3 years previous~

Throughout his experiences at the academy, Lee had been through a lot. Good and bad. Gradually he had built walls around himself, letting only a select few breach them. Most importantly his sensei. His sensei, whom had taught him to never give up, to fight for what he wanted.. To give his life for his dreams, his goals. It was that stubborn determination and pride that Lee soon inherited, as well as a sweet disposition. A compassionate soul, natural forgiveness, an easygoing personality. A winning smile, and a strong spirit. A warriors spirit. It was all of that mixed together that had him where he was standing now.

Lee cleared his throat, rubbing a bandaged hand over his other arm as he shifted, glancing at the boy across the field. He felt sympathy for the sand ninja. A tugging at his heart for the redheads past, for the trauma he had in his past, the sadness he knew he had tro deal with day to day. Despite the fact he knew Gaara would never admit tot it, if he could just get him to open up a bit, to talk to him..maybe he would have a new friend. And Gaara would learn that not all people were trash. That some could be trusted. If an old dog could be taught new tricks, than a ravaged soul could be taught benevolence.

He eyed the figure warily, glancing down at his injured leg, before gripping tightly at the crutch under his arm, despising the object. But he couldn't bring himself to dislike Gaara for the injuries. He respected his strength. His quick thinking in that split second when Lee had blinked. Admittedly, it had been creepy when Gaara came up behind him in a waterfall of sand, but it added to the effect. He stepped closer to Gaara, sensing the redheads chakra flare. Gaara didn't make a movement, but he could see the spine stiffen, the muscles at Gaara's back coiling.

"Did you come to ask for me to finish the job?"

Lee had only heard Gaara's voice in battle, and had for the most part tuned it out in his excitement, so was amazed at the soft, cool tone that had sharp edges. He stared at Gaara for a moment. There was more to it than that. In Konoha there was all kinds of analysis, even voice analysis. In Gaara's voice…

It was like an uncut diamond. Rough around the edges, but something you know you should be paying attention to because there was value in it. And in Gaara's case, he already knew when he spoke, there was value. Because if you didn't pay attention, Gaara's words could be the last things you hear. It troubled Lee to know such a disturbed person.

When Gaara got no response, he half turned, turning his cyan gaze directly onto Lee's chocolate brown ones unblinkingly; waiting. The stare made Lee a bit uncomfortable, and he shifted a bit. "I heard you're going back to Suna tomorrow."

There was a long pause, long enough to make Lee wonder if Gaara would answer. It was also long enough to make the powerful Rock Lee wonder if he was about to lose use of his other arm and leg as the gaze locked on his again as Gaara nodded. They just stared at each other for a moment, and lee mentally wondered how a person got eyes that color. And if that was makeup around the eyes. But on a mental note; asking someone who tried to kill you in the hospital would definitely kill you if you asked.

He tilted his head. "Well…I wanted to congratulate you on winning the match."

"You….what?" Gaara stared at Lee as though he had grown a second head. "You do realize I was going to kill you, do you not? To crush you? Squeeze the life from your body and enjoy the feel of your blood as it showered-"

"I get it."

Gaara's eyes narrowed as Lee cut him off midsentence. He could honestly say no one had ever dared do that.

Lee sighed, rubbing at his head. Gaara was making this difficult. "Walk with me for a minute, please."

"Walk?" Gaara's gaze drifted, lingering on the crutch. "An interesting term you use."

Lee arched an eyebrow. "I may have a broken arm and leg, but I can still walk."

He didn't wait for another refusal, stepping closer. "Come on, I want to talk to you about a few things. I'll buy you something to eat."

Gaara paused, growling lethally before he followed after Lee reluctantly, a sulky scowl plastered across his lips.