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The Day He Said Goodbye	By : Shaylilin Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1163 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
A/N: Keep in mind this an AR story. (Obviously) The exams are pretty much normal. Things are the way they may have gone…at least in my mind. Whatever. If you don’t like it, I guess you don’t have to read. :)

I know this so unrelated, but I feel the need to say it somewhere… so I’m going to rant it out here. I’m so tired of the over played “sas-uke” joke. I get it. The last three letters of his name are Uke. Done. Over. Rant over.

Review Responses:

Nejislady: I know. In my head, Kakashi is a totally pushover for the man he loves. I mean, it seems to me that if he did win Iruka, he’d do everything possible to keep him happy. I really appreciate your reviews. I like knowing that people are getting something out of what I write. It is my ultimate goal one day to be a novelist/photographer. I like feedback. Even when it’s negative (so long as it’s not like – “You suck” no further explanation).

Ero-Sennin: What can I say? I love you. I know it gets tough to review, so when you do get the chance I get ridiculously happy. And as far as how I write smut… let’s just say after my first experience I told my husband something about penises not being meant for assholes. *blushes* I always figure it gets boring or isn’t hot, but if it works for me :D I’m going to keep writing it!

Chapter Seventeen – Chuunin Exam Excitement

Sasuke sighed as he watched the rest of the contestants, sans Naruto (who was late, as usual), practicing for their battles. He spotted the sand ninjas all sitting together, mostly doing nothing but talking and couldn’t help but admire them. They were all beautiful and strong. The last couple of days had been a hassle for Sasuke, but he was determined not to let it show. Kakashi had made sure he and Naruto were ready for their test today. He wanted to know who he was facing. The pairings had been kept secret from the participant, to keep things even.

He noticed the proctor was Itachi’s husband. He had to figure that would be to his disadvantage, if only to prove that there was no favoritism to him. He sighed and began pacing before he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder. “Shouldn’t you be worrying about your fight, Shika? I hear you’ve got one of the sand kids.”

Shikamaru smiled. “You know how much I care about fights and crap. I don’t care if I’m a genin forever. It would be better than having a lot of stuff to worry about. Besides, I’m not a nervous wreck like you or Neji. I got him calmed down and it seems like your boyfriend isn’t here, so I thought I’d see if I could help you out any.”

Sasuke sighed. “I’m nervous Shikamaru. You saw what that red head was capable of in the early rounds.”

Shikamaru sighed. “Yeah, but Naruto made friends with him and you know how that changes people.” He laughed. “Did you ever see our two circles intertwining the way they have?”

Sasuke shook his head but smiled. “If I hadn’t been such an asshole, I guess we could have worked, huh?” Shikamaru shrugged, but Sasuke understood that as a yes. “I just want you to know that you and Neji really are a great couple. I can’t lie and say that I don’t wish it were me, but I can say I know it’s right for you.”

Shikamaru smiled. “Thanks, Sas. I know you’ll be great, so please just relax and worry about your fight when it comes.”

Sasuke nodded. Genma called them down for their introductions. Naruto had about 5 minutes to show up or be late, which was almost as bad as not showing up. Sasuke could feel Naruto’s chakra getting close, but still it would be close. He didn’t have time to think about it as his name was called and he stepped forward to the crowd of cheering ninja. He couldn’t help but notice the only person in his family’s reserved section was Itachi. He had a feeling his father was somewhere else, but refusing to sit in the ‘family’ seats when Sasuke was no longer an Uchiha to him.

Suddenly the crowd gasped. As Naruto’s name was being called he tumbled into the arena. He tripped on his sandals as he was rushing to make it on time. Damn Shino forgot to turn on the alarm for him. He sighed. It wasn’t really Shino’s fault. He dusted himself off as he stood to the laughter. They wouldn’t find him funny when he kicked the ass of whomever he had been matched with. If he’d gotten here on time, he’d know by now, but it didn’t make a difference. Even if it was Shino he was fighting, he’d fight until he couldn’t move or it killed him.

