WARNING: Neji POV, YAOI, a little bit of OOC, Cursing

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto in any way.

(AN) Long awaited update! It's been so long! This chappie was kind of rushed but it does answer a lot of questions about the characters. There will be a good part but then there will also be a bad one. Read and find out!

Chapter 19: Gaara's big secret

"I suggest you pay attention Naruto. You don't want big boss to fire you." Gaara whispered to his sulking friend. It was Saturday and they were both at work and having a quick staff meeting at the beginning of the shift. The manager was giving everyone the usual prep talk and at the same time giving Naruto and Gaara dirty looks for not paying attention.

"Is there something more important you wanted to add to the agenda Gaara?" The manager said out loud so everyone could hear. The duo's co-workers all turned around and looked at them causing Gaara to turn red from embarrassment.

"No sir."

"Good. Now pay attention you two or you'll be looking for a new job next week." Everyone turned back around and the manager continued to bore everyone in the room.

"Sorry…" Naruto sighed under his breath.

After the useless prep talk, everyone grudgingly went to their assigned spots. Of course Naruto and Gaara, being the favorite and all, had their usual task of cleaning the bathrooms. Naruto quietly went to one of the stalls with no fuss and started working without a word. The red head was really worried about his friend. He barely talked and wasn't his cheerful self nowadays and he knew the reason could only be Sasuke. The only words he got out from Naruto was that they had a huge argument after he told him about Sai but that was all he had told Gaara. The red head didn't press him for more information because he knew it would upset his friend. He'll just have to wait until Naruto decides to open up to him. With a sigh, Gaara walked to a stall without a word and started working as well. The two kept it like this until it was time to go home.

---

"You want to come over?" Naruto suddenly asked Gaara as they both got in his car after work.

Gaara, who was a bit surprised, nodded his head in response. It was the first time since the argument that he was invited over Naruto's house. It's been a long two weeks of Naruto and Sasuke avoiding each other and it was driving Gaara insane. Of course Gaara and Neji's relationship wasn't any better. Although Neji did apologize to Gaara after a couple of days, the red head still felt that awkward tension between them. Now he was contemplating with himself if he should tell Neji the truth. He had been thinking about it all week and he finally decided to spill it to his boyfriend tomorrow.

"Sorry I've been pathetic the past weeks." Naruto apologized to Gaara as they drove. "I've just been thinking about a lot of things lately and I felt I was just going to rub off my depressed aura onto people."

"Don't worry about it." Gaara patted his friends arm. "Just take your time with whatever you're dealing with."

Naruto weakly smiled at his friend and felt thankful he at least had one person he could trust. Trust to Naruto these days were precious little things that couldn't be fucked with. "Thanks Gaara. You always make me feel better. I know I've been driving you crazy lately but I just want to let you know I'm thankful for your friendship. I think I'm also ready to tell you everything."

"Fair enough" Gaara responded back. "I think I need someone to talk to about me and Neji's little situation as well."

---

The two boys spent the rest of the evening talking and listening to each other's problems in the love department. It made both of them feel a little better knowing that they weren't the only one suffering from relationship woes. Gaara tried his best to comfort the blonde after he had told him what had happened. He assured Naruto that what he did that day was normal and that any sane person would have gotten angry as well. Gaara also told him that he wasn't the only one upset over their crumbling relationship. A certain football capital is being extra bitchy to everyone, including his teammates. It was affecting their practice and the coach was getting worried since the semi-finals were coming up. Naruto admitted that he did miss Sasuke but he wasn't sure if he was ready to face him yet. He knew that Sasuke probably didn't mean what he said but that doesn't excuse the other facts. Naruto was still upset that his Sasuke was still very reluctant to expose his relationship to the public.

"So, are you sure you're ready to tell Neji?" Naruto asked with a worried look on his face. "You do realize he won't like what he hears right?"

Gaara sighed and laid himself down on Naruto's bed. A sudden headache came over him after thinking of the possible reaction Neji might give him. "He'll find out sooner or later. If he gets upset then let him get upset."

