Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Sand In A Cage ❯ Chapter IV - Sand In A Cage ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: The Caged Bird 
Oooo...i like this chapter. Mainly for the fact the the "painting" Neji does is something i drew...though i will never be able to make it look exactly like what i invisioned Neji painting...that and he's a hella better artist than i am ;_; hell Gaara is too!
anyways...enough drabble on with the story!
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.19.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 449 | Status: Completed
Oooo...i like this chapter. Mainly for the fact the the "painting" Neji does is something i drew...though i will never be able to make it look exactly like what i invisioned Neji painting...that and he's a hella better artist than i am ;_; hell Gaara is too!
anyways...enough drabble on with the story!
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.19.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.4K | Visits: 449 | Status: Completed
Chapter IV: Sand In A Cage
He wasn’t sure how. He wasn’t sure why. But what started out as just a simple friendship soon became something along the lines of obsession and infatuation. He’d only known the Hyuga for exactly one month and two weeks, but to him it seemed like they’d known each other forever. He’d never felt that way about anyone, but with the brunette he felt he could do anything. Neji never put him down like everyone else did and he was the only one to treat the sand child like a real person.
“…grr…I still can’t get it right!” he growled throwing the canvass at a wall, glaring in frustration. He’d been trying to pain for a few weeks now and he just couldn’t get what he desired to come out right. It was beginning to royally piss him off.
“Why don’t you just ask him pipsqueak?” Gaara gave Kankuro one of his ‘you’ve gotta be kidding’ looks. Kankuro shrugged.
“Hey it was suggestion…and a better option than you wasting money by breaking all of your canvas. You know the stuff ain’t cheap yet mom and dad continue to go out and buy it for you when you run out…”
“….I know. Sorry.”
“you don’t need to apologize just…make use of the canvas instead of mutilating it because you can get your thoughts out onto it.”
“You’re right Kankuro…hm…maybe I will ask him” he pondered as they entered the 300 hall.
Kankuro cracked a smile and lightly punched Gaara in the arm. “atta boy. I knew you had more balls than that” he cackled then waved as they separated, Kankuro heading to the office where he was TAing while Gaara headed to Art Honors.
That was where he’d see Neji.
It seemed like ever since the incident at the Hyuga Estate, Neji had become closer and more frequently seen around Gaara, as if to show his uncle that he couldn’t be controlled like his two cousins could.
This didn’t please other people however. After all of the work most of the kids at school put into gaining Neji’s attention, it was given to the poorest and most unpopular person in school. That and he was also the least liked by the elder Hyuga. Because of this, when Gaara was alone, if he ever was alone, he was ridiculed and treated like a plague.
He didn’t care about any of that though. All he cared about was the attention he was being given by his object of affection. It wasn’t as if any of them wanted to be his friend in the first place.
Inside, at predicted, he received glowers and whispers behind his back as he walked over to the desk that was next to Neji’s and sat down. He placed his backpack on the desk then looked over to see the white-eyed one currently at his easel. With a small smile he got up and walked over to him, leaning over some with his arms folded behind his back.
“Whatcha doing?” he wondered.
“I’m painting…what does it look like?” was the reply.
He sweat dropped. “…okay smartass…what are you painting?”
“It’s a surprise”
“…..”
“You’ ll get to see it when I’m finished now shoo…” he said and pushed Gaara back to his desk before returning to his work.
The redhead huffed and folded his arms with a pout. He hated the way Neji could make him do anything just by asking. Oh well. He knew not to go against the boy’s requests since Neji returned the respect and decided to whip out his sketchbook and doodle.
“Alright c’mon you guys settle down and get to your seats!” Kakashi called as he entered the room. Everyone did as was told then awaited instructions.
“Today we’re going to focus on Abstract, Emotion, Expression, and Intimacy of art. You can choose whatever form of art you wish to display it, but it has to show each aspect of the topics being studied….aright you have this class period and the next to get this assignment done. Don’t forget this will count as your semester grade if you can get it done. If not you’re going to have to take the written final…good luck!” with that he then reclined in his desk and opened up Ichya Ichya Paradise.
Everyone was buzzing about, some having gone to the sculpting station or the painting station. The rest mingled and decided to draw their final. Gaara was among them somewhat.
