"Gaara."

[O_o is...is it really? KakaIruk?! -nosebleed-



Enjoy!]]





Kakashi whimpered as Iruka walked passed him naked and hard. His little dolphin was definitely getting revenge and it was the worst kind. He was tied to the bed by chakra infused ropes and he couldn't get out of them. He was hard as a rock and still had all of his clothes on. Sure, he'd fallen into the trap and he probably deserved whatever revenge Iruka was willing to dish out but honestly, this was just too much.



"Please?"



"No." Iruka put one leg on the bed, his ass in clear sight of Kakashi and waved something purple in front of him.



"Iruka-"



"You talk to much." Iruka moved and put a small gag in his lover's mouth then went back to his former position. With a few drops of lube, Iruka bent over slightly, grabbed his aching cock in one hand and with the other, inserted the vibe into his ass. He hissed and groaned as he felt it filling him and he turned it on, crying out at the sensation. With a determined and sinful look on his face, the chounin stroked his cock and started to fuck his own ass with the toy.



Kakashi whimpered as he watched, his cock raging at him, not being able to take his eyes away. Damn Iruka. Damn him to the pits of hell and back! He knew Kakashi's weak spots and this was certainly one of them. It was horrible! Torture in the worst form! He struggled, twisted and squirmed, all the while watching Iruka fuck himself and tried to get free. Why did his little dolphin have to be good at binding? Why? Cursing himself, Kakashi stopped struggling and just watched. Watched Iruka's face lost in bliss, watched precum form on the head of his cock. Oh it was too good.



"Ah...'Kashi-" Iruka screamed out his lovers name as he came. The orgasm had taken him by surprise and knocked him to his knees. Bringing his cum covered hand to his lips, Iruka licked it clean and watched Kakashi growl around the gag. He wondered vauguly how that was possible but he didn't want to dwell on it too much. Instead, he pulled a kunai from the side table and cut away Kakashi's clothes and mask. Taking the gag out of his lovers mouth, Iruka stood there for a moment, just gazing down at the most beautiful face and body the gods could have bestowed on anyone. And they were all his.



Reluctantly, thinking that maybe Kakashi had suffered enough, Iruka removed the ropes. Kakashi moved so quickly Iruka yelped when he felt his face being pushed into the pillows of the bed and his ass being pulled up into the air.



"That wasn't nice at all. I'm going to make you pay for what you did."



"Oh please do." Iruka's breath was coming in pants, anticipation bringing his spent cock back to life. He felt Kakashi push his way past his barriers and he shivered. Gods it felt so good. Just as Iruka was going to move, Kakashi stopped him with more strength than he would normally use.



"Not so fast." The gray haired shinobi was enjoying himself, exacting his own revenge. Inch by slow, delicious inch he entered Iruka and made sure his little dolphin felt all of it. He even rubbed over that small nub as he entered making Iruka moan and shutter.



"Please Kashi....please!" Kakashi leaned in, a smile playing on his lips and whispered, "Please what?"



"Please move...gods please fuck me."



"Why? I want to go slow right now."



"Noo..." Iruka moaned as Kakashi pulled out quickly and started to once again push himself in agonizingly slow. "KAKASHI! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD FUCK ME!" There we go. Kakashi smiled to himself, enjoying it when he could make his little dolphin scream out and lose control so quickly. He pulled himself completely out and pushed back in with enough force, the bed hit the wall. Iruka cried out and pushed back against him.



Kakashi moved his hips in a quick pace, purposely missing the one spot that would drive Iruka mad. He did it on purpose. The longer he denied iruka, the closer his lover came to taking over the pace or even the position. Sure, he was the top but he liked it occasionally when Iruka lost complete control of his actions and took what he wanted. The gray haired shinobi knew when Iruka was close and stopped moving utterly, buried to his balls inside Iruka's ass. Leaning in, Kakashi licked along the shell of Iruka's ear and whispered, "Whats the matter my littl dolphin?"



