Ok, I was reading this book called ‘The Book of Lost Things’ by John Connolly (really good book by the way; if you like adventure fantasy, this is a good book to read) and basically it’s a fantasy that twists around a lot of our normal fairy tales. Of course we should know that the ‘normal’ fairy tales are actually twisted versions of the Brothers Grimm originals, made that was to by more appropriate to young’uns. Anyway, as I was reading that book, I came upon the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, and I was thinking… ‘Hmmm.’ And this is what I got. My version of Beauty and the Beast, Naruto style. Of course it has its tweaks, and OOCness, but bear with me please!! So read and review!!

Beauty and the Beast

Once upon a time, there was a very beautiful and kind boy named Naruto. His father, Jiraiya was a merchant who had grown wealthy from his successful business and had seven children with his wife.

But his wife later died from a disease, and for a time, Jiraiya fell into a depression, leaving his business in the hands of greedy partners.

By the time he had recovered, his partners had taken everything away, leaving him poverty-stricken.

His children, Neji, Shikamaru, Naruto, Ino, Sakura, and Hinata all complained about the change from the lap of luxury to working for scraps.

But Naruto never complained, but tried his best to deal with it. He had always been very kind and amiable in his own boyish way, and everyone got along well with him.

Finally Jiraiya announced to his children, “I will be leaving on a trip to try to patch up my merchant business. I won’t be back for a week though, so I hope you can take care of yourselves.”

His children surrounded him, asking and some begging for souvenirs and gifts from afar, except Naruto.

Jiraiya noticed this and asked Naruto, “Is there anything you want, my son?”

Naruto thought for a moment, then replied, “A rose, please.”

Neji laughed scornfully, “A rose? Naruto, you’ll never be seen as a man if you ask for things like that.”

Sakura and Ino giggled, but Naruto refused to be insulted by Neji’s comment.

Jiraiya smiled, “Very well, Naruto. I will get you the most beautiful rose I can find.”

Naruto smiled back, “Thank you, Father.”

And so, Jiraiya went on his journey to try and renew his reputation as a merchant. As night descended, he stopped by a large castle. “I wonder if the master of this manor will grant me shelter,” he thought aloud, “I can’t seem to find an inn anywhere.”

He walked up the front path and stopped before the door. He rapped loudly against the thick, oak doors, waiting for a reply.

There was none, and Jiraiya was about to leave, when a harsh, gravelly growl came from the shadows, “What do you want?”

Jiraiya was frightened by the raspy voice, but he kept his voice steady, “I wish to shelter in your manor for tonight.”

The voice hissed, “Very well. Stay in the parlor. I will bring you food.” The doors swung open, revealing a huge room, supposedly the front hall, with doors on each side.

“Take the left door,” the voice growled, “Stay there.”

Jiraiya glanced around, but couldn’t place where the voice was coming from. He followed the voice’s directions and took the left door. He opened to find a huge, well-furnished parlor with a piano, several tables, couches and armchairs, and a roaring fire. Several paintings of picturesque scenes hung from the walls. The largest was one of a handsome, male teenager with crimson hair and aqua-green eyes dressed in opulent jacket and trousers.

Jiraiya eased into one of the lush couches and sighed contentedly. He was getting far too old to be wandering around the world like this. It was nice to be able to rest his bones for a time.

He leaned his head back to roll out the kinks in his back when he heard the door open. He lifted his head to find a red-headed teen standing in the doorway, the same one in the picture. He held a tray in his arms and set it down on the table. He was about to eave, when Jiraiya called out, “Wait.”

The boy stopped and Jiraiya asked, “Are you the owner of the manor? I wanted to thank you for your generosity.”

The red-head shook his head, “No need. Be sure to leave by tomorrow morning.” He vanished into the door, and Jiraiya glanced down the tray. It was heaped with food, well cooked steaks, warm beef stew, tossed salad, fresh fruit, and a bottle of fine wine.

Jiraiya ate the meal and drank the wine. As soon as he was done, he leaned back in the couch, contented. The red-head returned to the room, and Jiraiya dipped his head, “Thank you for the meal. Who made it?”

The red-head took the tray, “I did.”

