A/N: This chapter contains violence and graphic scenes.

Chapter 6: Pain and Suffering

Sakura stepped out of the school counselor's office. Feeling isolated from the lack of support from her parents and best friend, she was unsure of who to rely on to talk to about her problems. Although Lee seemed like an attractive option, she was reluctant to speak with him about anything aside from the project. She became paranoid about being seen around any guys since stumbling upon some graffiti in a bathroom stall in the girl's room that read: Sakura Haruno is a whore.

It had been just over a week since her last date with Sasuke at the carnival and still nothing has changed. She felt sick and at her wit's end with her situation. She confided in her theater friends, who suggested she dump Sasuke or at least tell him that she needed to take a break in their relationship. She felt the second option was nonsensical. Wouldn't a break in a relationship just mean the same as breaking up? It reminded her of the tumultuous celebrity relationships that were reported in the tabloids that rested by the check out at the grocery store, full of theories about the relationship status of the paparazzi's victims.

She felt guilty for questioning Sasuke's faithfulness, but she was guiltless for thinking so. He started calling or texting her at random times, demanding to know where she was or who she was with. He didn't accuse her of cheating, but it was heavily implied by his word choice and actions. It angered him that she had yet to attend any of the football games. This behavior was triggered by their run in with Lee at the carnival and Sakura mentioning to Sasuke that Lee is her project partner. Sasuke's latest posts on social media were of sweaty gym selfies of himself flexing. His profile was public, and his recent photos had way more likes and thirsty comments than she was comfortable with. Ino accused her of being jealous of the attention he was receiving. Sakura was angry at such a claim, justifying her dissatisfaction with her love for Sasuke, not jealousy. Sakura enjoyed Sasuke's newer bulky physique for a time, but now she detested the unwanted attention he was receiving. Although, she was not ready to admit that her feelings for Sasuke were changing now that he changed.

She cried a few times during the session, and her eyes were still watery. It was after school and she should really be rehearsing, but she decided to take the advice of the counselor and go home to rest. She felt weird being asked such personal questions about her relationship with Sasuke. It hurt her heart when the counselor asked if Sasuke had ever hit her or had become violent around her. She understood that it was a routine question and a necessary one, but it made her mind wander further into some dark places. Just when she finally felt more like an adult, her father threatened to remove her from her extracurricular activities if something didn't change soon. Turning to counseling just for someone to talk to, she felt that she was now at her lowest point. She knew that she wasn't thinking right about it, but can anyone think logically when they're in a state of suffering? She sat outside and waited for her mom to pick her up, watching as the football team in the distance was practicing.

Across town, Lee was working. He received three extra students from the dance studio next door. He held a thick contact sport practice pad and allowed the small children to kick and punch at him with all their might, moving strategically so they would have to run towards him to keep up with the onslaught. It didn't take too long to wear those children out and thankfully, his tactics seemed to be working. The dance instructor, Anko, was pleased with the results so far. Lee was unaware previously that these students were dancing competitively. Dance was an artform Lee knew little about and it showed.

It seemed second nature to know foot placement when it came to fighting, but dancing seemed more difficult for him to understand, especially when he needed to move along to the music. He often moved too fast, too slow, or stepped on the toes of his partner, who oftentimes was Anko herself. He would visit her after they were both done teaching for the night.

"I hope you did some more practicing at home like I told you." Anko said, sipping her drink. "I've seen a newborn rhinoceros move with more grace."

"I am trying." Lee said, his ego deflated. He felt like the six year old who cried when he struggled to break a board in his class. "I never knew dancing could be so difficult." He said while stretching. Lee looked across the room and observed his reflection in the tall studio mirrors covering the walls. Though he was youthful in appearance, his eyes conveyed the tiredness he had been feeling lately. His youthful philosophy that was imprinted on him from Guy has been in a state of decay from his recent negative thinking.