"I hate you..." He was panting, sweat starting to bead and fall down his forehead. Moving away from Kakashi, Iruka whimpered a little when his lover's cock left him and he turned to throw Kakashi on the bed and then rose over him, slowly sitting down on Kakashi's big, hard, cock. "Gods I hate you..." Iruka started to ride a hard and fast pace, leaning over just enough so his face was above Kakashi's and he was crying out everytime his ass met Kakashi's abdomen. Smiling his victory, Kakashi grabbed Iruka's hips and started to thrust up to meet Iruka's body.Iruka screamed out, collapsing on kakashi's chest and the gray haired shinobi turned them over, raised Iruka's legs over his shoulders and hammered in and out of him.



Hair coming out of it's pony tail and falling over his shoulder, Iruka's head moved from side to side in the frenzy of both men's passion and his hands found Kakashi's back, nails digging in as he cried out over and over again. It came as a shock to him to know he was a loud lover but when he was in the middle of sex, he couldn't care and he couldn't help it. "Open your eyes for me 'Ruka." He opened his eyes and gazed up into one black and one red eye. Iruka saw the smile on Kakashi's face and answered with one of his own but it was quickly lost as Kakashi hit that spot deep inside of him. His lover hit it again and again and Iruka was lost. His eyes glazed over and Kakashi watched as Iruka's second orgasm spread over his face. His lips crashed down to Iruka's to catch the scream in his mouth and Iruka's nails dug deeper into his back.



The pain sent Kakashi over the edge and he cried out Iruka's name, riding out his own orgasm until he fell to Iruka's side. With Kakashi still buried inside of him, Iruka moved just enough to put his back to Kakashi's chest and sighed contently, shivering occasionally when either one of them would shift and and move the cock further inside of him. "Love you 'Kashi."



"Love you too 'Ruka." With a hand delving into his lover's hair, Kakashi watched as Iruka drifted between sleep and wakefulness but finally succumbed to sleep. With a groan of protest from the sleeping form in his arms, Kakashi pulled out of his lover and cleaned them both up then moved Iruka so he was under the covers and joined the warm, naked body with his own. Wrapped around Iruka like this was the best thing that had ever happened to him even after Obito, Itachi and even Genma. he wouldn't give it up even if it killed him. He didn't know if he'd survive it. Eyes drifting closed, Kakashi soon joined his lover in sleep.





As Gaara showered, Naruto pulled out the rice container and looked at it. There were no directions. He frowned and pulled out the eggs. No directions. He kept pulling things out until he found something that had directions on it. His frown deepened. It was a ramen cup. Groaning, Naruto looked around the kitchen and sighed. He couldn't cook to save his life and he was sure Iruka was sleeping by now so he couldn't vary well ask Iruka to help him cook something, not that he would anyways. So lost in his thoughts, Naruto didn't notice Gaara walk into the kitchen until the red head was standing right behind him.



"Hungry?" Naruto jumped a foot in the air and moved across the room at the same time. Heart pounding he glared at Gaara's smiling face and crossed his arms over his chest.



"Yes..."



"You made the kitchen a mess."



"I...I was looking for something to eat."



"Hm." Gaara held up the ramen up and something that resembled, very closely, a chuckle escaped his lips. Naruto walked over, snatched the ramen cup out of his hands and went about making it. If he couldn't cook anything but ramen then so be it. He'd just have to break down and ask Iruka to teach him how to cook because he wouldn't ask Gaara. That meant the red head would be winning. That was unacceptable. As he waited for the heater to bing, Naruto watched Gaara put everything back but keep some things out like vegetables, rice and some eggs.



Gaara was going purposely slow so Naruto would follow and remember what he did, how long he might cook everything, that was if the blond stayed long enough to learn anything. The red head had noticed a few minutes before Naruto realized he was there, that he was looking for something to cook and it made Gaara want to laugh at him because, if all Naruto lived on was ramen, there was no hope that the blond could cook. That was a sure thing.



Naruto watched closely, trying to make sure he appeared as waiting for his ramen to bing but he paid attention to what Gaara added where, what he chopped up and what he didn't. When his ramen binged, Naruto grabbed his chopsticks and leaned against the door frame that lead into the living room. The blond dug into his food but groaned when Gaara asked him a question when he had a mouth full.



"Need something?" Naruto swallowed and readied another bite.



