Chapter 13: The Harunos

The howling November wind chilled Lee to the bone as he walked to his first class. He had just finished escorting Sakura to her class, and now he was cautiously scanning the halls for a certain Uchiha. As much as Lee was confident in his self-defense skills, he took Sasuke's threat seriously. However, he did not relent in showing his love for Sakura. Taking Sasuke's suggestions was not an option for Lee. He swore to protect Sakura, and nothing could stop him from loving her, no matter how dangerous things got for him.

After the long trek across the campus, Lee entered his classroom and sat beside Tenten and Neji. Neji was sipping a hot coffee he brought into class and Tenten was rubbing her hands together, trying to warm herself more. She wore Neji's coat over her own, unprepared for the even colder temperature this morning.

"Good morning." Lee said, smiling.

"Hey, Lee. How are you?" Tenten asked.

"I am doing great." Lee beamed. "I love that I get to spend time with Sakura before school starts."

"I'm happy for you." Tenten smiled, but she seemed to have something on her mind. "I don't want to alarm you, but I saw Sasuke this morning. He looks so bad." Lee frowned.

"I am concerned for his wellbeing." Lee said. "I know a lot has happened recently, but I think there is something seriously wrong." He explained. "I just cannot put my finger on it."

"Isn't it obvious?" Neji asked, frowning. Tenten and Lee turned to him. Tenten frowned too.

"Not this again." Tenten sighed.

"What do you mean?" Lee asked, confused by the two.

"I'll be frank. Sasuke is abusing steroids." Neji said, sipping his coffee nonchalantly.

"What makes you think that?" Lee asked, surprised by Neji's claim. Neji rolled his eyes.

"Lee, how can you be so blind? Don't you think it's strange that Sasuke got that big so fast?" Neji asked, his voice indicating his irritation.

"Sasuke trains very hard." Lee said. "Some people have the genetics to pull off such a transformation." Lee argued, failing to hide his jealousy. Sasuke seemed to have everything come to him naturally. It made sense to Lee that Sasuke could achieve such a physique in a relatively short amount of time. Neji cracked a smile, amused by Lee's naivety.

"It's strange that you're defending him." Neji said.

"Alright, guys. Cut it out." Tenten interjected. "Sasuke is not stupid though; he wouldn't take such a risk. If he was caught doing steroids, he would lose any chance he has at a sports scholarship."

"He could fake lab results if needed. It's not hard to do." Neji argued. Tenten sighed.

"That's enough. I don't think any of us know enough about those to make any assumptions." Tenten said.

"It explains a lot, though." Lee said, considering Neji's perspective. "I heard those can make people aggressive. That checks that box."

"I guess we'll never know." Neji shrugged. "I don't care, either way."

"Anyways, Lee, would you like to go on a double date with us sometime? It would be so fun." Tenten asked.

"Of course! I will ask Sakura when I see her later." Lee beamed, thankful for Tenten to ease the tension from their conversation. "I am having dinner with her family tonight."

"That's nice, Lee." Tenten smiled. "It seems things are going well with you two." Lee nodded. "I hope Sasuke accepted things. I don't think he's on steroids, but he's definitely changed for the worse."

"He is still quite angry, but I do not blame him." Lee said. "I just hope for Sakura's sake, he leaves her alone." Lee was eager to move on from the returning conversation about Sasuke. That guy had already occupied too much of his mind for the day.

Later that day, Lee went to Sakura's home for dinner. He never spent too much time considering what to wear, but this time, he wanted to make a good impression. He was desperate for her family's acceptance. Facing Sasuke in a fight seemed less scary than facing Sakura's father. If Lee couldn't get him to like him, he knew his future with Sakura was jeopardized.

Boldly, he approached her front door after parking his car in the driveway. It was dark outside, but the streetlights lit the cul-de-sac well and a bright light illuminated the entryway of Haruno's house. He took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell button. He waited, feeling his heart pound as he could hear footsteps approaching him from inside the house. Sakura opened the door.

"Hi, Lee. Please come inside." Sakura greeted. Lee smiled as he stepped inside. The smell of Italian food filled his nostrils and stirred his appetite.

"How are you, my beloved?" Lee asked, planting a kiss on her cheek. Sakura blushed and returned the favor.