Sasuke held back the laughter as he smiled at Naruto while the man took his place next to his teammate. “You sure made an entrance.”

Naruto pouted. “Shino didn’t turn the alarm clock on for me.”

Shino sighed on Naruto’s other side, having just been announced. “I did too. You probably hit snooze again and turned it off instead.”

Naruto pouted harder. “No way.”

Shino smiled as he set his hand on Naruto’s shoulder in a way that would not give away their relationship status to anyone who didn’t already know. “How many times have you done that all ready?”

Naruto sighed before mumbling. “I don’t know – like seven or eight.”

Sasuke laughed. He smiled as he saw Neji and Shikamaru enter the ring together. Both of their families were sitting in the reserved Hyuuga seats. Shikamaru looked completely relaxed about the test, which probably wasn’t far from the truth. Sasuke smirked remembering Naruto didn’t know who he was fighting. He elbowed Naruto, “Think you can beat your partner?”

Naruto glared at Sasuke. “You know I don’t know who the hell I’m fighting yet.”

Sasuke laughed. “I know. I like teasing you. You’re fighting Shikamaru’s pretty boy.”

Naruto cocked a brow. “The hell? I’m fighting Neji?” He groaned before taking a deep breath. “He’s got a fucking year on me. Awww, shit!” He straightened his shoulders. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll win. I have to. I have to prove myself.”

Shino smiled and wanted so much to kiss Naruto for his optimistic attitude. They’d decided to wait until after the exams though to make their relationship more public knowledge than it was. Not many non-ninjas knew Shino was in love with the Kyuubi boy. Though, the village had recognized Naruto’s control over the demon inside him and had long ago stopped avoiding him or trying to hurt him on purpose.

After the introductions were completed the contestants moved to the side of the arena. Shino and Kankuro were the first to fight. Naruto held his breath, knowing it would be an intense battle. He knew Shino was incredibly strong, even if no one else knew the same things about him that Naruto did. No one else knew what kind of freak Shino could be in the bed. No one else knew what lay under those deceiving shades. Shino smiled at Naruto and snuck a quick kiss where none of the spectators could see them. Naruto smirked. “I know you’re going to win. Just watch out for that death puppet thing.”

Shino laughed. “I know, baby. Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Shino hopped down to join Kankuro on the arena floor.

Kankuro smirked at Shino. “How long have you been fucking Naruto?”

Shino shrugged. “I’ll tell you if you win.”

Kankuro nodded. “Fair enough.” He took his fighting stance, the same as Shino, and waited for Genma’s signal. Genma smirked, knowing full well what the Aburame was capable of. He waited until they both looked ready and gave the signal. The fight went well for both combatants. Shino took an early lead with his bugs quickly draining Kankuro of his chakra reserves. However, Shino failed to notice the single chakra string that was attached to Kankuro’s index finger and the puppet that hurriedly came at him from behind. Not a moment too soon, Shino’s instincts kicked in and he avoided the puppet. His bugs came back to him and he was forced to rethink his strategy. He began to throw weapons out in an attempt to move the puppet master where he wanted him.

Kankuro took the bait and soon Shino had Kankuro cornered with his bugs again. This time they blocked his chakra strings from his fingers. Kankuro couldn’t control his puppet, but he was able to grab his weapons and throw them. They missed Shino. Kankuro felt himself growing weak, and knowing he was defeated (something insanely hard for him to admit) he signaled he was quitting the match.

Shino smiled as his bugs returned. “To answer your question about 2 months.”

Kankuro laughed. “I think he’s the lucky one,” he said before winking at Shino and heading back to his team. Shino shook his head and went to stand with his friends. The next to fight were Naruto and Neji.

Naruto clasped Neji on the shoulder. “Good luck, man.”

