A/N: I'm baaaack! Haha, another long wait for an update...whoops :sweatdrop: Well, here's the thing...so you know writers block? Yeah, I had that big time. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get the words out. But I've been working on, like, three other fics...I keep getting all these ideas that I get all excited about and then end up getting writers block half-way through. Tch. Such annoyance. Stupid brain. Anyway, I hope you guys like the chapter, even if it is super short. :hugs:

DISCLAIMER: Every one of these precious cinnamon rolls (aside from that little bitch therapist) and the entire Narutoverse itself belong to Kishi-sensei. I am a slave to his marvelous creations.

~0~o~0~

Naruto stood, fidgeting, outside of Gaara's office door. He relayed the conversation he wanted to have with the redhead over and over again in his mind. He had been putting it off since his arrival, but it had been three days and he really needed to head back to Konoha. It was now or never.

With a heavy sigh, and a nervous churning in his stomach, he tapped lightly on the large wooden door. Upon hearing his acceptance into the room, he slowly creaked the door open and shuffled inside.

"Naruto." The redhead smiled slightly and stood from his desk. "Heading back to Konoha?"

The blond raised an arm and rubbed the back of his head, smiling nervously. "Yeah...but first, I wanted to talk to you about something. Well, er, I wanted your opinion about...just, please don't freak out or judge me or anything." He dropped his arm and stared desperately at the Kazekage.

"Of course. Ask me anything." Walking around his desk, he leaned against the front of it, arms crossed.

Naruto exhaled deeply and averted his eyes. Well here it goes..."Here's the thing...I...well, I started dating someone recently and I was hoping for some advice. I'm not sure how to tell my friends because they may hate me for it and, honestly, I've been scared shitless of telling you too but, I don't know, I feel like I can trust you...I hoped that maybe you'd be understanding. Ugh, I don't know! This is so weird, I haven't told anyone yet and talking about it to someone makes it feel so real and now I'm freaking out!" He ran a hand through his hair and breathed another sigh in an attempt to calm himself down.

"Naruto, I'm not sure I fully understand what you're asking me. What can possibly be so bad about being in a relationship that your friends would hate you for it?" If he had any eyebrows, one definitely would have been raised.

"It's not the fact that I'm with someone it's who I'm with." Naruto bit his bottom lip and lowered his head. "I'm gay." His heart beat quickened and his cheeks flushed. It was the first time he had said that out loud. In fact, it was the first time it really clicked and he could label what he was. It was a strange feeling and kind of overwhelming.

The Kazekage moved from his desk and placed a hand on the blond's shoulder. "Listen, if Sasuke makes you happy then that is what's most important. Love is beautiful no matter where it is found and should be cherished. Falling in love and having that love returned to you is the greatest gift a person could ever recieve. The fact that you've found that with another man should make no difference, love is still love and it's precious."

Tears formed at the corners of Naruto's eyes as he fought back the urge to sob. He had been so afraid to tell anyone and the first person he told was completely accepting. Had he not been so dedicated to the Uchiha, he could've kissed Gaara right then and there! He and Sasuke had just aquired their first blessing.

Wait a minute!...

"Sasuke?!" Naruto blurted out. Not exactly the response he should have given to such a heart felt and reassuring speech but he really couldn't help it.

"Oh, My apologies. It isn't the Uchiha, then? I suppose I shouldn't have assumed, I just always thought-"

"No, no, you were right! It's Sasuke, I was just-how did you know?!" He knew the shocked look on his face must have been priceless, but, dammit how the hell did he figure it out? Had they really been that obvious? No way.

"It was pretty obvious really." Gaara said simply, prompting the blond to face-palm. "I recognized the bond between the two of you early on. And when Sasuke left, you never gave up on him no matter what terrible thing he did, you were always defending him and fighting for him, determined to save him. That's true dedication. And through all the darkness, you were Sasuke's only light. You were able to get through to him in the end and I honestly believe no one else could have. It had to be you. If that isn't love then I suppose I still haven't grasped the meaning of it. Although, I doubt I'm wrong."