"No." Fighting back a smile, Gaara fried up some vegetables and when they were done tossed some eggs into them and some left over rice. He dug around for some chicken he'd made for yesterdays breakfast and tossed it in the wok and continued to cook. When all was said and done, he spread a sweet sauce over the concoction and put some extra spicy curry on his own plate.



Naruto inhaled his food and asked what the curry was. Not thinking about it, Gaara grabbed some (always eating with his fingers) and held it out to Naruto. It was too late when he realized how intimate the gesture was and Naruto had his mouth around his fingers. Naruto must have realized it at the same time and they both blushed. Carefully removing his mouth from Gaara's fingers, Naruto swallowed the curry and patted his chest as it was hotter than hell going down and burped. He could have swore he saw flames but he was staring at Gaara's red face.



"Sorry."



"My fault." Gaara took the blame and just continued eating. They said nothing else about the incident and Naruto washed the dishes again. They sat down together and Naruto had pulled out a board game. It looked confusing and took a few tries before Gaara finally got the hang of it. Who would have thought he'd be playing a child's game with another teenager? Shaking off the odd feeling that came with the thought, Gaara got down and serious in his game playing.



He ended up winning five of six games.



"Beginners luck!!" Naruto would chide when he won. He just gave his infamous shrug and went back to playing. It turned out the game was called Shougi. It also turned out that Naruto had learned from watching Shikamaru and Azuma-sensei play the game. It wasn't all that hard but it was a thinking game, although, when it came to playing Naruto, there wasn't really any need for thinking. He stunk. Royally.



"I can't believe you won five out of six games!" Naruto slapped himself in the forehead.



"You should get better." Naruto scoffed and put the game board away. Gaara looked outside and wondered where the day went. Did it really take that long to get home from the hospital? Gaara froze in mid thought. Home? What was he thinking? His home was in Suna. He was just a prisoner here in this village and he'd only been there two days! Frowning, Garra moved to sit in the spot he'd meditated in for the last two nights and got into a rather comfortable position, crossed legs and hands draped over his knees. Locating that certain spot in the wall, Gaara started to focus and could feel his body shutting down, starting with his feet.



In the middle of his concentration, Gaara noticed Naruto standing in the doorway to the bedroom and staring at him. Okay, it wasn't so much staring as it was concentrating.



"Hm?"



"What are you doing?"



"Meditating." Naruto walked over and sat across from Gaara, mimicking the way he sat.



"Can you teach me how?" Thinking about it, the red head moved and positioned Naruto's hands, straightened his back and told him to try and get comfortable. "it's hard when I have to sit up straight and like a Buddha." He chuckled at his own comment but growled when he felt a slap in the back of his head.



"Concentrate." Naruto frowned but did as Gaara said, finding something he could concentrate on. When he found something, his eyes softened and so did his face. "Concentrate on making your feet feel airy. Now your legs. Torso. Hands. Arms. Head." When Gaara waved a hand in front of Naruto's face and got nothing, he nodded and took up position behind Naruto and concentrated on the spot in the wall across from him. He did what he'd told Naruto to do and soon enough he was lost in his mind.



As usual, Gaara was walking around the mazes his mind erected to keep Shukaku, the demon raccoon busy. When he came to the end, he saw a giant urn but he knew it was empty. Walking up to it, he sat down beside it and rubbed it. He missed the raccoon. Somehow, as bad as it might have been, he missed the demon. His body felt empty and it wasn't a feeling he liked. Gaara might not have liked the raccoon and secretly the murder the demon seemed to like so much but he missed the presence, the voice that talked to him. He didn't miss what it did to him, making him utterly crazy and mostly unstable but he'd been working on controlling Shukaku and he had gotten him under almost full control when he'd died. The demon had been removed and it cost him his life in the process. If not for Chiyo-baa, he would still be dead...alone.



