AN: This chapter contains mature content.

Gai returned to his apartment, showered and changed into a fresh jumpsuit. He sat at the kitchen table and tapped one finger against the tabletop while he waited, his stomach a mass of knots.

He'd thought about doing something special—cooking an elaborate dinner, getting flowers or candles—but ultimately decided that anything too fancy would just make this more awkward. So he waited. After a few minutes, he stood and paced.

He hadn't expected to be so nervous. No, he thought. Not nervous. Scared. But of what?

He closed his eyes, searching his own heart. The fear that he would somehow hurt Lee loomed large in his consciousness, but beneath that, shadowy and unexpected, lurked another fear: that Lee would hurt him.

He still remembered that night—the confusion, the humiliation, the sense that something precious and irreplaceable had been destroyed forever, carelessly smashed by a man he barely knew, a man who would probably forget his name within a week.

A knock at the front door yanked him out of his reverie, and he gave a start. Slowly, he approached the door and opened it to see Lee standing there, flushed and breathless, as if he'd run all the way. "Gai Sensei, may I come in?"

Gai nodded. He stood aside, allowing Lee to enter, then closed the door. His heart thumped against his ribs, and his mouth had gone dry. He dried his sweat-damp palms on his jumpsuit. "Are you ready?"

Lee nodded. "Should we just…start? I do not know how this is usually done."

"I don't think there are any rules." He hesitated, then reached out and pulled Lee into his arms and just held him for a moment. He could feel his heart knocking against his ribs like a fist, and knew Lee could feel it too.

Lee's arms slipped around his waist, and he snuggled closer.

"You're trembling," Gai murmured. His fingers slid through that dark, shiny hair and stroked the back of Lee's neck. The skin there was soft and warm, like living velvet. "Tell me what you're feeling right now."

"I am excited. And happy. And…maybe a little nervous. But I am not scared, not really. Because I trust you."

He looked into Lee's eyes—those warm, earnest, sweet dark eyes.

"Sensei?"

"You're beautiful," whispered Gai. "You know that, don't you?"

Lee flushed. "You really think so?"

He nodded. His thumb traced the curve of Lee's lower lip. "Absolutely."

"You don't think I'm…strange-looking?"

"Whoever gave you that idea? You're perfect." His hands smoothed down the back of Lee's jumpsuit and came to rest on his slim hips. He swallowed, his heartbeat in his throat, and rested his forehead against Lee's. "I've spent the past three years aching to touch you like this."

"I've been dreaming about you for almost twice that long." Lee's lips brushed against his.

Gai's hands moved up to his shoulders, then down again, feeling the contours of his lean, hard body outlined by the soft cotton jumpsuit. "I want you to know," Gai whispered, "that this can end at any moment of your choosing. If you're even a little uncomfortable with anything, or if we're going too fast, just let me know."

Lee nodded, a tiny movement of his head. His tongue crept out to wet his lips. "Should we go into the bedroom?"

Gai's breathing quickened, and he nodded, unable to speak. It was hard for him to believe this wasn't a beautiful dream.

They entered the bedroom and closed the door. Gai lay a hand on Lee's vest. "May I take this off?" Lee whispered a yes. Gai undid the fastenings of his vest, slipped it off and let it drop to the floor near the bed. His hand glided across Lee's chest and came to rest over his heart. He could feel it beating hard and fast against his palm.

Warm lips grazed his jaw. Gai closed his eyes. He could feel himself trembling.

"Sensei?" Lee whispered, lips moving close to his ear. "Are you all right?"

"Y-yes, I just…I don't really know how to proceed. I don't want to hurt you."

"Why don't you just lay down?"

Gai hesitated, then obeyed. He stretched out on his back, all too aware that his form-fitting jumpsuit emphasized his body's reaction to Lee. Warm hands gently peeled the fabric away until he was naked from the waist up. A roadmap of scars covered his skin, remnants of countless battles. He looked down at them, self-conscious. In all the years he'd known Lee, he'd never shown him this much of his body. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"The scars."

"I have them too, you know. I do not mind them." He kissed a faded scar on Gai's chest. Calloused fingertips brushed across one small, dark nipple, and it stiffened.

He gulped. "Lee…I…"

"Shhh. Just relax."

Gai blinked, surprised. He'd assumed that when they did this, he would take the lead. In everything they'd done together, Lee had looked to him for guidance. He'd had no reason to believe this would be different. "Lee?"

"I want to please you. Will you let me?"

Gai trembled as those fingertips—roughened and hard from countless hours of training, yet infinitely gentle—trailed lower, over his belly. The muscles of his abdomen contracted as Lee traced patterns on his skin, then tugged the jumpsuit a little lower, exposing everything. Overwhelmed, Gai closed his eyes…then gasped as he felt the hot, wet velvet of Lee's tongue. He started to sit up, but Lee pushed him gently down. "Relax."