Neji nodded. “You too, though it’s destiny that I beat you.” He smirked. Though he had long ago gotten off the ‘fate’ kick. If he hadn’t, he would never have suspected he could have been married to Shikamaru now. He looked over his shoulder and saw his husband watching the match intently. If Shikamaru was interested enough to pay attention, he would do his best.

He and Naruto fought hard. There was more than once he thought he had Naruto beat only to have to deflect another attack. In the end, neither of them could move. Neji sighed as Naruto lay next to him and laughed. “I should have given up, I guess.”

Neji shook his head. “I should have too.”

Genma came over to them and shook his head, but couldn’t hide the smirk. “No winner,” he announced. “The winner of the next match will receive a bye in the next round.” He leaned down and whispered, “Sorry guys. Pushed yourselves too far.”

Neji shrugged. “Maybe next time, then.”

Naruto laughed. “You’ve changed since school.”

Neji smiled. “You, too. I like you a lot more now.”

After lying on the ground for a few more minutes, they got help up from their respective partners and went back to the medical room for rest. Shikamaru smirked at Neji. “I told you you couldn’t underestimate Naruto.”

Neji laughed. “I know. I get that now.” He felt Shikamaru helping him lie down on a cot. “You win where I didn’t, okay?”

Shikamaru laughed and kissed his husband softly. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

Neji scoffed before swatting playfully at Shikamaru’s arm. “Go. They’ll be announcing you soon.”

Shikamaru left the room and headed out the stage. Testing was really so troublesome. It didn’t make much sense to him anyway. He’d figured out, even if the others hadn’t, that you didn’t have to win to pass the test. It wasn’t a guarantee that just because you were the winner of the contest you’d be promoted. He sighed when he saw the sand girl, Temari, leaning against her fan on the stage floor. He hopped down and stood in front of her.

She smirked. “I didn’t think you’d be showing up.”

Shikamaru shrugged. “Neji told me I had to come.”

She laughed. “You’re going to lose. You can’t beat me.”

Genma coughed softly to get their attention. “Your round is about to begin. Fight.”

Shikamaru was almost always on the run. Temari’s fan was a pain in the ass. The shadows weren’t big enough yet to be of too much assistance. He sighed before dashing away. Temari watched him incredulously. He just sat there, going from watching the clouds to sitting with his eyes closed and his hands forming a box. It didn’t look like a justu. He didn’t seem to be the least bit aware of her, when suddenly he looked at her and his eyes were cold and calculating.

Temari groaned. She’d been trapped. He’d used her own intelligence against her. The man must be a freaking genius. She was worried. He had complete control of her body now. He could do anything he wanted. He raised her hand in the air and she panicked. Imagine her surprise when she heard Shikamaru forfeit the match. She looked at him in disbelief. “What the hell? You’re winning?”

Shikamaru shrugged. “For now. I can see there is no way for me to actually win the match though. I’ve gone over all the scenarios. It’s better to quit than waste my time on a course of action bound to fail.”

Temari wanted to laugh. She had just caught a very lucky break.

Shikamaru released Temari and hopped back to the medical area. He wanted to see how Neji was recovering and tell him he was sorry for losing. Sasuke stood. It was him vs. Gaara now. He knew Gaara contained one of the tailed monsters the same way Naruto did. In the preliminaries, he’d seen Gaara kill people with little concern. Still, Naruto had managed to crack that shell, and now Gaara was reasonable. Sasuke no longer feared for his life, but he was nervous about fighting Gaara. He smirked when he felt a familiar presence behind him. “Come to tell me not to fail, father?”

If it had been possible to say the word father with more disdain, Fugaku was sure he’d never heard it. “I came to ask why you still hold the Uchiha name. You should be stripped of the name. You will fail. This kid is better than you’ll ever be. I mean, you’re worthless. Every minute our clan spent training you was complete waste of time.”

