It was Christmas time in the Leaf, and that meant it was cold. Incredibly cold. The darkening sky was overcast with clouds that blocked out the sun and threatened to dump yet more snow on the Hidden Leaf. Gaara didn't like it.

However, even in this accursed cold, he could still appreciate the beauty of the freshly fallen snow and the festive lights and tinsel that were strung along almost every building. He would be able to appreciate it more fully from inside where it was warm and where he could bundle up under an obscene number of blankets. Preferably with something warm to drink.

Lee however, hardly seemed to notice the cold. In fact, it almost seemed as though he was ENJOYING it.

The green clad taijutsu master walked hand in hand with Gaara down the familiar snow covered streets, a bright smile on his face and both of their luggage bags swung over his shoulder. His soft cheeks and nose were tinted pink from the frosty air, but he hardly noticed. This felt AMAZING after being in the Sand Village for so long. He had been melting there, and literally ran the risk of having a heatstroke if he trained or exercised too strenuously. He more than welcomed the cold.

Not only that, but the sight of snow really got Lee into the Christmas spirit! It was hard to get into the spirit of Christmas in the Sand Village where it was always so hot... But, Christmas was only three days away now, and he was looking forward to spending it with Guy, Kakashi, and his beloved husband Gaara.

"This will be so much fun, Gaara sama!" Lee announced loudly and excitedly.

Gaara shivered and pulled his heavy jacket tighter around himself with his free hand. "I hope so, Lee chan..." Anytime they spent a large amount of time with Kakashi and Guy things ended up getting tense between Gaara and Lee's sensei. He didn't want to ruin Christmas for his lover...

Lee didn't seem worried however, as he only continued to smile. "I know so. There is no way it could not be!"

After a short time, they arrived at the familiar home that Lee had grown up in. It was still strange to stand before this door and knock to ask for permission inside rather than just letting himself in. Sometimes it almost brought tears to his eyes, the fact that he no longer lived here... But then he remembered what Kakashi and Guy had told him when he began to cry while in the process of moving to the Sand; "This will always be your home, Lee. No matter how far away you are or how long you've been gone."

Before they even had a moment to wait, the door swung open and a green blur lunged out to scoop Lee up in a crushing hug that completely lifted the lithe boy off of the ground and caused him to drop their luggage.

"Oh LEEE!" shouted Guy through joyful, manly tears. "I've missed you so much!"

Lee immediately returned the hug, tears already pouring from his eyes. "I have missed you too, Guy sensei!"

Gaara watched with a barely concealed pout as his husband clung to the giant oaf, the two of them shouting their love for each other and how happy they were to see each other again. It tore Gaara's heart in two. He knew that he should be happy to see Lee happy... but he wished that he himself could make his husband smile like that.

Kakashi stepped into the doorway, picking up the dropped luggage and setting it inside beside the door before waiting for his turn to hug their adopted son. But he paused when he noticed Gaara's sour mood. It wasn't hard to guess why he was so sullen. Lee had told Kakashi that Gaara could be a very jealous person at times, especially of Guy, and Kakashi had seen the aftermath of some of their more heated arguments. Kakashi would rather that not become an issue right before Christmas.

Shifting, Kakashi stepped aside and motioned to get Gaara's attention. "You look like you're freezing to death." he mused lightheartedly, but still in his trademark uninterested tone. "Come in, I've got blankets and hot cocoa ready for you."

Gaara didn't hesitate to accept the offer, kicking the snow off of his boots before entering the warmth of the house. After unfastening the sand gourd from his back and setting it on the floor next to their luggage, Gaara was motioned toward the couch. He sat down into the warm cushions and pulled the blankets Kakashi had mentioned tightly around himself. The copy ninja really knew him well.

In no time, Kakashi reappeared with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. "Here. Get warmed up."

The Kazekage almost purred to feel the warmth of the mug in his cold hands, taking a careful sip of the sweet, hot drink. He felt it glide all the way down his throat, warming him right to his belly. He couldn't suppress a sigh of delight. After a second of reveling, he cast a small smile to Kakashi. "Thank you."

The copy ninja just waved off his thanks as he shifted to sit beside Gaara on the couch. "No problem. Can't have you catching a cold right before Christmas." he mused with a sideways glance at the young Kazekage. "So, how was your trip to the Leaf? Did your siblings come with you?"

Gaara nodded softly. "Yes. Kankuro and Temari wished to spend the holiday with their respective partners." He took another sip of his hot cocoa and let his eyes flutter shut in pleasure. "Our trip was uneventful, thankfully. Just a lot of walking and... snow." His expression turned sour at the mention of the frozen precipitation.

