Commiseration

Thank you for the reviews! All five of you, heh.

Well, this seems like it's gonna be a three-shot. Hope you enjoy the chapter^.^

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The voices were easily recognizable. It was, predictably, Sasuke and Naruto fighting.

“You bastard! I'm tired of you avoiding me. I only asked if we could spar, not have me chase you around the whole village!”

Sasuke calmly deadpanned, “you didn't have to chase after me usaratonkachi. You could have found someone else to spar with.”

“You're such a self-absorbed asshole! There is no one else! Fuck, why don't you get that!”

At first, the two rivals seemed to be arguing about Sasuke's rejection of Naruto's offer for some training. Neji, Gaara, and Temari, however, could easily deduce the lingering meanings behind their words.

As the arguing went on, it soon exacerbated into a fist fight. The two didn't even attempt taijutsu. They merely wrestled, trying to punch one another though neither seemed intent on inflicting actual pain. Neji and Gaara looked at each other, silently communicating their mutual intent, and walked over to pull the two teens away from each other.

Naruto was pulled away from his position atop Sasuke by Gaara. Neji was about to grab the Uchiha and restrain him, but it was unnecessary as Sasuke stood and brushed himself off, not taking his eyes off of Naruto's angry ones. It was for the best that Neji hadn't needed to touch Sasuke. The young teen was completely abrasive about being touched by anyone but Naruto it seemed. Naruto was still struggling against Gaara's hold, but Gaara was not going to let go. Once Naruto realized this, he calmed down and Gaara released him.

Neji decided to be the first to speak, uttering a strategic quip, “I don't suppose that was the much sought after spar you two were arguing about.”

Naruto was quick to reply, “no, that bastard just needed an ass kicking so he decided to go up against me where he'd be guaranteed to get it!”

Sasuke, unexpectedly, snorted, turned his eyes to the ground, and disparaged
Naruto's conjecture with a familiar, “usaratonkachi.”

No one was certain they'd heard it, except Naruto. Naruto's eyes had completely widened and his mouth was left agape. His reaction served to confirm the suspicions of the three other shinobi who were taken aback by the utterance, though none indicated such.

Sasuke, wary of the silence, looked up to see the four shinobi in his company staring at him. Sure, he hadn't said something so nostalgic since he came back, but he had always thought such remarks. Feeling Naruto against him... It made him feel like the old Sasuke; the Sasuke that hadn't been ruined by Orochimaru; the Sasuke that had been left behind by Itachi. He couldn't help saying it.

Naruto composed himself, though he was still in a slight daze of shock, and turned to Gaara who was at his left side, “maa, I guess you're gonna be around for a month, ne?”

“Hai,” Gaara responded while still glaring at the Uchiha.

“Naruto, would you and Sasuke like to join me for dinner? We can go to someplace that serves ramen as well as other varieties of food,” Neji offered. He knew Naruto wanted to spend time with the Uchiha, and the Uchiha was in desperate need of Naruto's company, so he had already decided to do what he could to get the two near each other. It had taken some prompting from Hinata, but he knew it was a good decision.

“You're supposed to be escorting me, Hyuuga.” Gaara didn't particularly want to be around the Uchiha. Truthfully, he just wanted to sleep. He found, however, that rather than urging to be in the company of Naruto, he wanted to be around the Hyuuga. He had acquiesced to some form of attraction for the Hyuuga when he found himself staring at said shinobi. It wasn't his fault the Hyuuga enticed him with his pretty hair and everything else.

Neji couldn't help the smirk that graced his face at hearing Gaara's complaint. Sure, the redhead probably wanted to join so he could watch the Uchiha and be around Naruto, but Neji wouldn't mind having something as aesthetically pleasing as Gaara around. “You're welcome to join us .”

“Well,” interrupted Naruto with a grin on his face, “I guess if Sasuke doesn't want his ass handed to him again...”

“You didn't beat me, dobe.” For the first time in years, the arrogance of Sasuke's challenging smirk reached his eyes.

“Yes I did, teme.” Naruto responded in a sing-song, taunting voice while wagging his pointer finger near Sasuke's face; the grin never wavering.

