the way to Lee's apartment complex. When they reached his apartment, Gaara visibly relaxed, shoulders losing their stiffness. He pulled his hand back from Lee's and ran it through his bangs. It really was cooler here in his apartment than back at the dorms. He didn't even have to take off his shirt, though he did tug the zipper back down. He took off his shoes and placed them near the door as he stepped inside.
Lee waited for Gaara to come all the way into the apartment before closing the door behind him. He kicked of his own shoes before moving to sit on the couch. "I apologize, there really isn't much to do here." He gave a small chuckle and scratched the back of his head in nervousness.
Moving around the apartment, Gaara looked at the various things Lee owned. The last time he'd been here, he'd only helped bring in his friend's groceries. But now he could take his time studying each piece that caught his attention. His eyes shifted from one part of the room to another until he'd walked around the couch Lee was on. After seeing the things that hinted at the other man's personality, it was fitting that he was sitting right in the middle of it all.
He walked towards the couch and sat beside his friend. "...It is fine." He replied. Actually, he preferred it this way. With no distractions around, he could watch his friend freely and talk to him. "The date was fine as well." He was assuming that their date was limited to the movie. He wasn't sure if time spent at Lee's apartment was still considered part of the it. "I don't mind going out with you that way again."
Lee smile at that. Gaara wouldn't mind going out with him again- that was a good thing. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I had a lot of fun, too." Lee took hold of Gaara's hand then, smiling in ernest. "I would...like to go out with you again like that..."
Lee was holding his hand again... and talking so earnestly while doing so. He could feel similar symptoms of illness he'd noticed earlier before he met Lee's gaze and nodded. "Next time, we should go somewhere secluded and do something...private between us." He copied Lee's actions from before and ran his thumb over his friend's knuckles. It would be a change in scenery from their usual outings, as well as giving him more time to focus on Lee and what to do about their relationship. Especially what Lee was offering.
Lee blushed at the suggestion. With anyone else, that probably would have been very very suggestive, but this was Gaara and he probably hadn't meant it that way at all. Right- nothing inappropriate, Gaara wasn't thinking like that... "Something private? Do you have any ideas of what you want to do?"
Secluded areas... Gaara tilted his head to the side slightly. "The cemetery." He'd been planning to go there just before classes ended. He wanted to visit his mother's grave before his family did. After all, it was the only time he could be alone with the tomb without family members staring at him. But with the hectic schedule of exams and the brief period of seclusion he went through, he hadn't had the chance to visit the place. And as for what he wanted to do... "There will be a meteor shower on August 12, but the clearest view of the sky is at the cemetery just outside the city." He paused, just looking at Lee and stroking his knuckles again. "...Watch with me."
Lee was a little confused by the suggestion of a cemetery until he heard the date Gaara mentioned. "...I'd love to watch with you Gaara." He gave Gaara's hand a light squeeze.
"...We can bring a picnic along, too." He murmured, already planning ahead for the event.
A picnic? Gaara had planned to just bring rice balls and maybe some cold soba while waiting for the shower, but if Lee wanted to go all out, he'd go along with it. Nodding, he pulled his hand back and placed it in his lap. Even though he'd gotten used to, and even liked, the contact, his hand was starting to get numb from all the squeezing.
"Fine." He agreed. "Also, Temari, Kankurou and I will be renting a villa for the summer. We will hold a party for three days there. You're invited."
"A party? For three days?" Well that did sound like fun. Lee had never been to a party at a villa before. What exactly was a villa anyway? At any rate it would be a nice change of pace in this unusually mundane summer.
"It sounds like a lot of fun, Gaara! I look forward to it."
Lee's enthusiasm elicited a slight twitch of Gaara's lips. His friend was keeping his promise even without knowing it. He was finding ways to make him smile, even just a little. "All guests will be given a list of things to bring. Temari will post it in her journal, so be sure to check it."
He looked down at his hands. "...The villa is a long drive away from the city. We will not be able to meet often after we move."
Lee grinned as he noticed that small stretch of an almost-smile flit across Gaara's lips. "I'll be sure to check that then."
The notion of not being able to see his friend so often made his grin slip a bit, but it was back full force not even a second later. "It will be fine, Gaara. We might not be able to see each other often, but I will see you during the party and it shouldn't be that long that we will be unable to meet. Right?"
Titling his head back up, Gaara fixed Lee with a quiet stare. "When I stayed by myself...at the dorms," he began. "I didn't notice how much time passed without seeing anyone other than Temari or Kankurou." This was difficult. He wasn't used to opening up even this bit of himself to anyone. He wasn't sure what words to use when describing what he had felt then. He looked down at his hands again, trying to put his thoughts into words. "...During that time, you, Uzumaki, and everyone I did not see often felt like they didn't exist. I don't want it to happen again."
When he looked up, his eyes were clouded. "Do you understand Lee? It doesn't matter if I visit you or if you visit me. Or if we just call."
Lee's brows had knitted together, and his expression grew increasingly more worried as Gaara continued to speak. That time...he hadn't realized just what that had done to Gaara, or how difficult it had been.
He took Gaara's hands in his own, rubbing the backs of them in a soothing fashion. "Do not worry Gaara. That won't happen again. I promise to call, and you are welcome to call me at any time...and if I can make it, I might be able to visit once in a while, too." He flashed a quick grin, and in a moment of boldness leant forward and pressed a quick kiss to Gaara's cheek. "Promise."
