Of Blossoms, Teachers, Foxes, and Brothers

Disclaimer: The only things of significant value I own are my laptop, my iPod, and my flute. Not Naruto. *cries*

Summary: Again, this is in response to KonohaAlchemist’s challenge. Sakura is kidnapped by Itachi while on a mission. Kakashi and Naruto to the rescue! (Trumpet fanfare… or not) Sasuke is with Orochimaru when he hears that Sakura has been kidnapped by his brother. He goes after them to help Sakura and to finally get his revenge.

Pairings: SasuNaru, KakaIru, maybe others later on. Any requests?

A/N: Yes, this contains Yaoi! Love it or leave it. Also! Please review and make me happy! I will spit out more of this goodness if you review. And I’ll try to update at least twice a week, since we all hate how slow some people update. However, NO PROMISES! I am a college student.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 1
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7 years later

A mission! I have a mission! Sakura smiled broadly and went looking for Naruto.

Sakura was called into Tsunade’s office early this morning. Tsunade expressed to Sakura that she was needed to go into Tea Country to find special herbs for healing potions. It was a class B mission, mainly because these herbs are difficult to find and other shinobi would be looking for them as well.

Sakura had been studying under Tsunade as a medic nin since Sasuke left. After Sasuke left, Team 7 just disappeared. Sure, Kakashi, Naruto and Sakura would get together every once in a while, but Naruto went off to study under Jiraiya and Sakura started her studies under Tsunade. Kakashi was offered team after team, but they never passed Kakashi’s bell test. Soon, Tsunade got the hint and stopped offering the Jounin teams and instead sent him on extremely dangerous missions. Naruto, in the meantime, became and Chuunin, and finally, a Jounin. Sakura, however, passed the Chuunin exams on her second try and decided to stay there and study medicine. Being a medic nin was an extremely important job which required perfect chakra control, brains, and a cool head in battle in times of war. Sakura had all of these in spades. She was by far one of the best students Tsunade had ever had the pleasure of teaching.

Just like Naruto was one of the best students Jiraiya had the pleasure of teaching. Of course, Jiraiya would never tell Naruto this. Wouldn’t want the teen to get big-headed.

Sakura passed by Ichiraku’s ramen stand before she realized that Naruto was probably in there. After all of these years, Naruto still loved ramen the best. Lifting on of the flaps, Sakura spotted the familiar head of blond hair.

Naruto had grown more handsome over the years. His golden blond hair had grown to be shoulder length with wisps of red in it. Naruto jokingly stated that the red made him appear foxier. (Insert audience groan). Naruto stood to be 6 foot 2 inches tall and a buff 190 pounds. He worked hard every day and his body told that story perfectly. Naruto was still tan and still silly when he wanted to be. His bright blue eyes have matured, which gave a person the impression that he was looking into their soul whenever they would make eye-contact.

Sakura ran up behind Naruto and bonked him on the head. Naruto choked on his mouthful of ramen while Sakura laughed and Naruto glared. After awhile, Naruto joined in the laughter as he found the situation very amusing. Just like old times.

“Oi! Sakura-chan! What are you doing beating up Jounins? Aren’t you supposed to heal us?” Naruto stuck out his tongue.

Sakura giggled. “Hi Naruto-kun. You know I only beat you up. It’s just so easy!” More giggling. “Guess what?”

Naruto, who of course didn’t have the slightest clue, guessed, “You and Rock Lee finally saw the light and are going out?”

Sakura mock shuddered and blushed, “NO! Baka… I have a mission!” It was rare for medic nins to have missions unless they were in times of war or limited on ninjas.

Naruto couldn’t resist teasing, “What? To go pick flowers?” He laughed as Sakura narrowed her eyes warningly.

“No, of course not, I pick herbs so we can heal you and your fellow ninja’s in case of injury. You really respect us medic nins more.” Sakura folded her arms across her chest in a mock pout.

“Sakura, you know I respect medic nins. Just because I don’t need them as much as regular Jounins do doesn’t mean I don’t realize what great lengths medic nins go to save lives.” Naruto, referring to Kyuubi and his fast healing ability, explained. He really did understand. Tsunade beat it into him. Several times. He unconsciously rubbed his butt, still thinking of the great welts that were once there, and he would swear were still there.

