AUTHORS NOTE: Let's see what you people make of this…. I am so curious right now… But I'll stop typing now, Let you draw your own conclusions…

I will take request for side notes throughout the main story, if there's a moment you feel like you've missed, let me know in either the reviews of by dropping me a note. I make no promises, but I'll consider every prompt ^.^

XOXOX

Side notes to
Hidden Feelings, Hidden Lives

XOXOX

Addition to Chapter 53: This Is Challenging
Drabble title: No Genius, But Definitely Not Stupid

XOXOX

As Gai made his way back to his apartment – a little unsteady on his feet – he pondered the news he'd received earlier this night, and the revelations that had followed it.

He used to like Gemna, I am certain that he used to like Asuma as well. It is obvious when you start to think about it. And Shikamaru likes someone too. Someone older, though he did not want to give me his name. That is alright though, I reckon it's nerve wrecking to have to talk to a stranger about. And to the young Nara, that is what I am.

It hurts them so, both of them. The pain was so clear in their eyes, in their entire posture.
Poor Shikamaru, though. He is definitely not doing so well. For Kakashi it was clearly a relief to find out that I do not care as much, for Shikamaru that is not all that important. Sure, he seemed relieved as well, but there are other people whose opinions matter more to him. I can only hope that they will react positive to this as well.

Iruka clearly did, they both seem to be very happy about that. He is a decent guy, a good guy. If he pledged to support them, to stay by their sides… Well, they are very lucky. Very lucky indeed. They have me now, too. But I make no presumptions; Iruka is the kind of person you go see when something is bothering you. I am the kind of person you go see when you want to distract yourself for a little while. Even though Kakashi and I have had plenty serious conversations over the years, it is simply not the kind of relationship we have together. Sometimes I regret that…

But I'll not push him. He is not the kind of guy that reacts well to being pushed. Shikaku should have known that, I do not understand why he still…

It is none of my business. Kakashi has made that immaculately clear. Even if I was there through his last breakdown, he does not want me to witness that again. I can understand it, still…
Is Shikamaru really the better choice? He is still so young. Still so innocent. Even if he is not as young as his age would have you believe, there are many things he has yet to see, yet to discover.

A smile tucked at the jounin's lips as he opened the door to his apartment. Stumbling inside, he immediately went to get a glass of water. He'd had too much to drink, Kakashi had seemed inclined to keep a clear mind, but for some reason – that the man couldn't remember now – his friend had kept ordering alcohol for him. Even when it became clear that he was getting tipsy. Beer, sake, shochu – wait, there was whiskey too, wasn't there?
Gai felt a little lightheaded.

My head is going to hurt in the morning… Maybe I should consider – No. Never skip training over something silly like a hangover. Never.

Wasn't I thinking about something else? Something important? Wait, is that why Kakashi insisted on getting me drunk? So I would not be able to draw conclusions? It sure seems that way. Tomorrow I will only remember the facts, not much details. He knows this. Sneaky little –

Throwing his head back, Gai laughed. It was such a Kakashi thing to do… After he'd calmed down a little, he tipped back his third glass of water, before opening the fridge to see if there was any orange juice left.
I'll not let you get away with it so easily, my rival…
He chuckled, retrieving a full bottle of orange juice and pouring himself a glass.

I will manage to clear up my head enough to understand what it is you don't want me to understand. And then I will write it down, so I will not forget. Now…

Oh brother. No. It is almost too obvious. You were right, Kakashi, getting me wasted is the only way to make sure I do not figure it out. Too bad you failed, my friend. Although… I do not believe it is a bad thing, my rival, my friend. I honestly do not. But you do, don't you? You feel backed into a corner to the point where you'll do everything to hide this. Do you honestly believe… Yes, you do, don't you? You believe this is even worse than being gay. But I do not agree, my friend.

Although I do wonder if your young friend realizes this as well? He should. He is a genius too, is he not? Besides, from what I can tell, the two of you are always together. So he knows, then. Is it something you've agreed upon?

No wait, I did not just study my rival today.
Shikamaru… He… He doesn't know. Not really.
Poor boy. No. Poor young man. Should I even pity him, though? Yes. I believe I should. He has gone through so much already, in such a short time. Poor, poor Shikamaru. But it will get better, my young friend. Show your courage now, and it will. I can all but guarantee you that. It is really just too plain to miss.

And you have determination in your eyes, do you not? You will show your courage. Tonight, if I am not mistaken.

He chuckled, refilling his glass and tipping it back.

Tonight it is, then. Tonight, and most likely tomorrow as well. You shall get your wish, my young friend. You will. You only need the courage, the determination to see this through. But you have those. You are not lazy like people think, you are just easily bored. Like Kakashi. Yes, I think I like this thought, I think I like it very much. You two will keep each other's minds occupied. I can tell you already do that, but it could be so much better still.

Show your determination, Shikamaru Nara. Do not let anything scare you off. Not the moods of our infamous copy ninja, not the thoughts of what others would think. Not your own insecurities. I know you have them, even if you try so hard to hide that fact. You are scared, my young friend, are you not? But do not let that stop you. Not now. Not when you have a chance, no not even a chance. It is almost a certain thing at this point. Show your determination, show the predator how you become the prey. Show him, and you'll have him. He will be yours my young friend. I know it.

The orange juice was all gone now, so he switched back to water. Knowing that even though he was not thirsty, his body was dehydrated.

Not many people know Kakashi the way you and me do. He is no longer the predator, he merely pretends to be. It is the safest route to take after all. Basking in the wild stories that people conjure up, never having to prove or deny any of it. It has been the perfect cover for years. Rip that cover away from him, Shikamaru. It will be best for both o f you, no, for everyone.
Don't let him hide anymore.

Does Iruka realize, I wonder? I cannot ask him, cannot give anything away. But he should. He's spent more time around the both of them than I have…

Although… I could be wrong…
Maito Gai blinked.

Really, I could. After all, what do I know?

Chuckling, he shook his head.
No, I'm not wrong. I am certain of it.

He placed the glass in the sink, unable to stomach anymore fluids as he all but ran to the bathroom.
Quite certain, at least.

Sighing, he flushed.
I hope so. I hope I am right.

He closed the bathroom door behind him, walking over to his dresser.
They deserve it. I hope I am right.

Choosing a pair of pajama bottoms, he started to undress.
Either way, it would not be a good idea if they were disturbed tomorrow.

Dropping his clothes in the hamper, he pulled up the pajama bottoms.
Just in case. If they are… They would need time to work it out. Kakashi would need time to work it out. Shikamaru doesn't seem to care as much…

He slipped in bed.
Good luck, my young friend.

He closed his eyes.
I am rooting for you.