"You're overthinking it. Relax a little and be more confident in your movements." Anko schooled. "Men can be such babies sometimes." Although Anko was being strict, Lee was thankful that she took the time to teach him. They danced to a few songs she placed on the speakers as she performed instruction. Though Lee stumbled, he was surer of his movements now after practice. "That's it! You're getting it." She encouraged as they danced to a waltz. After one more song, Anko called it a night.

"When is the dance again?" she asked while checking her phone and typing out a text message.

"The end of this month." Lee said, taking a moment to rest his weary legs.

"Have you asked her yet?" Anko asked, not looking up from her phone.

"No." Lee admitted. He didn't want to tell her all about his situation. He didn't want to be pitied anymore.

"You should soon before someone else does." Anko replied.

"I know." Lee sighed. "I should get going. Thanks again for the help." He said as he turned to leave.

"Later." She said, still looking down at her phone.

Lee headed home. After making himself some dinner to quiet his growling stomach, he sat down with his food at his desk in his bedroom. He lit a coffee scented candle at his desk as he started his computer in order to complete some homework and study French. It was safe to say that learning French was going much better than learning dancing. He had been using a free language software he found online and was practicing in his room. Kiba, his next door neighbor to his bedroom could be heard snickering sometimes whenever Lee said some things in French out loud. He made a stereotypical French laugh, mocking Lee at times. Lee was blissfully unaware, wearing bulky headphones over his ears.

As it got late and he began to feel fatigued from his day, Lee's mind began to wander. He reclined and looked out the window, looking at the bright stars outside. He saw Mars, the twinkling red, distant light in the sky. Such sights like these brought to mind just how small and insignificant he felt in the world. Lee's philosophy was primarily based upon his will and that his fate was determined only by himself and nobody else. And yet, he felt at odds with this perspective at times. No matter how hard he worked or how strong he became, it seemed those with natural abilities would still outshine him. He related to Sisyphus, pushing a boulder up a mountain only to let it roll back all the way down and repeat his task. The absurdness of trying to find meaning in something that was pointless.

Although he looked up to Might Guy, Lee didn't think he could follow in his footsteps. Guy seemed content with his singleness and his life choices overall. Lee didn't have the easiest life, but he was aware of how blessed and privileged he was, even without a proper family. Lee pondered his own existence, wishing for something to spell out to him that his life had some meaning or a deeper purpose. He was unsure of what he assigned to it previously was fitting anymore. Lee became aware that he was growing uncomfortable in his existentialism and decided to go to bed for the night after a hot shower. However, even in his strict routine and discipline, he couldn't escape the loneliness that haunted him. It was nights like these he wondered if he was just born to suffer.

Lee awoke the next morning, feeling exhausted. Like Sakura, his sleep had been light, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to settle down into a deep sleep. Lee felt strangled by time and Sakura was strangled by her toxic relationship. Though they both suffered for varied reasons, their suffering paused for the hour they spent in the class neither of them wanted. Their loneliness dissipated in their company.

"You are Esmeralda now?" Lee asked, stunned. Sakura had indulged Lee about the inner machinations of the school production. Sakura smiled, flattered by Lee's interest. "I'm glad you are getting the proper recognition you deserve for your talent." Lee smiled.

"That's too much." Sakura said sheepishly. "I was pressured to take the part. I have all my lines memorized, but it's really not a big deal." She said, trying to minimize her role. Ino warned her that Sakura was becoming an airhead. "Have you been to any school productions, Lee?" she asked, trying to read him.

"No." Lee admitted. "I would love to attend one of yours though."

Lee was fortunate to have Might Guy in his life, who took Lee to see The Lion King performance on stage at a theater in the city when he was younger. Lee remembered that day fondly, enjoying watching the live performance over watching the movie. He had not been to another live production of a play since then, but he was more than happy to see one at his school. Sakura looked like she wanted to say something but decided against it.

"See? You don't know what you're talking about. They're not really all that good." Sakura said to Lee. "I'm really not sure why you even like me so much." She said, immediately regretting her word choice. She had been careful dancing around this fact, but her constant mental exhaustion were causing her to slip up. Her deep insecurities were now at the surface.