Before thoughts of depression could kick in, Gaara moved from the urn and started the walk back through the maze, coming out of his meditative state. Glancing around his surroundings, the first thing that caught his attention was a sound. Snoring. A slight frown creasing his brows, Gaara moved and turned to see Naruto. He was slouched over and sleeping. Letting out a small breath, Gaara picked Naruto up and dead-man carried him into the bedroom to put him to bed. When Naruto was safely tucked under the futon covers, Gaara turned to leave but spotted something in the moonlight. Walking over, he picked up an orange book and turned it over. There was no title and no indication on the cover of what it was so he opened it. Gaara was blasted with extreamly neat writing. He read a few lines and looked towards the bed then back to the book. Knowing he shouldn't but suddenly needed to know more, Gaara took the book and headed out to the roof where there was more light.



He's only been here two days and I'm already insane. He cooks and cleaned my apartment! He's touching my stuff and I have to deal with it. Okay, so it doesn't bother me that bad but if that wasn't bad enough, I got a delivery today and it contained new supplies. The villagers hate me with a passion that is unparalleled to anything I have ever known and I get free supplies from one of Konoha's best blacksmiths. What did he do to get them for me? I know it was him. I appreciate it more than I will ever tell him but it's damned confusing. Not to mention I have to play the blond idiot for him too. I accidentally slipped and used a 'big word' that people don't think I know and I had to rein myself in. Why can't I just be myself? Why do I have to play the loud mouthed idiot? No one but the Third and Iruka-sensei know that I'm not just the loud mouthed idiot and it kind of bother's me that everyone see's me that way. But I guess they know me that way and to keep them from ostracizing me like the rest of the village, I will stay that way. I like his food. I'm kind of glad that the villagers let him buy things. I'm honestly sick of living on ramen even though I could live on the stuf...like I already do but I'm also sick of Iruka and Kakashi on my ass all the time about my eating habits. I still havn't asked if he would help me, the fox I mean. I have to talk to him enough about his rent I don't think he would want me asking for a favor. I would owe him and I don't want to know what he would want as repayment. Gods only know it would be something that would get me kicked out of the village or worse. Did Baa-chan not realize what she was asking me? It's damned difficult to even get a hold of my bodies other resident and she wants me to play kissy-face with him. Gods know she is one of the most annoying people in the village...well, next to Kakashi, Konohamaru and Sai that is. Hell, I'm even learning to deal with Sai...that's saying a hell of a lot. I hate that guy...really hate him. He's so...fake. I wonder what else I can find out about him though? Anywho. I accidentally heard Sakura the other day, sorry I neglected to mention, but she was singing to herself. She was training in Tsunade's private medical room and while I was waiting for Baa-chan, I heard her. She has got the most beautiful voice. I think she might be famous if she put her mind to it. What do they call it? Opera? I think that's it. She could do it beautifully. Her medical jutsu is getting better by the day but she's over working herself at the hospital and when she's not there, she's training. She's got bags under her eyes and the wear and tear is starting to show in her movements. If she doesn't get rest soon I might have to ask her what's up. Well, it seems I need to get going. Oh...before I go though...I think...I think I might like him. You know...I don't know why. I've always had it for Sakura but...yesterday at the training grounds...Eh, never mind. Going now.



Gaara reread the passage twice more before he closed the book. Standing, he checked to make sure Naruto was still asleep and jumped off the roof. While he was on the ground, he started looking for someone who might know where Iruka might live. When he got an address, he headed in that direction. When he got to the door, he sent up a flare of chakra before knocking loudly. There was a shuffling noise and the door opened to reveal a very disheveled and half dressed Iruka.



Iruka heard the knock and reluctantly moved from the warmth of Kakashi's body. He got a shocker when he got to the door however and was instantaneously awake. Moving aside, He let Gaara in and pointed to the couch, asking him to wait a moment. Iruka walked to his room calmly and shut the door.



"Kakashi!" He said in a harsh whisper. When the shinobi didn't answer, he walked over and yanked the covers off of the man's body. Kakashi's shivered and fished around for the blankets but whimpered when he couldn't find them.



'What?!" Iruka put a hand over his mouth and Kakashi came instantly awake. He felt the flare of chakra and knew who it was but he was tired and he didn't sense a threat but Iruka was acting relatively serious.



"I know you felt him out there but what is he doing here?!"



"How should I know?"



"Get dressed and get out of here before he realizes your here!"



