"Pushing Limits"

'Chapter One - Warning'

By: Emo Fox

It was the start of summer in Sunagakure.

It hadn't quite been a year since Rock Lee had been stationed in Suna, and this was his first experience with summer in this village. Lee at first didn't think the desert could be any hotter(he had forced himself to get used to the sweltering temperatures by training during the hottest times of the day), but he had definitely been proven wrong.

It didn't help that the water here was usually room temperature, there was no cold storage(aside from storing things underground), no ice or frozen treats that he had taken for granted back in Konoha. It was almost strange the lack of luxuries here, but it made sense; the village was remote, quite literally in the middle of a desert the edges surrounded by tall craggy mountains, and only man made cargo, dried plants, fruits, and meats could make the trip along the long caravan routes.

The temperature even in the council room was pushing his limits, and the flimsy paper fan that had been provided was doing little(despite his frantic waving). Everyone else on the council, both young and old didn't seem bothered by the heat, and maybe that was worse. It made Lee feel like he needed to try harder to stave off the pressing humidity in the dense space. But, there was only so much he could do, even if he tried to mentally displace himself somewhere far away, somewhere cold and comfortable, it just didn't work for long.

It wasn't just the summer that was bothering Lee so completely; it was the fact that all he could smell was Gaara. Even in this room full of alphas, even with all the port windows open, even with the intense muggy air in the room, the only thing he could even focus on was Gaara's distinct spicy fragrance. The smell felt heavy, like it was syrup on his tongue, tar in his nose, and honey in his lungs. It was impossible to not notice; and he didn't know how everyone else could be so at ease, so oblivious, so uncaring to it-

Everyone else seemed to be unaware of Gaara's heat.

But, that couldn't be right, surely all these men and women had noses that worked(aside from the two beta guards), so why did it feel like he was the only one falling apart?

Even Gaara looked calm and collected!

No matter how fast Lee fanned, he couldn't displace the pheromone rich air away from him quick enough and he felt like he was being slowly poisoned. He had never been around an omega in heat before; and granted, it was supposedly just the first day of it, he had heard stories about what this event was supposed to entail. His sex ed class in middle school had tried to prepare them all somewhat for when they'd reach puberty and their secondary gender would be revealed.

Since everyone in the class was genderless at that time, they had all been subjected to the different slide shows and lectures. Though, it was all a bit vague, now that he thought back on it.

The horror stories he heard when he got a little older, of heat frenzy and barbaric alpha behavior is mostly what scared him into trying to control his sexual urges as much as possible. Even when puberty had hit, and he had became an alpha, he was determined to muscle down his animal side as best he could. Gai-sensei had been a great help in teaching him self control through the rigorous training regimes he implemented, and whenever he started to feel something more base, he'd go on a run or do push ups until his muscles hurt, or anything at all until his body was too exhausted to focus on anything else but the fatigue.

Maybe that wasn't the most healthy way of dealing with those things, but it had helped him through the tough times of his youth and now that he was eighteen, things were a little easier in that department(or so he thought).

Most everyone Lee personally associated with were beta or alpha; and those few omega he did know were never outside or around him at least during their 'time of the year', so he had absolutely no experience in these matters. All he really knew was that it was also making him extremely uncomfortable; he was starting to feel a build of arousal pooling hot in his belly, and his muscles were all bunched up and tense.

He couldn't just leave the council room, that would be rude and it would reflect badly on the village he was here to represent; even if he wanted to run around Suna until he passed out. He was so full of energy, the air felt like static against him, and he wanted to do something. What exactly that something was, he didn't know, but he had an embarrassing idea that the something definitely involved Gaara.

Lee had sort of ignored this subject entirely as he grew up; when Sakura had presented as a beta he had latched onto her almost immediately. She had been safe, scentless, and void of this heat that could apparently send even the most well trained ninja into a death spin of sexual desire. Not that Sakura had returned his affections in any way; not even when her crush Sasuke had presented as an omega and sort of dashed her chances(not that there weren't omega/beta romances, it was just highly unlikely). Not that he minded, since Lee couldn't be positive he had ever been in 'love' with her at all, especially not since he sort of knew what love was now.

Sort of, because he didn't want to label those emotions yet; and especially not now, when this was fogging up his brain.

Maybe, if he could admit it to himself, he was a little afraid of what this heat was, and how it would be affecting his friend, and how badly it would affect him in turn.

It was only supposed to span a week or less; and he knew the basic mechanics of what it meant and what it was supposed to do. Aside from vulgar schoolyard tales, and the technical babble of it from his sex ed class, he didn't have much information to go on. All he knew now was how badly it was affecting him, and how it didn't seem to be affecting Gaara at all; at least not outwardly.