"I think you're great, Sakura." Lee said, noticing her discomfort. He knew he needed to back off quickly, even though he really wanted to push this forward. "Sasuke better think the same." Lee also regretted his word choice. "Darn it!" Lee thought to himself. Sakura seemed to have deflated and was looking down now. Before Lee could apologize, she spoke.

"Things between us have been poorly, lately." Sakura admitted, referring to her failing relationship. "He just- he just changed out of nowhere." she said, her voice cracking and tears forming in her eyes. "And it just never seems to get better." Lee pulled a packet of unused clean tissues from his bag, and she took them, dabbing her eyes and trying not to cry. She hated herself for crying, her frustration pouring over. "I'm sorry." She said, trying to regain her composure before anyone else in the room noticed. The other students were busy collaborating on their project while Mrs. Sarutobi sat by her office desk, looking green in the face, and clutching a waste bin with an empty grocery bag lining it.

Lee reached and put his hand on her shoulder. He looked at her worriedly, not sure what to say, but wanting to say so many things. He wanted to hold Sakura close to comfort her, but he also wanted to find Sasuke and shake him for what he had done to her. Sakura, the girl who always seemed sure of herself was now crying over some guy who was unfit to walk the same earth as her. Instead of the tears stopping, Sakura seemed unable to obey her own will and she let out a sob, crying in front of Lee and curling herself up, trying to avoid being detected by making herself smaller. The other students were starting to notice, until the bell for the end of class chimed and they got out of their seats, rubber necking at the scene unfolding as they made their way out of the classroom. Lee remained still in his seat, now frowning not because of her tears, but from his realization of just how serious this situation was.

He could be oblivious at times, but he did notice how Sakura seemed to be avoiding him lately. Her text messages to him were oftentimes monosyllabic or she spent a long time typing a response to Lee, as if she were afraid that her texts could be misconstrued by prying eyes. Lee had hoped her relationship failing was just due to them growing apart, but his worry that Sasuke was truly rotten became real when he saw this strong person he loves crumble before him. Mrs. Sarutobi, despite going through a sudden round of morning sickness, now had her full attention turned to Lee and Sakura.

"What happened?" she asked, looking concerned. Sakura sniffled and wiped her eyes, looking both upset and embarrassed. "Are you okay, Sakura?" She pressed. Sakura nodded, slowly composing herself.

"We should go." Sakura said to Lee, referring to the brief time they had to reach their next class.

"Only if you're ready." Lee said, still concerned. Sakura let out a breathless sigh and cleared the lump in her throat.

"I'm ready. Please, let's go." She spoke. She was finished talking for now and Lee did not dare press her further. He walked by her side, guiding her to her next class. She walked weakly through the hallway. Lee couldn't help but use his size to his advantage, pushing their way through the crowded halls. His worry for Sakura grew his anger toward Sasuke. As they approached the corner toward Sakura's next class, Sasuke appeared suddenly.

Sakura and Lee froze in their tracks. Sakura wasn't thrilled to see Sasuke and her eyes were still puffy and wet from crying. Lee's bushy brows furrowed, no longer being able to conceal his distaste. Sasuke looked like his usual irritable self but seeing them walk side-by-side in the halls awakened his rage. Sasuke swung a fist at Lee. Sakura's raised her hands up to her face in shock. The students in the hallway all pressed against the walls, keeping clear of the line of fire, and stunned into a silence. The silence broke quickly and turned to shouts.

"Fight!" someone shouted in the hall and the students were now rowdy.

Thanks to Lee's swiftness, he dodged the first attack and backed up, creating some distance between them. Sakura stepped back, her feet moving automatically from the fight unfolding. Although Lee was now readied for combat, even he was as surprised as Sakura was that Sasuke attacked him. Lee was in a defensive Kokutsu-dachi stance with his fists raised, blocking two more wild swings, and preparing himself to counterattack using his powerful legs. The crowd got rowdier and noisier as a male teacher pushed his way through to stop the fight.