Jiraiya was surprised, “I would imagine that a manor as luxuriant would have servants.”

The red-head smirked, “There are none who are brave enough to serve me here.” He left the room, leaving Jiraiya to wonder what he meant with that statement.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Jiraiya stirred and turned, not realizing that he was still on the couch. He fell to the ground with a crash, and he sat up, wincing at the pain. He stood up, brushed the dirt from his clothes and wandered around the room. Staying in here was painfully dull, but he figured it was best if he followed the red-head’s directions. He looked out the window and noticed a rosebush covered in beautiful, red roses, all fully bloomed, each petal lush and juicy.

Jiraiya opened the window and pulled a knife from his pocket. He cut off a rose, and he admired its elegant shape when he heard a roar from behind. He whirled around, but there was nothing behind him.

But then the voice spoke, voice filled with rage, “I shelter you here, and you dare to steal one of my roses!? Insolent fool, you will pay with your life!!”

Jiraiya frantically searched the room, “Please, I only wished to take one for my youngest son. He asked for a rose, and I promised him I would deliver him the most beautiful one I saw. And yours, sir, is by far the most beautiful rose I have ever seen.”

The voice was silent for a moment, but then replied, “You have a son?”

Jiraiya nodded vigorously, “Three of them. And three daughters as well.”

The voice growled, “Send me the one who wished for the rose. He must spend a year here with me. If he arrives within a week, I will forgive you. If not, I will track you down and kill your entire family.”

Jiraiya nodded again, “I understand.”

“Then leave.”

Jiraiya scrabbled for his belongings and quickly left the manor. It was not until he was about a block away from the manor did he begin to break down and cry.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Jiraiya walked into his home as his children surrounded him, all asking about his trip and their gifts. Jiraiya pushed past them to Naruto and handed him the rose. He clasped his son’s shoulder, “I’m sorry, but you must leave here, Naruto.”

Naruto looked at Jiraiya concernedly, “What’s wrong, Father? Did something happen?”

Jiraiya quickly told him about the events at the manor and the deal he made with the master of the house. “I don’t want you to go,” Jiraiya confessed, “I believe the man is a monster!!”

Sakura glared at Naruto, “Thanks to your silly wish, Father has to suffer. You have to go and pay up.”

Naruto wanted to fight back, but realized that she was right. He gently touched Jiraiya’s shoulder, “No need to worry, Father. I will go.”

Neji stood up, “No, Naruto. We can go and slay this beast. That was we’ll have nothing to worry about.”

Jiraiya shook his head, “I do not think he is something that can be so easily slain. Just his very presence kept me frozen.”

Naruto nodded, “Then I must go. Please, Father.”

Jiraiya nodded, “Very well. I am so sorry to put you in this situation, Naruto.”

Naruto smiled cheerfully, “Really, Father, it’s alright.” He went upstairs to pack his belongings, and then took a carriage to the manor, following his father’s directions.

Naruto stared at the huge castle before, awed by the size and grandeur of it. Naruto walked up to the door and knocked, then patiently waited for an answer.

The door creaked open, and a voice growled, “Enter.”

Naruto entered and was awestruck by the sheer size of the front hall.

“You can go wherever you please,” the voice said, “But make sure to stay on the manor grounds.”

Naruto dipped his head, “Thank you for having me here.” But there was no response.

Naruto decided to do some exploring and found the two side door both led to huge parlors with similar furnishings. In the left parlor, he noticed the painting of the boy, and he stared at it. He’s really pretty, Naruto thought, But his eyes look so sad and lonely.

He headed toward the last door and found himself in a huge ballroom, with two curving staircases that led to the second floor. There was another door off to the side, and Naruto looked in there first. It led to a grand dining room, which had another door leading to the kitchen, well-supplied with food and culinary equipment.

Then he walked upstairs and discovered that there were several more rooms here, three huge, luxurious bathrooms, five lavish, comfortable bedrooms, a library with a connected study, and two more smaller parlors. There was one more door, but Naruto found it to be locked and presumed that it was the master’s room.

