Chapter 6: New Friends

A ringing sound woke me up this morning instead of my normal alarm clock. I groaned, awaking from my slumber. I lay on my back with Gaara still lying on top of me. The sound awoke him too. He moaned softly shifting himself so his ears were scrunched against me to try to buffer out the sound. As gently as I could I moved him to lie on the bed instead of me and got up to find my pants. I knew it was my cell phone, which was inside my pants pocket. I found my jeans and reached into the pocket to answer the phone. "Hello…? Oh, hello sir I-… But, sir, I-… Yes, I know that sir but-…" I looked at Gaara in the bed; he was looking at me ears aback. "O-ok, sir… But, I do not really feel well today-… Sir, I am sorry… May I miss work today…? I will make it up I promise… Yes. Yes, sir. Ok, thank you so much sir. Thank you." I clicked the phone off and looked at Gaara happily. I didn't want to work today. I wanted to be with my furry today. To show him how much I appreciate him.

With a slow stride I made my way back to bed and sat on the edge. I felt kind of bad, because I was not prepared to ask for the day off of work. Nor did I even wake up on time with my alarm clock. "Lee…" I heard a whine behind me; I turned quickly to see Gaara limp his way over to me. I gasped his name and quickly grabbed for him, pulling him into my lap. I hated to see him limp like that. He was like that because of me. I did that to him. I must have grabbed his rear, because he yelped out in pain pulling away from me a little. Gaara seemed to lay on his hip rather than his rump; this only made me feel worse. I held my head in shame looking at my lap instead of his eyes. I pulled him closer stroking his hair in between my fingers. "My poor baby…" I whispered out not really talking to him, but more to myself. He purred softly, rubbing up against me. "Lee… work…?" I smiled and rubbed his back with my other hand. "No… No work today Gaara…" With a jolt, Gaara looked up at me. "No work…?" I couldn't help but giggle. I shook my head no, and watched him give the biggest *cutest* smile I have ever seen. "Yay! Lee no work! Lee with Gaara all day!" I pulled Gaara closer to keep him from falling off my lap from his outburst. "Yes, yes, Gaara. All day with you." I giggled back happy to see him so ecstatic about me missing work.

With a yawn, I dressed fully and walked downstairs with Gaara in my arms that smile never leaving his face. I opened the fridge to see what we could have for breakfast. "Hmmm… What do you want for breakfast Gaara?" Normally I would feed Gaara some slightly cooked beef tongue, but today I want his meal to be special.

"Yum-Yum?" I wanted to correct him into saying 'no not yum-yum Gaara, chicken gizzard.' But I couldn't correct him. Today, there will be no punishments. Gaara can do what he wishes today. Pulling Gaara to my hip, I peeked through the freezer to see what types of meat are available. "Well Gaara… How about some steak today?" I know it was a bit early for steak, but I was afraid to feed him something non-meaty. I didn't want to make him sick. "St-ake?" He answered back questionably. I pulled out the frozen steak and put it onto the table to thaw. "Yeah, steak. You'll like it, baby." Until it thawed, I went to the living room to watch some TV. I put Gaara onto the couch and sat down next to him. "Watch whatever you want, Gaara." I grabbed the remote to await the orders of my furry to change the channel. "Cartoons?" I nodded and changed it to a cartoon network. Spongebob was on. "Spongebob Squarepants!" Gaara yelped happily and climbed into my lap, purring and nuzzling in the crook of my neck.

It was surprising that Gaara knew most of the words of that cartoon. I watched it for about an hour then went to the kitchen to see if the steak was thawed out. Gaara stayed and watched the TV. With Gaara occupied I was able to cook with both my hands, and fixed the steak especially for Gaara. I made myself some frozen waffles.

Luckily, the cartoon indulged Gaara's little mind long enough so I could fix both of our meals. With Gaara's plate in one hand and my plate in the other, I made my way back to the couch. I placed Gaara's plate next to him on the sofa and I sat down with my plate in hand.

