Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!
Notes from the author: Um so this is sort of my first Naruto fanfiction. It's set during the time gap between the normal Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. I thought I would do a story about Gai and Kakashi because they're my favorite characters. I've always wondered if Gai had a secret, quiet self that he kept hidden so I decided to write it out! Plus I'm getting a bit jittery for the first day of school and need something to distract me. Reviews are welcome. I hope you like! Thanks for reading! :D
Lean On Me
Maito Gai stood alone in his room. He started filling out the papers littered on the floor. His wet hair, from his shower, dripped ever so slightly on one of the mission report papers. The black glasses that he used only when reading slid down his nose until they were almost falling off. His normal boisterous demeanor was replaced with a quieter one only when in his own home. The clock besides his desk read "11:38 pm" The bright neon green lights blinked rapidly against the black background. "How did it get so late?" He whispered. "I guess time flies when you're having fun." Gai turned his head slightly, acknowledging Kakashi, who, positioned in the window, held out one hand in greeting. "Is there something I can help you with?" The grey haired man's expression turned into bewilderment at his calm welcome from Gai, "Uh, yeah. Lady Tsunade wants us." When his friend didn't make any indication from moving from his desk chair Kakashi said, "Now."
"You two have an A-rank mission. It's stationed mainly in the land of Earth." Kakashi glanced at Gai, hoping to see his expression, but Gai wore the same somber look that he did back home.
"The goal of this mission is to find the scroll of gifted seals and bring it back to the village. Some of our spies there have some guesses as to where the scroll is, but nothing is for sure."
"Have no fear Lady Tsunade! My eternal rival and I will find the scroll of gifted seals and bring it to the village!" Gai said while flinging his thumb out. As usual, the hokage sighed and nodded, "I'm sure, but as far as this mission goes, I'm leaving Kakashi in charge. Any questions?"
Kakashi's one eye rested on Tsunade. "Will there be anyone guarding this scroll?"
"There will be people protecting the scroll, but there is not one designated guard. Leave tomorrow morning while it's still dark."
Taking this last statement as their dismissal, Kakashi turned to Gai after they started walking on the streets, "Is there something bothering you Gai?" The said ninja lit up in a smile, with his teeth twinkling, "Of course not Kakashi! I was just thinking before!" Kakashi's brow furrowed, thinking? Gai, a genuinely nice person, was not the type to think things over; he was the type to try and overpower his opponent, not think out a strategy. But as both of them achieved the rank of jounin, Kakashi let well enough alone.
They met at the arranged time before the sun shone. "I don't expect there to be any problems on the way to the land of Earth, but once we get there, we'll be disguised as weary, travelers. We don't have a home, as we travel around the lands. Here's your costume." Gai took the clothing without a word. This display of calmness alarmed Kakashi. Kakashi, thinking about the mission placed a hand on Gai's shoulder before they set out. "Whatever's been bothering you, get it out of your head. Only the mission matters." His teammate shook his head, "Of course Kakashi, I'm just a little tired. That's all!" He said while smiling and laughing. What Gai said wasn't totally false. Kakashi could clearly see the circles ringed under the sensei's eyes, not to mention without his green spandex and ninja headband, he actually looked like a weary traveler. 'But what's been keeping him awake?' Kakashi thought. He would have to tell Tsunade about this once the mission ended.
They drilled each other about their identities on the way to the land of Earth. On the third day, they stopped for a night's rest. They ran almost full speed on the first day and half of the second day. The other half of the second day they ran at 75% speed. They both could go on, but if anything should go wrong they would need their strength. When both of the jounin had settled into their sleeping bags, Kakashi noticed the look from four nights ago overtake his friend. That sort of grave, unsettled, humorless stare that made Kakashi curious to figure out what made the Beautiful Green Beast of Konoha fall into a desperate funk. Usually the copycat ninja tried to find ways around Gai so he wouldn't have to deal with the whole youthful and thunderous attitude, but now he was almost praying for it.
"Gai, what is it?" It was now that he realized a light sheen of sweat covered Gai's forehead, where his headband would normally be.
"I have to go to the bathroom." Kakashi blinked once, then twice.
"Okay, I'll wait here."
The black haired adult got up and went into the forest. Once Kakashi was certain Gai was gone, he searched through his pack. To his surprise the pack held pills. He could hear Gai's footsteps through the leaves, and quickly placed the pills back in there normal spot. Kakashi lifted his headband ever so slightly off his eye to see Gai place another pill container back with the other one. Any normal person wouldn't notice it. Even now Kakashi, worried about his friend and the mission, watched Gai closely, and just barely caught the lightly labored breathing. Kakashi had one last thought before falling asleep, 'What is bothering you Gai?'
What's wrong with Gai? And why is Kakashi the only one to notice it? Can Kakashi figure out what's wrong with his friend before Gai messes up the mission? Or will he leave Gai to sort out his personal problems himself? See what happens when one person exams another, and just how fast a friendship grows when someone needs a shoulder to lean on.