Gaara's eyes widened when Lee kissed his cheek. He tugged his hands back and rubbed at his cheek, feeling both relieved that there was no saliva included and wondering what was expected from him now.
"...What was that for?" He asked, brows knotting as he met his friend's eyes.
Lee sighed and pulled his hands back so they rested in his lap. He twiddled his thumbs and generally looked awkward. Maybe he should have held back from doing that.
"I'm sorry...I just wanted to." His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were now trying to avoid meeting Gaara's dead on.
Gaara frowned when Lee avoided his eyes. He looked down at Lee's hands as well. There it was again- 'I just wanted to'. It was the same as the date- something Lee just wanted to do. But that had meant something different from what he originally thought it was. Whatever reason the other man had, if it was about being more than friends, he was certain his friend would explain himself when he was willing to. The kiss hadn't felt unpleasant after all. Just strange and new.
"...It's fine." He leaned back against the couch, looking at Lee's home once more. "I have to go soon. My crab needs to be fed." He made no move to get up from where he was though. "But i want to stay just a little longer."
Lee relaxed slightly as Gaara moved past that subject. It was awkward, and complicated, and something he didn't completely understand himself. He wasn't sure he could give Gaara a good enough answer when he didn't fully know the answer himself.
"You can stay as long as you want to Gaara." He replied softly, a small grin in place. "I enjoy your company....a lot."
Gaara exhaled softly and shifted his eyes towards his friend. They already had this conversation earlier, but having it repeated was...good. It added some weight and truthfulness to Lee's already honest words. Without replying verbally, he inched closer to Lee until they were just inches apart, seated next to each other.
Closing his eyes, he felt the warm presence of his friend beside him and was content.
Lee smiled as Gaara moved closer, feeling much more comfortable with his presence being close as opposed to being far away. He didn't say anything, deciding to keep with the relaxing and comfortable silence for now.
It had him feeling oddly content, spending time like this. It was nice, knowing that there was someone he could spend time with like this.
What: First Date
Where: Movie then Lee's apartment
When: June 30
Warnings: None. Except that lol log is a tad late here.
By now, the drive to Lee's apartment was as familiar as going to the grocery store. Gaara's fingers tightened on the wheel briefly as he parked in the basement of the building. His lips curled down for a moment, green eyes looking at the way his hands flexed. Lee had said this was a date. Indirectly perhaps, but it was implied in the journal comments exchanged between them.
The situation was just too strange for him. Only a month ago, Lee was asking Haruno out on a date- and he kept denying anything of the like whenever the two of them went out. Were there protocols he had to follow? Rules? Dating procedures? The drive to his friend's apartment wasn't even long enough for him to pick and prod at what this meant for their friendship. Exhaling softly, he cut the engine and stepped out of his car. He would let Lee take the first step...whatever that was. For his part, he'd treat this like the previous times they went out.
A brief climb and a short walk later, he was standing in front of Lee's door and gave two sharp knocks like he'd always done before.
Lee had been rushing around since this planned outing- Date, you said it was a date. Right, since this date was planned. It was more to keep himself busy enough to not think about what this change meant.
By the time there was two knocks at his door his apartment had become insanely clean, everything was oddly organized, and Lee had changed into his fourth outfit (a green tank, khaki shorts, and a pair of worn out chucks for shoes).
Sighing to try and calm himself, Lee went to answer the door. "Hello, Gaara." He gave a small grin as he stepped out of the apartment. "Ready to head out now?"
As soon as the door opened, Gaara's line of sight caught a green-covered chest, taking in a well-defined collarbone, a bright grin, and finally Lee's eyes. His brows knotted as he stared at his friend silently. There didn't seem to be any expectation for a gift or some form of affectionate greeting. Or was he confusing his research on dating?
"Lee." He finally said, reaching out and putting a hand on the taller man's shoulder. That was as far as he went though. The hand rested there for a moment as his normally neutral expression gained a hint of confusion, eyes locking onto Lee's. Then he pulled his hand back and looked away. "...I am ready. The American movie is showing in an hour and Kessha in forty-five minutes."
He reached up and tugged down the zipper on his sleeveless white shirt, loosening the high collar and letting his pale neck get some ventilation. As for his black pants...there was little he could do to cool his legs.
Lee gave a small nod to show his understanding. He took a moment to close his apartment door firmly, locking it soon after. "Then we can go ne? Since we're taking the train, will have a better chance of making the American movie, won't we?"
Lee realized several seconds later that he was being rather casual for a 'first' date- like he was actually used to this kind of thing. Then agian, if he looked back on it, several of their other outings could have been considered dates if he had just agreed to call them that. Still- shouldn't there be something different here?
Will a small sigh, and a hint of hesitancy, he reached over and took hold of Gaara's hand. He gave it a small tug as he moved to lead them both out of the apartment building. "Come on, then." He flashed a small grin back at Gaara. There, it wasn't much, but it was a small change right?
Gaara's long period of reclusion in his own room almost made him forget just how touchy Lee could be. He had gotten used to it before summer started, but now the unfamiliar feeling of Lee's hand had him staring at their locked palms as the other man led them out of the building. It was different from that ice-skating outing they had. This time, he could see no reason for the hold other than as an affectionate gesture. This really is...a date. He thought silently, his hand moving to grasp Lee's in a firmer hold.