“Hn, you're delusional.”

“Whatever teme. I'll bet I can eat more at dinner tonight.”

Sasuke's smirk came back with full force. “Considering the way you eat...”

“What are you implying?!” Even in his indignant shouting, Naruto's smile was outlining his lips.

“Fine usuratonkachi. We'll go to dinner with Hyuuga and Sabaku and I'll point out your disgusting habits.”

“Like you don't do that enough already.”

“No, I don't believe I do,” he quipped with a small grin adorning his face.

Neji, interrupted any further arguing, saying, “We'll all meet at the Takahasi Soba-ya at five-thirty. Kazekage-sama, Temari-san, I will escort you to the Hyuuga manor and show you to your homes.

As Neji began to walk towards the gate, Gaara and Temari following him, Naruto yelled out, “Guess that gives Sasuke about three hours to make himself pretty. It's not enough time, but I'll make sure the bastard doesn't get out of this one!”

As Neji walked on, he turned his head and saw Naruto and Sasuke heading towards the Uchiha manor; Naruto with a slight grin on his face, both walking in what seemed to be a comfortable silence.

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As Neji walked through the Hyuuga manor, passing the housing complexes of various clan members, the sporadic few civilians that were outside bowed in the Kazekage's presence. The group reached a cluster of two-story houses which were quite large.

“Temari-san, you will be housed here. Hinata-san is in the house next to yours. Kazekage-sama, your house is between Temari's and mine. If either of you need help, there is a staff of servants in each of your homes. A maid and butler are housed on the first floor for overnight use.”

Temari spoke for the first time since they arrived at Konoha, “are there any places to play Go around here?”

“There is a small congregation of players that meets on the rooftop of the local civilian academy. Shikamaru usually beats everyone so he's always looking for new opponents.”

“Hn, I guess I'll have to go there to defeat him. I think I'll go in about an hour, ne Gaara,” Temari commented as she walked to her house. Temari's response seemed odd. Why would she need to inform Gaara of her plans? He certainly didn't care. Yet, Neji noticed that Gaara responded with an understanding nod. He figured it must be a sibling thing.

Neji turned to Gaara and said, “I'll see you in two hours, Kazekage-sama.”

Gaara nodded once again and began walking towards the front door of his temporary home. Neji, rather than walking to his home, decided to pay his younger cousin a visit. He had a few things he wanted to ask her about.

Neji was careful to knock before entering Hinata's house. He could sense Kiba's presence and he didn't want to walk in on those two. He learned his lesson the first and only time such a thing happened. If Hinata hadn't been so confident as to stand up to him, Kiba may have died. Neji had begrudgingly learned to accept the two former-teammates' relationship, though he still minded the consequences of it, such as the flushed and slightly breathless Hinata that opened the door, waving him inside with a greeting, “Neji-niisan, wha-what are you doing here. I thought you were on a mission at Sunaga.”

Neji entered the living room. “I've returned. I need to talk to you.”

“All right. Would you like some tea?” Hinat sat down on couch and motioned for Neji to do so as well.

“No thanks,” Neji responded as he sat down, “you should probably inform Kiba that I'm here.”

“Tch, no need. We could sense you when you knocked on the door,” Kiba said as he entered the room and sat on the couch across from the love-seat Neji resided in.

“You mean you became aware of my presence when I knocked on the door, since you were other wise busy-”

Kiba interrupted Neji to spare Hinata the blushing. “Same thing. What are you doing here anyways. Shouldn't you be keeping the Kazekage busy?”

“Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to Hinata about.”

“Oh, do you need me to show Temari around?”

“No. I want some... Advice.”

“Heh, what's the matter? You want to woo the Kazekage?” Kiba teased.

Neji deadpanned, “Actually, yes. I wanted some guidance regarding the courtship of another, namely Gaara.”

Kiba and Hinata were completely baffled, to say the least. They suspected Neji favored males, what with all the attention he received from females yet completely disregarded, but that he should want to 'court' the Kazekage; Gaara... It was bemusing. Neji expected this reaction, so he continued, “I think he's quite attractive. He's having dinner with me. Though Naruto and Sasuke are joining us, I think I should look... Enticing.” He nodded, assuring himself that was what he needed. “I want to attract his attention as well.”

