Disclaimer: Once again, I don't own Naruto. He belongs to Gaara and Kishimoto.

Author's Note:

1. This is a Yaoi story, if you don't like don't flame me and simply don't read it.

2.The pairing is Gaara and Naruto, and the story line is ...is in high school, I mean I'm not following the cannon in the ninja world.

3. Thanks to all of you that had reviewed my story. I really appreciate it. I also want to thank to my beta InosBane for making of this is story something easy to read. Thanks!!

4. Relax,Read and do not forget to Review!! And enjoy!!

Chapter 6

Despite the early hour, the day was already shaping up to be warm as the last bits of dew shone brightly on the grass and birds sang sweetly hidden in the leaves of the ancient trees. The surrounding area was flat and checkered with gray and white headstones. Two figures stood silently in front of a small stone marker, each holding a single white rose. The taller of the two wiped at his eyes before kneeling down and placing his rose on the stone. As he stood his voice sounded strange amidst the birdsong.

“So I heard through the grapevine that you’re having a big party tonight,” a small smile on his face. “I believe the term ‘epic’ was used and as I recall someone mentioned that it that it was going to be a costume party as well.”The blonde, who was now kneeling before the headstone snorted as he placed his rose next to his companion‘s.

“If you were spying on me why don’t you just admit it.”

“Well, I have to,” the dark haired man shrugged. “I couldn’t let my little brother get raped, now could I?” The blonde’s eyes shot open and he turned to glare at his companion.

“Why the hell would you say something like that? I was with Sasuke. It’s not like I was with Hidan or something,” a slight shiver passed through the boy at the mention of Hidan.

This time the older man snorted and rolled his eyes, “so, my sources were correct? You’re having a party, eh Naruto?”

The boy stood up nodding excitedly, “and it will be epic, it’s going to be huge! I‘ve invited everyone in my year.” The blonde paused for a moment, then grinned up at his companion. “Hey Zabuza, why don‘t you come too?”

“Oh wow, can I? Really? Who wouldn’t want to be at a Halloween party full of annoying brats and underage girls,” Zabuza replied sarcastically bouncing up and down. “Count me in! I can already imagine Jiraiya’s reaction to this…or better yet, Tsunade-sama. What about you?” He asked arching an eyebrow, “can you imagine what would happen if they found out?

Naruto paled as he took in the evil smirk on Zabuza’s face.

“C’mon,“ the blonde laughed weakly, his bright blue eyes pleading. “You wouldn’t tell, would you Zabuza? You‘re supposed to be my brother, the one I can trust not to rat me out.”

Zabuza laughed at the panic in Naruto’s voice. Clapping the boy‘s shoulder he smiled wickedly, “If I thought it would do any good I might, but Tsunade-sama would only kill you, and Jiraiya would just throw you another party to celebrate the loss of your cherry.”

“Zabuza!” Naruto backed up shrugging off the older man’s hand. “What the hell is wrong with you? How could you say such a thing? It‘s just a party.” Zabuza snickered and shook his head.

“The question is: what the hell is wrong with you? C’mon Naruto, when I was your age I’d already done everything you can imagine, and some of it twice.”

Naruto swallowed nervously at the mental image that came with the word “everything”.

“Do you really think this conversation is appropriate given where we are?” He asked gesturing to the surrounding headstones. “Besides, my love life is none of your business.”

“Appropriate? I can’t think of a place more appropriate.” Zabuza once again put his hand on Naruto’s shoulder and looked deep into his eyes. “Look, I promised Haku I’d watch out for you, and with you all ‘Mr. Social Butterfly‘, I hardly ever get the chance to see you anymore, let alone speak to you for any length of time without your entourage. So if not now, when?”

Naruto broke Zabuza’s gaze and took in the large letters etched on the stone in front of them. “HAKU“ stood out darkly on the white stone.

“You’re right Zabuza,” the blonde smiled. “And I want you to know I think you’ve done a great job.”

Naruto’s smile became mischievous as the pair began walking away from Haku’s grave.

“You know,” he said a thoughtful expression on his face, “I'm a bit hungry. How about we stop somewhere and grab something to eat? We can talk some more,” he added hopefully.