Naruto returned downstairs and noticed another door behind the staircases. He walked out the door and found himself in a huge garden, decorated with a fountain in the center and several rosebushes around the edge. He gently touched one of the rose, breathing in its delicate fragrance.

“You like roses?”

Naruto whirled around to find the red-haired boy from the painting, “Ah, you must be the master of the house.” Strange, he doesn’t look like a monster to me.

The red-hair nodded, “I’m Gaara.”

Naruto dipped his head, “I’m Naruto. Pleased to meet you.”

“So you like roses?”

Naruto nodded, “Yes.”

“Hmph. Well, make yourself at home. Dinner’ll be ready at six sharp, so don’t loiter around too much.” Gaara walked back inside.

Naruto wandered around the garden a bit more, and then returned inside. He headed to the dining room and found dinner ready for one. Gaara was nowhere to be seen.

Naruto took his seat and ate, savoring the juicy, thick chicken and vegetable stew. After finishing his meal, he took the dishes to the kitchen, washed them, and then hung them on a rack.

Then he walked upstairs and knocked on Gaara’s door, “Um, where should I sleep?”

There was a growl, and he replied, “Take any of the rooms. Leave me alone.”

Naruto flinched at the harsh voice and quickly walked to the bedroom furthest from Gaara’s. He walked in and locked the door, wondering if his father was right.

The next few weeks passed by rather slowly for Naruto. He found himself falling into a routine, walking up, eating breakfast, wandering in the garden, eating lunch, reading in the library, then wandering in the garden more, eating dinner, and then finally sleeping. Gaara was around, sometimes not. They would often converse about the ordinary things in life, but Gaara preferred listening to Naruto rather than talking about himself. Also, he’d often disappear into his room when night fell, and Naruto, ever since that first night, decided to never bother him. Until that day…

Naruto was watching the stars from the front, admiring their tiny beauty when a handsome raven-haired man approached him, “Evening.”

Naruto nodded his greetings, “Good evening to you, sir. May I help you?”

The raven-hair stared at the manor, “Does Master Gaara live here?”

Naruto nodded, “Yes. Do you have business with him?”

The raven-hair smiled, “Something like that.” Then he looked at Naruto curiously, “I wonder… I don’t suppose you know his secret.”

Naruto looked at him confused, “Secret?”

The raven-hair chuckled, “Well, enter his room, and you’ll find out. Though I suppose something’s are better left hidden.” He tossed Naruto a key as he walked away, “This’ll help you get in.”

Naruto caught the brass key as he watched the raven-hair walk away, wondering what his cryptic words meant. He looked down at the key; perhaps this could give him the answers he sought.

Naruto crept upstairs to Gaara’s room. He could hear heavy, harsh breathing from the other side of the door, growling and snarling. He slid the key in and twisted the lock. He opened the door and squinted at the darkness. There was only a single light coming from the room, emitted by a glowing rose atop a table in the center of the room. Gaara was hidden somewhere in the shadows, “What are you doing in here? Get out!!”

Naruto entered the room, “I just wanted to know… Why you always hide yourself up here.”

Gaara laughed, a grating, raspy sound, “You really want to know?” He stepped out into the light, revealing a large humanoid wolf with reddish-brown fur. Naruto’s eyes widened, “Oh, God…”

Gaara stepped up to Naruto, “How did you get in here?”

Naruto was frozen there, but he managed to stutter out, “A ma..an… told me… you were hi..ding some…thi..i..ing here.”

Gaara growled, “Damn that Sasuke.” Gaara smirked, “Now you know what I am. Does that make you fell better? Does it?”

Naruto whimpered and turned on his heel. He ran out of the room and back to his own bedroom. He snapped the lock into place and dove under the covers of his bed. He rocked back and forth, trying to comfort himself. Tears leaked out the corner of his eyes; he had never been so frightened in his life. He wanted to get out of here, to be back with his family. He laid down on his side and sobbed himself to sleep.

He spent the next few days in his room, but Gaara never bothered him. Finally, after four days of staying in the room and sneaking out to eat, he decided to go one and act normal. He spent the whole day doing his normal routine, but he never met up with Gaara. It was as if the red-head was avoiding him.