First date or not, the contact grounded him to the present once more. Being alone for almost a month really wasn't healthy for anyone's social life or social skills. Gaara quickened his pace a little to match Lee's strides, returning the grin with a cool stare and a slight twitch of lips.
The walk to the train station wasn't that long, and after a short queue, they had their train tickets and were just waiting for the train to arrive. Their locked hands only gathered passing glances- mostly from giggling young girls as they stood at the station. "...What made you decide to call this a date?" He suddenly asked, looking up. He remembered Lee saying something about dating being done only with someone you liked.
Lee blinked in surprise at that question. He really should have been expecting it- given that up until now he had avoided classifying anything they did as a 'date.' Still, even if he had expected such a question he really wouldn't have thought to hear it this soon.
"Uh well..." He was fumbling for answer. He had said himself that dating was done with someone you liked...and while it was true that he liked Gaara, he really wasn't ready to just come out and admit that- especially in a crowded train station. "I just...wanted to." Lee's cheeks turned a little pink then. If Gaara remembered anything of that conversation, of how Lee himself had described dating, he pretty much admitted that he liked Gaara right there.
Luckily, before the conversation to be carried on much farther, their train arrived and they were forced to sandwich themselves in between several people. Surely Gaara wouldn't carry on such a conversation here...right?
Lee's answer confused him. If he 'just wanted to', then this meant that Lee's earlier description of dating was null. Of course, opinions could change as time went on... Gaara followed him into the train as it arrived, soon finding himself squeezed between Lee and a metal pole. It was a tight fit, made even more by businessmen and some students coming home from school.
He had to keep one hand against the pole behind him to stop it from digging into his back, inevitably pushing him against his friend's body. Though their height difference had him facing Lee's chest instead of his face. Gaara looked up, staring again into Lee's eyes. An expression of helplessness crossed his face briefly as he wondered if Lee only said this was a date because Haruno rejected him. It brought an unfamiliar feeling in his chest- an unpleasant one.
Looking away, he watched the scenery flowing past the windows. Soon, the train conductor announced the station just before their stop. Most of the passengers got off as the train came to a halt, letting Gaara finally move into a more comfortable position before new passengers swarmed in. This time, he was holding on to the pole with his back to Lee.
The train was moving again. Gaara let out a soft sigh, thankful that the next stop would be theirs. He could smell sweat coming from some of the passengers who just boarded. And it made his nose wrinkle in distaste. Finally, they reached the Shibuya station.
The whole train ride to Shibuya had been awkward. First with how they were originally shoved onto the train- both of them pressed together and up against a pole. There had been that look Gaara had given him too- the look Lee had been trying to figure out for this whole ride. It was almost....helpless, and it hurt to be fixed with such a look. It hurt even more when Gaara turned from him the first chance he got. This...was not a good start to a date was it?
Lee had to force such thought out of his head when they stepped out of the pack train and onto the platform of Shibuya station. Such thoughts would only make this date worse right? It was better to look on the bright side, and enjoy this time- no use in dwelling on negative thoughts when you were supposed to be having fun.
Gaara straightened out the shirt he had on, bringing the zipper down just a little more to cool him down. Turning to Lee, he ran a hand through his bangs, pushing them away from his face. "The movie house is a three minute walk from here." He glanced at the big clock inside the station. "...And we still have almost an hour before the American movie starts."
He wasn't sure about his next action, but he reached out and grasped Lee's hand. Whatever reason Lee had for making this into a date, he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to experience something he hadn't thought he ever would. And since he didn't even understand why he felt that way in the train, he would set that aside for later scrutiny.
He tugged on his friend's hand gently, almost expecting him to pull away like before. "...We have time. I want something cold before we watch."
Lee kept his hand exactly where it was, even returning the grip with a small queeze of his own. "Something cold huh?" He asked with a small laugh as he moved to lead them out of the station. If it was one thing he had learned about Gaara it was that when it came to heat the apporpriate reaction was always with something cold.
"We'll find something then...." He murmured as he took in their surroundings, they were mostly shops, or small buildings- but just a little further up the road he spotted a sign for a cafe. They were bound to have cold menu items for the summer. "There's a cafe up that way....would you like to go there?"
The laugh eased the tension between them. And the return squeeze took away whatever was left. Gaara's lips twitched up again- though higher this time so he was almost smiling.
They walked through the urban streets of Shibuya. It wasn't that different from their neighborhood around the campus, but there were also some sights that were unique to the area. There was the statue of Hachiko the dog right outside the station; corner boutiques and fast food stands lined the streets.
When Lee asked him about the cafe, Gaara readily said 'yes'. He followed his friend as they headed up the road and into the cafe. The place was simple, with cheerful tones coloring the walls and furniture. A waitress led them to a vacant table, giggling a little when she saw their clasped hands. He took a seat and looked at the menu. The cold items were mostly desserts. After looking at the selection, he finally ordered a strawberry parfait for himself.
Lee was relieved when the tension seemed to fade. It seemed nicer, easier- over all with the decreased tension the atmosphere was more relaxed in general.
The cafe was quant, simple and laid back. It definitely seemed like a nice place- a good find for just spotting the sign on the street. Once at their table, and after a few more giggles and glances from their waitress, their orders were placed. Lee had decided on ordering the same parfait as Gaara (a fact their waitress had to giggle over). He hadn't had something like a parfait in a long time, so it seemed like a good choice.
