A/N: Seeing as how Rainy Day in Konoha sets the stage for this fic, it probably would be best if you read that first. It's only a one shot, and even though it's sort of summarized in this prologue, it would be a lot better if you read that first. But if you really don't want to, it's all right.

This story takes place when everyone is a lot older. I'd say Hinata is about twenty four, which will make Neji, Lee and Tenten about twenty five. People will be older, so it may be possible that things will be slightly different. Not too much different I hope.

On a side note, Hinata's hair is fairly long. She grew it out since the time when the show takes place.

Constructive criticism is very much appreciated. I love it more than candy.


Iron Threads

Prologue:

Unlikely Friendship


"I made a promise to someone, that I would protect them until I died," he continued, "I will protect everyone I care for until I die. And I see the same kind of spirit in you. You will protect anyone you love until you give out completely. I'm sure the person you love most will see that in time and appreciate you for it."

Hinata looked down at her tea and smiled. Lee did figure it out…

"Thank you for believing in me, like he does," she said, "I won't let you down, Lee-san."

-Quote: Rainy Day in Konoha, Lee and Hinata


To see the two of them laughing hysterically on the way home from a day of teaching their eager Genin teams was a sight to be seen. Hinata and Lee seemed to have an odd friendship. He would talk almost endlessly, she would hardly say a word edgewise, but for some reason they both understood each other. No one quite knew why.

The giggling friends on the other hand couldn't understand the confusion. It all started that day, the day Hinata was caught in the rain without an umbrella. Lee had seen her, and out of courtesy to his teammate Neji, had walked her home. They had a conversation in which they commented on their skills, and alluded to what drove them forward. What they both realized was that they had a lot of things in common. Living in Neji's shadow, always working hard for what ever skill they got. What they both felt was the most similar between them was that they never gave up. Their dreams, no matter how high were going to be realized.

Lee's dream was to become and excellent ninja despite his handicaps. He had definitely done so, no one in the village doubted his skill. However, there was a large part of his dream that couldn't be ignored. It involved Haruno Sakura, the student of the fifth Hokage. He loved her dearly, she was his blossom, his springtime encapsulated into one person. The taijutsu specialist would have given anything if one of her gentle, loving smiles were just once directed his way.

Hinata dreamed of being a stronger person all around. While her strength was not quite on par with her cousin's, her technique and skill were amazing. She had become a little louder, more aggressive, and confident. Lee constantly told her that she had finally shaken off the wintertime in her soul and that she had blossomed. Hinata would only smile and hoped that he had noticed, Uzumaki Naruto, the boy she had pined for since she was small. He was what made her stand when she was clearly unable to continue. He had avenged her against Neji during the Chunin exams, didn't that mean something?

As they strove to achieve their dreams, Hinata and Lee eventually became friends. They both became Jounin and they both became teachers, and they both became stronger people. They had a once a week training session. Lee wanted to get used to Hyuga style attacks for when he challenged Neji to their monthly duel of sorts, and Hinata wanted to improve her reaction to speedy opponents since speed was never her strong point. After these sessions, they'd depart from each other, to the people others would expect to be their friends.

Both realized that their dreams of love might come crashing down when Naruto, then the Seventh Hokage, asked Sakura to become his girlfriend. Neither were exactly blindsided by this event, Hinata had known of Naruto's affections toward Sakura, and Lee knew that Sakura cared for the boisterous blonde. Both were determined not to lose hope. There might still be a chance they both could be with who they wanted most.

That all changed. It was springtime, Lee's favorite season, and he was waiting for Hinata to show up at the training grounds so they could start their training session. He finally was ready to even up the score with Neji. Their win to lose ratio was 45 to 46, Lee being the one with less wins. He really hoped Hinata would come, he could use the practice.

The Hyuga heiress appeared, a little later than usual. The taijutsu specialist greeted his friend with a bright smile and a "nice guy" pose. She gazed ahead silently and nodded in response. Lee raised an eyebrow at this. Her usual response was to smile back and strike a "nice girl" pose. It was a little joke of theirs, and Hinata would never do it front of other people (no matter how much Lee begged her). The dark haired boy put a hand on her shoulder and gazed down at her with concern.

"What's the matter, Hinata?" he asked. She looked to the side for a few moments before raising her white eyes to meet his.

"Sakura and Naruto are engaged to be married in a few months," she replied. Lee felt as though the earth beneath him was using all its strength to pull him toward the ground so he could wallow in his anguish. The shorter girl looked up at him sadly, unable to decide what to do. His hand dropped from her shoulder to his side and he paced a little. He straightened up after a while and settled into his fighting stance. Hinata smiled half heartedly and did likewise. They both began their weekly training session as usual.

Both had always believed that hard work would eventually pay off. For the most part it did. However, at that moment they both realized that no matter how hard they worked, they could never break the iron threads of love.


Well, I am half expecting flames and such for this. I'm going to be honest, I'm NOT trying to break up Hinata/Naruto, or Sakura/Lee or what ever other paring you like, because I like most other parings for Hinata and Lee as well. I'm just exploring a relationship that will probably never happen on the show. Yes, I willingly say it will most likely never happen. I know they never talk, but I'm allowed to explore the possibilities of what would happen if they did.

I'm going to try my hardest to keep Hinata and Lee in character, there's so much OOC in this fandom especially among crack pairings, I can't take it.

I will try to update every Monday.

As said above, constructive criticism is not only appreciated, but loved.