"Oh come on 'Ruka! Half of Konoha knows about us, what's one more? And he already knows. He's standing outside of the door." Grabbing the blankets, Kakashi pulled them over his head and rolled over to go back to sleep. Iruka's face turned a bright shade of crimson as he pulled on a shirt and headed out of the bedroom. Sure enough, Gaara was standing by the door.



"You know, spying on people is rude Gaara-san." Gaara thrust a book into his hands, already opened to a page and Iruka gave him a nasty look before reading what was thrust into his hand. He walked to the couch to sit down and continue reading. When he finished, he was blushing. He closed the book and set it on the small table in front of the couch. "What do you want me to say Gaara-san?"



"Explain it to me."



"Explain what?"



"All of it." Iruka sighed and pointed to the chair to the side of him. It was going to take a while.



"I know you're listening Kakashi. We need a private talk so you're going to have to go somewhere else please." There was a growl before Kakashi walked out of the room dressed in silky black pants and a simple black shirt that was actually a body suit custom made to be a mask as well. putting on his shoes, he nodded to Gaara and waved a finger at Iruka.



"I will get my revenge...on the both of you." With that, he poofed away. Iruka shivered and Gaara just shrugged.



"Where do you want me to start?"



"At the beginning." Iruka sighed and moved to get himself more comfortable. He moved his feet under him and leaned against the arm of the couch, resting his head against his hand and looked at a far picture.



"As you know, Naruto had the nine tails sealed within him. Because of that, the villagers hate him. Most of them don't even know why but they go with the flow. He was ostracized as a baby and the Third took care of him up until he was old enough to fend for himself, then he was placed in an apartment, the one he still has, and that is where he has stayed. Every year, around the anniversary of the last great war with the nine tails, Konoha has a celebration for the Fourth, little do they know what he actually did. If you haven't seen a picture of the Fourth, then you are missing a bigger part of Naruto's life, just like most of Konoha. Sure, everyone hair their suspicions but only a few know the truth. Naruto is the Fourth Hokage's child. The only child. His mother died in labor and they had to cut him out of her womb. That night was when the fox attacked." He paused to stand and get something to drink. He offered Gaara some tea and the red head accepted.



"The only way the Fourth could think to save Konoha was to seal the fox. It just so happened he sealed it within Naruto. Many good shinobi died in that war, including my parents." He sipped his tea and set it on a coaster on the table. "Because all of the older shinobi and villagers know what he is, they ostracized him and with them, the rest of the village. Naruto has precious few friends but he loves them all and they love him for the most part, but they still fear him. They know what he is, or most of them do anyway and that is why.



"It may come as a surprise but Naruto is also smarter than most people his age. he always has been but when it comes to the replication jutsu...he's an utter failure." Iruka chuckled and sipped on his tea some more. "In all actuality, with everyone hating him and him not having any friends through the Ninja Academy, he adopted the big, loud mouthed, funny idiot facade and that is what everyone knows. To be honest, he had better grades the Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuuga Neji but he asked me to keep up with his loud mouthed, idiot facade and not being able to deny a student in need, I accepted. Naruto and I grew closer over the years and now, he's like a son to me even though I am far too young to have a son. I have kept his secret all this time and he knows it.



"When Naruto met you, he found something he'd been missing. Someone like himself. He didn't know it exactly and neither did the rest of us until it was too late but, Naruto recognized in you what he knew in himself. Lonlieness, pain, depression, emotionlessness, anger. All of it. But you already knew that. I guess now that he has defeated you, found out what you once held inside of you, seen you dead, helped bring you back to life and now you're living with him, it's all coming to a head. Through all of the emotions that only few other people in this world know, he has found someone he can connect with. Sure, he has had the hots for Sakura but she doesn't like him that way even though she is one of his closest friends.



"I'm pretty sure Naruto, in some small part of his mind, wonders what it would be like to have someone as close as I am with someone. Of course he doesn't know about Kakashi and I but he know I have a lover." Iruka finished his tea and set the empty cup aside. "Do you understand what I'm saying Gaara-san?" Gaara shook his head no. "Okay, let me try it this way, since you know what he goes through every day of his life, he has connected to you. I think he likes you, you know...more than maybe a friend. Now don't go giving me that face!" Iruka buried his head in his hands and sighed. "This is not going to be easy..." He chuckled to himself and started talking again. Gaara couldn't help but loose himself into what was being revealed to him and before he knew it, day light had come spilling through the curtains and Iruka was kicking him out.