Zabuza snorted and shook his head. It didn’t matter how old he got, Uzumaki Naruto maintained that childlike gift of going from serious to joking in the space of a moment.

“Come on then,” the older man sighed. “I could use a cup of tea.“

Twenty minutes later the pair was seated at a downtown café where all the waitresses seemed to know Zabuza by name. The place was small, and it had been around for a long time. Much longer than it’s neighbor, Naruto’s favorite shopping mall. As he drank his coffee, Naruto wondered if Zabuza would want to take him to the mall and buy him a present. It was his birthday after all, maybe if he played his cards right he could get his “brother” to buy him a few movies or some new music. The two had been chatting about Naruto’s party, and the blonde was in the middle of explaining why dressing like the character “Green Arrow” was cool when their overly flirty waitress brought their the girl had gone back behind the counter to giggle with her co-workers, Zabuza leaned closer and asked how things were going at school. Naruto rambled merrily about his classes, a girl named Sakura who was a former crush, and how he and Sasuke had gone to the movies with some other kids. He frowned as he recited the events that had taken place since then, especially the ones involving Sasuke and the new boy, Gaara. When Zabuza began laughing Naruto’s frown deepened.

“I don’t think you get it,” he said. “Sasuke’s been really out of control.”

Shaking his head, Zabuza sighed. “I thought the Uchiha would be a little more determined like his brother, but it seems he’s more of the cowardly type. What’s he thinking playing the part of jealous boyfriend instead of actually claiming you?“

The coffee in Naruto’s mouth sprayed all over the window as he took in what Zabuza said. As the same waitress came running with napkins Zabuza leaned back in his chair and laughed some more.

“Thanks sweetheart,“ he said smiling at the waitress. “We can manage from here.“ Turning to Naruto he said quietly, “close your mouth and wipe up the mess, you‘re embarrassing me.”

But Naruto didn’t move, he didn’t blink, and he certainly didn’t close his mouth. His brain was frantically trying to analyze what Zabuza had just said, the implications of what he was suggesting. When it finally occurred to him that he should react in some way, the first thing that flew out of his mouth was a very loud “WHAT?”

Eyes wide he took in the stares of the people around them before whispering frantically, “what the hell are you talking about?” Then nervously, “which Uchiha?”

Now Zabuza had never thought of Naruto as stupid, certainly the blonde was a little…special, but he wasn’t stupid. In fact, when he wanted to be, Naruto was actually rather smart. That’s why he couldn’t believe that his surrogate brother didn’t know about Uchiha Sasuke‘s feelings. For God’s sake, even the ten year old Haku had noticed that the black haired boy viewed him as competition rather than as a friend.

“What do you mean ‘which Uchiha’?” Zabuza asked incredulously. “I’m talking about the one that’s glued to you. The one that glares at any human being that comes within an inch of you.”

Disbelieving what he was hearing, Naruto shook his head and laughed out loud.

“That was a good one Zabuza…really, you almost got me there,” he chuckled finally wiping the liquid off the window. When he turned back around it was to see Zabuza staring at him, arms folded across his chest, and a mirrored look of disbelief across his features. The smiled faded from Naruto’s face as he paled. This wasn’t a joke.

The blonde swallowed the lump in his throat as the name “Sasuke“ fell from his lips.

Zabuza nodded, and Naruto fell back into his booth.“Fuck,”

“Are you really that dense?”

“Hey,” Naruto scrambled to sit up. “he’s my best friend. How was I supposed to know that my best friend, someone I think of as a BROTHER would have those kinds of feelings for me?” The blonde sighed as he rested his chin in his hands, frowning.

“Come on Naruto,” Zabuza grinned. “Think about it. The way he looks at you, the over protectiveness, the smiles…please! That boy has it bad for you.”

“But…but I don’t…I mean, sure Sasuke’s hot and all, but Zabuza, I’ve known him my whole life. He’s my best friend,“ Naruto’s tone was almost pleading. Sasuke was supposed to be his family, not his lover, and it was more than a little confusing to have that suddenly change. When did this happen? How was it he’d never noticed?

“I understand your dilemma, but the thing is, any idiot can tell he really likes you. I thought you of all people would have noticed,” Zabuza smirked as he finished his tea.