“I think I’ll sketch my idea out, then paint it…” he expressed to Neji who was ensnared in his own work, though he got a nod.
“That sounds like a good idea…” he looked over at Gaara, who smiled. That made him blush and quickly return to his work. he’s got the cutest smile… he thought.
For the rest of the period the two only talked when they were asking questions about each other’s pieces, Gaara being curious as to why he wasn’t allowed to watch Neji paint, while Neji was curious to know what ideas Gaara was brainstorming and wouldn’t share with him.
They each gave up on finding out altogether and went back to their own works, each occasionally sneaking a peek when the other wasn’t looking. By the end of the period about 15% of the class successfully finished their works, Neji being among them since he was first to be done about halfway through the class.
“Alright show me what you have so far and I’ll determine whether you can go on through next week or if you are done for the semester…” the teacher called as he began his sweep of the student’s progress.
There were a few that he pointed out needed improvement or were missing one of the aspects of today’s lesson, but all in all they weren’t too bad. He took great pleasure in viewing Neji’s once he’d gotten to the paintings.
“My my…you truly do have a talent for the arts Hyuga…and your subject for this was…?” he already knew the answer to that but was still curious to hear it.
Neji turned a little pink and smiled sheepishly. “…Uzumaki Kakashi-Sensei…he just…seemed like the perfect portrait figure…”
At the sound of his name, Gaara looked up, seeing a small crowd around Neji’s work. He too came up to see what the commotion was about. Light blue orbs widened at the picture that Neji had been hiding from him.
It depicted a contorted desert landscape, no doubt the Expression showing the emptiness of the painting. In this desert was sand, lots of sand. But it wasn’t just lying on the ground. It was swirling, lacing, spread like wings. Definitely had to be the Abstract form. In the center of this entrapping sand was a figure. Young, helpless, being engulfed by endless loneliness. One arm was extended downward while the other held it the blood red of the short locks and the blue of the eyes contrasting the browns used. It was the Emotion that shown on his face that captured most. The tears, like crystal fountains rolling down smooth creamy cheeks. His only clothing being the sand which surrounded him. The Intimacy that completed the piece.
“this is perfect…hm…you should enter it into the Art contest that’s being held at the Museum of Art Hyuga…I bet you would get first place” Kakashi commented with a pat to the boy’s shoulder.
He smiled some and rubbed his cheek. “…Arigatou gozaimasu sensei”
Gaara was still in awed shock at being the secret subject of the painting and how beautifully it turned out. He was pulled back into reality when the painting was covered and taken away by the teacher, he having said he’d store it in a safe place until Neji could determined exactly what he wanted to do with it.
“Neji!” he paused when his name was called, turning in time to see Gaara hurrying to catch up to him. “oh...Gaara…” he blushed some and looked away.
“That painting…”
“hai…?” oh no…
“that painting…it was”
Here it comes…
“I just…you know I couldn’t even begin to describe how perfect it was”
He almost felt his heart stop. he liked it? He…-liked- it? “o-oh…t-thank you Gaara” he smiled despite himself.
The gesture was returned as they walked to their lockers, the taller one helping the other out with gathering his things before they exited the building. That was Gaara’s chance.
“Hey Neji…” he began.
Neji rose his brows when he looked at him to indicate he was listening.
“Hey ah…” he hesitated a moment, thinking over his words before going on. “..I was wondering…you know the art Final we have to do for Kakashi-sensei?”
“Yeah what about it? You finally gonna show me your ideas? Only fair since you got to see my painting…”
“yeah after you were finished with it” he retorted.
Opaque eyes rolled.
“well anyways…yeah. I was…wondering if you could help me on it” his throat suddenly felt a little dry.
“Help you? But you’re a good artist I don’t see why you would need any help” Neji pointed out.
“I know that…but…I’m asking because…” he trailed off and rubbed the back of his neck before taking a breath. “I wanted you to be my subject…”
“….”
Crap.
“you want me to model for you?”
“uh…yes”
“…R 21;
I said something wrong I just know it. Bad idea Gaara.
“ok”
He blinked. Just ok? Just like that? “really?”