Kakashi smirked a little beneath his mask. "We'll be sure to keep it warm in here for you." he mused, though couldn't help but imagine Guy turning the thermostat down to freeze Gaara... Honestly, he wouldn't put it past Guy to try something like that, and Kakashi decided he would have to keep a keen eye on his husband for the next few days.

"So," Kakashi began again, "How long are the two of you staying?"

"A week. Lee wanted to stay for the days after Christmas as well." he explained while casting a glance back toward his husband, seeing that he and his sensei had actually made it inside the house and had shut the door, but were still wrapped up in each others arms and loving on one another. He frowned again and turned firmly away from the two, focusing instead on his drink.

Kakashi, ever mindful, noticed the exchange and could sense Gaara's growing unhappiness and irritation. He could understand Gaara wanting to spend quality time with his husband over the holiday, but he could also understand Lee and Guy wanting to do the same. Not to mention that Kakashi himself would like to spend time with Lee and Guy as a family as well. It was going to be hard to keep everyone happy... But, he had some ideas. If he could just keep Guy from finding ways to exclude Gaara...

Standing from the couch, Kakashi approached the two taijutsu masters and interrupted their love fest by enfolding Lee in his arms and holding him tight to his chest. "I've missed you too, you know." he mused playfully, smiling when he felt Lee's arms immediately latch around him like a vice.

"Kakashi sensei, I have missed you as well!" Lee exclaimed, his eyes still wet with tears of joy as he squeezed his 'mother' in a tight embrace.

The tightness of the hug forced some of Kakashi's breath out of his lungs, and his voice was a little strained when he spoke, "I-I was beginning to wonder." Lee still didn't know how to control his strength when it came to hugs. It made him wonder how Gaara handled Lee's affections. With a chuckle, Kakashi pulled back from the crushing hug just enough to look into Lee's eyes. "I'm really glad you both could make it." he said, his tone much warmer and more sincere than usual.

Lee smiled warmly in return, his heart throbbing happily. "So am I. I have been looking forward to seeing you both again." As he spoke, Kakashi began guiding him back toward the couch where he was coaxed to sit next to Gaara. Which he did happily and without complaint.

He pressed himself tight against his husband's side, wiggling up under the blankets with him. He didn't notice the way Gaara stubbornly tried not to look at him, or how he didn't reciprocate his affections. Instead, he leaned in closer to sweetly nuzzle their cold cheeks together. "I am so excited to spend Christmas with all of the people most precious to me."

Gaara's eyes widened faintly and he couldn't keep a faint blush from creeping into his cheeks. The warmth and joy in Lee's voice, as well as the sincere love in that simple nuzzle, warmed him more than the cup of hot cocoa he was nursing. He was included, Lee didn't only mean Guy and Kakashi...

Instantly, Gaara relaxed against his lover's side and returned his affectionate nuzzling with a warm, loving smile. "I look forward to spending Christmas with my precious ones too." he whispered, a hand slipping away from the mug to slide down to Lee's belly, resting there beneath the blankets.

Gaara's hand was still warm from the mug, and Lee shivered in delight before placing a hand over his husband's. He was so happy to be here, to be in the first true home he had ever known with his whole family... There was nowhere else in all the world he would rather be than right here.

Guy frowned a little at the way Gaara got so close to his Lee, hating the way they cuddled and loved on each other. That dirty Sand ninja was just reveling in the fact that he had managed to completely steal Lee away from him, and now he was rubbing it in! Look at him, smugly cuddling his Lee like that... HE wanted to be cuddling Lee! A few hugs at the door were not enough for Guy! It wasn't like GAARA didn't get to see Lee everyday! ...Like Guy used to...

Taking a confident step closer to the couch, Guy gave his student a broad grin. "It's been so long, Lee! What do you say we go do some training? Just the two of us!"

Gaara's eyes narrowed to a death glare on the jonin, while Lee's widened with excitement.

Just as Lee was fixing to stand, his mouth opened to accept the offer, Kakashi cut in sharply. "They just got here, Guy. They've been walking for four days, I'm sure Lee could use a day to rest."

Guy gave Kakashi an almost betrayed expression, his eyes wide and hurt. "But Kakashi-!"

"Besides, it's getting late, and I AM cooking dinner for them, remember? I could use your help in the kitchen." said Kakashi sternly, his visible eye narrowing on his husband before he turned to start back into the kitchen. "Come help me finish up."