"Are you looking forward to the movie?" He asked, deciding to make idle conversation while they waited for their orders.
Gaara had leaned his hands on the table while Lee made his order. He tilted his head to the side a little at the question. "...It is not something I'd watch by myself." He replied. "But it sounded like something you'd like."
Green eyes looked down at his hands for a moment. Even though Lee had held his hand all the way here, he still wanted more of the contact. The first time his friend touched him, he had reacted with surprise and had pulled away. But as they spent more time together, whether for those tutoring sessions or one of their more casual outings, he found himself getting used to his touch, sometimes even initiating contact himself. But now they were on a date. His hands curled a little on the table. That changed the meaning of every touch.
"Lee. You're my friend. I...like you." He said, looking up again. "This doesn't have to be a date for me to enjoy your company." A small part of him pointed out that this was the first time he'd ever told anyone he liked them.
"I'm not sure I understand...." He understood well enough that Gaara enjoyed his company, liked him even, but it was that last comment that nearly threw him for a loop. Did Gaara not- "Would you....prefer if this wasn't a date then?" He asked that question almost hesitantly, not sure if he really wanted the answer to that.
Truth be told, he wanted this to be a date- not because of Sakura rejecting him, or because Gaara kept asking. No, the real reason he had decided to call this a date was because he genuinely liked Gaara. He had been pretty dense the last few weeks, and it had taken him a while to catch on. but he finally got the point that he liked Gaara. Things were different with their friendship than it was with his other friends, and Lee had finally understood that it was because the affection he held for Gaara was leaning towards something more than a simple friendship. He just hoped he hadn't had such a revelation too late.
Brows knotting, Gaara's hand rose up to his forehead, almost touching the scar there before letting his hand fall back down. He had remembered to take his pills before leaving his apartment- it was more of a habit kicking in rather than anything surfacing. Like most of the time he spent with Lee, there was nothing in his mind but his own thoughts.
"...I'm not sure." He admitted. "I don't mind going on a date with you. But you said our relationship is different from that of two people who go out on a date." He rubbed the back of right hand with his left, his skin remembering the feeling of Lee's palm against it. "...I still don't fully understand what friendship is, even after having you and Naruto. What you are to me..."
The conversation was interrupted with their waitress bringing them their strawberry parfaits. Gaara eyed the cool dessert, wondering if he should continue or take a bite. He settled for taking the whole strawberry on top of the whipped cream, sucking the cream on it and taking a small bite.
Lee had been about to say something when their waitress arrived with their parfaits. He wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or annoyed at the interruption- he finally decided on a mixture of the two as he munched on the full strawberry that had been placed on the top of his parfait.
The conversation had be caught on an awkward point, and he wasn't really sure how to continue it. Hell he wasn't sure if he should continue it, or just let it drop.
Gaara watched Lee chew on his strawberry. He placed his own fruit on a napkin, intending to eat it after finishing the parfait. Maybe he shouldn't have said anything. Although his siblings try to teach him how to interact with other people, he still ended up confusing or being confused by other people.
Taking the long spoon beside his glass, he dug it into the fruit and whipped cream mix, bringing the chilled cream to his lips. The cold made his lips flush red while the sweetness had his tongue darting out to lick his spoon for more. He took another spoonful before taking a glance at Lee. He still hadn't replied after what he said. From under the table, he tried getting his friend's attention by nudging his foot with his. But since he couldn't see what was going on down there, his lower leg ended up rubbing against Lee's instead.
Lee nearly jumped at the contact to his leg, so far gone in his thoughts that such a touch had almost scared him half to death. He brushed it off as something accidental, things like that happen in small booths and tables. It did serve to gain his attention though, his eyes turning back to Gaara as he spooned up a bite of his own parfait.
He was starting to feel that awkward tension again, the kind that came in whenever he and Gaara left things unsaid. It was like a very heavy cloud hanging over them, and Lee didn't like it one bit. Sighing to himself, he decided to press forward with their previous conversation. "Gaara...about what I said with out relationship being different from people who date...I- well I'm not so sure it's that different anymore..."
Gaara's eyes widened at that, the dark rings around his eyes stretching as well. "You want to be together?" He asked bluntly, The last time a conversation like this had taken place, Lee had denied anything of the sort. But now he was sure this was exactly what the other man was saying.
The tension between them was there again, but he ignored it this time. For once, he preferred talking over silence. He could feel a twist in his stomach that had nothing to do with hunger. And despite the coldness of his parfait, there was something warm creeping up his ears. "...Tell me what you want from me."
This mode of conversation was eerily similar to the same conversation they had when Lee first wanted to be friends with Gaara. Lee could feel his face heat up as he nodded in response to the first question Gaara asked. The second demand....was a bit more difficult to answer. It wasn't so much as what he wanted from Gaara as it was what he wanted Gaara to accept from him.
"I don't want anything....I don't need anything. You don't even have to agree to a relationship if you don't want to. I just....I really like you Gaara. That's all. I don't expect anything from that...unless it's something you're willing to give."
The flush crossing Lee's face had him staring at his friend for a moment. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen him blush this hard- and if he had, it certainly wasn't because of him. He stayed silent for a few seconds, thinking about Lee's words. What he wanted from Lee.... "I want...to be close to you." He started, trying to voice out what he felt. "I don't know what kind of relationship I can give. ...I don't even know if I make a good friend. Or anything more than that."
