Chapter 5: The Town Carnival

It was now the first week of October. The air was cool and dry, the falling leaves were now crimson and orange. Sakura was excited about the fall festivities. There was a town carnival this time of year, along with pumpkin patches, and Halloween decorations all over the place. The activities were perfect for couples, which renewed her hope to help patch things up with Sasuke, as their relationship had remained rocky over the last couple of weeks since the offensive text Sasuke sent. She had confided in her mother about her relationship issues, which felt like a mistake at this point. Her mother had spoken to her father, who was now at odds with Sasuke. He became aware that Sasuke had not paid her a visit in a while. On the other hand, he was not too fond of the idea of Sakura dating in the first place, so he seemed more at peace knowing Sakura was at home more.

Sakura turned her focus to the play, which had to make some cast changes. The lead role of Esmeralda in the school production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame had a serious case of appendicitis. Sakura was pressured into taking her place, which she accepted reluctantly. Her confidence in her abilities had faltered since she felt that she had little peace in her life. How could she play the role of the beautiful Esmeralda when she could not maintain the attention of her boyfriend? It was tragic, much like the fate of the character of the Victor Hugo novel. Her relationship with Sasuke mirrored the slow death of the once vividly green plants around her.

Meanwhile, Lee had been scheming for ways he could get closer to Sakura. His boldness becoming increasingly dangerous, he pressed on regardless, hoping that his patience would soon have a payoff. Not sure how he should proceed, and in need of a refreshing perspective to counter his growing pessimism, Lee sought the help of his father figure and teacher, Might Guy.

"Well, Lee. I have noticed some substantial changes in you lately." Guy said, smiling happily at Lee. They had just finished teaching their last class of the day. "You are happier now. Bigger now. And even stronger now!" He said, giving Lee a rough but loving pat on the back. Lee gleamed at his teacher. Guy was proud. Lee was by no means a picky eater, but he appeared quite gangly before touching weights. His intense physical activity demanded calories to maintain, which Lee had to increase substantially just to keep up. "However, your focus seems in need of some sharpening." he pointed out. "What's on that mind of yours, Lee?"

"Oh, Sensei." Lee started, allowing himself to be vulnerable. "There is this beautiful girl I do not have a chance with, but I cannot help myself," Lee admitted, sipping a sports drink from a bottle as he sat on the floor near the entry of the dojo. His eyes focused instead on the passing cars outside on the street, their bright headlights dashing by and fading in the distance. "She is with someone who does not deserve her love, and I got it in my head that I could steal her away for myself," Lee said, bluntly honest. "It is… horrible. I know." Lee said, anticipating some harsh words from his teacher.

He felt his eyes filling with tears, worrying he may have just let down the man who is the closest thing he has to a parent. A brief silence fell among them, and Lee looked to his sensei for approval or vexation. Guy suddenly started laughing, taking Lee aback.

"Oh, Lee. You are still just caught in between. Not a boy anymore, and still not yet a full man." He said with his trademark smile. "It is okay. You are only a few steps away from being a man, and when it comes to women, they are not taken unless they have a ring on their finger." He smiled, he looked at Lee, who was still in a state of worry. "Tell me, Lee, does she have a ring on her left hand?" He asked.

"No." Lee said.

"You see, Lee, she may be with someone, but she can still make a choice. And if this guy is a dirtbag like you say he is, then if she is a wise one, she will not stay with him for long." Guy Sensei said.

"You think so? But she-" Lee started, but his thoughts were interrupted by Guy.

"Enough, Lee! You are too young and wise to be getting caught up with the meaningless politics of the other students." Guy stated. "I know I taught you to rise above such things." Lee's watery eyes turned into full waterfalls of tears. Guy and Lee embraced in a bear hug as Lee sobbed into Guy's chest. Though Lee enjoyed the feeling of independence, he missed Guy.

"Thank you, Sensei." Lee's muffled voice muttered from the large pecs of the elder teacher.

"Now you should clear your mind of such worries, Lee. When you return home and complete your homework, run three miles with your leg weights and do five hundred squats. And don't mess up your hair. That's an order." Guy instructed Lee.

"Yes, Sensei!" Lee said, his eyes were still running like streams. Guy gave him one last hug and an encouraging smile as Lee put his shoes back on and made his way out. He paused a moment before leaving.

"Guy Sensei, do you still speak to Mr. Hatake?" Lee asked.

"Kakashi!?" Guy said excitedly. "Oh yes! My eternal rival. I still see him quite often."