When I walked into the room Gaara's attention immediately went right to me and the smell of food. "Here you go Gaara… enjoy. And don't get too messy, ok?" Gaara looked down at the food then up at me. He pointed to the kitchen with his paw and looked at me in confusion. "Table?" I was about to cut into my waffles until he said that. "Oh. No table today Gaara. You can eat in front of the TV today, honey." He looked back down at his meal and began to nibble on the edge of the juicy steak. I watched him to make sure he didn't make a mess and ate my meal.

When Gaara was slowly devouring the meal, he purred almost endlessly as his gaze became almost in an entranced like state. This made me so happy he was enjoying my cooking. I smiled as I finished my meal. I was a quick eater. Then I wondered…

I reached for his plate to snatch a small bit of meat from the steak. Would Gaara bite me? Is he food aggressive? I went slowly to make sure that he saw me. The purring stopped as he watched my hand reach for his steak. He made no movements to attack other than just looking at my hand. I managed to touch the piece of meat I wanted and I tore it off. I made no sudden movements as I took the piece back to myself and ate it. He didn't do anything but stare at the piece I had in my hand as it traveled towards me. "Lee wants some?" Gaara pushed his plate towards me. I was shocked. I thought he was going to act out, but he didn't. Instead he wanted to share. I acknowledged his move. "Thank you very much, Gaara, for sharing with me." I took another piece and tasted the well done steak. Gaara giggled softly and moved forwards to get closer to the plate. "You're welcome, Lee."

Gaara eventually finished and I didn't take any more pieces from him, so I took both our plates to the sink and cleaned the dishes quickly. I made my way back to the living room and sat back onto the couch Gaara crawling into my lap once more. I could feel the vibrations from his purr on my chest as he sat up against me. I pet him gently on his back to sooth him. "I love you, Gaara…" He responded with a louder purr "I love you too, Lee…" I stared at the TV blankly, not really paying attention to what was on.

I really wanted to take Gaara to the vet's office to see if I could get Gaara checked out. That 'thing' still plagued my mind.

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*Flashback*

During one thrust turned to his right his whole body lunged downward and he sat strait up and almost howled at the ceiling. His head was cocked back so I couldn't see his face. It shocked me that he responded to that particular thrust, so I continued in the same direction. I could hear his breathing becoming more ragged than before. "F-faster…! Harder…! Lee…! Oh…" His cries were answered quickly by doing what he asked. He looked down at me and I looked up at him. I gasped at what I saw, slowing my pace.This was not Gaara I was looking at. This creature had one side that looked like my Gaara. With blue eyes and the black ring around his eye and the kanji looked the same. But on the other sidewas a whole different creature. His eye was completely black with a yellow iris with a small cross and dots in his cornea. The ring around that eye seemed to morph with the actual sclera making the eye look bigger. Also an ear seemed to have formed on that side of his head. Along with that there were blue vein marks along his face. And not to mention the teeth. The teeth on that side seemed to have become much sharper and appeared to be more than one canine tooth.Like a shark. The sand that was next to me swirled around Gaara in a mesmerizing kind of way.

What was this creature that has taken over Gaara? Was he going to hurt him or me?

*Flashback End*

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I shook my head slightly. Just the thought of that thing gave me the chills. I hope whatever that thing was, was harmless.

I looked back at the sleeping red-head in my arms. With gentle hands, I leaned over and checked his sore entrance to assess the damage. It was red slightly, and that smell still came from him. Now that I was in full view, it overwhelmed me to a point that it sent spikes of pleasure through me. I shivered slightly as my breathing became more-so erratic. My body wanted him, but I knew that I couldn't do such a thing to him; especially since he is still hurting from last night.

I saw ears twitch and Gaara stirred him my lap, making me groan ever-so-softly. "Lee?" Gaara looked up at me then back at my lap. I wondered what he was really looking at, until I saw it. It appears that my growing erection was poking him a little too much. With a gentle paw, Gaara touched the bulge sticking out from my pants. A gasp left my lips as another pleasure spike left me. I had to stop him; it was only a matter of time before I couldn't control myself anymore. Gaara's ears pointed back "Hurt, Lee?" I picked Gaara up by his armpits and held him in midair "N-No, Gaara-kun… No hurt…" I had to get him off of me; it was getting a little too hot under the collar. Maybe if I asked him if he would like to go to the vet's office, he would go without any struggle. "W-Wanna go to see Tsunade?" My voice stuttered as I cooled down from my arousal. "Ts-…Tsun-ade?" he asked quietly. I decided not to wait anymore. I went upstairs with Gaara at my hip and to my room. I sat him on my bed and began to get dressed. Gaara looked back slightly confused "Lee said no work? Why getting dressed?" I smiled as I pulled my shirt over my head. "I'm not going to work; I'm going to see Tsunade, remember? She came here yesterday." Gaara paused and stared with immense concentration at the wall behind me. I managed to pull my pants on and turned to look at the concentrated redhead. His shiny eyes widened with horror in realization "Lady with owies!" His little ears flew down in fright as he sunk himself further into the bed.

