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Disclaimer: Is Lee getting chased by Seme's that want him as their Uke? No? Then I don't own Naruto.
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Title: Cherry Lotus
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Suddenly, a dense mist covered the bridge and Lee couldn't hear the workers anymore. Kakashi was close enough that he could still hear him as the man said that 'they' were coming. Zabuza and Haku...Lee grit his teeth and moved back, creating a circle with Kakashi and Sasuke with Tazuna at the rear.
"Hidden mist, it is Zabuza." Lee murmured, half neutral, half heartbroken because he told Haku to run. He begged the boy -he somehow knew that Haku wouldn't run with Zabuza but he had hoped. He should have remembered to not hope-. He closed his eyes for a moment as his chest trembled with a shaky breath then he took out a kunai.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting Kakashi..." Zabuza's voice echoed in the misted clearing, faintly mocking but vaguely honest too, "I see you've still got those brats with you."
Then there was a slight chuckle.
"He's still trembling. Poor thing."
Zabuza's words startled Lee and his head snapped to the side to look at Sasuke. Why was it so surprising to see? Sasuke really was trembling. Was it from fear or...
Clones of Zabuza appeared around all of them, surrounding them completely, and Lee relaxed. This was something he could deal with easily. Of course he'd feel the best when he was fighting or in danger. No matter how much time passed -three months, had he really been in the past for three months now? It seemed so much less-, one could never truly forget the instincts made from war.
"Heh, I'm trembling with excitement." Sasuke said and Lee's lips curled into a strange smile, darkly amused and very approving.
"Leave it to me, Sakura, Kakashi." He said and Lee huffed a slight chuckle. Sasuke sounded so sure, like it was impossible for them not the see the clones. That was...heartening and a little terrifying. So much trust already.
"Do it, Sasuke." Kakashi said and Lee hummed in agreement. Within the next few seconds, all of the clones burst into water and Sasuke was back in his guarding position. Then, they could all see Zabuza walking towards them, Haku right beside him. Kakashi sighed.
"Seems like we were right." Kakashi said
"So the Elite member of the Mist thing was a bald faced lie!" Tazuna said, his hands clenching into fists.
Lee knew that Zabuza and Haku were talking with each other though he couldn't hear it. It didn't actually matter but Lee wished that he could hear, if only to know what Haku was saying, if the boy was regretting or...
Lee pushed down the feeling and straightened up, standing beside Kakashi.
"Even without that fight, no matter how you look at it, they're comrades." Kakashi said towards Lee, "Standing together with him and all...man, I hate brats who think they're so cool." He sighed, making light of everything in the end.
Lee appreciated it and even chuckled, amused. "Do not lie, Kakashi. You were probably one of those 'brats' too." Lee teased, a soft smile on his lips.
"No way. I know I was cool." Kakashi creased his eye in a grin and Lee smiled wider, lightly laughing.
"You two..." Sasuke sighed this time but found that he didn't mind listening to the banter. It was oddly comforting though he'd never admit it. How Kakashi and Sakura acted, it made him feel like everything was going to be alright. It made him trust them but that...he didn't know how he felt about that -a lie, he knew how he felt but he didn't want to admit it even to himself that he felt oddly safe and even...happy-.
Suddenly, they heard Zabuza's voice again.
"Alright, I'll let you choose your rival Haku. Go."
Lee's gaze snapped back to their enemy and a sense of betrayal hit him low in the gut. He pressed his lips together as he saw Haku spin towards them his body like a mini tornado. Lee honestly thought that the boy was going to attack Sasuke considering their battle before. But the boy turned towards him and Lee instantly reacted. He twisted his kunai around and blocked the senbon needle from his body.
He could hear talking but kept his attention on Haku instead, knowing that Inner would tell him if it was something important. He stared at the mask in front of him and bit his lip hard, a tremble trying to show itself in his breathing. He absently tasted blood.
Haku barely pulled back just to spin and 'try' to get him at another angle. Lee met him once again with a clash of metal. Their difference was obvious if one knew were to look. Lee's arm was steady as he kept the senbon from coming closer while there was a slight tremble in Haku's arm -was that from their battle or from regret? Did Haku regret? Lee hoped so, it would mean that there was still a chance-.
"Why..." Lee whispered, his voice strained and almost helpless, "Why did you not listen to me?!"
"...I do not want to fight you." Haku said and Lee's heart throbbed.
He started crying without wanting to -damn these tear ducts! He didn't want...he didn't want...-.
"T-then why- I begged you! Why did you not-" Lee didn't care that the others could hear. He just wanted- he wanted, "Please, take him and go."
There was a moment of silence from Haku then, "You are so kind..." Haku sounded like he was smiling yet he was sad at the same time. It hurt to hear.
"Thank you for being so kind." Haku continued and it hurt more. Lee shook his head, denying Haku's words.
"I am not, if I was-" Lee pressed his lips together then pushed. He shoved Haku a slight distance then slashed at him -but he knew that he'd only cut cloth, he pushed Haku far enough for that-. Haku jumped even further back but his outer robe was cut. He didn't say anything and they just fought each other. It didn't feel like fighting. They were both holding back too much for that.