He took the spoon again and swirled his parfait, his eyes still fixed on Lee intently. "But I like spending time with you. And I like you as well." The last thing he said had him looking down at his parfait, watching the mess his swirling had made and thinking that his feelings were like that- mixed yet still perfectly blended. What he felt for Lee...it was friendship as Naruto described to him. But there were times when he yearned for something more. And that was why he bit his lip and gave a quick nod. "...If we're together, what do I have to do?"
Lee had been about to argue that Gaara was the most excellent of friends, but he was easily shut up as Gaara continued to speak. He waited for his friend to finished before contemplating his answer.
Wait...Gaara's last question- did that mean that Gaara was agreeing to a relationship? Or was Lee's optimism just making him take it that way. He sighed, biting at his lip before finally vocalizing an answer. "If...if we're together, you just have to be you. Don't...don't change anything for the sake of a relationship. Ah...well I guess there would be some changes, but that would be a mutual effort from the both of us...er I'm not really giving a clear answer am I?"
"No." He said, though there was a trace of amusement in his usual monotone. "Those changes...they mean we would be more intimate; like kissing or having sex, don't they?" He took a spoonful of his cream and brought it to his mouth, sucking on the spoon before dipping it back into his glass. Those had been in his research on dating and sex- the part that made him write those rules and that application form for anyone who wanted to date Temari. He wondered if they applied to Lee as well.
"...I'm not prepared to go that far." He said, brows knotting a little. "I can't give you an answer right now. This date... I want to see how it ends first. I want to see if I am capable of being something more than a friend."
Lee looked a little disappointed at Gaara's response, more for the fact that it wasn't so much a straight answer than for anything Gaara had actually said. It only took him a good few seconds to brighten back up though.
"All right....I can understand that." He replied with a soft grin. "We can see how this date goes then...." He continued to smile, waving off the slight anxiety and weight that was putting on this date of theirs.
"Aa." Gaara nodded, almost surprised that Lee hadn't said no outright. From what he knew of dating- textbook dating that is -if one person got turned down like that, they usually got mad or pestered their partner to say yes. He also had to pause and stare at the other man when no blush came after he mentioned sex. The previous times he said anything about such intimate contact, Lee had looked nervous and embarrassed.
Turning his attention away from his observation, he went back to eating his parfait instead. The sweetness of the cream matched perfectly with the strawberries, he thought. And it wasn't too sweet either. Taking another spoonful, he exhaled and relaxed. This at least was familiar- eating with Lee, eyes meeting now and then, legs brushing against each other. Even though this was a date they were on, he couldn't see why it was any different from their previous outings.
The next time their eyes met, Gaara didn't look away. He stared into those dark pools and tried to analyze what his friend was thinking. What reason Lee could possible have for his feelings to change like that. Why he even wanted to date him.
Lee had been working on finishing his parfait when he had chanced a glance up, and his gaze met Gaara's own. He held it for a moment or two before blushing lightly and glancing away. Normally such gazes wouldn't bother him, the look Gaara gave when he was trying to puzzle a person out was not new but in this situation it became just a little unnerving.
"Should we head towards the theater soon?" He asked a little awkwardly a few seconds later. He was spooning out the last bit of his parfait, and they had been there for a good while now.
Gaara nodded at that, setting down his spoon and licking what bit of cream was left on his fingers. Then he signaled for the bill. Even though Lee had asked him out, he didn't see the point in making him pay for everything, as most date resources suggested. He set his own fair share of the bill down on the table.
Cocking his head at his friend, he quietly slid his hand until his fingertips met Lee's. The difference in skin, structure and size had him wondering how two different things could fit so well together. He slid his hand just a little further so part of his fingers rested on top of the other man's. Then he looked up. "I am ready to go."
Lee was going to pull out the full amount of the bill, that was until he saw Gaara had already laid out his fair share. Sighing to himself, he quickly reallocated his money to put down only his own share of the bill.
He grinned slightly when he felt Gaara's fingers rest over his own. He gave a quick cheerful nod before sliding out of his seat, waiting for Gaara to do the same before moving to exit the small cafe.
Pushing himself out of his seat, Gaara followed Lee out of the cafe. One of his hands unconsciously rubbed the tips of his fingers where they were pressed against Lee's skin earlier. They passed a few more shops and cafes on the way to the theater, at times getting caught in a traffic of businessmen making their way to the train station.
When they finally reached the place, it was just a few minutes before the movie would start. He placed a hand on Lee's arm, feeling more comfortable with the contact, as he pointed out what theater number the movie was. "Let's get our tickets." He said, preparing to take out his wallet.
Lee nodded, taking out his own wallet just as he noticed Gaara was doing the same. "Ah...Gaara don't worry about it. This will be my treat okay?" He suggested with a small grin.
It was a small thing, but Lee wanted to treat Gaara on this date. He hadn't gotten the chance at the cafe, but it wouldn't hurt to try and treat him to the movie now.
Gaara didn't say anything, but a slightly surprised expression did cross his face at that. He nodded and watched his...date pay for both of them. When Lee finally had tickets in his hand, he started heading towards the theater doors.
Lee grinned as he handed over both their tickets before they entered the theater. The lights in the theater we getting ready to dim, the film on minutes off from starting. "We should hurry and find seats, I think...."