"Do you think he could teach me some French? Could you ask him to tutor me?" Lee asked. Guy was surprised at this request but decided to humor Lee.

"I will ask him. I am sure he will be happy to have you as one of his pupils." Guy smiled, giving Lee his trademark gleaming smile and a corny thumbs up. Lee smiled, happy to have a man like Guy Sensei in his life to help him out.

Lee stepped outside into the parking lot. He remembered where he parked his car. The car was quite old and worn out, but it got Lee to his destination. He made his way to his car when he turned at the sound of someone going "PSST!" It was a woman sitting on a bench outside of the dance studio next to the dojo. She beckoned Lee to come closer to her. Lee walked to her, curious about what she could want with him.

"Hello. You must be Lee." The woman said to him as she smoked a cigarette.

"Yes, mam." Lee said. He recognized her as one of the dance instructors of the studio but was not familiar with her.

"I'm Anko Mitarashi. I'm a co-owner of this studio." She said, puffing her cigarette. "Tell me, are you a senior in high school yet?" Lee nodded and she smiled. "You must already have someone in mind to take to the dance, no?"

"I do, but I do not know how to dance." Lee frowned.

"I can teach you." Anko said.

"I would love to, but I am afraid I cannot afford lessons at this time." Lee said, assuming lessons may be a bit too costly for his budget.

"I'll offer you a deal." She said, putting out her cigarette in an ashtray next to her on the bench. She reclined on the bench. "These kids that come into my class have way too much energy and they can't focus. It's no good for me that they spend their entire school day sitting at a desk." She complained, looking both frustrated and tired. "If you could take just a few of the worst offenders and tire them out before the lesson begins, I will teach you at no cost."

Lee considered the offer. It was too good of a deal to refuse. Guy and Lee had a gift of taking some of the worst-behaving children and shaping them into model students. It mostly just took some encouragement, patience, and giving them a physical activity that they would enjoy. Confident in his abilities, he accepted the offer.

"Great! We can begin next week. Bring leg warmers." Anko said as she stood up from her seat, gathering her things. "I'll see you then."

Lee started his car and drove back home to the countryside, carefully avoiding some of the potholes that had not been filled in yet. Shino just arrived home, still wearing his dark-shaded glasses despite it being dark outside. Akamaru barked from within the house at the sound of the cars returning into the garage.

In the morning, Lee arrived at school and went to his first class. His clothes got slightly damp from the rain and his sneakers squeaked as he walked on the tiled floor. Tenten was there first, sitting in her chair and crocheting what looked like a ninja star. Beside her was a large, damp umbrella in a clear bag. She held up the ninja star to examine her work and noticed Lee.

"Good morning." Tenten said, still focused on her craft.

"Good morning, Tenten." Lee said, dropping his bag by the empty desk he always sat at. He removed his oversized tie-dye hoodie as the dampness of the icy rain made him uncomfortable.

"Whoa!" Tenten said, shocked by Lee's ever-changing physique. "Are you trying to win some strong-man competition or something?"

"Not quite." Lee grinned. Tenten looked Lee up and down.

"I know what you're doing, you're still trying to get her attention," Tenten said, referring to Sakura. "I don't know about that, Lee. I don't want to discourage you, but she seems happy with that guy on the football team."

"Yeah, I know. There are so many reasons why this will never work." Lee said sadly. "But we are partners in a class and maybe she will change her mind about me." Tenten shook her head and sighed, exasperated at Lee's pitiful situation. Neji entered the classroom, panting slightly and his long hair was frizzy from the rain. Tenten smiled and greeted him.

"I'm going to use the bathroom before class begins. Watch my things for me," she said, leaving the room. Neji sat down and looked intently at Lee. Neji's grey eyes were not only unique, but they could also be intense at times like these. Lee swallowed, completely unsure of what emotion Neji was feeling currently. He felt like he was having an intense staring contest with him.

"I need your help." Neji said, breaking the silence. Lee pointed at himself.

"Me?" Lee asked, surprised. It was very unusual for Neji to ever ask anyone for assistance.

"I'm going to ask Tenten to the homecoming dance," Neji said. A huge smile formed on Lee's face and his eyes widened. He opened his mouth to speak, but Neji shushed him. "No, not here. I am going to ask her at the carnival." Neji stated. "I got tickets for the carnival tomorrow night and I'm going to ask her there when the moment is right." He spoke. Lee was impressed by his tactics. It took Lee too many years too long to realize how much planning should go behind such things. "The problem is, I'm being forced by my family to babysit my cousin, Hinata." Neji said disgruntled. "I don't want her to feel like a third wheel, so you're going to accompany her."