Of course, he’s avoiding you, dimwit, Naruto thought, After what happened… Naruto wished he could’ve apologized for his actions; it must have been so hard for Gaara. He decided, he would apologize to Gaara tonight, even if he had to break the door open.

That night, Naruto stood in front of Gaara’s door, steeling himself for his challenge. He twisted the knob, and surprisingly, found it unlocked. He walked in and found the wolfen Gaara pacing across the room, tail swishing behind him. He didn’t even look up when Naruto entered the room.

Naruto took a deep breath and stepped in front of Gaara and dipped his head, “I’m sorry for my actions the other day. It was rude of me to intrude upon your privacy. I hope you can find enough generosity in your heart to forgive me.”

Gaara looked down at him and also dipped his head, “I should be the one that is sorry. I must have frightened you the other day, and that is something a host should never do.”

Naruto smiled and looked up, “You’re too kind.” He still looks rather charming even as a werewolf. He looked fearsome at first, but after the initial shock, he looks rather…

Naruto reached up to touch Gaara’s cheek, but then hesitated, “May I…?

Gaara nodded, and Naruto gently touched Gaara’s fur, burying his finer into the thick pelt.

“It’s nice,” Naruto murmured.

Gaara nuzzled into Naruto’s hand, “That feels nice.”

“Well, sorry to ruin your happy moment and all, but I’m afraid I’m going to hafta intrude.”

Gaara jerked up and growled, “Sasuke… What are you doing here?”

Sasuke smirked, leaning against the doorway as if he owned the place, “I just wanted to come visit your new friend. Brave little guy, able to bear being with a monster like you.”

Gaara snarled, claws curling, “Only because of you.”

Sasuke laughed, “No, Gaara, it was your insolence that was at fault. You have no one to blame but yourself.” He turned to Naruto, “So we meet again.”

Naruto kept his head bowed, “Yes.”

Sasuke grinned wolfishly, “Kinda shy, aren’t you?”

Naruto looked up, “I just don’t like it when people are rude without good reason.”

Sasuke chuckled, “Moralistic, too. Sasuke turned on his heel, gesturing goodbye as he laughed, “Maybe he can save you, Gaara.”

Gaara just growled low and quiet, but Naruto could feel the hate dripping from it.

“Who is he?” Naruto asked.

Gaara glanced at the glowing rose, “The one who cursed me.” He turned away, “Leave, before you get hurt.”

Naruto quietly exited the room, though he wanted to know what Gaara meant. Gaara seemed to look like a monster, but he such a gentle soul. Why would anyone want to curse him?

Naruto lay in his bed, thinking about Gaara’s predicament. Sasuke had said something about breaking the curse, but how? Naruto thought it was so sad that Gaara had to spend his time alone in the castle because of his monstrous transformation, but what could he possibly do?

The next morning, Naruto asked Gaara at breakfast, “Why were you cursed?”

Gaara picked at his eggs, “Arrogance. Stupidity. A lot of things rolled into one.”

“So Sasuke’s the one who cursed you?” Naruto pressed.

Gaara nodded.

“Well then, ask him to uncurse you.”

Gaara smiled bitterly, “That man loves to see me tormented. I suppose he was right saying it was my fault though.”

Naruto tilted his head, “How can I break it?”

Gaara looked at him, a strange expression on is face, “You want to break it?”

Naruto nodded, “You have to stay in here all this time because of the curse, right? That must’ve been awful.”

Gaara turned away, “I’ve always preferred to be alone.”

Naruto rested his head on his chin, blue eyes watching Gaara, “Well, since I’m here, you must be getting sick of it now, aren’t you?”

Gaara didn’t answer the question, but stood up and took his plate, “Are you finished?”

Naruto sighed and nodded. Gaara took his plate and vanished into the kitchen.

Naruto spent the rest of the day in the library, trying to find any kind of information on curses, but he found no such luck. By the time he returned to his room, a huge storm had brewed, and rain was pouring down from the sky in buckets. Lightning flashed, followed by a boom of thunder, and Naruto scampered back to his room. He had always hated lightning and thunder; the combination always sent him over the edge. He curled himself up in the bed, trying to muffle out the sound. But the lightning and thunder still managed to get to him, and he rocked back and forth, trying to lull himself to sleep.