As they headed inside, Gaara had zipped his shirt up higher from the air conditioning. "We're in that row." He said in a hushed voice as they looked for their seats. Counting silently, he headed over to their assigned seats, sliding past a few people until he could sit down. The movie started rolling, Japanese subtitles flashing on screen.
He could understand English, but some of the words used were unfamiliar to him, and he had to read the subtitles as the first scene came on. From what he knew about Indiana Jones, this was the typical action-packed, vine-swinging movie that Americans seem to love. It also seemed like the kind of movie Lee would like- at least, from what he knew about his friend. 'My friend. ...And date.' He thought silently.
Lee was already absorbed into the film by the first few minutes. The subtitles were a bit distracting, simply because he had to read them, but it was easily becoming a film he was certain to enjoy.
He chanced a glance over to his friend- date...Gaara during a long dialogue in the film and flashed a small grin. It wasn't like Gaara was going to see it in the dark theater, especially when there was a movie to focus on but he felt the need to grin anyway.
Gaara found the film interesting...not exactly the type of movie he'd pay to own or see again, but interesting. The stunts performed almost looked real, if not for the fact that this was a movie. A movement beside him caught his attention and had his eyes shifting to the side. Lee was facing him, but he couldn't quite make out his features besides the curl of his mouth.
Turning back to the movie, he frowned at how strange Lee's gaze made him feel. It was surely a reversal of roles.
Lee flushed with embarrassment when he realized he had been caught practically staring. He slumped down in his seat, eyes refocussing on the screen while his face flamed into an very interesting shade of red.
It figures...At least there was a good deal of the movie left to try and forget about that.
Gaara let the movie go on without giving it much attention for a while. When he'd been unable to see his friend's expression, he'd realized that this was the first time he'd been alone with Lee in the dark. Or anyone else for that matter. It reminded him vaguely of the times he'd spend sitting on his bed and staring at the opposite wall, during the nights when he couldn't sleep. Of course, there was no movie playing during those times, nor were there any people surrounding him. But maybe if he had someone next to him whenever his insomnia struck- a friend like Lee, he wouldn't feel so...lonely.
He'd been feeling a lot of emotions ever since he became friends with Naruto and Lee. Loneliness wasn't anything new, but he felt it even more now that he knew how a cheerful voice talking ceaselessly in his ear felt like. The movie caught his attention again when the effects started including bombs and glass-shattering. But on a split-second decision, he slid his hand under the armrest of his seat and hooked his pinky around Lee's thumb.
Lee had tried to be absorbed back into the movie. He had been doing a good job of it too, considering Gaara had caught him off gaurd with that touch to his thumb.
He looked over at the other boy, a small smile coming into place before he turned back to the screen. He moved his hand slightly, turning it palm up so he could lace his fingers with Gaara's in a firmer hold. It was warm, like it had been all those other times- but at the same time it felt new and different. It was strange...and nice.
When Lee turned the small touch into a firmer hold, Gaara's eyes widened briefly in surprise before looking down at their hands. Even though they'd held hands earlier, he hadn't expected the other man to twine their fingers like that. He was so used to having people shy away from him that any sort of reciprocation to his touches came unexpected. Just like when he'd held Lee's hand right after leaving the train station, he'd almost expected him to pull away.
Lee's fingers felt warm against his and he could feel the strength behind each digit. If his friend wanted to and if he didn't protect himself, he could probably crush his thin fingers easily. There was a pulse between their pressed palms, and Gaara wondered if it was his or Lee's. It was beating rather fast for a normal rate. Clenching his other hand, his brows knotted when he realized it was his own racing pulse.
Lee had chanced another glance in Gaara's direction, only to become worried as he took notice of the expression Gaara was wearing. It seemed like he was confused or worried about something.
"Gaara? Are you alright?" He asked very quietly, leaning closer to the other so that he could be heard without disturbing the other people in the theater. His thumb was rubbing lightly against Gaara's hand that was still in his grip, the action meant to be soothing.
Lee's breath ghosted over his ear, eliciting a shiver from him. Gaara's brows only knotted further. "Lee." He murmured, turning his head to face the other man and ending up just a few inches away from him. The proximity had him staring at his friend, occasionally making out an eye, a nose, and flashes of his lips whenever the projected movie was bright enough to see. He exhaled softly.
"I'm sick. My pulse is above average and your breath on my ear made me shiver." He said, voice growing hush as the light from the movie became bright enough for his eyes to seek Lee's. His head lowered slightly, eyes looking back down at their hands. "...Can't you feel my heartbeat?"
Lee had instantly grown more worried at the possibly of Gaara being sick. However, as Gaara continued to list reasons his worried look faded into a small grin. "I don't think you're sick Gaara..."
He pressed his hand more firmly against Gaara's, his own erradic heartbeat becoming more evident now that their hand were firmly pressed palm to palm. "Can you feel mine too? It's just as fast..."
Gaara tilted his head up again. If Lee's heart was beating just as fast, didn't that mean he was sick too? Maybe he infected his friend with whatever he had. "Hm. What else could it be?" He turned to the screen again, catching the moment Indiana Jones leapt from a car onto a motorcycle.