Neji smiled though his face was a little pink. “…sure…I bet you’d be a much better artist than anyone who’s ever had me model for them…at least it won’t be to my uncle’s pleasure…when would you like to meet up?”
“actually Naruto’s having Sasuke stay the night. Gaara why don’t you have Neji stay the night?”
The two jumped when they heard Gaara’s older brother from behind, a smirk on his face.
“Stay…the night?” Gaara repeated a little awkwardly.
Just then Naruto appeared, fingers laced with none other than the Uchiha.
“oh...hey guys” he lofted a brow. “what are you up to?”
“Oh nothing. Gaara just asked Neji if he could stay the night” Kankuro stated clearly.
Gaara tweaked. since when does he tell people what I do and don’t do?
Neji sweat dropped. what have I gotten myself into?
“Really? Hey that’s cool we can all hang out then…oh wait…” he trailed off as Sasuke finished for him.
“we have a date tonight…so we wouldn’t be able to hang out until we got back.”
“a date? Where you two going?” Temari suddenly walked around the corner.
“Jeez what is it with everyone just popping up like that?” Kankuro bellowed.
Temari gave him an annoyed look. “oh shut up Kankuro…”
“Bite me”
“where and how hard?”
“…..”
“ah hah that’s what I thought…”
“You’re family is strange Gaara” Neji commented, both of them having equally confused expressions.
“tell me about it”
“So…are you going to go get ready or not?” Kankuro asked.
“Huh?”
“You’re spending the night so get your things!” he repeated looking irritated.
Neji jumped a bit then grumbled before turning to Gaara. “I guess I’m staying the night then…um…your parents wouldn’t mind meeting me outside the gates would they? I don’t want my uncle knowing I’m coming over…”
“Uh yeah sure that’s fine…well um…see you in a while…” Gaara was genuinely lost as Neji waved and got into his limo then sped off.
“Dude…you just asked the richest kid in the world over to our house…”
“wait what? YOU did you jackass!” Gaara shouted angrily, his hands bawled into fists as he fumed.
Kankuro just laughed and patted him on the head. “You can thank me later…let’s go set up before he arrives. Gotta look at least halfway decent”
“have fun” the blonde girl stated as she started walking away.
“Hey wait where’re you going Temari? Aren’t ya gonna help is get Gaara’s special night ready?”
“Ah no…I’m staying the night at Sakura’s…she invited me, Ino, and Tenten over so looks like you’re on your own…” she gave him a cocky smirk before taking off to catch up with Sakura and her friends.
“damn woman!” Kankuro called at her before turning and stalking the other direction with his brother.
He wasn’t sure how. He wasn’t sure why. But what started out as just a simple friendship soon became something along the lines of obsession and infatuation. He’d only known the Hyuga for exactly one month and two weeks, but to him it seemed like they’d known each other forever. He’d never felt that way about anyone, but with the brunette he felt he could do anything. Neji never put him down like everyone else did and he was the only one to treat the sand child like a real person.
“…grr…I still can’t get it right!” he growled throwing the canvass at a wall, glaring in frustration. He’d been trying to pain for a few weeks now and he just couldn’t get what he desired to come out right. It was beginning to royally piss him off.
“Why don’t you just ask him pipsqueak?” Gaara gave Kankuro one of his ‘you’ve gotta be kidding’ looks. Kankuro shrugged.
“Hey it was suggestion…and a better option than you wasting money by breaking all of your canvas. You know the stuff ain’t cheap yet mom and dad continue to go out and buy it for you when you run out…”
“….I know. Sorry.”
“you don’t need to apologize just…make use of the canvas instead of mutilating it because you can get your thoughts out onto it.”
“You’re right Kankuro…hm…maybe I will ask him” he pondered as they entered the 300 hall.
Kankuro cracked a smile and lightly punched Gaara in the arm. “atta boy. I knew you had more balls than that” he cackled then waved as they separated, Kankuro heading to the office where he was TAing while Gaara headed to Art Honors.
That was where he’d see Neji.
It seemed like ever since the incident at the Hyuga Estate, Neji had become closer and more frequently seen around Gaara, as if to show his uncle that he couldn’t be controlled like his two cousins could.