With that, Guy's plans were thoroughly thwarted, at least for now, and he pouted as he followed Kakashi into the kitchen. But not before calling over his shoulder, "Tomorrow then, Lee!"

In that instant, Lee's smile could have lit the whole Leaf Village. "Yes! I look forward to it Guy sensei!"

And just like that, the moment was ruined for Gaara. He knew, without a doubt, that that oafish moron that Lee called a sensei would do everything in his power to keep him away from Lee over the holidays. And Lee would just let him do it. Like he always did...

Gaara pulled his hand away from Lee's belly and once again focused all of his attention on his cocoa. He couldn't wait for this stupid holiday to be over so that they could leave. He wanted to go home, where he could have Lee at his side again.

Lee watched his parents disappear into the kitchen before returning his attention to Gaara, and pausing a little to notice his sudden change in mood. "Gaara sama? What is wrong?" he asked gently with a little cock of his head.

The Kazekage glared into his mug. He wanted so badly to tell Lee EXACTLY what was wrong and exactly what he thought about his dumb ass sensei... but he held his tongue. "Nothing." he replied shortly, his tone much more hateful than he had intended.

A fact that did not go unnoticed by Lee, who looked surprised as well as hurt. "Gaara sama... I do not understand, you were so happy a moment ago..." As he thought about it, however, he quickly realized why Gaara's mood had suddenly turned sour. A pout came to his features.

"You are upset because Guy sensei asked me to train with him?" he asked, taking the stiffening of Gaara's hands and shoulders as a yes. Lee bit his bottom lip, hands tightening into loose fists. "Why?" he asked suddenly, his voice slightly louder and sharper than he had meant for it to be.

Lee was not one to become angered easily, or to start an argument, but they had been over this SO many times. Some of their worst arguments had been about Guy sensei and Gaara's jealousy over him. Some of them had even ended with Lee bruised. All of them ended with him crying...

Gaara let out a low, husky growl, "You KNOW why."

"Knowing why does not mean that I understand it. I have TOLD you that Guy sensei is precious to me as a father, the only father I have ever known. Why must you try to pervert that?" he ask in a harsh whisper, trying to keep his voice down so as not to alert his parents to their arguing.

"Why must YOU always choose him over me?" Gaara demanded in the same harsh whisper, his jade eyes narrowed dangerously on his husband. "You say you want to spend time with both of us, but you always spend all of your time with HIM."

Lee's eyes narrowed, anger and disbelief reflecting in their gaze as tears began to well. "I am MARRIED to you! I do not even LIVE here anymore! I would just like to spend some time with him while I have a chance to! How is that choosing him over you?!"

"Do you regret it? Marrying me and moving to the Sand?" asked Gaara sharply. "Would you rather still be here with him?"

"No! How can you even ask me that?! I love you! I am happy with my life with you! I just wish that you..." his voice became thicker and thicker with repressed sobs until he had to stop, a hand coming to cover his mouth. His shoulders began to shake and tears streamed down his cheeks.

This isn't how today was supposed to go... They weren't supposed to be fighting, Gaara wasn't supposed to feel rejected or left out. Lee hadn't meant to make him feel that way... But he hadn't seen Guy sensei in so long, he just wanted to spend time with him and catch up, to train with him like they used to. He had missed his sensei and father figure so much. How was that wrong of him?

"I just wish that you would try to understand..." Lee sobbed in a shaky whisper before pushing himself out from under the covers and off of the couch, hurrying down the hall and into the bathroom where he could clean up his tears and pull himself together without fear of Guy or Kakashi seeing...

Beneath the anger and bitter jealousy, Gaara's heart twisted painfully to have made his husband cry - and only a few moments after having arrived at his old home. Lee had been so looking forward to this, and he was already ruining it for him... Why did he have to be this way? Why did he always hurt those precious to him?

Why hadn't Lee found someone better..?

Gaara brought a hand up to clutch at his chest, right above his heart, and squeezed his eyes tightly shut. He shouldn't have even come. He should have stayed in the Sand. He didn't belong here...

It took a while, but Lee finally emerged from the bathroom with his face cleaned up and eyes devoid of tears. One would never guess that he had been crying. It certainly helped that his nose and cheeks had already been a little pink from the chill of the winter air. However, his shoulders were sagging and his eyes were heavy lidded, sure signs of his disheartened mood.

He sat back down beside his lover, but did not cuddle up to him like before, or even look at him. He just kept his gaze down at his lap. To Gaara, it seemed like Lee was sitting beside him now in an effort to pretend that everything was normal between them, to keep his parents from becoming suspicious. He didn't like it, this feeling that Lee was only at his side now because he had to be.