Naruto gulped nervously. Zabuza had already dropped one bomb from which he wasn’t sure when he’d recover, if there was more…

“Enough about your wanna-be-boyfriend,” the older man sighed with a wave of his hand. “Tell me about this mysterious new guy with the shining green eyes and the wicked tattoo on his forehead.”

Naruto blushed, but visibly relaxed. Had he really described Gaara that way?

“Well,” he shrugged. “he’s just the new guy at school. His name’s Gaara and well…that’s it, I guess. I already told you what’s been going on, Sasuke and I met him at the mall, and we saw a movie together.” Remembering the mall, a mischievous smile appeared on Naruto’s face. This time it was Zabuza’s turn to act nervous. “So, uh Zabuza,” the blonde continued. “Since we’re here and it IS my birthday…well, don’t you think that a good big brother, which you are by the way, would want to buy his little brother a present?”

“Don’t push it brat,” the dark-haired man growled pulling out his wallet to pay the food bill.

“Oh, come on,” Naruto pouted. “We’re already here, come on, don’t be mean.”

When Zabuza rolled his eyes in response Naruto continued.

“Come one, I need something to help me deal with the destruction they’ve done to the house.”

Zabuza’s curiosity piqued, he looked from the smiling waitress to the pleading blonde.

“What do you mean? What destruction?”

“Itachi and some of his friends are getting the house ready for tonight, only I‘m a little nervous about what they‘ve done to it.”

Sighing, Zabuza waved to the waitress mouthing the words “see you later”, as he allowed the boy to drag him towards the music store.

As they headed towards the mall, Naruto’s thoughts shifted from what type of present he wanted to a good-looking redhead he’d run into at this very mall eight days prior. He wondered how it had gone so quickly from barely knowing the boy’s name to the redhead’s constant intrusion into his thoughts. Naruto would never admit that he’d been watching Gaara since the first day he’d arrived, even going so far as to play a trick on him that he’d once played on Haku when they were four years old-running into him and causing him to drop all of his books.

Naruto’s snicker caused Zabuza to eye his surrogate brother curiously for a moment before speaking. It was time to take the promise he’d made to Haku and Tsunade-sama about looking after Naruto seriously. The older man smiled at the blonde’s happy expression. Truth be told, he really cared about the kid and wanted him to always smile like that.

“ So Naruto,” he said drawing the blonde’s attention away from a window display. “It seems to me that you really like this Gaara kid,“ the blonde’s deep crimson blush confirmed what he already knew to be true. “Well, then as your big brother, there’s something I want to tell you…”

o-o-o-o-o

“Deidara, you know we were told not to destroy the place!” hissed Uchiha Sasuke. He’d just caught the blonde man setting up some fireworks around the backyard.

Deidara turned around and gave a half smile, “aw, Sasuke-chan. You’re so cute when you worry. Trust me, I’m not going to destroy the place. This is art, and as such it’s not destructive. It’s just a moment in….”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever, I don’t really care.” Replied the younger Uchiha whose eye had begun twitching after the chan reference. “I just want everything to be perfect, and that includes you NOT setting the place on fire.”

Turning to go into the kitchen, Sasuke glared at Deidara “don’t ever call me Sasuke-chan again!”

Deidara‘s laughter followed the black-haired boy into the house. Leaning against a wall, Sasuke put his hand on the bridge of his nose and sighed. He would never understand how his brother, smart, handsome, and (when he wants to be) fun Itachi, could stand to hang out with crazy people like Deidara. Frankly, Deidara wasn’t even the worst of the bunch. There was Kisame, who rivaled Deidara for the title “King of Crazy”, then there were the fanatics, Hidan and Yahiko, not to mention the utterly stupid Tobi who liked to talk about himself in the third person. What Itachi saw in those guys Sasuke would never know.