Naruto woke up and stretched, looking around for his little orange book. When it was missing and so was Gaara, Naruto's face paled and he fell onto the couch, embarrassment and a small amount of sorrow filling his mind. Deciding he needed to cool off, Naruto walked into his room and stripped. He hopped into the shower and washed off. Well, what was a better time then now to ask the other resident of his body for help?



Sighing, Naruto sat down in the shower, cross legged and followed the instructions that Gaara had given him the night before to mediate. Soon enough he was staring at a very familiar cage.



What do you want brat?



I want to ask you a favor, but before I do, I need to know what you want in return that won't kill me, get me kicked out of the village or get someone else killed.



Smart brat but, I need to know what you want so I know what I will want as repayment...if I even agree to help you out. The fox laughed a laugh that sent a shiver down his spine but Naruto held fast. Moving up to the cage, Naruto crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. Standing up straighter, he moved and seemed to slip through the bars of the cage to stand right in front of Kyuubi.



I need you to help me save a life.





Oh? And why is that?



Because it is our last hope to save him. They removed his bijuu and he died, but someone sacrificed their life to bring him back and now, with his bijuu removed, a natural body disease has taken to run it's course over his body. He's dying slowly.



Is he a friend of yours?



He held Shukaku. You remember that fight ne?



Removed his bijuu? Shukaku? The raccoon? The fox growled and got face to face with Naruto. What do you mean boy?!



I mean Subaku no Gaara needs your help. They killed him and now that he has come back to life he is dying. The fox moved back and sat down in an elegant way and seemed to think about it.



Give me time to think brat and I will get back to you.



How will you do that?



I will tell you.



Fine. Remember the conditions before you tell me what you want in return.



Fine. With that, Naruto was back in his shower, shivering from the cold. Had it really taken that long? Turning off the water, Naruto pulled a towel from the rack above the toilet and dried himself off. He dressed and walked out to find his bedroom window open. Frowning, he walked over and closed it silently, throwing out a very small signature of chakra to find who was in his house but sighed when he realized it was only Gaara. Braving himself up, Naruto dried his hair and tossed the towel onto the futon then walked out.



"Ne, Gaara, where were you this morning?"



"Out."



"I know that but where?"



"Out." He was cooking again and Naruto's stomach rumbled. Growling inwardly, Naruto moved to the kitchen and found his orange book sitting on the counter. His face paled once again at the thought that Gaara had found it and read it's contents. "Are you hungry Naruto-san?"



"Yes." Gaara handed the blond a plate that was already made and made one for himself. The red head stopped and picked up the orange book. He handed it to Naruto, looking the other teen dead in the eyes, "I only read one passage." With that, He took his plate and headed into the living room to sit and eat quietly.



Naruto held his book in one hand and his plate in the other. He set the plate down and walked out to the living room, book held to his chest, eyes hidden by his hair. His voice was low, emotionless. "What passage was it?" Gaara stopped sweating, licked his fingers clean and stood, looking at the blond.



"Twenty-fifth, fourth paragraph." he could have given the page number but by the way Naruto seemed to deflate upon himself, the blond knew which one he was talking about. Naruto started walking towards the bedroom without another word. When the blond passed Gaara, the red head turned him around and pushed his back against the wall, placing one hand on either side of his body. "Do you like me Naruto-san?" He was a hairs breath away from Naruto's face and he could see the angry embarrassment creeping onto the other teen's face.



Naruto's breath came out in small, panicking, pants. His fist was clenched tight and he couldn't look Gaara in the eyes. "I don't know." His voice was nothing but a whisper. His fist moved for the punch when Gaara's face came closer, but stopped in mid motion when he felt the faintest brush of lips against his. Naruto looked up to see emerald green eyes staring deeply into his blue ones. Gaara licked his lower lip and before he knew what he was doing, he dropped the book and wrapped his arms around Gaara's neck, letting the red head deepen the kiss.



