Taiikusai

Author’s notes:

Taiikusai (also called Undoukai) or Sports Festival is an event that involves the entire school. Students are grouped in homerooms and each “team” consists of a homeroom from the first year, second year and third year class so that students work together with their juniors and seniors. Usually they are assigned by letters, or numbers and students come up with a theme based on those (abc or colors are a common theme).

The event is all day. Relays, games and physical competitions are held during the morning and dance/oendan, the main event, is held in the afternoon. Separate judging is held for each. Students also design a signboard for their team and during the event their team sits under their signboard. These are also judged. 1st – 3rd place is handed out for each of the events and, I might be thinking of the culture festival, but I believe there is a best team overall announced at the end. (The event is also open to the public so friends, parents and former students may attend)

Other notes:
- Heisei 20 = 2008
- Japanese suffixes (san, sempai, kun, chan, etc)- to say someone’s name without a suffix is a sign of great familiarity or emotional closeness. Usually this only happens with a lover/spouse. Using suffixes is a sign of respect, but also emotional distance.

Triumphs and Defeats

Naruto sat against the fence, twisting his body to watch the events down below. He nibbled on a rice ball absently while his eyes followed the sway of bodies on the field. Two students beat out a familiar rhythm, sticks raised high above their heads before slamming down against the large drum. Three figures with white faces, moving slowly in traditional kabuki methods moved to the front. The students shifting in the back formed barriers and shapes behind them.

“Their dance is pretty good. Looks like we have some pretty serious competition.” He pushed an errant grain of rice into his mouth. Gaara sat across from him, watching the dance as well. He picked at the small dishes in his bento box, absorbed in watching the events down below.

“At least we don’t have to worry about sound. That jazz routine was weak at best.” He offered Naruto a smile and was rewarded with the same. He paused a moment to fan himself, wondering why they were up on the roof and not out of the intense sunlight. He was relieved to be wearing gym clothes. “Will you relax a little? Even if you don’t place in the race component, there are still the signboards. I’m willing to bet you placed in that category.”

Naruto smiled at him, but the anxiousness was still there. Placing best in show was not an easy ordeal after all. He shoved the rest of his rice ball into his mouth and turned back to face the dancers. They were striking a final pose, the drums booming a more frantic rhythm signaling the team’s exit. Students and guests cheered loudly, clapping and whistling as mist’s team cleared the grounds.

“If it makes you feel better, rock’s dance was also so-so and wave’s pirate number was a good crowd pleaser, but it’s not the type of theme that usually wins the big points.”

Naruto chuckled. “I dunno, I kinda liked the battle scenes mixed between the dancing. That was some pretty good choreography.” Gaara paused to look at Naruto carefully- the slight slump in his shoulders, the preoccupied look in his eyes and realized how anxious he really was.

Gaara put his bento box down and leaned over, palm pressed against the hot concrete to place a small kiss on Naruto’s cheek. Naruto turned to him in surprise.

“Is that promise worth so much to you?” Naruto’s eyes softened. “Or do you really hate the idea of a dress?” he teased. Naruto made a face, but Gaara could see the hidden smile lurking in the corners of his eyes. “If it makes you feel better, I won’t make you shave your legs. You can just wear a long skirt with knee high socks. I think my sister still has some from middle school.” He kissed his nose and sat back down.

Naruto looked out over the field. “It’s not the dress.” For once he wasn’t running his mouth off and was considering his words carefully. “It’s just,”

Bang. The rooftop door clanged against the doorway. Naruto paused mid-sentence to watch their intruder make his approach.

“Sabaku-sempai,” Sasuke ignored Naruto for a moment. “May I have a private word with you?” he acknowledged Naruto with a brief half smile and nod of the head. Naruto paused for a moment, body still and refusing to budge. He looked between them curiously, watching Sasuke carefully. He packed up the few remaining items of his lunch and got to his feet. “See you on the field?” Naruto asked Gaara carefully. The words seemed self conscious, allowing Gaara to know he was still regarding Uchiha with suspicion. He turned to face Naruto and gave him a cheerful nod. Naruto returned his gaze to Sasuke.

“See you later,” he said coolly. Sasuke nodded.