Gaara walked down the hall, wolf tail swishing behind him. He stopped at Naruto doors, ear prickling when he heard whimpering. He gently rapped at the door, “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” I’m fine,” came Naruto’s reply. But his voice was shaky with fear, and Gaara wondered if he was scared of something. He opened the door, and wanted to laugh when he saw Naruto wrapped up in the covers. “Are you sure?”

Naruto hesitated, “Well, I’m not too fond of thunder storms.”

Gaara sat down in one of the chairs, “Shall I stay here then?”

Naruto laid back, “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Not at all.”

Naruto closed his eyes and tried his best to sleep, but he still couldn’t feel comforted. He sat up again, “Um, could you… come here?”

Gaara cocked his head, “Are you sure?”

Naruto nodded, “I can’t sleep.”

Gaara padded over and laid down next to Naruto, “Like this?”

Naruto curled into Gaara’s chest, “That’s perfect.” Within minutes he was snoring lightly, fast asleep.

Gaara gently stroked the blonde boy’s hair, touched by the boy’s childish fondness. “Your naiveté will get you killed someday.”

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Months went by, and the two went on with their normal routine. Gaara opened up to Naruto a little more each day, until the red-head grew so fond of Naruto, he didn’t want the blonde to leave.

“As soon as the year is over, will you return to your family?” Gaara asked him.

Naruto thought for a second, “Well, I believe I should. My father, I’m sure, is very worried about me.” He smiled to himself, “I’m sure my brothers think I’ve been eaten or something horrendous like that.”

“I see.”

Naruto couldn’t wait to return to his family, but then as time when on, he noticed changes in Gaara. Changes that worried him. Gaara seemed to eat much less at mealtime, barely touching his food. He spent more and more time inside his chamber, ordering Naruto to stay out, no matter what.

It worried Naruto; they had become closer during the time they spent together, but now it felt like Gaara was drifting away from him.

So that night, Naruto decided to do something about it.

Naruto stopped in front of Gaara’s door and took a deep breath. He entered and squinted into the darkness. The room was pitch black; the only light came from the softly glowing rose in the center.

Naruto walked in to get a closer look at the rose and noticed that it seemed less alive than it did before. Several of its petals had fallen off, and the flower itself was drooping as if hanging its head in depression.

Naruto reached to touch it, but then a growl came from the shadows, “Don’t touch it.”

Naruto pulled back, “Gaara, are you in here?”

Suddenly, the door slammed shut, and Naruto jumped at the noise, “Gaara?”

“You shouldn’t have come in,” Gaara rasped, breathing heavily.

Naruto looked around uncertainly, “Well, I was worried about you. You haven’t been eating well lately, and you keep yourself holed up in here.”

Gaara laughed bitterly, “If you knew the reason, you wouldn’t be in here right now.”

“What do you mean?”

Gaara breathed down Naruto’s back, “You smell really good right now, Naruto.”

Naruto whirled around, but saw nothing behind him, “Gaara?”

“Get out.”

Naruto blindly searched the room, “Gaara, talk to me.”

“Just get out!!”

The door suddenly opened, and then Gaara pushed him out and slammed the door shut.

Naruto stumbled out into the cold hallway and stared at the now shut door. “Gaara…”

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Naruto saw less and less of Gaara with each passing day, until one day Gaara finally told him during lunch, “You should return to your family.”

Naruto stopped in mid-bite, “What do you mean? The year’s not up yet.”

Gaara avoided Naruto’s gaze, “I just think there’s no point in keeping you here any longer. I can tell it pains you to be away from your family.”

Naruto put down his fork, “What are you hiding from me?”

Gaara stood up, “Nothing. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” He left the room without a single glance at Naruto.

Naruto toyed around with his food, unable to keep Gaara off his mind. He wanted to know what was bothering the red-head, but Gaara refused to tell him anything. It was really quite frustrating… Naruto took his dish as well as Gaara’s and took them to the kitchen. As he washed the dishes, he wondered how he could get information on Gaara.