"Hehe, well, I guess I never realized it back then but those were acts of love weren't they? Behind that hard exterior, Sasuke really does have a soft spot for me and he doesn't really show that part of himself to many people. I always knew our bond wasn't one sided...I just had no idea our feelings would lead to this." He scratched the back of his head and furrowed his eyebrows. "So...what should I do? Should we keep it a secret? Do you think everyone else will be as accepting? I'm just so afraid they won't understand the way you do."

"I believe you should be proud of what you have. Anyone who can't accept your happiness isn't a true friend. If a person cares about another person, they should want that person to be happy. You shouldn't have to keep this a secret as if you are ashamed. They may be shocked at first, but, I think that in the end they will be glad that you found love. Don't hide who you are, Naruto."

"Gaara..." Naruto smiled and glomped the redhead, startling him and forcing him to stumble backwards. "Thank you. Thank you for making me feel like I'm not a freak. Thank you for being accepting. Thank you!" Tears streamed down his face as he tightened his grip on the Kazekage.

~0~o~0~

Great. Another pair of pants ruined. Sasuke scowled at the crimson stained pants as he tossed them into the trash. I really need to remember to do this pantless. He rinsed his kunai in the bathroom sink as he recalled the events of three nights ago.

"She said he'd be a zombie."

"I don't think I'll even need gentle fist."

Their voices had been swirling around in his mind unrelentlessly since that day. He had already deemed his phychologist untrustworthy, but now he felt as if there were more to his suspicions. Perhaps, it wasn't that she simply resented him for his past crimes. Could she be plotting something bigger than just messing with his medication? Well, either way, he wasn't going to swallow another damned pill as long as he lived.

And, gentle fist? That anbu was a Hyuuga. Could Hinata have something to do with that? Damn it, was there a single fucking person in this village he could trust? Then again, had he really deserved that trust? And how is all of this just slipping by Kakashi?

He sunk to the floor, leaning his back against the wall. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he felt his chest ache. He needed the blond dobe back. If someone didn't start talking some sense into him , he thought he might just up and leave again. Being back in Konoha didn't feel worth it, not with everyone so against him being there. What was the point?

But, he needed to stay. He made a promise to Naruto he'd never leave him again and he intended to keep that promise. No, he wasn't going to run away from his problems. That just wasn't his style. He was going to do something about it.

First things, first. Kakashi needs to know.

~0~o~0~

Papers. Papers everywhere.

Kakashi sat, slumped at his desk. He rubbed his masked face in frustration. The mountain of papers in front of him should have been condensed considerably by now had he not procrastinated with a certain perverted novel. With a hesitant hand, he reached for the top of one of the piles. As he placed the paper in front of him, there was an urgent sounding knock at the door.

My savior!

"Yes, yes, come in!" He leaned back in his seat and breathed a sigh of relief. Boy, did he hate paperwork.

The door flung open and a pissed looking Sasuke stormed into the room. The hokage raised an eyebrow as the Uchiha's fists slammed down on his desk.

"Something wrong?" his bored tone must have irked the raven, considering the menacing look he gave him.

"Is something wrong? Is something wrong?!" His dark eyes narrowed at the calm hokage. "Oh, do you mean to tell me you don't know? Why don't you open your damn eyes and pay attention to what those anbu bastards are up to!"

This caught Kakashi's attention. "The anbu? Sasuke, what are you talking about? Calm down and explain what's going on."

"I was attacked by a group of anbu. I think they're conspiring against me." This got the Lazy man out of his seat. Kakashi walked around his desk and placed his hands on Sasuke's shoulders, his eyes narrowed.

"Start from the beginning. Do not leave out a single detail. I will get to the bottom of this."

~0~o~0~

Sai stood in the middle of the Hokage's office, staring curiously at the silvered haired man pacing back and forth.

"You want me to act as a double agent?" Sai's dark eyebrow raised. "How do you know Sasuke isn't lying? I haven't noticed anything suspiscious within the anbu recently and with the foundation and Danzo gone-"

"That's just it, Sai" Kakashi stopped pacing and turned towards him. "Former Root members were conditioned by Danzo to believe in a certain shinobi way. Now, mostly because of Sasuke, that way is dead. However, those dedicated to Danzo and his way of doing things are not willing to let it die and they are clearly holding Sasuke responsible. They desire revenge. All things considered, Sasuke did get away with a slap on the wrist after the crimes he committed. And, they're pissed."

