Disclaimer: This story is purely fiction. I don't own Rock Lee nor Tenten, because they are property of Mr. Kishimoto. Anyways, enjoy! - I had lotsa fun writing it….
Dear Diary,
Today was Lee's birthday. I thought he would be happy, but instead, he seems almost devastated. I can't see why turning just one year older can be so heart wrenching.
Love, Tenten
I finished the day's diary entry by messily scrawling my signature at its bottom. Then, looking over, I saw Lee resting on the tatami. His back was turned to me, but even I still knew that he was feeling awful.
The birthday party was over. All the presents had been opened, and all the candles had been blown out, every last bit of cake eaten and gone. Even Sabaku no Gaara had come to honor his birthday. And through the whole thing, Lee had not spoken a single word. He refused to join in on the festivities celebrating his own birth.
"What's wrong, Lee?" I asked. "Would you like some tea?"
"Leave me alone," he muttered sullenly. I was shocked. This couldn't be Lee. He was usually full of spunk and everything around him in the world delighted him. Despite his decline, I got up and made him a cup of tea anyways. Sitting in front of him, I offered the steaming cup to him. Poor Lee. He merely shook his head.
I set the cup down. "What's the matter?"
"You shouldn't worry about me," Lee said faintly. "It is my trouble and not yours."
I sighed. This was the first time I've seen Lee depressed since his almost career-wrecking injuries. "It'll be alright," I told him, trying to be helpful.
"For Kami's sake, Tenten!" Lee said sharply, startling me. "It won't be alright! Stop pretending that you understand my worries. You won't. And you never will. You know nothing, Tenten. So please….please….just…leave me be."
I looked down shamefully. "I…I'm sorry," I said quietly. What was wrong with him?
"No, Tenten," Lee said, letting out a long and despaired sigh. "I should be the sorry one, yelling at you like that…"
"Not at all," I said quickly.
"It's just….just….just that…that….today was my birthday and….it…I mean, I…." he stuttered, trembling tearfully.
"Oh, Lee….." I said sympathetically. "You don't have to say it…."
"N-no…." he said, choking back tears. "Don't worry…."
I looked at him. I patted his back kindly. "Lee….."
Finally, he blurted out, "TODAY WAS MY 60th BIRTHDAY AND I'M NOT YOUTHFUL ANYMORE! WAAAAAAAAAH!"
And I was sure Lee lost his mind. Because he had only just turned 15.