"Like a double date?" Lee asked, trying to understand Neji's plan.

"Somewhat." Neji said, but he became tense and looked serious. "But if you so much as lay a hand on Hinata or make her uneasy…" He said with his index finger pointed at Lee threateningly. "-I'll make you regret it." Lee swallowed, taking Neji seriously.

"I will help you, Neji." Lee said, forcing a smile to soothe the tense atmosphere. Neji relaxed his composure and settled into his chair. He combed his hair with his fingers, trying to smooth his frizzy tresses before Tenten returned to her desk.

"Thank you." Neji said, genuinely grateful Lee was willing to help him.

The following day, Neji picked up Lee in his car. The late afternoon air was crisp and chilly, perfect weather for fall festivities. Neji was relieved to see Lee dressed quite casually, in an oversized hoodie and baggy pants. He feared his companion's muscular physique would make Hinata feel uncomfortable. Lee stepped into Neji's car and his sense of smell was assaulted by the overpowering scent of cologne. He coughed and wheezed.

"What are you wearing?" Lee said, opening the window like his life depended on it.

"Sauvage by Dior." Neji tugged at his collar and felt insecure. "Is it too much?"

"It will air out, just keep the windows down." Lee said, adjusting to the scent. Lee felt like he was in the perfume department of a department store as his eyes watered from the aroma. "I had no idea you liked Tenten so much, Neji." Lee said after noticing how well Neji was dressed.

Neji was usually a trendy dresser, but tonight he dressed to impress. His outfit seemed carefully picked and nicely layered. His outermost layer seemed fit to take off and give to a date who felt cold. Neji's face slightly flushed as he began driving to pick up Hinata.

"You're thick in the head." Neji said.

Lee snickered, but he did feel foolish for not realizing it sooner. Though Lee had no idea how Tenten felt, he had a good feeling that Neji would be successful in his mission. After an uneventful drive, they arrived and picked up Hinata. Lee sat in the backseat with her, being cautious not to make her uncomfortable and fearful of what Neji would do if he slipped up. Hinata seemed anxious and stared straight down at the floor.

"I don't believe you two have met before." Neji said as he continued the drive, on the way to pick up Tenten. "Hinata, this is my best friend, Rock Lee." Lee smiled, pleased to meet Hinata and elated that Neji would refer to him as his best friend.

"Nice to meet you." Hinata said to Lee in a voice so soft sounding, it was like a dove's coo. She made eye contact with Lee and forced a smile before returning to look back down at the floor.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hinata." Lee said, formally. Though Lee was not the most observant, he assumed that Hinata seemed to be the shy and meek type.

The trio made some dry, dull small talk about school until Tenten stepped into the car. Like Neji, she also seemed more dressed up than usual. Instead of wearing her hair in her usual high ponytail or space buns, she wore it down. Tenten was smiling, excited about the night, although she was curious why Lee and Hinata were there. Tenten had seen Hinata around the school before. Hinata is a junior, so there was not any interaction between the two before meeting her at Neji's home previously.

"I wasn't expecting to see you guys." Tenten said after buckling herself in her seat, referring to Lee and Hinata.

"The more the merrier! Right, Neji?" Lee asked. Neji wanted to groan, but he was much happier now that Tenten was with them. Tenten didn't mind but seemed amused. Hinata seemed to be agoraphobic at times, so she assumed Neji's family was responsible for her appearance tonight.

The four pulled up to the carnival and Neji paid for parking. He handed each of them their tickets, which they exchanged for armbands at the gate, allowing them access to all the rides. Neji discreetly handed Lee two folded bills, which Lee placed in his pocket immediately, understanding that it was for food or whatever else for himself and Hinata. Neji went all out tonight. Hinata and Lee looked around at their surroundings. The carnival was illuminated with bright lights everywhere, rainbow lights on the various rides, and crowds in every direction. The smell of sweet funnel cakes, French fries, and barbeque filled the air. Lee could not help but salivate at the aroma, preferring the smell of carnival food over Neji's overpriced cologne.

The four went out into the carnival, trying to figure out which ride to go on first. Neji allowed Tenten to lead, as he was willing to go on whatever ride or attraction she wanted. Lee dutifully accompanied Hinata, who seemed content going wherever Neji went. They went on rides that spun, some that went upside down, and some that went so fast, that Lee gripped onto the safety bar for his life at times. He was relieved that he had an empty stomach, or poor Hinata would have witnessed something truly foul. Thankfully, she was having an enjoyable time. Neji seemed pleased that the evening was going well.

