Masks

The bill was paid at Ichiraku and we were all chatting. A few of mom's close clients were also eating and she shared the news of my successful test. Iruka was sitting with someone when he overheard us. 

"You mean that Tenten's weapon barrage was stopped by your mask? That's very impressive!" Gai held his female students shoulder and gave it a little shake. "And she wasn't even holding back! I was worried that she would considering their friendship." 

Tenten looked absolutely offended and punched him on the arm. "How rude! If anything I would expect more from her so I have no reason to hold back!" 

It was a fun moment. Everyone was happy, even the boy inside still eating ate a little more happily just from the vibes. 

As the team was walking my mom and I back home, Tenten ran up to her sensei and said something. He responded with a thumbs up and a wink. Turning to talk to my mom, she nodded and waved as Tenten ran back to us.

"Hana! Your mom said it was okay for you to hang out with us for a little longer! Let's all go stargazing!" Lee's eyes lit up and he got all excited while Neji just shrugged. 

Tenten had a look in her eye that was just plain suspicious. She smirked and placed her fist into her hand like she just got an idea. "Let's make it a race! Me and Neji versus Hana and Lee! Last ones to the training grounds buys lunch next time we hang out!" 

Neji turned to Tenten and scoffed. "What? I don't want to do that! Lee is obviously faster than both of us!" Lee gave a smug chuckle and put his hands on his hips with pride. 

Chopping his arm lightly, Tenten sighed at Neji. "Uh yeah, that's why he's paired with Hana! To balance it out! Alone, Lee will smoke us, but both of them have to beat us. Get it?" Tenten gave the boy a glare and he responded with a soft nod.

"Uhh.. Guys? I don't know how I feel about being a handicap for Lee... Can't we just walk? Not like the stars are in a hurry to leave." I honestly didn't want to hold Lee back from a challenge. Everyone knew how seriously him and Gai took them. 

Giving my shoulders a shake, he gave everyone a thumbs up. "Not to worry Hana-chan! I can carry you and bring us to victory!" 

Wide eyed I jolted at even the thought. Before I could protest, I was lifted off my feet and into his arms bridal style. As if it was reflex, I wrapped my arms around his neck for stability. "Lee?! Hold on a second! This can't be safe!" 

Laughing, he adjusted his grip on my legs and waist and took a ready stance. "Nonsense! You barely weigh a thing! We're gonna win this race together!" 

It wasn't as fast as when Gai ran, but I still had to hang on tight. Tucking my head into the crook of his neck, I couldn't help but laugh. 

Not even 5 minutes later we were at the training grounds. Setting my feet down, I giggled as I straightened out my hair. "That was so much fun! You were right, we won easily." It wasn't until the warmth of his hand left my side did I notice he still had his hand on my waist. 

"Hana-chan, look at that..." Following his gaze to the sky, I could only reply with "wow"

The sun had just set, but in that moment, the sky was a mix of oranges and purples. The stars were just becoming visible, the moon illuminating the field. 

Patting on the ground caught my attention as Lee laid on the ground, his hands on his stomach. He smiled shyly at me and cleared his throat. "N-no harm in starting without them.. Right?"

Smiling back, I laid down next to him. "No, I suppose not. There's always so much going on here, it's weird to hear it so quiet." Taking a deep breath I sighed. "Thank you Lee."

"Huh? For what? Gai-sensei is the one who paid for dinner." Leaning up on his elbows, he tilted his head like a confused puppy. "Oh! You mean for us winning the race!"

Laughing, I shook my head. It was heartwarming how earnest he was. "Thank you for today. All of you. My day started off so scary... But you guys made it fun." Sitting up and hugging my knees to my chest, I hid my face. "So thank you Lee. For being there for me."

A hand rubbed my back reassuringly. "I'll always be there for you Hana-chan. We'll all be here to protect you. As long as the power of youth flows through me, I'll always be here for you!" He sat up and gave me his best grin.

Scooting closer to him, feeling the comfort of his body heat, I leaned onto him, my head resting on his shoulder. "Thank you... That means a lot..." 

His hand rubbed my shoulder and held me slightly closer. For the first time in a while, I felt truly warm.