Both boys watched the blond crown of spiky locks disappear through the shaded doorway. The door closed with an audible click even from their distance. Gaara returned his attention to the quiet Uchiha, prompting him with a look that went unnoticed. Sitting up a little straighter and trying to appear dignified despite wearing P.E. clothes and sitting on dusty concrete, Gaara cleared his throat, hoping to grab the Uchiha’s attention.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

Sasuke ignored his question for a moment, eyes squinting into the bright afternoon skyline. He walked with deliberation, standing in the still warm spot Naruto abandoned. Instead of sitting, Sasuke continued staring out through the gaps of the chain link fence. He clutched onto the metal.

Gaara knew he was struggling to say something just by watching him. This version of Uchiha was not the stuck up, self assured, confident brat he had dealt with all year. This boy was clinging to the fence to help the slight tremor in his limbs, to calm the nervousness that accompanied whatever words he was fighting to speak aloud.

“Is everything alright?” Gaara tried to sound unconcerned.

Sasuke held onto the fence a little tighter. “I was wrong.”

Gaara was silent for a moment, gazing at the pale skinned boy curiously as he tried to find the right context for the statement. “Excuse me?” he asked perplexed.

“What I did this summer,” Sasuke clarified. Gaara’s eyes widened just noticeably. “It was wrong.”

Sasuke forced himself to face Gaara. “And in the bathroom, and in my apartment,” he continued.

Gaara could recall each one clearly. His body stiffened with familiar anger.

“I wanted to say I was wrong,” Sasuke averted his eyes again, “and I apologize.” Those last two words were a struggle. They were less firm, less certain and Gaara realized admitting it took swallowing all his pride. “But I won’t apologize,” he said somewhat defensively, “for wanting him.” Him, Naruto. Sasuke mentally kicked himself for still not being able to say it directly.

“So what do you want from me?” Gaara asked warily. He tried to appear calm, unconcerned, picking at his bento as he waited for a response. He picked up a pickled daikon, pretending it took all his concentration.

“I want you to know,” Sasuke paused. He thought about his next words. “I acknowledge your relationship, but in return, acknowledge me.” Gaara didn’t follow. His eyes narrowed at the potential meaning. “Naruto has tried to rekindle our friendship,” he clarified, “and now I plan to accept.”

“Is that a warning of some kind,” Gaara asked without emotion.

Sasuke smirked. The turn of lips faded quickly and Sasuke shook his head sadly. “I’m not ready for that yet. For what you two have.”

Gaara looked away, down below at the field where he was sure Naruto was sitting somewhere and watching the dancers. He noted absently that the red banners waved in the air belonged to his team and that he was missing their performance.

“It doesn’t mean never,” Sasuke added defensively, catching Gaara’s attention. He looked up in time to catch a competitive glint in the dark black eyes regarding him with appraisal. “Just not now.” He held his head a little higher this time, hand letting go of the metal links he was gripping not too long ago. Gaara didn’t comment. He tried not to smile at his self-proclaimed rival, but a competitive smirk of his own slid into place.

“What makes you think you’ll ever get the chance?” Gaara countered.

“You can’t hold onto him forever,” Sasuke said confidently.

“Watch me,” Gaara said. Both men stared one another down until a loud eruption of drums on the grounds below startled them both. They turned to look at the scene down below as taiko drums boomed loudly and the dancers for team rain slowly flooded their way onto the field. A giant blue dragon slithered its way atop student’s shoulders, the blue clad dancers parting to let it pass. Gaara and Sasuke looked at one another and chuckled, feeling silly at having been startled. The tension in the air had evaporated, melting into a sense of camaraderie.

Sasuke felt at ease for once and for the first time all year, Sasuke could understand why Naruto was so drawn to the other man. He tried not to begrudge him.

“Good race out there, Gaara-sempai.” Sasuke pushed off the metal fence. He tried not to seem too pleased by his sempai’s startled expression. “I look forward to our future competitions,” he said, confident the meaning was clear.


The air was buzzing with excitement. Students shifted in the dirt, nervous excitement preventing them from sitting still. They gossiped with their classmates, torsos turned every which way than forward, trying to predict who would win. They ignored the principal’s greeting, waiting impatiently for him to stop praising their hard work and commitment and practically groaning when he thanked every homeroom teacher, school administrator and PTA member involved. When he finally finished, what seemed like hours later, they all screamed excitedly, welcoming the first announced to the podium.

The track and field coach marched up excitedly to the front, sporting the most ridiculous green track suit known to man. He flashed a sparking smile and a thumbs up to the cheering students before stepping up to the mic. Everyone held their breath as he announced the first category- the sports competition.

