AN: So I haven't updated this for a while. The truth is I really want to finish it, and know what the end is, but it is getting there. I have been having some writer's block for this particular fic, even tho I desperately want to push on and concentrate on finishing it. *sigh* Also I have had a busy time with work and some of the comments I have been receiving on fics have been annoying trolls from people who dislike yaoi… not very motivating to say the least! But here is a short but hopefully sweet chapter for you to digest… let me know what you think of this chapter and the fic in general… anything you are excited about in this fic… I need some inspiration/motivation.

And Impatient typist, sorry, I know I always say how hard I find writing this fic haha!

Thanks to everyone who has stuck with this.

Chapter 13

Kakashi is laughing even as he nears Konoha's newest and finest restaurant. It was a fairly large, detached building of the traditional kind, complete with stone sculptures and a small pond lining the entrance. Stone steps led up to the sliding doors at the top, and it seemed obvious that it was the kind of place that dishevelled, sweaty shinobi didn't walk in to. Kakashi reconsidered his decision to race there for a moment. But the moment passed as both he and Gai were not ones to care for the opinions of the general public, and both were considered eccentric jonin anyway.

Kakashi, for a minute, thought that he had won their little race; he was of course mistaken. As he looked over his shoulder for his friend, feet slowing to a halt, a shadow loomed above him and the next moment, Gai slammed down from above in front of him, seemingly from out of nowhere.

Kakashi couldn't help but smile. "Congratulations seem to be in order once again."

Gai boomed with laughter, hand on his hips in a victory pose. "Jump suit or not, I am still the Green Beast of Konoha, and you shouldn't expect anything less!" His teeth gleamed when he grinned at Kakashi and the forming crowd. Many of the older villagers recognised the two despite their different attire, and shook their heads as if to say 'not these two clowns again'.

"Well, my rival," Gai said, unaware of these sorts of people staring at his strange combination of clothes- one of the qualities Kakashi liked most about Gai, his ability to block out other people's bullshit without even really trying. "Shall we?"

He held out his arm for Kakashi to take. The silver haired man quirked an eyebrow at the new gesture, but then again it wasn't a mannerism that seemed particularly out of place with Gai in the grand scheme of things. Gai was always patting him on the back, hugging him, finding some way to touch him with manly affection, it was a healthy and normal part of their friendship despite the fact that most wouldn't dare approach, let alone touch, the copy ninja without express permission. Gai had never been good with boundaries though and over the years of hardship as a shinobi Kakashi had grown to be grateful.

Therefore Kakashi only hesitated briefly before eye smiling and placing a hand on Gai's arm. "Lead the way then," he said.

What Kakashi failed to notice was the four pairs of wide eyes that belonged to the teenage girls in the bushes. Luckily they managed to contain their squeals until the two men were out of sight.

"Oh my gosh it's actually happening!" Ino said.

"They look happy together," Hinata said quietly, dreaming of her future date here with Naruto.

"Wow, Kakashi-sensei can look… normal out of uniform… and handsome," Sakura said more to herself than the others. She was happy that Gai-sensei still held some of his character even without his usual clothes. He also looked kinda good in his tux.

"Way to go, Gai-sensei," Tenten said smiling to herself. Her sensei was always so determined and strong willed that once he set his mind on something- in this case the Copy Ninja's heart- he was bound to achieve his goals. That is what Gai's students loved about him most, his unwavering commitment and hard work.

As they both reached the top and slid the doors open, Kakashi was surprised at just how ambient the place was; the furniture was of a dark wood, the painted deep red with the darker silhouette of sakura branches and some traditional panels were placed around to separate booths and allow diners more intimacy. The final touch was the low lighting; candles hung from the ceiling at various heights which not only cast a flickering orange glow across the room, but also reminded Kakashi of stars somehow, probably because there were so many of them.

"Gai…" Kakashi began, almost completely stumped for words. Why on earth did Gai choose here instead of their usual eateries? Not that he wasn't impressed or interested of course- if the place looked this good just imagine the food!

"Good evening gentlemen," said the waiter. "Do you have a reservation?"