As if answering his questions, a voice came from behind him, “You’re curious, aren’t you?”

Naruto whirled around and found Sasuke behind, smirk playing on his lips. Naruto tried to keep a composed face, “Pleasure to meet you again.” Naruto really didn’t like this man, but he knew it was best to keep up appearances.

Sasuke chuckled, “Well, at least you’ve got some manners. You want to know the reason behind Gaara’s cold exterior, don’t you?”

Naruto shuffled around uncomfortably, trying to avoid Sasuke’s eyes, “What’s it to you?”

“Well, I think I can give you the information you need.”

Naruto eyed Sasuke suspiciously, “And what makes you think I can trust you?”

Sasuke grinned, “It’s up to you. You can believe me if you want, but you don’t have to. I’m going to tell you one way or another.”

Naruto leaned against the counter, “Then go ahead, since you’re so determined to tell me.”

Sasuke’s grin widened, “Very well. Once upon a time, there was a handsome but arrogant prince, who caught the eye of a passing sorcerer. The sorcerer was fond of attractive, young boys, and so tried to woo the young prince. However, the young prince cruelly rejected the sorcerer, and the sorcerer vowed revenge. He cursed the ignorant prince, tying his destiny with a rose. As the beauty of the rose faded, so would his, until there was nothing left of him, but a hideous beast.”

“So Gaara was that prince?” Naruto asked softly, “And you were the sorcerer.”

Sasuke nodded, “Quite perceptive.”

Naruto looked at Sasuke, “Can you remove the curse?”

Sasuke laughed, “Why should I? He deserves what’s coming.”

“Please,” Naruto begged, “He’s suffered enough. He doesn’t deserve such a cruel fate.”

Sasuke smiled slyly, “Well, there is something you could to break the curse…”

Naruto leaned in eagerly, “What? I’ll do anything.”

“That’s enough.” Gaara stood in the doorway of the kitchen, eyes cold and calm.

Sasuke smiled, “Well, well, seems like the young prince has made an appearance.”

“Get out of my house.”

Sasuke smirked, “Why, Gaara. So cruel. I’m only here to help out.”

Gaara’s eyes narrowed, “He doesn’t need your help.”

Naruto stepped in between, “Gaara, I want to know.”

Sasuke leaned on the counter lazily, “If he wants to know, you should tell him. Unless you want to remain an animal for the rest of your life.” He laughed, and his form began to waver as he disappeared.

“I hate that bastard,” Gaara muttered. He turned to walk away, but Naruto grabbed his wrist, “Tell me.”

“Later. I’m tired.”

Naruto tightened his grip, “Now.”

Gaara hesitated, “Do you really want to know?”

Naruto nodded, “I noticed that the rose is dying. Sasuke said that your destiny is tied with the rose. Does that mean…”

Gaara sighed, “Yeah. As the rose dies, so does my humanity.”

Naruto gently touched his cheek, “But you’re alright now.”

Gaara placed his atop Naruto’s, “It won’t be that way for long.”

“How can I break the curse?”

Gaara shook his head, “I can’t tell you that.”

Naruto frowned, “Why not?”

“The curse forbids me from doing so.”

Naruto crossed his arms, “Annoying.”

Gaara almost smiled, “Curses usually are. I’m going to bed. Don’t come into my room tonight.” He walked out the kitchen and vanished upstairs.

That night, Naruto did as he was told and stayed in his rooms. But he could not ignore the anguished howls and cries that came from Gaara’s room. The next morning he approached Gaara at breakfast, “Umm, Gaara?”

Gaara’s head snapped up. “What?” He growled, tone harsh.

Naruto was taken aback by Gaara’s cold voice, “Uh, never mind.” He turned to leave Gaara alone, but Gaara grabbed his wrist, “Wait. I’m sorry. I… didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Naruto turned back to face Gaara, “Well, I was just wondering… Will you allow me to enter your chambers tonight?”

Gaara stiffened, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Naruto held his head up stubbornly, “But I cannot sleep with your howling at night. At the very least, I should try to stop the noise that keeps me from rest.”

Gaara shook his head, “No. It’s far too dangerous.”

