The Best Friend Rush

by Freez-DeathLiver

ShikaChou mostly. It's funny when you get past chapter one. Naruto is having problems with love and stuff and these two are forced to help. NaruSasuke NaruGaara Lee... He's there too.

4. Wha?

A/N: OMG. I'm so sorry it took this long to update... Though, for a long while... 2 weeks I actually thought this story would never be continued. Though... NOW ITS BACK. MUHAHAHAHA.

Have fun with all of the crazy-ness...

Chapter 4: Wha...?

Shikamaru out and out groaned in frustration. Well, fine then, if they weren't going to move Lee's body, then he'd have to. Really, how hard would it be to wait a few seconds well one of them kicked him out of the way? Why the hell were they fighting, anyway? Shoving his hands into his pockets, he grumbled to himself and kicked a Naruto bunshin out of his way, not even noticing how it disappeared with a poof. 'And those two are going to be too busy drooling to do a damn thing...how completely annoying, they should just jump Naruto and get it over with...' He stood over Lee's unconscious body and started prodding it with his foot.

Gaara was the happiest he'd been since Naruto asked him to hug him. Don't laugh; Gaara doesn't experience much in his life to make him happy. But you see, having the only one you've ever liked fighting shirtless, with the sun shining down and muscles sliding under flesh and beads of sweat sliding down skin (was the fight that hard, or was it really as hot as he felt?)...Gaara could have died being pretty damn close to being the happiest man alive. No he couldn't, not yet--he'd yet to kiss Naruto after all, not to mention everything else...

Sasuke, the lucky bastard, already kissed him. Not the proper kind though, but it did take him a while to let go that time...but that was a long ass time ago. And the boy that his dobe had grown up to be...grown up my ass, but still, he was pretty damn hot! And he didn't mind in the least when one of Naruto's bunshins flew back into him--rather, he was sad as hell when it vanished with a poof of smoke. But it looked like it had winked at him...

Naruto gave a grunt as he fell back as his others attacked Chouji more head on like. Blades went flying through the air, hitting each other and being dodged by the bodies of the fighters as Chouji hastily tried to think something up to save him from the very... Agile? Strong? Whatever Naruto.

Lee woke with a start, looking around himself with slight confusion. He then felt that foot in his side and went to give a small glare at its owner before stopping with gleaming eyes at Shikamaru's form.

"Shika!" Lee said, bounding up and wrapping his arms around Shikamaru in a tight hug.

Chouji immediately stopped dodging to watch this. Naruto his hit in the side, only to have no effect as a very pissed off looking Chouji paid no heed to Naruto's attack. Naruto glared at him before looking in the direction that fat-ass was... Uh-oh...

Gaara was daydreaming. You could tell from the way his eyes glazed over and...No you couldn't, his eyes glazed over when he thought of blood, too. But he wasn't thinking of blood. He was thinking of Naruto, wishing with all his might that the fat one would send him flying back into Gaara's awaiting arms. Sands be damned if they tried to deny him that touch. It wasn't fair that the Uchiha got to have his own Uzumaki thrown into his arms, even if it did disappear right away.

Sasuke was currently clinging for his life at the edge of the stairs. Okay, not his life, because apparently he's some sorta bad-ass ninja and just refuses to die. Bastard. But anyway, the Naruto clone's knocking into him had sent him reeling back and flipping over the edge of the building, and he was now gripping the railing that magically appeared there. He flipped himself back up so as to avoid fan girls, and was met with the sight of a worried Naruto. Oh, and Rock Lee hugging Nara with a pissed-looking Akimichi watching the entire thing...hey, Gaara's not paying attention...opportunity

time...

'What. The. Fucking. Hell...' was all that went through Shika's head. Because Shikamaru's not like Rock Lee fan girls, or Gai-Sensei. He doesn't get filled to the brink with over-joying-happiness. Oh hell no he doesn't. And if his sudden petrifying stillness and bulging eyes meant anything, not to mention the nervous sweating over the murderous intention coming from Chouji...oh boy. He was going to die. If Chouji didn't kill him, he would kill Lee, which would cause Neji and Tenten and Gai and maybe even Sakura after he and Chouji, and that wouldn't be fun. "Lee, what the hell...?"

Naruto was staring with wide eyes and an opened mouth in shock at them now. What the hell was Lee thinking? He's asking for it now...

Chouji's thoughts where those of Naruto's as he began to take heavily angered steps towards Lee and Shika.

Lee seemed to have noticed Chouji advancing and pulled away from Shika with a large blush on his face. "I-I'm sorry... I guess I couldn't help myself..." In a flash of movement, both Naruto and Chouji where on Lee, punching the poor boy into the ground.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!" Naruto asked Lee with an angered tone, his fist pushing Lee farther into the ground...

"YEAH... Wait... Naruto?" Chouji asked as he turned to look at the boy, absently pulling his fist out of Lee's body.

Naruto growled in his throat before getting off of the abused and knocked out Lee. "Couldn't help myself... Lee deserved it... felt like helping ya' out Chouji..." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Chouji with an apologetic look.

Sasuke was a little annoyed; it showed in the way he scowled and his eyeball twitched. Naruto moving to punch Lee into the ground was not part of the plan. The plan was now ruined. Not really, Gaara still wasn't really paying attention. At least, he didn't think he was; but Gaara's eyes had followed Naruto's every move, it just didn't look like he was actually taking anything in. Sasuke does just have to risk it.

Gaara had no idea what Uchiha was up to. Hell, he didn't even know what Naruto was up to. But he had to admit, he was tempted to beat on the green one as well--Naruto did it, it had to have been fine. Maybe it was National Punch-Green-Jumpsuit-Wearing-People-Into-Ground Day for Fire Country? Anyway, all he knew for sure was that Naruto was very appealing. He completely missed the way Sasuke easily slunk across the roof, not quite in Gaara's range of sight (which was basically trained on Naruto and Naruto only).

Shikamaru stumbling back and landed on his ass when the Lee-beating began. Okay, the hug had been awkward and not-wanted, but damn--he didn't know Chouji was so possessive. The fact that Naruto had helped out to didn't seem to register with him. "Uh..." Something caught his eye, and since he's a human and all, and did feel the tiniest bit sorry for Lee (why had he hugged him though, was he as mental as his sensei?), he thought he'd direct Chou and Naru's attention elsewhere. "Uchiha, what are you sneaking up on Naruto like you're gonna jump and ravish him?"

Naruto immediately turned to look at what the hell was going on. He saw Sasuke and jumped away, almost going to run behind Gaara... Wait, he did run behind Gaara... Naruto gave worried look at the sky before squatting and hitting himself in the head repeatedly.

Chouji corked an eyeball before standing and going to help Shikamaru up off the ground.

Lee gave a groan and shook his head, sitting up off of the ground slightly. Lee rubbed his head before turning a death glare to Chouji's turned back.

Shikamaru took Chouji's offered hand and made a soft "omph" sound as he was pulled up. Mission accomplished. They weren't beating Lee to a pulp, so he and Chouji (and Naruto too, not that he was worried about him) wouldn't be beaten to a bloody pulp. Okay. He lied. Because now Sasuke was looking at him with a kunai drawn and eyes shadowed, and he was twitching and trembling and over-all looking very insane. Oh yeah, and Shika hadn't let go of Chouji's hand yet, isn't that sweet?