I lifted a brow, and walked over to the frightened raccoon. "She doesn't give owies, Gaara. She helps you feel better when you're feeling sick." Teary eyes looked up at me when I sat down to gently pet him on the head. He made his way onto my lap, damp tears already staining my new jeans. "Why gotta go? Don't wanna go…" I felt bad for the poor boy, but I had to find out what in the world was that thing that happened to Gaara last night. "I'm sorry, honey. But, I just need to ask her some questions, alright? Then we will be done, I promise." He looked up at me with those big beautiful eyes. "Pwomise?" How could I deny that face? "I promise." He wagged his tail slightly as I gently massaged his back, a purring sound soon emitting from him. I hope that whatever this "thing" was; it won't happen again.

With gentle hands, I picked Gaara up, and placed him next to me on top of my pillow for extra comfort and support. I gripped the pillow and lifted it up, carrying Gaara along with me. I could hear his collar clink together as I walked back down the stairs to put Gaara into his cage. I need to go back to that store to buy a car seat for him; I doubt he likes to be stuck in that cage when we go somewhere, together. But, I much rather him be safe in the car, than not.

Furred ears sunk as I walked to his cage in the corner, he knew that he was going to be inside of that dreadful cage once again. "I'm sorry, sweetie." I cooed as I placed him inside of the carrier with my pillow. Hopefully the scent of me on that pillow will help ease his mind slightly about going to the vet's office.

How he hates that awful place. The last time we actually went there, he went to get his blood drawn and fecal done. He passed out when they had to get blood from him. He didn't struggle much, only when he saw the actual needle did he begin to cry loudly; trying to call out to me to try and save him from the sharp object that is heading his way. I paid for the blood and fecal already, so I had no choice but to help get his blood drawn. It was extremely expensive, but it would help in the future on whether or not he would have any organ issues or any sort of thing that would be wrong with him. He ended up passing out after they drew his blood, which made me freak out. Tsunade-sama said that he is only exhausted from fighting, and will recover with a good meal and a nights rest. The fecal was easily done, since he was passed out for that time. Luckily, he only needs those done once a year. I got his results back and the doctor said that everything is ok. He has no problems with any of his organs, no high count of anything is in needing of attention, and his fecal was clear. No parasites or dangerous bacteria that are infesting his intestines. I believe I was asked if I could pay for a heartworm test, but I couldn't afford it all at once, so this time I will want to do that, along with the purchase of some flea and tick preventative and some heartworm medicine if he is free of heartworms.

With a quick smile inside of the cage, I puckered my lips out for a quick kiss, and he gladly licked them, happily. I smiled, and picked up the cage and headed out the door, locking it on the way out. I went to my car, and unlocked it; I placed Gaara in the backseat like usual and buckled him in. I shut the door and went to the driver's seat, started the engine, and backed out of my driveway, heading towards the towns Furrynerian office.

I didn't even call in, but I am sure that Tsunade-sama will allow an appointment even without earlier notice. Last night, it took her less than five minutes to rush down to my home to care for Gaara. It seems like she really likes him, and would like to keep him healthy as much as I do. She is such a caring woman.

I stopped at a red light and peeked back at the cage and saw Gaara looking at me through the little holes. I smiled, and watched as he stuck his paw out of one of them, trying to reach to me. I reached back and grasped his little padded foot with my hands, gently. He is always so soft to the touch; I wonder if it is just him, or is it the body wash I am using on him. Either way, I slipped away from him and heard him whine out, as the light turned green, and we were on the move again.

