Taiikusai

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, nor do i profit from these fics.
Author's note: I tend to jump time a lot, so unless you see a *** you can assume it's the same day, just different hour/scene/point of view. Otherwise, a larger space between text indicates a time jump.

Now onto the story:

“Dobe. You’re supposed to use the equation of a line.”

“And how the hell am I supposed to know *that*?”

“Not my fault you can’t do basic Algebra.”

“I thought that’s what *you’re* here for.”

“You asked for a tutor. NOT remedial help.”

Naruto grew livid. “LOOK bastard! No one ASKED you to help me. That was YOUR brilliant idea! So stop being an asshole and explain it to me!”

“Che.” Sasuke ran through the calculations, allowing Naruto to watch. It was clear as crystal to him. Why couldn’t the thick-headed blonde get it?

“Hold on a minute. Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

Naruto pointed. “This part here. Explain.”

Sasuke was about to ask if he was serious, but one look at his face and the question died on his lips. Naruto’s brows furrowed in concentration. He bit on his pencil, and his eyes expressed the same determination he usually reserved for the basketball court.

He was dead serious.

Sasuke cleared his throat and started to explain from the beginning.

An hour later and Naruto had FINALLY finished his math homework.

Sasuke gathered his books and put away his things.

“Sakura expects us to meet tomorrow after school to discuss the sign board designs. We need to decide on a theme. Soon. The dance committee is relying on us.

“Yeah yeah, I know.” Naruto frowned. “I just want to do something… you know… totally awesome?”

“Hn.”

“So are we finished?”

“For today. Be ready for Kokugo next time. I’m quizzing you on the new kanji list.”

Naruto groaned. “WHY on earth do they force us to learn classic Japanese? Not like anyone actually talks like that anymore.”

“It’s good for you.”

Naruto gaped at Sasuke incredulously. “You are one SICK and twisted bastard.”

“You should know.”

The slightest flush covered Naruto’s cheeks.

Sasuke smirked inwardly. ::Score one for me.::

“Yeah?! Well…. Save it for your fangirls!”

“You didn’t mind so much before.”

Naruto’s nostrils flared.

“Whatever man. See you tomorrow.” Naruto grabbed his books and left in a hurry.

Sasuke smirked. ::You can run, but you can’t hide.::


***
.

Sakura stepped into the art room quietly.

“Hey Sasuke-kun,” she smiled.

“Sakura-chaaaan~!” Her eyes darted to the corner.

“Naruto? What are you doing in here so early? It’s only 3:45.”

Naruto pouted. “I came straight to the art room to work on my painting until you got here. Hehe.” His paint smeared hand flew to the back of his head, a shit eating smile plastered to his face.

Sakura’s eyes narrowed. “What are you hiding, Naruto?”

Naruto pouted. “Nothing! Can’t I be early for once?”

“You’re *punctual.* Sasuke-kun is early, not you, and you’re here *before* he is.” Her expression grew serious. “You two didn’t start fighting again, did you?” Her heart began beating a little faster.

“No no. Things are fine! I’m working on my art project. Don’t want to leave it to the last minute. I’m gonna make something so awesome, Kurenai-sensei will be praising me until graduation! You can’t leave masterpieces ‘til the last minute,” he winked.

“And since when do you care about turning stuff in on time?”

He scrunched up his face and pouted a bit. “You heard the announcement. I gotta pick up my grades or I can kiss the sports festival good bye.”

Sakura sighed. The quickest way to motivate Naruto was certainly to appeal to his competitive side. She just didn’t know how far that extended until now. “I suppose that makes sense,” she paused for a moment before leering. “And how is tutoring *going* by the way? Are you two getting along? You have the official Uchiha fan club up in arms. They’re taking bets on who can take you out first and replace you on the committee.”

Naruto gulped. “Aren’t YOU in the Uchiha fan club?”

Sakura rolled her eyes. That was so 7th grade. I’ve had time to cool down since then.”