Sasuke's thought process-- 'KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL !KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL !KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL !KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!KILL!' Oh dear, how very sorry I feel for Shikamaru right now...the only thing that could save him would be 1) the sudden appearance of Itachi, my, wouldn't that be convenient, 2) Naruto begging and pleading---what for didn't have to be specific, he just loved the way the dobe looked like that. But anyway, he was actually mumbling it now, "killkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkillkill". No spaces either.

Gaara is quite used to loosing his mind; he doesn't care about Uchiha's problem. He only cares about the fact that Naruto had run to hide behind himself when he found out that Uchiha was about to jump him. Oh yeah, he'd really have to kill Sasuke later. Not now though, he had to protect his precious person. Which started by crouching down and roughly grabbing his wrists. "Stop that," he said simply and sand swirled protectively around the two of them.

"Say what?" Naruto said, looking up towards Gaara. "ohh..." Naruto mumbled and looked towards the ground, the faintest of a blush on his cheeks. Naruto sighed and looked back up to Gaara, leaning forward slightly. He didn't have eyes behind his back, but could tell that Sasuke was about to flip...

Chouji was looking at Shikamaru, not letting his hand go, before seeing Shika's face. Chouji turned to glare at Sasuke, just incase... Wait... What was Naruto doing!

Naruto then decided to close the distance between himself and Gaara by pecking the other on the lips softly with his own. Naruto's eyes had shut a focused look on his face once the contact was made.

It lasted only a second before Naruto pulled away with a dreamy look on his face, watching Gaara's reaction.

Shika's grip tightened a fraction upon seeing Naruto's actions. It was about then he actually noticed he was still holding Chouji's hand. No matter, it wasn't too tedious, he could keep doing so. Mind ya; he flushed slightly as he shoved his other hand into his pocket. His eyes were trained on the spectacle of the lifetime--Naruto didn't blush much with that expression on his face.

Sasuke died. No, seriously. I'm not kidding. He tripped on Lee's feet and fell to his death, being impaled by his own kunai. Alright, you got me, that's just how I wish things happened. But the moron just won't die, as I've said before. He did trip though, though it was on a crack in the roof. Hmph, some badass ninja he turned out to be.

Gaara, though you likely wouldn't notice, is like Naruto. Not in the obvious ways, mind you. He's like Naruto in that he does things now and thinks about the consequences later. So what do you think he did? Well, duh, grabbed Naruto by the scruff of his shirt and crushed their lips together. And yes, the sand stayed down!

Lee was now glaring at Shikamaru and Chouji's hands before looking towards Naruto and Gaara. Lee looked for a moment... Before falling over in shock again. fainting... AGAIN. I just needed to get him out of the way for the moment...

Chouji felt Shika's grip tighten as he tightened his own, chuckling slightly at Sasuke's position at the moment...

Naruto was shocked to say the least... Though he couldn't really complain about anything... Naruto also leaned into the kiss, licking at Gaara's lips, wanting to get more into the kiss. He didn't really care for Sasuke... Like he should be at the moment... instead, he just let himself get dragged away in Gaara's warmth and feel.

You know the great thing about kiss scenes in books and movies and stuff? The two kissing are usually great at it and know what to do just right. Of course, this is no exception. Gaara was all too happy to open his mouth, tongue zipping out immediately to meet Naruto's. One of Gaara's hands left their place from Naruto's wrists and easily pushed on the back of the blonde's head, forcing him closer. Gaara's world now consisted of himself, Naruto, and their duel of tongues.

Sasuke's world consisted of pain from where he had scraped his knee, poor little baby. He probably wouldn't have noticed the little kissing scene if not for the fact that everyone on the roof was staring at it, and Gaara had (unknowingly) let out a possessive growl. Sasuke's face twisted into a furious snarl and his sharingan snapped to life. Fuck peace-treaties and alliances, that sand bastard was not going to make out with Naruto in front of him and get away with it!...Now, if only he could move.

Yeah remember the time limit for Shikamaru's shadow-binding-technique? It's about five minutes, give or take depending on chakra levels. Shika's chakra level was normal, so that gave Naruto and Gaara about five minutes worth of make-out time if they so desired. They better thank him, hopefully by saving his scrawny ass once Sasuke was set free. The only thing that annoyed Shika right now, though, was that he'd had to let go of Chouji's hand in order to complete the jutsu. He rather liked holding Chou's hand.

Chouji gave a sigh, watching Gaara and Naruto and figuring out Shika's plan, he had to let his angels hand go... Wait... ANGEL? Now Chouji was going mad in his own mind...

Naruto wasn't sure if he wanted top or bottom at the moment, so he just let Gaara lead... Wait...? when did Gaara learn to kiss? oh, well. Naruto was liking this too much at the moment to care...

Naruto's tongue moved over Gaara's, saliva mixing with the others. Naruto's hands went to Gaara's chest as he pushed lightly, wanting the contact to break at the moment. This wasn't good... Going way too far... where was Sasuke? Why wasn't he attacking? All of these Q's needed to be answered before the make-out session could continue in Naruto's mind.

Shikamaru wasn't doing much. He didn't dare try to get Sasuke into a humiliating position, like he had way back when with Dosu--anyone else remember that? Good times...anyway, he knew for sure that Sasuke would catch and kill him if he even tried that. And he rather liked living. So he just kinda stood there and watched the kissing of the demon-hosts. Lucky bastard, what I'd give to see that...anyway.

Sasuke was struggling against the jutsu for all of a few seconds before he realized that, duh, he had the sharingan! And this guy was the top of his class? I mean, really...Neji would own him. But anyway, yeah, he was now patiently waiting for Shikamaru to realize that Sasuke was steadily switching the tables, so that Sasuke would catch Shika's shadow.

Gaara? Don't talk to him; he's trying to get some. Though one has to admit, Naruto's pulling away about now wasn't helping much. Gaara didn't like the idea of loosing his beloved contact with Naruto. So what did he do? Compromised the situation. He (rather reluctantly) released Naruto's lips, breath coming heavy and heated. He didn't give a fuck what the others looked like, but apparently Naruto did. Gaara busied himself with marking Naruto as his--yes, he moved his lips to Naruto's neck and began to suck.

Naruto's eyes widened at this considerably. 'Wha-wha...! Was Gaara...? yes... yes... he was... weird... though... ok?' and that was Naruto's thoughts as he let Gaara suck on his neck. Naruto was also breathing kinda harshly, the feeling on his neck turning him on slightly as he moved towards the touch...

Chouji was staring wide-eyed at this now... ok...? wha? since when did Naruto like for people to mark him? especially people who controlled sand and where out to kill the person that stole your first kiss... whatever... all Chouji 'really' cared about was Shikamaru.

Lee sighed and went to stand, and...

ATTACK SHIKA!

Lee walked over to Shika slowly again. Hoping to win him over against the fat-ass. Chouji shouldn't even have a chance with Shikamaru... Shika was just too smart... and... and... handsome and... Sexy...

Lee let his mind wonder as he placed himself in front of Shikamaru's vision and smirked at him cutely, or as cute as Lee could get. Lee didn't even notice that Shikamaru was trying to keep Sasuke down at the moment.

Oh, FUCK NO! There was no way in the seven levels of HELL that Sasuke was letting the freaky sand guy get away with marking HIS Naruto! And it was rather scary how quickly he broke out of the jutsu, completely abandoning the idea of controlling Shikamaru into doing something potentially lethal. Sasuke ran like the wind toward the blond and the red-head, not even sure what he was going to do when he reached

them.

