A Deep Bond

This fic takes place after episode 196 and involves the relation between Maito Gai and Rock Lee. It is NOT yaoi or any of that sort although it's rather borderline to that…Warning, fluff ahead

Chapter 1: Perseverance is the key to success

Gai straightened his clothes, dust rising and clouding his vision while Yagura-better said-Gensho laid on the bedpost Sakura and other med-nin had provided.

It had been one hell of a battle and served as training for both, master and student-next time they would be much more conscious of their surrounding.

'I'm worried tough'

Gai eyed his student warily, searching for any sign of pain or discomfort but he noticed a strange happiness in his gaze.

They both had opened up to the fourth gate, fought each other in that state and he was sure Lee was feeling the same pain he was feeling but still-

"Lee…." He spoke walking up to his student

The younger Ninja turned immediately and looked up to him, understanding his silent question

"I'm fine, Sensei. Actually, i'm very happy that you and Yagura cleared everything up" and he smiled, eyes closed making Gai cease all the worry

Lee's smiles were medicine to him and a burning drive to everyone else, a good compromise with Neji, the composed of the team…they were polar opposites but neither of them was less kind and strong that the other.

He smiled again at the thought but was concerned at a sudden wince from Lee.

It appeared his right leg was giving him problems.

He yet again turned to his sensei and smiled nervously

"Actually…maybe I'm aching all over" he said, earning small laughs from Naruto, Tenten and even Neji.

"we're escorting back Yagura and the others to the leaf village" Sakura announced and closed in to Lee and Gai "do you need assistance?" she asked

"I can walk" Lee beamed and jumped in place to show his point, Gai just shook his head to Sakura who smiled and led the way to the village.

-BACK AT KONOHA-

"-that's how we completed the mission and headed back to the village" Neji finished, Tsunade dismissed the report with a nod and turned to Gai and Lee, rage in her eyes

Lee gulped

"what did I tell YOU?" she trembled with anger at the sight of Lee

She could tell Lee's worsen physical state and could guess the cause of it

"Didn't I forbid you to undergo missions?" She asked again, making Lee lower his gaze to the ground

"Yes"

"and most of all, to use Ura Renge?" she screamed at him, silence in the room

"…yes" Rock Lee said, his eyes widened for a second 'how can see know that? Neji didn't mention anything'

"But you did it anyway"

Lee nodded and she sighed, waving a hand to them "leave" she finished and all turned to leave.

"Gai" Tsunade said making said Jonin stop in his tracks "You stay. I need to talk to you" she finished.

Lee's worry was obvious but a hidden thumbs-up from the back of his master gave him confidence and so he left along with the other Genin.

"I wonder what's going on in there" Naruto said

"he's probably getting lectured" Neji pointed making Lee look up

"I hope it's not too bad" Lee said, voice low

"Don't worry Lee" Tenten said "it's probably nothing" she smiled at him

"Ooooh well, I'm going to eat some ramen, come with me?" Naruto asked making everyone's stomach rumble

"well…" Tenten said nervously while their stomachs rumbled "why not?!" she added

"I'll pass" Lee said "I'll wait here" he said, sitting down

"Kay then…See ya later Bushy brows" Naruto said leaving with Neji and Tenten

Sometime later, Gai emerged from the front door of the Hokage's building.

He had expected to find Lee waiting for him, awaiting an explanation.

Current student was wrapping his bandages and didn't notice Gai's approach

"I see you waited for me" Gai cheerfully exclaimed making Lee jump in the air.

Gai looked relaxed enough, hands on his hips, so Lee let his shoulders relax in relief.

"of course Gai-Sensei, I wanted to know…" he trailed off

"Nothing to worry Lee" he said, making lee sigh in relief "she did scream in my ears a bit but then cooled off" he smiled

"anyway…" he began "She let me see your clinical schedule" he said again, making the other gulp "and told me you need absolute rest for a while" he finished, his gaze serious

"uh…" Lee didn't know where his master was getting at and waited patiently

"you will be exempt from training for a couple of days and that's an order" Gai sighed at Lee's sad expression

"right…" Lee trailed off "am I free to go?" he added, looking up

"yeah, sure you can leave" he said, scratching his head in frustration while the other left