Naruto gently laid his head down on Gaara’s shoulder, “I have nothing to fear from you.”

“That’s very foolish of you,” Gaara murmured, “Very well. Be sure to take one of the swords from the weapons room with you.”

“I will have no need of it,” Naruto said firmly.

“You can’t be too sure of that.”

o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Naruto approached Gaara’s room as night descended upon the castle. He could hear no noise coming from the chambers as he waited in front of the door. He gently rapped against the thick wood, “Gaara, I’m coming in.”

Naruto opened the door and walked in. The first thing he noticed was the rose, drooping sadly in its vase, only a half dozen petals remaining. The next thing he noticed was Gaara, naked except for a pair of trousers, on the other side of the room, breathing heavily.

“Alright, you’ve entered,” Gaara rasped, “Now get out.”

Naruto knelt down next to Gaara and gently wiped the sweat off his brow, “What’s wrong? You’re burning up…”

“I told you to get out.”

Naruto smiled, “You need to give me a very good reason.”

Gaara gently stroked Naruto’s cheek, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t,” Naruto whispered.

Gaara smiled mirthlessly, “I wish I had your confidence.” He groaned, and his body began to contort, muscles stretching, bones elongating. Fur erupted over his skin, teeth sharpened into fangs, and his hands curled into claws. Gaara panted heavily as Naruto reached out, “Gaara?”

Gaara’s snapped at his voice, and he snarled. He advanced toward Naruto, only hunger in his eyes.

Naruto picked up the sword and backed up until he hit the wall, “Gaara, get a hold of yourself. You remember me, don’t you?”

Gaara hesitated at Naruto’s voice and growled softly. He nuzzled Naruto’s cheek, “You play a dangerous game.”

Naruto buried his fingers into Gaara’s thick pelt, “I’m not afraid.”

“You should be.”

Gaara turned around to find Sasuke standing next to the rose. “What are you doing here?” Gaara growled.

Sasuke tilted his head, “Haven’t you noticed?” He gestured to the rose, “There’s only one petal left. Soon you’ll be mine, Gaara.”

Naruto stood protectively in Gaara, “Not if I can help it.”

Sasuke laughed, “The only way you can save him is by killing him, boy, and I think for you that is impossible.”

Gaara stared at the rose, “Leave here, Naruto. You don’t owe me anything anymore.”

Naruto half-turned to face him, “What? I can’t leave you alone… Not like this.”

“Just-” The last petal fell from the rose, and Gaara stiffened.

Sasuke’s eyes gleamed, “Now the fun begins.”

Gaara roared as he writhed in pain; he was struggling inside, between man and beast, clinging onto his humanity.

“I hope you know how to use that sword,” Sasuke said lazily, “A stab to the heart will do the trick, but he’s not going to die so easily.”

Naruto tightened his grip on the cutlass, at a loss at what to do. He watched as Gaara howled in pain and made his decision. To save Gaara… He had to do it.

He ran toward Gaara as he dropped the sword. “Gaara!! Gaara, listen to me… Please. You’ve been so kind to me, and I feel that we have become much closer these past few months. I like being with you Gaara, so if you’re not with me, I’ll be sad. So Gaara, I think that… I… I really, truly… I love you.” Naruto leaned in and gently kissed the tip of Gaara’s nose.

A white, light enveloped Gaara, changing him back from wolf to human again.

Sasuke snarled, “No!! He was about to be mine!!” He vanished in a cloud of black smoke, never to be seen again.

The light gently laid an unconscious Gaara down to the ground.

Naruto gently took his head into his lap, stroking his hair.

Gaara stirred and stared up at Naruto, “You saved me.”

Naruto smiled, dipped down, and kissed him again.

Gaara savored the taste of Naruto’s lips on his own, “Naruto… Will you stay here with me?”

Naruto’s smile widened, “Always and forever, my prince.”

And so, they lived happily ever after.

THE END

Well, that was quite fun to write… although rather long… Aha…

The next one will be coming up soon, and whoever can guess right will get a free I-POD!!

Kuroi: She lies.

I’m not lying!! Ok, well, maybe I am… But still you guys can try guessing, its fun!! XD