Entering the living room, Sasuke wondered when he’d finally stop being amazed at it’s incredible size. He understood why Naruto often said he’d rather live in an apartment or condo. A family of at least seven or eight could live here quite comfortably, for it’s current two occupants it’s size must sometimes seem a bit extreme. The living room alone was the size of four classrooms, then there was an equally huge dining room, a studio, and a professional kitchen with all the most modern appliances. Upstairs there were seven large rooms and an attic that could be accessed by a small door on the roof just outside of Naruto’s bedroom. Sasuke found his brother putting the finishing touches on the lights with another of his weird friends, a guy named Kakuzu. The atmosphere was just about set, and he was only slightly resentful at being left behind to manage the decorations when Zabuza came to pick up Naruto earlier that morning. Granted, they were only going for their monthly visit to the cemetery.

“But Sasuke, it’s Haku. You knew him, you know how special he was. C‘mon, don‘t be mad.“

“I still don’t bloody get it. Why do I have to stay behind this stupid thing? When do I get a chance to dance with Naruto?”

Brought rudely from his thoughts, Sasuke clenched his fists and sent a murderous glare at the speaker, the fanatic Hidan. The platinum blonde was wearing his usual attire, black pants and white shirt open to the waist. Had he never heard of buttons? Naruto would never dance with a fucking moron like that. He wasn’t the only one pissed off by Hidan’s comments if the look on Kisame’s face meant anything. Luckily, Sasori got between the two and attempted to defuse the situation.

“Hidan,” the redhead stated calmly, “you are the DJ, and the DJ is in charge of playing the music, not dancing to it.”

“Well why can’t you do it?” The blonde whined.

“Because I don’t know how to manipulate that!”

“Tobi can…” The masked weirdo piped up.

“Don’t even finish that sentence dumb ass,” Kisame snarled. “Remember the last time we let you try? You caused a short-circuit. Hey, you still owe me money for that!”

“Can’t leave these boys alone for five minutes can we?“ A feminine voice spoke causing Sasuke to jump slightly. Turning, he came face to face with the lone female in Itachi’s group of friends, Konan. Smiling apologetically, she asked, “so how long have they been at it?”

“I think they just started,“ Sasuke replied as Konan sighed and approached the quarreling young men.

“You know, it wouldn’t be the first time they destroyed a place,” Itachi grinned as he walked over to stand next to his brother. “I remember this party we had at Sakon and Ukon’s house…” Seeing the look on his younger brother’s face Itachi coughed.

“Maybe that’s a story for another time.”

By the time Zabuza returned with Naruto at five o’ clock, everything was set and ready to go. Naruto stood in the center of the room grinning over all the hard work his friends had put into his party.

“Wow guys, this is incredible, really, it‘s just…wow. Thanks!”

Sasuke smiled and walked towards Naruto who not so subtly moved towards the stairs.

“I’ve uh, gotta go get ready now,“ he stammered before taking the steps two at a time. Sasuke stared after him, a look of hurt on his face.

Zabuza, who’d watched the entire exchange with interest shook his head before following the blonde up the stairs. After a moment’s hesitation, Sasuke followed. When Sasuke arrived on the second floor, he found Zabuza and Naruto involved in a heated discussion. Though on a second glance, Sasuke could see that Naruto was the only one heated. Zabuza appeared to be laughing in amusement at whatever had made the blonde so upset. When the pair finally noticed Sasuke standing at the top of the stairs, Naruto shot an angry glare at Zabuza before continuing on to his room and slamming the door.

Once in his room, Naruto leaned against the door and closed his eyes. He’d completely forgotten about Sasuke until he saw him downstairs, and now that he had seen him…well he couldn’t help but feel weird around him. Naruto locked the door and headed for his bathroom to take a shower. Maybe the water would help him clear his head and figure out a way to talk to Sasuke, because he really needed to talk to Sasuke.

o-o-o-o-o

“Naruto’s going to take a bath now,” the older man smiled at Sasuke’s frown. “I only say this because I know you’re looking for an excuse to see my little brother naked again.“

Sasuke turned his head and tried to school his features, but there was no hiding the slight blush that appeared on his cheeks. Zabuza put a hand on Sasuke’s shoulder and continued to smile.

“Come on,” the dark-haired man said. “We haven’t talked in ages, whatever happened to the little brat that used to follow me around calling ‘Zabuza-niichan’?”

Sasuke snorted, but still smiled.

“If I remember correctly,” he replied, “that was Naruto.”

Zabuza chuckled at the young man’s cheek.

