AN: I don't think as many people read this as my other stories, but I am getting into this one again. The story is now heading towards it's conclusion, and I hope to finish this by Christmas as promised, but I might be more likely to say the end of December is my new goal. Rest assured I am nearly there and have planned out the last chapters to the story's end, for better or for worse. Have faith, GaiKaka fans!

I hope you enjoy this and that Kotetsu's dialogue with the nose isn't too lame!

Thank you for the reviews and your patience. I hope the end of the story won't disappoint, but we have a few chapters to go yet!

Chapter 19

It was already the wee hours of the morning when Gai had finished pouring over the short novel. It had worked somewhat, proving to be both calming and a distraction, though he was uncertain whether it had shed any light on his dear rival at all. One thing was for certain; the novel wasn't just about sex (though there was a great deal of it in great detail). There was more to it than that. Underneath the actions of the cast, was undoubtedly love.

If Kakashi could empathise with these characters, than he must be able to feel such things himself. Maybe he just needed a little help? This was Kakashi after all, the boy who had once refused to betray any emotions whatsoever and chided others for doing so as being 'rule-breakers'.

It was strange how Kakashi could distance himself from any real emotion, but he could be completely swept away by what was written on the page. Snapping the book shut suddenly, he reached for his pen and paper as it hit him; he had figured out the way to Kakashi's heart.

Gai found renewed determination as he slumped down into his covers for a little sleep later. He would go find Kakashi in the morning and straighten this out. He had to do something or risk losing the man altogether. Kakashi had reacted badly, but he could still come around. Leaving things as they were would only cause awkwardness, distance and tension to build, which would harm even their friendship.

Besides, he had to see that Kakashi was OK, after his hasty departure, with his own eyes.

"You're such an idiot," Kakashi said as he swabbed at the dried blood with a ball of cotton wool.

The idiot in question was pinching the bridge of his nose to prevent the flow of blood, and wining with the not-so-careful dabbing of Kakashi. One thing his drunken mind was sure of, was that it was a good thing Hatake hadn't gone down the path of medic ninja; this man was one of the worst nurses he had ever come across.

"Oww, carebul!" the chuunin moaned thickly, swotting at the silver haired man. "It's tenbure."

"Eh?"

"Tenbure!"

"Oh it's tender," Kakashi with an evil glint in his eyes before 'accidentally' flicking the swollen area. "Why didn't you say so?"

"OW! You're crazby!"

"Just sit still and it will be over sooner," Kashi snapped.

After it looked clean Kakashi stood and headed towards his kitchen. He returned moments later with a bag of frozen peas wrapped in cloth, a large glass of water and pain killers on a tray.

"Right, take these and use this."

Kotetsu obeyed, swallowing the pain killers and holding the frozen bag gently to his nose.

Kakashi sighed, taking a seat next to him.

"Better?"

"No."

"Huh."

"You're not sobby then?"

"Nope."

The chunin laughed thickly.

"Though I didn't mean for that to happen… not that you didn't deserve it of course."

"You can albays make it up to me…" Kotetsu said as he removed the frozen peas, ready to make another move. Kakashi held out his hand.

"Nice try," he chuckled. "But it is not to be, I'm afraid."

"Bud, if you juss give me a chance-"

"Look, your drunk, injured and not getting the hint. We can talk about this later, but I assure you that nothing will be happening between us." Kakashi paused and sighed. "Not now anyway, after tonight… Even if I was that way inclined, you are not the man for me Hagane-san."

"Hadake," Kotetsu attempted to purr seductively. "You make it sound like it hasb to be so serious. One nighb of fun is all you neeb. It's what you deserb."

"Sorry, I am still immune to your charms it seems. Now please drop it or you may just end out on your ass. However, I feel obliged to put your constant indiscretions down to your inebriated mind. As it stands, I am somewhat responsible for your unfortunate incident that broke your nose, so I will let you stay here tonight in my bed, as I fear you may either choke on your own vomit, or the blood will clot in your own drunken sleep, if I don't ensure your head is propped up throughout the night. That should help the swelling go down by morning too."

"I knew you wanted me!"

"Oh no, I shall not be accompanying you. I'll be on the floor for a night. Try anything and you will have more than a broken nose."