The movie was just loud enough to keep their voices from being heard by their seatmates. Since Lee seemed like he didn't mind being diverted from watching the film, he faced him again. He moved their hands on top of the armrest between their seats. Lee's hands, he observed, were definitely bigger than his. A little calloused at the ends too. His own hands were smooth and dry from all the sand sculpting he did. His medium was a little easier on the skin, but it also kept exfoliating fingertips and palms, with small patches of skin on the back of his fingers starting to peel.
Lee knew what their racing heartbeats could be- what he wanted Gaara's to mean, but he wasn't going to say that aloud. That would most likely influence Gaara's decision on their 'relationship' a bit too much. He wanted Gaara to make that decision on his own, and not because of an attempt at an answer Lee gave in a dark movie theater on their first date.
He had given up on fully focusing on the film by now, especially with they way Gaara seemed to be focused on him and on their joined hands. That much attention was a bit hard to ignore, and he's be rather lost if he went back to the film now anyway. "Gaara?"
The sounds from the movie were making Gaara glance at the screen every now and then.
Lee's question had him looking up from their joint hands, waiting for Lee to continue.
Lee really didn't know what he had wanted to say when he had said Gaara's name, and it was obvious that Gaara was expecting him to continue on and say say something. Drawing a blank, he merely shook is head and gave Gaara's hand a slight squeeze before turning back to face the screen.
Gaara also resumed watching the film. Despite the missed parts, he still found some of the scenes amusing to watch. The ending though, seemed completely out of place. If anything, the movie was worth it just to see the end of the Indiana Jones series and for the action scenes.
When the film was over, he nudged Lee to start leaving their seats. They made their way out of the theater and onto the street. The sky was already turning a dark orange, casting a tint on everything in sight. His hand was still connected to Lee's and he didn't know if he should pull away or leave it like that. "Where are we going now?" He asked, turning to his friend.
"I...don't know actually." Lee answered as they took a few steps away from the theater. He glanced up and down the street before tentatively moving in one direction. "Let's walk around for now hm?" He turned, giving Gaara a small smile. "There's bound to be something to do, right?"
"...Right." Gaara answered, for once outright agreeing with Lee with a hint of amusement in his voice. The small smile was returned with a slight curl of his lips. He couldn't explain why smiles now felt so natural around Lee. Maybe his friend's cheerfulness was influencing him a lot more than he'd thought it would. "And on the way, explain what you like about me."
"What I like about you?" Lee asked, casting a curious glance in Gaara's direction. He bit his lip and stayed silent for a good minute or so. It was hard to pick out everything individually when he just outright liked Gaara. "Well....I get along with you well. I always have fun when I hang out with you...You're smart, kind...it's a lot of things about you really."
He paused for a moment at Lee's answer. Then he nodded. "That is the same with me." Gaara started walking, tugging on Lee's hand lightly as he followed the man's suggestion. Walking around the crowded district of Shibuya, they headed past an assortment of clothing boutiques and music stores. The crowd made it necessary to walk closer together. At one point, he leaned close to say something in Lee's ear so he could be heard over the city street noise. "Take me back to your apartment. It's too noisy here."
Lee took a look at the crowd, before nodding and starting to say something. He sighed when he realized the crowd was drowning him out. He leaned over just enough to speak into Gaara's ear. "All right. Come on we can head back to the train." He pulled back, flashing a quick grin before leading them both back to the station.
Gaara nodded his assent and followed after his friend. They took the train ride back and walked the rest of the way to Lee's apartment complex. When they reached his apartment, Gaara visibly relaxed, shoulders losing their stiffness. He pulled his hand back from Lee's and ran it through his bangs. It really was cooler here in his apartment than back at the dorms. He didn't even have to take off his shirt, though he did tug the zipper back down. He took off his shoes and placed them near the door as he stepped inside.
Lee waited for Gaara to come all the way into the apartment before closing the door behind him. He kicked of his own shoes before moving to sit on the couch. "I apologize, there really isn't much to do here." He gave a small chuckle and scratched the back of his head in nervousness.
Moving around the apartment, Gaara looked at the various things Lee owned. The last time he'd been here, he'd only helped bring in his friend's groceries. But now he could take his time studying each piece that caught his attention. His eyes shifted from one part of the room to another until he'd walked around the couch Lee was on. After seeing the things that hinted at the other man's personality, it was fitting that he was sitting right in the middle of it all.
He walked towards the couch and sat beside his friend. "...It is fine." He replied. Actually, he preferred it this way. With no distractions around, he could watch his friend freely and talk to him. "The date was fine as well." He was assuming that their date was limited to the movie. He wasn't sure if time spent at Lee's apartment was still considered part of the it. "I don't mind going out with you that way again."
Lee smile at that. Gaara wouldn't mind going out with him again- that was a good thing. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I had a lot of fun, too." Lee took hold of Gaara's hand then, smiling in ernest. "I would...like to go out with you again like that..."
Lee was holding his hand again... and talking so earnestly while doing so. He could feel similar symptoms of illness he'd noticed earlier before he met Lee's gaze and nodded. "Next time, we should go somewhere secluded and do something...private between us." He copied Lee's actions from before and ran his thumb over his friend's knuckles. It would be a change in scenery from their usual outings, as well as giving him more time to focus on Lee and what to do about their relationship. Especially what Lee was offering.
Lee blushed at the suggestion. With anyone else, that probably would have been very very suggestive, but this was Gaara and he probably hadn't meant it that way at all. Right- nothing inappropriate, Gaara wasn't thinking like that... "Something private? Do you have any ideas of what you want to do?"