"What is your name?" Haku suddenly asked, surprising Lee. Lee swallowed hard and found himself wanting to tell Haku. He wanted to tell Haku his real name. But they were too close, the others would be able to hear him and he couldn't let that happen. It was too soon and he was still terrified of what would happen if they were to find out.
-He didn't know about Sasuke or Kakashi, but Naruto loved Sakura. He had since they were children. How could he ever tell Naruto that he wasn't actually Sakura? What would Naruto do? Would he scorn him? It was so very rare to see Naruto hateful but harming Sakura had always been someone that effected him dearly. So what would happen...-
No, it was better that no one know. At least, it was better that Team Seven never know. So Lee pushed Haku further and further, not answering yet. He wanted to get out of the others range.
"...I understand. I wouldn't say my name either, to someone like myself." Haku said and Lee's heart squeezed in pain. He quickly shook his head and spoke.
"Sakura." Lee said so quietly, trying not to choke on the lie and truth that felt like acid on his tongue, "I-...I hate that we are enemies and you deserve so much more but this is all I can give you now. It is an honor to meet you, Haku"
"...You really are so kind."
"Please do not say that! I do not feel kind, knowing that one of us must die if nothing changes. There is nothing kind about this!" And nothing kind about giving a false yet real name. Gods, would he one day forget his own?
He used to love Sakura's name, he still did, but when spoken it felt like fire searing him down to the bone and he wanted to scream.
"That only makes you kinder. I-...I wish that we had not met, but thank you, Sakura." Haku said, then he formed a handsign and Lee recognized it. Ice mirrors sprung up from the water, forming around them. Haku sunk into one and Lee didn't know- no, he knew why Haku was still fighting despite not wanting to and still being injured -and Lee knew that the boy was still injured. Without medical help, that type of battle would leave another bedridden. Lee had internal damage and fractured bones. He knew that he did the same for Haku-.
Lee sighed softly and wiped his still teary eyes, "Alright..." he said, "Alright, I see that nothing will change your mind." Lee shifted his stance, his gaze hardening as he steeled himself, "Like before. It is all for those we love."
"Yes." Haku said, his voice coming through the mirrors as his form appeared in each one, "In another life, I would have-..."
Lee smiled for a moment and nodded, "Yes, I completely agree."
Then coldness settled and Lee didn't allow himself to think about Haku the boy anymore. It was only the masked enemy and in order for his friends to live, that one had to die. He wouldn't let himself back down again.
Haku shot senbon needles from the mirrors and Lee danced through the barely there gaps, avoiding the weapons with ease no genin should have. He kept his gaze on the mirrors, waiting. His eyes weren't like the sharingan, he couldn't see the world like it was slowing down, but he still had years of watching Gai. He had years of himself being one of the fastest people alive.
Suddenly, Lee saw a kunai coming from the outside and Haku exited half way out of a mirror, catching the weapon. Lee stared at Sasuke who landed back on the ground with a scowl. The bridge builder was not too far from him and he could see Kakashi as well, staring at them all -his dear friend was so tense, he could see it clearly. But that was because of the time he spent with the man. Such a worrier, though he always tried to hide it-. Then turned his gaze back onto Haku.
"I apologize for the interruption." Lee whispered for only Haku to hear.
"You're cared for..." Haku said and Lee finds himself saying something he shouldn't.
"Sakura is." slipped through his lips and Lee felt his chest grow cold for a moment. He really shouldn't have said that. He should be taking advantage of Haku being out of the mirror -he should be shattering the mirror- but instead, he was saying useless things.
Haku turned his head towards Lee but then he was hit. A shuriken hit his mask, gouging out a line and knocking him out of his mirror. He hit the ground and an explosion of smoke erupted next to his mirrors.
"The hero who shows up late and kicks ass is here! Uzumaki Naruto, believe it!" Naruto shouted as the smoke cleared. Lee...Lee was in a state of disbelief -he shouldn't be, this was young Naruto but still-.
"Is this someone you fight for?" Haku asked and Lee had to laugh, it was soft, exasperated, but fond at the same time.
"Yes. He is...unique and truthfully a horrible ninja but he is kind, much kinder than I am." Lee answered, smiling wryly.
"Alright, time to show my stuff! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto shouted, catching Lee's attention and horror.
Lee felt his stomach twist as Naruto tried to form the handsigns for his most used jutsu, watching as Zabuza immediately twisted and threw shuriken at the blond. He shouted Naruto's name, telling him to run but Naruto just stood there! Lee took a step, already pulling the chakra from his boots to save his friend when Haku surprised him.
Haku save Naruto, throwing senbon needles to counter Zabuza's weapons.
Lee's breath hitched and he stared wide eyed at Haku -Kakashi was scolding Naruto and for good reason. Was Naruto really so unknowing?! What had he been thinking?! This was a real battle, one of life and death. No ninja just shouted his attack or even said it without making sure their enemy couldn't read them. Worse...Naruto didn't even try to dodge Zabuza's attack-. Lee swallowed hard and he wanted to thank Haku -he wanted to pull Haku into his arms and protect the boy- but he couldn't, not when others could hear him.