"Of course! The name is Maito," Gai smirked, happy with Kakashi's reaction.

The waiter checked his list, looked up at Gai and checked again. "Erm sir… apologies but we don't seem to have a reservation under that name. What about the name of your, ah, companion here?"

"Hatake," Kakashi said, wondering why it would be under his name.

"I'm sorry but it isn't under that name either."

Gai pouted. "Are you sure it isn't 'Maito Gai'?"

Suddenly the man's eyes brightened. "Oh! You're 'Gai-sensei'! Please come this way, sir."

As they sat at the table by a window and Gai ordered some plum wine for the table, Kakashi watched Gai with a mixture of confusion and suspicion. "Gai, who made tonight's reservation?"

"I arranged tonight's most exquisite of meals of course!"

"Oh really? And do you always refer to yourself as 'Gai-sensei' and then forget doing so?"

"Ah, there's no fooling you, rival! A worthy opponent as always. If you must know I was busy melting chocolate for you and so had to delegate the actual booking of the table to a student."

"OK…" Kakashi thought this was a bit weird but decided to drop it. The plum wine had arrived now anyway and Gai ordered a selection of small plates for them to share, including eel, fish and some fruits.

When the waiter left again Kakashi looked back at his companion to find Gai watching him. "Kakashi," he began, thinking back to his strategic planning with the kunoichi. "Now I know I often compliment you on your skill as a shinobi, but tonight I want to compliment… well, just you. You look…great tonight."

Ok something weird was going on. Of course Gai spoke to him with his usual earnestness, and Kakashi wasn't doubting it, but something just seemed… different tonight. "…Thanks." Kakashi mumbled, not sure whether to laugh it off or run. "You too."

Gai beamed. "I knew you'd like it," he proclaimed, adjusting the hideous bow tie.

"So Gai…" Kakashi began awkwardly. "Is there some sort of milestone in our rivalry we are celebrating?"

Gai leaned on one hand, staring into Kakashi's eyes intently, just as Ino and Sakura had said will give someone goose bumps- unfortunately intense Uchiha stares may suit a brooding Sasuke, but Kakashi was taken aback seeing such a look on Gai's features. For a second he feared the man was about to challenge him again.

"You could say that," Gai said.

"You're gonna have to bring me up to speed then. What's all this," Kakashi gestured to their clothes and surroundings, "in aid of?"

Gai just gave him a smile that was not like his usual wide grin. It was modest, confident… for a moment the word seductive came to mind but Kakashi shook that thought from his head.

Gai waited until Kakashi met his gaze. "You."

"OK let's do this," Ino decided. "Come one!"

"Do what?" Tenten asked.

"Get a closer look. We are missing all the good stuff!"

"But how- we can't go in there!"

"Relax, Sakura booked a table next to the window."

Tenten squirmed uncomfortably. "Doesn't it feel… wrong to watch the whole date?"

"What are you talking about? This is the fruits of our labour after all, we deserve this! And besides," Into flicked her hair out of her face haughtily. "Aren't you concerned that Gai-sensei will need you there when he messes things up-"

Now Tenten was pissed off. She lunged at the blond girl and pinned her to the floor. "Don't talk that way about my sensei- he won't mess anything up."

"If, if! I'm just sayin' he can be a bit…"

"If you value your face I wouldn't finish that sentence," Tenten warned darkly.

"OK, you two, calm down," Sakura said, pulling them apart. "This is ridiculous. We are here to help, not hinder by lashing out at each other."

"Well she started it by speaking badly about Gai-sensei."

"I wasn't!" But at Sakura's glare she caved in, knowing without words what the pink haired girl wanted from her. "Fine," she said crossing her arms. "I'm sorry for what I said, I didn't mean it. I just want to be there for Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei, that's all."

"…OK." Tenten nodded.

"Finally," Sakura said while Hinata smiled at them all, happy the danger had passed. It was nice to hang out with the girls for a change.

Finally in agreement, they all crept over to the window.

AN: so hope some people are liking the GaiTen friendship