The air suddenly felt much heavier than before. Naruto, too, felt the weight of it. But both were too consumed with thought to attempt breaking the growing silence.

Fortunately, both were spared.

“Dobe, why is your hair orange?”

“GYAAAH! SAkuRAA! How can you not TELL me I just put paint in my hair!?”

“Ahahahah! Not my fault you’re so careless.” Sakura smiled to herself and watched as Sasuke sat at the table; his notebooks in tow. Business as usual it seemed.

::You worry too much Sakura. Those two are working it out… somehow or other.::

Naruto let out a big yawn. “Ahhhhhh, I’m beat.” He slammed his locker and shifted his bag over his hip.

“Gonna nap, or continue this crazy study streak of yours?”

“You kidding? I gotta trai…ce.. Uh, Trace. That’s right!”

“Trace?”

“Um, my new designs for the sign board. I have to retrace them onto the grid. Um, yeah.”

“Oh, okay. You have fun then. Bye Naruto!”

“See you later Sakura!”

“I don’t see Sasuke-kun, but if you see him, tell him I said bye.”

“Will do! Later.!”

Naruto smiled as he watched Sakura head towards the front gate. “Sorry Sakura. Can’t let you in on everything just yet.”

“Umino-sensei will be pleased to discover that he was right about you dying your hair.”

Naruto jumped. “DON’T SNEAK UP ON PEOPLE!” Naruto froze. “Oh, hey Neji-sempai. What’s up?”

“Heading home. Same as you,” he smiled. “So? Fashion statement?” He touched a lock of Naruto’s paint covered hair.

Naruto blushed and grinned. “More of an accident really.”

“So how are the preparations going? Any progress?”

“I think we’ve eliminated practically every idea out there. Leaves just aren’t that exciting.”

“Hrm. Well, it doesn’t always have to be something literally related to leaves. Did you think about that? Sandaime was so proud of his school; he used the kanji for Konoha in some of his children’s names. I hear his own grandson is named Konohomaru.”

Somewhere inside, a light bulb went on inside Naruto’s head. “Yeah, I’ve met him. Great kid,” he murmured absently.

“Naruto, are you okay?”

“Never better… Thanks Neji-sempai, you’re a genius!” Naruto lunged at Neji and embraced him.

“Erm, Naruto, I’m flattered, but you’re pulling my hair.”

“Ahahaha, gomen gomen!”

“I’m glad I helped though.” Neji smiled. “Good luck.”

“Thanks! Oh… and if you um, see Gaara-sempai,” Naruto blushed a little, “tell him I said hi?”

Neji smiled knowingly. “Sure thing. You should drop by the student council office sometime. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you saying so in person.”

Naruto flushed and mumbled something unintelligible. He waved to Neji and head home.

Sasuke seethed with rage. He had heard nothing of the conversation, but it didn’t take a genius to interpret the signs. ::And here I thought Gaara was the problem. That bastard, Neji.::

Sasuke had found it odd that Neji was so oddly protective of his school; of keeping order maintained and making sure that old conflicts were not revisited. For a time, he thought that perhaps he was being protective of Naruto. It was common knowledge that the two had become unexpected allies in their younger days. But now, he could see the hidden motive.

::You’re going down. Naruto is mine.::


It had been more than a week since he last saw him; a week, since he had let old habits get the better of him and then… *that* bet was born. Part of him considered losing on purpose, *just* to see what he would request. But knowing Uzumaki, it would be something along the lines of arm wrestling or who could hold their breath the longest; any silly comparisons that could somehow turn into defining victories. Still…he had his fantasies. Hours of lost sleep and insomnia left open many hours. In it, Gaara had envisioned a number of quite desirable possibilities.

A competition. But not the kind he imagined the still rather innocent teen would propose. Ah yes, he could just imagine…

They *would* start with holding their breath—lips locked, teeth clashing, tongue battling to be on top. There would be no breathing through the nose. That would be cheating.

Loser is the first one to need air. Or maybe best of three?

