AN: Yep, that's right, a super speedy update! Enjoy!

Chapter 20

"Good luck Gai-sensei," Tenten whispered as he entered Kakashi's home. The girls all waited in giggling excitement. All except Tenten who was too anxious to assume the best outcome like the others. So hoped with all her heart that her sensei's wishes come true. The big lug deserved it.

The truth was, no matter how much Tenten mocked, scolded or was embarrassed by her sensei's larger than life, unique personality, she was very protective of him and cared deeply for him. She could make fun of him, but she hated others doing so. He was good, honest, passionate, hardworking and open hearted: the very best of men.

And Kakashi was lucky to have him.

Gai's love was unconditional, unwavering and warm. He never gave up on his precious people. Being his student, she was very aware of that.

So when about five minutes later, Kakashi's door flung open once again, and Gai stormed out with his face scrunching in pain, Tenten was devastated. She also felt that pain. Kakashi was calling for Gai to come back, but in those moments is was like the world had stopped and Tenten could hardly make out what the other jonin was saying. She imagined Gai was in the same predicament.

Then shortly after, Kotetsu also left Kakashi's. A deep rage was bubbling within Tenten then, but Sakura, obviously picking up on it, put a hand on her shoulder.

"Look he was kicking the other guy out, so it can't be what it seems."

"It is exactly what it seems; you're sensei is nothing but a whore. He kept it from Gai sensei and betrayed him, obviously enjoying the attention-"

"Shut. Up." Sakura replied, grinding her teeth, her green eyes flashing. "Since you are upset, I will pretend I didn't hear that."

Tenten opened her mouth, about to respond in the negative, but Ino put a hand on her lips. "Don't. This is messy enough without you two at each other's throats. Now come on, we have to go after Gai-sensei and make sure he is OK."

"How could he be OK after that?!"

"Oh, you know what I mean. We need to be there for Gai-sensei right now, so let's go."

"Wait," Sakura said, determined. "I'm not coming with you."

"Why on earth not?" Ino demanded. Tenten looked at her like she was a traitor.

"I need to speak with my sensei. Something is going on, Kakashi sensei is a closed off, introverted person. He needs a push to make things right, he doesn't deal with feeling well- his own or anyone else's."

"Fine," Tenten huffed. "You go comfort the man who hurt Gai-sensei. I am going to help the one who truly needs us." And with that the brunette hurried off.

Hinata and Ino gave Sakura a worried look. "She will come around, she was just upset," Hinata offered. "Make sure Kakashi-sensei is OK too."

And with a nod of the head, they left too.

For the second time that say, and fourth in the last twenty-four hours, Kakashi's door was knocked. The silver haired man in question was sat on sofa with his head in his hands mumbling 'shit, shit, shit' over and over again. He knew he needed to find Gai and explain, but what then? What if Gai didn't believe him? What if Gai didn't want to see him again? But then, what if Gai did believe him and repeated last night's sentiments? What would Kakashi say?

Arghhhhh. He grabbed his hair with his hands, confused, frustrated, and yes he admitted it, cowardly. He just wasn't sure if he was ready to face Gai yet, but he couldn't leave it like this! What the hell should he do now?

That was when he was interrupted. He considered ignoring the door in case it was that annoying chuunin again. He couldn't believe how much trouble Kotetsu had cause, and couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than he was letting on. He had been flustered by the man and his first encounter with a man, and found him attractive at first, but after that meal with Gai, and his confession... he didn't even want to consider such a flirtation.

"Kakashi-sensei, I know you're in there! It's me, Sakura."

Kakashi sighed. "Now is really not the time Sakura. If it isn't a mission please go and I will find you later."

"Oh no you don't; it is about Gai-sensei. I need to talk to you now, sensei."