This didn’t please other people however. After all of the work most of the kids at school put into gaining Neji’s attention, it was given to the poorest and most unpopular person in school. That and he was also the least liked by the elder Hyuga. Because of this, when Gaara was alone, if he ever was alone, he was ridiculed and treated like a plague.
He didn’t care about any of that though. All he cared about was the attention he was being given by his object of affection. It wasn’t as if any of them wanted to be his friend in the first place.
Inside, at predicted, he received glowers and whispers behind his back as he walked over to the desk that was next to Neji’s and sat down. He placed his backpack on the desk then looked over to see the white-eyed one currently at his easel. With a small smile he got up and walked over to him, leaning over some with his arms folded behind his back.
“Whatcha doing?” he wondered.
“I’m painting…what does it look like?” was the reply.
He sweat dropped. “…okay smartass…what are you painting?”
“It’s a surprise”
“…..”
“You’ ll get to see it when I’m finished now shoo…” he said and pushed Gaara back to his desk before returning to his work.
The redhead huffed and folded his arms with a pout. He hated the way Neji could make him do anything just by asking. Oh well. He knew not to go against the boy’s requests since Neji returned the respect and decided to whip out his sketchbook and doodle.
“Alright c’mon you guys settle down and get to your seats!” Kakashi called as he entered the room. Everyone did as was told then awaited instructions.
“Today we’re going to focus on Abstract, Emotion, Expression, and Intimacy of art. You can choose whatever form of art you wish to display it, but it has to show each aspect of the topics being studied….aright you have this class period and the next to get this assignment done. Don’t forget this will count as your semester grade if you can get it done. If not you’re going to have to take the written final…good luck!” with that he then reclined in his desk and opened up Ichya Ichya Paradise.
Everyone was buzzing about, some having gone to the sculpting station or the painting station. The rest mingled and decided to draw their final. Gaara was among them somewhat.
“I think I’ll sketch my idea out, then paint it…” he expressed to Neji who was ensnared in his own work, though he got a nod.
“That sounds like a good idea…” he looked over at Gaara, who smiled. That made him blush and quickly return to his work. he’s got the cutest smile… he thought.
For the rest of the period the two only talked when they were asking questions about each other’s pieces, Gaara being curious as to why he wasn’t allowed to watch Neji paint, while Neji was curious to know what ideas Gaara was brainstorming and wouldn’t share with him.
They each gave up on finding out altogether and went back to their own works, each occasionally sneaking a peek when the other wasn’t looking. By the end of the period about 15% of the class successfully finished their works, Neji being among them since he was first to be done about halfway through the class.
“Alright show me what you have so far and I’ll determine whether you can go on through next week or if you are done for the semester…” the teacher called as he began his sweep of the student’s progress.
There were a few that he pointed out needed improvement or were missing one of the aspects of today’s lesson, but all in all they weren’t too bad. He took great pleasure in viewing Neji’s once he’d gotten to the paintings.
“My my…you truly do have a talent for the arts Hyuga…and your subject for this was…?” he already knew the answer to that but was still curious to hear it.
Neji turned a little pink and smiled sheepishly. “…Uzumaki Kakashi-Sensei…he just…seemed like the perfect portrait figure…”
At the sound of his name, Gaara looked up, seeing a small crowd around Neji’s work. He too came up to see what the commotion was about. Light blue orbs widened at the picture that Neji had been hiding from him.
It depicted a contorted desert landscape, no doubt the Expression showing the emptiness of the painting. In this desert was sand, lots of sand. But it wasn’t just lying on the ground. It was swirling, lacing, spread like wings. Definitely had to be the Abstract form. In the center of this entrapping sand was a figure. Young, helpless, being engulfed by endless loneliness. One arm was extended downward while the other held it the blood red of the short locks and the blue of the eyes contrasting the browns used. It was the Emotion that shown on his face that captured most. The tears, like crystal fountains rolling down smooth creamy cheeks. His only clothing being the sand which surrounded him. The Intimacy that completed the piece.
“this is perfect…hm…you should enter it into the Art contest that’s being held at the Museum of Art Hyuga…I bet you would get first place” Kakashi commented with a pat to the boy’s shoulder.
He smiled some and rubbed his cheek. “…Arigatou gozaimasu sensei”
Gaara was still in awed shock at being the secret subject of the painting and how beautifully it turned out. He was pulled back into reality when the painting was covered and taken away by the teacher, he having said he’d store it in a safe place until Neji could determined exactly what he wanted to do with it.