"Are you sure? I mean…I feel so selfish, just laying here while you…"

Lee silenced him with a gentle kiss. "I have fantasized about doing this more times than you would ever believe. Let me give you pleasure. Let me love you. Please?"

Gai nodded, breathless.

Those strong, caring hands pushed his thighs a little further apart, and Lee's dark-haired head lowered.

Gai panted for breath. What Lee was doing felt—intense. He'd never experienced anything quite like it. He moaned softly, fingers digging into the bed-sheets. "Lee…oh God, that feels…oh Lee…" His eyes closed again as he struggled to keep from crying out.

Then, all too soon, it was over. He lay, dazed and sweat-drenched, his chest heaving. He felt as if he were floating.

Lee stretched out beside him and rested his head against Gai's shoulder. "Did that feel good?"

"God, Lee, that was…where did you learn how to do that?"

"Kakashi lent me some of his books." He flushed. "They are very...descriptive. Does that mean I did all right?"

Gai wrapped his arms around Lee and pulled him closer. "It was wonderful. If I'd known it could be like that…" He trailed off, and his arms tightened around that lean, firm body. Lee was still in his jumpsuit, but Gai could feel something hard and warm pressing against his thigh. He paused, then one hand strayed down to that bulge. His fingers brushed against it, and Lee let out a little gasp. "Do you want this?" Gai whispered.

"Yes."

Gai rubbed gently, producing a soft moan from Lee's throat. Slowly, he pulled down Lee's jumpsuit and ran his hands over the bare, smooth skin beneath. So beautiful… His thumb found one pebble-hard nipple and rotated slowly around it. He kissed one nipple, then the other. Lee's head tilted back, exposing his throat; Gai could see the rapid, hummingbird-flutter of his pulse beneath that smooth skin. He trailed kisses down Lee's neck as his hand slid across one slim, toned thigh. "My Lee," he whispered. His fingers brushed against hard, hot flesh, and Lee let out a little gasp. Gai hesitated. "Do you want me to keep going?"

"Yes!"

Encouraged, he continued.

He'd never done anything like this for another person before, but it wasn't so different from doing it for himself. He watched Lee's face, flushed and damp with perspiration, lips parted as he panted softly for breath. He listened to the soft, hungry sounds that escaped Lee's mouth. "Sensei," Lee whispered. "I'm…" He cried out, eyes rolling back in his head.

A moment later, Lee pressed his face against Gai's shoulder, panting. "Gai Sensei…" He snuggled closer. "Thank you…"

Gai hugged him tight and hid his face in the hollow between Lee's neck and shoulder. He rubbed his cheek against that smooth, warm skin, breathed in the scent of his sweat. "I love you," he whispered. "More than anything." He cupped Lee's cheek with one hand. "My dear, dear Rock Lee."

Lee breathed a happy little sigh. Drowsy, half-lidded eyes gazed up at him as Lee cuddled closer and hugged Gai's arm. "I love you too."

Gai watched as Lee's eyes drifted shut. He'd never felt so warm, so content, so safe. His most precious person was here with him, so close he could feel the gentle rhythm of his breathing, the steady thump of his heart. If he could choose his own heaven, this would be it—this moment, laying here with Lee, looking at his beautiful face.

He listened to Lee's breathing slow as he drifted off, watched his eyes move in tiny flickers beneath the lids as he dreamed. His own lids grew heavy, and exhaustion crept over his mind like a warm fog. For awhile, he resisted, not wanting the moment to end—but eventually, he succumbed and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

When Gai woke, his arm had gone numb. He tried to sit up, but something pinned him to the bed. He blinked and turned his head to see Lee asleep beside him, still hugging his arm. The sight sent a jolt of shock through his body, and the memories of last night flooded his mind. He gulped.

I slept with my student.

I slept with Rock Lee.

Gai's heart pounded. What had he done? They wouldn't be able to keep this a secret for long. What would people think when they found out?

He needed to think—he thought better when he was moving. He tried, carefully, to untangle himself from Lee's embrace, but Lee tightened his grip and made a small sound of protest without waking up. Gai sighed and lay down again. After a moment, he wrapped his arms around his sleeping student and held Lee close against his chest. Somehow, holding Lee calmed his own anxiety.

Lee's lids flickered open, and drowsy eyes looked up at him. "Gai Sensei," he whispered and smiled. "So it wasn't a dream. You're really here."

"Yes, Lee."

He sighed and closed his eyes, still smiling. "I've always wanted to wake up like this," he murmured. "Safe in your arms."

Gai's heart melted, along with the last of his doubts. Whatever the future brought, this feeling made it all worthwhile.

He held Lee closer.

