The next day we somehow walked to class with both Iruka and Kakashi. Gai joined us soon after and demanded a challenge. I shut him up by stuffing a doughnut in his mouth and said, "Gai, after school. Your disrupting our studies."

He swallowed the doughnut and nodded, "Fine. Good luck with school, and see you afterwards!" with that he ran off. We shrugged it off as Gai and enjoyed the first day of college, mostly spitting spit wads as Freakzilla, who sat bellow us and making his life hell.

The next day he left the college, for that Iruka was eternally grateful. Kakashi asked why and I had to stop him from murdering the guy. As Fumiko and Iruka celebrated with ice cream, I sat Kakashi down at a bench and said, "It won't do anything but make Iruka feel bad you know."

Kakashi sighed heavily and said, "your right. I just."

I looked at him and the way he looked at Iruka and nudged him, "you care for him."

Kakashi's head whipped around to look at me and I grinned, "Aw you do. How cute."

He glared, starting to blush and I asked, "Why don't you tell him?"

He sagged and said, "I can't. I'm sure he wouldn't want to be with a guy."

I snorted and said, "your stupid."

He glared and I shook my head at him, "you never know unless you try. Go for it."

Kakashi snorted and said quietly as they come up, "Only if Fumiko asks Gai on a date and they go with me."

I got up and pulled Fumiko aside and explained it to her. She blushed bright red, but nodded. She smirked evilly at Kakashi, just as Gai walked up. She skipped up to him and flat out asked, "hey Gai, want to go to the movies?"

He blinked and slowly turned into a tomatoe and stuttered, "um, sure." I whispered, "He looks like a Christmas tree." Kakashi snorted in laughter and Iruka sat next to him and nudged him to hush.

She smiled brightly and said, "pick me up at seven?"

He nodded and she turned and skipped back to me. Gai looked at me as if for permission and I grinned and gave him a thumbs up. He smiled brightly and turned and walked away, spring in his step. Iruka handed Kakashi his ice cream and I watched with Fumiko in amusement as Kakashi took a deep breath and said, "Iruka."

He turned to look at him and Kakashi began to stutter, "Um, would. Um, could. You. I uh."

I rolled my eyes and moved behind Kakashi and said in a deep voice, "Iruka, will you go with me to the movies?"

Iruka turned red and stuttered, "um, i."

Fumiko stood behind him and said in a deep voice, "I'd love to. Pick me up at seven?"

Kakashi nodded and Iruka nodded back. Fumiko grabbed Iruka's arm and said, "Great, I'll help you pick out an outfit. And I need your opinion."

She practically drug him away, a dreamy look on his face. I nudged Kakashi and said, "I'll help you. Come on."

He stood slowly and just about fell over. I caught him and said, "Easy. You'll do better tonight."

He straightened and asked me worried, "What if I make a mess of things?"

I nudged him in the ribs and said, "He agreed to go on a date with you, your both nervous and new at this. So lighten up, if you screw up he'll understand."

Kakashi slowly nodded, growing more confident and we got to his apartment and I raided his closet. I picked out a pair of black pants that would show off his cute butt, a dark gray muscle shirt and a leather black jacket. Then I went to check on Iruka and Fumiko.

Fumiko had chosen a pair of blue jeans and a white button up shirt. I agreed with her and Iruka said softly, "Um, thanks you too. I just hope I don't screw this up."

I put my arm around his shoulders and said, "Your both nervous, yes even Kakashi. Just be yourself."

He slowly nodded and I grinned encouragly before Fumiko drug me out to find something for her. She dove into her closet and started throwing things. I quickly stopped her and set her on the bed. Going through her things.

I chose a pair of black cargo pants, with a dark red tank top with a white rose on it. She hugged me happily and went to get ready. I went and sat myself on the couch to do my homework. Seven came around and I opened the door for Gai, him wearing blue jeans and a tight green t shirt. I let him in and Fumiko came out and they left.

Kakashi got Iruka and they went with them. Settling on the couch again, I sighed a bit sadly and finished my homework. Sitting on the couch I wondered what Itachi and Sasuke were up to. Realizing that I was moping and feeling sorry for myself, I got to my feet and grabbed my jacket.

I wrote Fumiko a note in case she got home early, then went outside. I locked the door behind me and just let my feet take me wherever. I somehow found myself at the gym. The lights were on and I peeked inside.

There was a bunch of gymnastic equipment out. A Pommel horse, a tall bar and a trampoline. I gave a fond smile, my father used to teach me how to do some gymnastics.

Making sure no one was here, I took off my shoes and patted my hands in some chalk. Grinning I grabbed the bars on the pommel horse and flipped upside down. I lowered myself and flipped up right, arms straight and spun myself around, while moving one hand at a time.

Flipping back upside down, I thrust and flipped over and landed on my feet. Stiffling a giggle, it was kind of fun. I turned to the trampoline and tall bar. Smirking I leapt and landed on the trampolin. Jumping up and down until I had enough momentujm, I leapt and grabbed the tall bar, using my momentum to swing completely around it.

