Disclaimer- I, a lowly fan fiction writer, own Naruto in no way and couldn't even get a glass of water from this story.

Story notes: The following series of short stories takes place after the events in my fan-fic "Happy Birthday"….while I think you could read this on its own; the earlier story sets the stage for the events herein. Also, you will notice several OC's that had to be created to advance the passage of time.

This story takes place when Sakura is 38 and Lee is 39…both have been living lonely 'bachelor' lives, that is until Lee finally got the courage to tell Sakura his feelings about her have NOT changed with the passing years.

Anyway, on with the story…..

Through The Summer- Ch. 1

Rock Lee's Apartment-

Quite frankly, Lee still couldn't believe that Sakura had said 'yes' to dinner. If nothing more came out of this at least he knew more than 25 years of wishing had finally paid off…although he did hope at least a little more would come out of it. He'd keep that quiet for now.

He went to his closet and pushed back his long row of fatigue pants and spandex shirts. He pulled out a shirt that he thought would make an impression. Contrary to popular belief, he did actually own other clothes. Lee just never got the chance to normally wear them.

Since Sakura had insisted on a casual date, he decided to wear his everyday fatigue pants with his shirt…although he did take the time to put his weights on UNDER his pants legs for once.

Sakara's Cottage

Sakura had given her dog, Rin, a pile of toys to try and keep her out of trouble for the night. She feared that since Rin had never really been alone, she might freak out, and Gods know what could happen.

Sakura had a lot of trouble finding something to wear out for the night. Besides going to a restaurant counter to just pick up take out, or grabbing a pastry on the terrace at Reavella's Restaurant, she hadn't been anywhere for years. She had finally settled on a pink dress that looked somewhat dated…but she didn't think that Rock Lee would even notice. Sakura topped it off with some lip gloss she knew to be at LEAST five years old, but it hadn't seemed to have gone bad.

She had drawn the line at wearing any perfume…

Well, it sounded silly, but she thought that might drive poor Rock Lee right over the edge.

Sakura sat on her couch, holding a pink purse and a sweater. At precisely 7pm, Rock Lee Knocked.

Sushi-Ko Restaurant

Sakura took a sip of her tea. "Lee, can I ask where you got that shirt?"

Lee sat up straight in his chair. "I bought it on my last mission to the Crescent Moon Kingdom a year ago."

That would explain why it's so incredibly tropical. thought Sakura.

While the background color of Lee's short sleeved shirt was Kelly green (naturally) it had a very large allover print of palm fronds and orchids in white and orange. It was loud, but Sakura found herself more bothered by the fact that Lee had it buttoned all the way up.

"Here, let me do something…"she reached across the table and undid his two top buttons and opened his collar more.

Lee looked somewhat uncomfortable as she did it.

"That's a very casual shirt. You shouldn't wear it buttoned all the way…it kind of counteracts the 'casual' part." Sakura took another sip of tea and glanced at her open menu. She knew what she wanted already, but it gave her a chance to covertly glance at Lee's neck. "It's much better now."

Wow, he has a 'bull neck'…solid muscle. I would have never guessed.

Lee was smiling. "Thank you! I was not sure about that earlier tonight. I rarely get to wear anything but a uniform. But you know how that feels."

Sakura gave a chuckle at this. "Yes, it seems like if I'm not wearing my uniform, I'm just wearing pajamas. Isn't working life grand?"

"I love my job." Lee laid his menu at the edge of the table. "I can't wait to get to my team every day."

"Tell me about them."

She would have never expected it, but she found herself completely drawn into Lee's stories of his students and all they had been through together. Most of all, he seemed so comfortable and in 'his element'. The goofy young Lee she had remembered was absent. Yes, he was obviously enthused, but he wasn't yelling anything about 'youth' or crying. You could actually sit across from him and enjoy the conversation.

Why have I never noticed that you grew up?

She smiled at this thought.

Because I was too busy feeling sorry for myself.

"I have been going on long enough!" Lee poked at a piece of sashimi. "Tell me about your job. It must be indefinitely more interesting than mine!"

Sakura certainly wasn't sure about that, but she did talk, and Lee appeared to be actually interested. He even asked questions in pertinent places. As he leaned an arm on the table, Sakura's mind wondered for a moment as his short sleeve crept up his arm.

Holy biceps!

Lee had insisted on paying, and Sakura had let him. They took the long way back to her cottage, not saying much…just enjoying the spring evening and some human companionship.

When they got to her porch, Lee spoke up. "I had a wonderful evening. Would you like to go out again sometime soon?"

Why not?

"Y'know, I'd like that a lot, Lee. Give me a call this week and we'll make plans."

Lee did not get to sleep until after 2am that morning. He just lay in bed and replayed every moment of the night in his head…and smiled like a lunatic.