Eventually, we made it to the vet's office, and I parked and turned the engine off. I trusted Gaara enough around here, so I went to the back and retrieved the leash from the cars floor, and opened Gaara's cage. He made no sudden movements on getting out, other than a gentle smile as I reached for his collar to attach the leash to. I reached in and pulled him out, carrying him on my hip, as I closed the cage and door to the car and locked it. I walked into the doors of the office and smiled at the lady at the counter as I made my way up there. I noticed that this time, there was someone in the waiting room to my left as I peeked through the doorway. "Hello! What may I help you with today, sir?" The same black haired lady from before spoke out kindly. "Yes, I am Rock Lee, and this is Gaara. We would like to have an appointment, and heartworm test." She looked down and wrote something on her notepad quickly, then looked back up and tilted her head as she looked at Gaara in my arms. She reached out to gently stroke his head, Gaara's ears pulled back, but he didn't pull away. "And what seems to be the problem, with little Gaara today." I frowned as I looked down at the mop of red hair in my arms "I don't really know… I know this is odd… But, for some reason he… Transformed into… Something… Last night. And I don't know what it was." She blinked and looked back, shocked. "Is this an emergency, sir? I can immediately call Tsunade-sama back and get right to you." I waved my hand gently, "Oh, no! It is no problem at all, if she is with another patient, then I don't want to interrupt. Gaara is feeling better, now, but I wanted to ask some questions about it, is all." She finished writing what I wanted, down and looked back up. "Ok. But if there is anything that you need. If Gaara has any problems while in the waiting room, please let me know. And I will immediately bring the doctor out." I smiled kindly at her. "Thank you so much." She handed me a receipt that said my name, Gaara's name, and a number on it. "Your number will be called when the doctor is ready to see you." I said thanks again, and made my way to the waiting room.

I opened the door and saw a man that had a mask over his face, except over his right eye. He had spiky gray hair, and was reading a book while two little Furry's wrestled with each other, growling and nipping playfully. It made me smile. Now is the perfect chance for Gaara to get along with new friends. I sat two seats away, and watched his two Furry's carefully. I noticed that one of them was a Black cat, with a red bell collar on. He had deep black eyes, and had silky fur that spike slightly on his elbows, hocks, and ears. His hair was spiky in the back, but smoothed out to the front with long bangs on each side of his face. He looked like a nice cat, but I didn't really trust them, they never liked me. The other was an orange fox. Strangely, this fox had… nine tails? It took a while to count, but there they were. Nine tails swung playfully behind the little fox boy as he tackled the cat with a battle cry of "Dattebayo!" He had black socks that gradient up to orange fur, and his underside was a clean white. It looked like he had whiskers on his face, but upon closer inspection, it looked like scars on his face, for they wouldn't bounce or move at all unless his cheeks did. Each fox tail had its own white furred tip; his hair was a bright yellow with orange ears that peeked out from the frayed mess of the blond locks. A jingling, black collar was placed around his little neck; also, his eyes were a stunning blue, almost like Gaara's.

Gaara looked interested, as he stared at the two, wrestling. I knew that it was unsafe for Gaara to meet with strange new Furry's, unless they had all of their shots, and was sure that they weren't going to harm Gaara or me. The two Furry's actually stopped and acknowledged Gaara's existence. They paused from fighting and looked at Gaara with questionable faces. The owner of the two newer Furry's placed a bookmark in his book and put it away, glancing at me with a smile underneath his mask. "Well, hello there. Who do I have the pleasure?" He reached his hand out for me to shake, and I accepted it. "Rock Lee's the name." "Kakashi. And who is this little guy, huh?" He leaned forwards and came closer to Gaara. He blushed and shied away, hiding his face into my neck. I smiled and pulled Gaara off, but he just went right back. "This is Gaara. Gaara say "Hi, Kakashi!"." I noticed that the little fox got a little jealous about his owner giving his attention to another, and placed his paw on Kakashi's knee. "Sensei! I'm hungry!" Kakashi simply ignored him, and reached out to pet Gaara gently on the head. The little coon peeked out and mumbled a "Hi Kakashi…" from my shirt.