"Let's go into that one!" Tenten said, pointing at an attraction. It was a spooky-themed funhouse. The main draw was that at random times, the lights inside would shut off, prompting the guests inside to scream and shout. Hinata seemed unwilling to go but kept a tight lip about it. She didn't want to let the others down. Lee noticed and offered to wait for Neji and Tenten to go through it together without them, but Hinata suddenly seemed adamant to go inside, as if she wanted to prove to herself that she could do it. Lee took a protective stance, reassuring Hinata that he would be the first of them to experience any surprises.

They went in behind Neji and Tenten, quickly becoming separated from the pair as the lights flickered. One area brought them to a maze full of mirrors. The mirrors seemed to go on for an eternity, reflecting things that did not seem to be there and people that Lee and Hinata could not see in front of them. The lights went off again, this time, for longer than expected. He felt Hinata grip on his sleeve and Lee remained calm, hoping the lights would come back on soon. The other guests inside the funhouse either complained or were amused by the darkness, feeling their way around with their hands as the lights began to flicker in a strobe-like effect. Lee looked forward and saw his reflection in the mirror with Hinata at his side. The lights flickered again, and Lee blinked and saw Sasuke Uchiha standing behind Hinata in the mirror like some demon. Lee nearly shouted in fear as he turned around to face the real Sasuke. Without thinking, he got into a defensive stance, his adrenaline going. Hinata grabbed onto Lee tighter, more afraid now that Lee lost his cool. Sasuke stood, entirely unamused and irritated. Sakura appeared from behind him, wondering why he stopped.

"Oh my God!" Sakura said, astonished that she was not seeing some kind of illusion. "Lee! I had no idea you were here." She said as she smiled, appearing somewhat uncomfortable. The lights flickered out again and more guests around them screamed.

"Sakura, I am happy to see you! Er, at least I was when the lights were on!" Lee said. "Oh, and hello, Sasuke." Lee said, trying to appear unnerved that Sasuke stood before him. Sasuke still seemed unamused. Sakura's sparkly jade eyes conveyed her sorrow as well as her tone. "Well, you both have a wonderful time! We better get moving before we cause a jam." Lee said, happy at the idea of escaping from the situation.

"Of course, see you later, Lee." Sakura said. Lee took Hinata by the hand gently and felt his way out, using the brief moments of illumination to find their way through the maze.

"Hinata, I am sorry. We are almost out." Lee said, apologetic and embarrassed. He had not seen Sasuke in a long time. Lee knew Sasuke for having impeccable natural strength, as if Sasuke was selectively bred for it. Sasuke was not normally such a big guy, but now he was suddenly much larger than Lee remembered. When that happened, he wondered to himself as he found the exit with Hinata. Neji and Tenten were waiting at the exit. "Sorry guys." Lee said to them as he and Hinata came out. "I got a bit lost when the lights kept going out." He was afraid Neji would be angry, but Neji seemed pleased. Lee looked at Hinata, who wore a huge smile on her face. She seemed quite happy that she made it through the creepy funhouse. Lee getting scared contributed to her newfound courage.

It was getting late, and the fireworks show would soon be starting. Neji and Tenten got in line for the Ferris wheel, the one ride that Hinata refused to step on. Lee was relieved, now he had a chance to fill his growling stomach with some savory carnival food. Hinata was interested in food too, so the four split up into their separate ways for now. Lee and Hinata walked around before settling on a stand that sold corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried chicken. They ordered food and sat down, eating quietly while Hinata looked down at her phone.

"Hey! Bushy-Brows!" A familiar voice shouted. Lee turned as he chewed his food and saw a familiar face. It was Naruto accompanied by Choji and Shikamaru. Lee smiled at them as they approached.

"Hey guys!" Lee said, waving at them and trying to swallow his food quickly. "Long time no see." The trio were in a good mood.

"Lee!" Choji said, giving Lee a big hug, and squeezing the breath out of Lee. He felt his back pop in multiple places as the tight squeeze from Choji was like a chiropractic adjustment. They laughed when Lee groaned. Choji released Lee from his grasp. "You got bigger. Are you thinking about trying out for football?"

"Oh no." Lee said, taking another bite of his food. "Guy wanted me to focus on martial arts instead of school sports." He explained.