And then? Maybe some touching. Themselves?.. Perhaps each other. No, too risky. They would start with themselves-- test out who could hold out the longest. Just *who* had the better self control? Could Uzumaki show an uncharacteristic patience, draw it out and give a performance? Maybe he’d blush, accuse Gaara of being the closet pervert that he is and feign ignorance. Or would he dive into it head first with that wild glint in his eye?

Gaara groaned at the thought. That body… golden skin, a trail of sun bleached hair, and rough palms tracing down a tattooed belly. He would grin that fox like grin of his, palm rubbing over a bulge in his boxers (they’d both be aroused by then), while his eyes… those bright blue eyes would be dark and clouded with lust. A challenge would be clearly written, and Gaara would comply…

Slowly, Gaara undid the buttons to his white collared shirt. He licked his right thumb and ran it down his pale chest, trying to imagine Uzumaki watching him intently. He circled one nipple while his other hand reached for the clasp of his belt. Fingers deftly undid the buckle while his thumb lazily slid its way down to his belly button. He took it slow, recalling the imaginary task at hand, and put a little seduction into it. He too carefully undid the top button of his slacks, ran his tongue over his top lip and slid the zipper down. He’d make Uzumaki forget to breathe.

He hadn’t touched himself and yet Gaara could already feel his breathing getting sharper. His held his palm over his crotch and felt his cock twitch with anticipation. His fingers pushed back the gray material of his slacks and ran a slow stroke over his boxers. He hissed with pleasure, back arching just so that he slumped in his chair. He spread his legs apart and reached down again, tugging on the hem of his boxers and slipping his fingers inside.

A moan escaped—something low and guttural. He tried for sexy, but his breath hitched with each stroke. Instead, he focused on his imaginary guest. Uzumaki, mouth parted, cheeks tinted and his cock, firm, flushed, and standing proud like the rest of him. Perhaps holding out the longest was a bad goal. Perhaps they’d settle for who could keep their hands off each other instead.

Gaara was not so sure he could win.

Instead, he imagined that hand in his boxers was larger, calloused, perhaps even flecked with paint. He tugged on himself harder, picking up the speed, and rubbed his thumb over the sensitive head.

He tried to match what he considered Uzumaki’s hastiness—hard, fast strokes, his hips bucking out of the chair and breathing more ragged by the second. He could feel it. He was getting close…

“UGH! Good god!”

His door slammed.

“Why can’t you use the bathroom like Kankuro?!”

Gaara was too close to stop. A few quick strokes and everything dissolved.

He sat there for a few moments, slumped down and panting in his chair. He snatched a few tissues from his desk and cleaned himself up.

“Was that Temari?”

He turned back to the neglected book on his desk and decided, since he was up…

Neji put down his dictionary. He just needed a few more lines and his essay would be finished. But what to write? He glanced at the clock and grimaced.

So much for getting to sleep before 1. He was about to ponder the many reasons why he hated writing conclusions when he heard his ring tone.

Slightly alarmed, he scrambled to pick up the phone before anyone else in the household noticed it and checked the number on the display screen.

Neji couldn’t help smiling.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Ugh, you won’t believe what I just had to witness.”

“Kankuro left his porn in the VCR again?”

“Worse. Much worse. I think I’d prefer Kankuro’s porn over this one.”

“That damaging.”

“You try walking into a room and finding your baby brother masturbating.”

Neji winced.

“That’s unlike Gaara. I imagine he’d at least find a room with a door.” He heard a nervous laughter on the other end.

“I suppose that’s my fault. I walked into his room without knocking. . . I’m now a firm believer in knocking.”

“And here I thought you had nerves of steel.”

“Try telling me that one to my face and I’ll show you something *else* that’s made of steel.”

“Touché. But I ask, once again, to what do I owe the pleasure? It’s not every night that I receive a call from one as lovely as yourself.”

“Well aren’t *you* a sweet talker tonight. To be honest, I’m a little freaked out by Gaara’s behavior recently. Have you noticed he’s been a bit… off this past week?”