"I see." He sighed. "Well, if you believe this to be the case, I will do my best to find out what I can. I'll report back to you as soon as I learn anything."

"Thank you, Sai." The Hokage stopped his pacing and took a seat at his desk, frowning with discontent at the stacks of papers. "Well, I have a lot of work to do. You're dismissed."

The pale boy bowed and exited the office, leaving Kakashi to his work. He scribbled his signature across papers, only half paying attention to what he was reading. His thoughts were loud and unrelenting, screaming at him, accusing him of being an unfit Hokage. He sighed and rubbed his temples. Was it really so easy for things like this to slip right past him? How often would this happen?

He felt as though he had failed Sasuke as his sensei once. He wouldn't allow himself to fail him as his Hokage too.

~0~o~0~

"Sasuke, please, stop ignoring me!" Sakura flicked the raven's arm and scowled. "I told you, I was only trying to help! Can't you just let it go?"

Sasuke crossed his arms and turned his head in the other direction. He hadn't the patience to deal with any drama today. And he certainly wasn't in a forgiving mood. He remained silent as the kunoichi continued, desperately, with her attempt at patching up their friendship.

"I promise if I had known you felt so strongly about Hinata, I never would have suggested she talk things out with you. It's just...she's my friend too and she was so upset, I just thought if she could hear your side of things and talk it out, it could help both of you."

"Tch." The raven rolled his eyes.

"I cannot believe you're actually still mad about this! It's not like I was intentionally trying to piss you off! I was only trying to help! Jeez, I'll just stay out of it for now on, okay?" The vein in her forhead twitched as Sasuke glared at her. "Well, say something!"

"I'm not in the mood for this Sakura. Just make sure that you do stay out of my business from now on. " He stood from his seat at the picnic bench and replaced the lid to his bento. "Thanks for the food."

"Where are you going?" Sakura asked sadly.

"I've got an appointment." He returned the empty bento to the distraught kunoichi and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "See you later."

"Wait!" Sakura grabbed Sasuke's arm and he turned his head slowly, his death glare burning into her face.

"What?"

"I wanted to ask you...what's with the wrist bands? I thought you only wore those for Chidori. You haven't worn them in a while, I just thought it was weird that you started wearing them again."

Sasuke sighed as he snatched his arm away. "For training purposes. That's all. I don't see why you're so concerned about it anyway. Why does it matter if I'm wearing wrist bands? You woman and your fashion."

"You don't have to be such a jerk about it. I just don't see why you'd need to be training with Chidori if-"

"I don't want to get rusty. What am I supposed to do? Just sit around until those geezers finally say I can start going on missions again? Stay out of my business Sakura." He turned away and headed off into the village.

"Jeez." Even when he was being a jerk, she couldn't help but feel sad for him. No matter how he treated her, she couldn't stop caring about him. That's just how she was, a strong kunoichi like herself had very few weaknesses but Sasuke Uchiha was definitely one of them.

~0~o~0~

Sasuke sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked away from the mental health clinic. He was feeling emotionally drained due to having had restrained his anger towards his therapist. He was determined to mask the fact that he had stopped taking his medication, and he definitely didn't want her to find out that he was on to her. What he really wanted to do was barge in there and stick a chidori stream through her fucking chest and unleash amaterasu on her Goddamned office.

But he opted to have faith in Kakashi instead.

"Yo, Sasuke!" The raven turned at the sound of the all too familiar voice and wondered what the hell he could possibly want.

"Mutt." He bit out and glared.

"Chill, Uchiha. I just wanted to talk." Kiba smiled sheepishly and put an arm around the raven's shoulders.

Sasuke's eye twitched as he jerked the brunett's arm away from himself. "Last I checked, you were pissed at me for something I didn't do. What's with the sudden change in attitude?"

Scratching the back of his head, Kiba locked his gaze on some passersby. "Well, I kind of...listen we should probably go somewhere to talk."

Suspicious. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and nodded his head in confirmation. He probably should have told him to scram, but he found himself following Kiba away from the crowded streets instead. He was lead to a grassy training ground near a patch of woods and watched as Kiba hopped onto the top of a picnic table, sitting cross-legged. He patted the spot beside him, inviting the Uchiha to have a seat.