“Yeah well, if I remember correctly it was you and Naruto. Wherever Naruto was, you and Haku weren’t too far behind, and the three of you were always willing to call me brother if you felt it would allow you to get away with the candy you guys stole."

Sasuke laughed out loud, and Zabuza was glad to see that the old Sasuke hadn’t been completely replaced by the brooding young man he’d come to know.

“I can believe you remember that.”

“I’m not that old yet, brat.” Zabuza chuckled smacking the boy in the back of the head. “Come on, you can show me where your mother’s been hiding. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of her conversation. Besides, don’t you need to get ready for the party too?”

Sasuke shot a last glance at Naruto’s room before following the older man down the stairs. As they headed towards the front door, a familiar voice called to them. They turned around to find Itachi smiling in a way that made them both a bit uneasy.

“Zabuza-san, surely you’re not leaving already?” The older Uchiha brother drawled.

“No, I’m taking him home to see mom, he wanted to say hi,” Sasuke answered.

The smile disappeared from Itachi’s face, instantly replaced by a fierce glare. If Zabuza had been any other man, that glare would have caused shivers to run down his spine. As it was, he wasn’t any other man, so Zabuza crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall looking bored.

“I sincerely hope that you’re not planning on flirting with my mother Zabuza-san. I’ve heard around town what your version of saying ‘hi’ is, and I can only hope for Naruto’s sake that what I’ve heard isn’t true. I know how much he loves and admires you. It would be a real shame if you had some sort of tragic accident that would cause him to miss you.”

Zabuza smothered a yawn before replying “yeah, sure brat, see you later.”

“You know, your brother is really too weird for his own good,” Zabuza said to Sasuke when the door had closed behind them.

“You’d be surprised how many people have said the exact same thing to me,” came Sasuke’s reply.

o-o-o-o-o

Gaara stood staring in the mirror, not quite believing what he was seeing. He was dressed in his Phantom costume, the only thing he had left to put on was the cloak. Looking into the eyes of his reflection through the mask caused him to grin. He really did look great. Reaching for the cloak that lay on his bed he glanced at the oil painting he’d done as a gift for Naruto. He silently thanked the pink-haired Sakura for lending him a small photograph to work from. Sakura had been the one to help him find a costume and decide what to give Naruto. He knew he owed her, even though she said it had been her pleasure to help. He'd wanted to give the blonde a gift that every time he looked at it he would think of Gaara, preferably in a...dare he go there? Romantic way.

“Can’t get much more personal than a painting,“ Gaara smiled, remembering that Sakura had told him that Naruto was a sucker for art, especially paintings. Not for the first time he was grateful for the relative anonymity of the mask. It allowed him to hide at least part of his face.

“Damn, you really look good!” Exclaimed a voice behind him.

Gaara turned to see his brother also wearing a costume. Some sort of cat, with a painted face.

“You know, you're really going to … what?” Kankuro asked looking perplexed. “What are you looking at?”

“You,“ Gaara replied evenly. "What are you? Some sort of cat with purple make up?“

Kankuro’s eyebrow twitched causing Gaara to snort.

“It’s not make up, it’s paint, and I’ll have you know that this is a a puppeteer costume.”

Gaara’s smirk grew until Kankuro could see that his brother was struggling not to laugh at him.

“Tell me Kankuro,” the redhead finally managed, “has Temari seen you in that, um…did you call it a puppeteer costume?¨

Kankuro paled under the paint, “aw c’mon, I gave you a compliment! Really,” the older boy nodded for emphasis. “ Whoever you’re after is surely going to fall for you in that.”

Gaara pulled the cloak over his shoulders, checked his appearance one last time, then grabbed the gift and the picture, nodding for Kankuro to follow him. As the pair walked along, Kankuro smirked to himself. Once they were at the party he and that blonde guy Deidara would get Gaara back for laughing at his puppeteer costume. A cat? I mean really…

Shikamaru yawned in greeting as Gaara and Kankuro entered the room. Taking in his friend’s costume the dark haired boy smirked. Gaara rolled his eyes in answer before studying Shikamaru’s own costume for a moment.

