AN: Happy New Year and Gai's Birthday! :D Thanks all for reading still, please read my notes at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 24

Kakashi and Sakura shared a look before opening the door and allowing the other three girls to enter. Kakashi was tired of it all by this point, feeling emotionally exhausted. And Tenten was one of the people he least wanted to see right now… luckily for him though, she was so busy shoving an object in his face to even glare, look hurt or accuse him of anything.

Kakashi was taken aback and almost dazed when he reached to grab the small orange item- wait he knew that particular shade of orange. Could it really be…

"Icha Icha," Sakura stated for him.

"Yes," Tenten confirmed.

"But why do you…?"

Gai-sensei had been carrying it, I think to give you Kakashi-sensei. When he left your apartment just know he- well he threw it away."

Kakashi shifted guiltily. He hadn't wanted to hurt Gai like that. He hoped Gai hadn't completely given up on their friendship as well as his romantic feelings. "Gai read Icha Icha… for me?" He was stunned, he really as was as this realisation hit him. No one had ever taken the time to do something like that for him before, to try to engage with him on that level.

Gai really was sweet. And kind. And goofy. And caring. And- well the list could go on.

But Gai was never the sort of person Kakashi had ever thought of in a romantic sense. Despite having the muscular physic of shinobi and all of his caring qualities, he was just so different, and quirky, and a bit weird; his gifts alone proved-

Oh kami.

Reality just came back to hit him.

Wasn't it only days ago that he had sat under a tree reading Sakura's yaoi and deciding that a conventional, 'normal' pursuer who gave the cliché gifts just wasn't for him? How could he have been so blind, to miss what was under his nose the whole time.

If he didn't want conventional or cliché, why would Gai?

Gai had never sought female company. In fact Gai rarely ever sought male company. Only his. It had only ever been him. All those challenges. All his fear and concern when Kakashi was injured or in harm's way, unfailing to jump in and try to save him even if it put himself in danger. The Green Beast had always, always been there for him, by his side, looking out for him even from the shadows. Always so protective of him. Always trying to get Kakashi's attention.

How could a genius miss what had been right under his nose the whole time.

It suddenly hit Kakashi that Gai was everything he had asked for in a 'boyfriend', he just hadn't realised it. The endearing yet quirky gifts, the louder than life personality that had a hidden warmth and depth most others fail to see, the strange contests that had nothing to do with shinobi attributes but all got Kakashi alone with him like an unconventional date… and they always had fun, even though Kakashi rarely admitted it.

And now he thought about it seriously… take away the bowl cut and bright clothes and Gai really was quite handsome. In fact, he was so tall and broad and chiselled that Kakashi was surprised that the female population of Konoha had failed to see this. They really didn't know what they were missing-

Wait. Did he really just think that? About Gai?

Kami help him.

But it was no use, he couldn't go out with Gai. Gai was his friend, his best friend, and he didn't want to risk that-

"Sensei…" Sakura spoke tentatively. "Are you OK? You kinds zoned out when they gave you the pervy book."

"I'm, I'm fine," he gasped, trying not to shake with all the sheer emotions and thoughts bombarding him all at once. He had to keep pushing them aside. This was for the best. For everyone, especially Gai. He didn't want to hurt Gai anymore than he had already. "But I'm sorry girls, this book doesn't change anything."

To his surprise, as Sakura deflated, Tenten and Ino merely smirked. "I wouldn't say that just yet sensei. You haven't even opened it."

Kakashi, suspiciously but dutifully opened the cover. A small piece of folded paper almost fell out. He opened it, unsure of what to expect. What he found were the bold and flowing script of his friend and self-proclaimed rival. Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise when he realised just what these words, these beautiful words were- a poem.

I'm not a writer like Jiyaiya. But you're the perfect muse,

You took my breath from day one, left a young boy so confused.

First time you hit me in a challenge, my head never stopped spinning,

Because even when I lose, I'm with you so I'm winning.

I love your imperfections and all your flaws,

I long only to break down your defences and walls.

It was you from the beginning, and I want you to be my ending,

Despite you being cynical and your mind so condescending.

What are you always thinking in that genius mind?

Certainly not of my love, to which you've always been blind.

A shinobi's heart can't always be hard, alone and strong,

So I wrote this, as to hide my eternal love for you is wrong.

Speechless. He was utterly speechless. He read it again. And again. The paper shook with Kakashi's supressed emotion. Kakashi just couldn't believe it: a poem. Written by Gai for him. He actually took the time to do this, when Kakashi knew he wasn't really one who enjoyed reading, let alone writing. It wasn't a work of literary genius… but it was Gai's true feelings, his heart laid bare on the paper. Gai had made himself more vulnerable than Kakashi ever had with these words.

The seconds turned into minutes. The girls shared brief glances, but other than that barely took their eyes off him. Wanting, needing a reaction. They were holding their breath.

Yet he still didn't give one.

Then finally, finally, Kakashi closed his eyes and took a shuddering breath. Sakura thought she saw a single tear leaking from the corner of his exposed eye, but he turned before she could be sure. Without a word he opened his door and walked through.

He paused only to say, "Where is he?"

AN:

OK, so you got to see what was on that note from Gai- and I apologise if it is too cheesey, lame or cringeworthy. If everyone hates it, I can delete it from the chapter never to be see again and leave Gai's note to the imagination. I am obviously not a poet, but I thought that neither is Gai so it doesn't have to be perfectly written or amazing art. It comes from the heart, right, so that's what counts?

Also, can anyone else imagine Gai singing "All of me" while serenading Kakashi with a guitar ;p