"Sasuke, STOP IT!" Sakura cried, stepping forward and dangerously close to getting caught in the crossfire. Lee saw her in his peripheral vision and turned, afraid she was going to be struck as Sasuke closed the gap between them. In one wild blow, Lee was struck in the head. He collapsed limply against the wall by the corner and slumped down to the floor. Sasuke was grabbed and subdued by two male teachers. Even though Lee was knocked out on the floor, Sasuke wasn't through with him yet, trying to free himself from the grasp of the teachers. Sakura crouched down to Lee's side and noticed blood pooling by his head. Now pushed past her limit, she began sobbing as her heart pounded in her ears.

"Get back to class, everyone!" a loud, booming voice shouted. Dressed in an 80s style green tracksuit, Might Guy, the gym class coach emerged, dispersing the crowd of students. "Oh no." He murmured at the sight of Lee. Sakura moved aside, believing Guy would know what to do. "It's okay sweetie. Lee is in good hands now." He spoke. She still cried, feeling helpless in the situation. Guy inspected Lee and gave him a gentle tap on the shoulder, avoiding moving him in case of making the injury worse. Lee's leg twitched and his arms began to tense. Lee let out an unintelligible word as he attempted to get up. "Stay down Lee, I'll pick you up." As he picked Lee up, more blood dripped onto the floor. Guy gently put Lee down and removed his own sweatshirt, placing it over the large wound and pressing down.

"It's bad, Lee. We need to go." Guy said in a gentle, yet serious tone. "Hold it down and keep pressing hard." He instructed Lee. Lee reached weakly and pressed the cloth down against his wound. Guy lifted Lee again, getting fresh blood on himself and effortlessly carrying Lee away. He stopped by a teacher who had just entered the hallway. "I'm taking my son to the hospital, please help that poor sweet girl over there." He gestured with his head toward Sakura, who was still sitting on the floor, traumatized by the event. Sasuke was ushered to the principal's office. Sakura took off to the main administration building as well but was kept separated from Sasuke and was examined by the school nurse. Her parents had been called and her mom was on her way to pick her up. Before going home, Sakura spoke to the principal.

"I know what you just saw was a lot to take in." Principal Tsunade said, pushing a box of tissues towards Sakura from across her desk. "You are safe here." She assured Sakura. "I just want to know what happened." Sakura was exhausted with the day and worried about Lee. It was hard to tell what Tsunade was thinking. Sakura had never been in her office before. Although she enjoyed other students pulling pranks or causing some trouble, she avoided doing it herself.

"Lee and I were walking to my next class together. Lee is my project partner in a class." Sakura spoke, wiping her eyes again with tissue. "Sasuke saw us and got angry." Sakura said, still sniffly. "Sasuke is my boyfriend. Lee and I are just friends." She said, trying to be detailed, but her tired mind was working overtime. Tsunade nodded, listening intently.

"Did Sasuke or Lee say anything to each other?" She asked. Sakura shook her head.

"No. Nobody said anything." Sakura said, fresh tears forming. "Sasuke just started attacking him." She cried. "I was so stupid, I just wanted them to stop and-" her voice cracked. "-it's my fault." She sobbed.

"It is not." Tsunade said. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Miss Haruno." she said sweetly. "Boys get into trouble like this all the time. My concern currently is over Lee's condition." She spoke. Sakura still looked concerned, even about Sasuke. "You are excused from your last class for the day. I think you should take it easy for now. I'll speak to your mother when she arrives and let her know the situation." She spoke. Sakura was relieved she wasn't in trouble, but she knew her father was going to be upset when he got home later. Although she saw Lee regain consciousness after waking from his knock-out, she still worried after seeing the amount of blood he lost.

After Sakura's mother spoke to the principal and left with Sakura, it was Sasuke's turn to face Tsunade. He entered the office, accompanied by the assistant principal and another officer administrator. They remained by the door as Sasuke took a seat.

"You can both wait outside." She said, referring to the two men. Reluctantly, they stepped out. Tsunade looked Sasuke in the eyes, organizing her thoughts.

"Mr. Uchiha." She started. Sasuke looked back at her, now calmer than he had been earlier. "I did not expect to see you in my office today, or ever for that matter. Tell me what's going on."