Sasuke turned to glare at his father, but decided against it. He wouldn’t give the man the satisfaction. He sighed when he felt his father leave, angered. He smiled when almost immediately he felt Itachi behind him. “I’m fine, ‘Tachi.”

Itachi smirked. “I know. I just wanted to tell you I’m proud of you. I know you can hold your own against this guy. Just remember that it’s not really about winning. Don’t push yourself the way Naruto did.”

Sasuke laughed. “I told that to the moron before his fight, but he didn’t listen. I’m sure it was just because he wanted to prove himself against Neji.”

Itachi smiled when Sasuke’s name was called. “Good luck, baby brother.”

Sasuke sighed. “I’m not a baby.” He hopped down and scanned the stands quickly. Deidara hadn’t come. He said he wouldn’t be. It was something about not approving of the contest or some shit. Sasuke’d known it to be a lie, but was hoping that his lover might show up just to be supportive. That was too much to ask for apparently.

The fight was quick. Gaara’s sand proved to be too much for Sasuke, no matter how many good hits he landed. Sasuke had landed so many good hits he felt that if he had been fighting anyone else, he would have all ready won. He didn’t want to cause any actual harm to Gaara, but he saw that his only chance would be an effective chidori. He’d hit Gaara perfectly. He even managed to crack the sand shell and draw some blood, but Gaara had been mostly unfazed. Sasuke shook his head after that and forfeited. “I’ll try again next year,” he smiled at Gaara. “You’re incredible.”

Gaara smirked. “You’ve won if it were either of my siblings you were fighting.” He didn’t understand why he felt – was that happy – around Sasuke, but it was there. It was like little birds had made a home in his stomach. He held his hand out in a companionable gesture toward the ninja that had him so confused. At first he’d felt this toward Naruto, too, but that had gone away. This would surely go away as well and should be taken as a sign that he wanted to befriend Sasuke.

Sasuke took the offered hand and shook it. Gaara smiled as they walked back to the sidelines. “Are you going to stick around for the rest of the matches?” Gaara asked.

Sasuke shrugged. “I probably should. Naruto’s boyfriend made it through, after all.”

Gaara looked shocked. Naruto had mentioned a boyfriend, but not who it was. Though, Naruto had had to explain the concept of a boyfriend to Gaara. If Naruto hadn’t shown him the seal, he’d never have believed the other to house one of the beasts that he housed. Naruto had been sunshine in his dark world. Short of his brother and sister, no one had shown Gaara anything even close to resembling love in his life. Most people looked at him as though he was a monster. The fact that Naruto refused to let that be his life had confused Gaara, and the fact that he’d found people who loved him confused Gaara even more. “The bug user?”

Sasuke nodded. “His name is Shino. Actually, he’s great for Naruto. He compliments my moron of a best friend in all the right ways.” Sasuke was shocked. He never talked like this with anyone but Naruto, Itachi, and Shikamaru. Even Deidara had yet to earn this kind of connection from Sasuke. He couldn’t figure out how that could be. He had never really even spoken more than three words to Gaara before this.

Gaara blushed lightly. The birds in his stomach were confusing him. They seemed to speed up whenever Sasuke looked at him. “Could, um, could you stick around and watch me, if your friend doesn’t beat my sister?”

Sasuke could feel that swirl in his stomach now. He knew it for what it was. He’d never experienced it this strongly with Deidara. In fact, he hadn’t experience this so strongly since the first time he’d really seen Shikamaru and had decided to ask him out. Sasuke nodded dumbly, not trusting his voice to stay steady.

Shikamaru and Neji came up to them. “Good fight, Sas.” Shikamaru gave him a hug. Gaara didn’t understand the feeling of wanting to rip the shadow ninja from Sasuke’s shoulders, but he also didn’t give in to the impulse. Neji smirked as Shikamaru came back to him and snuggled under his arm. “We’re going to stick around for Shino’s fight. If makes it to final round, I guess we’ll watch that one too.”