"I'm alright, just still mentally preparing myself for the cringe." Sakura said, failing to hide her amused smile. "My parents are going to embarrass me."

"I am sure it won't be so bad." Lee assured her.

"Let me take your coat." Sakura said as she removed it from Lee and hung it in a small closet by the front door.

"Welcome in!" Mrs. Haruno chimed as Lee stepped into the living room after removing his shoes.

"Hello, Mrs. Haruno. Something smells good!" Lee said warmly.

"I hope you like lasagna. I asked Sakura what you like to eat, and she told me you will eat anything." Mrs. Haruno said, entertained but also irritated that her daughter couldn't be more specific about his preferences.

"She is right about that." Lee smiled. "All food is good." he added. Mrs. Haruno laughed.

"Please make yourself at home. It will be ready soon." Mrs. Haruno informed. Lee sat with Sakura on the couch. A Christmas movie was playing on the television. "Sakura hasn't changed at all. Christmas has always been her favorite holiday." Mrs. Haruno giggled. "She won't wait until after Thanksgiving is over to watch her movies."

"Mom…" Sakura groaned. "See what I mean?" she whispered to Lee. Lee cracked a smile. Suddenly, a fourth person entered the room.

"Well, hello there!" The man said.

"Hello." Lee said as he stood up and approached the man. "My name is Rock Lee. I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Haruno." Lee said, extending his dominant hand out.

"Pleased to meet you too, Lee." Mr. Haruno said as he took Lee's hand. He squeezed Lee's hand hard. Lee felt his knuckle crack from the pressure.

"What a firm handshake you got." Mr. Haruno said as he smiled at Lee. Lee smiled and laughed it off, feeling his hand throb. Now he understood where Sakura got her strength.

"It's ready!" Mrs. Haruno shouted.

The four sat at the table. Lee began salivating at the plate of lasagna before him. He remembered his manners and sat up straight with his shoulders back. He was relieved there was only one fork by his plate, allowing him to relax on his usually strict table manners when he dined with elders. Sakura's home atmosphere was cozy and inviting, not as austere as Lee had feared. Even in the presence of her father, Lee felt relaxed.

"It looks wonderful." Lee commented.

Though the fresh-from-the-oven lasagna was rather sloppy in appearance, Lee noted the generous amount of meat layered in with a robust amount of cheese and zesty sauce. Mr. Haruno piled parmesan cheese on top of his portion to a comedic height.

"Leave some for the rest of us, Dad." Sakura said with a touch of irritation in her voice.

"Relax. Take it cheesy, Sakura." Mr. Haruno said. Sakura facepalmed hard at the pun.

"He's bringing out the puns already." Mrs. Haruno laughed as she took a bite of her food. Lee suppressed his laughter but failed to hide his amused smile as he took a bite of the lasagna. Sakura could barely eat, feeling her face get hot from embarrassment.

"So Lee, how did you two come to brie?" Mr. Haruno asked. Lee giggled and Sakura placed her face in her hands to hide her shame.

"I have known Sakura for almost two years. Since we met, I couldn't stop thinking about her." Lee explained. "She is one in a million." he said as he took another large bite.

"You cheddar believe she is." Mr. Haruno said as he took a huge bite of his cheese with lasagna. Sakura shook her head as she quietly ate her dinner, trying to ignore her father's embarrassing puns and her mother's laughter. Lee felt himself relax even more. He feared a serious interrogation by her father but did not expect him to be so silly. "Our little girl is very special. She's nacho average girl."

Lee chuckled as Sakura let out an exasperated sigh. He knew she was going to be apologizing for her parents afterward, but he would be lying if he thought he didn't find her father amusing. Her mother continued to laugh, amused by her husband's puns and by Sakura's growing irritation.

"Sakura is our little miracle child." Mrs. Haruno chimed in. "We are so blessed to have had her." Mr. Haruno smiled sweetly at his angry daughter, who seemed intent on ignoring her creators.

"Sakura has told us about you, Lee. You seem like a gouda guy." Mr. Haruno said. "I can't help but feel like I have seen you before, or perhaps, you have a doppelgänger out there." He spoke.