The little fox angered more, and pouted louder. "Sensei! I want food now!" The cat, however, walked up to me, looking at Gaara with a blank stare. Gaara peeked from my neck and saw the cat look at him. Kakashi quickly smacked the fox on the rear, making him yelp out and reach back there to rub at his sore backside "Naruto, cut it out!" The fox growled out lowly, and folded his arms, and sat on his rump and "hmph"-ed. He reached out for the cat and picked him up and placed him in his lap. "This here is Sasuke. He is a regular American short haired cat. He is nice when he wants to be, but if he scratches you, then you let me know." The cat had its ears back and was growling at his owner's misconception of his personality. With slow and cautious moves, I petted him, and then retreated as quickly as I touched him. I still was not a big cat fan.

He placed Sasuke down, and picked up the fox. "This here is Naruto, he is a simple red fox. I found this guy almost dead out near the side of the road." I was shocked at that statement. "Oh, no! How horrible! He wasn't run over was he?" The man started to pet the little fox, and seemed to distance at his next words "Actually, he was. I found Sasuke right by his side. He never left him. What made me stop was the fact that Sasuke was trying to call motorists over with loud mewls and cries. I had no idea that the other one was still alive. I just saw Sasuke and I had to get him out from the side of the road. So I was going to take him to the pound to try and be adopted out. They were still little furries, just little babies. I could still remember poor little Sasuke in tears trying to run beside cars to make them stop to try and help him. I couldn't say no. I pulled over, and reached for him, but he ran back to the body that I thought was road kill. When I eventually picked him up, he was in tears meowing loudly trying to reach down to his friend. His little claws scratching his way out of my grasp to be with Naruto. I noticed that the fox was still alive. His lower half seemed to be crushed by his encounter with the car and he was bloody all over. Quickly, I placed Sasuke in the car, and ran back to pick Naruto up gently to place him in the back seat. I sped off towards Tsunade's hoping that I could save him. That woman is a miracle worker. Look at Naruto, now. He looks like he has never been in an accident in his life."

My eyes started to water, from the sad story. "Oh my gosh. That must have been so frightening. I don't know if I could have taken it if I have seen a little baby furry hurt like that. I would have probably passed out. I am surprised that Naruto isn't traumatized nor has any permanent injury. He looks to be very well, for a Furry that was hit by a car." I could see him smile as he looked at his two Furry's with pride. "Yep, those are my boys. I don't know what I would do without them now. I am so glad that the doctor saved him. That is why I will go to no other Furrynerian. She is the best at what she does. I was certain that Naruto was a goner." I could only smile at him, proud that he is a caring person. He cared enough to spend his own money for an injured Furry in need.

"Do you think that they would get along with Gaara?" Kakashi looked back at me and smiled, "Of course. Go ahead and put him down, they know to be nice to new guest." I placed the pillow down, with Gaara on it, and looked at him. "Now be nice Gaara, ok?" he smiled shyly at me and nodded. "Oh, by the way Kakashi, Gaara has just finished with his heat. So I don't want Gaara to be involved with any rough play for today." Kakashi nodded and smiled, looking down at his own "Sasuke, Naruto! No rough-housing with Gaara, ok? He isn't feeling well." The fox smiled, while the cat simply whipped his tail gently, "Yes, Sensei." They both said. I smiled and continued to talk to Kakashi about different topics about Furry's and ourselves.

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THIRD PERSON POV

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Gaara's ears pulled back, and a small gentle smile graced his lips. "Hey, there! So you're Gaara, huh? Well my names Naruto! And that pussy over there is Sasuke." Sasuke was a little too busy inspecting Gaara to notice the insult. Gaara was amazed. These other Furry's knew the human language as well as Lee did. It was a little difficult to understand, especially the word "pussy". He has never heard of that word, but the way the foxes face was shown it was probably something that was mean. Gaara jolted, when he felt a damp nose touch his lower half with curiosity. Gaara's ears pointed up, and shy eyes looked at the curious cat. "You smell good." Was all he managed to say. The little coon simply smiled kindly "Thank you?" He couldn't really tell if it was a bad thing or a good thing. The black cat said it with such blankness, that he didn't really put any emotion into his words. Normally, Lee would speak in a light happy voice if he meant good, and if it was bad he would show no petting and a deep low voice would emit from him. It usually was the only way for Gaara to fully understand the emotion of another living being.