Sakura saw this and laughed. “Tsunade made sure you did. I can tell. But I have a mission to go to the Tea Country and I should be gone for a couple of weeks. I figured I’d let you know so you wouldn’t think I was… kidnapped or something.”

“The only person I need to worry about kidnapping you is Lee, and he’s relatively easy to spot.” Naruto winked. Rock Lee still had his fuzzy eyebrows and bowl cut hair, but he filled out and no longer wore the green spandex suit. “OK Sakura, I guess I can let you go on this one, but come see me right before you leave. I’ll walk you to the gate.” Naruto smiled.

“Baka, like I need your permission to go on a mission.” Sakura understood perfectly. Naruto thought of her as a sister and was protective. He didn’t want to lose somebody else he loved. Though, living the ninja life, it was bound to happen. Sakura leaned over and gave Naruto’s head a soft kiss before waving excitedly and exiting the ramen stand.

Naruto smiled to himself. He really loved Sakura. Not the boyish crush he thought he’d had, but she was family to him. She was a good girl. He hoped she would start dating soon. He didn’t know why she didn’t. A lot of guys would love to go out with her.

Naruto threw some money down on the counter and thanked the “old man”, as he liked to call the owner. Exiting the stand, Naruto looked around at the main part of the village. He noticed villagers glancing at him and quickly ignoring him, but he also received a few nods of recognition from other villagers. Not a lot had changed in Konoha physically in 7 years, but relations among the villagers were definitely improving as far as Naruto was concerned. More than once, Naruto had saved lives of several villagers. He had saved 10 lives, not letting a single one die, before a portion of the villagers finally saw past the Kitsune demon inside. It gave Naruto that much more hope that one day he’d be Hokage and the villagers would recognize him as a great ninja.

As Naruto walked down the street toward his apartment, he noticed Iruka walking toward him, though Iruka did not notice Naruto. In fact, Iruka looked heartbroken. Confused, Naruto decided to find out what was wrong with his favorite sensei.

“Iruka-sensei!” Naruto shouted. Umino Iruka’s head shot up and his face quickly melted into a smile.

“Naruto. It’s nice to see you.” Iruka was used to Naruto’s boisterous personality.

“Hey, would you like to go on a walk with me?” Naruto asked politely. Iruka thought about it and nodded.

“I would like that.” Iruka added.

Naruto took them into the forest on a path that he frequently took whenever he needed to think. He figured the isolation would help Iruka talk about what was troubling him.

Naruto took a deep breath. “Iruka-sensei, I couldn’t help but notice you looking upset earlier. Would you like to talk about it? Is there something I could do?”

Iruka expected Naruto to ask. He knew Naruto saw “underneath the underneath”. Even thinking that phrase, a lesson Kakashi taught Naruto, Iruka’s heart thudded. He knew Naruto was a great listener and he would take the secrets of others to the grave with him. If he was going to tell anybody about his situation, he’d tell Naruto. Coming to that conclusion, Iruka stopped walking and took a deep breath.

“Can we sit somewhere? It’s going to be awhile.” Naruto nodded and let Iruka to a grassy area nearby. They sat and Naruto waited patiently. He didn’t want to force Iruka into saying anything.

After another deep breathe, Iruka said, “I’m in love.” He half-laughed to himself. “God, that sounds so stupid.”

Naruto only shook his head and said, “Nah, it’s not stupid. Contrary to popular belief, I know what that feels like. Scary shit huh?” Naruto smiled warmly.

Iruka smiled back, glad that he was talking to Naruto. “Yes, yes it is. However, I don’t think this person loves me back. He’s a good friend, a better sensei. I don’t know when it happened. I just woke up one morning, and it was there. I just saw him in the market, flirting with the cashier and I couldn’t take it. I don’t know what to do, what to think, how to act around him… It’s driving me crazy.” Iruka had been gesturing with his hands and he let his hands drop with a sigh.

Naruto noticed that Iruka used “he” and “him” numerous times. Ah, so Iruka is like me. Naruto smiled again.