Stopping straight up and down, I flipped again and let go. I rolled and landed on my feet, before bowing. I heard clapping and jumped. I spun and a guy with long black hair in a braid and gently brown eyes came up. I quickly apologized, "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have used the equipment."

He waved his hand and said, "No I thought you were great. Why don't you join the gymnastics club?"

I straightened and said, "Thanks, but I'm not into joining clubs. I just do it for fun."

He nodded in understanding and my cell rang. I smiled apologetically and answered it, "hello?"

Fumiko yelled urgently, "Ariana! He's back! and Kakashi's hurt! Gai can't keep him back much longer!"

I said alarmed, "Who Fumiko?"

She screamed, "Freakzilla! We're behind the theater! Ah Gai!"

I heard a crash on the other end and the phone went dead. Turning I shoved the phone into my pocket and raced outside. The guy yelled behind me, "What's wrong?"

I shouted back, "Nothing, just a freak with an additude!"

I jumped onto my bike, shoved my helmet on and peeled out of there. Driving faster then was deemed safe, I had to lean nearly to the ground as I went around turns, praying I wouldn't get pulled over.

I slid to a stop in the entrance of the alleyway behind the theater. I saw the huge Freakzilla slam Gai in the gut and Gai hit him back. he didn't seem to have any effect on the huge mass of muscle. Kakashi was on the ground behind them with Iruka holding him and Fumiko standing protectivly in front of them, shaking.

I clenched the brake and hit the gas, tire squealing. I let go of the brake as Gai was slammed back and hit a dumpster. Freakzilla advanced on Fumiko and I hit the front brake, spun in front of him and twisted until my back tire nearly took off his nose.

Freakzilla stumbled back in shock and I turned off my bike and moved it to the side and took off my helmet. I set it on the bike and looked at Kakashi in worry, "you ok?"

He smiled a bit, wincing in pain, "Fine."

I looked over everyone, all of them showing signs of being hit. I felt myself bristle and I turned on Freakzilla, who smiled widely and flexed his many muscles, "Your next girlie."

I clenched my fists and said in a barely controlled tone, "Let me ask you, why do all this? What is the point?"

He cracked his knuckles and paused right in front of me, "The point? The point is my boyfriend went on a date with someone else. Your all going to feel what it means to break my heart."

I felt my anger reach a new level as I snarled, "So your doing this because a guy who is not your boyfriend went on a date?"

He tapped his chin thoughtfully and nodded, "Yep."

He smiled and grabbed my shoulder, "Now, where were we?"

I grabbed his hand and squeezed. He slowly began to gasp and whimper as I bent back his hand and he collapsed to his knees. I growled furiously, "We were about to show you, what happens when you hurt my friends."

I let him go and slammed my foot into his face. He wrenched himself to his feet and with a roar tried to hit me. I easily dodged, slapped both hands over his ear, slammed my fist into his nose, and slammed my knee into his left ribs. He paused for a second and I ducked his arms, hit his already cracked ribs and shattered them. Stepping back I upper cut him in the chin, jumped and slammed my foot into it, hearing it snap.

He staggered as I landed on my feet, raised one and slammed my heel into his chest, slamming him back into a dumpster that caved in half from the impact. I stepped back and took a deep breath to calm my temper and turned, and saw the looks of the others. I looked down in shame of loosing my temper and knelt by Kakashi, "Come on, lets get you to a hospital."

He tried to push himself up and I quickly grabbed him gently and he said, "You'd give Gai a run for his money. We should have a go sometime?"

I stared at him in disbelief and slowly grinned, "Doubt it. I just lost my temper."

Fumiko helped Gai get to his feet and Iruka took Kakashi's otherside to support him. I turned to Fumiko and said, "Get your car, I'll take Kakashi with me. I'm faster."

She nodded and let Gai lean on her as she went to get it. I moved as we came up on my bike and in one movement swung him up onto it. He groaned and I quickly got in front of him and directed him to hold onto me as tight as he could, "Can you hang on? Maybe you should go with Fumiko?"

He shook his head and slowly put his other arm around me and said, "No, I'm fine." I rolled my eyes and started the bike. Iruka looked at me pleadingly and said, "Hurry, he got hit pretty hard."

Kakashi said softly, "hardly felt them."

I looked at Iruka and nodded, "I will. Go with Fumiko, she'll need help with Gai."

He nodded and I eased the bike out of the alleyway and took off like a shot. Kakashi rested his head on my shoulder and I glanced back in worry, he didn't look so good. I came to the hopital a few minutes later and parked. Gently easing him onto my back I hurried inside.

They took one look at me and got to work. They took Kakashi off my back and onto a stretcher. I was set in the waiting room and when Fumiko and the others came, I made them see a doctor before they could sit.

I sat and pulled my knees up to my chest. I stared at a wall and jumped when my phone rang. I answered it, "Hello?"

Jiraiya said happily, "I'm here! But your not home, where are you?"

I took a deep breath and said, "The hospital." He said urgently, "What happened?"

I said softly, "I'm not hurt. Um, my friends got beat up by some freak wearing make up."

He was silent for a moment and I asked softly, "Can you come to the hospital? I could use someone to talk to."