"What! What do you mean he smells good, Teme!" Gaara grew even more confused at the conversation between the fox and cat. What is a Teme? Was the fox angry that he said that Gaara smelt good and that he didn't acknowledge the foxes scent? It seemed like both were of a dominant and a submissive point of view. Gaara is a complete submissive Furry. All due to the fact that he has never topped before. He has only experienced the bottom view. He doesn't mind it, though. Gaara likes the bottom, it seems like it would lead to more pleasure, and Lee liked the dominant pose more. All he really wanted was to make Lee happy.

"Hm?" The fox boy moved over to Gaara and began to inspect him just like Sasuke did. "Wow, your right, Sasuke. But his scent is already taken by the human." Naruto looked at Gaara "You're in your first heat aren't you? Eighteen probably, right?" Big innocent eyes looked up at the bigger male and nodded his head gently. It was obvious that these other Furry's were older. Around the age of 21 or 22. They were also taller and larger than Gaara was, if he got into a fight with him, Gaara would lose hands down. The same goes with Sasuke.

"Why you here? You sick?" Gaara asked shyly, putting his paw up to his lips, tilting his head in curiosity. "Hm? Well we are here to get our annual shots! Sensei said that it will keep us healthy, and we always receive a treat when we are done!" Naruto said with a fox-like grin. The redhead smiled softly. A treat? Gaara would like a treat after coming here. He always loved treats. Maybe if he was good, and didn't fight, then he, too, will receive a snack after the appointment.

"So, why are you here? Are you not feeling good? Stomach hurt or something like that?" Gaara paused to try and get all of the information in at once, then blinked "My tummy hurt." He said as his paw made its way onto a little furry stomach, rubbing for comfort. Then Sasuke finally spoke to Gaara for the second time, "It is always hard on your first heat. It usually hurts more, and you experience the aftereffects of the heat for a longer period of time, and they are usually intensified." Most of that, Gaara really didn't understand. He tilted his head, showing he didn't comprehend the information. A ringing noise made his ears flop down onto his sides and his paws go up to them to help cover them. He closed his eyes and cried out softly out of discomfort; he had such a headache already, but this noise only made it worse. "Kakashi, Sasuke, and Naruto. Please report to Room 102."

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First person (Rock Lee) POV

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I blinked as our conversation was interrupted by the intercom system. "Hm. It seems that we are up. Come on guy's time to get this over with. I will see you later Rock Lee. I hope everything goes well for Gaara. Here is my number if Gaara ever needs a little play mate. Naruto and Sasuke, already, seem to be taking a liking to him." I smiled as we both looked at the three Furry's. Naruto gently nuzzled at Gaara's side with concern when he whined out from the loud noise of the intercom system. "Yes, Sensei!" Both Naruto and Sasuke said, as they said a good-bye to Gaara and trotted along next to Kakashi as he exited out to his destination.

Gaara smiled as he was nuzzled and quietly said his own good-bye to his newest friends. I received Kakashi's phone number and I gave him mine. I think it would be a great idea if Gaara could have a little play date with Naruto and Sasuke. I don't want him to become anti-social. I want him to get out and meet others of his own kind, and new people.

It wasn't long before the intercom called me and Gaara back into the room. Perhaps Tsunade is already done with their shots. I wish that Gaara was as easy to handle as they are. But it will have to wait. Patience its key. "Rock Lee and Gaara; please report to room 101." I smiled as I walked over to Gaara and picked him up via his pillow. He smiled brightly as I made my way over to him. His little paws wrapped gently around my neck. "Did you enjoy meeting with Naruto and Sasuke." A simple nod and a soft "hm-mh" was all it took, and I made my way over to the room I was told to go.

Tsunade was already in the room, this time, when I walked in. "Ah, Rock Lee. Gaara… How is my little cutie, huh?" I could feel the little claws clamp harder onto me, and I could just see him stuffing his face in my chest and looking out with one eye. I smiled and spoke for Gaara. "I believe he is doing fine, Tsunade-sama. But I just needed to ask some questions that are of great concern of me." Her face immediately turned stern, and she nodded and led me to a seat to sit down. "Well… it is about Gaara, obviously…"