Iruka continued. “He’s so hard to read sometimes. One of the best ninja’s Konoha has yet he’s always late, always fails new genin teams except yours, and wears that goddamned mask. It’s so frustrating trying to teach a bunch of kids to and wondering what he looks like underneath that mask. Kuso!” Iruka just realized that he told Naruto who he was in love with. He resigned himself to that fact and just closed his eyes in pure frustration.

Naruto was slightly taken aback. Kakashi? Iruka is in love with Kakashi? Wow, this ought to turn out interesting. Naruto chuckled. “Yeah, Kakashi sure is frustrating. Congratulations on falling in love with the most frustrating ninja in Konoha.” Naruto grinned.

Iruka peaked out from beneath his eyelashes and couldn’t help but laugh. “I sure did, didn’t I? Damn, now what do I do?”

“It’s simple! Court him!” Naruto laid back and looked up at the sky. He missed Iruka’s jaw drop.

“What?! I can’t do that! I don’t even know if Kakashi likes men.” Iruka was practically shouting.

Naruto held up his hand to stop Iruka’s words. “First off, I have never seen him dating a woman. Second, it’s better to try and lose than to have never tried at all.” Iruka laughed.

“I taught you that, Naruto. I didn’t think you actually listened.” Iruka smiled as he thought. “Alright, I’ll try.” Another thought hit Iruka. “When did you get so wise?”

Naruto laughed. “Ever since I had you as my sensei.”

The two shinobi got up and walked back to the village. On their way back, Iruka was thinking of ideas on how to show his affection to the Copy-nin. He would throw ideas out in the air and Naruto would give his opinions on them. After a couple of decisions, they parted ways and Naruto headed back to his apartment.

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The next morning
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KNOCK! KNOCK!

Naruto groggily pried his eyes open. Eeww, morning already. Bleary eyed, Naruto stumbled out of bed and quickly went to the front door to see who was knocking.

It was Sakura. She had her mission pack ready and she looked ready to go. A smirk crossed her face and Naruto asked what was so funny. Sakura shook her head. Naruto was just too cute sometimes.

Indeed, Naruto was wearing light blue striped pajamas. On his head perched a frog night cap. His hair was all mused, his eyes halfway open, and his pajamas were skewed. Naruto blinked and rubbed his eyes like a child and invited Sakura in.

“You must be ready to go on your mission. Let me get dressed and I’ll escort you out.” Naruto smiled and stumbled back to the bedroom where he threw on some clothes, dragged a brush through his hair and brushed his teeth in the adjoining bathroom. Ten minutes later, he emerged and was ready for the day.

He smiled at Sakura. “Ready?” He opened his front door and they left.

The walk to the gate was uneventful. Naruto did not tell Sakura about Iruka’s confession; that was between Naruto and Iruka. They did chat about little things, training, what herbs Sakura was looking for. By the time they reached the gate, the sun had risen and the village was starting to wake up.

Naruto pulled Sakura into a warm embrace. “Be careful out there. I want you back in one piece and preferably alive.”

Sakura returned the hug and whispered, “I will be. Take care, Naruto-kun.”

Sakura dashed through the gates, her hand raised in a wave. Despite the fact that she wouldn’t see it, Naruto waved enthusiastically back.

The day was spent with Naruto mainly doing laundry, cleaning his apartment, and grocery shopping. Just because he lived alone, didn’t mean he could slack off. Around lunch time, he left his apartment again to buy his groceries. Naruto had just entered the market place and was browsing the apples when he heard somebody shout his name.

“Naruto!” Iruka was very happy to see Naruto. His confidence went up ten-fold about what he was going to do tonight. He had run into Kakashi earlier that morning and built up his courage and quickly stammered out an invitation to dinner tonight at Iruka’s place. Kakashi’s eye curved up in a smile as the Jounin accepted. Iruka’s heart, which was pounding the whole time, quickly flipped and started beating double time. Kakashi left and Iruka stood there, shocked that he had done it. He had asked the Copy-nin to dinner. And even better, Kakashi had accepted! He couldn’t wait to tell Naruto, but first, what were they going to have for dinner?

Now, he was at the market place grabbing ingredients for tonight’s meal and he saw Naruto. He quickly shouted to Naruto and gestured the young man over.