Tsunade folded her hands and stared across the desk at Gai. "I'm going to get right to the point," she said. "I summoned you here today because of a rumor that's been circulating around Konoha."

Gai tensed. "What sort of rumor?"

"Some people are saying you've become sexually involved with one of your former students. Normally, you wouldn't be obligated to report this sort of thing. Personal relationships are personal relationships, and as long as there's nothing illegal going on and it doesn't endanger the safety of the village, it's really none of my concern. However, certain people are making quite a fuss, and I told them I would look into the matter. So--is there anything to these rumors?"

Gai's hands clenched slowly into fists.

He could lie, he supposed—tell her nothing was happening, that the rumors were just rumors—and no one would be able to prove otherwise. He didn't even know how such a rumor had gotten started. He was pretty sure Kakashi wouldn't let his secret slip. Had someone seen him and Lee together? Perhaps. They hadn't always been as careful as they could have been.

It didn't matter now, anyway. Though he could deny it, he would not, because Gai was first and foremost a Konoha ninja, and Lady Tsunade was his Hokage. To betray that trust would be to betray everything he stood for. "Lee and I…we've started a relationship."

Tsunade blinked. Her mouth opened, then closed. "Well," she said at last. "I must admit, I didn't actually think the rumors were true."

He paused, studying her expression. "You don't approve?"

"If you're asking for my opinion…" She shrugged. "Generally speaking, I don't think relationships between students and teachers are a good idea. Even if they're both adults, the whole 'student and teacher' thing never quite goes away. There's a power imbalance, and that can be dangerous."

Gai lowered his gaze, and his chest tightened painfully. "I can't say you're wrong. I've tortured myself with those same thoughts night after night. For years, I thought I was a depraved monster. A part of me still feels that way. But Lee has done his best to convince me that I'm mistaken about that."

She was silent a moment. "Do you love him?"

"More than life," he said quietly. "I want him, only him and no one else. And he's told me he feels the same, that he's felt this way for years. When we tried to deny those feelings, it hurt us both. I can't go on denying it. But I know you're right—I know it's dangerous. I'm terrified of hurting him. I—"

Tsunade held up a hand, and he fell silent. "I can tell you've thought about this a great deal. And Lee is a man now, after all. It's not my life or my decision. You must both do what you believe is best."

Gai took a deep breath and nodded. "You said people are making a fuss. Who?"

"Mostly parents who are concerned about you teaching their children. They've been whispering among themselves, speculating that your relationship with Lee may have been going on for a long time, and now they think you're out to seduce impressionable young Genin. They think you're dangerous."

Gai's shoulders stiffened. "It wasn't like that! We didn't become intimate until a few weeks ago! I would never…I'm not…" He paused and took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "What happened with Lee—I didn't expect or plan it. I never tried to seduce him. I tried everything in my power to suppress my feelings for him—you know that better than anyone—but then after he came of age and I learned how he felt about me, I…"

"I know that, Gai. I don't think you're a danger to anyone. But it won't be so easy to convince those concerned parents." Her expression was grim. "All it takes is a few rumors to get people up in arms, if the issue is a sensitive one. They're already calling for you to resign your position as a teacher."

Gai stared at her. He felt as though he'd been punched in the gut. "That means I'd never be allowed to take on another student? Ever?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Of course, I won't force you. If Lee was indeed an adult when you started your relationship with him, you've committed no crime. It's up to you. But you should be aware that if you don't resign, you'll have a lot of angry people to contend with."

Gai's chest tightened, and tears prickled in the corners of his eyes. He could fight to keep his position, but what then? The word would spread, the rumors would distort and grow with every telling until the truth didn't even matter anymore, and soon every person in Konoha would be clamoring for his resignation.

"You know, even if you stop teaching, you'll still be a Shinobi. You'll still be able to go on missions."

"Yes, that's right." He forced a smile. "I do enjoy teaching. But I suppose, in light of this, I can't expect to continue."

"I'm sorry about this," she said quietly.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade. I'll let you get back to your duties." He turned.

"Gai…"

He paused, looking over his shoulder.

"I'll say only this. Love is not always right. It can make you do foolish things—even terrible things. I almost made the worst mistake of my life because of my love for two people."

His jaw tightened, and he looked away. "I understand, Lady Tsunade. Only too well."

"I'm not finished," she said. "Even if love sometimes leads us astray, it's still the most precious thing we have. Take care not to let it blind you, but never be ashamed of it. It makes you human. And if we sometimes love the one we aren't supposed to love—or love someone in a way we aren't supposed to—well, that's human, too." She paused. "You aren't a monster, Gai. You're a good man, and a Shinobi worthy of respect. And you truly love him—any fool can see that. Whatever others may say, you have not lost my respect."

Gai blinked away tears of gratitude and bowed his head. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

She nodded. "Take care."