It appeared that the Nara had tried to match his costume to Temari’s, choosing something from the same time period. The black frock coat, cravat, vest and trousers made the crisp white shirt he had on practically shine. His hair was pulled back into a stylish ponytail. Gaara was impressed with the effort his normally lazy friend had gone to in order to impress his sister.

“Well, my good sir," he said with a little bow. "Of course I give you my blessing in your quest to court my sister.”

“Tsk, troublesome,” Shikamaru replied blushing. “My mother wanted me to look like a real gentleman for once.”

“Well, you can tell her for me that she succeeded. For once you really look like one,” a female's voice said behind Gaara.

Both boys turned to see Temari standing in the hall. She looked lovely, and her skin was positively glowing. Whether that was from excitement, or from the fact that Shikamaru was staring at her open-mouthed was anyone’s guess. The couple stood quietly admiring each other until Kankuro spoke up.

“Hey,“ he called grumpily, “can we get going? We’re wasting valuable partying time just standing here.“

Gaara rolled his eyes and followed his brother out of the door. Shikamaru and Temari stood awkwardly for a moment, before he offered his arm to her, and she took it smirking.

“Wow, you can even behave like a gentleman…if this keeps up you might get a present of your own by the end of the night.” Temari winked while her date was grateful for the cover of darkness to hide his crimson face.

o-o-o-o-o

Naruto was cornered and he knew it; he was trying to look anywhere but into the eyes of the platinum haired man that was leaning dangerously close, both arms preventing him from ducking away.

“So,” the husky voice of Hidan whispered in his ear, “how old are you again? Seventeen? Eighteen?”

Naruto gulped trying not to sound panicked, “seventeen,” he replied.

The older man smirked, but before he had the opportunity to say anything else, Konan stepped in.

“Hidan,” she hissed. “What the hell are you doing? Leave that underage boy alone and go put on some music.” When it looked as if Hidan was going to say something else to Naruto she added, “now!”

Begrudgingly, the blonde let the younger man go. He climbed up behind his DJ stand and put on some music. Konan and Naruto smiled at eachother.

“Thank you so much, you don‘t know how scared I was just then!” He said hugging the blue haired woman, who in all honesty couldn’t blame him for feeling that way.

“Don’t worry,” she smiled. “Now don’t you think you’d better go over and answer the front door? It looks like some of your friends are here.”

On his way to the door, Naruto greeted several well-wishers. Friends from school, neighbors, and a few people he didn’t recognize but figured were friends of Itachi and his gang. Looking through the glass front door, he saw someone waving at him. Once he opened it, he realized that it was Kiba dressed as a pirate, complete with black eye patch and red bandana. Standing next to him was Akamaru?

“Um, Kiba, why did you bring Akamaru?” He asked gesturing to the large white dog.

Kiba shrugged, “couldn’t find a parrot,” he said matter-of-factly continuing into the house as Naruto sweat dropped.

Next in line was Shino dressed in a tuxedo and his ever present sunglasses. The boy nodded to his host and walked in. Naruto was about to close the door when two more guests showed up and the blonde’s mouth fell open. Sakura had arrived dressed as Red Riding Hood, but not like any Red Riding Hood Naruto had ever seen before. For lack of a better word, her costume was hot. Grinning next to her was Sai looking every inch the Wolf.

“Hello Naruto-kun!” Sai greeted the birthday boy. ”That’s a great costume.”

“Thanks, I uh…wow Sakura…Red Riding Hood and the Wolf huh?“ Naruto grinned.

Sakura nodded, but Sai spoke up. “Yes, I thought it was only right that if she was Red Riding Hood that I should be the Wolf who eats her up!“

Sakura hung her face in her hands while Naruto blushed. Sai had meant his comment innocently, but Kiba who was standing near suffered a sudden nosebleed.

“Sai, what have we talked about?” The pink haired girl groaned while Naruto began laughing.

“There you are, I’ve been looking for you since I got back.”

Naruto turned around to find himself face to face with Sasuke dressed as the Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes. Naruto’s approving smile gave the black haired boy reason to feel confident about what he wanted to ask.

“Yeah, I’m really sorry about that, it‘s just…you know.”

It was then that Sasuke realized how down Naruto must’ve felt after visiting Haku’s grave. He chided himself because instead of trying to cheer him up he’d been brooding.