Gaara was stationed at the far side of the round stone table, his back to the wall, having a good view of everyone in the room as well as the main doors. It was a strategic spot, even if everyone currently in the room could be considered friends and allies, habits like that were just ingrained in a shinobi. His green eyes looked clear, his skin void of the sand armor was a warm almond color, his bright red hair a controlled mess, not a piece sticking to him at all, hinting that Gaara wasn't even sweating either from the stuffiness of the room or the heat he was currently experiencing. He was wearing his usual ceremonial robes of white linen, his wide hat with the Suna symbol on it was placed in front of him, and he was positioned like everyone else was, on their knees on a colored pillow.

Gaara's plush lips moved just slightly as he spoke, and Lee was very aware of his mouth even if he couldn't hear what he was saying. Lee also noticed when Gaara would reach up to gently tug at his collar, running his hands along the edges, almost touching his own skin but not quite before his hand would fall again to lay prone in his lap; the only visible sign he had that something was bothering Gaara. The leader of the sand village was not prone to fidgeting or showing any usual signs of outward worry or distress; so the gesture spoke volumes to Lee(who had spent months so far getting closer to his friend and observing the micro expressions he often had regarding the world around him).

Lee tried not to be so engrossed in everything Gaara was doing, but it was impossible. When he did manage to look away he became extremely aware of just how many alphas were in the room and he'd become extremely agitated.

This many alphas gathered in one space, with Gaara at the head of the table, the very center of attention, made Lee very upset.

Upset was a vague word to use; especially when he was feeling so many things at once, but it was all he could think to classify it as, because he was feeling extreme duress in this situation. He tried counting backwards from a thousand in his head, but then his eyes would catch one of the alpha elders reaching to hand Gaara something and he'd focus on the gesture, hyper aware when their hands would briefly touch and the communications would resume after Gaara had studied the form.

It was all innocent diplomatic duty, but Lee was starting to feel a pressure, was starting to feel paranoid with everything going on around him. He couldn't even really make out what they were all murmuring to each other since he was seated far from the low round table, on a pillow near the wall. Konoha was not the focal point of this current discussion, but it was polite to have him present during village affairs, since he was the liaison between the most prominent ally Suna currently had.

"You're going to break it if you keep waving that thing around like a lunatic." Kankuro said at Lee's left, his voice a tense rumble of sound.

Lee immediately stopped his desperate fanning, the flush on his face a mix of the embarrassment he immediately felt under the eye of Gaara's brother as well as just a byproduct of the stuffy room they were in, "My apologies Kankuro-san, I'll replace it if it is damaged."

Kankuro shrugged, "You're just drawing attention to yourself and it's hardly making things less hot here."

The meeting had already spanned about an hour, Lee noticed that delegations tended to go much slower when Temari was out of Suna. She definitely had a way with words and flourished in her role as advisor to the Kazekage; but currently she was stationed in Konoha on a 'mission' that was really just a cleverly disguised ploy for her to spend time with Shikamaru(not that Lee knew that gossip of course, because he definitely didn't gossip, but maybe he had overheard a thing or two).

Lee's lips had drawn into a pensive frown, his eyes still rooted to the council members, but mostly Gaara, "Kankuro-san, can I ask you something?"

"Gaara is in control of himself, he can manage this control about three or four days before, ya'know, the storm hits," He said casually, "Usually it only lasts about five days, so he can almost make it, so don't worry about it."

The Konoha shinobi turned to Kankuro suddenly, his face aflame, his black eyes looking at Kankuro's bemused expression. He also noticed that even with Kankuro's heavy face makeup it was obvious he was also affected by the warmth in the room; his sweat caused his face to appear extremely shiny, almost like a mask. "How did you-?"

"You've been staring at him the entire time, I'd be an idiot not to think that was what you were gonna ask about." He said easily, dismissive as his chocolate eyes flicked over to the proceedings in the center of the room.

Lee hadn't wanted to be so obvious, but at least he didn't have to try and muscle through an awkward conversation. Though Kankuro tried to seem calm, he did fidget a bit, and twenty minutes earlier he had drawn down his cat-eared hood to probably give himself a little more air; so even a sand shinobi had some difficulty in this weather, and perhaps that was a little solace to Lee who was definitely struggling(despite his best efforts to appear collected). "I heard that," He turned away, looking back at Gaara again as he spoke to Kankuro, "That omegas usually stay indoors somewhere during this time because," He bit his lip, "because of safety reasons and privacy."

"Safety?" Kankuro snorted, nearly a laugh, "You think anyone here can take down Gaara?"

"Of course not!" Lee sputtered quickly, not wanting to offend his friend's brother, nor Gaara's prowess, "But, I've just heard that with omegas, it's different when they're in heat, they're…"

"Weak?" Kankuro said, his voice harder now.