"Do you know Might Guy? He is my father." Lee asked. Mr. Haruno's eyes lit up.

"Hey! I know Guy! We went to high school together." Mr. Haruno explained. "Better yet, we played football together. That Might Guy was a munster on the field."

"He teaches Karate. I teach classes with him." Lee said as he finished his plate. Mrs. Haruno cut another portion of lasagna and placed it on Lee's plate. Lee thanked her and continued eating, savoring the fresh homemade food. He felt his stomach near its capacity, but his tastebuds enticed him to continue.

"Is that so? That's impastable to believe." Mr. Haruno said. Sakura groaned.

"Enough with the puns." Sakura complained.

"A penne for your thoughts?" Mr. Haruno said to Sakura as he sipped his drink. Sakura hung her head and sulked.

"Sakura took some karate classes when she was a child." Mrs. Haruno said. "She enjoyed it just as much as boxing. She didn't care for ballet much anymore after turning 7."

"Wow, Sakura, I did not know you liked martial arts." Lee commented.

"Yeah, I did for a while. I don't remember much, to be honest." Sakura said.

"Sakura used to want to be a ninja." Mrs. Haruno laughed. "She was our little tomboy." Sakura frowned and felt her head get hotter as she felt more embarrassed.

"No kidding." Lee said as he took another bite of his food. "I wanted to be one too."

"She wanted to be a mermaid as well." Mrs. Haruno said while smiling.

"Mom, stop." Sakura said through gritted teeth.

"Sakura has become our little ice princess over the years. We were overjoyed to hear that she has a partner for skating now." Mrs. Haruno said. "She's always wanted to skate out on a frozen lake."

"It's too dangerous." Mr. Haruno said. "The skating rink is much safer."

"Dad. I know how to swim. I would be fine." Sakura argued.

"With ice skates on? I don't think so." Her father retorted. Sakura sighed, exasperated with the situation.

"Oh, let's not argue over these things. We have a guest here, after all." Mrs. Haruno said, smiling at Lee.

"This is serious. If you don't die from drowning, the hypothermia will do it." Mr. Haruno stated.

"We know that." Mrs. Haruno said, getting noticeably irritated. "But we shouldn't let fear of what may happen control our actions."

"Nope. It's a dumb idea. I don't care if she doesn't like the crowds at the rink, she's not skating over a body of water." Mr. Haruno argued.

The two continued arguing. Sakura continued to frown, and she turned to look at Lee, who was unsure of how to proceed from here. Sakura gestured towards the stairs, which seemed to be a welcome escape route from the arguing couple. Lee and Sakura stood up, taking their plates to the kitchen sink, and made their way up the stairs and away from the still-arguing parents.

Sakura guided Lee to her bedroom. She closed the door behind them and let out a big sigh. Lee looked around her bedroom and smiled. Her room was cozy and feminine, with some cute plushies resting on her bed. Duncan, her cat, was sprawled out on her pillow and in a deep sleep. His fuzzy paws twitched as if he were dreaming about making biscuits. Sakura sat down on the floor and Lee followed.

"I'm so sorry." Sakura said. "They're the worst sometimes."

"Do not apologize, Sakura." Lee said, caressing her chin. "It is ok to feel the way that you do."

Sakura looked into Lee's eyes. His dark onyx eyes conveyed his concern for her but were softened in his love for her. Her frustration remained, projected by her narrowed eyes and tight lip. Lee's hand moved to her hair. He gently brushed his fingers through her short, pink locks. It was strange to Sakura, but she did not protest. The feeling of his hands playing with her hair was rather soothing to her. She could feel her anger leaving her as Lee continued, gently moving to other parts of her scalp. Her shoulders slumped and her eyelids became heavy. Part of her wished she had not cut her hair so that Lee would have had more to brush through.

"I'm going to fall asleep if you keep doing that." Sakura said, smiling. Lee smiled, pleased that his love was in better spirits.

"I would do anything for you." Lee said. "Come to think of it, there is a lake that freezes every winter near my home. You may skate on that if you wish." Lee offered.

"Really?" Sakura beamed. "You're the best, Lee!"