Naruto got up from the floor and sat on his bed. "How is it by the way?" He asked curiously.

Gaara covered his eyes with his arm, "I don't know. Sometimes I'll feel really tired but that could be from just working too much. The last visit a month ago was okay. They didn't say anything bad."

"Well that's good. When is the next time you're going again?"

"In a couple of weeks." He told him "Just before Thanksgiving break."

"I see." Naruto looked at his friend, "Gaara, is it okay if I go with you this time?"

Gaara didn't really like having people go with him but seeing that Naruto was worried he decided, why not. "Sure."

"Thank you!" Naruto smiled but frowned again when he remembered something. "Sorry for having you miss out on Halloween. I was too down to do anything that day. You could have just hung out with Neji instead."

"He had a Halloween party at his house. You know I hate those kinds of things. Besides, I had a chance to catch up on my school work. No need to worry about it."

"It's getting pretty late. Do you want to sleep over?"

Gaara looked at his watch and realized it was already one in the morning. "Shit, I'll call Temari then. She's probably still up waiting for me and ready to give me a good yelling."

"Good luck." Naruto smirked.

---

Sasuke was frightening when he was upset. Everyone at school made sure to avoid crossing path with the heartthrob. Naruto didn't help much at all. The blonde was obviously trying to avoid Sasuke and this really got the jock angry. Saturday's football practice was the only way to vent out his frustration. His teammates, however, were ready to go home. Sasuke and his verbal abuse didn't really make anyone's day any better. The coach pulled him aside and tried to make short talks with Sasuke. He asked if his home life was okay, if anyone at school was bullying him, etc. Of course Sasuke told the coach everything was alright but the coach wasn't that dense. He told Sasuke he had to separate his personal problems with his game time. His performance during practice had everyone fearing they'll screw up at the game. Sasuke assured the coach that he wouldn't let him and the team down.

Sasuke was walking back to his car when he spotted Neji parked right next to him. He was in his car texting someone, most likely his boyfriend. This made Sasuke very jealous. "What is it Neji?" He asked as he walked to his car.

"I came here to talk."

"I'm not in the mood right now."

Neji rolled his eyes. "You haven't been in the mood these past couple of weeks. Why don't you just go and apologize already?"

Sasuke glared at the brunette, "If only that stupid idiot would stop avoiding me then maybe I would! He's the reason my game performance is so fucked up! He's the reason why I can't think straight! He's the reason why I'm so god damned miserable! What else does he want from me?" he yelled.

Neji shook his head, "You know what he wants Sasuke. It's the one thing you can't give him."

Sasuke pounded a fist on the hood of his expensive car making Neji cringe, "I… I can't do it…" he said pathetically.

"If you really want him back then I think you know what you have to do. Do you really care that much about your popularity?"

"I don't know. I don't think so at least. The bigger problem is my brother. I don't want him to be disappointed."

"Knowing your brother, I think he would understand. Just do what you have to do, okay?"

Sasuke thought about this for a while. He weakly punched the hood of his car again, "Fine. I'm not guaranteeing good results though."

"I'm pretty sure you'll get good results my friend. Oh, by the way, I'm having the gang over tonight. Do you want to come over?"

"After dinner I'll head there."

---

It was Sunday afternoon and Naruto Uzumaki was outside washing his car in front of his garage. He was too busy dancing to the music from his boom box that he didn't notice the familiar luxury car that parked on the street across from his house. The door of the car opened and a young man stepped out and quietly walked towards the blonde, making sure not to get seen by witnesses. Naruto, oblivious to the man behind him, continued to dance away as he scrubbed the trunk of his car. He was interrupted when the man grabbed him from behind and covered his mouth to prevent him from screaming. Naruto tried calling out for help but the man behind him was much stronger. He felt helpless as the man dragged him across the street. Next thing he knew he was shoved inside the back of a car. He suddenly felt a déjà vu moment.

Naruto turned around to see who the bastard that kidnapped him was but was taken aback when he saw who it was.

"You bastard! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Taking you out of course. Seeing as you have been ignoring me these past couple of weeks. I felt that I needed to see you." Smirked Sasuke.