“This is Gaara we're talking about, as in Gaara the most stoic guy out of the ice-box bunch.”

“Ne, Kiba-kun. That isn't any way to talk about my future cousin-in-law. Practically brother-in-law really,” Hinata said with a smile. She really wanted things to work out between Neji and Gaara. If Neji wanted Gaara, then she would do whatever she could to help her niisan.

“So you'll help me?”

“Of course we'll help.”

“We? What do you mean 'we' Hinata-chan? How am I supposed to help?”

“He's right Hinata. It's a miracle he has you. He did a terrible job at courting.”

Hinata giggled at Kiba's indignant expression, “Kiba did a wonderful job and you know it. He can give you a few pointers.”

“I dunno Hinata. You and Gaara aren't at all alike. I think Neji's gonna be havin' a way tougher time. You're at least nice. Gaara's just plain... Weird.”

“That may be so, but he is intriguing. Challenging as well,” Neji mused.

Hinata stood up and began walking towards the door, “Yosh. I suppose we'll have to get you dressed appropriately. We can discuss behavior while we pick out clothes. Let's go to your closet.” Neji and Kiba followed her to Neji's home.

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It had only taken five minutes for Gaara to get settled. He hadn't brought much clothes so he didn't have much to put away. He figured now would be as good a time as any to consult Temari on his recent feelings. It was all too foreign and he didn't like the uncertainty. Stupid Hyuuga, he thought as he walked into the house next to his and climbed up the stairs. The house was the same as his so he figured Temari's room would be in the analogous location. He found his sister in said room, putting away the last of her clothes.

“Hey Gaara. Ready to talk?”

He really hated her intuition. It wasn't as if he made his slight dilemma obvious. She was just too good at picking up on things. “I hate his hair,” he began. He sat on the bed.

Temari smiled, sitting next to him. She knew her brother too well, “Yeah, his hair is really pretty. Just wanna go up and touch it.”

Gaara responded with a glare. It was surprising to see some form of possesive jealousy lurking in his eyes. The glare almost warned 'It's mine, you can't touch it.' Temari, of course, picked up on this and held her hands out in an attempt of pacification. “Relax. I'm not after your precious Hyuuga. You must really like him, ne?”

Slightly perplexed, Gaara questioned, “when two people are attracted to each other?... What do they do?”

“Well, they usually forge a relationship. It involves getting to know one another. They concern themselves with one another's interests, family, and other things that make up their lives.”

Gaara closed his eyes for a moment, processing what Temari said. He already knew about the workings of the Hyuuga Clan, but he wasn't completely sure about Neji's standing. He knew Neji was from the lower branch. He also knew the Hyuuga was a lot like him, an orphan, yet still harboring remnants of a family. He wondered, though, about the relationship between Neji and his uncle, aunt, and cousins. He had resented Hinata for being the heir to the Hyuuga clan's head post. Did he still feel that way?

Contemplating this, Gaara reasoned he was interested enough in the Hyuuga that the two could have a relationship if the Hyuuga was interested in him. Yet, there had to be something more... A relationship based on merely taking an interest in another sounded like friendship. Gaara was sure that wasn't all he wanted. His attraction indicated a desire for something more.

“What else is there? What about that... Sensation?" Gaara unconsciously rubbed at his heart trying to describe it. "It feels like anticipation and pleasure and anxiety all in one.”

“That's attraction.”

“How do I fix it?” He continued to lightly caress his heart.

Temari smiled softly to suppress her giggles, her brother was just so naive, “You don't fix it. That's not the way attraction works.”

Gaara notice what his hands were doing and clenched his hands into fists at his side. “What do I do about it? It's becoming annoying and distracting.”

“Spend time with Neji. You'll learn to enjoy it if you just accept it.”

Gaara supposed he could accept his attraction. It was bothersome though... He felt more at ease now that he knew what to look forward to, but he still felt there was something more to this. Why did he want to touch the Hyuuga? Unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, he asked Temari.