"Ah. Makes sense." Choji said, trying to avoid bringing up the incident. Choji was on the football team with Sasuke, but Shikamaru remained on the soccer team with Naruto. The attention turned to Hinata.

"Who's this?" Naruto asked, intrigued by Hinata, who put away her phone to be polite but seemed more bashful than ever.

"Oh! Meet Hinata, she is Neji's cousin." Lee said. "She's a junior at our school." The group was familiar with Neji.

"Are you two going out?" Shikamaru asked dryly. Hinata seemed even more bashful.

"We are friends." Lee said. "We are here with Neji and Tenten. We are just both afraid of heights." Lee said, winking. "And I was famished."

"Well, the fireworks are starting soon, and I am hungry too. Care to join us?" Naruto offered. "That hill over there is perfect for the show." He said, pointing at a hill that was slowly filling with guests. Lee looked at Hinata who seemed to not be able to take her eyes off of Naruto. She seemed incredibly happy to go, despite being shy.

"Great! I'm starving." Choji said. Shikamaru shook his head.

"We ate twice already." Shikamaru murmured. The five went back into a line, getting more snacks and making their way to the fireworks show. Naruto had introduced himself to Hinata and they were connecting well. In the end, Lee became a third wheel, but he was happy regardless of the circumstances because he got to see Sakura tonight.

The five watched as the vivid fireworks launched and exploded in the near distance. Lee was certain that Neji and Tenten were enjoying the show on the Ferris wheel, the perfect place for a time like this. He imagined that things would work out well for them. Naruto and Hinata seemed to be having a fun time together, and Shikamaru and Choji were enjoying the fireworks. Lee could not help but wonder how Sakura was doing. Though Sasuke startled him earlier, he wouldn't consider himself fearful of the raven-haired quarterback. He now related his situation to his fictional hero Spiderman, in love with Mary-Jane but he was still just Peter Parker to her.

Sakura and Sasuke were on the Ferris wheel, watching the fireworks. She sat beside Sasuke, resting her head on his chest and his hand rested on her waist. He watched the fireworks in the distance while Sakura was just trying to savor the moment. Tonight was the most time she had spent with him in weeks. She was so happy to be with him, but he seemed tense and irritable all night. She did her best to ignore it and make excuses for him, trying to keep the peace. She looked down when the ride paused and saw Neji and Tenten. She could not hear what they were saying, but she knew what was going on. She watched as Neji said something to her, focused on Tenten and completely serious. Tenten froze for half a second, and grabbed Neji by his coat, pulling him in for a kiss to his surprise, but he did not fight it and returned the favor. They separated, their eyes filled with some intense emotions, and they went back in for another kiss, this time, moving even closer to each other. Sakura felt her heart flutter at such a sweet sight.

"I'm glad we could spend this night together." Sakura said to Sasuke, breaking the silence.

"Me-" Sasuke started, but coughed and cleared his throat. "Me too." He spoke. Sakura knew Sasuke was trying to hide it, but his voice did seem to change recently. It seemed even lower in pitch. Anytime Sakura commented on Sasuke's health, he got defensive, and it would always lead to an argument. He had a cold constantly, which Sakura just assumed was a result of working out too much or interacting with dirty gym equipment. Sasuke pushed his body to the limits, and even beyond that. It wasn't healthy, but Sakura felt helpless to persuade him to take it easy. His mind was set on earning his sports scholarship, and she knew better than to stand in his way.

Although she was with Sasuke, she felt so alone tonight. Her mind wandered and she thought about Lee. Lee seemed much happier to see her than Sasuke was. She cursed herself for thinking about another guy when she was with her boyfriend. Something about her mind wandering felt filthy, but she respected Lee and saw that he was more than just a project partner, but a good friend. She was not familiar with the girl Lee was with, but she wished she could swap places with her for just the night, just to be with someone who seemed invested in her. Sakura was aware she had friends, a boyfriend, and a loving family, but that night she felt more alone than ever, even though people surrounded her. She sulked, hoping to be lowered back to the ground and on her way home.

Sasuke took Sakura home and the ride to her house was silent. She did not want to admit it, but she was afraid to speak. She felt tired and mentally exhausted, worrying too much the whole night about every single action she made and overthinking her every move. She wanted this weird chapter of their relationship to end. Sasuke seemed like a dead man walking. He was always so tired and at times, sleep-deprived. He used to open up to her about his insomnia, but now he was not such an open book. She arrived home late, and her parents were watching a movie in their bedroom. She went upstairs to her room and lay down in her bed, letting the tears she held in the entire night flow out.