“Don’t worry,” Sasuke smiled putting his hand on the blonde‘s shoulder. "I‘ll forgive you if you dance with me."

The blonde smiled back at his friend, “Sure, but it‘ll have to wait until later, I promised Sakura-chan the first dance.”

Luckily, Sakura was quick witted. Just as Sasuke glanced at her she was able to smile with the same smirk he’d worn only moments ago.

Taking Naruto‘s hand she said merrily, “don’t worry Sasuke-kun, I’ll bring him back to you in one piece.“

Watching the pair walk towards the dance floor, Sasuke became aware of some poorly disguised laughter behind him.

“Oh man, that was brutal.“ Kiba snickered to Sai and Shino. Seeing the look on Sasuke’s face, Kiba calmed down a little. “Come on Sasuke, cheer up. He did say he’d dance with you later.“

Sasuke snorted, but agreed. Naruto did say later. He’d just have to be patient a little while longer.

Naruto and Sakura found a spot in the middle of the dance floor where they’d be able to dance as well as watch their friends on the other side. Moving to the music, Sakura wondered what was up with her friend when she noticed Naruto’s gaze lock with Sasuke’s for a moment. When the blonde quickly changed position, Sakura opened her mouth to ask him what was wrong, but he beat her to it.

“So,“ the blonde began nonchalantly, “You and Sai eh?” Sakura narrowed her eyes at the question but answered it nonetheless.

“Yes,” she smiled slightly glancing over at the Wolf. “We’ve been going out for a while but we wanted to wait a bit before we made it public.“

Naruto grinned, “so that’s why you never want to go out with me.” When Sakura started to reply, Naruto stopped her. “It’s okay, I mean Sai’s a little weird, and he does stick his foot in it a lot, but he’s a pretty nice guy. You have my approval.“

Sakura rolled her eyes and playfully punched the blonde‘s shoulder.

“Thanks, even though I don’t need your approval, I appreciate it.” The pair fell silent for a few minutes watching the other couples dancing around them when Naruto finally spoke again.

“So Sakura, how long have you known that Sasuke has a thing for me?”

The pink haired Red Riding Hood stopped dead in her tracks and looked wide-eyed at Naruto. His smile was genuine, but his eyes weren’t as bright and open as usual. As a matter of fact, Sakura wasn’t sure how to read him. She decided to come clean and see where that left things.

“So, you finally noticed, huh? What happened? Did Sasuke try something or did you figure it out on your own?”

Naruto smiled, glad she was being honest with him.

“Actually,” he said, “Zabuza told me this morning…he made a comment when I was talking about Gaara.”

“So that’s why you’re avoiding Sasuke?”

“Well, it’s not what I’m trying to do, at least not on purpose. I know I’m gonna have to talk to him at some point, I just don’t know what to say. And anyways..." Naruto trailed off blushing slightly.

“And anyways…“ Sakura encouraged.

“Well, I can’t figure out what to say that would keep Sasuke my friend after I make it clear to him that I’m not interested…because I’m interested in Gaara."

Sakura beamed, she was so proud of Naruto. He had finally figured out what he wanted, now it was just the getting it. She was about to tell him as much when a flurry of movement to the left caught her eye.

“Speak of the devil,” she whispered. “Look over there.”

Naruto turned around and stared open mouthed at the redhead in the half mask and tuxedo. Sakura giggled at the look on her friend's face.

“What are you doing just standing here?” She hissed, “get over there and greet your guest!” She laughed as she pushed him gently in the direction of Gaara and his group.

o-o-o-o-o

Kankuro surveyed the room, a look of annoyance on his face. So Deidara was friends with that little blonde brat who had insulted his puppets? How was that possible? He grinned as his friend came forward and the two took off into the backyard. For his part, Gaara felt uncomfortable. He’d never been a part of the "in group”, let alone invited to their parties. Now here he was standing dumbly in the entrance of the home of his crush. It suddenly became painfully obvious that Naruto was out of his league, the boy was rich beyond anything he’d ever imagined. He fidgeted and looked at the floor, maybe this was a bad idea, maybe he should just go home.

“What the hell are you doing?” The sound of Shikamaru’s voice brought Gaara back to reality, he looked over his friend and his sister, they were looking at him with worried expressions on their faces.