“Well... it's because you like him.”

“We've already discussed that. It doesn't explain why I want to do such things to him.”

Before, Gaara's naivety was cute. Now, it was embarrassing. How was Temari supposed to explain such a thing to Gaara. She was pretty sure he was trying to pinpoint sexual attraction, but explaining that to her younger brother... It was akward. She should have had Kankurou give him 'the sex-talk'. If she had, she wouldn't be in this position. She had to think of a way to get out of it. Surely there was someone who would not be mortified at having to teach the Kazekage sex-ed.

“M-maybe we should consult someone else. That way I can go get you something nice to wear for the dinner while you get all the information you need.”

Gaara didn't care who he got answers from, but one thing was sure, he was going to get the information he asked for. “Fine. Who are we going to consult?”

“I have an idea. Just go to your room and wait for me. I'll get the perfect person for this.”

With that, Temari and Gaara walked downstairs. Gaara walked to his home while Temari walked out of the Hyuuga manor, heading towards the Hokage tower.

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Temari arrived at the Hokage tower shortly after sprinting along Konoha's
rooftops. She had intended to personally ask the Hokage to appoint someone to answer Gaara's questions. If she asked the Hokage, the matter could be resolved with discretion. However, upon passing the Missions Office, she noted one of the chunnin at the desk looked familiar. She remembered him as Iruka, the academy teacher Naruto was very fond of. She figured she could ask him for help. After all, he was a teacher and he liked Naruto. If he could handle Naruto, surely he could tolerate 'informing' Gaara. With her decision made, Temari walked up to Iruka. “Iruka-san, could I talk to you?”

Iruka's eyes widened in surprise. He knew Temari and Gaara were visiting Konoha for a month or so, but he couldn't think of a good reason as to why she would need to speak with him. Perhaps she was looking for Shikamaru? “What can I do for you Temari-san?”

Temari looked around the room. It was generally empty, save for the other chunnin on desk duty. She decided speaking in hushed tones would be discrete enough. “I have a request. Gaara has some questions that I think would be better answered by someone other than me. It's just not a topic I want to delve into so I was wondering if you or someone adequate could maybe help?”

“Of course I'll help Temari-san. What topic are we talking about here?”

Temari's eyes began to shift. This was really awkward. “Gaara has found himself... Attracted to someone. He asked me what acting on attraction entails. I explained the basis of such relationships to him, but he's still wondering about the more 'adult' aspect of it.”

“'Adult'?” Iruka queried. As the implication dawned on him, he gasped, “oh, 'adult'. Yes... well, I'm not sure I would be the suitable person for it, but... I think I know who would be.”

“Well, how do I contact this person? Will they really agree to it?”

“Yes, I'm sure he would. Don't worry about anything. I'll make sure to send him right over to... the Hyuuga manor, right?”

“Yes, Gaara is staying in the house on the left of Neji's. He'll be in his room.”

“Great, I'll send him right over. Just... Not that I mind, but why did you ask me?”

“I figured that if Naruto trusted you, I could trust you with this as well...”

“That's great. Have you seen Naruto, by the way?”

“We saw him at Konoha's north entrance. He and Sasuke got into a slight brawl but Neji and Gaara broke it up. They're all going to dinner later.”

“Sasuke? He's going out?”

“Yeah, he even teased Naruto earlier.”

Iruka was absolutely shocked, though pleased as well. “It's nice to hear those two are getting along.”

Temari frowned. “I still don't trust the Uchiha.”

“Give it time Temari. Naruto's all Sasuke has right now. We have to support them.”

“I guess. Doesn't hurt to be careful, though.”

One of the chuunin walked up to the conversing pair and said, “Iruka, you're needed at the academy. Something about an accident with Genma's senbon and Kakashi's Icha Icha...”

Iruka looked at his watch and walked towards the entrance/exit; Temari following. “Well, I guess duty calls. I'll send him right over okay.”

“Hai. Thanks Iruka-san.”

“You're welcome.”