Shikamaru scowled as Sasuke broke away from him, but what the hell did they expect him to do! Mission to make Naruto take a breather? Bullshit, nobody could complete that mission. Shika wasn't putting his ass on the line because Naruto was too busy flirting and making out with the two boys in turn to realize how much shit he was stirring up. (My my, what foul language my boys seem to have tonight. And yes, poor Lee hasn't been noticed yet, he will be "momentarily" though.)

Gaara was not worried, he was happy. Why be worried over the interference of the stupid Uchiha anyway? He was just like a fly...a rather dangerous fly when pissed off, sure, but Gaara had managed to make the other run scared in their last match. Well, kinda anyway. But who cares, he was quite happy as he was. Oh yeah, did I mention that Gaara's other hand had started traveling down Naruto's torso? Well, it's kinda just hovering hesitantly over----right, blunt then; he was cupping Naruto through his pants. Goddamit Gaara, keep that stuff away from virgin eyes like Lee!

Naruto's eyes where closing dreamily now, falling into Gaara with his touches. Naruto was snapped out of it though when he felt Gaara's hand cup him. WHOA. Wait a min… him and Gaara weren't even going out…. Sheesh. It felt good and all… but… Gaara was definitely up-front with this…. Naruto immediately drew away, really confused right now, as it was all over his face.

God... Gaara was 'way' too much for poor Naruto at the moment...

Naruto was on his feet in seconds, not breaking eye contact with Gaara at all. He spoke calmly when addressing Sasuke though. "Sasuke….?" He asked, still not breaking eye contact with Gaara. "Why do you like me…?"

Chouji sighed as he watched the love triangle unfold… he kept taking side glances at Lee and Shikamaru though…. Just to be sure nothing was going on with them….

Lee turned to watch also, now just interested. He had kinda gotten over most of the shock… most…

Gaara stared up at Naruto's eyes, a faint pink blush showing clearly on his pale skin. He wasn't that used to this type of stuff, really----he had no idea how far too-far was in all honesty. But apparently, he had gone "too far". He felt...odd. Not really ashamed, because he was anything but that...he didn't know what he felt.

The corners of Shikamaru's lips tugged downward slightly, though there was a part of him that was very amused. This part is the side of Shikamaru we don't see that often--it's a wonder her even exists, but he's locked up real tight inside the Shika we all know and love. It was his own "inner Shikamaru" to a certain extent; but it wasn't, really. Because this part of him was thinking, 'Hey, will I still get paid for this if they resolve this without my help?'

'Sasuke, why do you like me? Sasuke, why do you like me? Sasuke, why do you like me? Sasuke, why do you like me? Sasuke, why do you like me? Sasuke, why do you like me?' The question, which initially hit him like a Mack truck, ran through is head at a million miles per hour. He froze, less than a foot from Naruto and Gaara. The three of them had gained everyone's attention. Hell, even a few birds had stopped to watch the spectacle. But all Sasuke was aware of was Naruto. Naruto, who was looking at Gaara, not at him. "Naruto..."

Naruto's eyes turned to look at Sasuke; tears could be seen on the side of his face, threatening to fall at any moment. Naruto let his eyes bore into Sasuke.

"Well...?" Naruto asked, slightly worried and anxious of an answer.

Chouji gaped. Wow...

Lee had the same look on his face. Was this getting interesting or what? What was Sasuke going to reply? And what was the reason of Naruto asking in the first place? it had looked like Naruto and Gaara where about to do it... Lee looked at them worriedly now.

Gaara glanced at Uchiha with eyes as cold and blank as ice, threatening, even now, that he'd better not hurt Naruto. He averted his eyes to the blond once again, a slight tremor running down his spine. Neither Sasuke nor Naruto noticed.

Shikamaru slowly lowered his head to the ground, finding the situation to be all too dramatic for him to witness. Normally, he couldn't care less about Sasuke's actions, but he didn't want to see Naruto cry. That was something way too personal. He couldn't block of his hearing though. But he did close his eyes and shake his head slightly; 'Naruto...how do you get yourself into these situations...'

Sasuke took a step closer to Naruto, never breaking eye contact with him. Another. And another. He raised his hand slowly, eyes shaking as his thought raced as if running a marathon. "Naruto," his hand trembled for half a second, and he clenched it to steady himself. He closed his eyes and opened them again, a second longer than a mere blink, to sink into baby-blue. It came tumbling out; "Naruto...I like you because you're the closest thing to a best friend that I have, that I've ever had. You accepted me no matter what, really accepted me. You won't allow anyone to control you; you're true to yourself no matter what." Sasuke lowered his eyes a fraction, internally scowling at himself. He wasn't explaining himself well enough, his words were useless. Hell, Naruto never understood words as well as he did raw emotion...

Naruto looked down, away from Sasuke. So it was Naruto's fault that Sasuke liked him... Interesting to say the least... Naruto's gaze returned to Sasuke with a small smile. "Ok... Thanks..."

Naruto then turned to Gaara. Looking at him intently. "And... Why do you like me?" Naruto didn't let his gaze waver. He wasn't really sure at the moment where he was going with this... But it was somewhere good... or at least he hoped it was...

Chouji stared wide eyed at all of this, really confused. Say what?
Lee corked an eyebrow, staring at Gaara's face for the reaction to Naruto's question.

...That was it? Just an "Okay, thanks"? Well...damn...that kinda sucks. Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets again, balling them into fists behind the cover of the cloth.

Shikamaru sighed in frustration, a quiet breath of air laced with so much annoyance it was positively dripping. So it wasn't really laced, but still.

Gaara's pale green eyes, meanwhile, were looking deep into Naruto's bright blue ones. Bright blue eyes that were darker now, for some reason; it was easier to see the years worth of pain. For Gaara at least, but that doesn't mean much, because he's Gaara, and there's nobody else quite like him. Well, besides..."I'm not one for sweet words or emotions, Naruto. You should know this. But you should know--I can't help but be attracted to you. You are like me. Nobody else could ever understand what you, what I, feel. Naruto...you are..." Gaara paused, not to be dramatic or romantic, but to think of a word that would best describe what needed to be said. He came up with, "...special. Special to me."

Naruto nodded once, taking all of this in. He gave a moment of silence before looking up with a sigh and turning to each in return with a large grin.

Chouji gave a small cough... knowing all to well where this was heading at the moment. Lee, on the other hand, was too upset to care about Sasuke's and Gaara's love confessions to the blond idiot. He was busy staring at Shikamaru and his reactions to things. Plus, he was keeping an angry glare at Chouji...

Naruto's smile turned into a smirk, deciding to pick on poor Sasuke first. He moved towards the other boy slowly, a predatory look on his face, hands at the ready.

Gaara crossed his arms across his chest, the tiniest of frowns dancing across his lips. It wasn't dancing, but that's a fun word--it was just kind of twitching.

Shikamaru took that moment to look up. People hadn't been killed yet, there wasn't any killing aura, and he hadn't been impaled by kunai. Seemed save enough. Riiiight. But you see, he looked up to see Lee standing...right...there...Which was awkward, because Chouji was also right there. And it was strange. Very very very...'okay, let's just look back down at the ground, it's safer that way...'

Sasuke looked at Naruto out of the corner of his eye, blushing and scowling and pretending that he hadn't spouted out sweet and girly words a few moments prior. But we know. We know, Sasuke, oh we know...

Lee smirked at Shika's direction, taking in the view of the other. Shikamaru was amazing... Beautiful to say the least... Or so Chouji and Lee thought...