Gaara cast a faint look at his lover and hesitated, trying to decide whether he wanted to apologize or tell his lover to just go in the kitchen with his beloved sensei. Both options left a bitter taste in his mouth. Why should he apologize? Was it not within his right to want to spend time with his husband? Even though he regretted being angry with Lee, he still felt he had every right to be.

With a sigh, the Sand ninja once again returned his attention to his cooling mug of cocoa, ignoring his husband in favor of the sweet drink. Lee could decide for himself who he wanted to spend time with. It wasn't as if Gaara didn't already know who his choice would be.

Lee glanced over when he heard the sigh, seeing Gaara's attention firmly latched onto his drink. Gaara was ignoring him, that much was obvious. His heart throbbed painfully and tears threatened to build in his eyes once more, but he blinked them away firmly as he returned his gaze to his lap.

He hesitated for a few minutes longer before sighing and pushing himself up. "I am going to go help in the kitchen."

As Lee walked away, Gaara couldn't keep from glaring after him. Just as he'd expected, Lee chose to spend time with Guy rather than with him. How predictable.

Kakashi glanced over his shoulder when he heard Lee's familiar footsteps entering the kitchen, immediately noticing his depressed appearance. "Something wrong, Lee?" he asked casually.

Lee forced a smile and shook his head. "No, of course not! Everything is great! I was just hoping to help you finish dinner, if that is alright."

Guy beamed from ear to ear, answering before Kakashi even had a chance to open his mouth. "Of course you can, Lee!" he shouted as he wrapped his arms around the young man, his hands covered with residue from the various foods he had handled and helped prepare. "It'll be just like old times!"

Lee smiled happily, not minding at all that his sensei was getting his jumpsuit dirty, as he returned the hug. But Kakashi could see the light missing from his eyes. The pure joy that Lee had been displaying earlier was gone, and was replaced with sadness.

It appeared that his efforts to keep Lee and Gaara out of an argument had been for nothing... He would have to fix that later, however, as he couldn't leave dinner right now. Instead, he smiled warmly. "Guy could use the help, you know how he is with cooking." he mused, getting a chuckle from Lee and an embarrassed laugh from Guy.

"You know I don't understand these recipes, Kakashi!" he announced jovially.

Within moments, the three of them had settled into old routines. Lee and Kakashi handled the cooking expertly while Guy mostly watched in astonishment and a great deal of confusion. He didn't understand how they could throw all of these ingredients together the way they did and make something edible. Not only that, but they moved together so skillfully that it almost reminded Guy of a dance.

They twisted around each other gracefully, avoiding being in the others way while going about taking things out of the oven and putting things in. One would check something simmering on the stove while the other tended to the bowls of ingredients that they were currently turning into something delicious, and then they would switch places without a word.

Well, without a word of warning anyway. They were constantly chattering and talking with each other, laughing and smiling. It really was just like old times. All of them together, just enjoying being a family... It warmed Guy's heart and almost brought tears to his eyes. It was almost so perfect that he could forget all about that wretched Sand ninja being in his home.

Kakashi could see the happiness returning to Lee's eyes, and the tension leaving his shoulders. The more they talked and laughed together, the more Lee became his old self again. It brought a warm smile to the copy ninja's features, which was of course hidden beneath his mask.

Before long, dinner was ready and all that was left was to call Gaara in. Lee offered to set the table, but Kakashi had a better idea. "Don't worry about it, Guy and I will handle that. You go get Gaara." he said as he was already getting out plates and motioning for Guy to get the silverware.

Lee nipped his bottom lip nervously and hesitated a little. He hated dealing with Gaara when he was jealous... But, maybe he had cooled down by now. Lee certainly had. In fact, he was feeling perfectly happy again! Surely Gaara was feeling better now too.

Lee headed to the doorway to peek into the living room, opening his mouth to speak - and paused when Gaara was nowhere to be seen. He stepped out into the living room with a confused expression, looking around for clues.

Gaara's mug sat on the coffee table, the remains of its contents cold and forgotten.

Next, his eyes shot to the front door where their luggage remained, as well as Gaara's sand gourd.

Lee relaxed and let out a subconscious sigh. Good, so long as that was still here, Gaara was still here too. Of course, it wasn't likely that Gaara would leave anyway in this cold. Lee chuckled a little at that thought, finding it amusing that even anger would not drive Gaara out into the cold.