The two parted ways at the tower's entrance. Iruka went to find Gaara's 'instructor' and Temari headed to the shopping center.

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When Iruka arrived at the academy, he found himself pinned to a tree with hands wandering his torso. “Kakashi! What are you doing?”

“Molesting you. It'd be easier if you didn't wear so much clothes.”

“Kakashi! Stop!” Anymore molesting and Iruka was sure he wouldn't want to let the jounin go for another hour...

“Maa, Iruka. I made up that whole accident just to get you here so I could molest you and now you're not going to let me?”

“I'll make you a deal. We'll go to the house, I'll take a thirty minute break and you'll be free to molest me as much as you want.” He was already due for his break and he had already planned to find Kakashi for a quickie anyways. Really, Iruka was getting all the perks of the trade.

“Ne, Iruka, you're so nice.”

“Right, but you're gonna have to do something for me,” Iruka taunted as he began running towards his and Kakashi's house.

Kakashi, not one to be outdone, grabbed Iruka and transported them to their home with a Translocation jutsu. They ended up in their room and Kakashi proceeded to throw Iruka on the bed and throw himself atop him.

“So,” he murmured as he nipped, kissed, and licked Iruka's neck, “what's this 'something' you wanted me to do.”

“I-I...” Iruka was already becoming aroused. He couldn't really concentrate while Kakashi was removing their clothes and doing such things with his hands. “Nn, if you would pause for a second, I could tell you.”

“Ne, must be important if you want me to pause. Okay, I'm all ears.”

Iruka panted, trying to get his breathing back to normal. “I need you to go to teach the Kazekage sex-ed... Actually, Temari needs you to do it. Just head over to the Hyuuga manor after this.”

“What does Gaara need to know anything about sex for?”

“Apparently, he's found himself attracted to someone.”

“A male someone? Because if not, Jiraiya would probably be a more appropriate teacher.”

“I don't actually know. You'll find out later. Just stop waisting time. I've been wanting to do this since morning,” Iruka pouted.

“Mau, I love it when you're impatient Iruka.”

Thus, the pair of sensei continued their actions. Gaara's dilemma was pushed aside in favor of... Doing research on Kakashi's teaching topic.

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Gaara had been waiting patiently for the past forty-five minutes. He was generally a patient person (as long as emotions weren't involved) and thus didn't mind waiting, but he was getting bored. If Temari didn't get here soon, he was going to take a nap.
Suddenly, there was a persistent knocking on his window and he wondered what bird could possibly be stupid enough to crash into a window multiple times. Maybe it was multiple birds?

Gaara opened the window and inadvertently allowed Kakashi to enter with his normal greeting.

“Yo.”

Gaara just looked on with indifference as the perverted shinobi began setting up a tripod with some diagrams. Kakashi had initially thought to bring his Gay Sex-ed diagrams, but decided it would be good to have the Hetero for back-ups as well. Hence, Kakashi had quite a few rolled up, poster-sized teaching utensils in his arms. He began by inquiring as to Gaara's preferences.

“So, who's this person you're attracted to?”

Gaara deadpanned, “Hyuuga Neji.”

Kakashi had seen and heard a lot in his day, therefore, he was actually unsurprised by the Kazekage's answer. Even if Gaara's behavior was the complete opposite of Naruto's, his general mindset had to be similar considering their synonymous pasts. It was befitting that Gaara should be attracted to Neji, someone who was quite similar to Sasuke. Guess that meant Gaara would be the uke in this equation...

“I see. Well let's begin shall we. Pull up a chair.” Kakashi took out his little fold-able pocket pointer and set to teaching, while Gaara sat on his bed. “Now, what exactly do you need me to elaborate on?”

“Temari sent you. She must have told you.”

“I was told you were attracted to someone and that you needed to be taught sex-ed. I'm wondering if you're going to be uke or seme. Then I can know what I have to teach.”

“What are uke and seme?”

Kakashi couldn't believe it. Just how deprived was this boy? Could he really not know what uke and seme were? Did he even know what sex was? Well, it couldn't hurt to ask... At least Kakashi hoped so.

“Gaara, what is sex?”