Secluded areas... Gaara tilted his head to the side slightly. "The cemetery." He'd been planning to go there just before classes ended. He wanted to visit his mother's grave before his family did. After all, it was the only time he could be alone with the tomb without family members staring at him. But with the hectic schedule of exams and the brief period of seclusion he went through, he hadn't had the chance to visit the place. And as for what he wanted to do... "There will be a meteor shower on August 12, but the clearest view of the sky is at the cemetery just outside the city." He paused, just looking at Lee and stroking his knuckles again. "...Watch with me."
Lee was a little confused by the suggestion of a cemetery until he heard the date Gaara mentioned. "...I'd love to watch with you Gaara." He gave Gaara's hand a light squeeze.
"...We can bring a picnic along, too." He murmured, already planning ahead for the event.
A picnic? Gaara had planned to just bring rice balls and maybe some cold soba while waiting for the shower, but if Lee wanted to go all out, he'd go along with it. Nodding, he pulled his hand back and placed it in his lap. Even though he'd gotten used to, and even liked, the contact, his hand was starting to get numb from all the squeezing.
"Fine." He agreed. "Also, Temari, Kankurou and I will be renting a villa for the summer. We will hold a party for three days there. You're invited."
"A party? For three days?" Well that did sound like fun. Lee had never been to a party at a villa before. What exactly was a villa anyway? At any rate it would be a nice change of pace in this unusually mundane summer.
"It sounds like a lot of fun, Gaara! I look forward to it."
Lee's enthusiasm elicited a slight twitch of Gaara's lips. His friend was keeping his promise even without knowing it. He was finding ways to make him smile, even just a little. "All guests will be given a list of things to bring. Temari will post it in her journal, so be sure to check it."
He looked down at his hands. "...The villa is a long drive away from the city. We will not be able to meet often after we move."
Lee grinned as he noticed that small stretch of an almost-smile flit across Gaara's lips. "I'll be sure to check that then."
The notion of not being able to see his friend so often made his grin slip a bit, but it was back full force not even a second later. "It will be fine, Gaara. We might not be able to see each other often, but I will see you during the party and it shouldn't be that long that we will be unable to meet. Right?"
Titling his head back up, Gaara fixed Lee with a quiet stare. "When I stayed by myself...at the dorms," he began. "I didn't notice how much time passed without seeing anyone other than Temari or Kankurou." This was difficult. He wasn't used to opening up even this bit of himself to anyone. He wasn't sure what words to use when describing what he had felt then. He looked down at his hands again, trying to put his thoughts into words. "...During that time, you, Uzumaki, and everyone I did not see often felt like they didn't exist. I don't want it to happen again."
When he looked up, his eyes were clouded. "Do you understand Lee? It doesn't matter if I visit you or if you visit me. Or if we just call."
Lee's brows had knitted together, and his expression grew increasingly more worried as Gaara continued to speak. That time...he hadn't realized just what that had done to Gaara, or how difficult it had been.
He took Gaara's hands in his own, rubbing the backs of them in a soothing fashion. "Do not worry Gaara. That won't happen again. I promise to call, and you are welcome to call me at any time...and if I can make it, I might be able to visit once in a while, too." He flashed a quick grin, and in a moment of boldness leant forward and pressed a quick kiss to Gaara's cheek. "Promise."
Gaara's eyes widened when Lee kissed his cheek. He tugged his hands back and rubbed at his cheek, feeling both relieved that there was no saliva included and wondering what was expected from him now.
"...What was that for?" He asked, brows knotting as he met his friend's eyes.
Lee sighed and pulled his hands back so they rested in his lap. He twiddled his thumbs and generally looked awkward. Maybe he should have held back from doing that.
"I'm sorry...I just wanted to." His cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were now trying to avoid meeting Gaara's dead on.
Gaara frowned when Lee avoided his eyes. He looked down at Lee's hands as well. There it was again- 'I just wanted to'. It was the same as the date- something Lee just wanted to do. But that had meant something different from what he originally thought it was. Whatever reason the other man had, if it was about being more than friends, he was certain his friend would explain himself when he was willing to. The kiss hadn't felt unpleasant after all. Just strange and new.
"...It's fine." He leaned back against the couch, looking at Lee's home once more. "I have to go soon. My crab needs to be fed." He made no move to get up from where he was though. "But i want to stay just a little longer."
Lee relaxed slightly as Gaara moved past that subject. It was awkward, and complicated, and something he didn't completely understand himself. He wasn't sure he could give Gaara a good enough answer when he didn't fully know the answer himself.
"You can stay as long as you want to Gaara." He replied softly, a small grin in place. "I enjoy your company....a lot."
Gaara exhaled softly and shifted his eyes towards his friend. They already had this conversation earlier, but having it repeated was...good. It added some weight and truthfulness to Lee's already honest words. Without replying verbally, he inched closer to Lee until they were just inches apart, seated next to each other.
Closing his eyes, he felt the warm presence of his friend beside him and was content.
Lee smiled as Gaara moved closer, feeling much more comfortable with his presence being close as opposed to being far away. He didn't say anything, deciding to keep with the relaxing and comfortable silence for now.
It had him feeling oddly content, spending time like this. It was nice, knowing that there was someone he could spend time with like this.