He started down the hall to check the bathroom, but found it empty. The next logical place to look was his old bedroom. Turning the knob, he pushed the door open and peaked inside, holding his breath without realizing it... and letting it out in relief when he saw Gaara sitting on his bed. The red of his husband's outfit really stood out against the bright green of Lee's bed sheets. It was quite festive really!

Lee chuckled as he fully pushed the door open and stepped inside. "There you are. I have been looking for you." he said cheerfully, trying to pretend that their earlier argument had never happened. "Dinner is ready."

Gaara sat motionlessly on the bed, glaring at something on the wall. "I'm not hungry." he answered, his tone huskier and darker than usual.

Lee drooped, his expression falling. It seemed Gaara wasn't feeling better... but he kept trying. He forced his smile to return. "Come on, Gaara sama. Kakashi sensei and I made all kinds of sweets for you!" he insisted as he sat down beside his lover.

Gaara seemed tempted, but he still did not budge. He didn't even speak this time. He just kept glaring at the wall. Finally, Lee followed his gaze - and tensed. Now it made sense why he was glaring at that particular spot on the wall.

Adorning the green walls of his bedroom were many Guy sensei posters, but the particular one Gaara was focusing his hatred on was the biggest one by far. It was Lee's favorite one actually. It was an artist's rendition of Guy sensei mid Leaf Hurricane, a fierce look of determination on his face as his muscles were strained from the force he was exerting to defeat his enemy. It was so cool!

But Gaara, of course, did not share the sentiment...

Lee sighed quietly and let his gaze return to his lover. "You are still upset over this?" he asked gently. "Really, it is silly to be so jealous of Guy sensei."

Gaara's frown deepened. "My concerns are silly to you. I already know that."

"No! That is not what I meant! I only meant that your worries over Guy sensei are silly!" he quickly reiterated. "I take all of your concerns seriously. I would never make you feel as though your worries do not matter to me. At least..." his expression became worried and apologetic, "I hope that I have not made you feel that way... That was never my intention at all... I am very sorry, Gaara sama..."

Gaara sighed, closing his eyes. He didn't know what to say. In his heart, he knew that Lee wasn't the one who should be apologizing, but he couldn't force an apology from his own lips. Why should he? After all, it wasn't fair that Lee always, ALWAYS, chose Guy over him when they were in the Leaf. He longed for the days when they would walk to the river together, spend all day together just talking, or kissing, or...

He reopened his eyes and spoke without sparing a glance at his husband, "You should go eat before dinner gets cold. Guy will be looking for you." His voice was cold, and almost venomous when he spoke Guy's name.

Lee looked shocked before bristling, not only because his apology had been rudely thrown back in his face, but because Gaara KNEW that it bothered him when he left the honorific off of Guy sensei's name. Especially when saying it in such a hateful tone.

Huffing, he stood from the bed and started for the door. "Fine. But I DID try to spend time with you, and YOU chose to spend that time alone. I do not want to hear you say that I chose Guy sensei over you." he said in a voice that just barely kept from being a growl before opening the door and exiting without looking back.

Gaara's fists tightened on the bed sheets, his heart throbbing painfully. Lee thought that one meal together would be enough to say that he wasn't choosing his teacher over his own husband? As if all of them eating dinner together somehow counted as personal time with his husband? Gaara knew as well as Lee did that if he HAD gone to dinner it would have been spent with Gaara sitting quietly and listening while Guy and Lee talked the whole time. He would have had to listen to Lee giggle and laugh at everything Guy said, watch him give his smiles to that fool so freely, watch him blush when Guy praised how much he had grown...

He couldn't stop the images of them together from coming unbidden into his head. It was all too easy to imagine Guy laying Lee down onto the soft grass around their training area, his hands roaming all over Lee's body, tracing his defined pecs and abs appreciatively through green spandex, before dipping lower and lower until his digits brushed over Lee's hardening member. And Lee would allow it, he would give Guy those sweet sounds of pleasure that were only meant for Gaara's ears, as he arched into the touch...

The Kazekage became aware of a grinding sound, and realized that he was gritting his teeth. He was also shaking with barely suppressed rage that threatened to overflow. If it did, it was likely that he would destroy every Guy sensei poster in the room, and while that would make him SO happy, he knew how deeply it would hurt Lee... and that was the only thing that kept him restrained, even though it frustrated him.

Taking deep, calming breaths, Gaara managed to somewhat lock his fury away. He was glad now that the Akatsuki had taken Shukaku... If they hadn't, he would be running the risk of letting the beast out right now.

Still trembling with repressed rage, he scooted back and laid down on the bed, rolling onto his side to face away from the door, facing the wall. The wall that was almost the exact same color of Guy's jumpsuit. Sighing, Gaara screwed his eyes shut.