“Come on,” Temari smiled pulling lightly on his arm. “I bet he’s in there waiting for you.”

“More like he’s somewhere in a dark corner with the Uchiha,” Gaara grumbled. Shikamaru and Temari glanced at each other before turning to the redhead.

“Okay,” Shikamaru sighed annoyed. “That’s the single most stupid thing I have ever heard you say since I've known you. Now stop being a drag and let’s party!”

The dark haired boy grabbed Temari’s hand and stomped into the party. Gaara blinked, not quite believing that Shikamaru was capable of expressing such emotion in such a sleepy voice. Smiling slightly, he followed his friend and his dumbfounded sister into the living room. The place was crowded and they didn’t know what to do at first until they were greeted by a blue haired woman who pointed out where they could put their coats and where the refreshment table was located. Gaara looked around and found some familiar faces from school, and others that he’d never seen before. Peering into one of the dark corners, he saw the Uchiha with his little gang, but Naruto wasn’t among them. He was just beginning to wonder if he’d see the blonde at all when his thoughts were interrupted by a loud booming voice.

“Yo, Gaara!”

The redhead turned and clamped his jaw shut so that it wouldn’t drop to the floor, though he couldn’t stop the slight blush from coloring his cheeks. There was Naruto, grinning and waving at him. The blonde was dressed up like the Green Arrow in a snug fitting archer costume that left little to the imagination. Gaara tried to focus on the fact that that was a real bow and those were real arrows in the quiver to keep his knees from quivering.

“GAARA? Hey, it’s you isn’t it? Gaara? Are you okay?“

Gaara blinked a few times before looking directly in Naruto’s blue eyes. For a moment, they just stood there looking at each other, matching blushes on both faces.

“So is it you or not?” Naruto asked again. “I hope you’re Gaara, so that when I say you look hot I’ll know the person I’m talking to. I’d hate to embarrass myself,” the blonde grinned sheepishly.

“You…you think I look hot?” Gaara asked disbelieving.

“Well, if you’re Gaara, then yes.”

“Of course he’s Gaara, don’t tell me you didn’t notice the red hair?”

Naruto followed the voice and rested his eyes upon Shikamaru and his beautiful companion.

“Wow Shikamaru, is that really you?” The lazy boy rolled his eyes and nodded. Naruto grinned and turned his attention to Temari.

“Temari-chan? I remember you from the movies. It's nice to see you again, and I must say, you look beautiful!”

“Thank you Naruto,” Temari smiled. Gaara watched the exchange of pleasantries, still trying to digest the fact that Naruto said he looked hot.

“I’m so happy you guys came, please come in and enjoy yourselves.” Naruto said enthusiastically. “I know Konan gave you the basics, but the bathroom is over there near the stairs, and the dance floor’s in the next room.”

“Thank you Naruto," Temari smiled widely. "Now, I wonder, can I entrust my baby brother to your care while I drag my date here off to the dance floor?”

Gaara stared wide eyed at his sister, he couldn't believe she'd made such a brazen request. But she just batted her eyelashes at him and continued to smile. He looked at Shikamaru, eyes pleading for him to intervene, but the Nara just grinned. So much for being emotionless, his momentary panic was replaced by a shiver of pleasure as Naruto threw an arm around his shoulders. As the blonde pulled him close, Gaara could feel the warm strength encased in the green material.

“Don’t worry Temari-chan, he's in good hands now!” Naruto said happily, “right Gaara-kun?”

“Good to know, see you later Gaara, have fun!“ His sister and best friend called as they took off into the crowd.

Strangely, Gaara didn‘t feel abandoned with the blonde still holding him by the shoulders, he felt amazing calm and happy. Even when they were interrupted by an angry voice.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything important Naruto.”

Turning, they found the Uchiha whose face went from glaring daggers at Gaara to pleading with Naruto.

The dark haired boy held out his hand to the blonde, as he practically whispered, “didn’t you promise me a dance?”

Author's Note:

mmmm... well, I have a new story, this one is a Naruto/Bleach crossover, so if you don't mind cheking it out and telling me what do you think about it....

I hope you like this chapter, do not forget to review!!!