“Hey Iruka-sensei! What’s up?” Naruto looked at what the Chuunin was buying. What he saw were raw seafood wrapped up, fresh vegetables, ingredients for making fresh gyoza dough and meat for the gyoza. Naruto’s jaw dropped. “Hey Iruka! Can I eat dinner with you tonight?” Naruto gave his biggest and best smile. Iruka laughed.

“Actually, this is for my dinner tonight with Kakashi.” Iruka was interrupted when Naruto whooped loudly and jumped, punching his fist in the air. When Naruto settled down into a knowing grin Iruka continued. “I’m making Gyoza and Tempura Donburi. Do you think it’s too much?” Naruto laughed.

“No. It’s perfect. Quit worrying.” He smiled grew, if that was possible. “So, you’re finally going to see under his mask! Are you going to tell me what he looks like under it?”

Iruka rolled his eyes. “For your information, I saw Kakashi without his mask before. On several occasions.” Naruto’s eyes widened.

“What?! How? Why? Hey! Why didn’t you tell me about this before?” Iruka laughed full heartedly, making Naruto start laughing. “Alright, alright. You don’t have to tell.” Naruto gave an exaggerated sigh and stuck out his bottom lip in a pout. Iruka laughed harder.

“Naruto, you grew out of that a while ago. It’s not going to work on me.” Naruto gave up and smiled.

“So, how did you do it? Finally used the balls God gave you?” Naruto dodged the smack to the head Iruka tried to give him.

“It doesn’t matter how I did it. It worked.” Iruka would never admit to Naruto that he’d never been so scared in his life. “Now scram, I have some hard cooking to do.”

“Alright, you have a good evening Iruka-sensei.” Naruto winked saucily at Iruka and Iruka turned a deep red. Naruto laughed and continued with his shopping.

Heh, I knew it. I hope it all works out.


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Later that evening
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Iruka had slaved over that godforsaken stove all afternoon. The result: a gorgeous looking meal and a heavenly smell. Iruka did enjoy cooking, but he was so nervous, he messed up more than once. They were easily fixed, but it still irked him that Kakashi could do that to him.

After a shower, Iruka put on black slacks and a silky dark blue button up shirt. He left the top two buttons undone and left his hair down after towel drying it. One look at the clock said that Kakashi had five minutes to show up on time. Iruka didn’t think for a second that Kakashi was going to show up on time. So, when there was a knock on the door at exactly 7 o’clock, Iruka was shocked.

He opened the door to see… a really hot ninja. Iruka mentally slapped himself. It was Kakashi. He, too, was wearing black slacks but paired it with a tight fitting black button up top. The shirt also had the top two buttons undone, but instead of showing off skin, it showed more of the cloth mask that Kakashi wore over the lower half of his face and neck. His left eye was covered with his forehead protector still, and his hair was as haphazard as always, but Iruka believed that he was in the presence of the hottest ninja that ever walked this earth. (Of course, Naruto would object.)

Iruka quickly invited the Jounin into the apartment. The place was spacious and spotless. There were house plants strewn here and there, a living room with a plush couch and a T.V., and a balcony overlooking the streets below. Iruka gestured for Kakashi to sit on the couch and asked if he’d like anything to drink.

“Green tea would be great, Iruka.” Kakashi smiled.

Iruka couldn’t suppress the shudder that coursed through his body at the sound of his name being rolled off of Kakashi’s tongue. It was deep, throaty. Sexy.

He excused himself to the kitchen area, which was to the side of the dining room.

Kakashi watched Iruka go through the process of making the green tea and let himself admire Iruka. The Chuunin looked gorgeous tonight. His hair was down. Kakashi loved that. He had admired Iruka from a far for at least a year and was very surprised this morning when Iruka had invited him to dinner. He had plans to go drinking with some of his fellow ninjas, but he quickly cancelled those to have dinner with Iruka. It wasn’t every day that the love of your life invited you to dinner.

While Kakashi was drinking in the sight of Iruka, Iruka was giving himself a mental pep talk.

I can do this.

“What was that?” Kakashi asked. Iruka’s head snapped up with the look of a deer got in headlights. He’d spoken aloud?

“Ah, nothing.” Iruka smiled. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Oh, I am Iruka.” Kakashi chuckled.

Iruka got the distinct feeling that Kakashi wasn’t talking about food.

