Note from the Author: This is a request … ish … thing from Random Projects. She asked for LeeGaa – I complied. -.-
Aori Kenji: Thank you.
MissMelody21: I've never tried to write a ShinoHina before, but I take requests – so I shall!
UmiKodo-chan: Hinata is my favorite female character too. And you're uber-welcome.
Porny: I like writing about Hinata, because I can definitely empathize with her – and I'm glad it was enjoyable, because I didn't like it at all. -.- It didn't really come out how I wanted.
Real
What will I be today?
It was a question Rock Lee inadvertently asked himself every morning before his eyes opened; he questioned which role he would take – assassin, protector, leader, follower.
Who will I be today?
As he donned the green jumpsuit he was known for, he wondered what company he was expected to offer – Neji's rival, Gai's apprentice, Sakura's courtier, Naruto's friend.
Why do I care so much?
Even as his blindingly excited smile lighted on his face, he didn't understand. Even as he tried to convince himself of his happiness, he wondered why he bothered, why he couldn't be Rock Lee – just Rock Lee – around everyone that he loved.
But he opened his door and that quiet red-haired boy was standing in wait of his hand, to lead him where he needed to go, to the people he was supposed to see. He was aware of all of the different expectations Lee set for himself – but it didn't matter.
Gaara of the Desert was present for Lee's mood swings, self-doubt, passions. He was the only one to see them all, and he never went away.
And – somehow – now that he thought about it, walking down the street with his fingers laced with this silent person – that made Lee feel real.