A/N: My new project, a series of shot shounen-ai one-shots featuring all the pretty boys of Naruto. What's not to like…

Lotus Love

He liked to watch. The way his slim body moved in graceful motions. It was a silent and beautiful dance. Under the shade of a big tree he watched with is almost pupil-less eyes his hardworking teammate; the boy that had always believed in hard work and ethics.

Neji had always secretly admired Lee, but never in his life would he acknowledge it. He had beaten him too many times to count but even that had never dampened his spirit he would always get up and challenge him again. It was somewhat pathetic but it was also stirring. Now like before he was watching him practice.

"…98…99…100," he breathed out the last number as he kicked the practice dummy with one last miraculous kick. He collapsed on the floor panting. After few more huffs he turned his head so that he was facing the other boy.

"It looks like we're both finished training for today, Neji," Lee exclaimed as he gave the Hyuuga a wide grin.

"I was done about an hour ago," Neji answered bitterly. It was usual for Neji to act cold and detached toward others and Lee was no exception.

Lee titled his head to one side. "That means that you've been watching for an hour?"

Neji open his mouth to deny what Lee had just said but nothing came out; maybe because what Lee had observed had been true. He had been watching Lee practice for about an hour but he would never admit it. Instead he just glared and turned his head to stare and at the water of a nearby pond.

Lee was use to the Hyuuga's distant nature and thought nothing of it. He got up and went to sit next to him. He too stared down at the pond. Several frogs were sitting on lily pads and a few shiny fish were swimming in the aqua green water.

"You know Neji that when I practice I always think about you," Lee said no taking his eyes off of the pond.

"Why is that?" Neji said trying to conceal his interest.

"Because I want to become stronger so that I can beat you, I want to become someone you consider an equal. And because even though you're usually no nice to me, I admire you." Lee said as he threw a rock in the pond.

"You're an idiot and you'll always be one." Neji said watching a frog jump from a lily pad. "If there is anyone that should he admired it's you. You always work too hard.'

A blush invaded Lee's cheeks and he scratched the back of his head with one hand. "You really think so? Coming from you that is really a compliment."

Neji didn't respond and the pair sat in silence, both of them observing the pond.

"Look, Lee, it's a lotus," Neji pointed at the pink flower that floated on the surface of the pond. He leaned forward and plucked the flower out of the pond. He held the flower in the air and examined the petals. "Do you know that flowers all have meanings? When you give a flower to someone it can have a deeper meaning." Neji said slowly twirling the lotus in his hand.

"Really?" Lee said not bothering to hide his excitement. "So what does a lotus mean, Neji?"

Neji didn't answer and instead he stood up from his place. Beside him Lee did the same and stood up too. "Neji?" Lee questioned at the strange behavior of his teammate.

"A Lotus means estranged love, Lee." Neji whispered softly as he placed the pink flower in Lee's hand.

Lee watched as the Hyuuga left without another word. Then he looked down at the lone lotus in his hand.