Naruto shot a glance towards Suna’s team apprehensively. “In third place,” Guy sensei began, “due to their heroic effort to defeat the competition and in celebration of their inspiring youthful passion,” Naruto groaned, willing him to move on with it, “let’s honor this worthy example of shining team spirit, team leaf!” His voice boomed in the microphone. Naruto’s entire team erupted into wild cheers, Kiba jumping to his feet and pouncing on everyone while two of his sempai ran up to the podium. There the principal made a short ceremony of presenting them their third place certificate.

“Congratulations!” Guy-sensei yelled exuberantly, his red face beaming. Naruto was being pat on the back by his teammates. He smiled at them bitter-sweetly, relieved the last race was enough to push them back up and yet disappointed that they had not placed higher. Still, it gave him a sense of hope.

He forced a big smile and a thumbs up as his two seniors passed by, holding the certificate high over their head. His team erupted into another round of cheers.

“In second place,” Gai-sensei continued, “fighting their way to second place with their hot, hot fiery spirit and the healthy determination of flowers in their prime… team Suna!”

Gai’s echoing voice was drowned out by the red team’s shouts and screams. Naruto watched as Kankuro and another third year from his class walked up to the front to receive their certificate. Naruto watched him high five his red headed brother who suddenly looked over at him with a smug expression. Naruto stuck out his tongue. Gaara smiled evilly and smoothed out his shorts suggestively. He turned back to his brother when Kankuro returned, the proof of their hard work raised above his head for all to see.

“And in first place,” Guy-sensei’s voice sparked another murmur of excitement, “our shining pillar of strength, sparkling honor and golden triumph, girls and boys imbued with the skill and might of true heroes, team sound!” Naruto grimaced at Guy-sense’s choice of adjectives, but he clapped politely with the audience. Team sound was a mass of jumping bodies and hysterical screaming. Two members managed to fight their way out and make it to the front where the principal made a small ceremony out of presenting the certificate. He posed a few times with the students for the school photographer before sending them back to a backdrop of cheers.

Guy-sensei beamed from the podium, wiping away a tear at the great display of student emotion. Naruto rolled his eyes. He was relieved when Guy-sensei stepped down from the podium and Mr. Hyuuga stepped up. Though he was surprised to see Neji’s uncle present, he figured anyone was better than the track coach.

“Moving on,” the more serious voice calmed everyone, “I’ll be announcing the awards for best dance.” Naruto looked over his shoulder at Neji who watched his uncle carefully. Naruto was reminded that Neji is a dancer and that his family owned a famous school. He realized immediately that this must have been their guest judge. Neji caught his eye and winked and Naruto turned back around to listen.

“All the dances this year were excellent, but we would like to honor those that displayed remarkable creativity, originality, skill and teamwork.” His eyes scanned the field as he spoke. “Third place,” he said without further preamble, “team wave.”

Team wave gave up a loud cry. Sitting next to them, Naruto tried not to look too disappointed as the students next to him hugged, issued words of thanks, praise, and congratulations. Naruto had to admit that they gave a good performance. He admitted it to Gaara himself. The leaders of the dance moved up to the front, donning their pirate hats and swords. They accepted the certificate from Mr. Hyuuga, bowing and thanking him politely before turning to their awaiting team. Mr. Hyuuga gave them a few moments to settle down.

“In second place,” Naruto’s heart began to race, fingers crossed on both hands, “team rain.” He let out a sigh of frustration as team rain clamored from their seats. A few of the students raised the head of the blue dragon they created while their dance leaders jogged up to the podium. One of the girls accepted the award tearfully, hugging her partner after she thanked the judges. Naruto watched them, understanding how hard they must have worked and knowing they deserved this.

“And in first place,” Naruto’s heart began racing again. He willed those next words to be team leaf, slightly afraid of the answer. “Team mist.” Naruto deflated. Team mist jumped up in excitement, hugging, crying and pumping their fists in the air in victory. Their dance leaders, faces still painted in tradition Kabuki style rushed forward to the podium to accept the award. Mr. Hyuuga paused to give them a few words of individual praise just barely audible before handing over the award. Naruto watched in disappointment as the happy pair returned to their ecstatic teammates. They hadn’t placed at all- one third place and no place at all in the dance. He looked over at Gaara anxiously who offered him a shrug. Suna hadn’t placed either.