He said, "be right there."

The phone went dead and I closed it and hugged my legs tighter, burying my head in my knees. I didn't know how long I sat like that until a hand touched my shoulder. I looked up and Jiraiya smiled softly, "Hey Kiddo."

I looked down and said, "Hey."

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close, "Tell me what happened."

I took a deep breath and said, "On our first day we met up with a cute guy, who was being chased by a tall Freakzilla who looked like a wrestler."

Jiraiya smiled and said, "Let me guess, you helped the guy out and beat the Freakzilla."

I nodded and said softly, "We became friends. And also with Kakashi and Gai, two others. Gai loves to challenge Kakashi to any kind of competition, Kakashi loves for Gai to shut up."

Jiraiya chuckled and I continued, "Kakashi and Iruka are our neighbors actually. And it turned out they liked each other, so Fumiko and I set them up on a date today. Fumiko asked Gai on a date so that they could double date. I guess Freakzilla found them and wanted to show them a good time. At the end of his fist."

I sagged and said, "I got a call from Fumiko and hurried over. And when I saw them on the gorund, beaten by this nasty freak show. I snapped. He's still probally unconciouse, implanted in a dumpster. What if, what if the others hate me?"

Jiraiya shook his head and said, "you defended them, I'm sure they don't hate you."

We looked as they came intot he waiting room, Gai's arm was in a cast and Iruka seemed to be bruised. Fumiko looked unharmed. I got up quickly and was surprised when Fumiko grabbed me in a hug and said, "Thank you Ariana."

Gai nodded and gave me a thumbs up, "You really saved our butts."

I smiled softly and turned to iruka, "How's Kakashi?"

He forced a smile, "He's pretty banged up. And asking for you." I saw the pained look in his eyes and I tugged hm aside. He looked down in shame and whispered, "This is all my fault. Everyone, Kakashi especially, got hurt because of me."

I gently whacked the back of his head, "Now you stop that."

He looked up at me in shock and I glared sternly, "This is all that bastards fault. Not yours. No one blames you. Not even Kakashi."

He looked as if he wasn't sure if he believed me and I put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed reassuringly.

I turned and left Fumiko to introduce Jiraiya to the others. Getting directions from a nurse I entered Kakashi's room. He was sitting on the bed and looked over and grinned through the fabric he always wore over his face. I stared and walked up slowly. His chest was bandaged up tight and his left arm was broken. I stood beside his bed and whispered, "Oh Kakashi, you look terrible."

He snorted and said, "Thanks."

I cracked a smile and he said, "Listen Ariana, I want to thank you for saving our bacon today."

I looked down and said, "I'm sorry you had to get hurt at all. I should have taken care of that ass better."

He shook his head and I looked at him as he looked up at the ceiling and said, "I made a fool of myself. I couldn't even protect Iruka."

I groaned and sat in the chair next to him, "Not you too."

He looked at me in surprise and I glared, "None of this is anybody's fault but that freak shows! He doesn't think any less of you. Heck, I'm sure he's impressed by you trying to protect him."

He looked at me, unsure and I sighed. I dialed on my phone and told Fumiko, "Send Iruka in will you?"

She agreed and Kakashi said, "Wait Ariana."

I held up my hand and stood as Iruka entered. Both guys stared at each other and I gently took Iruka's hand and move him until he sat in the chair. I put my hands on my hips and said, "Now. Kakashi, you tell Iruka what's really bothering you."

Iruka looked at me in confusion and I glared at Kakashi. He took a deep breath and said, "Iruka, I'm sorry."

Iruka's head snapped around to stare at him and Kakashi said shamefully, "I couldn't protect you at all. And I'm sorry."

Iruka's jaw dropped and I nudged him, "Iruka, spill."

He took a shaky breath and said, "No, I'm sorry Kakashi. It's my fault he came after us in the first place. And I couldn't do a single thing to help tonight."

Kakashi looked at him in shock and said, "Wait, this isn't your fault. That guy is a freak of nature, how is that your fault?"

Iruka opened his mouth and Kakashi shook his head, "No, this isn't anybody's fault, but that freak of nature."

Kakashi blinked and looked over at me. I grinned and said softly as Iruka looked at me in surprise, "See? I told you guys. This isn't anybody's fault."

They looked at each other and both grinned. I chuckled and said, "I am good. Now, kiss and make up."

Iruka turned red and Kakashi pinked up a bit. They looked at each other and Kakashi said, "Um, you don't have."

He didn't get to finish as Iruka pecked him on the lips. Kakashi stared in shock and turned red. I laughed and a nurse came in with a sling and said, "Alright Mr. Hatake, your free to go."

She helped him put his shirt back on and arm in the sling. Iruka took his other side to help him out, but I was sure it was also for a reason to be close to him. as we walked into the waiting room Jiraiya came up and said, "Alright, now that everythings settled. I'll treat everyone to dinner!"

We cheered and everyone either rode with Jiraiya in his car or Fumiko's. I followed on my bike and we went to a nice reasurant. As we sat to eat I had a thought, "This isn't so bad."