Really short chapter. Probably won't even need the scroll bar for this one, but next chapter will be longer. Doesn't it seem like Lee goes to sleep at the end of each chapter?


"Lee?" Gaara poked his head in the door, quietly calling to his friend. Weak eyes slowly opened and looked his way. Gaara smiled sadly as he stepped in and quietly, very quietly, closed the door behind him and walked over to Lee's bed with a bag in his hand. Lee gave a weak smile back.

Lee was wrapped up in a few thick blankets, wearing his fleece pajamas, and the temperature in the room was blazing, but still he shivered. Gaara kicked off his shoes, and got into the bed to hold his best and only friend close.

Lee was too tired and weak to speak, so he just relished the presence of his friend.

"Look what I brought you." Gaara spoke in a near whisper as Lee started to close his eyes again. They popped back open as Gaara pulled something out of a bag. It was a Squirrel Pillow Pet. Lee's smile was instantly back. "An early birthday present." Gaara continued, glad to see the happy smile on Lee's face.

Lee reached out with both hands to hold it. Gaara placed it into his arms. Lee held it close to him for a long while, communicating his thanks with his eyes. Gaara tucked Lazarus beside him.

By now, Gaara was cherishing every moment he could spend with Lee, even to the point of neglecting the homework his school teachers gave him, just to spend time with his friend. After all, he could catch up with that anytime, but he only had a very limited time to spend with Lee. Homework could be put on the backburner.

Gaara curled his arms around Lee hugging him. "Oh Lee..." he whispered, sniffling. A tear fell into Lee's now sparse hair, and he looked up at Gaara sadly.

"I'm sorry..." Gaara choked out. "I don't mean to worry you." he dried his tears.

Lee closed his weary eyes, and it wasn't long before he was asleep again; Gaara holding him.


One more chapter and an epilogue left