Shika had a good body, not to buff and not too skinny, his hair probity looked really sexy when sown... and wet...

Naruto continued his advance, licking his lips now. "Sasuke..." He said this in a low and husky voice. "I want to play a game with you and Gaara. though... I'll need a favor from you first..." Naruto's smirk widened as the distance was just a couple of feet now.

Chouji was now glaring at Lee, hatefully I might add. And his hands where resting on his weapons, hating Shika's obliviation and Lee's sneering look.

Shikamaru is an oblivious moron. He doesn't know what people think of him, that people fantasize about him with his hair down. He doesn't know that Lee is currently practically drooling at him. But he does know he's staring--but Shika's that kinda guy who thinks people look at him because he's got something on his face. Ya know them, the really hot ones in their own way, but they're extremely modest? Shika.

A game? Naruto wanted to play a game? Well, fine, but there better be violence involved. Of some sort; it's not like he was making it a rule that he had to be allowed to kill somebody. But that would be a really good rule. Why the hell was he talking like that though, he should know by now what it does to people!

Sasuke gulped. And three beads of sweat made their way down his face. On either side. And he cried happily on the inside, because we all know how whipped Naruto has him.

Naruto's stopped and straightened up, still smirking at Sasuke. "Ready...?" He said folding his arms in a knowing manner, loving the look on Sasuke's face. "I need to know..." Naruto trailed off... then added all child-like. "what kind of sexual things have you thought about having with me...?" He turned his head towards Gaara, "I also want an answer from you... plus..." he turned back to Sasuke."I want details too. like what exactly and stuff..." Naruto nodded, done with the questions and waiting for the answers.

Lee was about to take action on Shikamaru... Chouji just knew it... He needed to stop that... thing before it touched his Shika... Chouji's arm went out stretched as he grabbed close to Shikamaru's elbow and pulled the other boy to him.

Lee was surprised at first, at Chouji's actions, before glaring like mad. Chouji had brought Shika into a hug. Shika's back was to Chouji's stomach and Chouji's arms where dangling loosely around Shikamaru's head.

Oh god. Oh God. Oh fucking GOD! What in the HELL kind of mind did that boy have! Shikamaru did not want to hear this, no he did not; he'd rather NOT get the images of a crazy-eyed-avenge-seeking-twat and a demon-hosting-sand-controlling-no-sleeping-psycho's frikken sexual fantasies stuck in his head! No sir, he was not going to here this, he was going to...get wrapped up in Chouji's embrace. Hell, some things are worth sacrificing.

Sasuke had a heart attack. It showed in the way his eyes bulged out and the blood raced throughout his body but away from his face, so it was a strange combination of a bloodless-blushing face----don't ask me how he managed that, he's magic I guess.

"What do you--what the hell--DOBE! You can't just...for fuck's sake..." He's speechless with glee, really.

Gaara seemed to think about it, and he made up his mind. Rather quickly might I add. He nodded stiffly. "Alright." He liked the sound of this game--who cares in the others hear. If they make any stupid comments, he can hurt them. Not kill--Naruto might not like that, judging from their interactions earlier.

Naruto smirked at Sasuke, "Yup." He then said the next with a greedy voice. "Tell me..." He then turned towards Gaara. "Or..." Naruto took a few strides towards Gaara then, walking up close to the boy, practically leaning on Gaara's shoulder, facing Sasuke. "I could just... Listen to Gaara, and let him win the game automatically..." Naruto's plan was awesome. YAY.

Chouji gave a giggle, still holding Shika lightly, not wanting Shikamaru to get any discomfort. He was loving this 'Naruto Game Show' at the moment. Better then anything else he had ever seen. plus the situation he was in himself... holding Shika and all... Pure Bliss...

Lee was fuming beyond belief as he stared at Shika and Chouji. 'NO WAY IN HELL WAS THAT FAT-ASS GETTING HIS SHIKA.' this was the thought process that went through Lee's mind as he watched them, refraining from attacking the two, mostly Chouji in this case.

Remember Sasuke, breathe. Take in air through the nose, deep breathes--and then let it out through the mouth. Breathe in, breathe out. It calms nerves and stops people from killing one-another...that's the basic idea at least. They're probably lying about that though..."...FINE THEN!" See, Sasuke? You did well; all you did was scare away those birds that had started to peck at some bread crumbs that magically appeared in that little corner. What a minute, what the hell, where did they come from anyway!

Gaara smirked. Then he scowled. He had almost won. Dammit, why couldn't Uchiha just back out? Well, it's not like he could beat Gaara...Oh, how wonderful it is to have Naruto so close. Kissing and fondlling him at the same time is much better, and he could say this because he's done both, but still. But what he'd like to do...Sasuke was going first though...Gaara was curious.

Shikamaru didn't like standing for so long. But now he had Chouji holding on to him, so he could lean back and everything. And insanity melted away in Chouji's arms. So did mental scarring and burning eyes. Today was just way too weird...what with confessions of love, love-triangles, fooling around, stupidly-assigned-missions, and Lee...sleep would be so welcomed…

Naruto glared at Sasuke before yelling at the other boy, "THEN GET ON WITH IT." He then gave a small blush at his own eagerness. "f-fine... Gaara, you first." He leaned on Gaara a little more before turning to Gaara's ear happily. "And speak up... I don't want to miss anything..." Naruto said this in a small purr. Very happy with this game.

All Naruto could think about at the moment was Gaara's confession... Naruto just couldn't wait to hear the sand god speak about the fantasies he had about Naruto... Bliss...

Lee was about to launch an attack when Chouji's arms reclined from Shika's neck, though his right hand rested on Shika's shoulder. Chouji leaned in closer, whispering into the others ear. "I-I... Can we go...?"

Chouji was trying to his his evident blush as he turned his body away from Lee ever so slightly. When he had been holding Shikamaru... Well... dirty thoughts... had lead to an uncomfortable situation...

Shikamaru had noticed this situation of Chouji's. And he couldn't help but feel a bit pleased, a small smirk spreading across his lips. But he is the modest type, remember, so he also looked away slightly. And his cheeks raised half a degree in temperature. He was getting way too tired to blush even half as much as he had done before. But the blush heated up when Chouji's situation caused his own mind to start racing. Not half as much as Chouji's, believe it or not, but still.

Gaara paused for a second to turn his gaze so that his eyes locked with Naruto's. There was a devilish gleam in his eyes and a perverted smirk on his face. It was a rather appealing sight. "Loud enough to disturb the general public, or just loud enough to make Uchiha uncomfortable?" Gaara is rather sadistic and blunt, isn't he? Then there is the fact that that sentence could have been taken into mind in a completely different context...

Sasuke now completely and utterly understood why his brother was crazy. Maybe he got into a love triangle with somebody. Kakashi and somebody else...maybe Iruka...But anyway! He understood and he sympathized and he wondered why he hadn't killed everyone yet. Or just the competition.

Naruto smirked at the sand 'god' before cocking his head to the side and letting his eyes go unfocused in deep thought. 'should I make Gaara scream it or something? that would be very fun and hilarious... but, nah.' it didn't take long for the dense Naruto to form a plan, as he then turned full attention to Gaara. "Just enough for Sasuke... I want to see his face..." Naruto gave a very wide smile as he then, because he was so close to Gaara anyways, gave the other boy a quick peck on the cheek.

