A/N: This is a completely hypothetical and made-up story, and it might be a little sappy because I have somewhat of a sap tendency. But I like to write and read stories about friendship, so I decided to write this story about Rock Lee and Gaara. In my opinion, their friendship is one of the most powerful in Naruto, especially because of the forgiveness and redemption involved. I like it when the most unlikely of people become friends.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Gaara brought his hand up to shield his eyes from the blinding midday sun as he squinted at the green-clad figure just a few feet ahead. His stomach growled in empty protest, and the long Konoha grass tickled the toes sticking out of his sandals.

"Lee," he called, "we've been at this for hours. Let's stop and rest for a while."

Rock Lee, the self-proclaimed "handsome devil of the Leaf Village" turned and grinned, teeth sparkling. "You are not tired are you, Gaara?"

"You mean you're not?" Gaara sighed. That was a dumb question. How Lee did it, Gaara wasn't sure, but that boy had the greatest stamina of anyone he had ever met.

Lee looked at Gaara for a moment, his ebony eyes thoughtful. Then he trotted back over to where the shorter boy stood.

"Sorry, Gaara. I was not paying attention to the time." Lee stretched his arms. "I suppose we have been out here training since early this morning. How about we take a break for lunch?"

Gaara could have jumped for joy, but instead he nodded calmly. "Yes. That sounds like an excellent idea."

The two friends walked over to a small clearing within a grove of trees. Rock Lee began rummaging through his backpack as they sat down and leaned against the thick trunk of one tree. The gentle breeze ruffled Gaara's untidy red hair, and he closed his eyes while Lee unpacked the food.

I shouldn't be this tired. Gaara thought. True, Lee's a hard person to keep up with sometimes, but I feel as if I'm slowing him down. Maybe the Hokage should choose someone else for this mission...

"Gaara!"

Gaara's eyes flew open to see Lee's hand waving back and forth in front of his face.

"Yoo-hoo! Lunch is ready!"

"Oh. Thanks," Gaara took the box of food Lee handed to him. "I was just thinking."

"About what?" Lee opened his lunch and rubbed his hands together gleefully. He had packed his favorite – spicy curry.

In panic, Gaara checked to see what was inside his box. He sighed in relief when plain old white rice and vegetables peeked up at him. He didn't even want to remember the last time Lee had made him try spicy curry...

Gaara had just taken a huge mouthful of rice when he realized Lee was staring at him expectantly.

"Hmmnph?" Gaara mumbled incoherently.

"I said, what were you thinking about?"

Gaara swallowed this time before replying. "Oh, nothing really. It's just... I'm wondering if perhaps the Hokage should send someone else with you on the upcoming mission."

"What?" Lee's eyes were wide. "Why? We have been training for this for two weeks. The mission is just in a few days. Besides, we have always made a great team before."

"Oh, no, it's not that," Gaara shifted to face his best friend. "It's nothing against you, Lee. The problem is me."

"What do you mean?"

"I...I don't know exactly. I feel like I'm slowing you down all the time. I do not want to inhibit the success of the mission."

Lee shook his head, causing his straight black hair to swish back and forth. "You, slow me down? Why do you say such a thing? That is anything but true."

Gaara didn't reply.

"So I am fast." Lee crossed his arms. "Not everyone had the same strengths. One of the reasons we fight so well together is because we are so different. Do you not remember? My taijutsu combined with your sand makes us practically unbeatable! While I deliver offensive attacks to the opponent, you protect us both and spot weaknesses in their defenses."

Gaara nodded slowly. "Yeah... I guess you're right, as usual." He smiled slightly. "No, I take that back... you weren't right about me liking your spicy curry."

Lee laughed. Suddenly, his eyes grew wide again. "Gaara, that was a joke! You actually made a joke!"

"What?" Gaara was bewildered at Lee's sudden outburst.

"I cannot believe it. Gai Sensei would be proud; you are learning the power of youth!"

"Uh, yeah... whatever."

They ate the rest of their lunch in relative silence. That is, except for the occasional yelp of delight from Lee as he finished his curry.

At last, the two ninja stood up again. Gaara lifted his heavy gourd onto his back and Lee slung the backpack over one shoulder. As they walked out of the clearing, Gaara glanced at Lee out of the corner of his eye.

"Lee?"

"Yes, Gaara?"

"Can I ask you something?"

Lee smiled. "Sure."

"I was just wondering... why are you so close with Gai Sensei? I mean, I don't want to sound rude, but I never thought that teachers and students could be friends."

"Really? Who told you that?" Lee sounded shocked. "You see, Gai Sensei is my inspiration. He believed in me when no one else did. He showed me that perseverance, and strength of the heart and mind are more powerful than sheer talent. He gave me hope when I had none."

"It must be wonderful, to have someone who cares for you that deeply," said Gaara quietly.

Lee nodded, and his voice was serious. "Gai Sensei is like a father to me. I would gladly give my life for him if need be."

Gaara looked quickly at Lee. He would die for his Sensei? I can't imagine thinking of Baki Sensei as a father. As far as I know, he doesn't really care what happens to Temari, Kankuro and I.

"You would give your life for him?" Gaara asked. "Why?"

Lee's thick eyebrows furrowed, and he tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Well, how can I explain this? You see, Gaara, that is what true friendship is all about; putting others before yourself. When you care enough about someone, like I do about Gai Sensei, you would do anything to protect them... even if it means putting yourself in danger." Lee rubbed the back of his neck. "Not that you purposely put yourself at risk for the sake of it, of course! But if, during a time of crisis, the people you love are in peril, you will do whatever it takes to protect them."

"I see..." Gaara walked in silence for a moment. "I think I sort of understand what you mean. Naruto said almost the exact same thing to me."

Lee smiled at Gaara. "I guess it is just something you have to learn over time. But do not worry! You have already come so far, I can hardly believe you are the same person as before..."

Lee stopped for a moment and then corrected himself. "But, you really are not the same person as before, are you? You are... the new Gaara."

"The new Gaara," Gaara repeated to himself. "Yes, I like that."

The two boys continued on to the training area without saying anything else. But Gaara's mind kept returning to the things Lee had told him. Why, Lee? Gaara wondered. Why, out of all people, did you choose me to be your friend? I still don't really understand it all yet, but... He glanced over at his best friend and a tiny smile appeared on his face.

I'm sure glad you did.