Sakura grabbed onto Lee and hugged him. Lee felt his face become hot and his heart fluttered in his chest. Lee wrapped his arms around Sakura. He loved the feeling of her body in his arms. Sakura rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat and smelling the cologne she loved on him. Sakura released Lee and looked at him, noticing Lee looking somewhat flustered.

"You're cute." Sakura smiled. Lee smiled.

"You are the cutest." Lee said, giving his signature thumbs up. "I understand why your parents are so protective. You are so precious." Sakura blushed.

"I guess. They always call me their miracle baby." Sakura said, smiling while thinking of her family.

"Why do they call you that?" Lee asked.

"My mom had a tumor on her ovary when she was sixteen. They had to remove the affected ovary too, leaving her only one." Sakura explained.

"I am sorry to hear that." Lee said, sad that her sweet mother had gone through something so scary so young.

"It's alright. It was benign, so she was going to be fine, aside from the possibility she may have problems conceiving." Sakura said, feeling somewhat awkward talking about her parents like this with Lee. "She and my dad didn't want kids, actually."

"What happened next?" Lee asked.

"My mom found out she was pregnant with me, even though she was using birth control." Sakura explained. "I was born premature, and my heart stopped shortly after birth."

Lee's hands involuntarily shot up to his face, covering his mouth in shock. Sakura managed a small smile, trying to soothe Lee.

"Sakura…" Lee started. "That is so scary."

"I survived." Sakura chuckled, noticing Lee looking quite concerned. "I had so many obstacles in the way of just existing, but here I am."

"I see now why they call you a miracle." Lee said, brushing his fingers through her hair again. This action seemed more to calm himself than it was intended to relax Sakura. Sakura did not mind. She was enjoying the gentle sensations.

"Tell me about your family." Sakura said. "If you're comfortable, I mean."

Though Lee and Guy were alike in many ways, many doubted the two were related. Sakura heard a rumor that Lee was adopted at school, but she wasn't sure if it was true. Lee didn't quite have the same resemblance to Guy, but her alternative theory was that perhaps Lee takes after his mother.

"It is a long story." Lee said.

"It's ok. I have time." Sakura smiled warmly. Encouraged by her smile, Lee continued.

"My mother was married to a close friend of my Sensei. Guy Sensei's friend worked in an Air Force base, and he was gone for long periods. I guess my mom got lonely and she met someone in secret." Lee explained, looking somewhat serious. "She got pregnant and wasn't sure who the father was. She decided to keep me and hoped I was her husband's child, but turned out, my father was the one she was having an affair with." Lee said. Sakura felt as if a knife went through her heart as she listened to Lee's story.

"Oh my gosh." Sakura said, feeling breathless.

"I was born, her husband found out she cheated, and he divorced her. My real father disappeared from the picture and my mom had nowhere to go. She decided to give me up. I was two months old at that point." Lee explained. Tears formed in Lee's eyes and overflowed, rolling down his cheeks. Sakura gently wiped them. "I am sorry." Lee cried, feeling ashamed for not being able to hold back his tears.

"It's alright, Lee." Sakura said. "I'm so sorry to hear what you have gone through."

Lee rubbed his eyes and cleared his congested nose. He managed a small smile at Sakura, thankful she was not judging him. Her jade eyes conveyed her concern for Lee.

"I am alright. Guy Sensei knew what was happening and he adopted me." Lee added. "I had a rough start in life, but I do not let that define me." Lee stated.

Sakura's respect for Lee grew. She now felt somewhat guilty for acting the way she did during dinner. As much as her parents annoyed her, she was grateful to have them.

"Are you in contact with your parents?" Sakura asked. Lee shook his head.

"I have not met them, and nobody ever calls." Lee answered. "I know my mother's name, but I don't know my father." he said, not hiding the sadness in his voice. "A child is a lot of responsibility, so I understand if they were not in a position to raise one."

Sakura thought about his answer. Lee appeared sad over the brokenness of his familial ties, but he extended a lot of grace towards those who failed him. Though Sakura was still getting to know Lee more, it hurt her heart to know that such a kind and tenderhearted boy like Lee was discarded so young.

"Do not feel bad for me, Sakura. I am very fortunate." Lee spoke. "No parent is perfect, but Guy Sensei raised me well."