Lee was looking at Chouji, trying to figure out what the fat-ass was talking about... Did he need to see his mom or something... poor Lee and his 10-year-old mind...

Chouji gave a small sigh, deciding to play with Shikamaru instead of running. Chouji stood up to Shika, pressing his front into Shika's back. Let's just say that Shika could feel something...

Shika stiffened--meaning his body, not just a certain part of him. His arms snapped to his sides and his eyes widened and he very calmly hissed, "Not here you moron...someplace else, anywhere else, just not here!" He was perfectly sure that only Chouji had heard that. And if Rock heard that, well, it's not like he would comprehend the meaning of that anyway. Such an innocent completely naive boy...

Sasuke didn't like this game anymore. He really didn't. It was horrible, Naruto was becoming a sadistic bastard in an uncool way, and Gaara got an extra kiss. This game sucked. He wasn't winning, therefore, it was a stupid game and he shouldn't be playing it anymore...but the price was WAY too good to give up. Okay, so all he had to do was listen to Gaara's fantasies about Naruto...and not kill him for thinking of Naru like that (because only HE could, damn you!). All he had to do with the scarring mental images this would invoke is replace Gaara with himself, and everything would be fine! Fine I tell you, fine!

Gaara opened his mouth, tongue starting to move about and lips forming words that made no sound. Why did they make no sound? Well, because, he was rather rudely interrupted. Interrupted by a rather brash and loud voice--"OI! Some of us don't want to hear shit like that, dumb-asses!"

Ah Kiba, how we love you so. But who is that with him?

Chouji, to say, was at least a little discouraged by Shikamaru's reply, pulling away just as Kiba shouted out his reply to Naruto and his 'game'. What was Kiba doing here? Chouji thought, staring at the dog boy and the person with him.

Lee looked a little stunned. K-Kiba? ow weird...
Naruto glared, "Why thanks for ruining my fun, dog-boy..." Naruto nearly sneered. He took his arm from around Gaara to glare.

Sakura was staring at Naruto wide-eyed. this was... amazing. He was defiantly all over Gaara... what is this? why was Sasuke even here, listening to this? 'I thought Naruto liked me... One burden off of my back now...' she gave a small smile to herself, looking towards Sasuke now. He looked like he had a slightly annoyed/surprised look on his face once she and Kiba got there. Oh, she was with Kiba because she had bumped into him earlier on her mad search for Sasuke. She couldn't find him anywhere... And she knew this dog could.

So, she had asked nicely for him to help her, he had said no at first... So then she had to punch some since into him. Telling him again and again that it was the gentlemen way to do this for her. She didn't think that he bought it until she began to press some interesting subjects on him... Who he liked and things like that... She had caught him staring more then once... Hm. Back to Sasuke and her own shock...

So, Kiba thought to himself, Naruto wants to get into Sand-boy's pants. Damn, I owe Neji ten bucks...BUT! When Hinata finds out, she'll be devastated...and I can comfort her, and all will be well with the world! Hah! Take that Shino, you bastard!
Of course, Kiba doesn't care in the slightest that Shino cannot hear him. He just cares that he kept his ears clean from disturbing fantasies from a Sand-nin involving one of his comrades/friends. That would have been awkward and disturbing beyond all belief. Non-the-less, considering that he is Kiba after all, he managed to grin cockily. The effect was kind of ruined by the fact that Akamaru was hanging out the front of his jacket, and that his instincts were screaming at him to run for his life.

"Arruff!" the dog barked in greeting. Only an Inusuka could really understand him, of course, so we're all assuming he was greeting them. He may have been just warning Kiba that they were going to die for interrupting the others.

Shikamaru exhaled in relief. Okay, that was one problem down. Kiba is easily dealt with, if you know how. Nobody really does, excluding his teammates and family...none of which were there...okay, so there was a problem. But they could handle that. He could, at least. 'Sakura and Kiba, at once? I give up, now would be a great time to get away...and do other stuff...' Of course, Shikamaru promptly locked up his perverted side, because dammit, it's not meant to get out and see the light! Especially not when there were now irritated Sand-nins and Sharingan-users.

Speaking of irritated Sand-nins and Sharingan-users, how are they dealing with the appearance of Kiba, Akamaru, and the last Genin from Team Seven?

Gaara seems to be dealing well enough. He's only glaring second-degree-death-wishes at the two new additions to their little group. They'll have to relocate soon enough, the roof's starting to get a little crowded, what with that sand swirling about both Gaara and Naruto. Why no, the two of them don't look the least bit threatening--okay, wait, Gaara shouldn't stand like that. The sun blocks out this eyes, and he looks very scary...
Sasuke seemed to be torn between running for his life or throwing a kunai at Sakura and Kiba. Because we ALL know that deep down, in his cold little black heart, he was really looking foreword to the events that would have transpired if those two hadn't shown up. "What are you two doing here?" Yeah, as if it's not obvious, but like I said, Sasuke likes talking today.

Chouji sighed, rolling his eyes. This was too much now... He tuned heading for the stairs that would lead him to the ground and towards the woods... oh, and on the way... a big bag of chips... yes. good idea.

Wait... what about Shikamaru... would he fallow... so we could... Chouji smirked, still walking towards the stairs. he would have to just wait and see...
Lee sighed... wait. Chouji was leaving. YAY. now he could have Shika all to himself. .

Naruto looked around, deciding to let the fat-ass leave. why should he bother Chouji at the moment anyways... he had some other things he needed to do anyways.

Naruto, by now... had made up his mind to a certain degree... on who he was going to pick between Gaara and Sasuke... THREE-SOME. Naruto had to wonder though if the two would agree with that... oh well.

Sakura sent a glare towards Naruto at Naruto's dreamy kind of look in Sasuke's direction.

'Was Naruto after Sasuke too?' Sakura thought as she watched with an even larger glare. She had some doubt whether Sasuke would even like Naruto... that's good though, more for her.

...Chouji was leaving. Chouji was leaving Shikamaru on a roof filled with psychotic, sadistic, and just plain weird people. Well, fuck that. Lazy ninja's, exit right. Please don't trip over the stairs, as you will fall and die before you can say, "FUCK!"

Shikamaru nodded his goodbyes in the general direction of the six ninja's, plus one

ninja-dog. Then ran away screaming; in such a relaxed and casual manner that only Akamaru could have heard the scream, and it seemed that for every three steps he took, he took one step back. But he didn't, he was always walking foreword...

Kiba scowled at the fact that Chouji and Shikamaru just up and left when he got there. "Assholes..." he muttered under his breath. Then he got over it, because it's no use bugging those two--Shika was too lazy to get really upset, and Chouji was just Chouji. It was much more fun to bother Naruto...even if he had to risk his life, because Gaara was looking pretty damn scary. So was Sasuke, for that matter...oh yes, there was a question to answer. "Che, this one," he jabbed his thumb impatiently at Sakura, "was running around all of Kanoha screaming your name, and wouldn't leave me alone until I helped her find you. Course, Akamaru did most of the work..." He moved his hand to pet Akamaru for a second, and then pointed the other one at Naruto; "Oi, and you! Ya could have at least told Hinata-chan you were gay!" ...Saying things that bluntly will get you beat up, Kiba...

Akamaru didn't care about the conversations, he was just happy that he was being paid attention. You'd never believe how many people, who were not dog-loving Konouchi or the Inuzuka family members, ignored him!