Naruto took a deep breath and looked over at the signboards. True he was proud of his design, but his confidence this morning was gone. He noticed how well crafted the other signboards seemed to be, and how well they were designed: the colorful Kabuki dancer’s face with his painted palm pushed out in front of him, the blue dragon posed to strike, its silvery scales sparkling in the September sunlight; the red genie rising menacingly from it’s small lamp or the pirate ship tossed amongst rocky waves- they were all creative and every team worked hard on them. His heart beat doubly fast when he realized he hadn’t been listening to Kurenai-sensei.

“In third place,” she began, eyes looking towards the center, “rain.” Naruto let out a sigh of relief as rain’s team began shouting and cheering again. Naruto looked behind him to realize that she had been looking at their sign board when she said it. Naruto clapped with his teammates as the creators of the sign board walked up to the front. They humbly accepted their award from Kurenai who congratulated them both. She smiled at them gently, genuinely proud of their achievement. She sent them back to their team where they received a heroes’ welcome.

“Moving on,” team rain quieted down despite the excitement still running through them, “in second place,” Naruto clasped his hands together and shut his eyes, “mist.” Naruto’s eyes opened to mists’ cheers. Despite the announcement, his heart was still pounding. He watched absently as the mist representatives received their award, wondering how possible it was that the first place would go to him. It was either first place or nothing. He looked over at Gaara, but he was watching the fanfare up ahead. Naruto returned his gaze to the podium just as Kurenai sensei stepped back up.

“And in first place,” she paused. “Actually, I’d like to say a few comments before I announce this one.” A few students groaned. “I admit I was very surprised when I saw this one. Not because of the design, or necessarily the artistic talent. All of your sign boards were wonderful demonstrations of both. But what moved me was the spirit behind it and the pride. Not just pride for one’s team, but for this school.” Naruto felt a prickling of hope. “And so it is with great pride that I award first place to team leaf.”

Voices around him erupted into screams. Naruto tried to join them, but he
couldn’t say anything. He froze, unable to move as the words sunk in. First place. His sign board won first place. He felt the bubbling of disbelief and giddiness roll through him. Sakura was on her feet and dragging him up before he knew it. Sasuke grabbed his other arm. Despite the wall of his classmates and upperclassmen trying to pat him on the back, somehow he was before the podium and Kurenai-sensei was shaking his hand.

“You should be proud of yourself, Uzumaki-kun,” she smiled at him. “I am.” He accepted the certificate into his hands still dumbfounded, Sakura turning him to face the camera at the appropriate time. It wasn’t until he turned to look at Gaara, to see his proud, smiling face that Naruto snapped out of it. He faced his team, waving the certificate high into the air.

“We won!” he screamed, turning to pull Sakura into a fierce hug, and dragging Sasuke to join them too. The three of them hugged each other firmly, Sakura’s tears dripping onto their shirts. “Hey, just don’t blow snot on me, okay?” he whispered to her, earning him a mild kick to the shin. She laughed and they returned to their seats where everyone asked to see the award. He looked at it, slightly amazed before passing it onto his classmates. “Be careful with that now. You wrinkle it, you answer to me!” he said jokingly. Sakura stuck out her tongue.

“A third of this belongs to me, remember?”

“And a third to me,” Sasuke smirked. “Or did you forget who carried those buckets of paint?”

Naruto grimaced, but it couldn’t last. He was in such a good mood, he couldn’t help smiling. “Yeah, yeah,” he muttered. It was the most he was willing to admit it.

A tapping on the mic brought their attention back to the podium. Tsunade stood in front of the crowd, holding three certificates. Naruto knew what they were for- best of show.

“And now for the big ones,” she said. “Best of show is open to anyone because it relies on scores from all three categories. So even if you didn’t place in one event, your may have enough fourth place slots to merit you a spot in best of show.” Naruto felt the excitement rising. “And this year, it was a very close call. It was a good competition because all three of the top eight had very little separating them.” Naruto looked over a Gaara. He smiled with a little more confidence this time. “In third place, earning a total of 220 points, team Suna.”

Gaara’s eyes widened in surprise. Naruto smiled for him, delighted for his boyfriend and yet secretly pleased that he was already not a threat. Still, Suna hadn’t placed in either the dance or the signboard, meaning their scores had to be fairly high. A first place victory wouldn’t help leaf if they tanked in the dance. Mist had two high placements already. The victory could very easily go to them.