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3 hours later
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The food had been consumed a while ago, and for the last two hours Iruka and Kakashi entertained themselves by drinking green tea, which soon turned into sake, and sharing their life stories. Iruka was surprised that Kakashi had shared as much as he did. He knew that Kakashi was very quiet about his past. Kakashi didn’t share everything, but the fact that he shared something at all with Iruka made the Chuunin feel honored. Soon, they started talking about their teaching stories with Naruto.

With Iruka laughing hysterically, Kakashi shared the story of his infamous bell test.

“I found it extremely difficult to keep a straight face with Naruto hanging upside down from a tree branch waving his arms in frustration.” There was more laughter from Iruka and Kakashi joined. God, the man looks beautiful when he laughs.

Kakashi had stopped laughing and Iruka quickly realized that he was being stared at. He blushed and turned his head away, clearing his throat. “More sake?”

“No, thank you. I think I’ve had enough for tonight.” Iruka met Kakashi’s eye. Iruka couldn’t help but think about how Kakashi looked without his mask and forehead protector covering his face. Kakashi quickly realized that he was staring, but he also realized that Iruka was staring right back. He gave a small smile to the Chuunin as a thought crossed his mind.

Iruka watched as Kakashi reached up and removed the forehead protector. Sharingan exposed, Kakashi placed the forehead protector on the coffee table in front of the couch and made eye contact with Iruka. Iruka felt a hotness consume him and felt his mouth go dry as he watched Kakashi’s hands go toward his mask. It was one thing for Kakashi to remove the mask to eat, and another to voluntarily remove it on his own.

Kakashi noticed the blush working its way up Iruka’s neck. So, he feels the same way it looks like. Kakashi smiled as a warm, comfortable feeling rested in his belly. It’s so nice to feel wanted. His long, hard hands slowly removed his mask and he placed it on the coffee table. He heard Iruka’s swallow. His smile grew. This is too cute.

Iruka couldn’t believe it. Kakashi was willingly exposing his face to Iruka. His heart began to beat faster as the butterflies in his stomach began to stir. He realized he was holding his breath and slowly let it out and gulped in fresh air. He saw Kakashi smile. Not just the eye movement, his whole face. His face just lit up when he smiled.

Kakashi’s face was just like any other time Iruka saw it. But this time it was especially sensual. The Jounin had a very angular face. The jaw line was broad and sharp; the chin had a small cleft. His nose was straight as an arrow. He had high cheekbones just below his grey and red eyes. Kakashi’s skin was flawless as well; pure and pale. But Iruka’s eyes were fastened on the object of his recent desires.

Kakashi’s lips were a pale pink and thin. They were spread wide with a smile which showed a glint of straight white teeth. Seeing Kakashi’s mouth only made Iruka want to kiss him more.

Seeing Iruka’s eyes focus on his mouth, Kakashi drank in the beauty of Iruka. His long dark hair was floating around his shoulders. Kakashi loved those deep dark brown eyes. They were always so warm when directed at him. He too had high cheekbones and an angular jaw line, though it seemed to guide the viewer’s eyes to his chin. His nose was cute and turned up a little at the end. The scar across his nose was even more attractive. Kakashi once saw Iruka worry about the scar across his nose when they were younger and told Iruka not to worry because the scar added character. Iruka had smiled a big smile and thanked Kakashi.

Thinking about the scar, Kakashi brought his pale hand up and lightly traced the scar. Iruka started and brought his eyes to meet Kakashi’s. Kakashi only smiled more to assure the Chuunin that he wouldn’t do anything bad. His hand left the scar and moved to comb through the brunette’s hair. He saw Iruka’s eyelids flutter down and felt Iruka move into his hand. The butterflies in Kakashi’s stomach started moving double time. Kakashi inhaled deeply as he saw Iruka open his eyelids. Kakashi saw a reflection of his own passions in Iruka’s eyes. The look on Iruka’s face was unbelievably beautiful.

Kakashi brought his hand to cup Iruka’s cheek and watched as Iruka snuggled into it. Kakashi felt hot all over. His heart was telling him one thing (kiss him!) while his brain was telling him another (I don’t want to force myself on him.). However, all thoughts flew out the window when Iruka brought his hand up to cup Kakashi’s face.

“So beautiful,” Iruka whispered.