As he laid there, trying to will this trip away, and wishing that he had found some excuse stay in the Sand and keep Lee with him, he made a decision; Lee was not going anywhere alone with Guy. Which meant he definitely was not going training with that man tomorrow. He didn't care what he had to do to keep his lover here. He would hold him down if he had to.

Lee walked briskly, eager to get away from his husband and be back in the much more welcoming company of his family. Maybe it was for the best that Gaara wasn't coming to dinner. This way, he wouldn't have to keep looking over his shoulder and making sure that he wasn't upsetting Gaara just because he was talking to Guy sensei. It would have been better if Gaara hadn't even come with him to the Leaf.

Guilt suddenly slammed into his stomach, surprised at himself to have thought something like that. Lee drooped heavily. That was a horrible thing to think... It was Christmas, how could he not want to spend it with his husband? But, how could his husband expect him to not want to spend an equal amount of time with both Guy sensei and Kakashi sensei?

Tears started to well in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away and took a calming breath. He couldn't let his parents know that anything was wrong between Gaara sama and himself. Guy sensei would be furious if he found out that Gaara had hurt his feelings, and he didn't want those two getting in a fight. They would literally kill each other.

So, as he stepped into the kitchen and was greeted by the delicious smell of dinner and the loving gaze of his parents, he forced a bright smile. "Gaara sama is tired from the trip. He said that he would prefer to rest for now." The lie tasted bitter on his tongue, but it was better than letting them know the truth.

Guy seemed relieved and smiled happily. "Hah! That's because he lacks your youth and energy, Lee!"

Kakashi, however, frowned as he could tell that Lee was lying. The boy had never been good at it, he always pouted at himself afterwards, even if it was hidden beneath a smile. But he didn't call Lee out on it. He understood his reason. "Too bad. I guess he can have some of these sweets for breakfast in the morning then."

Lee nodded in agreement as he took a seat beside Guy sensei, that fake smile still on his face. "Yes, I am sure he would enjoy that."

"So anyway Lee, how has your training been going? Have you kept up?" Guy asked with a big smile, effectively getting the subject off of Gaara. He pretended not to notice, for Lee's sake, but he could tell that something was wrong, and he knew it had something to do with Gaara. That Sand ninja was upsetting Lee somehow, and he intended to put a stop to it. But for now, just getting Lee's mind off of him would have to do.

The rest of dinner was spent in comfortable conversation, the three of them catching up on what had been going on and what they had been up to lately. Lee was particularly interested in hearing about what kind of missions his parents had been on, as well as Neji and Tenten. After Lee had asked a few questions about his old teammates, Guy promised to take him to visit with them tomorrow before they went training, which really excited Lee. He couldn't wait to see how much they had improved, and show them his progress as well. Maybe he could even get Neji to agree to a sparring match!

Eventually, they all decided they should suspend the conversation in favor of putting the leftovers away. It was after this that Lee realized how dark it had gotten. It had been a little late when they arrived, but it was pitch black out now. His next realization was that he was feeling quite exhausted. He longed for a shower and then his bed.

A yawn slipped past Lee's lips and Guy smiled warmly. "You look exhausted Lee. You should get some rest, so you'll be full of youthful energy for tomorrow's training!" he said excitedly as he gave his precious student and adopted son a thumbs up.

Lee smiled as brightly as he could while so tired. "Right, Guy sensei!" he returned, but not quite matching Guy's enthusiasm. He would have if not for another yawn trying to interrupt him.

Guy, overwhelmed with love for his adorable Lee, scooped the boy completely up into his arms, holding him bridal style and squeezing him close to his chest. Like he used to when the boy was tiny. Where had the years gone? How had Lee grown up so fast? "Oh Lee... I've missed you so much." he whispered warmly into the glossy black locks.

Lee had been surprised at first to suddenly have his feet scooped out from under him, but the familiar hold quickly had him melting into Guy's powerful arms. He hadn't been held like this in a long time... He hadn't even realized how much he'd missed it until now. Even after all this time, and how much he had grown, Guy could still hold him effortlessly, as though he hadn't gotten any bigger at all. It was comforting. "I have missed you too, Guy sensei..." he whispered in return.

As wonderful and comfortable as this was, Lee couldn't help but think of how furious Gaara would be if he walked in and saw him like this, in Guy's arms. It made Lee's heart ache that Gaara just couldn't understand that Guy was a father to him. Guy had taken care of him, taken him in when no one else had wanted him. They had formed such a deep, powerful bond over the years. They had been father and son as well as teacher and student. It felt natural being in Guy's arms and reaffirming those bonds.