Naruto tried not to be anxious as he watched suna’s team celebrate their hard earned reward. He tapped his foot and shook his legs, waiting impatiently for Tsunade to move to the next award. “In second place, earning 230 points total, team mist.” Naruto looked over at the cheering team with surprise. They placed first in dance and second in the sign board. If they earned second place here that meant they had a really low score on the competition segment. But if they didn’t get first, that meant leaf still had a chance! He felt almost as excited as the mist team members running around. For once he felt a little more patient as he watched them accept their award and settle down.

“And finally, with a total of 240 points, I told you it was close,” she added as an aside, “winning best of show in taiikusai, in the year heisei 20*,” she paused a little dramatically, “team leaf!”

Naruto jumped to his feet and gave a big whooping cheer. He hugged everyone around him, exhilaration and excitement prompting him to even hug the embarrassed, red cheeked girls. He ran up to Neji-sempai, slapping him on the back and thanking him for his hard work before rushing back to his classmates where everyone cheered and thanked him for his hard work on the sign board.

“We couldn’t have done it without you man,” Kiba grinned. Naruto smiled, his eyes drifting over to his fellow painters.

“Well I *am* a genius,” he smiled and laughed, “but I had help,” he admitted. He watched proudly as his two seniors accepted the award. Ito-sempai could hardly stand up straight, face in her hands and she cried tears of joy. She made herself bow and thank the vice principal, wiping her face frantically when the cameraman asked them to pose. Naruto looked over at Gaara and smiled. And as much as he suspected Gaara would have tried to fulfill his promise without victory, this somehow made it valid. The crowd cheered and failed to settle down and Tsunade stepped back up to the podium.

“Congratulations to all the winners. This concludes the ceremonies. Thank you all for joining.”

She stepped down as the speakers began blasting a recognizable tune. The popular pop-rock song had a strong beat and before the audience began to disperse, every student was up on their feet dancing. They danced for victory, for defeat, or simply for pleasure. Colors blended as teams mixed around to find friends and club members in other classes.

Naruto immediately began scanning the crowd for Gaara, but Sakura pounced on him, radiating her excitement and hopping up and down to chants of “we did it!” Naruto jumped up and down with her, letting her infectious laughter take hold of him too. “I admit I had my doubts, but I gotta say, you surprised us all,” she hugged him.

“Does that mean you’ll go out with me now?” Naruto teased. Sakura laughed at him, the familiar mocking tone that meant “no way.” Naruto faked a pout before smiling again. “By the way, don’t worry about the sign board. I told Lee he could help me take it down,” she said coyly. Naruto looked at her in surprise before spotting an excited Lee doing cartwheels through the crowd.

“Does that mean?” She put a hand over his mouth before he could continue.

“It doesn’t mean anything, yet,” she responded. But the coy smile was back. “You’re not the only one who can enjoy a good romance,” she teased, sauntering off to congratulate more teammates in the crowd.

Naruto chuckled, watching her approach a few more classmates before returning to his search for Gaara. Before he could dash off, Sasuke was holding him back. Naruto looked at him, wondering what he wanted. Sasuke looked at him with an uncharacteristic bashfulness.

“Good job back there, dobe.” He tilted his head a little, but met his gaze. “You’re right, we make a good team,” he said. Naruto paused as he wondered if he heard correctly- the blaring music and chorus of cheers around him made private conversations difficult. But judging by his teammate’s body language, there was no mistake and he pondered how to reply. Despite the jovial atmosphere and air of celebration, he had a feeling that Sasuke was finally admitting something, either to him or to himself- it didn’t really matter. His response could make things easier or potentially really awkward.

Naruto relaxed into a foxy grin. “About time you realize it,” he replied haughtily.

“Yeah, well don’t you forget it,” Sasuke said with relief. He punched Naruto’s shoulder playfully. Naruto let it slide, relieved by the familiar gesture and choosing not to comment on the slight pink on his teammate’s cheeks; or the lack of strength in the punch. He smiled and shook his head as Sasuke disappeared into the crowd.

This time Naruto turned back to his mission with determination. He sought out the concentration of red ribbons on the other side of the field. He managed to sneak his way through the rainbow waves of ribbons and shifting crowds, only to get there and find no Gaara. He twirled around almost dizzily trying to see if he had missed him, if that red hair was perhaps amidst green bandanas, but had no luck. He was startled out of concentration when a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.

“Guess you’re not all talk after all,” a familiar voice said in his ear.