Lee felt like he was tripping on land mines and didn't think this conversation was going well, "Vulnerable." He tried to correct, but that was really just another word for weak, wasn't it? He ducked his head, tentatively looking over at the other alpha, the frown on Kankuro's face more defined with the purple paint that lined his lips. "I didn't mean to offend." Lee said quickly, "I apologize for trying to ask about this personal and sensitive subject and I-"

Kankuro held up a hand to stop Lee's onslaught of apologies and pointless words, it was too hot to deal with that right now and if he let Lee keep going he probably wouldn't stop until he was blue in the face and probably begging at his feet for forgiveness. "I get it," Kankuro said, "You don't know anything about this, not first hand anyway." He said with a grin, a jibe that Lee didn't catch onto, the brunette just looking at him with that same unsure dejected look from before. Kankuro sighed, running his hand through his sweat matted short brown hair, "It's different with Gaara. You could probably accept most of what you've read or heard, but Gaara is different. This will be his third, so, it's not like he's had much experience either, but since his first one," Kankuro winced, looking away, his arms folded over his chest, "Well, that one was pretty terrible, and since then he focused more on controlling himself."

Lee was silent a long moment, digesting Kankuro's words, and when the puppeteer didn't continue he decided to ask, "May I ask what happened?"

Kankuro sighed out through his nose, "It hit suddenly. Temari and I didn't really know when he was going to present, he was fourteen and usually that sort of thing happens when you're twelve, ya'know?" He shifted, uncomfortable, "It's not an excuse, but we just weren't there for him, and he had to manage it alone. He did a lot of damage, and there were a lot of casualties."

Lee looked alarmed, "Casualties?"

The sand shinobi shrugged, as if it wasn't a big deal, "You know how he was back then. Add on top of it something he knew nothing about, because well," His expression was neutral, "He wasn't formally trained, and he didn't really go to school. We didn't all become a 'happy' family until he got himself under control, and Naruto sort of helped with that part."

Lee was quiet, unsure what to say, or where to interject, and unfortunately his imagination was filling in some of the blanks to what Kankuro was saying. It was easy to do, when the man in question before had tried to crush him to death with sand when they had been younger.

"Long story short, it was a bloody mess," He grinned at his own dark humor, "Since then, well, no one else has forgotten the event either. Everyone in the village knows when this is going to hit, and everyone either avoids him, or maintains their best behavior." He nodded to the table where everyone else in question was sitting stiffly, and those handing anything to Gaara were elderly, "Gaara's in control now, and he knows what to expect, mostly, and he knows his limits. He wouldn't be here if he couldn't handle it, he's not gonna endanger anyone else again if he can help it."

Lee could hear the pride in Kankuro's voice and it formed a warmth in his chest regarding the redhead in question. Lee turned to look at the Kazekage, his posture more rigid, his hands fisted tight on his knees in the borrowed linen fabric of his own ceremonial dress as was custom to wear during these diplomatic events(though he wore his usual green jumpsuit under the mass of cream linen). "Gaara is very exceptional." He said sincerely, unable to curb the raw emotion in his tone(Gai-sensei taught him to express himself when he could, and to not bottle anything up).

"Yeah," Kankuro looked over at the younger alpha, "Don't go getting ideas in your head."

Lee balked, turning suddenly, the flush on his face definitely not from the sticky warmth in the room, "Ideas? I didn't, I definitely wasn't trying to imply, I mean-"

"I'm not an idiot, Lee," Kankuro said seriously, to which Lee promptly quieted, "I know you two are close. Gaara isn't close to many people, and I'm glad he has friends," He emphasized the word 'friends', "But, he hasn't dated, and definitely hasn't shared a heat with anyone, if you understand my meaning?"

Lee nodded nervously, feeling the dominance that Kankuro was trying to assert at him; the aura surrounding the other male had turned stormy, and Lee definitely didn't want a fight. He tugged at the collar of his borrowed robe, trying to calm his nerves as he looked away; submitting to Kankuro's direct gaze, "I understand."

Kankuro didn't seem placated and decided to continue in that same low, stern tone, "Seriously Lee, don't do anything stupid, I know that's asking a lot of you, but don't."

"What if-"

"No," Kankuro said again, "It is not a good idea, whatever you got in your head, get it out of there because it's not gonna happen." He grumpily leaned back against the wall, his back popping as he adjusted his posture.

The conversation seemed to be over if Kankuro's oppressive silence was anything to go by, and the brief glances he shot his way didn't yield anything further. He didn't really know how to read the other man, but thought he had smelt a bit of apprehension, maybe a bit of fear for what could be. Lee knew Kankuro was concerned over Gaara, both on a familial level and just an instinctive level to placate the 'beast' as it were.