“Neji!” he paused when his name was called, turning in time to see Gaara hurrying to catch up to him. “oh...Gaara…” he blushed some and looked away.
“That painting…”
“hai…?” oh no…
“that painting…it was”
Here it comes…
“I just…you know I couldn’t even begin to describe how perfect it was”
He almost felt his heart stop. he liked it? He…-liked- it? “o-oh…t-thank you Gaara” he smiled despite himself.
The gesture was returned as they walked to their lockers, the taller one helping the other out with gathering his things before they exited the building. That was Gaara’s chance.
“Hey Neji…” he began.
Neji rose his brows when he looked at him to indicate he was listening.
“Hey ah…” he hesitated a moment, thinking over his words before going on. “..I was wondering…you know the art Final we have to do for Kakashi-sensei?”
“Yeah what about it? You finally gonna show me your ideas? Only fair since you got to see my painting…”
“yeah after you were finished with it” he retorted.
Opaque eyes rolled.
“well anyways…yeah. I was…wondering if you could help me on it” his throat suddenly felt a little dry.
“Help you? But you’re a good artist I don’t see why you would need any help” Neji pointed out.
“I know that…but…I’m asking because…” he trailed off and rubbed the back of his neck before taking a breath. “I wanted you to be my subject…”
“….”
Crap.
“you want me to model for you?”
“uh…yes”
“…R 21;
I said something wrong I just know it. Bad idea Gaara.
“ok”
He blinked. Just ok? Just like that? “really?”
Neji smiled though his face was a little pink. “…sure…I bet you’d be a much better artist than anyone who’s ever had me model for them…at least it won’t be to my uncle’s pleasure…when would you like to meet up?”
“actually Naruto’s having Sasuke stay the night. Gaara why don’t you have Neji stay the night?”
The two jumped when they heard Gaara’s older brother from behind, a smirk on his face.
“Stay…the night?” Gaara repeated a little awkwardly.
Just then Naruto appeared, fingers laced with none other than the Uchiha.
“oh...hey guys” he lofted a brow. “what are you up to?”
“Oh nothing. Gaara just asked Neji if he could stay the night” Kankuro stated clearly.
Gaara tweaked. since when does he tell people what I do and don’t do?
Neji sweat dropped. what have I gotten myself into?
“Really? Hey that’s cool we can all hang out then…oh wait…” he trailed off as Sasuke finished for him.
“we have a date tonight…so we wouldn’t be able to hang out until we got back.”
“a date? Where you two going?” Temari suddenly walked around the corner.
“Jeez what is it with everyone just popping up like that?” Kankuro bellowed.
Temari gave him an annoyed look. “oh shut up Kankuro…”
“Bite me”
“where and how hard?”
“…..”
“ah hah that’s what I thought…”
“You’re family is strange Gaara” Neji commented, both of them having equally confused expressions.
“tell me about it”
“So…are you going to go get ready or not?” Kankuro asked.
“Huh?”
“You’re spending the night so get your things!” he repeated looking irritated.
Neji jumped a bit then grumbled before turning to Gaara. “I guess I’m staying the night then…um…your parents wouldn’t mind meeting me outside the gates would they? I don’t want my uncle knowing I’m coming over…”
“Uh yeah sure that’s fine…well um…see you in a while…” Gaara was genuinely lost as Neji waved and got into his limo then sped off.
“Dude…you just asked the richest kid in the world over to our house…”
“wait what? YOU did you jackass!” Gaara shouted angrily, his hands bawled into fists as he fumed.
Kankuro just laughed and patted him on the head. “You can thank me later…let’s go set up before he arrives. Gotta look at least halfway decent”
“have fun” the blonde girl stated as she started walking away.
“Hey wait where’re you going Temari? Aren’t ya gonna help is get Gaara’s special night ready?”
“Ah no…I’m staying the night at Sakura’s…she invited me, Ino, and Tenten over so looks like you’re on your own…” she gave him a cocky smirk before taking off to catch up with Sakura and her friends.
“damn woman!” Kankuro called at her before turning and stalking the other direction with his brother.