Sasuke nodded. “I’m going to watch Gaara’s fights. I mean, it’s not just anyone that could have so thoroughly kicked my ass.”

Gaara frowned. He needed to talk to someone about his feelings. “I’m going to my siblings. I’ll talk to you after the contest.” Sasuke nodded. He was sure what he was feeling, but he was sure Gaara didn’t feel the same way.

Sasuke turned toward Neji. “Is Naruto with Shino?” Neji nodded. “I’ll be back then. I need to talk to him for a few minutes.”

When Sasuke returned a few minutes later, he seemed worse than before. Shikamaru decided not to press the issue. Shino beat Temari, though it was close. She ended up having to give up before the bugs completely depleted her chakra. She had thought she could defend against the bugs with the wind from her fan, but she had been proven wrong.

Shino would be facing Gaara in the final round, so everyone stuck around. Shino was given a 10 minute break, since Gaara would be fresh from not fighting anyone prior to their match. “Good job, baby!” Naruto picked Shino up and spun him around before giving him a kiss.

Shino laughed softly. “Can I go get water? That seems like it is more important right now.”

Naruto pouted, but handed Shino the flask of water brought with him. “I’ll always take care of your needs. You know that.”

Shino smiled. Yes, he did know that. In fact, in the two months he’d been with Naruto – seriously been with Naruto – he’d fallen so deeply in love he was sure there was no cure and no way out. He nuzzled Naruto softly. “I know, love.”

Naruto wrapped his arms around Shino’s shoulders. He sighed. “Gaara’s going to be tougher than either of the other sand sibs; you know that right?” Shino nodded. “I hope he and Sasuke figure out whatever the hell is going on between them.”

Shino nodded. Sasuke had been confused and hurt and scared and who knows what else when he came to Naruto with his problem. Shino could understand. Sasuke had just given himself to Deidara and now he was having romantic feelings for this person he barely even knew. It would have been different if Deidara had shown up and pretended to be interested in this because it was important to Sasuke, but Deidara wasn’t here. Sasuke was still confused.

It couldn’t have been two minutes after Sasuke left that Gaara came to Naruto and told him he was having the same feeling. He explained his situation, and Naruto listened. He didn’t tell Gaara Sasuke was feeling the same thing. Shino was sure it was to make them decide on their own what courses of action they wanted to take, but Naruto had told Gaara about love and the emotion and how it felt for him when he learned that Shino had had a crush on him.

Shino smiled. He was feeling refreshed thanks to the water and Naruto’s soft kisses. “Time for me to fight, I guess.”

Naruto nodded. “You’ll be fantastic; I know it.”

Shino smirked before hopping down to join Gaara on the stage. He shook hands with Gaara and sighed. “I’m sure you’ll kick my ass, but it’s an honor to fight you.”

Gaara smirked back. “Those bugs might have the best chance to beat me of anyone else here.” He sighed. Friendship. He’d found it so easily here among the village that had come to respect and care for their ‘beast’. He didn’t want to go back to Suna and the fear of the villagers. Perhaps, though, when they saw his new attitude he could finally have friendship back home.

Genma began the match and Shino stayed as far back as he could at first. He seemed to be devising a strategy. He sent out three groups of bugs. One was a very small group, two were large. The large groups were meant to be distractions, while the small one would be the attack group. The bugs moved on command and Shino was able to breach Gaara’s sand barrier for a moment as Sasuke had done. However, there was simply too much chakra and his bugs couldn’t completely hinder the flow. He did his best to use taijutsu and some of the ninjutsu he had learned, but it was of no use. He sighed and shook his head as Gaara landed another punch against his body, sending him flying backwards. He raised his hand and sighed. “I give.”

Gaara was shocked. He’d expected to win. He always knew he’d be the winner, given his having the damned raccoon inside of him. Still, he never thought he’d be the winner and have no victims. That was just, new. Baki was beside him in an instant, and Gaara thought for the first time he saw only pride in the eyes instead of pride mixed with fear. He clapped Gaara on the shoulders and smiled. “Good job, Gaara.”