But he just couldn't make Gaara see it that way. Gaara would accuse him of loving Guy more than him, of wanting to have... SEX with his father figure... Was it wrong of them to be so attached to one another? Was it wrong of Lee to be so close to his sensei, especially when he knew that it would upset Gaara? Were these problems between them... his fault?

Guy felt Lee tensing up in his arms and tightened his hold, as if he could protect him from whatever was going through his head at that moment. "What's wrong, Lee?" he asked softly, hoping that his student would finally tell him what was going on. If that Sand ninja was hurting his precious student in any way, he wanted to know. Then he wanted to rip him apart.

Lee squeezed his eyes shut as he could feel tears welling up yet again. He just couldn't stop being so close to Guy, no matter how badly it upset Gaara. There was nothing impure about their love for each other! It was the love of a father and son, nothing more. Even the thought of refusing Guy's hugs or turning down his offers to train made Lee want to break down and weep.

A sob slipped past his lips and he buried his face in his teacher's chest. "I-I... have just really missed you..." he whimpered out.

It wasn't a lie. He just couldn't tell his sensei the whole truth. To tell him what Gaara thought about their closeness would be far too embarrassing and awkward... Not only that, but Guy would challenge Gaara right on the spot. He couldn't deal with his sensei and his husband being even more at odds with each other...

Hearing Lee's sobs broke Guy's heart... There was something more hiding under the surface, something Lee wasn't telling him. He knew it had something to do with Gaara, and everything in him was screaming at him to protect Lee from that monster. What if he was hurting him? What if Lee didn't want to be with him anymore and Gaara was forcing him to stay? What if he was raping Lee?

"Lee..." Guy started in a low tone as he held Lee protectively, "if Gaara is hurting you, I want you to tell me."

Lee's eyes widened a little and he pulled back from his sensei's chest to look up into his eyes, seeing an intense desire to protect him burning in them. However, it was almost drowned out by the deep rage and hatred that still burned in Guy's heart for Gaara. It was frightening really... He had never seen his sensei hate anyone, let alone so deeply.

Shaking his head, Lee quickly tried to quell those worries. "No, no! It is nothing like that, Guy sensei." he assured as he wiped his cheeks of the tears there. He smiled once more, forcing his worries away so that they wouldn't show in his eyes. "I just missed you both so much. I am just exhausted and my emotions got away from me, that is all." he promised.

Guy didn't look convinced, but Kakashi took it upon himself to step in and help Lee. "He's just tired Guy. You two are always emotional together, let alone when you haven't seen each other in a while." he offered nonchalantly, getting an odd look from Guy who then returned his gaze to Lee.

"Do you promise me that's all it is, Lee?" he asked as he looked deep into his student's eyes, searching those black pearls for any sign of deception. "Don't lie to me."

The younger shivered a little nervously under the intense scrutiny, hunkering up slightly. Guy sensei could be very intimidating when he wanted to be... "I-I promise. Gaara sama is not hurting me." At least, not the way his sensei thought he was.

Guy frowned as he looked into Lee's eyes a little longer, searching them, before finally seeming satisfied. "All right. Just know that you can always tell me anything, Lee." he said, his tone softening to the warm tone he usually used when speaking with Lee. "I just want to protect you. I can't bare the thought of you being hurt..." His hold tightened on Lee yet again.

Lee cuddled up in Guy's arms as he nuzzled up under his teacher's chin softly. "I know... But you do not have to worry. I promise." After another few moments of reveling in his father's comforting, protective hold, Lee sighed and decided he should go get a shower and head to bed. He needed energy for tomorrow after all.

The three said their good nights, gave a few more hugs, and then Lee left for the bathroom, grabbing his and Gaara's luggage on his way, including Gaara's gourd.

Once he heard the bathroom door click shut, Kakashi turned his gaze to Guy, who's brows were furrowed in deep thought and his hands curled into fists. He was still worrying... The copy ninja stepped forward and slipped into Guy's arms skillfully, sliding his arms around his husband's tense back to hold him comfortingly. "You should relax. Lee told you he was just tired."

Guy completed their embrace, but gave his husband an almost scolding expression. "Don't play dumb, Kakashi. You know something else is going on. In fact, I think you know exactly what's going on and you're not telling me about it."

This time, Kakashi tensed. "Guy..." He didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected Guy to start accusing him. To make matters worse, Guy was right.