Sasuke crossed his arms and kept his feet firmly planted in front of the bench. "Make this quick, Inuzuka."

Kiba frowned and sighed, scratching the back of his head. "I wanted to apologize for freaking out on you the other day."

"Tch." Sasuke rolled his eyes at this. "Whatever, apology accepted I guess. Are we done here?"

"Hey, man, don't be like that! Listen, I've been talking to Hinata about what happened. You really upset her but from what she told me...well, I'm not sure if I'm supposed to repeat this...but, well, fuck this is awkward!" He rubbed his face in frustration.

"Just spit it out already." Sasuke was losing his patience and it was evident in his facial expression. Kiba noticed and quickly began speaking again.

"She thinks you like him. Like, you know, really like him." He cringed at his own words, unconsciously leaning back to put more space between them.

"Jesus, why don't we just put it on a fucking billboard." Sasuke clenched his fists, glaring daggers at the brunett.

Kiba's eyes widened. He pointed a finger at the Uchiha, earning him a scowl. "Holy shit! So you do?! You have a thing for Naruto?!"

Sasuke immediately pressed his palm to Kiba's mouth, muffling his words. "Shut up, moron!"

Kiba pryed the hand away, gaping at the raven. He spoke more softly, "Does Naruto know? I mean, this is totally weird, uh, no offense! It's just...a dude liking another dude? I mean, that Orochimaru guy seemed a little weird like that...not that it's weird! Well it is but-"

"Kiba." Sasuke's voice was cold and threatening. "Not a single soul is to hear about this. And to answer your question, yes, Naruto knows. And trust me, Kiba, he is one hundred percent okay with it." He smirked at the gaping brunett.

"So...he really did end things with Hinata because of you? But not because you made him, but because he likes you...in a...boyfriend kind of way?"

"Yes. The decision was all his. And it's my understanding that he tried to let Hinata down easy. You know Naruto, he wouldn't want to hurt her. And although we don't get along very well, you're important to Naruto. So, I'd appreciate if you didn't let this affect your friendship with him."

Kiba was silent for a moment before shifting slightly and locking his eyes with Sasuke's. "You really care about him don't you? I guess even the most heartless of bastards has to have at least one person." He smirked at the raven, recieving one in return. "You know, I was pretty mad before. I thought you just didn't like Hinata and didn't want to deal with her being around if Naruto dated her. I thought you were just being a selfish prick. But, I guess I understand now. I'm not gonna lie, Uchiha, this is a lot to take in and I'm pretty shocked that Naruto's...well, you know."

"Like I said, no one is to hear about this."

"My lips are sealed, dude." He smiled at the raven and stood from his seat. "Well, see ya around."

"Wait." Sasuke said, pressing his hand against Kiba's chest to keep him from leaving. "I mean it. If you tell a single soul, I'll make you regret it. There's a reason we haven't told anyone. I don't want this getting around. I only confirmed it with you because you and Naruto are friends and I don't think you'd betray his wishes of keeping this secret. Do I have your word?"

Kiba swallowed nervously. "Yeah, you got my word, dude."

"Good."

Sasuke watched as the brunett made his way back to the crowded streets of the village. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't quite sure what he was feeling. He was relieved that, so far, the people who had found out were completely fine with it. Well, aside from Hinata for obvious reasons. But, on the other hand, he was a little frustrated with himself for apparently having been so obvious about it. Had he really been that easy to read when it came to the blond?

He was also nervous. Because, the more people who knew the truth, the more people would find out. In retrospect, he wondered if it was such a good idea to allow Kiba to know the truth. He knew Kiba was as loyal as a dog when it came to his friends, but he also wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.

With a sigh, he turned from the picnic table and headed in the direction of his home. He idly kicked a pebble as he walked, imagining his therapist's face. He smirked as it fell down a hole. "Good." He thought. "Stay there, you stupid bitch."

~0~o~0~

-Three Days Later-

Naruto stared up at the gates of Konoha, it's Leaf Village symbol almost glowing beneath the early morning Sun. He took in a deep breath of fresh air, filling his lungs, and exhaling with a smile.

"Home sweet home."

A/N: crossing my fingers that the wait for the next chapter is not as long as the last one..:cringes: I'm the worst, you guys.