They stared into each others eyes. Neither was sure who moved first, but to the outside observer, they moved toward each other simultaneously. When their lips met, the world disappeared. It was only Kakashi and Iruka.

So soft, was the first thing through Iruka’s head. Quickly followed by, I love this man.

Their lips rubbed softly together, creating a delicate friction. Time stood still for the two shinobi. Kakashi opened his mouth a little and bit Iruka’s lower lip. In response, Iruka opened his mouth in a gasp and Kakashi slid his tongue in. The slick muscle moved, caressing and discovering. Iruka had given up on breathing. His heart swelled as he realized that Kakashi was kissing him. His love.

He tastes like heaven. Kakashi’s tongue was deep inside Iruka’s hot cavern. So sweet. Both shinobi had moved to get closer together and now they sat with their chests pressed together. One of Kakashi’s arms snaked around Iruka’s waist while the other still cupped Iruka’s face. Iruka’s hands had found their way into Kakashi’s hair and gently started to massage his scalp. Kakashi moaned.

That started a chain reaction neither shinobi predicted.

Iruka heard and felt the moan and answered it with a deep one of his own. He had waited a long time for this. Iruka tightened his grip and started to move his tongue against Kakashi’s so he could explore. Kakashi relented and gave a gasp of pleasure at the Chuunin’s movements. Kakashi tightened his hold on Iruka and suckled on his tongue. Iruka’s answering gasp was more than enough reward for the Jounin.

Soon, Iruka brought one of his hands down and cupped Kakashi’s face. Slowly, he extracted his mouth, with playful nips and kisses. He rested his forehead against Kakashi’s, his hair falling forward. Both shinobi could hear the others thudding heart beats and hard breathing. After a minute, Iruka brought his head back up and looked into Kakashi’s eyes. Then, he smiled.

Kakashi stared in wonder. He just kissed and was kissed by his Chuunin. He saw Iruka’s beautiful smile and returned it with one of his own.

“I hate to ask this question, but where does this put us?” Iruka whispered.

Kakashi nodded in agreement, a small frown appearing. “How do you feel? I would like to date you, but if you’re not comfortable…” Kakashi drifted off as he saw the pure happiness cross his love’s face.

Iruka laughed, “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words.” Kakashi smiled.

“Oh, I think I do have an idea.”

Later that night, Kakashi left, and Iruka readied for bed. Both were walking on clouds of happiness while a pair of crimson eyes watched a pink haired woman sleep in the forest.

TBC…

Coming up Next: (OK sorry I lied about the kidnapping taking place now, this chapter kind of got away from me). I’m starting it off with the kidnapping! I’m also going to delve into how Sasuke is fairing with Orochimaru. Keeping up with Iruka and Kakashi’s budding relationship. I’ll probably end the next chapter with Tsunade finding out about Sakura and with Kakashi and Naruto preparing to leave.

Review Responses: (I love it when authors respond to my reviews)

To Nathaniel (my first and only review),

I dedicate this chapter to you because of your lovely review. It was helpful and encouraging.
First of all, I promise it will not be SasuNaru. That gets very boring after awhile, I agree. Equal relationship was where I was going, though it’s going to be a while before we get to that stuff. I threw in Kakashi and Iruka so other readers won’t get bored. (*Gasp* People read this stuff for sex? Hahahaha!)
Second, I promise to try and not overdo the angst. Though there will be some, I’m trying to keep it lighthearted for the most part. I agree, when there’s nothing but a brooding character that ends up repeating himself in order to keep up with the angst, it gets annoying.
Third, DOWN WITH RAPE!! I hope it burns in hell.
Last, thank you for your last comment. It makes me feel better about what I’m writing. I’m enjoying it so far. And it’s definitely turning out much better than I thought it would.
I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Thanks again for the review, Me.

So, REVIEW PEOPLE!! Let me know what you want. If I like it, I’ll do it. I can’t think of everything by myself. If I don’t like it, doesn’t mean I’ll never do it. It may mean that it’ll be more appropriate in another fic. But please, keep my happy and I’ll try to keep you happy.

And one more thing, sorry for typos or wrong words in places that don’t make sense. I’m dyslexic, and I think a beta would be nice because I can’t catch everything.