Duncan had awoken from his nap and jumped down from Sakura's bed. He walked over to Lee and planted himself in Lee's lap. Lee smiled and stroked the cat's back. Duncan responded by lying in his lap and purring loudly.

"He likes you." Sakura giggled. "That reminds me, did you find a home for the kitten?"

"Not yet, I am afraid." Lee said as he petted Duncan. "Shino seems to have taken a liking to him, though."

"Thanks again for helping," Sakura said. "Most people don't care enough." she said, thinking of the time Sasuke didn't seem interested in helping a lost dog.

"You are very kind and caring, Sakura. That is one of the things that I love about you." Lee said, smiling.

"Oh stop." Sakura said playfully. "You flatter me too much." She blushed.

"It is true." Lee beamed. "By the way, what do you want to do after you graduate?"

"I've considered going to nursing school." Sakura said. "But I haven't made up my mind completely yet. What about you, Lee?"

Lee felt his heart flutter. He recalled all the kind nurses he interacted with before and after his surgeries. It was a tough job that demanded a ton of knowledge and compassion, but he did not doubt in his mind that Sakura would make a splendid nurse.

"I have not made up my mind yet, but there are so many things that I know I could do. I could be a personal trainer, a teacher, a mechanic, the possibilities are endless." Lee explained.

"You wouldn't keep teaching Karate?" Sakura asked. Lee suddenly looked sheepish.

"I have a huge secret." Lee said. Sakura's curiosity peaked.

"What is it?" Sakura asked. Lee narrowed his eyes and looked at her playfully. "Come on! You can trust me." Sakura said, pushing Lee's shoulder mischievously. He laughed.

"Alright, I will tell you." Lee giggled. "I have secretly been practicing Kung Fu."

Sakura felt stupid for asking. Her inner self felt let down, hoping for something more juicy or wild. Of course, when it came to Lee, his biggest secret would be practicing some martial art which Guy thought to be inferior to his choice.

"Not only does it look much cooler, but it also just feels more natural to me." Lee said, lifting his arms and flexing his biceps. This action was negated by the fact that he was still wearing an oversized sweater.

"I can't see anything." Sakura remarked.

Lee realized his mistake and removed his sweater, wearing only a white sleeveless muscle tee underneath. His unflexed arms were already quite large and muscular. He lifted his arms once more and flexed his muscles. His large biceps appeared perfectly sculpted and the muscles in his forearms, shoulders, neck, and back were also quite chiseled.

Sakura felt her mind shift to a place she had only ever visited before when she was with Sasuke. It was a state of her mind she never anticipated she would enter with Lee, but she had not known what an amazing physique he hid from the world and from her eyes too. These were the same muscles she felt when he danced with her the night of the homecoming dance. The memory of that night still filled her with the same feeling of intoxication.

"Hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Sakura's inner voice spoke in her mind.

Her eyes traveled to his torso, which was still unfortunately covered by his shirt. She wondered what the rest of his body looked like and felt her head and her whole body become hot. However, she felt his eyes on her.

"Sakura? Are you alright?" Lee asked, afraid he may have offended her or made her uncomfortable. The silence between them had gone on for much longer than Sakura had realized.

"Yes!" Sakura said, embarrassed. "I'm fine. Sorry." She said, feeling even hotter now that she had been caught ogling Lee.

Suddenly, some music began playing outside. It was annoyingly loud. Sakura frowned.

"Sorry. That's probably my neighbor." Sakura sighed. "Anyways, I must say, you have a nice physique, Lee."

"Thank you! I train very hard." Lee said, touched by the compliment. He noticed her eyes seemed focused on his shirt. "I would show you, but I am afraid your father will walk in and beat me." Lee chuckled, blushing.

"Oh, that's…" Sakura said, her thoughts being interrupted by the music growing louder. Her anger was growing. "Ugh…" she groaned, getting up off of the floor from where she had been sitting.

Lee stood up too, still only dressed in his muscle tee. He followed behind Sakura to the window. Duncan seemed annoyed that he was removed from Lee's lap, twitching his tail disgruntledly to show his displeasure in losing his warm, living cushion. Sakura attempted to open her window, which was stuck in place from the cold. With a strong pull from the angry Sakura, she pushed the window up and looked outside, cold air rushing in through the now open window.