“Gaara!” he shouted excitedly. “Sempai,” he added cautiously, eyes darting around to make sure no one had heard him. Gaara chuckled and put an arm around him.

“Relax. I doubt there’s anyone in this school that doesn’t know about us.” Naruto smiled and hugged him.

“True. It’s almost too bad I won’t get to wear that skirt just to see the scandalized look on everyone’s face.”

“You can still change your mind,” Gaara suggested. Naruto pushed away from him and looked at him like he was crazy.

“No thanks, I’m not that curious,” he said. “But you on the other hand have a lot of work ahead of you,” Naruto grinned.

Gaara grimaced. “Toudai, eh? That’s not going to be easy. I’ll have to get my math scores up and ace the English portion.” Gaara began walking off the field, headed towards the locker room.

“And you’ll be studying non-stop all year,” Naruto added, falling into step behind him.

“I won’t have time for dates or study breaks,” Gaara looked at Naruto pointedly, his meaning very clear.

“But I’m pretty good at the English part, and I’m sure you’ll need someone to help you study. You know, motivate you to finish studying early so you can earn a break?” Naruto let his hand brush up against Gaara’s.

Gaara shook his head and smiled. “I would have cram school every day after school.”

“But you would need motivation to study on weekends,” Naruto offered. Gaara couldn’t counter that one. He stopped and looked at Naruto, considering something.

“We’ll work something out. If anything, even exam candidates need a lunch break,” his voice dropped. Naruto felt a slight thrill.

“The school year isn’t over yet,” Naruto reminded him

“No, it isn’t,” Gaara agreed. He threw his arm around Naruto’s shoulder and continued walking towards the locker room. “I know it’s a school night, but I feel some celebration is in order.”

“Your place or mine?” Naruto caught on, eyes looking over Gaara’s dusty, sweaty form appreciatively.

“You’re the one with Mario Kart,” he added conspiratorially.

Naruto snorted, pushing off Gaara’s arm. “Must you be so childish all the time?” he said in his best Neji voice. “Using video games to decide important things…” he glanced at Gaara shyly. “How about we race to get dressed?” He had Gaara’s full attention. “Last one done gets to bottom,” he whispered, dashing off for the locker room before Gaara had a chance to react.

Gaara watched his boyfriend run, admiring the view from behind. He smiled to himself wondering how one who just stayed up all night, ran two relays and participated in multiple tug of wars could possibly have the energy to still run. He thought about trying to catch up and make him take back his words, but upon further contemplation, he decided against it.

Instead, he savored the short walk from the field to the locker room, smiling and waving at classmates and fellow teammates. He nodded respectfully to some of the parents and PTA members still lingering in the crowd, properly greeting the teachers that congratulated his team. The heat of the late afternoon made his skin warm, filled him with drowsiness and the desire to curl up and nap. The days events had taken their toll on him and so he decided to walk and conserve his energy for later. By the time he reached the locker room, Uzumaki was already waiting in the doorway, his tie undone and his shirt untucked. He huffed and puffed like one just finishing a marathon and Gaara smiled at him in amusement.

Naruto pouted at him with annoyance, urging him to hurry up and change, but Gaara slowed his gait. There was a lot of celebrating to do, and many things to celebrate- today, tomorrow and the next day. And while Naruto seemed to want to jump to the so called festivities, today was something Gaara wanted to savor. He dressed absently, mind on autopilot as his thoughts ran elsewhere.

Next year, things might be a little more complicated, he realized, or different altogether. And while Uchiha’s words stayed tucked away in the back of his mind, he wondered if next year would be as joyous as this one.

Naruto’s concerned face broke his train of thought. “Hey, you okay?” he asked.

Gaara’s fingers paused at the top button of his shirt. Looking into the face of someone who obviously adored him, Gaara shook himself mentally and smiled. It was silly to worry about the what ifs and maybes. He shook his head no and finished the last button. “To the contrary,” he threw his things into his bag. “Things couldn’t be better,” he said. Grabbing his bag with one hand and taking Naruto’s hand with the other, he ignored the shocked looks of other boys in the locker room and continued to walk calmly towards the exit.

“Come on, Naruto,” he said unabashedly. “Let’s go celebrate.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The End ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Thank you everyone who stuck around until the end. I know it was a long story, so thanks for reading. :) And in case you're still willing to read a little more, I'll try to post the epilogue in the next week. Please let me know what you think (be it a compliment or a criticism). Thanks!