"Haku, what are you doing." Zabuza said, irritated and cold.
"Zabuza...this boy, let me fight him." Haku requested and Naruto immediately yelled "Bring it on!"
Lee swallowed hard again. Haku was...he knew Haku didn't want to fight Naruto either. That boy was so soft though he tried to put up a hard front. Yes, Lee wanted to protect him. He wanted Haku to live and be safe.
He was so selfish.
It made him want to cry. He really didn't deserve to live.
Lee sighed and flash stepped behind Haku, knocking him out with one hit. Haku fell and Lee caught him in his arms, pulling the boy close. He expected Inner to yell at him, denounce him, but she didn't. Instead, she sent warmth towards him, making him shudder and actually cry again.
"You-!?" Zabuza began to shout, his eyes wide. He almost thought that Haku was faking but the ice mirrors shattered and-. The man turned on his foot to rush at Lee but Kakashi stepped into his path. He growled, swinging his sword. He held onto his anger, using it to push himself forward instead of the coldness in his stomach that he didn't want to acknowledge.
'Idiot...' Inner said but it was gentle, fond, 'You're just being you. You wouldn't be Lee if you didn't want to save everyone. Now stop putting yourself down. I'll find a way to save Haku though it means saving Zabuza too..., just keep them alive.'
Lee finally smiled and mentally nodded. He lifted his held and shifted his grip on Haku -sometimes Lee forgot just how small he was in Sakura's body. Haku was young but older than him now and it showed. He was surprisingly larger than he realized-. Then he turned his attention onto Zabuza's -desperate, he could see it, hidden under the anger, Zabuza seemed to care though he didn't seem to realize it...thank the good gods- fight with Kakashi to get at him.
"Sakura-chan?" Naruto suddenly said, quieter than normal, "What's going on?"
"Why did you just knock him out." Sasuke asked from his other side, bringing Tazuna with him. The old man looked at Haku uncertainly yet pained at the same time and Lee knew it was because Haku was young. Even with the mask, Haku sounded like a young boy.
"Haku is...too kind. Will you forgive me if I said I wanted him to live safely?" Lee quietly asked, "I am being so horribly selfish right now, I know. But he is just like-...he is fighting for the one he loves. Even willing to kill his own soft heart to make that person happy..."
Lee couldn't look at either of them. But then he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Naruto, grinning at him.
"So he's a good guy then! Of course I'll help Sakura-chan!" Naruto said and Lee felt himself tear up again -damn it all, he needed to control himself!-. Sasuke just sighed as he crossed his arms, leaning more on his left leg.
"Whatever. I just want to know how the hell you got so fast." Sasuke said and Lee choked on a laugh. He grinned and said, "Lots of grueling practice and a lot of medical chakra to heal myself. I will help you in a safer way."
Sasuke nodded sharply.
"Ah! You'll teach me too right, Sakura-chan?!" Naruto immediately said and Lee laughed again, nodding.
'Oh!' Inner suddenly gasped, 'Gato- I think he's gonna betray them! Zabuza and Haku are in a contract, so if Gato does that, they won't have a reason to fight us anymore. There are a few snippets but with the way Naruto and Outer recounted it, I think Gato broke the contract!'
Lee's heart jumped in hope. He pressed his lips together in thought. Even if Inner was wrong...maybe he could make Zabuza think that was going to happen anyway. Or, if the fight went on long enough, they'd retreat for another time.
"Yes, yes, but that is later. Right now, we have to try to make Zabuza retreat or give up." Lee said, "Zabuza and Haku are under contract by Gato. I- I think Gato is going to betray them. He is a foul and greedy man, it is only 'right' that he does."
"Yeah, he isn't the smartest either. He's just draining this place dry." Sasuke said with a sneer. He'd seen how the town was, dirt poor and down.
"Bastard!" Naruto scowled, "Then we just gotta tell him!"
"Maybe." Lee said, narrowing his eyes, "We also have to tell Kakashi. I hate to ask, but-"
"Leave it to us." Sasuke said, "Me and the dope will distract Zabuza and tell Kakashi."
Lee didn't want to let them. He still wanted to pull Sasuke and Naruto to him and protect them but he knew he couldn't. He could only trust them to be safe.
"Okay, be careful. If you must, remind Zabuza that I hold Haku." Lee said and stepped back so he was 'gaurding' Tazuna.
"Don't worry Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned, "We'll get it done!"
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How could he ever doubt Naruto? Naruto had that way about him, able to turn just about anyone into a friend. Of course it would work on Zabuza. Of course he'd make Zabuza see just how much Haku really mattered.
He was just so happy that Gato really was such a disgusting man. Inner had guessed right, Gato really did break the contract, admitting that he wanted them to kill each other. Kakashi and Zabuza killed the ruffians who came as bodyguards for the man.
Zabuza personally killed Gato.
For a little while, Lee wondered how the battle really went when it was Sakura who was with them instead of him. What happened? In the end, he guessed that it didn't matter. Everything was done, there was no changing it now.
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