Sasuke twitched. That girl was way too persistent for her own good. He didn't like her like that. Maybe if she stopped stalking him, he might consider her...well, he would have, but she kept stalking and annoying him, and treated him like everyone else did, where as Naruto...No more lovey-dovey moments, Sasuke, your loosing everyone's respect.

Gaara switched his gaze to Naruto once again, because Naruto is way more interesting than a konouchi with limited fighting abilities, and a shinobi of the same caliber. Nobody had addressed him especially, so he didn't have to say anything. That was good. He'd only willingly talk to Naruto...Uchiha and the green one were good for sparring though...

Chouji stopped at the end of the first flight of stairs, keeping his back to the now closed door at the top. He was fairly interested if Shikamaru had fallowed him or not. He wasn't and yet was slightly surprised as he heard the door open and also heard a few hesitant footsteps down the stairs. Chouji smirked to himself.

Sakura gave a brilliant smile then, forgetting all of her fears and thoughts, decided to take a few bounding leaps towards Sasuke. She reached him and happily put her arms around him. She nuzzled into him also, acting happy about the fact that her arms where around his neck.

Naruto glared over towards Kiba. "Well, well... I'm sorry 'love bird' that I just found my attraction to the sand god here... Wait... Hinata likes me?" Naruto asked, really confused. Wow... Naruto really is dumb... He kinda knew already... just wasn't sure...

Lee sighed, deciding this all was a waist of time. He also turned, though he on the other hand, just decided to jump off the roof onto another and so forth, fleeing the scan... And secretly searching around for Shika at the same time... He knew that the fat-ass and his 'sex god' would be together somewhere...

Naruto brushed away the fact that Hinata liked him, for he really couldn't care less. He had know for a while that Kiba liked her, so... Naruto thought that it would be doing a favor for the dog-boy...

Somehow, Shikamaru just knew that Chouji would be smirking. He could easily paint the image in his mind, and he knew he would be smirking at him. He knew with every fiber of his being. And still, he took steps that were perhaps the tiniest bit slower than his usual pace. What if Chouji just wanted to go home and get some rest? Maybe all that shouting had given him a headache or something--Shika knew for sure that that was what it had done to him. 'You're pathetic,' Shikamaru thought to himself, 'This isn't Ino or some girl, this is Chouji.' And as he found himself suddenly standing next to, but two steps behind Chouji, he sighed to himself. Well, at least it was getting quieter...

Twitch. Twitch. Twitchyity-twitch-twitch. There were arms. There were arms draping around his neck like snakes. There were very VERY unwanted arms curling about his neck now. What in the name of the Hokage had possessed the girl to hug him! He paled considerably at her simple action, before very calmly and collectively pushing himself away from her as hard as he could. This would have worked fine, except the girl had a death grip like you wouldn't believe. And all he managed to do was stumble backwards and, in order to keep himself from falling flat on his ass again, brace himself for the worst. This resulted in Sakura falling into his arms. "...Well, fuck..."

Gaara's gaze flickered disinterestedly at Uchiha and his predicament. He smirked slightly before casting his gaze back to Naruto. The sand finally settled at his feet again as it was determined that Naruto seemed to think of the boy and his dog as...was the word "friends"?

Kiba's left eye suddenly seemed to gain a mind of its own, as it started to twitch like made. This moron...there's no way he couldn't have known...that woman who sells milk at the fuckin market knew for Hokage's-sake! Akamaru took that moment to slide down from the comfort of Kiba's coat, should he be needed to attack or something. Which he wasn't looking foreword to, if so. Akamaru was too young to die.

"Hinata-chan's liked you for years you dweeb! If you just bothered to open your fucken eyes once in a while, you would have known that! You could have told her, she'll hole herself up in her room for weeks when she finds out about you and sand-guy here! Fucking hell..." Kiba ran a hand through his hair roughly, forcing his hood down at the same time. He was worried about Hinata and the girl had no inkling about Naruto's preferences yet...and that's what really bothered him, he didn't really give a shit that Naruto was gay.

Chouji gave one look behind his back, a small smirk on his face as he gave a wink to Shika before taking off down the rest of the stairs at a fast pace. just wanting to get outside and into the woods or... SOMEPLACE. so that he and Shikamaru could... talk. Chouji smirked again.

Sakura gave a laugh as she fell more into him, though it faded as she heard what he said. Was he mad...? Maybe he did like Naruto after all... Sakura took a step back from Sasuke, her arms as he sides. Her face looked at him in a pleading way. Then in a almost un-audible voice, she said for only Sasuke's ears... No one else's... "I-It can't be true..."

Naruto glared again. "Well, oh well... You should be there to cheer her up. I'm surprise she likes me anyways... I wonder why..." He gave only a seconds thought as he could always tell that Gaara's eyes, after watching what was going on around them, would always look towards Naruto... How... Nice... Naruto nearly purred in his mind at what he and the sand god could be doing at the moment instead of talking with the really boring dog-boy...

Damn him and his sudden energy. Now, if he wanted to keep up with the other boy, he'd have to start walking faster, borderline on "running". And he really wanted to keep up with him. He really and truly did. So he smiled slightly and followed after the other boy.

Sakura really did look pathetic like that. How did she expect to earn respect for herself if she resorted to looking like a kicked-dog and simpering like a scolded child? Sasuke seems to be reverting back to his old bastard of a self, hmm, wonder why that is. But he didn't need words to answer Sakura's question--he won't even completely, 100 sure he knew what the question was. He was willing to guess though, and the answer was yes. He showed this by turning his gaze once again to Naruto, who was too wrapped up with looking at Gaara. Sasuke scowled, an almost un-heard hiss of jealousy passing through his lips. Sakura heard it, seeing as she was so close.

Kiba and Akamaru were starting to feel a bit out of place already. Shikamaru and Chouji, gone. Then Lee was gone, and he was always sticking around to talk to somebody; too nice not to. Sakura had found her little ray of sunshine, and their drama was way too predictable. And even though he didn't care if Naruto was gay, he really didn't want to see any guy-on-guy action, which would start VERY soon if those two had their way. "You're not the only one who wonders," Kiba muttered under his breath. He looked down at Akamaru, jerking his head to the surrounding roofs. "Let's get out of here, Akamaru. Hinata-chan's probably still training..." his brow furrowed slightly in worry, one of his fangs grazing his bottom lip.

Akamaru matched that worry, pausing slightly to sniff the air in an attempt to catch the Hyuuga girl's scent.

Chouji walked out of the stair way and out of the building. Well... the walk was more of a half-run... He then turned towards Shika with a warm smile on his face. "Where do you want to go now?"

Sakura then gave a large glare at Sasuke. "Wow..." She turned from him and make her way towards Naruto, stomping her feet against the roof top loudly. Her arms where crossed and she was glaring at Naruto heatedly.

Naruto had to ignore the dog-boy for a moment as Sakura advance on him, looking to kill at any moment... Naruto gulped, his old crush was defiantly angry at him for some reason...

"HOW COULD YOU?" Sakura yelled at Naruto. Naruto stared at her wide-eyed. Not really grasping at why she was yelling at him... Why was she...?
"W-What's wrong Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked in a stutter as she took another heated step towards him... Naruto's spine shivered at the sheer terror she was admitting...

"HOW COULD YOU TAINT POOR SASUKE SO?" Sakura yelled at him. Her fist raised in anger, about to hit him. She was totally blind towards the fact that Gaara was right there... Naruto on the other hand stared at her fairly confused.
"S-Sakura... ummm..." Naruto looked towards Gaara worriedly. He said with a pleading look, 'Get her off of me... Don't kill her though...' The last part was said with a small glare as he then returned his view towards the now swinging girl... Was she in a rage or what...?