"Well that was a very dramatic way of letting me know." Naruto huffed and glared at Sasuke. "Now, would you please have your driver unlock the door so I could continue to wash my car, that desperately needs washing?"

"I think not." Sasuke motioned for his driver, "Take us to the local mall… and step on it."

"Yes sir."

Naruto grunted, "The local mall huh? Why the hell do you want to take me there out of all the places? You do know that is where most of the school population hangs out during the weekends right?"

"Shut up dobe." Sasuke then leaned in and tried to kiss Naruto but the blonde blocked him. Sasuke felt an invisible force squeeze his heart.

"What do you think you're doing?" Naruto demanded.

"Kissing my boyfriend."

Naruto snorted, "Oh, I get it. You want to kiss me here in the privacy of your car before we go out into public right? Sorry to say this Sasuke but you won't be kissing these lips any time soon."

Sasuke wanted to yell but he reminded himself to keep his cool. It would all work out at the end. His plan would get back his Naruto. He would show them. He would show him.

The rest of the car ride consisted of the soft sound of the radio and nothing else. Naruto was upset that Sasuke had the nerve to force him to his car and had the nerve to kiss him as if nothing happened. Although he was angry, Naruto didn't want to admit that the hole in his heart was suddenly being filled just by the sight of his love. Naruto crossed his arms and tried his best not to think about it. He leaned his head against the window and used all his willpower not to glance towards his boyfriend. His boyfriend who was sitting too comfortable on the seat. For some unknown reason this pissed off Naruto.

"We're here sir."

"Aren't you going to drop me off at the back of the mall or something?" Naruto said angrily.

"Why would I do that?" Sasuke tried to suppress his irritation.

"Oh, well… hmmm, let me see," Naruto pretended to be in deep thought. "You practically have been dropping me off at the furthest place where people can see us the whole time we were dating! How can this day be any different? Besides, why the hell did you bring me here? I've had enough of your weird ways of showing people how you care for them."

"Just shut up dobe." Sasuke said through gritted teeth. "C'mon." Sasuke got out of the car and dragged a confused Naruto behind him.

"Sasuke! People will see us!" Naruto warned.

"I don't give a fuck anymore."

"What?"

Before Naruto could get an answer from Sasuke, they were already through the double entrance doors. As usual the mall on a Sunday afternoon was packed with high school kids from every corner of the building. Said students were now whispering and pointing at the couple heading for the center of the mall.

"Isn't that Sasuke?" one girl whispered to her friend.

One girl said to her, "What is he doing with that thing?" while looking at Naruto with disgust.

Naruto could hear most of the whispers and felt his face going red. He had no idea what Sasuke was up to or why he was acting so strange.

"Teme, what are you doing? People are looking at us!"

Sasuke stopped at the center court of the mall where the majority of the teens hung out. "I don't care anymore dobe. I'm sick and tired of this. It's given me nothing but a headache."

"I don't understand…"

"This..." Sasuke suddenly yelled for everyone to hear. "… Is my boyfriend Naruto!" Gasps and confused voices could be heard at once. Naruto looked at Sasuke with shock on his face. "If anyone of you messes with him then you'll deal with me! If I hear any one taking bad about him then I will personally make sure your life is a living hell!" No one in the crowd denied his threat. Then, Sasuke did something that Naruto wouldn't have thought he would have done in a million years. He kissed him. In front of everybody. Naruto felt like he was in heaven. He could hear some girls scream in rage that their heartthrob had found himself a man. Those screams became silent in Naruto's ears because all he could focus attention to was Sasuke's soft lips against his.

"Let's get out of here." Sasuke whispered in Naruto's ear. Naruto nodded and smiled. The duo walked hand in hand out of the mall passing by the confused and angry crowd. Little did they know that in the crowd was a fuming boy by the name of Sai.

