Fragile Strength

By Maria Szabo

Disclaimer: Kishimoto Masashi owns these characters, not me. This is a work of fanfiction and the only profit being made is that of enjoyment.

"Don't mind if I fall apart, there's more room in a broken heart." Coming Around Again by Carly Simon.

It was only by chance that he found her there crying, tucked away in a side corridor of the hospital. He'd come in for one of his checkups. She, of course, was always there, as part of her training. It would be rude to interrupt her, but then again, Rock Lee was one to think with his heart and not his head.

"Sakura-san! What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She blushed and swiftly brushed off her face. "L..Lee-san! I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was here."

"That's no bother, but what's wrong? Did something happen? Is there any news?"

Of her team, Sakura was the only one left in the village. Naruto had gone off with the Hermit Jiraiya for some extended training and Uchiha Sasuke...that bastard...Lee tightened his fist.

Her pink hair gently moved as she shook her head. "No, we've heard nothing."

"You're thinking about him, aren't you?"

She blinked and then went very red.

He sighed. It was an inappropriate question, but he couldn't help asking. He couldn't stop thinking about Sakura, so it seemed natural, since he knew that she liked Uchiha.

She laughed a little. "Lee-san, you must think I've very weak."

"Not at all!" He lifted his arm and looked at it. "You know, Sakura-san, when we took the Chuunin exam, I was hurt very badly."

"I remember," her eyes were puzzled by the change in subject.

"It has taken me a long time to heal, and even now..." he stopped, and sighed. "When you break a glass, it shatters. Sometimes you can glue it back together and use it again, but it won't be as strong."

"Lee-san..."

"But Sakura-san, I want to be the strongest Ninja possible. And because of this weakness, I've been forced to train even harder and in new ways. And now I will be stronger than ever, I'm sure of it." He smiled tenderly at her. "Your heart has been broken, but it will heal and become stronger. And of course, I am always here."

He was surprised by the fierce hug she gave him, but she was gone before it occurred to him to return it. But that was fine. He could wait.

Fin