Lee didn't want to cause trouble, and he definitely didn't want to cause any problems for his friend. But, there was that nagging sensation in his guts that made him want to act out. It made him want to see what would happen, if he was able to actually express himself, if maybe Gaara would reciprocate what he was feeling.

But, he could also concede that offering a confession of love during a time like this could be taken as insincere.

This definitely wasn't the right time. Of course it wasn't.

Lee didn't even have the favor of Gaara's siblings; both of which were vehemently opposed to their omega sibling being involved with anyone. If Gaara could cause so much trouble in the past being alone and detached, it was an obvious concern over what he could do should he lose control of his emotions.

Gaara's chakra-infused sand was linked to his emotions, the sand itself created with the goal in mind to protect its host at all costs. If Lee listened close enough he'd be able to hear the sand shifting and scratching against the side of the gourd that was leaned against Gaara's right side. If Gaara's mood shifted, the sand reacted, and if he lost himself to fear or pain then the blast radius of his 'weapon' could end lives.

Lee knew Gaara had made strides to becoming the man he was now, the Kazekage of Sunagakure.

But, he also knew he was once known as 'Gaara of the Desert', the demon of the sand wastes. He knew Gaara had a body count that rivaled even the most elite Shinobi given his age, that he had killed his first man at the tender age of four. Gaara had also tried to end Lee's life, once upon a time, but he had also saved him too.

Gaara was complex, despite how black and white he tried to appear to be. Under the surface of him was wars he waged day in and day out. He had suffered such loss and pain that Lee wouldn't ever be able to understand the depth of it. Not to mention he still had Shukaku in his head, which just showed Gaara's grasp on his control was even more impressive.

From that suffering came a need to belong and a warm empathy. Gaara was trying his best to integrate himself into society, and had made it his goal in life to protect everyone he valued, to do the right thing. He dedicated his life to the people of Suna, in penance for all his past 'crimes'. He was definitely worthy of respect, and Lee didn't doubt that his legacy would span generations.

Lee admired him for that strength and courage.

Lee felt honored to be his friend, and he didn't shy away from the feelings that had deepened for this amazing man. But, he was apprehensive, given what Kankuro had said, and from what he knew about Gaara. He didn't know if he should say something and let himself be turned down, or if he should just admire from afar and bask in Gaara's friendly attention.

But, what if someone else tried to woo Gaara from him?

The thought had his fists clenching and his jaw clenching tight. He felt almost winded from the sudden onslaught of possessive anger that rippled through him. No, that wasn't right, that wasn't like him, if Gaara had feelings for someone else and someone else wanted Gaara then he would gladly step aside and be happy that Gaara was happy-

His mind tried to tell him everything he should feel towards the situation, to take the noble high road should that happen; but his animal brain had been provoked by the thick pheromones in the air and the thought of Gaara returning his affections, that it was a little hard to be level headed and 'nice' about the idea of rejection.

Suddenly it seemed the meeting had come to a close, all at once the alphas around the table stepped up from their seats on the floor to bow at Gaara who inclined his head in return but hadn't yet gotten up from the floor.

One by one they shuffled out of the room, the two guards closing the doors behind them and leaving just Lee, Kankuro and Gaara in the space.

"Finally." Kankuro grumbled at his side, standing to his full height and nudging at Lee's hip with the toe of his boot, "C'mon."

Lee got up stiffly, wanting to linger, but knowing it probably wasn't appropriate. He turned to follow Kankuro from the room when Gaara suddenly spoke, "Lee, you can stay."

Kankuro also hesitated, turning to face his younger brother who seemed to be busy shuffling the paperwork on the table, "Lee was going to assist me with something Gaara, maybe he can meet you later?"

Lee knew better than to speak up over Kankuro's blatant fib, given the sensitivity of the situation, and even though he didn't condone lying to a friend he did also fear Kankuro's wrath if he didn't play along, "Ah, yes, I'm a little busy with Kankuro-san right now Gaara, maybe another time?" He said, finishing with a forced laugh(to which the puppeteer smacked him hard on the back to get him to quit).

Gaara was quiet, his green eyes sharp, first settling on his older brother, then bouncing to Lee. There was a wrinkle to his brow that hinted at his upset over the turn of events, but nothing else on his expression gave away anything he might be thinking or feeling. "Perhaps another time." He said evenly, as if trying to puzzle out what it was exactly Kankuro might need from Lee that was so pressing.

Kankuro didn't give his brother time to figure out he was lying and promptly clapped his hand on Lee's shoulder to steer him towards the door, "See ya later bro."