---

Gaara was an hour late. He had told me to meet up with him at the parking lot of the library. I was worried and upset at the same time. I just hope he didn't bail out on me. Our relationship had been rocky these past couple of days and It had everything to do on that day I caught him lying to me. It's not that I don't trust him. I do. It's just that I feel like he is hiding something from me that he assumes I'll get upset over. Well, if it's another man of course I'll be upset but if it's anything else then I don't see how I can be angry with him. If he's moving then so be it. I'll visit him every weekend no matter where he is. If it's to say that he's losing interest in me then fine. I'll probably be depressed for the rest of my life but I wouldn't hate him. I was curious beyond belief and Gaara being an hour late didn't help at all. I looked at my watch. He was now an hour and thirty minutes late. I was contemplating whether to leave or stay. My better conscious told me to wait a bit longer, so I did. For two more fucking hours…

I was pissed. I was just stood up by my boyfriend. No call or anything. I tried calling him but it would ring and ring until it reached voicemail. I called Naruto but he had no idea where he was. I called his sister but she told me she had seen him leave the house four hours ago. I should be worried but my anger is winning over me. I finally decided I had enough and left the parking lot feeling like a fool. I had put so much into the relationship but I feel like he has been slipping more away from me. I got to the house and stomped upstairs. I slammed the door of my room, probably scaring whoever was nearby. I didn't care. I just wanted to sleep.

I was awoken from my nap by the sound of my cell phone. I groggily walked to it and saw that Naruto was calling me. Strange… blondie never calls me.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Neji, it's me Naruto." There was something in his voice that didn't sound right.

"What's wrong Naruto?" I asked. The feeling of worry creeping into my body at a fast pace.

"It's Gaara…" He sniffed. "… His sister just called me. He's at the hospital. They found him passed out near his house covered in his own vomit. It's horrible."

My heart was beating at a hundred miles per hour. All the blood started rushing to my head and I couldn't think straight. "What?" It was could manage to say. I was in disbelief. Suddenly a rush of guilt started creeping on me right behind the worry.

"I just thought you wanted to know. I'm heading to the hospital right now. I'll see you there?"

"Yea… I'll be there." I hung up the phone and just stood there in shock. My Gaara was in the hospital. He was hurting. I got out of my shock and quickly changed and sped to the hospital.

---

Neji nervously walked the halls of the hospital. He had arrived as quickly as he could. The nurse in the station pointed out the room and informed him when visiting time was over. Neji thanked her and sped off towards the direction. The closer he got the more his heart seemed to beat faster. He knew Naruto was already in the room because he could hear Naruto's voice from afar. He was by the door but he was hesitant to go in. Neji didn't know what he'll do when he sees Gaara on the hospital bed. Naruto wasn't alone though. He can hear the soft voice of the doctor and Temari's soft cries. Neji could barely make out the words.

"Gaara," The doctor said disappointingly "You have to take good care of yourself. Just because it's not back doesn't mean you can stop taking care of your body."

Neji stood behind the door and continued to listen. He wondered what the doctor was talking about.

"And you Naruto. You're his friend. You should watch over him when he doesn't listen to the doctor's orders."

"Sorry." Neji heard the blonde. "I guess I was too preoccupied to notice his current situation. Gaara I'm so sorry." He cried.

"Stop crying Naruto. I'm fine and Temari stop glaring at me like that. There is nothing to worry about."

"No. It was very irresponsible of me not to notice. So much of a friend I am." He sniffled.

"Well," Continued the doctor, "Just because you're in remission does not mean it's over Gaara. Please, take care of yourself. You're lucky your blood cell count is stable. Your fainting and vomiting might just be a result of not properly eating and fatigue."

Neji thought his world was crashing in around him. Remission? Blood cell count? For some reason everything seemed to make sense. He felt like he couldn't breathe. Neji leaned his back against the wall and slowly slid down. He sat there on the floor and just stared at the opposite wall. He didn't know what to think. Next thing he knew the door of the room opened and saw the surprised face of Naruto.

"Crap. I didn't know you'll be here this early" He looked down at Neji "How much did you hear?"

"Everything." He managed to choke out, suppressing the tears that wanted to come out.

AN: Dun dun dun! Read and review ladies and gents. Jesa loves it! Again, sorry for the grammar and spelling. No beta yet.