What was he doing? Naruto was his friend and he was kissing him! Wasn't this something that you- no. No. Iruka said it could happen between the same sex, just take Kakashi and him for example. He also said that maybe Gaara should inquire, somehow, as to Naruto's feelings. Maybe he'd come out to blunt? Gaara pulled back slightly to look into Naruto's eyes. They were glazed over and Naruto's breath was slightly more even but he was still panting.



"What- what are we doing Gaara?"



"I don't know Naruto-san." The red head's voice was just as low as Narutos, a strange feeling low in his stomach starting to form. Yes he knew what an erection was and yes he knew what sex was but he didn't know this feeling. He wanted to kiss Naruto again but thought better of it, pulling away. "I'm sorry Naruto-san."



The blond put a hand over his mouth and looked a little shaken. He picked up his forgotten book and walked into his bedroom, closing the door quietly and locking it. He knew it wouldn't keep Gaara out but hopefully it would symbolize he wanted some privacy. Naruto walked over to his futon and slipped the book under the mattress, then sat down and covered his face with his hands.



What was that? Why did he do that? Why did I do that? What's the matter with me? Gods above why can't I control myself right now? The blond was shaking and slightly rocking, trying to settle his mind but it wasn't working. He'd been utterly shaken. He'd kissed a guy...well, kissed him back. It wasn't part of the plan! He wasn't supposed to get this attached! He was just supposed to keep Gaara safe and alive long enough to get the fox bastard to help and Tsunade to get the percentage of success up...that was it. No kissing involved!



Naruto let out a long breath and stood up. He looked around the room and grabbed up his weapons pack, a couple of scrolls and a small ration package before going out to grab his sandals.



"Where are you going?" Gaara was sitting back on the floor, hand on his plate of food.



"Out." Naruto stopped after he'd had his sandals on. "Don't follow me and don't leave." With that, the blond walked out the door, closing it softly behind him. Gaara actually sighed and set his plate aside. He really had done something wrong. How could he make it up to Naruto?



Naruto ran at his top speed to the hospital. Why was he going there? He needed to see Sakura. Sure, she'd be busy and probably want to kick him out but he needed to talk to her, ask her questions. He'd have to reveal a little bit about his brains but he needed answers. He walked in the front door and asked the nurse on duty where she was. The nurse wasn't giving her an answer so he just started calling out -yelling at the top of his lungs more like- for Sakura. When the nurses at the front desk had had enough of his yelling, they called Sakura and she came running out of no where.



"Naruto, what's the matter?" She was out of breath and had a worried look in her eyes. Naruto just grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the hospital. When one of the security men would have stopped him, he let out a flare of chakra and a growl that sent him back to his post. He looked worriedly at Sakura who was just staring at Naruto. "Uzumaki Naruto, stop this instant!" He didn't hear her and kept walking until he was far away from the hospital and people. He ended up on the bridge. It brought back so many memories.



"Now why did you just drag me out of the hospital?!" She slapped him in the arm and he let her go to turn away.



"I need help Sakura." His voice was low and had a small waver to it. The pink haired kunoichi stopped ranting long enough to frown and cross an arm over her chest.



"Anything Naruto, what's up?" The blond sighed and started talking, his feet moving in a pattern from one end of the bridge to the other. His hands were moving about as he talked and when he started using bigger words than anyone knew he was capable of she had to stop him. "Naruto, do you know what those words mean?"



"Of course I do or I wouldn't be using them in the correct context would I?" He was angry now. "I can't believe it! No one thinks I know anything! It's irritates me utterly and I'm sick of it! Here's a news flash Sakura, I'm not just the big, loud mouthed, idiot that everyone's familiar with you know." He sighed and sat down. "I'm smarter than I look but I don't like showing it." Rubbing his temples he continued talking, not caring if he'd hurt her feelings by being rude.



"So...let me get this straight...your worried because Gaara kissed you?"