Gaara nodded. He felt the smile leave his face when he looked toward the contestants coming to greet him and noticed Sasuke was headed the other direction. He didn’t know what the ache was that had settled in his chest, but he knew Sasuke was the cause. Where was he going? Who was he going to? He’d stayed to watch, but would he have stayed even if Temari had been the other contestant? He said he would have, but would he really have? He didn’t have time to contemplate further as the others came to congratulate him.

Sasuke felt his heart rise when Gaara won. He knew he was in head over heels. This was bad. He’d have to break up with Deidara, and that wouldn’t end well. He didn’t mean to hurt Deidara, but things had seemed strained between them lately, anyway. Deidara wasn’t a relationship kind of guy, and Sasuke was just growing tired of the blond. He’d meant it when he said he needed intelligent people to stimulate him, and Deidara was anything but. He turned from the crowd that was headed to Gaara. He needed to settle things before him and Deidara before he allowed his thoughts of Gaara to continue. Sasuke sighed as he drug the walk to his and Naruto’s apartment out. He didn’t know what he was going to say to Deidara. Maybe he should have brought someone along to be sure he wasn’t killed.

Naruto noticed Sasuke was absent almost as fast as Gaara did. He smiled reassuringly at his new friend. “I’m sure he just had something that couldn’t wait. He told me he thought you did really well.”

Gaara let the smile grace his lips before pushing his face back to bored. It had been harder and harder to keep his emotions off his face, but he knew he would be happy now. The chuunins were going to be announced within the hour, and he had wanted to talk to Sasuke. Instead, he found himself talking with everyone who had gathered. It seemed that he was truly accepted by all of these people, including Sasuke’s sensei. He sighed and rubbed his temples. Emotions were so complicated. He knew and understood hate, fear, and anger. They were simple and easy to deal with. This love thing was really hard to grasp, though Naruto assured him it was a good thing.

The contestants were called back to the stage. Kakashi knew Sasuke had somewhere to be; Sasuke had caught him briefly as he left. Should Sasuke pass, Kakashi would accept in his absence and inform his student. The number of names called shocked many. In fact, everyone but Neji and Naruto were passed. Naruto pouted, but Shino cuddled him. When it was explained to him why he failed, he shrugged and victoriously shouted, “Next time!”

Neji, however, had a more difficult time taking the news. He hadn’t passed. He was the damn prodigy and he hadn’t fucking passed. Shikamaru knew Neji had a temper when things really went wrong, but braved the rage anyway and wrapped his arms around Neji’s waist from behind. He sighed, “You know what went wrong this time; you’ll pass next time.”

Neji shook his head and let the tears fall, though he bit his lips against the sob. “I’m a failure. How can you love a failure?”

Shikamaru closed his eyes. It hurt him so much that Neji was hurting. “I don’t love a failure. I love a man who realized something about himself today.”

Neji scoffed. “I realized I’m a loser.”

Shikamaru chuckled softly. “No, love. You didn’t realize you’re a loser. You realized you need to learn your limits and when to give others the credit they’re due. Naruto realized the same thing. You should have won your fight, but he refused to back down. When you couldn’t win, you refused to back down.”

Neji sighed. He hated it when Shikamaru’s logical mind got things right. He leaned back into Shikamaru’s embrace and waited for the tears to subside. “Let’s go home. We have to celebrate that one of us made it to chuunin.”

Shikamaru smirked. “We’ll be celebrating for you soon enough.” Neji smiled and nodded, knowing he had indeed learned his lesson enough to pass the next time around. Quietly the contestants made their way back to their respective homes. The village celebration would begin later, and everyone had promised to join up for the festivities. For now, though, they’d have a nice meal and take a relaxing bath. That was how Shikamaru wanted to celebrate, and who was he to say no?
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The Day He Said Goodbye