Sakura's very loud and very angry voice managed to make itself heard even down where Shikamaru and Chouji stood ever so patiently. Patient my ass, I'm willing to bet they're about ready to jump each other then and there...But a shiver of slight fear fell down Shikamaru's spine. He knew the wrath of a woman, he felt kinda sorry for the others up there. But he's fine, nothing to worry about. Therefore, he shrugged easily, "Wherever--your house maybe? You've got a big bed..." He never thought he'd think of two ways that measly sentence could have been taken...

Akamaru was still searching for Hinata's scent, which wasn't working out so well--they'd have to move someplace else if he could even consider finding a trace of her. Which Kiba wasn't sure or not he wanted to do right away now, seeing as he always loved watching people being berated and beaten on by girls. Just so long as it wasn't him. He chose, just this once, to stay a few more moments, if only to see how Gaara reacted. But what the hell did Sakura mean by "taint poor Sasuke"?...yes, Kiba can be quite dense at times as well, though Naruto reigns as king in the department.

Gaara had been so ready and willing to kill the girl, if he hadn't caught Naruto's glare, she would have been dead already. It wasn't so much that she was yelling at Naruto, because a lot of people did that----even the Hokage-lady. It was more along the lines of what she was yelling at him for--taint the Uchiha? This girl had problems. Serious problems that would be mended only by having your fist crush against a wall of sand. Oh, would you look at that...

Sasuke leapt foreword like a gallant knight in a desperate move to save the poor damsel who's fallen in love with the dragon but was being attacked by the vicious father because of this. Though Sasuke's anything but a knight, Naruto's far from a damsel, Gaara is...the whole dragon thing doesn't sound that bad, actually...and Sakura will kill us all if referred to as a father. Anyway...he grabbed a hold of Sakura's wrist just as her hand was encased with a thick cocoon of sand. "Sakura," he looked at her with a deep frown, "control yourself. Naruto did nothing wrong, your anger is irrational."

Chouji raised an eyebrow at Shikamaru's suggestion. That was... wow. ok. "Fine with me." Chouji said happily as he began to take off towards his house. He was at a small run before slowing and letting Shika catch up to him so that they could walk together in relative peace.

Naruto looked at Sakura sadly, she looked really hurt at the moment... and he had done this... what was he going to do? To be honestly blunt... He really liked the idea that Sasuke liked him and all... but. Naruto liked Gaara more. He couldn't be sure why... meaning... Naruto couldn't put it into words but... Gaara just... fit better... Wow sappy... back to the situation at hand...

Sakura was shaking badly in anger and fear. Gaara could of easily killed her... Why didn't he...? "Nothing wrong... What do you mean HE DID NOTHING WRONG?" She nearly broke down then in tears, as they where streaming down her face and all...

Naruto looked really worried now. He took a step towards her, wishing to help... though all he received was a glare from her... she continued on, "You love him... don't you...?" she asked Sasuke with hope in her eyes... hope that he would say no to her... her fist was still encased in the sand. for if Gaara was fool enough to let go... Sakura would be on Naruto in a second...

Shikamaru blushed slightly as he realized how Chouji had taken what he had said...which, though not exactly right, wasn't wrong either. He was open to suggestion. Err, rather, was fine with both ideas. I mean...oh to hell with it, Shikamaru rather liked how Chouji had taken it. That's why he actually bothered to jog after Chouji before quite happily falling back into the steady and leisurely pace that he loved so much.

Kiba winced. Change of plans, he thought to himself as he hastily scooped Akamaru into his arms and jumped the roof next-door, crying girls is not a good thing to witness. Okay, find Hinata, leave the lovebirds and their drama alone.'

Akamaru squirmed slightly and bit Kiba reproachfully for picking him up like that with no warning whatsoever. He was a living creature too, damnit, he demanded respect!

Gaara didn't understand why the woman was crying. The sand couldn't hurt her that much, and he'd only ever seen Temari or Kankuro cry over flesh wounds. Mind you, by cry he meant shed a tear or two before impatiently brushing them away. But still, this girl was in out and out hysterics...but there was no blood. Why was she crying so much? He looked at the three teammates, a flicker of confusion barely visible in his eyes.

Sasuke didn't really want to hurt Sakura. The only person he truly wanted to hurt was Itachi, after all. But still, Sakura was his teammate, and he'd somehow managed to get her into this state. The emotion shining through her eyes, though...it was disgusting. "That's not really your business, but yes, I do."

Chouji gave a small whistle, trying to keep his look ahead and also keep an eye on Shika at the same tome... which was hard in his eagerness and over all fondness of the other boy. all in all... Chouji couldn't take his eyes off Shikamaru. Which ment that he would probably trip over something soon-nvm. Chouji gave a small yelp, falling forward and over Lee's outstretched foot.

Lee gave a mock-worried face. "Oh... I'm sorry Chouji... Are you alright?" Lee didn't even bother to give Chouji a hand, for why should he? So, Chouji gave a grumble, still lying on his stomach before picking himself up and dusting off a little. "I'm fine... Lee." Chouji practically sneered as he stared at the other boy angrily.

Sakura's eyes widened. "Y-You... W-Why...?" She was torn... she had tried so hard and for so long for Sasuke to like her... but now... He was in 'love' with Naruto. And that damn Naruto liked Gaara instead... This was horrible.
Naruto looked really worried. Then... His gaze turned to the ground, his shoulders slumped... "I'm sorry Sakura... I'm so sorry..." Naruto tried to hide his sorry and tears, but was having a hard time... He seemed to be balling harder then Sakura, who now looked stunned. Naruto put a hand to his eyes, trying to clear them before taking off at a run.

Shikamaru froze mid-step and blinked. What. The. Hell? "Rock? What are you doing here?"

Gaara didn't even give the other two time to blink before the sands released its grip on Sakura. He glared at them both in such a way that it was like death was standing behind them just waiting for Gaara's signal before it struck. Sasuke found himself gulping in an attempt to moisten his throat. But just as suddenly as that glare was fixed upon him, and it wasn't even the glare really that did it but still, Gaara was gone. Sasuke's throat was still dry as he let go of Sakura's wrist and turned to look at her once again. She looked so weak, so pitiful...Shinobi never cry. He had to go after Naruto, but he couldn't just leave her like this..."Fuck," he spat at the ground, a snarl crossing his features.

Gaara would have noticed and stored info on how greatly Naruto's over-all-speed increased when dealing with great bouts of emotions--sorrow especially. He'd almost lost sight of him, and if he wasn't Gaara, he might have. But he is Gaara, and he found him...still running. So he kept chasing him, increasing his speed bit by bit.
Kiba and Akamaru were hoping from roof to roof in the general direction of Kanoha's market, where they could faintly make out Hinata's scent. Okay, so she wasn't training, that was a good thing.

Chouji whipped some dirt off of himself as he grabbed Lee's wrist. Lee was too shocked at the movement to really turn away at the moment. Chouji just stood there, his hand gripping Lee's roughly. "Will you go away please...?" Chouji nearly hissed out as he glared at Lee in hatred.

Sakura frowned at herself, all tears gone. "Am I... just getting in the way... of you Sasuke...?" She asked in a low tone, though it was firm. He voice held no fear of the answer. She was tired of this all...