"It's not just that." He grumbled and leaned back on his hands, looking to the sky. Sakura took a seat beside him and did the same. "I have always liked you Sakura but have been too out of it to actually tell you. I know you never liked me but you 'loved' Sasuke-" he paused and looked at her then back to the sky, "And I know I'm right so there's no sense in arguing. But that's not it. I always thought I liked you but...I was wrong. I don't know what this is with Gaara but, I can't say I hated it and that I liked it but...I kissed him back and that's what worried me. I'm not gay and the thought makes my stomach flop in a weird way."



"First of all Naruto, I only liked Sasuke. I never loved him. Sure, I said it but, well, I don't really care for him anymore and if he wasn't our teammate I would have let him go a long time ago." She held up a hand when Naruto would have objected. "He hurt us Naruto. He left us both and I still have feelings that no one knows about. Anyways. I actually have feelings for somebody else and you wouldn't believe me if I told you so I'm keeping it to myself. But, as far as what you're feeling with Gaara, I can't help you. I don't have a girl lover and couldn't possibly think of it either but maybe you should talk to Iruka-sensei or Kakashi-san." She shrugged and smiled at him. "I won't hate you if you turn out to like Gaara, Naruto. There's nothing wrong with it." She stood and dusted off her rump and took off her medical gloves and tossed them away. "I have to get back to the hospital."



"Sakura?"



"Nani?"



"Get some sleep. There are bags under your eyes and your reaction times are slowing." Sakura looked stunned and couldn't speak as Naruto stood and started walking away. "And I'd appreciate if you keep my brains to yourself and treat me like you always have. After all, everyone knows me for the big, loud mouthed idiot ne?" He laughed and walked off.



Shaking her head, Sakura turned and headed back towards the hospital, her mind reeling from the information she'd gotten from Naruto.





Naruto had walked around the entire village before he'd decided to go and talk to Iruka-sensei. He still couldn't pinpoint exactly where Kakashi lived so, by default, it was Iruka. No, he just kept telling himself that. He didn't much care for Kakashi's antics or even his attitude sometimes but he was Naruto's teammate now so he had to play nice. Sighing, Naruto knocked on the door and waited. And waited. And waited some more until finally, the door cracked open. It was Saturday so Iruka wasn't working but...he looked utterly miserable.



"Iruka-sensei?"



"What?" Iruka opened the door a little further, rubbing his eyes at the light.



"Uh...should I come back later?"



"If it's important, I am always available to you Naruto but if it's something stupid then yes, do come back later will you?"



"Well, I think it's rather important but I don't know if you might." Naruto shoved his hands in his pockets and looked to the ground, scuffing his foot back and forth.



"Damn it. Come in, come in." Iruka moved and opened the door then walked away and into the kitchen to make something full of caffeine. He made Naruto some chocolate milk and brought it in with his tea. "Here." Naruto took it and sipped it before he went off on a tangent, talking, loudly, about what happened, what he was feeling and how he certainly wasn't gay. He ended in a huff and finished his chocolate milk.



"Naruto...is there a problem with being gay?" Iruka looked slightly worried but the look went away almost immediately.



"No. I am just not gay and the thought of myself being that way makes my stomach flop in all the wrong ways."



"Ahh." Iruka chuckled a little and called to the bedroom. Naruto nearly fainted as he watched Kakashi walk out in nothing but pants and a smaller version of his mask.



"Y-you! What are you doing here?!" He was on the offensive in seconds and only registered Iruka chuckling after Kakashi held up his hands, signaling he wasn't armed. What a lie. Naruto looked back to Iruka who was blushing slightly but still chuckling. "How...why...him?!" Naruto flopped onto the chair and looked between the two of them. It just wasn't possible! "You have to be kidding me. It's a joke! It has to be." he shook his head. "You're a braver man then I thought Iruka-sensei..." He chuckled and then burst out into a fit of hysterical laughter.



Naruto's laughing turned into tears rather quickly and Iruka was there patting his back. He was so confused, so lost. He didn't know what to do. Of course he was Gaara's friend and understood him better than anyone else would but what happened wasn't justified, was it? What was the matter with him?



"Is it really so bad Naruto-kun?" Kakashi took up sitting next to him and looked to Iruka then back to the blond.



"Yes."