"Gai Sensei?"

"Yes, Lee?" They lay together under the sheets in Gai's bedroom, arms twined around each other.

"Is everything all right? You seem preoccupied."

He hesitated. He couldn't bring himself to tell Lee what Tsunade had told him. Not yet. "I'm just wondering how others will react to this when they find out. That's all."

"Who knows so far?"

"Well, er…Kakashi and Lady Tsunade…"

"And Sakura-san," Lee added.

"Sakura knows?"

"Yes. I told her. I hope you do not mind."

"Of course not." For a moment, he wondered. Sakura was notoriously bad at keeping secrets. Not that she would deliberately betray someone's trust; she just couldn't lie at all. "But why her?"

"Well, she is my friend. We became much closer after I stopped trying to win her heart. When you are not around, she is the one I talk to the most. When you told me how you really felt about me, I was so excited, I wanted to share it with someone. I confessed that I had been in love with you for a long time--I had never really told anyone, besides you."

"And what did she say?"

He smiled sheepishly. "She said she had known for years. She knew even before I did that I was in love with you. I did not realize I had made it so obvious. But she was happy for me."

"That's good." He stroked Lee's hair.

"I wonder who else knows. I think Neji has probably figured it out by now. His Byakugan does not miss much. Maybe Tenten, too…but I do not think Naruto-kun knows. I wonder what he would think. Anyway, why are you worried about other people's opinions? You have always followed your own heart."

"It's not myself I'm worried about. Whatever they throw at me, I can endure it. But I don't want you to suffer because of me."

"You do not have to worry about that." Lee snuggled closer. "As long as I am with you, I will be happy."

Gai held him closer. He knew it wasn't that simple. Others would judge them for this, and Lee had always been sensitive to others' opinions. Even if he'd never let those opinions stop him, Gai knew how much it had hurt him to be mocked and dismissed as a failure. He'd fought long and hard to win others' respect. If he lost that…

"You are frowning." Lee reached up to touch his mouth. "What are you thinking about?"

Gai hesitated. "I don't want to spoil the mood."

"Please tell me."

He sighed. "I spoke to Lady Tsunade earlier. Apparently, there are already rumors circulating about us. Some people want me to stop teaching."

"What?!" Lee sat up, eyes wide. "But why?"

"Because they think I seduced you. They think I'm a predator."

"But that isn't true!" He clenched his fists. "I will not let them do this to you! I—I will go to all those people and tell them the truth. I will—"

"Lee, it's all right. I'm going to resign."

"But why? You have not done anything wrong!"

"I can't prove that to them. I can't even blame them. I can imagine how this situation must look to someone from the outside. Trying to fight them over it won't change anyone's mind."

"I cannot believe I am hearing you say this! You are the one who told me that we must always fight falsehood and injustice wherever we find it. Now you are being falsely accused, and you are just going to give up?"

"This…isn't really the same, Lee." He stared down at the bed covers. "Those people are just concerned about their children. They—"

"You are making excuses. If you give up without a fight, you will be telling them that they are right about you—that there is something wrong and dirty about our love. Nothing could be further from the truth." Lee lay a hand over his. "If you will not fight them, then I will."

"Lee…"

"I will not let you sacrifice something you love doing for my sake."

"It isn't your fault. I don't want you to get caught up in this."

"But I already am. It hurts me to know that people are thinking poorly of you because of me. I cannot just ignore it." Lee's hand tightened on his. "Tell them the truth, Gai Sensei. I am not ashamed of our love, and I will not act as if I am. I will stand by your side and hold your hand and declare my love for you in front of the entire village, if that is what it takes."

He looked into Lee's dark eyes—eyes that burned with a fierce, solemn determination. It was the same look that had first drawn him to Lee so long ago. Gai took a deep breath. "You're right, Lee. I won't back down. I'll go back to Lady Tsunade later today. I'll tell her that I wish to keep my position as a teacher."

"Gai Sensei!" Lee flung his arms around him and hugged him tight.

Gai rubbed his back. His fingertips wandered over the familiar bumps and ridges of Lee's scars. They marred the smooth perfection of his skin, but they were part of him. They told the story of his life, and for that, Gai loved them, as he loved everything about his student—his reason, his life, his Lee. "You're such a treasure," he whispered. "Your heart is so pure. And you're so strong. Stronger than I."

"I owe everything I am to you," Lee whispered back. "I never would have survived without your love and guidance. Say you will always be with me, Sensei."

"I will always be with you, Lee." It was a promise he could keep—because even if death took Lee away from him, Gai would follow him into the next world without a moment's hesitation. That was the bond between them, and it would never break.

-The End

AN: So, that's it. What do you think? I think I rather like writing this couple. I might be writing more of them in the future.