“Ah, the protective older sister emerges. And here I thought you missed me.”

“Ha! Get real. But really… have you noticed anything unusual lately?”

Neji thought for a moment.

“Gaara has done nothing out of the ordinary. However, I did receive an interesting request from a certain Uzumaki Naruto today. He asked that I relay his greetings to your brother. He seemed a bit bashful about it.”

“Do you think…?”

“I don’t think so Not yet.”

“Yet?”

“It’s no secret that your brother still harbors feelings for his old crush. At least, not in my eyes. Your brother hasn’t approached him all year. But I’ve seen him watching.”

“You always did have a good eye.”

“Eyes.”

“Yeah yeah smarty pants. So you think my brother is gonna be mooning around ‘til he gets that shorty back? Cuz frankly, it freaks me out more than when he used to go psycho on us.”

“Give him some time. It’s been a long time since they’ve really spent time together. I think they still need to readjust.”

“I suppose so. But if I see Gaara wanking off one more time, I’m kidnapping shorty and locking both of them in a room together.”

“Isn’t Naruto taller than Gaara now?”

“Yeah. So? They’re still both shorter than me.”

“This is true. It seems my attempted quip has failed once again.”

“Get used to it.” He could hear the grin in her voice. “As punishment, you can meet me in the club house before school starts tomorrow. Leave your hair down. I like it that way.”

“If my lady commands.”

“And stop that chivalrous mumbo jumbo. Night, smarty pants.”

“Good..,” Beeeep beep beep, “night… my princess.”


***


Sasuke had watched Naruto carefully all day. A more studious, subdued version of Naruto had managed to stay awake during every class except Japanese. His interactions were normal, no unusual events occurred, and from what he could tell, his only motivation was as mentioned earlier. He wanted to do well in school to continue his participation in the school festival.

Still… Sasuke always ate lunch in their homeroom class. For a window of 45 minutes, anything could have happened. Sure, he could have walked down to the cafeteria himself, but he never stepped foot in there. Walking into that den of wild students would be like declaring open season for the Uchiha fanclub.

What if Neji had made his move then? Did Gaara even know? And more importantly, did he care?

::Don’t be silly Uchiha. Of course *he* cares.::

But still… it was better to be certain. First, he would test Naruto. It was simple enough to know how the loud mouth would react to certain types of provocation. And if for some reason he failed to take the bait, he knew who to go to. Yes. He would collect information first. And then… he could devise a real plan

Naruto yawned. “I thought I’d never finish this poem. Damn that was boring. Did I mention that I hate Japanese?”

Sasuke smacked Naruto in the back of the head.

“We’re not finished yet. Pull out your English book.”

“Why can’t we finish early? I can do the rest of this stuff on my own.”

“Oh? In a hurry?”

“Maybe I am! What’s it to you?”

“I’m your tutor. You think your boyfriend is going to fix that grammar problem.”

Naruto laughed. “And which one would that be? Shikamaru? The genius who is too lazy to even express any type of sexuality? Or Kiba? Though the way he goes on about Hinata, I’m surprised he hasn’t sniffed her crotch and started humping her leg already.”

“You know who I’m talking about.”

“No. Actually I don’t. And if you weren’t so full of yourself, you’d know that if anyone has a grammar problem, it’s not me. Talk to Gai-sensei and ask him who scored the highest on the English quiz last week.” Naruto grabbed his books and headed for the door. “See you later, bastard.”

Sasuke winced as the door slammed.

::Fuck. That was smooth.::

Uzumaki, 1. Uchiha, -2


~*~*~*~
Thanks for reading folks =D Just to address a few people who reviewed:

xBunni: I haven't made Naruto uke for anyone just yet, so patience, okay? ;)
Devious Lil Devil: I feel guilty for throwing in Sasuke, but I hope you're not too disappointed.
Ruby- Gaara is Teh hawt. He's always been my favorite =D
Assenav- appeased for now? =P
ladygizarme- I was rather proud of that scene ^___^ Glad you enjoyed it!