Tenten and Neji were making their way towards the large building of the Konoha hospital. Tenten wasn't carrying flowers. She didn't like flowers, and she didn't think anyone else would like them. She was however carrying a takeaway packet from the local curry restaurant. Lee loved curry. Not surprisingly, Neji wasn't carrying anything. He was walking slowly and dragging his feet.
"Oh come one Neji!" Team Gai's lively kunochi said, "I know you want to see him too. If you want, then pretend that you don't, but at least hurry up a bit would you?"
The dark-haired boy muttered something unpleasant half heartedly, and hurried his pace.
They found Lee sitting on his bed miserably. His weak attempt to smile as they came in died rather quickly. Tenten put the box of curry and rice on the little table beside his bed. Then, with one hand on her hip, the other holding Lee's shoulder she proceeded with her lecture. She always lectured him, mostly because no one else ever did, and he was definitely in need of some lecturing.
The Hyuuga meantime stood at the window. He only half listened to his teammate's lecture. He felt a bit sorry for Lee, but didn't feel like suggesting to Tenten to give the boy a rest. Instead, most of his attention was directed to the birds that were flying outside Lee's hospital window. Freedom, Neji thought as he glanced at Lee's slumped, weak form, sitting on the bed, comes at a high price. If it comes at all. And Neji doubted that it does.
They stayed a bit longer, Tenten satisfied with her lecture, started telling Lee what was generally happening in Konoha, smiling at him, and trying her best to help his spirits rise at least for a moment. Throughout the visit, Neji remained glued to the window, commenting Tenten's words quietly from time to time. Finally the kunochi got up from the side of Lee's bed, and started heading towards the door. As she disappeared through the door Neji stepped away from the window and in two large steps stood by Lee. He lowered his head, and said in a sad voice:
"Even though it would prove me wrong, I wish that you had succeeded. I wish you could have conquered your fate Lee. I hope you will one day," Lee stared at the Hyuuga in shock. Never had Neji said anything so friendly! He didn't even mind when Neji came back to his senses and, in a drawling voice, said: "Even if you really are a dropout!"
With the cool mask back on his face, Neji left, but not without a farewell nod in Lee's direction.