Naruto stopped once he got to a large tree in the woods. He sat at its base, breathing heavily, the salty tears still streaming down his face as a sorrowful love was still on his face and features. He looked up to the sky before snapping his gaze to Gaara... The one who had fallowed him all the way here...

Shikamaru had to admit, Lee's sudden appearance were really starting to freak him out. He'd just be hanging out with Chouji, even weeks before today and it's ...revealing

events..., and Rock Lee would show up. It was getting really scary.

Sakura's moments of showing just why she was a konouchi were rare and far in between, in Sasuke's opinion. Right now, it was one of those moments. She'd gone from an out of control woman in hysterics, to a calm and composed shinobi almost faster than he could blink. But still; "Yes. You are, Sakura. When are you going to realize that I do not, have never and will not like you the way you want me to!" Right now, he was torn between teammates, and one wrong move on his part could tear them apart even more so. Its times like this Sasuke hates his life more than usual.

Gaara slowly walked toward Naruto, frowning deeply at the sight of the tears dripping down his face. An unfamiliar sensation starting to bubble somewhere in his chest, a slight burn building in his throat. Once he was close enough, he crouched down next to Naruto and cupped the other's chin, forcing him to look into his eyes.

"Naruto...don't. Stop crying..."

Kiba scowled at Akamaru for biting him like that, but he understood. He didn't care though, he just wanted to find Hinata and figure out how to ease the blow of her heart being torn out and shredded to pieces. 'That moron...' he thought to himself. "Where is she, Akamaru?"

Akamaru, having pushed himself out of Kiba's grip and running for himself, barked a few times. We can't understand him, remember? Ah well, they picked up the pace and ran someplace off to the left.

Chouji tightened his hand around Lee's wrist. Lee's eye twitched slightly in the pain. Though he kept as calm a face as he could muster at the moment. "No... I think that Shikamaru should be more pre-occupied with his mission then with a fat-ass like you..." Lee gave a small smirk as it was then returned by Chouji. His fist was in Lee's face.

Lee reeled back from the force, clearly not expecting it. Lee 'would' have flown feet if it wasn't for Chouji's hold on Lee's wrist, keeping him roughly in place.
Sakura smiled at this. Not an evil or un-pure smile though, it was a pure smile... She smiled at Sasuke, clearly over all of this already. "Can I help you then...? I'm a girl and all... And I find your love for Naruto very cute." She clapped her hands together in joy. Girls... How easily they change their minds at times... And at the weirdest moments...

"B-But... I hurt her..." Naruto said to Gaara. "P-Please... Don't leave me..." The tears began to fade slowly as he grabbed onto Gaara's shirt for dear life, not wanting the sand god to leave him... Naruto wouldn't be able to stand it then... He couldn't believe that Sakura would hate him so much... It wasn't like Naruto had wanted Sasuke to fall in love with him...

Shika's jaw dropped open. He was quite used to Chouji flipping out and punching and or beating the shit out of people who called him fat. But he was not in any way, shape or form, used to Rock Lee cursing. It didn't happen. And he was never, to Shika's knowledge, that rude.

Kiba and Akamaru were still on their way to Hinata, her scent growing stronger with each roof they hoped. Oh shit, Kiba, watch out for that----damn, Kiba seems to have lost his footing. He's not stumbling over the roof-top. Well, at least nobody but Akamaru saw that...ahumn. Akamaru laughed, in a doggy kinda way. It was quite adorable.

The roof, of which the occupants had reduced to a measly two, fell into an awkward silence. Sasuke was staring at the pink-haired girl like she had grown three extra heads. She continued to smile at him in such a way that he seriously began to doubt her sanity. How...when...what the fuck just happened? "...what?"

Gaara instantly wrapped his arms around Naruto, his movements as fluid and precise as they were in battle. He held Naruto close to him, trying his hardest to show him that he wasn't going anywhere...at least, not without Naruto by his side. "Listen to me Naruto. You did nothing to hurt her. It is not your fault; Uchiha, for once, was right. Her anger was irrational, her pain was misplaced." He looked down at the tousle of blond hair that was resting against his chest, shaking slightly. "And I will never leave you."

Lee stood straight after the after shock. He stared at Chouji hard, both of them with large smirks on their faces. "That was good..." Lee said his face taking on a predatory look. Chouji gave a small nod as he let go of Lee's hand. He gave Lee one last look before walking off towards his house again.

"Have fun you two." Lee smiled at them as they left. Lee... He just needed to get something punched into him... That's all... Not.

"I've realized now... That It was rude of me... So... If there is any way that I can help you get your love Naruto from that sand-demon. Then I would gladly do so." She smiled at Sasuke brightly again.

Naruto sniffed in Gaara's sent, letting it fill him to the brim with peace and joy. Naruto let the last of the tears fall before he smiled, pulling away from Gaara so that they where face-to-face. "Gaara... Sasuke said... That he loved me..." Naruto paused for a long time at the word love... Letting it set in. "Do... you...?" Like said before, Naruto took liking and loving someone differently... Love was deeper... A lot deeper to Naruto...

...Shikamaru had nothing to add to that. He was confused, very very confused. So confused that he didn't even seem to realize that Chouji was walking to his house again, or what Lee had said.

Kiba grinned when he caught sight of a familiar head of indigo hair. Though his smile dimmed considerably when he took note of the fact that there was an all too familiar head of poofy brown hair walking alongside it. Akamaru confirmed, with a slightly teasing bark, that it was in fact Shino with Hinata. "That bug-obsessed freak," Kiba growled as he forced himself to go faster. Akamaru whined before matching his pace.

Sasuke looked at Sakura carefully before he shrugged, "Hn. Do what you want..." Sasuke didn't want to admit it aloud, but somehow, he thought that he might need all the help he could get. But he didn't say another word before he started running in the direction Naruto and Gaara had disappeared. He started to feel around for Naruto's chakra, trying to find him as fast as possible.

Gaara paused slightly; he didn't know what love was. It was a long time ago when he had last thought he knew what it was, but it had hurt him in the end. "I...I...I don't know, Naruto," he answered truthfully. He rested his forehead lightly against Naruto's. His eyes were clouded slightly, arms tightening around Naruto's body. "All I know is that...what I feel for you...I've never felt it before..." He frowned thoughtfully.

Chouji stopped after a few paces, turning to look at the frozen in confusion Shikamaru. Chouji rolled his eyes playfully before grabbing onto Shika's wrist, a lot nicer then what he had done to Lee before. Chouji turned towards his house again, pulling the poor shadow manipulator with him.

Sakura watched Sasuke leave. She had a small plan formulating in her mind. She was honest when she said she liked that Sasuke liked Naruto and all... And she 'was' going to help him get Naruto and all... Though, she was defiantly going to do it 'her' way.

Once Sasuke was out of sight, Sakura ran after him, fallowing his trail. She was going to stay out of sight until she was needed... Then she would strike in Sasuke's best interests...

'Gaara... Gaara...' Naruto smiled ass he stared into the other boy's deep eyes. Naruto gave Gaara a small and light kiss, letting it linger for only a second before pulling away. Naruto desperately wanted for Gaara to... He wanted to... Help Gaara sooo bad... He couldn't stand the look in Gaara's eyes...
"G-Gaara... I know..." Naruto was smiling up at Gaara with a dreamy and loving look in his eyes. "I know... That I love you..."

Chapter End

A/N: OMG. That was like... 17 pages long this time... Next chapter is shorter but should be up in a couple of days or so...