Gaara was very close to looking at him with an incredulous face. Of course, his stoic muscles willed themselves against it so Gaara just decided to answer. “It's the method by which offspring are generated. Humans naturally find it enjoyable and will perform the act for pleasure. It can also be used as a torture device when done against one's will. I want to know what part it will play in my attraction to the Hyuuga.”

Yes, Gaara was... Interesting. To give such a concise, yet accurate account of sex... Well, at least Kakashi knew where to start. “Well, then I guess I'll start by explaining uke and seme.”

He looked to Gaara for affirmation and received a nod. He continued, “In a relationship involving two males, one must be the submissive one and the other must be the dominant during sex. The uke is submissive and the seme dominates the uke. The two roles, however can't just be taken at face value. They involve different things for different people. It's really a personal choice based on how you want to manage your relationship. See, being uke does not necessary mean being submissive. The seme can very well end up serving the uke. The roles may only apply when regarding position, but they may not be the correct categorizations depending on the the actual direction of the act...” Briefly, Kakashi wondered if he were making any sense.

Gaara surmised, “Uke behaves as the woman in the sexual act. That is why he is submissive. The uke may control the manner in which the act is performed and as such, is not submissive.”

“Yes, exactly.” Gaara really was a sharp pupil.

Gaara contemplated the personality of Neji. He certainly couldn't allow the Hyuuga to dominate him, however, he knew the Hyuuga would feel the same. He didn't care about the position, he cared about the actual power. The Hyuuga would certainly begrude power if Gaara was physically the uke. He could still control the situation and take control over the Hyuuga. He would be the one to dictate how, when, and where they had sex. Yes, he would be a dominating uke.

As Gaara mused, he unconsciously allowed a small smirk to play across his lips. Kakashi was used to seeing smirks, so he wasn't startled by it, but the glint of mischievous plotting that adorned Gaara's eyes was all too foreign a sight. Kakashi was definitely happy when Gaara spoke up and it wasn't in declaration of a death threat.

“Fine, tell me what being uke physically entails.”

Kakashi was proud of himself. He really knew how to peg people. He just hoped Neji knew what he would be getting himself into...

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About an hour and countless outfits later, Neji's advisors, Hinata and Kiba, had finally narrowed down the wardrobe choices to three options. Kiba had opted for the black slacks and the silk ivory button-up shirt. It kinda reminded him of that pretty black-white kimono Hinata had. Neji favored some cargo-style pants and a heavily pocketed tan shirt. He could carry many weapons in those pockets. Hinata however, decided that Neji looked best in tan slacks and a off-white dress-shirt with a fishnet shirt beneath it.

“Great, now that we have three finalists, we just have to decide what Gaara will like. That shouldn't be too hard at all.” Kiba was utterly sarcastic, rolling his eyes as he sat on the chair at Neji's desk.

Neji scrutinized the clothes laying on the bed. “Considering Gaara's taste in clothes, he'd probably like Hinata's choice. I look best in it as well...”

“I think it's best because it shows off some of your body. You did say you wanted to look 'enticing'.”

Kiba smiled. “Guess it's settled then, Hinata-chan's oufit is definitely the best.”

Neji grabbed his clothes and headed to his bathroom. “Hn. Any last-minute advice?”

“Yeah, try not to get killed, I don't want Hinata-chan crying over losing her niisan.”

“Kiba's just kidding, Neji. Be confident. Gaara's sure to like you.”

“Thanks Hinata.”

Hinata and Kiba walked to the door. “Well then, we'll be at the training grounds near the academy if you need us. We're meeting Shino there. Be sure to say hi to Naruto, Sasuke, and Gaara for me.”

“Hai. I'll see you two later.”

“Heh, not if you get lucky!

Hinata blushed and stuttered, “Ki-kiba!”

As Neji turned on the water for his shower, he could hear Kiba's laughter and Hinata's giggles while the two walked down the stairs. He was definitely happy for the two. He only hoped he could one day have a semblance of such a relationship with the cute red-head he'd set his sights on.

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Sooo, the next chapter should be out by the end of this week. Thank God for winter break! :hates college: