A/N: Thanks for reading! Caution, more drugs and violence ahead.

Chapter 15: Sanctuary Part 2

Lee returned to his seat. Neji noticed Lee's return and felt uneasy. He wanted to ask Lee where he had been, but the lights were already going back to being dim. The play resumed, but Pierre Gringoire was noticeably smaller in stature than before. It was a bizarre change for the audience, but it was somewhat fitting as the character was utilized primarily for comedic relief.

"Lee… I swear to God…" Neji muttered through his gritted teeth when he saw Tenten assume the role of Pierre. Tenten was right, Lee was always going to cause some crazy shenanigans due to his hot-blooded nature.

The remainder of the play went off without a hitch. The cast bowed at the end as the audience erupted in thunderous applause. Lee stood and clapped, watching as Sakura bowed and waved towards Lee and her parents who were sitting near the stage. She seemed much happier since the cast changed.

The auditorium began to empty as groups of people left to return to their cars. Cool air rushed into the auditorium from outside as the audience departed. Lee stood to begin making his way back to behind the stage. Neji caught up with him.

"What happened, Lee? Why did Tenten change roles?" Neji asked him.

"Tenten will tell you." Lee said. "I made a mistake." he said sheepishly.

Neji sighed, feeling disappointed in his friend once again. He had hoped Lee had learned to think things through since that was something he seemed to be doing more often than before in recent memory. However, Lee demonstrated his impulsive nature was simply an innate feature of his character.

"I will go find Sakura." Lee said. "I will talk to you later." Lee said, determined to finish his conversation with Sakura from earlier. Neji nodded as he continued his search for Tenten backstage in a different area.

Lee walked back behind the stage. It seemed Deidara and Sasori had already left to Lee's relief. He went back to the main room and saw Sakura, who was smiling as she was brushing her hair after removing her wig. She noticed Lee's reflection in the mirror. She turned around and smiled warmly at him.

"Thanks for talking to Deidara. I feel bad that Tenten had to do more work tonight, but I felt much better without him around. You must've scared him off." Sakura smiled.

"Yeah. Something like that." Lee said, feeling apprehensive and smiling at her.

"I'm sorry about earlier. I was caught completely off guard." Sakura said.

"It is alright, Sakura. Forgive me for being so forward." Lee responded.

"Let's talk somewhere more private." Sakura said, referring to the many students who were chatting nearby, celebrating their success.

"Right. I will wait outside while you change first." Lee said. Sakura was still in her bohemian dress.

"Sounds like a plan." Sakura said, smiling. She was excited. She wanted to tell Lee how she felt.

Lee smiled and departed from the room, making his way back outside. Sakura noticed Neji and Tenten had entered the room right after Lee left. Despite the sudden cast change, Tenten was content. It may have been that she was now in Neji's company. They made a very attractive couple. Sakura approached them.

"Hey, guys." Sakura greeted. "You did great out there, Tenten." Sakura said, smiling.

"Thanks, Sakura! You were amazing." Tenten said, flattered. "I'm looking forward to the next production together."

"I enjoy theater, but I feel like doing something else for a change." Sakura said. Tenten looked surprised.

"Really? What will you do instead?" Tenten said.

"I'm not sure yet, but I think some change would be good for me." Sakura explained. "I've had a lot happen in my life recently, but someone close to me has made me see things differently." She smiled. She shifted awkwardly, noticing Neji and Tenten's intrigue. "It sounds stupid, I know."

"No it's not! I bet I know exactly who you're referring to." Tenten said. "Lee's a great guy. He has his flaws, and he is over the top sometimes, but as crazy as he is at times, he's so loyal, responsible, and thoughtful." Tenten spoke while smiling, getting sentimental. "I've known him since we were in the second grade."

"Neji, what do you think?" Sakura asked.

"Lee is very hardworking and driven. He's certainly one of a kind." Neji stated very matter-of-factly. "He has a big heart, too." Neji said, feeling he should add more about Lee.

"He certainly does." Sakura said, blushing.

Lee put so much work into getting her attention and he was always so content with doing things with her. She remembered special moments she spent with Lee such as the dance, the ice skating, the French café she loves dearly, dinner at her home, and their moments at school. She remembered him rescuing the kitten, the time he was keeping Hinata company at the carnival to help Neji, his revived friendship with Gaara, who seemed much happier now, and how he even helped Ino despite her sour attitude toward him. It seemed Lee had touched so many lives and he served as a positive influence over others. She felt her heart pound as she thought about him, the intoxicating feeling of love filled her body and soul.

"The four of us should hang out together sometime." Tenten suggested.

"That sounds like fun." Sakura said. "I better get changed. Lee is waiting on me."

"Right. Me too." Tenten said, eager to get out of her costume.

Sakura gathered her gym bag which she kept some clean clothing to change into. She carefully placed the bouquet Lee gifted her in her bag. She went into a separate room to change, which was like a locker room, but without showers. She closed a curtain, giving her some more privacy as she undressed. She put on her casual clothing as she felt her stomach growling. She was craving some fast food, which she felt was a treat she deserved for her hard work tonight. She smiled as she got dressed, planning to ask Lee to join her to binge on some greasy fried food.

She slipped her boots on and took one last look in the mirror. She fixed her hair and put on some lip gloss, trying to make herself look more pretty for when she met with Lee again. She smiled as she was satisfied with her appearance and opened the curtain to leave. Sasuke stood facing her.

She felt her heart drop in the pit of her stomach as her blood ran cold through her body. She stood like a deer in the headlights, stunned and afraid.

"Sakura." Sasuke said. She felt a shiver up her spine and the fine hairs on her arms stood up, pressing against her coat sleeves.

"S-Sasuke… Wh-what are you-" Sakura said bewilderedly, taking a step back and realizing she was cornered.

"You're coming with me. We need to talk." Sasuke said, grabbing her roughly.

"Let me go!" Sakura shouted.

Sasuke's large hand reached and covered her mouth as she continued to protest and struggle. His strength was staggering. She put all of her strength into trying to break free of his grip, but her efforts seemed pointless. He dragged her as she began kicking him. He did not react to her wild strikes. She remembered what Lee told her about his injuries from their fight days ago. Sakura focused her fist and punched Sasuke in the ribs. He released her and clutched his wounded ribs, grimacing in pain. Sakura took the opportunity to flee, and he pursued her.

Sakura ran through the hall, afraid to look back behind her. She felt disturbed as she noticed how empty the building was becoming. She cursed herself for taking so long to change. It seemed not too many people were left in the area now, except for Lee somewhere outside. Her heart was pounding in her chest as her senses warned her that danger was near. She made it to a door leading outside and pushed through it. She felt her heart sink when she saw that Lee was not outside, but Gaara and his siblings were present, enjoying some cigarettes and vaping in the frosty air. She felt some relief seeing Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru, and Choji, but she was desperately seeking Lee. She ran past the group.

"Hey, Sakura, where are you going?" Naruto asked. Sakura ran right past him, ignoring him.

"Hey, don't ignore me!" he said as he followed her. Hinata followed Naruto. Choji followed the two and Shikamaru groaned as he put out his cigarette before following far behind his friends.

"Lee!" Sakura shouted as she ran around a corner, spotting Lee as he was standing near another exit door. Tenten and Neji stood with him.

"Oh, hey Sakura! I was expecting you to come through this door." Lee said, pointing to the door he was standing near. Sakura ran up to him and embraced him suddenly. He was caught off guard. "Sakura?" he asked, worried as she was shaking and panting. "What is wrong?"

"Lee, it's-" Sakura panted. Her back was facing away from the danger, but Lee saw the threat. Sasuke had appeared.

"It is you again." Lee said, releasing Sakura and moving around her to get between her and Sasuke. "It is over, Sasuke."

"Lee's right. You need to face the facts; it's over between you and Sakura. You need to let it go and move on." Tenten said boldly.

"She's coming with me." Sasuke said dully.

Sasuke's anger was unlike what they had seen before. His anger before was apparent and obvious, but now, his anger was bizarrely absent from his eyes and expression. Though he appeared calm, one could tell he was in a dangerous mood. He advanced toward Sakura. Her eyes widened in terror.

"You will not take her." Lee said, preparing his body for another fight. He was in a defensive pose, ready to strike. Sasuke approached.

"No. No more fighting." Tenten said, intervening between Lee and Sasuke. "Sasuke, you need to realize that this is all so wrong. You cannot force Sakura to love you. She-"

Sasuke shoved Tenten hard. She fell to the pavement, letting out a yelp in pain as she struck the cold, hard ground. Sakura gasped and Lee felt his heart sink as his cherished friend crashed.

"Tenten!" Neji cried.

Neji lunged toward Sasuke and attacked him. Neji landed a couple of punches, but Sasuke was unfazed. Sasuke punched Neji in the abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. While stunned, Sasuke kicked Neji, sending him flying next to Tenten on the ground. Naruto appeared, finally catching up to Sakura. He watched in horror as Lee attacked Sasuke, retaliating against Sasuke's violence, and avenging his friends. Lee felt his full power release from him, as if he had focused his strength and opened all eight gates to unleash his full fury.

"Hey, guys, quit it!" Naruto shouted, astonished by the scene.

"Stop it, Sasuke!" Choji yelled, panting from trying to catch up to Naruto.

Ignoring the two, Lee and Sasuke continued to fight. Shikamaru and Hinata joined Naruto, bewildered by the scene as things just became bloody. Lee had taken a strike to his face, causing his nose to gush blood. Sasuke was bleeding from his mouth after taking a blow from Lee to his face. Sakura stood by the wall, frightened by the commotion. Choji and Naruto continued yelling, catching the attention of Gaara and his siblings nearby. Shikamaru watched in horror, wanting to stop the altercation but waiting for an opportunity instead to avoid injury.

Lee kept up his onslaught of punches as he skillfully dodged Sasuke's attacks. He continued striking where Sasuke's broken ribs were located, angering the violent Uchiha further. Lee kicked Sasuke and he was forced back. They paused temporarily as Lee panted, reading himself for Sasuke to lunge. Sasuke pulled something from his pocket quickly and lunged at Lee once again. Lee realized that the small object Sasuke wielded was a switchblade. He felt his heart pound harder as he was dodging for his life, desperate to avoid the sharp blade.

"Lee!" Sakura shrieked. Tenten froze and covered her mouth in shock, terrified at the prospect of Lee getting stabbed. Neji staggered back to his feet.

"Sasuke! That's going too far!" Naruto yelled.

Neji intervened again, bravely going up against the knife-wielding brute. Despite his efforts, he was kicked by Sasuke and thrown down. Naruto grabbed Sasuke and tried to pull him away forcefully. Sasuke turned around and shoved Naruto before returning his focus on Lee.

Lee continued his fight, changing his priority to disarm Sasuke. But with so many people around him to protect and his inexperience in a fight of this magnitude, Lee fumbled. Sasuke had swept Lee off of his feet, causing him to fall. Sasuke lunged downward with the blade and Lee reached up for his wrist, fighting to keep the blade which Sasuke pushed toward Lee's neck. His tired arms shook as he pushed Sasuke's arms away, but it was no use. The blade drew nearer to Lee's jugular. Lee saw his life flash before him as he struggled in vain to keep the knife from plunging into him. He thought of his father figure, Gai Sensei, all alone without him.

Just then, Naruto and Gaara tackled Sasuke in a joint effort to subdue him, knocking the Uchiha off of Lee. Gaara managed to seize the blade, cutting his hand in the process. His hand bled profusely, but he focused on getting Sasuke to relinquish his grip. Naruto punched Sasuke in the face as Sasuke attempted to punch him with his free hand. The blade was released from his grip and Gaara kicked it carelessly, resulting in the bloody blade skidding across the pavement and down into some grating, vanishing from sight. It clanged noisily before sinking into the water that collected at the bottom of the drain. Neji, Choji, Shikamaru, and Kankuro joined Gaara and Naruto in holding down the Uchiha. Lee sat up, panting, and rubbing his coat sleeve across his face, smearing blood across his cheek. His heart thundered in his ears and his fingertips felt numb. He was grateful to still be alive.

Hinata was scared, standing near Temari. Temari could hardly take her eyes off the scene, but she noticed Hinata and stood next to her, hoping it would bring the scared young girl some comfort. Sakura felt her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Sasuke being held down. The disgruntled Uchiha attempted to fight back, but he was overpowered and outnumbered. Lee got up and stood next to Sakura, trying to console her.

"Listen here, you." Naruto growled as he held down Sasuke's left arm. "You took things way too far. What did you think killing Lee would accomplish? Huh?" He shouted.

"Naruto is right, Sasuke. You must know that you cannot make Sakura, or anyone love you. For love to prevail, it must be by choice." Lee said.

"Get off of me, all of you." Sasuke growled, struggling to break free from the six guys holding him down.

"Why won't you listen, Sasuke? What happened to you?" Naruto cried, tears running down his face. "This isn't you."

"Shut up." Sasuke said as he kept struggling. Naruto struck Sasuke in the face.

"LISTEN!" Naruto shouted. "I want you to go back to the old Sasuke. I miss him." Naruto cried.

"Shut up." Sasuke repeated, tears beginning to form in his eyes. "Get away from me." he said as he continued to struggle.

"He won't listen, not now or ever." Shikamaru said bluntly, holding down Sasuke's leg.

"Gaara, your hand!" Kankuro said, noticing the blood pooling where Gaara was holding Sasuke down.

Kankuro released Sasuke to tend to his sibling and Gaara relinquished Sasuke too. Temari ran over to nurse Gaara's wound, utilizing one of her arm warmers and applying pressure to the wound. With only four of them holding Sasuke down, the Uchiha used his full strength and remaining adrenaline to shake the rest of them off. They backed up, but the Uchiha remained on the ground as did Naruto. Sasuke's still broken ribs sent a surge of pain through his body.

"Sasuke, listen to Naruto. You haven't been well." Choji said.

"He's been abusing steroids. I have no proof, but his changes in personality and strength are all the proof I need." Neji claimed. Naruto stared at Neji, bewildered by his claim.

"That explains a lot." Shikamaru said.

"Sasuke, is this true?" Naruto asked. Sasuke attempted to get up and leave, but Naruto pulled him back down.

"Just leave me alone." Sasuke said, feeling as if he was being cornered.

"Sasuke… please." Naruto cried. "We can work this out, but you need to tell us the truth. I'm trying to help you."

"I don't need help." Sasuke growled. "Leave me alone."

Sasuke stood up finally, avoiding Naruto swiftly, who tried to grab him again. Sasuke limped away and nobody pursued him. Naruto felt helpless, wanting to pursue Sasuke, but his other injured friends took priority.

"We can't just let him get away after all of that." Choji said, watching as Sasuke trudged away.

"He belongs in a cell." Neji remarked, trying to play it cool despite the pain he was in.

"Please guys, I can help him. Don't be so hasty to judge him. I know it's bad what he did, but just give me the chance to help him." Naruto begged. He looked over to Lee and Sakura.

"Lee, I know this is a lot to ask, but please, let me help him." Naruto pleaded.

Lee stared, feeling all eyes on him. The danger had left, but his heart still thundered in his chest. For once, Lee was speechless. Sakura shook her head, feeling as if she was in a bad dream.

"You're crazy, Naruto. He's just going to hurt more people." Neji argued, his temper rising.

"We need to call the police." Tenten said. Neji helped her to her feet.

"He's the police chief's son. They won't do anything to him." Shikamaru reasoned. "There's nothing we can do for him if he won't listen or take things seriously. Naruto, this is completely out of your hands."

"Please." Naruto pleaded. "I'm begging you guys."

"Okay." Lee said finally. "Help him, Naruto."

"Thanks, Bushy-Brow. I will do my best." Naruto said, smiling and feeling determined.

"Sakura, are you alright?" Lee asked. Sakura nodded, still speechless from what she had witnessed. "What about you guys? Are you okay?" Lee asked Neji, Tenten and Gaara.

"I'm fine." Gaara said.

"I'll be okay. It's going to leave a mark for sure, though." Tenten said as she held her hip, which struck the ground when she was pushed down. Neji felt his abdomen hurt still, but his wounded pride caused him more pain. He felt like a failure letting Tenten get hurt. He simply nodded his head at Lee in defeat.

Lee sighed in relief. It was an eventful night for them all. He felt his mind begin to slow down now that the adrenaline had worn off and exhaustion filled his body.

"We should go. I don't want to stay here any longer." Sakura said.

"Yes. Let us call it a day." Lee agreed.

It was dark and cold; the school campus was still illuminated by the lights left on. They seemed to be the only people remaining. It was only a matter of time until the lights had run out of charity.

"Can you take me home, Neji?" Tenten asked.

"Of course." Neji responded. The two walked together. Neji noticed Tenten limping as she walked. He picked her up like a bride and carried her toward his car. She looked surprised as he carried her away.

"Hinata, let's go." Naruto said as Hinata joined him by his side. He took her hand in his and they walked together. Naruto was scanning their surroundings, wondering where Sasuke had vanished.

"Let's go get some barbeque. The place is still open for another hour. This situation is making me stress eat." Choji said.

"Sounds good to me. Would you care to join us?" Shikamaru asked Temari and her siblings.

"Maybe some other time. Gaara might need some stitches." Temari said, still concerned over her little brother.

"I'm fine." Gaara said.

"No, we should get that looked at." She argued.

"Please, Gaara. It's for your own good." Kankuro added.

"Fine." Gaara grumbled.

"We'll see you around. And thanks for the flowers." Temari smiled. "I'll text you."

Shikamaru smiled as he and Choji departed. Gaara turned to Lee and Sakura, relieved that the two were alright, despite the circumstances. Lee still had blood on his face, but it seemed the bleeding was no longer active.

"Be safe." Gaara said as the triplets left.

Lee took Sakura's hand and they walked to his car. He opened the car door for her to allow her into the passenger's seat. He scanned his surroundings, not seeing Sasuke's car in the empty parking lot. The pair drove to a drive-in burger joint, where Sakura requested to go. It was a place lit up by neon lights and the atmosphere wasn't romantic in the slightest, but it was a calm retreat compared to the chaos that took place at the campus. A rollerblading employee who delivered their food to Lee's car was horrified when she saw the blood on Lee's face.

"Oh! Sorry. This dry air gives me nosebleeds." Lee lied, trying to keep the mood light.

"I'll bring some more napkins." She said as she skated off.

"Oh my gosh." Sakura said, taking what napkins she already had and trying to clean up Lee's face. "In all of the craziness I forgot about the blood. I'm so sorry he hurt you, Lee."

"I am okay." Lee smiled. "My nose isn't broken at least." Sakura wiped away the dry blood and kissed Lee on the cheek. They received more napkins.

"Did he hurt you anywhere else?" Sakura asked.

"He hit me a few times. I am fine, though." Lee said.

"I could kiss you in those places, too." Sakura said, flirting.

Lee's face turned red. He was sure his nose would begin bleeding some more.

"You're cute when you get flustered." Sakura said.

"Sakura…" Lee said, filled with passion. "You are a tease." he smiled playfully.

The two enjoyed their greasy, hot meal. As they sat in the car talking about the play, Sakura noticed something on the windshield. She gasped.

"It's snow!" Sakura smiled.

Lee looked up and watched as snow flurries landed on his windshield. They looked at each other in surprise and stepped outside the car. They stood side-by-side and looked up at the dark sky as snow fell. The snow began to collect on the dark pavement under them.

"It is beautiful." Lee stated.

Sakura smiled. The sight of the snow stirred excitement in her, the thought of ice skating and the holiday season caused her smile to grow. The warm feeling in her soul filled her with happiness. She turned to Lee, who was smiling as he watched more snow flurries rain down on them, collecting in their hair. His handsome and masculine face and figure stirred Sakura's heart.

"Lee." Sakura said. Lee turned to her. "I love you."

Lee froze. It took a moment for those words to register in his mind. He felt as if Cupid had shot him with another arrow, taking his breath away as it pierced through him. He felt weak in his knees.

"Sakura…" Lee said breathlessly.

Lee looked into her eyes and knew her words were true. Her jade pools were as deep as the ocean and green as the coming of spring. Her lips were pink, soft, and glossy, like rose petals that had been kissed by morning dew. He closed his eyes as he kissed her lips. She closed hers as she kissed Lee. Lee's hands gently wrapped around her head, pulling her closer to him. Sakura's hands traveled up Lee's back and her arms rested around his shoulders, holding him as she kissed him passionately. Snow continued to shower on them, but the two felt hot as they were joined together at the lips. Lee did not want to break apart but separated from her lips so he could breathe. He was breathless, lost in her beauty as his mind went all fuzzy. She looked at him lovingly, hungry for more of his lips. They embraced again, Lee's hands traveling to wrap around Sakura's waist as she pressed against him, kissing him hungrily.

"I love you too, Sakura." Lee murmured after the two broke apart from their kiss.

"I am yours, Lee. And you are mine." Sakura said, squeezing him harder.

Lee held her close, his heart pounding in his ears. He was so happy that he felt like he could die. He felt his soul on fire, as did Sakura. The whole day, she was nervous about the play and scared out of her mind when Sasuke appeared. And now, she felt safe in Lee's arms. She had completely forgotten about the danger. Lee's embrace was her safe haven, her sanctuary.