"Turn it down!" Sakura yelled. She froze.

Lee looked down at the street and saw a black car outside, blasting offensively loud music. It was a love song playing, a song that Sakura held dear to her heart. However, standing next to the running car was none other than Sasuke Uchiha, looking surprised to see Lee standing beside Sakura in her bedroom, with only a muscle tee covering his torso. Sakura reached up for the window and slammed it shut. She reached for the curtains and covered the window angrily.

"Shit. Not this again." Sakura groaned.

"Has he done this before?" Lee asked, his brows furrowed. He was ready to run downstairs and stomp the Uchiha if Sakura confirmed his suspicion.

"No. He sends me messages sometimes, but he hasn't done anything like this before." Sakura said. "I never respond to him, but I should have just blocked him."

"I can go talk to him." Lee offered. Sakura shook her head.

"Stay away from him. He's not himself. I don't know what's going on." Sakura said.

The music stopped and the two listened as the car sped off. Everything fell silent again until the sound of footsteps up the stairs alerted Lee. He quickly put his sweater back on. Mr. Haruno knocked on the door twice before opening the door.

"I hope you two are behaving." He said jokingly, although he was relieved the two of them didn't seem like they were doing anything inappropriate.

"Sorry about dinner, dad. I just hate it when you both argue over stupid stuff." Sakura said. "We've just been up here talking."

"I'm sorry too. Lee made such a great impression on us, and I forgot my manners." Mr. Haruno apologized. "Please forgive us, Lee. We're not always so crazy."

"Do not worry, Mr. Haruno. I had a great time." Lee smiled. "Thank you for inviting me into your home." He said, bowing formally.

"He's a keeper." Mr. Haruno not so subtly whispered to Sakura. Sakura rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.

"It is getting late, though." Lee commented. "I should head home." he said after noticing the time.

"Very well. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Don't be a stranger!" Mr. Haruno said as the three began making their way back downstairs.

Sakura handed Lee his coat, which he put on immediately, bracing himself for the cold drive ahead. As he was putting on his shoes, she planted a kiss on his cheek, which warmed him to his core. He kissed her cheek goodbye and headed home.

At home, he arrived to a pleasant crackling fire in the fireplace, with Shino and the kitten sitting near it. Shino had a book in his hand and a cup of tea by his side. The small kitten slept peacefully next to him.

"It has been a week." Shino commented.

"I am sorry." Lee apologized. "I have had no luck finding anyone interested in a kitten." he said sadly. It would have been easier to find a home for the kitten if only Christmas wasn't over a month away. The timing of finding this kitten was poor. He felt sick to his stomach at the idea of bringing the poor thing to the pound, where his fate would be unknown.

"I have been thinking…" Shino started, petting the sleepy kitten. "He hasn't been so bad to have around and he hasn't triggered my allergies."

"You mean…" Lee thought aloud.

"I'll keep it." Shino admitted.

"Yes!" Lee said happily. "Sakura will be thrilled!" Shino sighed but smiled. "Will you give him a name?"

"I have considered one." Shino said.

"Well? What is it?" Lee asked.

"Killer B." Shino said.

Lee smirked. Shino looked embarrassed, but he brushed it off. The name seemed silly, but the kitten was no longer afraid of Akamaru, and he seemed quite brave. Lee was just pleased that the whole situation worked out for everyone. He knew the cat couldn't replace Shino's precious bees, but for the time being, the kitten brought comfort to the depressed youth until he would be able to rebuild a bee colony in the springtime.

Lee retired to his bedroom, reflecting over the night he had. On the surface, the night was a bit messy. Sakura's parents were quite intense, and Sasuke's sudden appearance made him somewhat uneasy. For years, Lee pined for Sakura. He desperately wanted her love and now that he had it, he was afraid of losing it. Never did Lee anticipate that keeping love would be just as hard if not harder than finding love.

Sasuke had always been a threat to him, but now that he had Sakura's attention, Sasuke seemed hellbent on winning Sakura back, even if that meant destroying Lee in the process. Lee began to mentally prepare himself for more confrontations. Rather than winding down to sleep, Lee took out his heavy 40lb dumbbells from under his bed and began lifting.