"I'm sure you already know." Sasuke stated. "I apologize for creating a disturbance."

"Is that all?" Tsunade questioned him. Sasuke knew he was in for it.

"How is he doing?" He asked. "Do you know?" Tsunade shook her head. Sasuke sighed, not sure what else to say.

"Your coach, Mr. Sarutobi, has told me that you've been acting differently lately. Have you had any significant changes going on at home or with your health recently?" Tsunade asked. Sasuke shook his head. She sensed that he wasn't as open as Sakura was to talk.

"What you did today was not only hurtful to Lee, Sakura, and the other students who watched, it was self-destructive, Sasuke." She spoke. "I have spoken to your father already and he's concerned that Lee will be pressing charges against you. You could be arrested for what you did." She explained, looking at Sasuke intently, trying to gauge his emotions. Sasuke looked down, starting to regret what he had done. "You need to take this seriously, Sasuke. I could have you suspended or expelled for your actions."

Sasuke was now beginning to sweat. He was worried that he may lose his college opportunities. He cursed himself for not thinking things through first, but his anger lately had been what controlled many of his actions. He already knew the source of his problems, but he stuck to his plan, unwilling to reconsider the path he was taking.

"Although, this is your first offense." She relented. She stood up. "I will not be suspending you, but you will spend the next two weeks with afterschool detention, and you will attend anger management." Sasuke nodded his head, accepting the consequences. "Also-" she added to Sasuke's surprise. "I'm not going to make you write an apology to Lee, but you are going to have to make a choice; either you sit out for the homecoming game, or you sit out for the dance afterwards. You cannot have both." She spoke. "A lot has happened today, so take some time to make your choice. You can let me know next week."

"I know my answer." Sasuke said. "I can't miss that game." Tsunade seemed taken aback by the suddenness of his decision. Her worry about Sakura grew. Just a month ago when she saw them together, she thought she was seeing the future prom king and queen. And now, she wasn't sure what to make of them. They didn't even seem on friendly terms anymore.

"Very well." She said, sitting back down. "Your mother is here to take you home. I suggest that you be on your best behavior and this better be the last time I see you in this office, Sasuke Uchiha." She said in a borderline menacing manner.

Lee and Guy sat in the waiting room of the ER. No words were exchanged between the two. Lee was still unsteady on his feet, but the bleeding had stopped. Guy's green sweatshirt was immensely saturated in blood, which turned darker in hue as it oxidized. After waiting for about an hour, Lee was wheeled to a room. He would be turning 18 the following month, but he was placed in the pediatric ward. He shared a room with a young boy who wore a cast on his leg. A large curtain separated them. Guy helped Lee change into the hospital gown.

A nurse examined Lee and performed some tests, gauging his cognitive abilities as well as taking his vitals. She carefully examined the laceration to his head, carefully pushing his thick black hair out of the way. It was located above his right ear. The laceration was quite large.

"The doctor is on his way to examine you. Based on my experience, you will be getting some stitches or staples." She spoke. "I'll come back to check on you in a bit." She said before leaving the room. Guy turned to Lee, sitting at the bedside.

"Lee. Talk to me, are you alright?" Guy asked. Lee nodded his head weakly, not looking him in the eye. "Tell me what happened." Lee avoided eye contact, his eyes filling with tears. Guy placed a hand on Lee's cheek gently, holding him softly. "You're not in trouble, Lee. I know you do some things without thinking, but whatever that was, I know you didn't start it."

Tears rolled down Lee's cheeks and dripped onto his blue hospital gown. Lee didn't want to admit it, but his vision was blurred, and it was difficult for him to focus. It was frustrating that his body wouldn't obey him. He looked quite fatigued, and he felt groggy.

"It's okay, Lee." Guy said. "It's not important right now anyways." He spoke. "Just get some rest and I will arrange for one of your friends to bring your car home from school." He said as he pulled out his phone. Lee rested his eyes but did not sleep. Tears continued to roll down his cheeks.