The taijutsu master glared down at his spouse. "I'm not as dumb as you think I am, Kakashi. I know something is wrong with Lee, and you know what it is." He released his hold on Kakashi and pulled away from the embrace. "If that monster is hurting Lee and you're hiding it from me, Kakashi, I will -"

"Don't you DARE accuse me of hiding something like that." Kakashi interrupted sharply, his visible eye narrowing. "Do you honestly think that I would let something like that happen to Lee? I know that his bond with me isn't as strong as the one he shares with you, but I do love him like my own son and I would never let someone hurt him like that."

"Then what IS going on Kakashi? Why won't you tell me?" Guy demanded.

"It's not my place to say. If Lee wanted you to know, he would have told you already." he said firmly. "I'm trying to fix it before it gets out of hand."

"It's already out of hand! They've only been here for a few hours and I can already tell that Lee is miserable!" argued Guy in as hushed a tone as he could manage. He didn't want Lee to hear them argue.

"It's not what you think it is! Lee is happy with Gaara, they're just having some problems! Like ALL couples sometimes do!"

Guy shook his head with a sound of irritation. "Fine. If you won't tell me then I'll get Lee to tell me tomorrow while we're training. Maybe he'll be more willing to open up when he's safely away from that monster." he growled as he turned to take a step toward the door. But he cast one more glare over his shoulder. "If that monster is hurting Lee, I'm holding you responsible. I told you I didn't trust him, but you wouldn't listen to me. Now Lee is paying the price." he said in an accusing tone, before leaving the kitchen and heading for their bedroom.

Kakashi glared, hearing their bedroom door shut rather sharply... and he sighed, slumping into one of the seats at the table. He rested an elbow against the dining table surface and pressed his face into his hand. This was NOT going well, and he felt like he was getting a headache... Now he not only had Gaara and Lee to worry about, but he had to fix things between Guy and himself too. This was turning out to be a really awful Christmas, and Kakashi wanted a stiff drink.

Lee sighed to himself yet again as he rinsed the conditioner out of his hair absentmindedly. He was deep in thought about Gaara, trying to think of any way to fix things. He really didn't want them to be upset with each other through Christmas... It was supposed to be a joyous time, spent laughing and spending time together with your loved ones. Not fighting and wishing to be apart from one another...

He wondered if he should have invited Gaara to take a shower with him, but his stubborn husband probably would have refused anyway. For accusing Lee of not wanting to spend time with him, Gaara certainly didn't put any effort into spending time with him either... When Lee tried to spend time with him he just acted as though he didn't want him there, like he wanted Lee to go away. It was confusing and hurtful... He didn't understand what Gaara wanted him to do.

Once all of the conditioner had been rinsed from his hair, Lee turned off the shower, pulled the curtain back, and stepped out into the foggy bathroom. He grabbed a towel and began to dry his soggy hair, scrubbing until it was dry enough not to drip, leaving it thoroughly ruffled and sticking up wildly. He didn't pay it any mind however as he turned his attention instead to drying his body.

In a few moments he had finished getting dried off, had brushed his teeth, and was very ready for bed. The taijutsu master left the bathroom with all of their luggage slung over his shoulder, tiptoed down the hall, and carefully opened the door to his old bedroom. It was dark, and there was no sign of movement. Maybe Gaara had fallen asleep.

Slipping inside quietly, Lee went about unloading the baggage from his shoulders as silently as possible, starting with setting Gaara's heavy gourd down beside the door and placing their luggage beside it.

With that done, he eagerly crawled into bed and wiggled up under the covers, sighing contentedly as he nuzzled into the familiar orange pillow. Mmm, this bed wasn't as plush and luxurious as their bed in the Kazekage mansion, but it was still perfectly comfortable.

Lee was exhausted from the long walk, and he could already feel sleep pulling at his senses. Perhaps a good nights rest would make both himself and Gaara less cranky. Hesitantly, Lee wiggled closer to Gaara's still form and curled up close to his back, trying to be close to him, to show that he still loved him and wanted them to be okay... but honestly, he wasn't sure if Gaara was even awake to receive the sentiment. So he sighed quietly and let himself slip into the blissful slumber that his body desperately desired.

Gaara, however, remained awake, his mind a whirlwind of bitter jealousy, anger, sorrow, and regret. It was confusing and frustrating trying to feel all of these emotions at once. So he lay there awake for hours, fuming and thinking, until sleep finally claimed him. But even his dreams were troubled and restless with nightmares of Lee being pulled away from him and into Guy's arms.

Even in his dreams, he couldn't have Lee at his side...