The chuunin shuddered, despite the alcohol dulling his reactions to Kakashi's threats. Without further ado, Kakashi got the chuunin to bed and cleaned up the mess in the living room, before facing a night on the floor. For the chuunins sake, he had better not have a bad back in the morning…

Gai approached the apartment somewhat apprehensively, but you would have to know him well to be able to tell. He still waltzed with a spring in his step, giving passers by a booming and cheery 'good morning'. Yet it was his slightly slower pace that betrayed him. And his eyes. Constantly flicked around, unable rest upon his destination or the small orange book he had hidden in his jonin vest.

In fact, Gai was so distracted he failed to notice that he was being followed, something rare for a shinobi. The quartet of young kunoichi followed at a distance, and watched with eager eyes on the progress of their suitor.

The only other sign Gai gave of his discomfort, was the pause and deep breath he took before raising his hand to knock on Kakashi's door. But when he did, he did with his usual gusto.

There was a delay so he knocked again, determined. Just when Gai thought he wouldn't get an answer, the door opened to reveal a hastily dressed Kakashi, who had quite obvious just rolled out of bed; his pjs littered the floor just behind him where he had been dressing en route to the door. His hair was even wilder than usual and the man looked tired and like he had badly slept.

When he focused on Gai however, his eyes widened almost comically.

"Gai," he gasped. For once he was unable to play it hip and cool, but he awkwardly attempted to anyway. "…Yo."

"Kakashi," Gai said intently, also unable to play out his usual light hearted role. "I need to speak with you. May I come in?"

There was a moment where Kakashi hesitated and it looked as though he might flee again, but then he nodded and stood back for Gai to enter.

The four girls had to supress their excited squeals aswell as their giggles from their hiding place.

They went into the living room and Kakashi gestured Gai to sit and offered him tea, and Kakashi bumbled around his small kitchen, dragging it out as long as possible, his nerves getting the better of him. He knew what he did last night had been shitty and unfair to Gai. But he couldn't explain it, he just felt overwhelmed and had to get away. It was all too much for someone like him. But how could he explain that to Gai without sounding like the selfish ass he was. What if he had completely fucked up their friendship now?

When Kakashi returned, he made sure to sit at a distance from Gai. There was an awkward silence while they sipped scalding tea, until Gai took a breath and made the first move, as he reached towards the pocket of his vest.

"Kakashi, I know last night came as a shock to you but-"

A moan.

"But, uh…" Gai faltered looking confused.

"Arrgh, kami," came a louder one from the bedroom.

"Kakash… is someone else here?"

"Oh yeah, don't mind him, he-"

But before Kakashi could finish Kotetsu came out from the bedroom, dressed but looking rather rough.

"Morning Hatake. And err, Maito-san. Didn't expect to see you here. Got any coffee, Hatake?" And Kotetsu slumped down in a chair casually.

"Get it yourself," Kakashi snapped. He turned to Gai to explain, but Gai was already rising.

Gai closed his eyes, trying not to reveal the pain the image of Kotetsu coming out Kakashi's bedroom had caused him. "I see. You could have just told me last night, Kakashi."

And with that Gai walked quickly and purposely out the front door, despite Kakashi's call to return.

"Gai!" he yelled. "It isn't- it isn't what you think," he said, voice low when he realised Gai was long out of earshot.

A snort behind him reminded him of the cause of this.

"You! What the fuck is your problem? Why the hell did you do that?"

"Me! I didn't do anything! You broke my nose, put me in bed and then invited that idiot round. It's not my fault he took offense."

Kakashi slammed his door shut and approached the hungover chuunin, his aura deadly. "Don't you dare bad mouth Gai. He is my friend and I won't let you speak bad of him."

Kotetsu gulped. "Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. He was just getting in the way again-"

"Of what?"

"Of erm," Kotetsu looked around wildly. Shit he needed more pain killers, his head was fucking killing him, he didn't need this. "Of our night together."

"Hm, now why don't I believe you? Spill it."

"There's nothing more to it, I just wanted to get to know you but he was always hanging around. But he isn't now…" he trailed off suggestively.

"Out. Just get out. You have caused enough damage already, Hagane."

"But-"

"Move!"