The doctor stepped in and did more tests on Lee before concluding that Lee suffered a mild concussion. He examined Lee's wound and arranged to have the wound irrigated and closed with staples. Lee watched as the physician's assistant came in with various tools, including hair clippers. Lee sat up suddenly, alarmed.

"I'm sorry, Lee. I know this is hard, but they need to do this to help you." Guy said, understanding Lee was upset by the sight of the clippers. Though Lee had a hairstyle others found silly, it was tied to his personal identity. Any change to it at such a short notice and against his wishes hurt Lee. Lee's face scrunched as he cried, his nose becoming runny.

"Do it fast." Lee said, his mouth dry and voice hoarse. The assistant put a paper cape around Lee and cut the hair around the wound carefully. Lee's glossy locks fell onto the cape as he cried. He gripped the thin blanket covering him and grit his teeth, praying for this day to be over already. Guy watched, teary eyed as Lee had gone through something that pained him so much.

The wound was carefully irrigated and stapled shut under a local anesthetic. They monitored Lee for a couple more hours before discharging him home. Guy drove Lee home as the night air filled the car. They sat without music playing and without speaking. Guy wanted to keep Lee for the night, but Lee insisted that he return to his home. Shino stepped outside of the house to meet Guy outside, helping Lee into the house and up the stairs. Guy helped Lee change his clothes and helped him to bed.

Lee's room was just how Guy remembered it. Lee was a minimalist, and he kept two live plants that were healthy, and his belongings were kept clean and neat. A couple Spiderman figures from Lee's boyhood were displayed as decorations and a lone framed poster of Bruce Lee was hung near Lee's bed. He found Lee's phone charger and plugged in his phone for him while Lee rested in his bed.

"Get some rest, Lee." Guy said. "I will come check on you again in the morning. Don't worry about school for now, just focus on getting better." He said before leaving.

Lee reached for his phone and saw that he had a ton of text messages. They were from his friends who were all concerned for him. He saw Sakura had sent two texts. He felt embarrassed facing her. His hair that he viewed as his lion's mane was now as ravaged as his bruised ego. He was flatlined in front of his crush by her popular quarterback boyfriend. Today had to have been the worst day since he broke his bones, or the time he was rejected by Sakura. He read her texts; Lee, I'm so sorry about today. I'm so sorry about what Sasuke did to you. The second text read: Please let me know that you're alright. Lee considered what to text back. The brightness of the screen hurt his sensitive eyes and he felt exhausted. He decided to text her back, as he didn't want her to worry about him.

I am home now. I am alright. Are you okay? Lee texted Sakura. Sakura read the message immediately.

Thank God. I was so scared. Today was a nightmare. Sakura texted back. Thank you for getting back to me. I will let you rest for now. Can I come by and check on you tomorrow? Lee didn't want Sakura to see him in this state, but he allowed it if it would help her feel any better about the situation. He agreed to her visit and sent her his address.

They said good night to each other, and Lee turned carefully to his left side, trying to rest despite the throbbing pain near his staples. It felt odd to him feeling the cool breeze from his ceiling fan on his exposed ear, which usually remained covered by his thick hair. He felt some pain at his left side from when he fell. Not wanting to take any more pain medication, he focused on trying to sleep, curling into a comfortable position on his side.

The door opened suddenly and quietly. It was Kiba, who just returned from a work shift. He carried a takeout bag and had a tray ready. Akamaru stepped in after him.

"Lee." He whispered, nudging him gently with the tray. "I heard about what happened." He whispered even louder. He reached into the plastic bag he carried and pulled out two containers of food. "I brought you some curry." he said as Lee turned over to face him.

Kiba switched on a lamp and set up the tray for Lee. Lee was tired, but he didn't protest. He refused food at the hospital and felt like he should eat something. Kiba sat on the floor and ate some food he brought home for himself while Lee ate in his bed. Akamaru sat on the floor, tail wagging, drooling, and staring intently at them both, hoping for someone to pass him some food or drop some. Kiba convinced Lee to take something for the pain after he ate and Lee was able to sleep soundly, despite the rough day he had.